Taiwan’s First Temple of Heaven (Tiangong Temple)(臺灣首廟天壇(天公廟))

Introduce

Every year on January 9th, on the birthday of the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝), a trip to Tiangong Temple (天公廟) has become a ritual adhered to by many Tainan residents. Crowds of people follow a path inside the temple running from the Ying Liaoli Pavilion (鶯料理亭) to the front of the Meteorological Building (氣象館) on Gongyuan Road (公園路). The Temple of Heaven (Tiangong Temple) was built in 1854, and according to legend was established in honor of Koxinga (鄭成功). The modern external appearance of the temple is borne out of being repeatedly rebuilt and transformed, but the interior of the temple still retains many of its precious cultural relics. The old stone carvings of auspicious Chinese characters on the left and right walls inside the temple, as well as the pair of granite coiled dragon pillars inside the palace hall, both date back to 1855. The temple also features many plaques which are many decades old, one of which features “a single stroke” which is the most noted of the “famous three” plaques. It means “Whatever the human minds intend, the Gods decide the end,” expressing great respect for the heavenly Gods.

Information

TEL +886-6-2227983

Address West Central Dist., Tainan City Taiwán, R.O.C

Category Historic Sites、Religious Temples、Culture

Open Hours Sunday:05:00 – 22:00
Monday:05:00 – 22:00
Tuesday:05:00 – 22:00
Wednesday:05:00 – 22:00
Thursday:05:00 – 22:00
Friday:05:00 – 22:00
Saturday:05:00 – 22:00

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Review

TripAdvisor Reviews

65 Reviews Write a Review

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15 Excellent

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10 Families
11 Couples
22 Solo
1 Business
11 Friends

Bryan H
Portland, Oregon
Traveler type:
Couples
One of our favorite Tainan Temples!
2018-12
Temple visiting is a very subjective thing, no? If you are struck by the atmosphere as special, maybe it's just you ... or maybe there's something in the location that people find compelling. We found this Taoist temple particularly welcoming and atmospheric. This temple is complex, busy and lots going on here (and not), but most of all it shows how in a very modernized place like Taiwan, the spiritual life of its inhabitants is very much a part of the day to day practice. Come check it out. See if this one might be your favorite. Also, there is more signage here than at most temples (Do's and don'ts), which I find reassuring and helpful.
588phis
Bangkok, Thailand
Traveler type:
Friends getaway
Interesting temple
2018-11
This is the first Taoism temple dedicated to the Chinese Jade Emperor, who is the king of the gods. The temple is hidden in a back street. The temple was built about 150 years ago but still very well maintained and clean. The temple has got various buildings with shrines for other gods. There are some interesting and intricate sculptures and carvings in the buildings. Interesting for a visit.
kimitakas
Taichung, Taiwan
Traveler type:
Solo travel
Character “one” in frame
2018-11
Although it is called Tiantan, this one is much smaller than that of Beijing. It is said that Koxinga reverences the God in this place. A tablet with the character “one” is famous.
Jarko2015
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Traveler type:
Solo travel
Altar of Heaven
2016-09
Better known as the Altar of Heaven, this multi faceted temple is another must see on the Tainan visitor list. There is a lot to see but you need to seek some of it out as there are various buildings and staircases, some of which at first glance don't appear to be leading anywhere. Every shrine on the site has something fascinating to reveal and there's also a very nice dragon wall outside, facing the main entrance.
MastG
London
Traveler type:
Solo travel
Well attended temple
2016-07
One of the most popular temples in tainan. With horn blasts whistles fortune tellers and tons of incense this temple has atmosphere. Several shrines on different levels