My Life, My Love, My Family, My World: Philippines Trip- Day 5

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Philippines Trip- Day 5

Posted by Daisy at Tuesday, June 29, 2010

CEBU CITY TAOIST TEMPLE

My friend Sariah drove us around and we went to see the Cebu City Taoist Temple and Cebu City Zoo. Russ took most of the pictures and I might have to post them later once I'll get them..

Located in the wealthy residential suburb of Beverly Hills about 6 km north of downtown Cebu is an enormous Taoist Temple. It was built by Cebu's substantial Chinese community (the Chinese make up about 15% of Cebu's population).

The temple is the a center of worship for Taoism, the religion which follows the teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao Tze. You can see Taoist devotees following their rituals on Wednesdays and Sundays, as they climb the 99 steps of the temple to light joss sticks and have their fortunes read by the monks.

Built in 1972, the Taoist Temple is constructed in a highly ornate and, some would say, gaudy style of Chinese architecture, and is topped with a pagoda-style roof.

The temple has an elevation of 300 meters above sea level, and if you climb the 99 steps to the entrance, you will be rewarded with a good view of Cebu City and in the distance Mactan and Bohol islands.