Visiting Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, besides circling the lake, taking a boat, or cycling, there is another well-known attraction along the lakeside road that combines religious culture with natural scenery—Xuanzang Temple at Sun Moon Lake. The temple features elegant Tang-style architecture, with a tranquil and refined environment. The third floor of the main hall enshrines the precious parietal bone relic of Master Xuanzang. Outside the temple, an observation deck offers views of Sun Moon Lake’s scenery and Lalu Island, making it a must-visit spot when planning Sun Moon Lake attractions.

Xuanzang Temple Archway at Sun Moon Lake

Approaching Xuanzang Temple, the first sight is the solemn archway.

The outer walls of the archway are painted with the Map of Master Xuanzang’s Journey to the Western Regions for Buddhist Scriptures and silhouettes of Xuanzang’s pilgrimage, presenting through images and text the historical story of this Tang Dynasty monk who endured hardships to seek teachings in India. This allows visitors to gain a preliminary understanding of Master Xuanzang’s life before entering the temple.

Sun Moon Lake Xuanzang Temple | Temple Introduction

The main building of Xuanzang Temple adopts an elegant Tang-style architectural design, with red pillars, green tiles, and flying eaves and dougong brackets, showcasing a rustic and solemn architectural character.

The temple was built in 1965 (the 54th year of the Republic of China) primarily to commemorate the great contributions of Tang Dynasty monk Master Xuanzang in traveling to the Western Regions for Buddhist scriptures and promoting Buddhism, while also enshrining Master Xuanzang’s parietal bone relic.

Xuanzang Temple faces the lake with mountains behind it, backed by Qinglong Mountain and directly facing the famous Lalu Island of Sun Moon Lake. In feng shui, it is known as “Green Dragon Playing with Pearl,” adding to the temple’s sacred and solemn atmosphere.

Three-Story Buddhist Hall Tour

Xuanzang Temple is divided into three floors, each enshrining different Buddha statues and sacred objects.

First Floor Main Hall: Enshrines a statue of Master Xuanzang.
Second Floor: Enshrines a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva.
Third Floor: Enshrines the precious parietal bone relic of Master Xuanzang, one of the most important sacred sites in the temple.

Buddhist Guardian Deity Statues, Bell Tower, and Drum Tower

In front of the Sun Moon Lake Xuanzang Temple building, on both sides, are two bronze guardian deity statues commonly seen in Buddhist temples, imposing and solemn.

On both sides of the temple stand the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, complementing the main hall to complete the overall architecture and showcase traditional Buddhist temple features.

Additionally, the outdoor garden area features a solemn standing statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Master Xuanzang Memorial Hall

To the left of Xuanzang Temple stands the Master Xuanzang Memorial Hall, topped by a striking white jade statue of Guanyin.

The hall provides detailed information on Master Xuanzang’s life, his journey to the Western Regions for scriptures, the story of the parietal bone relic’s transmission, and the architectural features and location of Xuanzang Temple, making it an important place for deeper understanding of Xuanzang culture.

The Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang spent 17 years traveling to India to seek Buddhist teachings, returning with 657 Buddhist scriptures. After returning, he and his disciples translated 1,335 volumes of sutras and treatises, profoundly influencing the inheritance and development of Buddhist culture.

During the Sino-Japanese War, Master Xuanzang’s parietal bone relic was taken to Japan. In 1955, part of the relic was returned to Taiwan and initially enshrined at Xuanguang Temple at Sun Moon Lake. After Xuanzang Temple was completed in 1965, the relic was formally enshrined there, becoming the temple’s most precious sacred object.

Sun Moon Lake Xuanzang Temple | Souvenir Shop

The Sun Moon Lake Xuanzang Temple grounds include a souvenir shop selling various Buddhist artifacts, peace souvenirs, and local specialties.

It also offers light refreshments like coffee and tea, allowing visitors to rest after paying respects and enjoy the leisurely, tranquil atmosphere of Sun Moon Lake.

Sun Moon Lake Xuanzang Temple | Lakeside Observation Deck

Besides its religious and cultural features, the observation deck outside the temple is a popular photo spot recommended by many travelers.

From the deck, visitors can take in the vast lake views of Sun Moon Lake, gaze at Lalu Island, and appreciate the scenic beauty that changes with the seasons. Whether it’s the clear blue waters on a sunny day or misty mountain landscapes, the views are unforgettable.

Further Reading

Nantou Yuchi Attractions | Sun Moon Lake Xuanguang Temple and Xuanguang Pier One-Day Trip, Must-Try Jinpen Grandma’s Tea Eggs

Nantou Yuchi Attractions [Sun Moon Lake Cien Pagoda] Cien Pagoda Trail, Plum Blossom Viewing, Enjoying Sun Moon Lake Scenery

Sun Moon Lake Café [Lake Monster Coffee] Featuring Baked Lake Monster Red Turtle Cakes

Nantou Yuchi Cuisine | Mushan Water Garden | Coffee Shop Near Toushe Active Basin at Sun Moon Lake, Home-Grown Ingredients, Set Meals, Handmade Desserts

Adam Bookstore | Sun Moon Lake’s Most Beautiful Independent Bookstore! Concrete Architecture, Art Exhibitions, Coffee and Light Meals, Combining Reading and Mountain Scenery

Sun Moon Lake Black Tea House Restaurant | Popular Yuchi Cuisine, Black Tea Dishes, Menu, Parking Info

Nantou Yuchi Attractions [Jinlong Mountain] Low-Altitude Sunrise Holy Land | Jinlong Mountain Dawn Trail

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