Featured in Old Things are Vintage http://www.redbubble.com/groups/old-things Group on 11/18/12

In the busy city streets of Taipei, Taiwan it was fascinating to come across this entrance to a large traditional temple, full of devout worshippers.

Mengjia Longshan Temple was built in Taipei in 1738 by settlers from Fujian, China. It served as a place of worship and a gathering place for the Chinese settlers.

During World War II, on 31 May 1945 it was hit by American bombers during the Raid on Taipei, who claimed the Japanese were hiding armaments inside. The main building and the left corridor were damaged and many precious artifacts and artworks were lost in the ensuing fire.

Taipei residents have nevertheless consistently rebuilt and renovated it, and did so again after the end of the Second World War a few months later.

Longshan is seen as an emblematic example of Taiwanese classical architecture, with southern Chinese influences commonly seen in older buildings.

Like most temples in Taiwan, the Temple worships a mixture of Buddhist, Taoist, and folk deities such as Matsu.

This shot was taken with my Pentax k-r on 4 October 2012.

Lens Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6
ISO 200
23.1mm
0 EV
f/9
1/50 sec
RAW
Hand held