From the entrance doors with their giant wooden guardians to the delightful 18 lohan reliefs, only top-quality materials and artists, both Taiwanese and foreign, were used during the temple’s construction. Another highlight is the seven-storey indoor pagoda, which was built without any metal nails or screws.
This 43-storey temple is more than just one of the quirkiest buildings in Taiwan (think tiled mosque meets rocket ship) – it's a global centre of Buddhist academic research, culture and the arts. Opened in 2001, it represents an international branch of Buddhism founded by the Venerable Master Wei Chueh, the master who is said to have revived the Chan (Zen) tradition in Taiwan.
The temple was designed by Taipei 101 architect CY Lee, who embraced, rather than shunned, modern technology in its design, which is why it has won numerous deserved awards for its lighting and design.
Several resident nuns speak good English, and it is their responsibility to give guided tours to any and all visitors. Reservations must be made three days in advance.
There are also weekly meditation classes held in English, and weeklong retreats during Chinese New Year and summer. Other retreats, lasting three days, are held on an irregular basis. During retreats, guests stay at the temple.
Don’t miss the superb Chung Tai Museum (adjacent to the main temple building), a fabulous showcase of Buddhist artefacts that date from as early as AD 386. If you're wondering why one Buddha has a medicine ball in his hand while another is holding a lotus, you can find the answers on the touchscreen panels in the exhibits. These tools will also help you understand the history of Buddhism and its statues, motifs and iconography, as well as the 22 physical markings of the Buddha.
You can get to the temple in a taxi from Puli (NT$300). If you are driving, head north on Jungjeng Rd out of Puli and then follow the signs. The temple is about 6km away.
