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Well-acclaimed as
Asia's largest temple structure, the temple is situated a few kilometers
beyond the Matsu Temple. Before reaching the temple, visitors can see
its glinting roof tiles from a distance.
 The
entrance to the temple is formed by a colossal two-story façade propped
by a pair of large pagodas. The sculpted temple dragons that support the
pillars were modeled from solid stone by Taiwan's finest temple artisans.
Inside is a double-tiered shrine that is divided into six ornate corners,
each of which enshrines the icons of major deities of Taiwan. The shrine
is carved, etched, painted, cast, and gilded in detail. Its altar table
is a lengthy, black-lacquered, gold-gilded structure with carvings of
celestial animals, heaped high with offerings to Matsu.
There are three magnificent
shrine halls in the temple in which the second one stands behind the first.
Also, six major shrines in the walls and two well-carved tables are found
within the temple. The third hall is a story taller than the other two.
On the ground floor are three Buddha images seated on a lotus dais, a
tiger, and an elephant respectively. The second floor houses three larger
Buddhas and the third floor is an ornate triple shrine to the Jade Emperor.
The Jade temple is
a glorious combination of Buddhism, Taoism, and Matsu folk beliefs. Visitors
can reach the temple by following Chengkung Road from the railway station,
then turning right onto Wenhsien Road, leading to Highway 17. A left turn
on Highway 12 will lead straight to the temple.
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