The Bao-an Temple is built on the banks of Jinshih Lake and is one of the largest temples in Taiwan. It is the first Folk style temple in Taiwan. Devoted to the worship of "Jhongtan Yuanshuai" (General of the Central Altar) it has become the center of local religious belief. The Bao-an Temple used to be a small, old shrine, but as believers grew in numbers, funds were raised to build a new temple beside Jinshih Lake. The temple was completed in 1997, after twenty years of planning and construction. The Huabei palace architecture utilizes glazed golden tiles on its roof. The interior is richly decorated in fine wooden carvings, stone carvings, bronze sculptures and colorful decorations. Visitors interested in temple architecture and art should definitely make this one of their destinations. Photos: