About Longshan Temple
At Longshan, listen for a dry sound of wood hitting the floor. Those are jiaobei, pairs of blocks that worshippers toss up to three times after praying, to ask for an answer or a confirmation. Founded in 1738 by immigrants from Fujian, the temple has survived earthquakes, fires and a bombing in 1945, and was rebuilt after every loss.
Prayers begin before Guanyin, in the central hall, but the house is shared: there are altars to Mazu, Guan Yu, Wenchang and Yue Lao, the god of love, whose red threads are a hit with people looking for a partner. Tradition says to enter through the Dragon Gate, leave through the Tiger Gate and not step on the threshold.
