San Zhi Shell Temple, Buddhist temple in San Zhi, Taiwan
San Zhi Shell Temple is a Buddhist sanctuary perched on a mountain along Taiwan's North Coast, with seashells adorning its entire exterior and interior surfaces. The structure incorporates approximately 60,000 shells into its design, creating an unusual textured appearance throughout the building.
Construction of the temple began in 1994 and was completed in 1996 as a monument to Buddhist devotion. The incorporation of seashells into the building materials was fundamental to the site's original vision from the start.
The temple honors Ji-Gong, a revered Buddhist monk, and blends Buddhist traditions with Chinese folk worship practices visible throughout its shrines. Visitors walking through the spaces can observe how these two religious traditions coexist in the design and decoration.
The temple is best accessed by personal vehicle, as public transportation leaves visitors with a lengthy uphill walk to reach the site. Wearing comfortable shoes and allowing extra time for the mountain approach is advisable for most visitors.
The Eighteen Arhat Cave is an underground section lined with white coral material containing multiple dedicated shrines within its passages. This hidden area provides visitors with a spiritual space that contrasts sharply with the shell-covered exterior design.
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