Located in Zhushan Township, Nantou, Zinan Temple (紫南宮) is much more than a traditional place of worship. It is legendary across Taiwan as the "Earth God Bank," where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims flock each year to "borrow" lucky money from Tudigong (the Earth God) to boost their businesses and personal fortunes.
Whether you are seeking a financial blessing or simply want to see the world's most famous "Seven-Star" luxury restrooms, Zinan Temple is a fascinating intersection of deep faith and modern prosperity
The Legendary "Wealth Loan" Ritual
Zinan Temple is famous for its "Spirit Bank" system. Worshippers can borrow between NT$100 to NT$600 as "seed money" for their career or business.
How to Borrow Lucky Money:
- Pray: Offer incense and tell Tudigong your name, address, and your wish.
- Divination: Use the Poe blocks (moon-shaped blocks).
- 1st Success: You can borrow NT$600.
- 2nd Success: NT$500... and so on, decreasing by $100 each time.
- Registration: Head to the service counter with your ID card (required) to collect your red envelope.
- Repayment: Tradition dictates you return the loan within one year, usually adding a "gratitude" donation (interest) if your wish came true.
The Golden Chicken (金雞)
Many business owners also request to "invite" a Golden Chicken back to their office or home. After a successful divination, you pay a fee (approx. NT$3,600) to bring home this symbol of perpetual wealth.
Must-See: The "Seven-Star" Restrooms
You wouldn't expect a bathroom to be a tourist attraction, but Zinan Temple’s restrooms are legendary. Designed in the shape of Golden Bamboo Shoots (a local specialty of Zhushan), these "Seven-Star" luxury toilets feature fountains, art displays, and air conditioning, costing nearly NT$40 million to build. It is a symbol of the temple’s commitment to providing the best for its "guests."
2026 Visitor Essentials: Logistics & Tips
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 07:00 – 21:00 (Daily) |
| Admission | Free |
| Lucky Money Service | 07:00 – 21:00 (Except Lunar New Year's Eve) |
| Best Time to Visit | Weekdays; 15th day of the 1st Lunar Month (Ding-jiu Festival) |
How to Get There
- By Train + Bus: Take the TRA to Taichung or Ershui Station, then transfer to the Yuanlin Bus (Route 6871) or a local bus heading toward Zhushan.
- By HSR: From Taichung HSR Station, take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle (Xitou Line) and get off at the Zinan Temple stop.
- By Car: Via National Highway No. 3, exit at Zhushan Interchange. The temple provides massive free parking lots to accommodate the crowds.
Local Delicacies: The Taste of Zhushan
After praying for wealth, feed your soul with these local favorites:
- Urn-Roasted Chicken (甕缸雞): The road leading to the temple is lined with restaurants serving chicken roasted in giant earthen urns. The skin is crispy, and the meat is incredibly juicy.
- Sweet Potato Stalls: Zhushan is famous for its sweet potatoes. Look for "Sweet Potato Balls" or roasted yams sold by local vendors.
- Bamboo Shoot Soup: A fresh, earthy local specialty that is perfect year-round.
Expert Tips for Your Visit
- Bring Your ID: You cannot borrow lucky money without a physical ID card (or passport for foreigners).
- Touch the Golden Hen: At the temple entrance, you’ll see a large Golden Hen statue. Rub its golden eggs to "bring the wealth home" with you.
- Avoid the New Year Rush: During the first few days of the Lunar New Year, the temple is packed with tens of thousands of people. If you aren't a fan of massive crowds, wait until a regular weekend.
- The "Repayment" Tradition: If you borrowed money last year, remember to bring the original red envelope back to "return" the loan before borrowing a new one for 2026.
2026 Cultural Note
Zinan Temple is a "Living Museum" of Taiwanese folk belief. While many come for financial luck, the temple also gives back to the community through scholarships and local welfare, embodying the true spirit of Earth God as a guardian of the land and its people.
