On one of the many hills in Xindian the temple of the Earth God can be found. He is called Tudigong and the temple is situated high on a hilltop called Hongludi, but many cyclists and joggers brave the incline to worship Tudigong for good fortune and virtue.
Just before the last bend reaching the top a triceratops on the left side of the road awaits. Not sure if this is in any way connected to the temple, but I surmise not, as a factory making cement sculptures is located downhill. The factory might be responsible for the triceratops as well as the work on the temple, though.
On either side of Tudigong a dragon is featured.
On the first balcony / platform colorful scenes show life in ancient Chinese times. Not too sure if tigers were commonly ridden, though.
Here a dragon horse is ridden amongst the clouds.
But to actually worship one needs to ascend the hundreds of steps.
Right at the base of the steps lions guard the gods. As with most sculptures of lions in Taiwan they look more cute than fierce, ...
... especially with the permed mane.
The railing of the steps is decorated with many different bas relief sculptures depicting nature scenes.
The view going up is spectacular, and as always Taipei 101 is the most prominent landmark.
Look out for the huge spiders in their webs between trees.
On landings between staircases the roofed rest areas are beautifully decorated with colorful paintings.
On the roof of one of the rest areas a small scene depicts a pot-bellied man holding a smaller person (possible a boy), while a half-naked man (or young child) points to them.
Maybe this banner tell more. Hopefully someone able to read Chinese can leave a message explaining the meaning.
On a pillar I noticed an angry face. Not sure if this is suppose to be a lion, but it reminds me of the ones I saw on the wall of the dilapidated building on
Guanyin beach.
After the long climb up one can eat at a small restaurant and buy a beverage, something that comes as a big welcome. For tourists the view is spectacular, but for others praying to the gods is more important.
On landings between staircases the roofed rest areas are beautifully decorated with colorful paintings.
On the roof of one of the rest areas a small scene depicts a pot-bellied man holding a smaller person (possible a boy), while a half-naked man (or young child) points to them.
Maybe this banner tell more. Hopefully someone able to read Chinese can leave a message explaining the meaning.
On a pillar I noticed an angry face. Not sure if this is suppose to be a lion, but it reminds me of the ones I saw on the wall of the dilapidated building on Guanyin beach.
After the long climb up one can eat at a small restaurant and buy a beverage, something that comes as a big welcome. For tourists the view is spectacular, but for others praying to the gods is more important.
