Introducing the Highlights and Worship Methods of Taipei’s Longshan Temple

Longshan Temple in Taipei, Taiwan, is a popular power spot and the oldest temple in Taiwan. The temple enshrines over 100 deities, and it is said that making a wish here brings blessings. If you're looking to boost your luck or visit a mystical place, Longshan Temple is worth a visit. This guide covers how to worship, as well as recommended fortune-telling shops.

1. What is Longshan Temple?

Longshan Temple was established in 1738. At that time, it was built to seek divine protection from the epidemic that was troubling the people. Since Taiwan has long been a society of immigrants, temples have been an essential part of the lives of the people.
The temple enshrines over 100 deities from Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and other traditions. It is a place where you can receive blessings from various gods for health, wealth, love, and more. Among them, "Yuexia Lao Ren" is particularly popular with women as the god of matchmaking.
Longshan Temple is also an artistic masterpiece. It incorporates the traditional Chinese architectural style known as "Chinese Palace-style Temple Architecture," and its magnificent decorations are worth seeing. The delicate and vibrant roof design, along with Taiwan's unique glass ceramics, are key highlights. The temple, adorned with traditional Chinese elements and the bright colors characteristic of Taiwan, is designated as a national second-class historic site due to its beauty.

2. How to Worship

Although the temple can be crowded at times, it is important to follow the rules and procedures. It is recommended to prepare yourself both physically and mentally before worshipping.

◆ Wash Your Hands and Enter with Your Left Foot

As you pass through the main gate, you'll find a large area with a waterfall and a pond. There is a washing station here, so make sure to wash your hands before entering. Enter the temple through the gate marked "Entrance" on the right side. At this point, avoid stepping on the threshold and enter with your left foot first.

◆ Purchase Incense and Offerings at the Shop

Inside, you will find a shop on the right. You can purchase incense and offerings such as sweets here.
Previously, there were seven incense burners, and visitors would walk around the grounds, offering incense one by one. However, now there is only one incense burner, and the use of candles is prohibited. The current practice is to light the incense first, walk around, and then place it in the incense burner at the main hall.

◆ Hold the Incense and Worship

Light the incense and walk around the temple in a counterclockwise direction, starting from the right of the main hall. Stand before each god, holding the incense above your head and bow three times. It's important to silently express your name, birthdate, and address before making your wish.

◆ Place the Incense in the Incense Burner

After completing your worship, return to the main hall and place the incense in the incense burner to finish.

3. How to Draw a Fortune Slip

Before making a wish to the gods, you must first ask for permission to draw a fortune slip through "Po-e divination". The process is as follows:

◆ 1. Po-e Divination: Ask for Permission to Draw a Fortune Slip

You throw two red crescent-shaped wooden pieces and ask whether it's okay to draw an omikuji. If one piece shows the front side and the other shows the back side, it's a yes. However, if both pieces show either the front or the back, you need to change your question and throw the pieces again. It's important to say your name and address during this process.

◆ 2. Draw a Fortune Slip with a Number and Ask if It's Good

If Po-e divination gives you permission, draw a thin fortune slip with a number written on it. Then, perform Po-e divination again to ask if the drawn number is good. If one piece shows the front side and the other shows the back side, it's a yes. If not, throw the pieces again.

◆ 3. Draw the Same Fortune Slip with the Number You Got

If the answer is yes, go to the drawer and take out the fortune slip that matches the number you drew. The slips have markings such as "Upper Upper," "Upper Lower," "Middle Middle," "Middle Lower," and "Lower Lower," which, from left to right, represent very good luck to very bad luck.

4. Recommended Fortune-Telling Shops

Longshan Temple has an underground shopping area, which is home to Taiwan's largest fortune-telling district, "Kaiyun Mingli Street." It features more booths than the famous "Xingtian Temple Fortune-Telling Alley." After receiving blessings from the temple, why not head to the fortune-telling street to try and improve your luck?
The types of fortune-telling available vary widely, including career luck, financial luck, love, health, and more. Different fortune-tellers use different divination methods, including unique ones like rice grain divination and finch divination.
A recommended option is "Li Bo-xun," who offers "Rice Grain Divination." By placing rice grains on a tray, this method provides a comprehensive reading of your current situation and future fortune. It's a rare experience and it's both fun and easy to try.

5. Locations and Types of Amulets for Sale

Near the entrance of the temple, more than 100 types of amulets are sold, including those for love, career success, and various other wishes. These amulets can be purchased for around 300 to 500 yen, and a list explaining the types and benefits of the amulets is available for easy reference.

A recommended choice is the amulet for "Yuexia Lao Ren" and "Guanyin Bodhisattva."
Yuexia Lao Ren is the god of good relationships and helps boost love luck. Guanyin Bodhisattva governs overall fate. There are many types of amulets, including keychains featuring cute figurines or incense bags to carry the ash from incense burners. You are sure to find the perfect amulet for your wishes.

6. Access Information

The most convenient way to reach Longshan Temple is by using the MRT (subway). Take the "MRT Bannan Line" (blue line) and get off at the "Longshan Temple" station. It is only two stops from Taipei Main Station and five stops from Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, with no transfers needed.
When you exit from Exit 1, the temple is directly in front of you. Additionally, Kaiyun Mingli Street is directly connected to Longshan Temple Station, so you can access it through the underground shopping area.

Recommended Restaurants Around the Area

Around Longshan Temple, there are many traditional restaurants where you can enjoy Taiwanese cuisine. Here are two popular local spots loved by residents:

◆ Su Jia Rou Yuan You Gui

This shop is famous for "Rou Yuan" (a dumpling filled with meat) and "You Gui" (a dumpling filled with taro). The slightly sweet, soy-based sauce pairs well with the ingredients, and the homey taste that brings out the flavor of the ingredients is its charm.
Additionally, the restaurant offers various Taiwanese noodle dishes, so why not try something you've never tasted before?

◆ San Liu Yuan Zi Shop

This shop offers traditional Taiwanese sweets. It’s a small, cozy restaurant where you can enjoy your meal, but take-out is also available. The menu includes sweet soups filled with taro balls, white tapioca balls, nuts, and other ingredients, as well as baked pastries.
It’s a great place to stop by during a lunch break or when you’re feeling a little hungry.