New Taipei City Yi Tien Temple, Taoist temple in Sanchong District, Taiwan
Yi Tien Temple is a Taoist sanctuary in Sanchong District featuring traditional Chinese architecture with carved details and painted surfaces throughout. A staircase to the entrance is decorated with red lanterns that draw visitors upward toward the main prayer halls.
The temple was established in 1965 during Taiwan's cultural revitalization period following decades of transition and change. It emerged as an expression of renewed religious life in the Sanchong community.
The temple dedicates its space to honoring Mazu, the sea goddess revered by fishers and travelers throughout East Asia. Visitors witness altar offerings and experience the living community gathering during lunar calendar celebrations.
Access is straightforward by taking the Taipei Metro to Sanchong station, from which the temple is walkable. The site welcomes visitors daily from sunrise to sunset and is open to people of all backgrounds.
Locals call this the Cat Temple because it shelters a large population of stray cats that have made it their home. According to local accounts, the red lanterns at the entrance initially drew these animals to the site.
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