Tsushih Temple

The Tsushih Temple (which means "Temple of the Divine Master" in Chinese) in Sanxia is one of the world's finest examples of traditional Chinese temple art. It has been declared a third grade historic site.

Built in 1770, the temple was destroyed by an earthquake in 1833 and rebuilt in 1867. It was burned down by the Japanese army in 1895, and was in ruins by the end of the Second World War. The restoration project, which began in 1947, is still not completed.

The temple's restoration was led by the renowned artist Li Mei-shu. The restored carvings and sculptures are the work of Taiwanese artists. For all local and international visitors to admire are intricately carved stone and brozen columns, eight bronze statues, carved stone lions, and exquisite bronze figures depicting historic and legendary scenes. The temple's elaborate carvings of camphor wood are also excellent works of art.

The "Divine Master" is also known as Ma Chang Master or Peng Lai Master. He was an expert in medicine and a famous wizard. There are five gates in front of the Tsushih Temple, which symbolize the Divine Master's honorable and prestigious status. The temple comes to life during the Ghost Month, the seventh lunar month, as worshippers come from all over Taiwan to pay their respect.