Puji Temple (普濟寺 aka Lingquan Mountain Puji Temple 靈泉山普濟寺 or Tiezhenyuan, 鐵真院) is a Buddhist temple in Beitou, dating back to the Japanese era of Taiwan. It is one of the most well-preserved temples dating back to the Japanese era and is definitely worth a stop if you visit Beitou.
Historical Background:
After the Japanese took control of Taiwan in 1898, three Buddhist monks of the Myoshinji Branch of the Rinzai Zen Sect were sent to Taiwan.
In 1905 funds were raised from Railway Department employees to construct Puji Temple, dedicated to a statue of the goddess of hot springs, Kannon or “Guanyin of Hot Springs,” to bless the local hot spring industry.
In January 1916, a shrine was hastily set up to hold a memorial service for the passing of Murakami Shoichi, an employee, even though the temple had not yet been completed. The local followers decided to name the temple “Tiezhenyuan 鐵真院” after Murakami. Construction began in 1915 and was completed in January 1916.
The temple served as a place of worship and gathering for Railway Department employees in Beitou.
In 1923, Crown Prince Hirohito visited the temple.
In 1934 the temple underwent a major expansion and was officially recognized as a full temple.
After World War II, the temple was renamed “Lingquan Mountain Puji Temple 靈泉山普濟寺.”
In 1998, Puji Temple was listed as a historical monument. The temple suffered damage during the 921 earthquake in 1999 and was further impacted by heavy rains in 2000. A restoration project took place in 2000 to restore the area.
Currently, the temple is popular on weekends and holidays, especially with tourists.
Hours:
9 AM to 5 PM
Price:
Free
Activities:
Besides soaking in hot springs, there are many activities available in Beitou such as Rock Climbing, Water Skiing, Kani Kimono Rental, Escape Experience, Beitou Museum, and more on Klook here or KKday here.
Tours:
You can check out tours to Beitou such as a Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour, Beitou and Yeliu Day Tour, Beitou and Tamsui Day Tour, Beitou and National Palace Museum Tour, Beitou Muslim Friendly Tour, Beitou Arts and Culture Tour, Flower Season Tour, and more on Klook here or KKday here.
You can also check out the Beitou Fun Package from KKday which includes a one-day transportation coupon, hot spring coupon, and coupon for over 8 souvenir shops in Beitou.
Where to Stay:
High end: We recommend Wellsping Silks Beitou, which is perhaps the fanciest hotel in Beitou is the Wellspring Silks Beitou and towers like a behemoth over the cityscape. Here you can probably find the best quality and services in all of Beitou.
Budget Hotels: We also recommend Water House which seems like perhaps the best deal for the money in Beitou. Breakfast and private baths are included. There are also public bathing areas. The hotel is across from Beitou Park.
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality accommodation selection in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Beitou Hot Spring Hotel Guide here, our Taiwan hotels guide here, or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.
How to get there:
By MRT:
Take the MRT to Xinbeitou MRT station. From there you can also take the S9 or S26 bus further up the mountain if needed. You can book tickets to travel to Taipei via inter-city bus on Klook here.
By Car/Scooter:
From downtown Taipei, take Provincial Highway 2 north to New Beitou MRT Station. Many of the hotels here provide free parking for guests. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? Check out Klook here, or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.
By Bicycle:
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here.
Map:
Please see below:
