Tamsui Qingshui Temple (Tamsui Qingshuiyan)
Tamsui Qingshui Temple, also known as the Tamsui Zushi Temple, is one of the most historically significant and spiritually revered temples in Tamsui District, New Taipei City, Taiwan. The temple enshrines Master Qingshui, a Buddhist monk from Anxi, Fujian, and is a branch of Qingshui Temple in Wanhua (Bangka). Built in 1937 (Shōwa 12) during the Japanese colonial period, the temple embodies a harmonious blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Taiwanese folk religion, serving as both a spiritual center and a symbol of Tamsui’s cultural heritage.
Tamsui Qingshui Temple ranks among the “Four Great Zushi Temples of Greater Taipei”, alongside those in Wanhua, Sanxia, and Ruifang. Within Tamsui’s local religious landscape, it is also one of the “Four Great Temples of Tamsui”, together with Yinshan Temple, Fuyou Temple, and Tamsui Longshan Temple.
Each year, on the 5th and 6th days of the fifth lunar month, the temple holds the “Qingshui Patriarch’s Enlightenment Procession”, popularly known as the “Tamsui Grand Festival”. This celebration, featuring parades, rituals, music, and blessings, is the largest religious event in the district. In 2022, it was officially recognized by the New Taipei City Government as an Outstanding Temple Cultural Heritage, exemplifying Taiwan’s intangible religious culture.
The main deity, Master Qingshui—also called the “Patriarch of Penglai”—is revered as a virtuous and miraculous monk from Fujian’s Anxi. Within the main hall, the Earth Store Bodhisattva (Kṣitigarbha) is enshrined on the right (dragon side), while the Baosheng Emperor is on the left (tiger side). The side halls honor Lord Xiao, Doumu Yuanjun, Tai Sui Xingjun, King Xiqin, and Wenchang Dijun, deities associated with health, destiny, and learning.
Legend holds that a monk brought the image of Master Qingshui from Anxi to Taiwan during the Xianfeng era (1851–1861) to raise funds for temple restoration. Two local gentry, Weng Zhongyu and Weng Ruiyu, generously donated, prompting the monk to leave the statue in gratitude. Another tale tells that the monk temporarily placed the image in Xingfuliao, where divination showed three consecutive “laughing cups,” signifying the Patriarch’s will to remain in Tamsui. The locals thus established a temporary shrine at Jishenghao on Dongxing Street—the predecessor of today’s temple.
The present temple, completed in 1937 on Qingshui Street, features magnificent southern Fujian architectural design with intricately carved beams and painted rafters, representing both the spiritual devotion and artistic craftsmanship of Tamsui’s people.
