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Donglong Temple, located in Donggang Town, Pingtung County, Taiwan , is a Taoist temple. It is also a famous center of worship for kings in southern Taiwan and the center of faith in Donggang. The main deity is Wen Fu Qiansui.
According to legend, during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, immigrants living in the Donggang area began worshipping the deity Wenfu Qiansui. In 1706 , a large number of logs bearing the inscription " Donggang Wenji " were found floating on the Donggang coast . The deity indicated that Wenfu Qiansui intended to build a temple there, so the villagers built the temple and named it " Donglong Palace , " meaning " Donggang Prosperity . "
The Donggang Donglong Temple King Boat Festival is well-known in Taiwan and is held every three years. During this festival, a magnificent king boat is built and, after a complex religious ceremony, cremated. It is hoped that the king can take away the plague god and ghost from the village.
The " King's Boat Burning Ceremony " takes place in April and September of the lunar calendar . The Donggang event is the most spectacular and celebrated throughout Taiwan. Besides the temple fair activities, the final day's King's Boat Burning Ceremony is the climax of the entire festival. So, if you can catch this event, you're sure to be in for a feast for the eyes.
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Donglong Palace, established in 1694, is a significant Taoist temple in the Hengchun Peninsula, dedicated to the worship of Mazu, the sea goddess. It is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history, playing a central role in the religious and cultural life of the region. The temple is part of the larger Mazu pilgrimage network in Taiwan.
Donglong Palace is located in the Hengchun Township of Pingtung County, Taiwan. It can be reached by taxi from the Hengchun bus station or local hotels. The area is also accessible by local buses, and it is possible to explore the temple on foot once in the township.
The temple is open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Entrance to Donglong Palace is free of charge, as it is a religious site. However, visitors may choose to donate at the temple or purchase souvenirs from the temple shop.
No, there is no need to book tickets in advance as the temple does not have an entry fee. However, for special ceremonies or events, it is recommended to check with the temple in advance.
A visit to the temple usually takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you plan to explore the surrounding area and participate in a religious ceremony, you may want to allow more time.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, but it is best to inquire in advance. The temple does not offer audio guides.
Good photography spots include the temple's front courtyard, the ornate temple carvings, and the surrounding landscape, which offers views of the Hengchun area.
Start by exploring the main hall and its intricate details, then take a walk around the temple grounds, and if possible, observe a religious ceremony. Don’t forget to visit the courtyard and take in the surrounding view.
There are no special night visits or light shows. However, the temple may host special events during traditional festivals or religious holidays, so it's worth checking the schedule for those.
The temple is generally not crowded, but weekends and religious festivals can see an influx of visitors. To avoid crowds, visit during weekdays or early mornings.
The temple has basic facilities, including toilets. There is also a small shop where visitors can purchase religious items or souvenirs. Food and drink are available at nearby local restaurants.
The temple is accessible for elderly and children, but some areas may involve stairs. There is no specific disabled access to all areas, but the main hall can be reached easily.
Cash is accepted for donations and purchases in the temple shop. Mobile payments and cards may not be widely accepted, so it's best to carry cash.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in the nearby eateries, though halal food may be harder to find in this region.
The temple shop offers religious items such as incense, Mazu figurines, and traditional Taiwanese crafts. Souvenir shops in the nearby town offer local handicrafts and snacks.
Taxis, buses, or rental scooters are ideal for continuing your trip after visiting the temple. Hengchun and Kenting offer easy access to other attractions in the region.
