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Meet The God Of Literature And Visit Taichung’s Oldest Temple

Nantun district seems to be nothing more than a modern neighborhood without much for the visitor. Appearances can be deceptive sometimes…

Behind the tall buildings, the trendy shops, and the 7/11s are two of the most rewarding sights in the city. One is a historical relic, the other, a Taiwanese shortcut for passing exams.

wanhe wenchang temple taichung taiwan

Wenchang Temple, dedicated to the God of literature, is popular with young students. Every day, dozens appear here from all over the area to bai-bai (pray) for good marks.

taichung boy praying

The believer will usually buy a bundle of incense at the entrance and walk around the shrine, from one incense burner to another, making series of bows, asking for help… looking vulnerable.

(I guess my presence didn’t help that poor boy…)

wanhe wenchang

Here is my favorite part… After all the sticks have gone to the heavens in smoke, a photocopy of an ID card, a passport, or a test application form is placed in a plastic box in front of the altar. Where does all that paper go? I’d guess they burn it. Taiwanese love burning stuff!

chinese painting

Also known as the God of Culture, Wenchang Di (the guy in the center I guess), can be found on paintings all over Taiwan in temples, schools and in the homes of well-educated Taiwanese people.

chinese people praying

Back to school? Probably not. Surely, many youngsters have no interest in all this and refuse to follow the tradition. Wenchang Temple is also popular with elders who probably worry about their grandkids’ academic results.

wanhe temple taichung taiwan

Next door, Wanhe Temple is Taichung’s oldest place of worship. The original shrine was built under the Qing Dynasty in 1683. It’s dedicated to Matsu, the most important deity in Taiwan. The place gets really busy on weekends and holidays.

chinese opera taiwan

Traditional Chinese opera and other dance performances are often hosted right across the street in front of Wanhe Temple.

old chinese house

If you feel like walking after visiting the two temples, head for Nantun Old Street. It’s just a short walk north. You’ll see some old shophouses selling useless traditional handmade stuff and older looking buildings that are quite photogenic.

chinese traditional market taichung taiwan

Hungry? Nantun Traditional Market is right behind the temples and is a good place to have a quick bite at one of the many cheap food stalls.

What’s that woman doing on the picture…? Fair question. She’s using a welding propane gas torch to burn the hair off the skin of a pig. Simple. And I heard her cousin sells the best pork buns in town at a stall opposite her… pig welding shop! Bon appetit.

Hours:
Every day, 5:30am to 10pm.
Admission:
Free
Address:
Corner of Nantun Rd. sec2 and Wanhe Rd.
Bus:
Renyou buses #10, #30, #40

Return from God Of Literature Temple to Taichung

Wild East B&B Guesthouse Kenting

Filed Under: Taichung Tagged With: Attraction, Temple

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ugo taiwanese secrets websiteI’m the weirdo behind this site. I’ve been living in Taiwan since 2000, so basically I’ve spent half my life here. I have a big passion for everything Formosa and I’ve been working on this website since 2008 to share the beauty of Taiwan with the world! Read more about me.

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