Tucheng Chengtian Temple is a Buddhist Chan monastery on Nantianmu Mountain in Tucheng District, New Taipei, founded in 1955 by the monk Guangqin — not a Taoist temple. Its name honors his ordination temple, Chengtian Temple in Quanzhou, Fujian. The temple buildings are stacked in tiers following the terrain, and the mountain path behind leads to Tung Blossom Park and Zhongyangjiian Mountain. Every year from April to May, the oil-tung trees bloom and white petals drift down the mountain path, forming a distinctive seasonal scene alongside the temple's incense smoke.
Chengtian Temple is a Buddhist Chan monastery founded in 1955 by the monk Guangqin (also known as the 'Fruit Master'), who named it after his ordination temple, Chengtian Temple in Quanzhou, Fujian. Guangqin arrived in Taiwan in 1948 and practiced at Riyue Cave before establishing this temple in Tucheng.
What to see at Chengtian Temple
Chengtian Temple was built during the Guangxu reign of the Qing dynasty, a hillside temple typical of the hill terrain on the south side of the Taipei Basin. The temple buildings are constructed in tiers following the slope; the main hall enshrines the principal deity, with wing rooms and colonnaded corridors on both sides, creating a sense of depth characteristic of mountain temples. The forecourt plaza offers a partial view toward Tucheng city and the Taipei Basin. Worshippers arrive steadily in the evening to burn incense.
The mountain path behind the temple is one starting point for the Tucheng Tung Blossom Park trail. The trail follows the ridgeline of the hills; oil-tung trees bloom profusely from April to May, with the flowering period concentrated in about two weeks. White five-petaled tung blossoms blanket the trail, a famous seasonal-only sight in northern Taiwan. Trail conditions are good; a round trip takes about 2 to 3 hours. In summer, forest canopy provides shade; in winter, the yellowing vegetation has its own appeal.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and timing
- From MRT Bannan Line Tucheng Station or Yongning Station, transfer by bus or taxi. Driving is also an option; there is a car park in front of the temple.
- The temple is open year-round. The tung blossom trail is busiest from April to May; on weekends, aim to arrive before 8 a.m.
Nearby connections
- Tucheng District also has the Munitions Bureau Ecological Park, which has tung blossoms and bird ecology in spring. A Tucheng tung blossom theme half-day route is feasible.
- Taking the MRT to Banqiao connects to the Lin Family Garden, linking a cultural heritage itinerary.
Source: Publicly available information from Chengtian Temple; Tucheng District Tung Blossom Park trail description, New Taipei City. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chengtian Temple a Taoist or Buddhist site?
Chengtian Temple is a Buddhist Chan monastery, not a Taoist temple, founded in 1955 by the monk Guangqin.
Where does the name Chengtian Temple come from?
The monk Guangqin named it after Chengtian Temple in Quanzhou, Fujian, where he had been ordained.
When is the tung blossom trail behind the temple at its best?
The flowering period runs roughly mid-April to early May, when fallen petals blanket the trail; a weekday morning visit is recommended.
Sources
- 承天禪寺 - 維基百科 — 1955年廣欽老和尚創建，佛教禪寺
- 台灣佛教數位博物館—佛教人物《廣欽法師》 — 廣欽法師生平、1948年來台