2025-06-21
Introduction to Xiahai City God Temple
Tucked away on Dihua Street in the historic Dadaocheng district, Xiahai City God Temple may be small in size, but it holds a big place in the hearts of many Taiwanese people.
Despite its modest footprint, this temple draws crowds daily—locals praying for blessings, tourists drawn by its cultural charm, and even young couples looking for love. With its dense concentration of over 600 deities, it’s widely known as the temple with the highest number of gods in Taiwan per square meter.
Rooted in Over 160 Years of History
Founded in 1859 by immigrants from Quanzhou, Fujian, Xiahai City God Temple was originally established to protect the growing Dadaocheng trading port and its people. The main deity, Cheng Huang Ye (the City God), is believed to oversee justice, monitor human conduct, and maintain spiritual order.
Over time, the temple became a center for religious life and local festivals, enduring wars, colonization, and modernization—all while keeping its deep cultural roots intact.
Taiwan’s Most Famous Temple for Love
Although originally a justice temple, Xiahai is now especially famous for its Yue Lao (月下老人)—the beloved matchmaker god. It’s common to see long lines of visitors offering incense and red flowers, asking for romantic guidance, soulmates, or marriage blessings.
Visitors often take home a “red thread of fate”, said to spiritually connect destined partners. Whether you’re single, dating, or hoping to mend a relationship, this is the go-to temple in Taipei for love.
A Temple That Balances Protection, Morality, and Community
Besides love, many visit to seek protection, peace, and justice. The City God, along with his divine court—including the Civil and Military Judges, the Eight Generals, and Guardian Spirits—plays a symbolic role in evaluating right and wrong.
The temple is often visited by those going through legal trouble, moral dilemmas, or family difficulties. It’s also where many perform rituals of gratitude, returning to thank the deities after their prayers have been answered.
A Living Tradition in a Modern Neighborhood
Despite Taipei’s fast-paced lifestyle, Xiahai Temple remains a stronghold of tradition and spiritual life. It’s not only a religious site but a community gathering space. Locals take part in annual festivals such as the City God’s Birthday (Lunar May 13th), which includes colorful street processions, lion dances, and religious ceremonies.
The temple staff is friendly and welcoming to both locals and foreign visitors, often offering explanations, blessings, and even free matchmaking guidance.
An Unmissable Stop in Dadaocheng
Whether you’re religious or not, Xiahai City God Temple offers an unforgettable window into Taiwanese folk beliefs, rituals, and community spirit. Located along Dihua Street, it’s the perfect starting point for a day exploring heritage architecture, traditional tea shops, Chinese medicine stores, and local street food.
Just a few minutes from MRT Beimen Station, it’s easily accessible and worth including in any Taipei cultural itinerary. Stop by, offer a prayer, and perhaps walk away with a little more peace—or even love—in your life.
Deities Worshiped at Xiahai City God Temple
Located on Dihua Street in Taipei’s historic Dadaocheng area, Xiahai City God Temple is one of the most spiritually vibrant places in the city.
Though small in size, it houses over 600 deities, making it one of Taiwan’s densest temples in terms of spiritual presence. The temple is famous for blessings related to protection, matchmaking, and justice.
City God (Cheng Huang Ye 城隍爺)
Main Deity of the Temple
The City God is believed to watch over the moral behavior of both the living and the dead. People come here to pray for justice, protection, and peace in their lives or communities. He’s like a spiritual judge who keeps order.
City God’s Wife (Cheng Huang Furen 城隍夫人)
Known as a gentle and caring protector, the City God’s Wife is especially honored by women and couples.
She’s believed to protect marriages and bring harmony to the home. Worshippers often receive symbolic “happiness shoes” for good fortune in love or family life.
Yue Lao (The Old Man Under the Moon 月下老人)
The most popular deity for those looking for love.
People come here to pray for romantic luck, marriage, or better relationships. After praying, they often take home a red thread, said to tie you to your future partner.
Civil & Military Judges (Wen & Wu Pan Guan 文武判官)
These two figures assist the City God with divine judgment.
The Civil Judge handles moral and academic matters; the Military Judge deals with action and discipline.
They represent balance between intellect and strength in justice.
Eight Generals (Ba Jiang 八將) & Loyal Guardians
Fierce-looking warrior spirits who guard the temple and carry out the City God’s orders.
People pray to them for safety, courage, and to drive away bad energy or spirits.
Tiger Lord (Hu Ye 虎爺) & Horse Messenger (Ma Shi Ye 馬使爺)
These are the animal guardians of the temple.
Tiger Lord is often prayed to for health and protection from illness.
Horse Messenger helps with finding lost things or delivering messages to the spirit world.
