Bao'an Temple

Overview

Bao'an Temple is a masterpiece of Southern Fujian temple architecture, built in 1742 and winner of the 2003 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation.

Highlights

• Ceiling Paintings: Exquisite painted ceiling panels by master artist Pan Lishui, depicting scenes from Chinese mythology.
• Stone Carvings: Intricate dragon columns and stone relief carvings considered among the finest in Taiwan.
• Baosheng Cultural Festival: A months-long celebration in spring featuring traditional opera, puppet shows, and over-fire walking rituals.

History

Founded in 1742 by Fujian settlers to enshrine the deity Baosheng Dadi (Great Emperor of Life Protection), a deified Song-dynasty physician. A meticulous 20-year restoration completed in 2002 earned the UNESCO heritage award.

Visitor Tips

• Free Tours: The temple offers free guided tours — check times at the information desk.
• Confucius Temple: Located directly across the street, making a combined visit easy.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.