Chiayi City Daten Temple, Religious complex in East District, Chiayi City, Taiwan.
Chiayi City Daten Temple is a temple in East District featuring traditional Chinese architecture with impressive craftsmanship throughout its structure. An octagonal caisson ceiling dominates the main hall, constructed entirely without nails using ancient mortise and tenon joinery methods that connect each wooden piece together.
Founded in 1715 by Magistrate Zhou Zhong-xuan, the temple gained imperial recognition from the Guangxu Emperor nearly 160 years later. This official acknowledgment elevated its status to City God of the Prefecture, marking its importance in the region's religious life.
Worshippers come here to honor deities and historical figures through the temple's sacred spaces and artistic representations. The place reflects religious practices that have been part of local life for centuries, with each section serving specific devotional purposes.
The temple opens daily from early morning until late evening and welcomes visitors without charging admission fees. Plan time to explore the carving details and pottery works throughout the space, as the craftsmanship rewards careful observation from different angles.
The temple houses Taiwan's only eight-lion palanquin, a ceremonial piece containing thirty-two carved figures representing different deities and historical personalities. The worship pavilion also features stone carvings from the Japanese Colonial Period alongside three exceptional pottery pieces that were selected through artistic competition.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
