Liujia Chishan Longhu Temple is a Buddhist temple in Liujia District, Tainan, dedicated to Guanshiyin Bodhisattva, said to have been founded in the 19th year of the Yongli reign (1665) at the initiative of Zheng-era officer Chen Yonghua — making it, at more than 360 years old, one of Taiwan's earliest Buddhist temples. Longhu Lake, a natural lake behind the temple, is thick with lotus in summer, combining a place of worship with a tranquil natural setting.
Longhu Temple is said to have been founded in the 19th year of the Yongli reign (1665) at the initiative of Chen Yonghua, an officer under Zheng Chenggong; its founding legend involves a green stone resembling Guanyin that drifted ashore near Zaiziwei in Yongkang. After construction, the monk Canche was invited from Fujian to serve as founding abbot, making it one of Taiwan's oldest surviving Buddhist temples. It underwent multiple renovations, including in the 44th year of Kangxi (1705) and the 1st year of Qianlong (1736), with the present appearance dating from a 1972 restoration.
What to see at Liujia Chishan Longhu Temple
Longhu Temple is located in Liujia District, Tainan, and enshrines Guanshiyin Bodhisattva. It has a long history of temple-founding. The area around the temple site was originally within the activity range of the Siraya Pingpu people's Chishan community. The Chishan area has documented missionary activity from the Dutch colonial era onward and is one of the important regions in the history of Taiwan's Pingpu indigenous peoples. The temple itself is an important site of worship for residents of the Liujia area, with a graceful layout and a long-established incense tradition.
Longhu Lake behind the temple is a naturally formed body of water with lotus planted throughout. Each summer, roughly June through August, the lotus flowers bloom — lotus leaves swaying, flowers in shades of pink and white, creating a serene and elegant scene. A walking path around the lake allows for a leisurely circuit. Egrets and other waterbirds are commonly seen resting on the lake surface, making this one of the few natural ecological landscapes in Liujia District, drawing lotus-viewing visitors to photograph the scene.
Tips for getting the most out of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and time needed
- From central Tainan, driving yourself takes about 35–40 minutes. Head north along Provincial Highway 1 or 3 and turn onto the Liujia District roads. Public transport options are limited — self-driving is recommended.
- The temple and lakeside are open all day. During the summer lotus peak season (June–August), parking is tighter on weekends. A weekday or early morning visit is advisable.
Nearby connections
- The Xinshi community ruins and Xingang Cultural History Museum are about a 20–25 minute drive away and can be combined into a Tainan Pingpu cultural theme route.
- Danei Zoumalai Farm is to the east of Liujia District, about a 20-minute drive, and can extend the outing into a half-day nature and leisure itinerary.
Source: compiled facts and Wikipedia entry on Longhu Temple. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Liujia Chishan Longhu Temple founded?
Longhu Temple is said to have been founded in 1665 by Chen Yonghua, an officer under Zheng Chenggong, making it over 360 years old.
Which deity does Longhu Temple enshrine?
Longhu Temple enshrines Guanshiyin Bodhisattva and is one of Taiwan's oldest surviving Buddhist temples.
When is the best time to view lotus at Longhu Lake?
The lotus behind the temple typically bloom from June through August, with early morning offering the softest light for viewing and photography.
Sources
- 赤山龍湖巖 - 維基百科 — 建廟年代與陳永華倡建史事
- 簡介_赤山龍湖巖（台南）｜中華佛寺協會 — 開山祖師參徹禪師與修建沿革
- 赤山龍湖巖- 陳永華建的三百年古剎 — 歷史沿革整理