The Taoist temple, built in the island capital of Cebu in 1972, is located in the upscale urban neighbourhood of Beverly Hills, 6 km north of the city centre. The initiator of the construction of the temple was the Chinese community of Cebu, firmly established on the island - suffice it to say that the Chinese make up 15% of the total local population. Rising 300 meters above sea level, the multi-colored multi-stage temple has become one of the main attractions of Cebu, which can be reached by three roads. The temple is a house of worship for the followers of Taoism, a religion that was founded of the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu.
Unlike the nearby Fu Xian temple, the Taoist temple is open to all, both practitioners of Taoism and tourists wishing to admire its exotic architecture. And believers come here to ask for the fulfillment of their desires: to do this, they need to wash their hands, go barefoot inside the temple and throw two tablets. If both planks fall face up, then the wish will come true, and if not, it means the time has not come yet. Another ritual practiced by followers of Taoism on Wednesdays and Sundays is to climb the 81 steps of the temple, which symbolize the 81 sacred books of Taoism, and light an incense stick.
The entrance to the temple is a miniature model of the Great Wall of China, behind which is the temple itself with a traditional pagoda roof, a library, a souvenir shop and a well where coins are thrown to make wishes come true. The hill on which the temple stands offers a wonderful view of Cebu and the surrounding area. Many elementary school students from schools in Cebu and the neighboring city of Mandaue are brought here on excursions.
