Xingtian Temple
Main Deities
About
Xingtian Temple has never burned joss paper. In 2014 this Enzhugong temple in Taipei's Zhongshan District went further and removed the great incense burner from its forecourt, encouraging worshippers to pray with their palms pressed together instead. It is dedicated to Lord Guan (Guansheng Dijun), yet it goes against the usual temple grain: there is no donation box and no animal offerings, only a focus on sincerity of heart and honest reflection. The building is grand in scale but almost bare of elaborate carving, which only makes it feel more solemn. What people remember most are the volunteers in sky-blue robes. When their minds are unsettled or their luck is low, many come here and wait in line for these volunteers to perform shoujing, a ritual to calm a frightened spirit, hoping to leave with a little peace of body and mind.
History
Xingtian Temple's story begins with a lay devotee named Huang Chong, whom worshippers honor as Master Xuankong. Vowing to serve Lord Guan, he first founded Xingtian Hall in 1943, and the temple at its present site was completed in 1968. Next to many centuries-old shrines, Xingtian Temple is young, yet it quickly became one of the busiest places of worship in northern Taiwan. Master Xuankong set down rules meant to encourage goodness: no donation box, no animal offerings, no burning of joss paper. He passed away in 1970. In 2014, Xingtian Temple removed the great incense burner and offering tables from its forecourt, and its move to cut back on incense led other temples to follow. As for the shoujing service known across Taiwan, it still draws crowds of worshippers every day and remains the most vivid part of daily life at Xingtian Temple.
Xingtian Temple
Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Visitor Info
Address
No. 109, Minquan E. Rd. Sec. 2, Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Region
Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Plan Your Visit
- Hours
- Daily 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- When to Go
- Guan Gong's birthday on lunar 6/24 is the most important festival of the year; the temple also offers soul-calming (shoujing) services on ordinary days.
Checked on 2026-10-13 · Sources: Google Maps