Bangka Longshan Temple (艋舺龍山寺) is Taipei's oldest and most famous temple, founded in 1738 by Fujianese immigrants from Quanzhou and located in the historic Wanhua (Bangka) District. Primarily dedicated to Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, it also enshrines more than 100 other deities, including the beloved matchmaker god Yue Lao. A lively blend of Buddhist, Taoist, and folk worship, it is considered one of Taipei's top spiritual power spots, filled with ornate carving, incense smoke, and steady streams of worshippers.
The Main Hall's golden Guanyin statue — an original image that survived the WWII bombing that destroyed much of the hall
Praying to Yue Lao (月老), the god of love and marriage, and taking a free red thread after the ritual
Jiaobei (筊杯) moon-block divination and drawing fortune sticks to ask the deities questions
The traditional route: enter through the right Dragon Gate and exit through the left Tiger Gate
Right beside Longshan Temple MRT station, with the Bopiliao Historic Block and Huaxi Street Night Market nearby in old Wanhua
Good to know
MannersThe central door is reserved for the deities — visitors never walk through it. Enter through the right Dragon Gate (龍門) and exit through the left Tiger Gate (虎門).
MannersNever point at statues with a single finger; use an open palm instead, and do not touch or take selfies with the deities. Stay quiet during chanting and prayer, and don't block worshippers performing rituals.
RulesAvoid overly revealing outfits such as swimwear or going barefoot. Photography is allowed but avoid flash, and photograph people discreetly or not at all. (Confirm current hours and any fees locally.)
SafetyThe surrounding Wanhua area and nearby Huaxi Street (Snake Alley) Night Market retain traces of a former red-light district and can feel seedy after dark. Solo and female travelers are advised to visit by day; for night markets, consider Shilin or Raohe instead.
CautionIgnore anyone who offers a 'free' red thread, charm, or fortune and then pressures you for a 'donation,' or self-styled masters and fortune-tellers who approach you on the street. The official red threads and jiaobei rituals are genuinely free.
SafetyThe incense burner and Main Hall get crowded with worshippers. Keep bags in front of you and watch for pickpockets in the crush.
Practical info
Take the Taipei Metro Bannan Line to Longshan Temple Station; the temple is a 1–3 minute walk away. Generally open around 06:00–22:00 with free admission, but confirm the latest details before visiting. Mornings are quieter and more pleasant — pair it with the nearby Bopiliao Historic Block for a morning itinerary.
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