Other Popular Deities
Though the City God is the star here, the temple also has small altars for:
Mazu, the goddess of the sea (protection for travelers)
Guanyin, the Buddhist goddess of compassion
Fude Zhengshen, the Earth God (wealth and luck)
Zizhannainian, a goddess for fertility and childbirth
How to Pray to Yue Lao at Xiahai City God Temple
When you arrive at the Yue Lao altar, take a moment to calm your mind and focus on your intention. Yue Lao is known as the divine matchmaker who binds destined couples with a red thread, so it’s important to approach with sincerity and an open heart.
Light Incense and Offerings
Pick up three incense sticks from the temple’s incense holder. Light them carefully, then hold them between both hands as a sign of respect. Bow three times while offering the incense in front of Yue Lao’s statue.
Make Your Wish or Prayer
Silently or softly speak your wish to Yue Lao. This can be a prayer for finding true love, strengthening a current relationship, or improving your romantic life.
Take the Red Thread of Fate
After praying, you can purchase a red thread (紅線) from the temple’s nearby stalls or shrine helpers. This thread symbolizes the invisible bond that connects destined lovers according to Chinese folklore. Tie the thread around your wrist, wear it as a bracelet, or keep it in a safe place to invite Yue Lao’s blessings into your life.
Express Gratitude and Leave Respectfully
Before leaving, bow once again to show your thanks. Many visitors return later to offer incense or thanks when their wishes are fulfilled. Remember to maintain a calm and respectful demeanor throughout your visit, as the temple is a sacred space for many worshippers.
Things to Do at Xiahai City God Temple
Pray to the City God for Protection and Justice
Begin your visit by offering incense and bowing at the main altar dedicated to the City God (Cheng Huang Ye). Known as the spiritual guardian of the city, he is believed to oversee justice, morality, and the well-being of the community. Many locals come here to seek protection from harm, resolve personal conflicts, or ask for guidance during difficult times. Make sure to follow the respectful temple etiquette by bowing three times and offering your wishes silently or aloud.
Key Point:
The City God is the temple’s principal deity, known for justice and protection.
Rituals involve incense lighting, respectful bowing, and heartfelt prayers.
Seek Blessings for Love from Yue Lao
One of the most popular activities is visiting the Yue Lao shrine, the god of matchmaking and romance. Singles and couples alike come here to pray for true love, a happy marriage, or to strengthen their relationships. You can also purchase a symbolic red thread (紅線), believed to tie destined lovers together. Tie it around your wrist or keep it with you as a charm. Many visitors leave love notes or offerings to Yue Lao, hoping for blessings in their romantic lives.
Key Point:
Yue Lao is revered as the god of matchmaking and love.
Visitors often purchase a red thread charm symbolizing destined relationships.
Explore the Temples’ Numerous Deities
Although the City God and Yue Lao are the stars, the temple is home to hundreds of other gods and spirits. Take time to walk around and discover shrines dedicated to the City God’s wife, the Civil and Military Judges, the Eight Generals, and guardian animal deities like the Tiger Lord. Each deity has a specific role, such as protection, justice, health, or fertility. You can offer prayers or light incense at any altar that resonates with your needs.
Key Point:
The temple features a large number of deities beyond the main gods.
Each deity serves specific roles like protection, justice, or health.
Participate in Traditional Rituals and Festivals
If your visit coincides with special dates, like the City God’s Birthday (typically in the lunar fifth month), you can witness lively processions, lion dances, and religious ceremonies. These festivals are a great way to experience Taiwanese folk religion in action and see how the temple serves as a vibrant community center. Visitors often join in the celebrations or simply observe the rich cultural performances.
Key Point:
Festivals include parades, lion dances, and religious rites.
Events highlight community spirit and cultural preservation.
Experience the Temple’s Cultural Atmosphere
Beyond the rituals, the temple grounds offer a peaceful retreat from Taipei’s busy streets. Enjoy the intricate traditional architecture, colorful decorations, and fragrant incense smoke swirling in the air. Take photos respectfully, soak in the atmosphere, and chat with friendly locals or temple staff who may offer insights into the temple’s history and practices.
Key Point:
The temple is rich in traditional Taiwanese religious art and architecture.
Visitors can enjoy a peaceful, sensory-rich environment.
Get a Spiritual Consultation or Fortune Telling
Some temples offer fortune-telling services or spiritual consultations, and Xiahai City God Temple occasionally has volunteers or fortune tellers who can give guidance based on traditional methods like kau cim (drawing bamboo sticks with written fortunes). If interested, approach politely and be open-minded—it’s a unique cultural experience.
Key Point:
Fortune telling via kau cim is available at or near the temple.
The practice offers guidance on personal and spiritual matters.
Temple Etiquette in Taiwan
Visiting a temple in Taiwan is both a spiritual and cultural experience, and it’s important to follow some basic etiquette to show respect.
Enter Through the Right Door, Exit on the Left
Which Doors Do I Walk Through?
Traditionally, the entrance and exit process follows a symbolic order. The main gate has three doors, and each has meaning in Taiwanese religious culture. Enter through the dragon gate (right side) and exit through the tiger gate (left side). The central door is usually reserved for the gods or special ceremonies—do not to walk through it unless permitted.
