Qingcao Lake Lingyin Temple

An unusual Buddhist monastery in the hills of Hsinchu City, established in 1924 as a zhaitang (齋堂), or fasting hall, of the Zhaijiao tradition. The main hall, added in 1932 and venerating Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, departs from traditional temple carpentry in favour of Western arches and capitals, and stands beside a neo-Baroque pagoda and columbarium. The grounds out front also collect numerous relics of Hsinchu Shinto Shrine including approximately 20 stone lanterns and a mitarai (御手洗), a ceremonial washbasin.