Best Temples to Visit in Taipei During Lunar New Year (2026 Guide)

easyta
6 hours ago
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While lion dances and holiday markets bring color and noise to the streets, temples are where you truly feel the spiritual heart of Lunar New Year in Taipei. This is when locals visit to pray for health, success, and protection in the year ahead, filling temple courtyards with incense smoke, lantern light, and the sound of chanting.

If you're visiting during this festive season, adding a temple visit to your itinerary offers a meaningful cultural experience alongside the celebrations covered in our complete Lunar New Year guide to Taipei.

Longshan Temple. Colorful lanterns adorn an ornate temple facade at night, featuring intricate carvings and vibrant patterns, under a deep blue sky. — **Longshan Temple** *by Yu tptw via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0*

What Happens at Temples During Lunar New Year?

The New Year period is the busiest and most important time on the temple calendar.

Here’s what you’ll notice:

Worshippers lining up to offer incense and prayers
Red lanterns and festive decorations covering temple roofs and gates
Special prayer ceremonies and chanting rituals
Firecrackers being set off to drive away bad luck and welcome fresh fortune

Many major temples also stay open later than usual, especially on Lunar New Year’s Eve and the first few days of the holiday.

It can be crowded, smoky, and loud — but that’s part of the powerful, unforgettable atmosphere.

Most Atmospheric Temples to Visit in Taipei

🛕 Longshan Temple

Longshan Temple is Taipei’s most famous temple and one of the most impressive places to experience Lunar New Year traditions. Built in the 18th century, it blends Buddhist, Taoist, and folk deities, drawing worshippers from all walks of life.

During New Year, the temple is filled with chanting ceremonies, glowing lanterns, and thick swirls of incense, creating a deeply immersive cultural scene.

📍Location: Wanhua District, Longshan Temple MRT Station (Blue Line)

Longshan Temple. Golden incense burner with ornate designs emits smoke in a bustling temple setting. People gather around. Traditional architecture in the background. — **Longshan Temple** *by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 3.0*

🛕 Songshan Ciyou Temple

Located in Songshan District, this beautifully decorated temple is dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. Its intricate roof carvings and colorful façade make it especially photogenic during the holiday season when lanterns and lights add to the festive mood.

Because it sits next to Raohe Night Market, it’s easy to combine temple traditions with Taipei street food in one evening.

📍Location: Songshan District, Songshan MRT Station (Green Line)

Songshan Ciyou Temple. Crowd in colorful clothes gathers at ornate Chinese temple with red and gold details. Blue sky backdrop; festive banners and text visible. — **Songshan Ciyou Temple** *by 玄史生 via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC*

🛕 Bangka Qingshui Temple

Often overlooked by visitors, Bangka Qingshui Temple is one of Wanhua’s historic religious sites and offers a slightly more local feel than Longshan.

During Lunar New Year, the temple becomes lively with worshippers, offerings, and seasonal decorations, making it a great stop if you want to explore Taipei’s oldest neighborhood beyond the main tourist spots.

📍Location: Wanhua District, 10-min walk from Ximen MRT Station (Blue Line), and 10-min walk from Longshan Temple

Bangka Qingshui Temple, Ornate temple facade with intricate roof decorations, red doors, and lanterns. The building is set against a partly cloudy sky. — **Bangka Qingshui Temple** *by 張雅倫 via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC 4.0*

Quieter Temples for a More Peaceful Experience

If you prefer a calmer, more reflective atmosphere, Taipei also has Buddhist temples that focus more on meditation and prayer than festival noise.

🛕 Fo Guang Shan Taipei Vihara

Located in the city, this branch of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order offers a serene environment and often hosts New Year prayer events and blessings.

🛕 Dharma Drum Mountain (Taipei Branch)

Known for its emphasis on mindfulness and Buddhist teachings, Dharma Drum Mountain’s Taipei center provides a peaceful contrast to the busy folk temples, especially during the New Year period.

Tips for Visiting Temples During Lunar New Year in Taipei

🙏 Dress modestly — covered shoulders and knees are recommended

📵 Be respectful with photos — avoid interrupting worshippers

🕯 Watch locals first if you want to offer incense

👣 Expect large crowds, especially on New Year’s Eve and Day 1

🧧 Bring small cash if you wish to make a donation

A temple visit adds a deeper cultural layer to your Lunar New Year trip, balancing the excitement of lion and dragon dance performances and the buzz of Taipei’s festive markets. Taking a quiet moment among the lanterns and incense is often one of the most memorable parts of the holiday.