Chieh-Hsiu-Gong Temple, Taipei

Chieh-Hsiu-Gong Temple is smaller in size after Taiwan Highway 1 was constructed when the temple yard was used for high way exit under eminent domain law. However, the temple is still an important Taoist temple in Taiwan, because it strictly observes traditional Taoist ceremony inside the temple hall.nnVisitors can find the temple easily, because it is located at the right side of Highway 1 Exit to enter Chongqing North Road, Taipei. Visitors who are interested in Taoist ceremony may try 1st and 15th days of the month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar and other special Taoist deity birthdays.nnThe temple was popular in 1960s and 1970s when it still had yard before Highway 1 was built, because it did hold quarterly vegetarian dinner at its yard for its believers. Participants generally had simple shared vegetarian dishes on the big round table and chatted local events, without touching political taboos.nnBut, the temple was also a gather place for intellectuals , especially for the dissident Taiwanese scholars or silent Taiwan scholars who loved Taiwan. Up to now, even a few non-partisan government officers in Taiwan do attend the religious ceremony there, such as Taiwan Central Bank Governor, Fai-Nan Perng, and donate for the temple's charity causes, such as giving poor children scholarships and medical facilities to hospitals. The temple also has meal program for the poor in winter.nnFor annual Chinese new year, the temple is often one of the temples for Taipei mayor or Taiwan president to visit on the first day of the new year.nnThe temple publishes its Chinese farmer colander annually and gives free to the visitors.