Chung Tai Chan Monastery, A modern sanctuary of serenity and spirituality

No.2 Zhongtai Road, Puli Township, Nantou County

Taiwan is a place where religion and culture prosper

4.1

Introduction

Zhongtai Zen Temple is one of the must-visit attractions in the area around Sun Moon Lake. Designer Li Zuyuan combined Chinese and Western architectural elements to create this stone building, symbolizing the perseverance and eternalness of spiritual practice. Seen from the side, the main building resembles a meditator sitting in the green mountains, while from the front, it resembles a ready-to-launch jet, symbolizing the realm of Zen Buddhism's "sudden enlightenment, instant realization." This unique form caused quite a sensation when it was first built. At night, when the lights are on, the entire building shines with brilliant radiance, even more spectacular than Disneyland's castle. Although some jokingly nickname it "the spooky temple" at night, its style combines the innovative spirit of the era with the ancient spirit of Zen Buddhism without losing its charm. In addition, Zhongtai Zen Temple also houses a Buddhist historical relic museum, which collects a wealth of Buddhist artifacts, including stone carvings of Shakyamuni Buddha from the Northern Zhou Dynasty 1500 years ago, temple buildings, Buddha statues, murals, paintings, carvings, calligraphy, etc., possessing rich artistic and religious connotations. Even if you only admire the main building at a glance, it is worth a visit.