Kaiji Qinglong Temple, Chinese temple in East District, Taiwan.
Kaiji Qinglong Temple features a rectangular layout with four central halls and two side halls that create a balanced, traditional design. Inside, the oldest bronze bell in Taiwan, cast in 1695, hangs as the temple's most remarkable artifact.
The site began as a residence during Zheng Jing's rule and converted to a temple in 1690 under the name Haihui Temple. Its names changed over time, reflecting the shifting historical periods that shaped the island.
The temple served as a gathering place for the Nanshe poetry society during Japanese colonial times, reflecting how such spaces functioned as intellectual centers. Visitors today can sense this legacy when exploring the halls where scholars and poets once met to share their work.
Visit during daytime when natural light illuminates the halls and their decorative details effectively. The temple's multi-hall layout allows for leisurely exploration of each section.
The temple has kept its original 1695 bronze bell while many other structures in the region were rebuilt, connecting it to Taiwan's early metalworking heritage. This artifact reveals the local craftsmanship present in those early decades.
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