Temple of Polaris

The Temple of Polaris in Tainan may be originally built in 1665, which is the oldest temple worshipping the Emperor of Northern Heaven in Taiwan. Polaris was an important direction pointer in the ancient period, so it has gradually turned into the worship of Emperor of Northern Heaven in Chinese culture, as well as the Sea-God worship. Since the Chinese thought the northern god should be with a darker tone, “black” became the most striking feature of the Temple of Polaris. The doors, columns and flags inside the temple are all black. Many paintings inside the temple are masterpieces of the celebrated folk artist, Li-Shuei Pan.

Dragon gate docoration in Temple of Polaris, one of a masterpiece drawn by Li-Shuei Pan in 1970.