Chung Tai Chan Monastery, Buddhist monastery in Puli, Taiwan
Chung Tai Chan Monastery is a Buddhist temple in Puli that blends traditional Chinese design with contemporary building methods, standing 37 stories tall within the mountains. The structure houses multiple worship halls, meditation spaces, and residential quarters distributed across its many levels.
The monastery was founded in 1990 by Grand Master Wei Chueh, growing from a small mountain sanctuary into a major complex when its main building opened in 2001. This growth reflected a broader expansion of Buddhist practice in the region during that period.
The monastery appears as a place where Buddhist practice shapes daily life, with its design reflecting the dedication to meditative and contemplative traditions. The spaces naturally invite visitors to observe the rhythms of prayer and study that define the community here.
The monastery sits in the mountains and is best reached by public transport from Taichung, with buses connecting directly to the grounds. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since exploring involves climbing stairs and navigating uneven terrain throughout the site.
The building won the Taiwan Architecture Award in 2002 and the International Award for Lighting Design in 2003 for its innovative approach. These recognitions highlighted how the architectural vision supports learning and practice within these spaces.
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