| Important Information | |
|---|---|
| Brief Description: | Located on a hill in Cebu City, the Cebu Taoist Temple is one of the most popular religious sites in the city. In spite of the fact that it is not a tourist destination, its unusual structure and artistic appeal have attracted many non-believers as well. |
| Location: | Beverly Hills Subdivision, Lahug, Cebu City |
| Entrance Fee: | FREE |
| Contacts: | (032) 254 6503 / 0948 5742549 |
| Opening/Closing Time: | 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Everyday) |
| Get Direction: | |
What is Taoist Temple?
There is a Taoist Temple located in the Beverly Hills Subdivision in Cebu City, Philippines. In 1972, the Chinese Taoism community built the temple with Chinese-style architecture, which cost around two thousand dollars.
A beautiful view of the city skyline and the blue water separating the capital and Mactan Island can be seen from here. It is a great place to escape the city and get some fresh air.
It’s easy to forget your stress when you see temples, religious figures, designs, dragons, and paintings.
Aside from its hillside gardens, the open and relaxing green scenery surrounding the site contributed to its healing effects.
Also check: Cebu Safari and Adventure Park: Fun Experience
What to Look For in Taoist Temple?
These are some expected sceneries you can see in Taoist Temple:
- Main Temple
- Temple Above
- Fishing Chinaman
- Structure with (Holy) Sculptures & Wishing Jars
- Green Dragons
Main Temple
This is the main structure where saints, religious symbols, and writings are carefully placed and arranged. It is common for religious structures to feature symbols and statues that face the direction of worshipers.
It is worth noting that, contrary to Christian churches and places of worship, this temple does not use benches or chairs, but rather small cushions with a rectangular shape that serve as support when you kneel (or sit) down to make your prayers.
Temple Above
Another temple is located directly above the main temple in the Taoist Temple. This is on your left once you’ve climbed the steps at the right side of the main temple. It is smaller and holds its own Taoist statue which you are NOT allowed to photograph.
It is actually the one that is most visible from a distance when viewing this site. Columns and walls are adorned with Chinese characters that describe the place and what it is trying to convey.
There are colorful paintings and paintings depicting the religious meanings and background of this temple.
Besides the main temple, there are smaller worship structures to the right of it.
Fishing Chinaman
A small pond and a fisherman will be seen on your left when you are facing the temple described above. The pond actually resembles an aquarium with a variety of brightly colored Koi fish.
A prominent sculpture of a fisherman trying to catch fish stands in the center of the pond or aquarium. Tossing coins is not allowed there, so don’t do it. Alternatively, you can throw coins and make a wish somewhere else.
Structure with (Holy) Sculptures & Wishing Jars
There is another smaller but attractive structure (facing the city) to the right of this small temple. A number of metallic jars are here, along with water where you can toss coins after making your wishes.
You can take pictures here with the religious sculptures as your background.
Green Dragons
Dragons play a very significant symbolic role for the Chinese people. It is said that dragons are symbols of energy (chi) and good fortune, which include success, achievement, and prosperity in ancient Chinese.
These symbolic meanings account for the existence of dragon paintings and carvings in Chinese temples, particularly in Taoist temples.
In Taoist Temple, there is one dragon that stands out more than the ones you see on the rooftops. The one on the ground or hillside seems to be moving toward the main temple. It’s no denying that this dragon is the most popular one, and most visitors are sure to take a photo with it.
Some Offered Services
- Tables and chairs
- Restrooms (Comfort rooms)
- Spacious hall
- Souvenir shop
Tables and Chairs
You can probably bring some snacks and make use of the chairs, tables, and umbrellas located on the right side and below the main temple.
Restrooms (Comfort Room)
The comfort room is on the left side of the big hall. Just in case you want to use it.
Spacious Hall
The spacious hall should probably use for social and religious activities. There should be a lot of people here during their feast day on October 21st.
Souvenir Shop
Despite not being very visible, there is a souvenir shop on site. Inside the big fall, you’ll find it on the right-hand side. It is possible to purchase some souvenirs and lucky charms related to Taoism.
Taoist Temple in Cebu: Video
How to Get There?
If you are traveling by your own car, you can get directions by using Google Maps or Waze. But if you are to commute, you can ride a cab or jeepney going to JY Square Lahug, Cebu.
Tough riding the right jeepney may differ depending on your starting point. If you are in SM Cebu City, then you can ride a 04L jeepney.
And from JY Square, there will be a lot of motorcycles (habal-habal) that will take you to the Taoist Temple. Just negotiate with them for the price and the places you want to visit (like Sirao Flower Garden, Temple of Leah, or more).
Taoist Temple Picture Compilation
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Temple of Leah in Cebu: Eternal Love and Promise
- Sirao Flower Garden in Cebu: Captivating Flowers
- Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino de Cebu: Epic History
- Magellan’s Cross in Cebu: Complete Travel Guide
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