Zhushan Zinan Temple
About
Borrow NT$600 from the Earth God: that is what Zhushan Zinan Temple is best known for. This temple in Zhushan Township, Nantou County, is dedicated to Tudigong, the Earth God, and is famous across Taiwan for 'borrowing fortune money.' Worshippers borrow 600 from the Earth God as 'mother money' and tuck it into their wallets so their money will keep multiplying. If they have made a profit by the following year, they return the principal and add whatever incense donation they wish. Every Lunar New Year, crowds line up to borrow fortune money. The temple also built a public restroom called 'Golden Bamboo Shoot Welcomes Guests,' which has unexpectedly become an attraction in its own right.
History
In 1745, the tenth year of the Qing Qianlong reign, residents around Zhushan built a small shrine to the Earth God who protected their community. That was where Zinan Temple began. What truly made this little temple famous across Taiwan was the tradition of borrowing fortune money. Word spread that mother money borrowed from the Earth God was especially effective, and as the story passed from one person to the next, worshippers came from all over Taiwan and the incense burned brighter every year. The temple has put donations to good use, steadily improving its surroundings and facilities, until even the public restroom became a sight to see. And so a small shrine to the Earth God became the most important center of tourism and faith in Zhushan, Nantou.
Zhushan Zinan Temple
Zhushan Township, Nantou County
Visitor Info
Address
No. 40, Dagong St., Zhushan Township, Nantou County
Region
Zhushan Township, Nantou County
Plan Your Visit
- Hours
- Daily 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- When to Go
- During the Lunar New Year, crowds of worshippers queue to borrow fortune money; the Earth God's birthday on lunar 2/2 is also an important day.
Checked on 2026-10-13 · Sources: Google Maps