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Visit the serene Zhongtai Zen Temple for meditation and spiritual reflection, explore the temple grounds, attend a Zen tea ceremony, and enjoy the tranquil environment surrounded by nature.
Located in Yixin Village, Puli Township, Nantou County, Taiwan, Chung Tai Chan Monastery has over 80 branches across Taiwan and regularly hosts meditation activities. Chung Tai Chan Monastery is a sprawling structure, showcasing a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles. Its towering, imposing rooftops create the illusion of a meditating practitioner seated amidst the mountains.
Monk Huijue and renowned architect Mr. Li Zuyuan integrated Chinese and Western techniques with the style of ancient monasteries into the architecture of Chung Tai Chan Monastery, blending art, scholarship, religion, and culture into one, which is truly admirable. In addition to its admirable architecture, Chung Tai Chan Monastery also boasts comprehensive hardware facilities, including a meditation hall, the Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Bodhisattvas, the Hall of the Three Buddhas, a lecture hall, a reception room, a dormitory, and a dining hall for believers to visit and use.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
Four Heavenly Kings Hall
The Four Heavenly Kings are the gods who protect Buddhism. They are Dhritarashtra in the East, Virūdhaka in the South, Virūpākṣa in the West, and Vaiśravaṇa in the North. Their statues hold instruments that symbolize good weather, favorable harvests, national peace, and people's safety. The Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings is the main hall of Chung Tai Chan Monastery.
Main HallEdit
The Main Hall of the Chung Tai Chan Monastery is located on the second floor of the main building and can be reached by going up the stairs from the Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings. The Main Hall is the main hall in the Buddhist monastery where Buddha statues are enshrined. A statue of Sakyamuni Buddha carved from Indian red granite sits in the center of the hall. The Buddha has great wisdom and can subdue demons and grievances, and he is majestic and powerful, so he is called "Mahaprajna".
Ksitigarbha Hall
The Ksitigarbha Hall at Chung Tai Chan Monastery enshrines the Great Vow Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. The deity, carved from Brazilian white jade, sits upon a lotus pedestal inscribed with the six totems of the Path of Destiny, presented in relief. The entire back wall is inscribed with the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's Original Vow and Merit Sutra, completed using sandblasting computer technology. The text, totaling over 10,000 characters, is the largest in Taiwan and is truly astonishing.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours
free
8:00-17:30 (open until 17:00 in winter)
Zhongtai Zen Temple is a prominent Buddhist temple in Nantou, Taiwan, known for its role in Zen Buddhist practice. The temple serves as a center for meditation, spiritual teachings, and Buddhist ceremonies, attracting both locals and tourists seeking peace and reflection.
Zhongtai Zen Temple is located in the hills of Nantou, Taiwan. You can reach it by taking a taxi or private car from the nearby town of Nantou. Public transportation options are limited, so it's best to arrange for a taxi or rental car for convenience.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon for a peaceful atmosphere, avoiding the midday crowds.
There is no entrance fee for visiting the temple. Donations are welcome to support the temple's activities. Tickets or passes are not required, but you can make donations at the temple's designated spots.
No need to book tickets in advance. Visitors can simply show up during opening hours. Group tours may require advance booking if you wish for a guided experience.
A visit to the Zhongtai Zen Temple can typically take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether you wish to participate in a meditation session or tea ceremony, or simply walk around the temple grounds.
Don’t miss the main prayer hall, the serene meditation spaces, and the peaceful gardens surrounding the temple. The temple’s beautiful architecture and tranquil environment make it a perfect place for reflection.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and they provide valuable insights into the temple’s history and Zen practices. English-language tours may be available on request, but it's advisable to check in advance.
The best viewpoints are around the temple’s main hall, where you can capture beautiful shots of the surrounding natural landscapes, including lush mountains and serene gardens. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for photography.
Start by visiting the main prayer hall, then proceed to the meditation areas. Afterward, stroll through the peaceful gardens and take time to reflect by the ponds. Finish with a visit to the Zen tea ceremony if available.
The temple does not have special night visits or light shows. However, the evening hours can be peaceful for those who wish to experience the temple’s tranquil atmosphere as the day winds down.
The temple is generally peaceful and not overly crowded. Weekdays, especially early mornings or late afternoons, tend to be quieter. Weekends may attract more visitors, particularly for temple ceremonies.
The temple has basic facilities, including toilets and rest areas. There is no dedicated food court, but you can find small tea areas for refreshments. A few souvenir shops may sell Buddhist-related items.
The temple is somewhat accessible for elderly visitors, though there are some steep areas on the grounds. Children can explore the temple and its surroundings, but accessibility for disabled visitors may be limited in some parts due to uneven terrain.
Cash is recommended for donations and purchases at the temple. Mobile payments and credit cards may not be widely accepted, so it’s best to carry cash in Taiwan’s local currency.
While there are no restaurants inside the temple, there are a few local restaurants nearby offering traditional Taiwanese food. For more variety, the town of Nantou offers a wide selection of eateries.
Vegetarian options are available at many nearby restaurants, as Taiwan has a strong vegetarian culture. Vegan and halal options may be more limited but can be found in larger towns like Nantou.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in the town of Nantou, about 20-30 minutes by car from the temple. Recommended options include the Lealea Garden Hotels and Sun Moon Lake hotels.
Nearby attractions include the famous Sun Moon Lake, which is about a 30-minute drive from the temple. You can also visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village or the Cingjing Farm as part of a day trip.
There are small souvenir shops near the temple selling Buddhist-related items like prayer beads, incense, and Zen-themed artwork. Traditional Taiwanese handicrafts and local tea are also popular souvenirs.
The best options to continue your trip are by taxi, rental car, or public bus, especially if you plan to visit nearby Sun Moon Lake or the town of Nantou. Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring the region further.