If you’re visiting a Temple for the first time, understanding which door to use—and why—can enhance both your cultural experience and your respect for local customs. Here’s a simple guide:
Enter Through the Dragon Door (Right Side)
As you face the temple from the front, the door on the right is called the “Dragon Gate” (龍門).
This is the proper entrance.
In Chinese culture, the dragon represents auspicious energy, power, and growth.
Visitors and worshippers should enter from the right side to show respect and follow tradition.
Exit Through the Tiger Door (Left Side)
After your visit or worship, exit using the door on the left, known as the “Tiger Gate” (虎門).
The tiger represents protection and balance in traditional belief.
Using this left-side exit follows the natural yin-yang flow of energy through the temple.
This practice symbolizes a complete spiritual journey—you enter to connect, and leave with blessing and harmony.
Avoid Walking Through the Center Door
Do not to walk through it unless permitted
The center door is usually reserved for gods, temple staff, or special religious leaders.
This door is considered sacred and is often roped off or left unused by the public.
Walking through the center gate is traditionally seen as disrespectful unless you are part of an official procession or ceremony.
Pro Tip: There are signs near the doors in Chinese (and often in English), but if unsure, follow what locals are doing — and walk quietly and respectfully.
Dress Code for Visiting Temples in Taiwan
Eating upon entering a temple is not permitted. You can enter most Taiwanese temples if you are wearing a vest, shorts, skirt, sandals, sunglasses, etc.
There is no special dress code for visiting temples in Taiwan. Just wear normal clothes. In the minds of locals, you can wear whatever you like, but you must dress modestly in the temple.
What to Wear
Taiwanese temples are generally welcoming, but modest and respectful attire is appreciated, especially in religious or prayer areas.
Recommended attire includes:
Tops: T-shirts, blouses, or shirts that cover the shoulders and chest
Bottoms: Pants, long skirts, or knee-length shorts
Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes or sandals (you usually don’t have to remove them unless entering a shrine room)
What to Avoid
While you won’t be turned away for casual wear, it’s best to avoid:
Very short shorts or mini skirts
Clothing with offensive logos, profanity, or heavy political messages
Cultural Considerations
No need for head coverings, unless you’re joining a specific Buddhist ritual where it’s customary.
Always dress more conservatively if you’re visiting during a religious holiday, festival, or ceremony.
Remove hats and sunglasses inside shrine areas as a sign of respect.
Be Quiet and Respectful
Keep your voice low and your phone on silent mode. Avoid running, shouting, or treating the temple like a tourist attraction. Photography is usually allowed in public areas but avoid flash or taking photos of worshippers.
Follow Local Customs When Drawing Fortune Sticks
When drawing a divination stick (求籤), first state your name, date of birth, and question silently to the deity. Shake the bamboo cylinder gently until one stick falls out. Be respectful with the ritual—even if you’re doing it for fun.
Bonus Tip: Ask If You’re Unsure
Temple volunteers or caretakers are often happy to help explain customs. If you’re not sure how to behave, simply observe locals or ask politely in English or with translation apps.
Opening Hours
Opening Hours: 07:00-19:00
Price
Cost: Free Entrance
The Best Time to Visit
Whenever you visit Dihua Street, it is located on Dihua Street.
Xia-Hai City God Temple is a beautiful and culturally rich spiritual landmark in Taipei. It provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience Taiwanese folk religion, divination practices, and traditional Chinese temple architecture.
Whether you are seeking blessings, experiencing the cultural atmosphere, or learning about Taiwan’s religious traditions, Xia-Hai City God Temple offers a fascinating and meaningful visit. Its deep ties to the local community, history, and folk beliefs make it an essential stop for anyone interested in Taipei’s spiritual and cultural life.
How to Get to Xiahai City God Temple
By MRT (Most Convenient Option)
Take the Taipei MRT Green Line (Songshan–Xindian Line) and get off at Beimen Station (北門站).
Use Exit 3 and walk for about 8–10 minutes along Tacheng Street and then Nanjing West Road.
Turn onto Dihua Street, and you’ll see the temple right in the heart of the historic Dadaocheng area.
This route is easy, fast, and brings you right into one of Taipei’s most charming neighborhoods.
By Bus
Several buses stop near the temple. Just get off and walk a few minutes.
Closest stops:
Dihua Street / Yongle Market (迪化街／永樂市場)
Yanping First Stop (延平一站)
Nanjing W. Road Intersection (南京西路口)
Popular buses: 9, 250, 302, 304, 660, 757, Red 25, Blue Tourist Shuttle.
Great option if you’re already on a bus route or exploring the city by public transport.
Quick Tips:
Use an EasyCard for smooth MRT/bus rides.
Combine your visit with nearby spots like Yongle Market, Dadaocheng Wharf, or Dihua Street