Chingshui Temple

Chingshui Temple, also known as Tsushih Temple or the Divine Progenitor's Temple, was constructed in 1787. It is dedicated to the god Chingshui Tsushih. At that year, seven images of Chingshui Tsushih were brought to Taiwan by immigrants from Fukien Province's Anhsi County in the Chinese Mainland. The most powerful of these is believed to be the Penglai Divine Progenitor, also called the "Nose Dropping Divine Progenitor". Legend has it that when a disaster was about to happen, the nose of this image would fall off as a warning to his devotees, and would resume its position only after the calamity was over.

By the end of Japan's occupation of Taiwan, the Chingshui Temple had fallen into disrepair due to a lack of funds. In 1958, it was renovated again with donations and restored to its former glory.

Chingshui Temple's long history is reflected in its decoration. Visitors entering the temple are greeted by a pair of large dragon pillars in front of the central doors of the front court. The brick carvings on both sides of the outer wall date from the late 18th century and early 19th century, making them the oldest pieces of art in the temple. The sides of the southern hall are decorated with mosaics.

Also of interest are the inscriptions of Ching Dynasty reign periods on the beams, stone walls, and dragon pillars. Chingshui Temple has been called the most characteristic example of mid-Ching temple architecture in Taiwan.

Chingshui Temple is located in Kangding Road in Taipei City's Wanhua District.