Grand temples for business, love, and exam success
Explore temples where Taiwanese pray for different reasons
Taiwan’s religious landscape is a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, and Chinese folk religion, with smaller Christian and Muslim communities. There are more than 15,000 registered temples across the island, according to Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior, dedicated to a wide range of gods, historical figures, and local deities.
Many people don't just follow one belief system. Practices overlap, and religious belief tends to be flexible and personal. Going to the temple is part of everyday life for many, whether it's to pray for health, relationships, exam results, or general good luck.
Visitors are welcome in most temples in Taipei. You can usually take photos, as long as you don't disturb people praying. Many of the temples have impressive architectural features — think detailed carvings, intricately painted interiors, and layered roofs, as noted by Taiwan’s Tourism Administration.
In March 2026, This Is Taipei visited three temples people turn to when they need a bit of luck in different spheres of life.
#1: Xingtian Temple
Where Taipei goes for business luck
Located, unsurprisingly, near Xingtian Temple MRT Station, this is where locals come to pray for business success. The temple is devoted to Lord Guan, a widely respected deity known as the god of war and a patron of businesspeople, according to Taiwan’s Tourism Administration.
Xingtian Temple attracts around 10,000 visitors a day. It feels highly organized, with busy people queuing up to pray quickly, according to Taipei City’s official tourism website.
Unlike in many Taiwanese temples, there is no incense burning here, so it's a good place to visit if you are sensitive to air quality.
Blue-robed volunteers keep things moving, guiding visitors and carrying out temple duties.
One of the most popular rituals here is shou jing (收驚), a blessing said to calm the spirit and restore a sense of ease. Queues for it are common throughout the day.
Architecturally, the temple is more minimalist in overall visual design than many others in Taipei, though you’ll still spot carved dragons and traditional detailing throughout.
#2: Xiahai City God Temple
The temple that plays matchmaker
Located near the southern end of Dihua Street, widely regarded as one of Taipei’s oldest commercial streets dating back to the Qing Dynasty, Taipei Xiahai City God Temple is closely associated with prayers for love and relationships.
The temple is dedicated to the City God, but it is particularly known for its connection to Yue Lao, the deity of marriage in Chinese folk religion, who is believed to match people with suitable partners
According to temple guidance materials and local tourism sources, visitors typically follow a structured ritual that includes purchasing offerings such as incense and symbolic paper items, introducing themselves to Yue Lao, and stating their wishes clearly.
Yue Lao is traditionally associated with red threads that bind couples together in fate, and offerings such as sweets are commonly presented as part of the ritual practice.
If a relationship results, worshippers are expected to return to the temple to give thanks, a practice rooted in reciprocal devotion common in Taiwanese folk religion.
#3: Wenchang Temple
Especially busy when Taipei is deep in exam season
Located near Zhongshan Linear Park, this temple is dedicated to Lord Wenchang, the god of culture and literature. It's one of Taipei’s most popular spots for students hoping for academic success.
The temple dates back to the Qing dynasty, and is often associated with the origins of Taipei’s public school system, according to the Taipei City Government.
This connection between temples and education is part of a broader tradition in which religious sites also functioned as centers of learning and moral instruction.
These days, it’s especially busy during exam season. Students come to pray and leave offerings with the hope this will help improve their results.
If you visit, check out what people have left. Tangerines represent good luck, scallions stand for intelligence, kumquats signal exam success, and turnips are tied to good fortune.
In conclusion...
The reasons for visiting these three temples are often different, but the idea is the same. Whether it’s business, love, or exam results, people come with something in mind and hope a prayer or an offering might shift things in their favor.
You don’t need to believe to take part, and visitors are welcome.
