Temples of Taiwan
The three main religions in Taiwan are Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. In Taipei, you will also see a fair number of Christian churches. Buddhist monks and nuns are a common sight in the city, especially on the subways. Many Buddhist temples also function as convents or monasteries.
Religion seems to be a very integral part of life in Taiwan. Most homes and businesses have prominent altars, religious icons, and spirit money burners. The local auto-repair shops have large altars plainly visible in their garages. Typical offerings seen on the altars are fruit, cakes, and Coca-Cola. It is easy to find small neighborhood temples squeezed between grocery stores and apartments, as well as large, intricate temples. Small temples can be found on almost almost every hill, mountain, or path in the countryside. Many vegetarian restaurants and cafeterias have Buddhist music and art.
A very common sight in Taiwan is people burning spirit money (also called "ghost money") for their ancestors in small, wheeled burners outside their homes or businesses. Spirit money can be purchased at neighborhood incense shops or even at department stores.
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Golden Dragon Temple and Pishan Temple
Note the intricate ceramic detail work on the roof. Chinese temples may have dozens or hundreds of small scenes, each different. The prominent female figure is Guanyin, a bodhisattva who has been incorporated into the local Taoist pantheon.
Kuantu Temple
Small temples in mountains near Nankang
Lungshan Temple
Temple behind Academia Sinica
In the Nankang tea park
The temple with the yellow dragon-boats is dedicated to Matsu, the Taoist goddess of the sea.
Shantao Temple (Buddhist temple in downtown Taipei)
Taipei neighborhood temple
