Chengtian Chan Temple in the mountains near Tucheng

Nestled in the mountains that adjoin Tucheng is a large and active Buddhist temple called Chengtian Chan Temple. Large numbers of people come here on the weekend and during festivals and you will often see pilgrims prostrating their way up the mountain path to the temple. 

Aside from the Chengtian Temple there are a number of other small temples in the surrounding mountains and numerous walking trails. Many people come here, especially early in the mornings, to exercise and to enjoy the fresh air. The area is famous for the tong flowers (桐花) which bloom in April.

There are excellent views of Tucheng, Shulin and Banqiao from various points (when you can see through the haze of pollution). Details about how to hike to Tianshang Shan are given below. The area around Chengtian Temple is one of my favourite places in Taiwan. It is an oasis of relative peace and calm just minutes from Tucheng City.