🏯 Sanxia Qingshui Zushi Temple
Taiwan
About This Sacred Site
The Qingshui Zushi Temple in Sanxia (Sansia), New Taipei City, is considered the most artistically elaborate temple in Taiwan. Originally built in 1769 and reconstructed starting in 1947 under the direction of master artist Li Mei-shu, the temple features an extraordinary level of artistic detail. Every surface is covered with intricate stone, wood, and bronze carvings depicting scenes from Chinese history, mythology, and Taoist cosmology. The temple is dedicated to Qingshui Zushi (Master of Clear Water), a Song dynasty Buddhist monk revered as a Taoist deity.
Key Facts
- •Originally built in 1769, reconstructed from 1947 under artist Li Mei-shu
- •Considered the most artistically elaborate temple in Taiwan
- •Every surface is covered with intricate stone, wood, and bronze carvings
- •Dedicated to Qingshui Zushi, a Song dynasty monk revered as a deity
- •Li Mei-shu spent 36 years (1947–1983) on the reconstruction
Location
Coordinates: 24.9342, 121.3697
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