Fenyuan Baozang Temple was founded in the 11th year of the Kangxi reign (1672) and is one of the "Three Yan Two Si" — five celebrated temples of central Taiwan. It is listed as a county-designated historic site of Changhua County. The temple site was chosen on a hillside of the eastern Bagua Mountain range facing the Maoluo River valley and Jiujiu Peak (Jiu Jiu Feng), commanding a lofty position with open views. The front hall retains delicate clay-sculptured dragon-and-tiger panels and other traditional crafts, making this a pilgrimage site that combines Qing-dynasty temple architecture with natural landscape.
What to see at Fenyuan Baozang Temple
Baozang Temple is dedicated primarily to Guanyin Bodhisattva and has stood for more than 350 years, having been rebuilt multiple times while retaining its original layout. The temple is built in tiers following the mountain terrain. The clay-sculptured dragon-and-tiger panels on the facade of the front hall are vividly colored and finely crafted, representing the typical skill of Qing-dynasty artisans. As a county-designated historic site, repairs to the temple follow cultural heritage preservation standards, and many of the architectural components retain their historic character.
From the hillside behind the temple you can look down into the Maoluo River valley, with Jiujiu Peak in Nantou County directly across — the bare rocky faces of that cluster of peaks became even more pronounced after the 921 Earthquake of 1999, and they are clearly visible right from the temple forecourt. The surrounding woodland is dense, birds and cicadas fill the air, and temperatures are cooler than the plain below. The visit combines religious worship with a foray into the hills.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there & timing
- There is no direct bus service. Driving is recommended: take Provincial Highway 14 east from Changhua City, then follow the signs up the hill after reaching Fenyuan Township. The mountain road is single-lane — watch for oncoming vehicles.
- The temple is open year-round. Incense burning is typically heaviest from around 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visiting in the morning is recommended to avoid midday heat.
Nearby connections
- The itinerary can extend to the Jiujiu Peak Nature Reserve in Nantou County — head east along Highway 14 from the temple, about 20 minutes by car.
- Fenyuan Township has several lychee orchards; the summer fruit-picking season (June to July) offers the chance to add an agricultural activity to the trip.
Source: Changhua County Culture Bureau county-designated historic site registration records, Taiwan Religious Culture Map. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.