Donglong Temple is a Taoist temple in Donggang, Pingtung County, founded in 1706. It is a centre of Wang Yeh worship and one of the best-known temples in Taiwan. Its ornate design and a gold-coloured tower in front of the building make it easy to spot. The grounds are often busy with worshippers. Visitors who come on the right day can see drum shows, full-dressed rehearsals and ritual events. Traditional Taiwanese opera is sometimes staged near the entrance, and a free car park sits by the front gate.
From 1706 to the Ying-Wang ritual
Donglong Temple was founded in 1706. Today it is a centre of Wang Yeh worship in this part of Pingtung County, and it has become one of the most popular temples in Taiwan.
The temple hosts the Ying-Wang, the biggest traditional ritual in Donggang. It runs for a week and is held once every three years. The ceremonies welcome the Heaven's Envoy, who is believed to bring blessings to the town and its people.
The ritual follows a set order. It begins with a Greeting held on the beach. Fire walking follows, which is meant to remove bad luck. A Parade then carries the Heaven's Envoy around the villages. The climax is the Farewell, when a large wooden boat is burned to send the envoy back to the heavens.
What to see on the grounds
The temple's ornate architecture is the first thing most visitors notice. A gold-coloured tower stands in front of the building, and the main hall is busy with people praying.
If you visit on an ordinary day, the visit is a relaxed stroll around the temple area. Traditional Taiwanese opera is sometimes performed near the front entrance, and the free car park is close to the front gate.
You may also see Taoist practitioners at work during ceremonies, so keep to the edges of any procession and do not block the path of those taking part.
Visiting during events
Drum shows and rituals are the main reason to time a visit. A full-dressed rehearsal in the evening and a performance at the entrance have both been staged on different days, so confirm the schedule before you travel.
The temple is at its most crowded during Lunar New Year. Cars line the roads, and on the second day of the holiday, some visitors have chosen to skip going inside and photograph the temple from outside.
The wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom and parking lot make the grounds easier to reach for visitors with mobility needs.
Nearby
A shaved ice shop stands beside the temple. Its mango shaved ice is well liked during mango season, and prices are reasonable.
The town has several seafood restaurants, which make a good meal after a visit.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there parking at Donglong Temple?
Yes. There is a free car park near the front gate, and the temple also lists a wheelchair accessible parking lot.
How often is the Ying-Wang ritual held?
The Ying-Wang ritual is held once every three years. It lasts about a week and is the biggest traditional ritual in Donggang.
Do I need tickets?
Some events have been watched without tickets, but ticket rules can change. Check the temple's website before you go.
When should I avoid visiting?
Avoid Lunar New Year, when the temple is very crowded and traffic around it is heavy.
Is the temple wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, restroom and parking lot are listed as wheelchair accessible.
