Taiwan Food Atlas

Zinan Temple

A Tudigong temple founded in the Qing dynasty's Qianlong era, renowned for its gold coin borrowing ritual
📍 Nantou · Zhushan Township · Sheliao⛩️ Historic Sites & Temples🔖 Tudigong · Gold coin borrowing · Year-round incense

Zinan Temple is located in Sheliao Village, Zhushan Township, and enshrines the Earth God (Tudigong / Fude Zhengshen) as its principal deity. The temple's history traces back to the Qianlong era of the Qing dynasty, making it one of the longest-established Earth God temples in Nantou County. The temple is renowned for its traditional "gold coin borrowing" ritual: worshippers can borrow copper or gold coins from the temple and pray for good fortune; once their wishes are fulfilled, they return the coins with interest. This custom keeps Zinan Temple's incense burning year-round, drawing a constant stream of devotees from across Taiwan.

Highlights of Zinan Temple

The current temple building reflects successive renovations. The temple forecourt is spacious, and the architectural layout follows the form of traditional Taiwanese temples, with intricately carved dragon pillars and elaborate roof ridge cut-and-paste tile decorations. The most concentrated periods for worshippers are around the second and third days of the first lunar month (around the Earth God's birthday) and around the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month (the Earth God's autumn festival). Crowds at the forecourt increase significantly around these dates — plan your transportation in advance. The temple's daily management is orderly; the gold coin borrowing procedure is clearly explained, and temple staff typically provide guidance in Mandarin. Visitors can simply follow the instructions.

The Sheliao area surrounding Zinan Temple retains the character of a Zhushan local settlement, and traditional food stalls cluster around the temple forecourt — especially during busy periods, when a small market atmosphere forms. Zhushan is known for its bamboo craft industry; a visit to Zinan Temple can be combined with bamboo-related venues in Zhushan town. When entering the temple for worship, follow standard temple etiquette and dress neatly. First-time visitors are advised to read the temple's gold coin borrowing instructions carefully before proceeding, to ensure familiarity with the ritual steps.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

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Read the gold coin borrowing instructions firstThe gold coin borrowing ritual has a complete procedural explanation. The temple usually provides written or on-site guidance — following the steps in order gives you a better understanding of the full meaning of this tradition than improvising.
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Arrive early during busy periodsThe second and third days of the first lunar month and the days around the fifteenth of the eighth lunar month attract very large numbers of worshippers. If you plan to visit during these times, going early in the morning or at dusk is advisable, and allow extra time for parking and waiting.
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Pair it with Zhushan bamboo craftZhushan Township's bamboo craft industry is the local specialty. After visiting Zinan Temple, head into Zhushan town to learn about bamboo craftsmanship. The two together make a half-day local cultural itinerary of Zhushan.
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Sample snacks at the temple forecourtTraditional food stalls line the area around Zinan Temple's forecourt. Local snacks such as sweet potato cake and rice noodle rolls are available in greater variety during busy seasons — try some local flavors after your worship visit.

Practical Information

Getting There & Time Required

  • Located in Sheliao Village, Zhushan Township, about 10 minutes by car from Zhushan town center. Parking capacity is limited on busy weekends — arrive early. Public transportation requires transfers; driving is more convenient.
  • A standard worship visit and temple tour takes about 30 to 60 minutes; allow extra waiting time during peak periods.

Nearby Connections

  • Zhushan town center has bamboo craft exhibition and retail venues; heading southeast leads to Xitou Nature Education Area (about 20 to 30 minutes by car).
  • Heading north connects to Caotun and Nantou City, forming a western Nantou day trip.

Sources: Zinan Temple official public materials, Nantou County Government tourism information. Photos pending replacement with Dio's original shots.

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