Lao Da Gong Temple. -Attraction Introduction- With a history of over 150 years, Lao Da Gong Temple enshrines the souls of those who perished in the conflicts between the Zhangzhou and Quanzhou factions during the Qing Dynasty over resource disputes. -Attraction Introduction- With a history of over 150 years, Lao Da Gong Temple enshrines the souls of those who perished in the conflicts between the Zhangzhou and Quanzhou factions during the Qing Dynasty over resource disputes. The people of Keelung respectfully call them 'Lao Da Gong' (Eldest Lords). To resolve the long-standing animosity between the two groups, it has been a tradition for over a century that the opening of the 'Ghost Gate' during the annual Ghost Festival begins at Lao Da Gong Temple, and the closing of the 'Ghost Gate' marks its solemn conclusion. -Attraction Features- Lao Da Gong Temple is listed as one of Keelung City's '100 Historical Landmarks,' possessing profound cultural depth and local sentiment. During the annual Ghost Festival, the temple is bustling with incense and visitors participating in the appeasement rituals, creating a lively yet solemn atmosphere. Despite being tucked away in an alley, Lao Da Gong Temple has long carried the local respect for the unseen world and witnessed the continuation and cohesion of centuries-old beliefs. Notably, unlike other traditional customs, Lao Da Gong Temple acts as a delicate act of tolerance and tenderness from the living world to the departed souls, extending the 'closing of the Ghost Gate' to the first day of the eighth lunar month, allowing the deceased to linger a little longer and depart contentedly. -Recommended Activities- Lao Da Gong Temple, with its flourishing incense, fully preserves the traditional rituals. During the annual Ghost Festival, the 'opening of the Ghost Gate' commences at Lao Da Gong Temple, commonly known as the opening of the ghost gate. At the closing of the ghost gate, Taoist priests perform rituals such as 'Dancing Zhong Kui' and 'Burning the Da Shi Ye' to 'close the Ghost Gate'.
Address: 基隆市安樂區樂一路76巷37號
Hours: 00:00–23:59
Keelung