A SHRINE IN THE HILLS:
HOLY GLORY TEMPLE

---By Richard Matheson Translated by Annie Liu Photos by Richard Matheson

Holy Glory Temple is an unmissable landmark if you're driving from the coast to the Southern Cross-Island Highway. A striking complex of buildings, rich in red and gold, it's a good place to break a long journey, enjoy some excellent views and take photos.
The temple belongs to the Yi-guan-dao religion, a sect that was illegal in Taiwan from the 1950s until 1987. Taiwan's government stopped repressing the religion well before the ban was lifted, and construction of this place of worship got underway in 1976. The sect is still banned in mainland China. The interior of the main hall features paintings of the sages and prophets who have influenced the religion. There's a vegetarian dining hall and a shop that sells religious items, soft drinks and snacks. The temple and its surroundings are very photogenic. As a photographer, I especially like the mountain backdrop here--a nice change from the office blocks and apartment buildings that crowd around city temples, and get into your pictures whatever angle you work from.
Holy Glory Temple is right beside Taiwan Highway 20, on the south (right-hand) side of the road if you are coming from Tainan. It is located inland of Beiliao, not far from the small town of Jiasian. If you are coming from Kaohsiung, drive northward along Taiwan Highway 3 to Beiliao, then turn right. If the weather is good, it's worth driving a few kilometers further on Highway 20 to see Nanhua Reservoir.