☰Longshan Temple

Longshan Temple in the Wanhua district is the oldest and most atmospheric temple in central Taipei. Founded in 1738 by Fujianese settlers from the mainland and rebuilt many times since — most recently after being bombed in the Second World War — it is dedicated primarily to Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, though like most Taiwanese folk-religion temples it also houses dozens of other Taoist and Buddhist deities in its side halls. The building is a riot of carved stone, gilded wood and upturned swallowtail roofs. Come in the early evening when the working day ends: hundreds of locals crowd in with incense, offerings of fruit and paper, and the whole courtyard fills with the rhythmic chanting of sutras. Free entry.