" Worthwhile to visit for its very traditional style of Taiwan's folklore Taoism. Rich resources for a further try to understand the Chinese religious beliefs of Taoism. A walk in the mountains leads you to a retreat away from the congested Taipei City. However, an ancient folk tale warns unmarried couples to visit. Since the god worshipped there strictly examines the flaws of romantic relationships. "
30 November 2017
Anynomous
" Beautiful views, fress air 😍 😍 😍 "
02 October 2017
Anynomous
" Spectacular views and a really nice walk "
10 July 2017
Anynomous
" It 's a great view to see whole Taipei ,you can get here by taking a bus(no. 530 ) ,get off at desteration (Chih Nan Temple ) there is an old street ,vendors who sell things here , you need go through old street to temples or you can take MRT and then transfer a Maokong cable car to here . "
21 June 2017
Anynomous
" Worthwhile to visit for its very traditional style of Taiwan's folklore Taoism. Rich resources for a further try to understand the Chinese religious beliefs of Taoism. A walk in the mountains leads you to a retreat away from the congested Taipei City. However, an ancient folk tale warning unmarried couples to visit. Since the god worshipped there strictly examines the flaws of romantic relationships. "
18 May 2017
Anynomous
" Located in a beautiful mountain setting with breathtaking views over the Taipei basin, the Zhinangong (指南宮) Temple Complex is a small island of solitude that overlooks a busy and noisy city.
On a day with good visibility, it's possible to see as far as Danshui (淡水) and Taoyuan (桃園). It's an excellent place from which to view the sunset, especially in summer time, when the air is clearer, and the view of the setting sun is unobstructed by hills surrounding the complex.
The temple complex itself is quite impressive, with classical Daoist architecture, mixed with several modern Taiwanese touches. There are three main buildings, connected together with pedestrian walkways.
However, the infrastructure is clearly showing its age. The walls and pathways around the temple buildings are dilapidated and have fallen into disrepair, with crumbling dirty paintwork and cracked pavements that clearly have not been maintained for years. Some of the outdoor pathways connecting different areas of the complex are covered by corrugated iron roof structures and strip lighting. There's also plenty of rusty metal and exposed electrical cabling: hardly fitting for a temple that's described as having a "stairway of a thousand steps".
Additionally, there's another source of irritation. At busy times, some temple visitors are in the habit of riding scooters and motorcycles up the pedestrian walkways of the temple, sometimes at particularly high speed. So if you're looking for peace and quiet and you're on foot, it's good to be mentally prepared for the occasional scooter to race by.
All in all, it's a bit disappointing compared with what this place could be, especially given the beautiful mountain setting. With investment and good management, this temple has the potential to rival such temples as Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, Japan, but it would require significant amounts of renovation. The roof structure of the northern-most temple building is currently under renovation, and there are new pathways being constructed, so perhaps there will be improvements in the future.
Overall, I'd still recommend a visit, especially if you're in the area. The architecture is perhaps not as inspiring as some other temples in Taiwan, but the view over Taipei certainly makes up for it. "
11 April 2017
Anynomous
" Gorgeous location, easy to reach by Making gondola. "
07 April 2017
Anynomous
" Nice temple that is accessible by gondola(cable car) or by walking. Several temples, shrines, and great views of the city. Also a number of good hiking trails.
"
08 February 2016
Anynomous
" I really like this place, since it's easy-reached by just taking magnificent view gondola, and you can experience real temple culture of Taiwan, when you stepping out the station!!!! "
Anynomous
" Worthwhile to visit for its very traditional style of Taiwan's folklore Taoism. Rich resources for a further try to understand the Chinese religious beliefs of Taoism. A walk in the mountains leads you to a retreat away from the congested Taipei City. However, an ancient folk tale warns unmarried couples to visit. Since the god worshipped there strictly examines the flaws of romantic relationships. "
30 November 2017Anynomous
" Beautiful views, fress air 😍 😍 😍 "
02 October 2017Anynomous
" Spectacular views and a really nice walk "
10 July 2017Anynomous
" It 's a great view to see whole Taipei ,you can get here by taking a bus(no. 530 ) ,get off at desteration (Chih Nan Temple ) there is an old street ,vendors who sell things here , you need go through old street to temples or you can take MRT and then transfer a Maokong cable car to here . "
21 June 2017Anynomous
" Worthwhile to visit for its very traditional style of Taiwan's folklore Taoism. Rich resources for a further try to understand the Chinese religious beliefs of Taoism. A walk in the mountains leads you to a retreat away from the congested Taipei City. However, an ancient folk tale warning unmarried couples to visit. Since the god worshipped there strictly examines the flaws of romantic relationships. "
18 May 2017Anynomous
" Located in a beautiful mountain setting with breathtaking views over the Taipei basin, the Zhinangong (指南宮) Temple Complex is a small island of solitude that overlooks a busy and noisy city.
11 April 2017On a day with good visibility, it's possible to see as far as Danshui (淡水) and Taoyuan (桃園). It's an excellent place from which to view the sunset, especially in summer time, when the air is clearer, and the view of the setting sun is unobstructed by hills surrounding the complex.
The temple complex itself is quite impressive, with classical Daoist architecture, mixed with several modern Taiwanese touches. There are three main buildings, connected together with pedestrian walkways.
However, the infrastructure is clearly showing its age. The walls and pathways around the temple buildings are dilapidated and have fallen into disrepair, with crumbling dirty paintwork and cracked pavements that clearly have not been maintained for years. Some of the outdoor pathways connecting different areas of the complex are covered by corrugated iron roof structures and strip lighting. There's also plenty of rusty metal and exposed electrical cabling: hardly fitting for a temple that's described as having a "stairway of a thousand steps".
Additionally, there's another source of irritation. At busy times, some temple visitors are in the habit of riding scooters and motorcycles up the pedestrian walkways of the temple, sometimes at particularly high speed. So if you're looking for peace and quiet and you're on foot, it's good to be mentally prepared for the occasional scooter to race by.
All in all, it's a bit disappointing compared with what this place could be, especially given the beautiful mountain setting. With investment and good management, this temple has the potential to rival such temples as Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, Japan, but it would require significant amounts of renovation. The roof structure of the northern-most temple building is currently under renovation, and there are new pathways being constructed, so perhaps there will be improvements in the future.
Overall, I'd still recommend a visit, especially if you're in the area. The architecture is perhaps not as inspiring as some other temples in Taiwan, but the view over Taipei certainly makes up for it. "
Anynomous
" Gorgeous location, easy to reach by Making gondola. "
07 April 2017Anynomous
" Nice temple that is accessible by gondola(cable car) or by walking. Several temples, shrines, and great views of the city. Also a number of good hiking trails.
08 February 2016"
Anynomous
" I really like this place, since it's easy-reached by just taking magnificent view gondola, and you can experience real temple culture of Taiwan, when you stepping out the station!!!! "
28 December 2015