Dalongdong Baoan Temple

The Dalongdong Baoan Temple is one of the finest historic temples in Taipei and, for many visitors, a more rewarding stop than better-known sites in the centre. It is dedicated to Baosheng Dadi, a deity whose name the city's tourism office translates as the Great Emperor Protecting Life, who is venerated as a healer. The temple was founded by migrants from Tong'an, near Xiamen in Fujian, and its name was chosen to suggest Blessed Tong'an. A wooden shrine stood here from 1742, and construction of the present temple began in 1804, continuing in phases over about 25 years.

The temple became the religious centre for the Tong'an community in Dalongdong, and it was expanded and renovated over the following two centuries, including additions in the twentieth century under Japanese rule. Today it has three main wings and is officially designated a national heritage site. Its restoration was recognised in 2003 with a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation, and the dragon pillars at the front are among the details that show the quality of the work.

Look out for the pair of stone lions at the entrance. At most temples one lion has its mouth open and the other closed, but here both are open-mouthed, and local legend explains them as two different kinds of guardian beast. Inside, take time over the woodwork and murals, and watch how worshippers move between the altars. The temple's biggest celebration is the Baosheng Cultural Festival, held each year from around mid-April to mid-June to mark the deity's birthday, and it is the busiest and most colourful time to visit.

The temple is open every day from 6:00 to 21:00, and entry is free. Allow 45 minutes to an hour to look properly at the decoration. It suits travellers interested in architecture, religion and history, and it is generally calmer than Lungshan Temple, which makes it easier to take photographs and to observe without getting in the way. As at any active temple, keep noise down and avoid standing in front of people at prayer.

The temple is on Hami Street in the Datong District, and the nearest MRT station is Yuanshan on the Tamsui-Xinyi Line. The Taipei Confucius Temple is right next door, and the Taipei Fine Arts Museum is close by, so the area makes an easy half-day outing north of the centre.