Xuanguang Temple. During the Sino-Japanese War, the Japanese took the skull relic of Master Xuanzang from Nanjing. After the war, part of the skull relic was given to the Buddhist Association of the Republic of China. In 1955, the relic was brought to Taiwan, and in 1958, it was enshrined at Xuanguang Temple by Sun Moon Lake. During the Sino-Japanese War, the Japanese took the skull relic of Master Xuanzang from Nanjing. After the war, part of the skull relic was given to the Buddhist Association of the Republic of China. In 1955, the relic was brought to Taiwan, and in 1958, it was enshrined at Xuanguang Temple by Sun Moon Lake. Xuanguang Temple is only about ten meters from the lake, and there is a pier below the temple. Tourists can take a boat to the pier and then walk up the steps to visit. The temple enshrines a golden statue of Master Xuanzang, with a plaque above it inscribed with "National Grand Master." Although Master Xuanzang's skull relic has been moved to Xuanzang Temple, Xuanguang Temple has become a must-visit attraction for tourists to Sun Moon Lake due to its convenient water transportation. The architecture of Xuanguang Temple is in the Tang Dynasty style. Because it was originally planned as a temporary resting place for Master Xuanzang's skull relic, it lacks the grandeur of glazed tiles and vermilion pillars, appearing simple and elegant, which evokes a sense of ancient history. Built by the lake, visitors can enjoy the beautiful waters of Sun Moon Lake up close, as if in a picturesque landscape. In front of the temple, there is a large stone carved with "Sun Moon Lake" and "Xuanguang Temple," which is a popular spot for tourists to take photos. Especially on holidays, the queue of people waiting to take pictures often winds around the small temple courtyard several times, creating another interesting scene.
Address: 南投縣魚池鄉日月村中正路338號
Hours: 00:00–23:59
Nantou