🕌 Longshan Temple & Hidden Alleyway Charm: A Tale of Two Taipei Treasures

Taipei is a city of contrasts—where centuries-old temples sit beside modern alleyways that whisper stories through their architecture. If you're seeking a blend of spiritual depth and urban serenity, look no further than the iconic Longshan Temple and the nearby quiet alleyway in Wanhua, a photogenic slice of Taipei’s soul. 🕰️ Longshan Temple: A Spiritual Beacon Founded in 1738 by settlers from Fujian, Longshan Temple (龍山寺) is one of Taipei’s oldest and most revered religious sites. It honors Guanyin, the bodhisattva of mercy, but also houses deities from Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religion. Despite being bombed during WWII, the temple was lovingly restored, and the original Guanyin statue miraculously survived. Entrance Fee: Free (donations welcome) Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Transportation: Take the Blue Line MRT to Longshan Temple Station (Exit 1)—the temple is right across the street. Must-Do: Witness the chanting ceremonies at 6 AM, 8 AM, or 4 PM. Admire the dragon columns, intricate carvings, and rooftop sculptures. Light incense (if permitted) and toss moon blocks to seek divine guidance. 🏙️ The Hidden Alleyway: Urban Poetry in Brick and Beam Just steps from Longshan Temple lies a narrow alleyway that feels like a portal to another time. With exposed brickwork, wooden beams, and concrete facades, this quiet street is a photographer’s dream. It’s part of the Bopiliao Historic Block, a preserved area showcasing Qing Dynasty architecture and Japanese-era influences. Entrance Fee: Free Hours: Most shops and galleries open 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Transportation: Same MRT stop—Longshan Temple Station. Walk 3–5 minutes to reach Bopiliao. Must-Do: Snap photos of the decorative manhole covers and leaning buildings. Visit the Heritage and Culture Education Center for exhibitions. Grab a tea or herbal drink from nearby Herb Alley. #เบิร์ดทั่วไทยไปทั่วโลก #birdjourneyjourneys #longshantemple #taipeispiritualjourney #bopiliaohistoricblock #hiddentaipei #wanhuawonders #taipeialleyway #urbanzen #taiwantravel #templeandstreets