KaiChen Temple (Ten Kwong Temple)

Updates : 2022-08-29

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Introduction

The KaiChen Temple is the "Ten Kwong Temple". The majestic three-story building enshrines the Jade Emperor, and is located on Wushi Alley, but its main entrance is found near the Fushan Temple on Rt. 102. The cornices on the temple's roof feature intricate carvings and workmanship, a distinctive trait among Taiwanese temples.

The temple's geographic location makes it the highest temple in the Jiufen region, just beating the Fushan Temple across Rt. 102 by a hair.

According to the inscriptions written by Mr. Yu Jinzi in the main hall, the temple was first conceived in 1955 by the author's father, Yu Changxing. He was terribly ill and bedridden at the time, when one day he opened his eyes and spoke of dreaming of the deity Guan Gong and his wife by his bedside. In wake of the divine intervention, he asked his friends to set up rituals to invite the deities, and the gods ly answered their call. That same night he again dreamt of a saint giving him an elixir and telling him: "The Jade Emperor" has decided that a temple shall be set up on this ground, so the gods can save all mortal souls; it shall be named "KaiChen." Afterwards Yu Changxing recovered from the illness and began constructing the temple foretold in his dreams. Thirty years have gone by since, once again the gods offered salvation and intervened to save the temple from all the cracked walls and flooding it suffered through the years. By 1988, the KaiChen Temple was renovated to its appearance today with funding raised by the residents.

References: Onsite interview

How to Get There

Choose a transportation method based on your departure location.

ShueiNanDong Golden Waterfall

The “Golden Waterfall is located right beside the road at ShueiNanDong. One can see water gushing out from underground. After seeping through mining areas and contacting with sulfur, arsenic and copper ores, the redox and iron synthesis transformed the water into a golden acidic mineral water with a tint of orange. Seen from afar it looks like a gigantic wall of golden rock cliff, reputed as the “Golden Waterfall” by later generations for the spectacle.

Fulong Train Station

Fulong has always been one of the most popular attractions for all tourists visiting Northern Taiwan in summertime, and its bento and beach would be what Fulong is most famous for. Once stepping outside Fulong Train Station, visitors will see four to five bento shops, bike shops, and beach essentials shops all packed with customers. Cycling tourists who want to challenge the Old Caoling Tunnel can rent a bike and also get a bento here – be sure to hit the road after you are full. Before you set off, don’t forget to first put on your sunscreen and prepare plentiful supplies of water and snacks! Fulong Train Station is probably Taiwan Railways’ most “fragrant” train station. Once stepping out of the train station, visitors will immediately smell the aromatic bento. On the weekends, you can often see people each holding a bento in hand and enjoying it in big bites right over the steps of the Train Station’s entrance.