Qianhua Shibawang Temple 乾華十八王公廟

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Shibawang Temple in Shimen, New Taipei can trace it's origins to over three hundred years ago. Today it is a popular stop along the north coast especially because of the many Zongzi stalls in front of the temple, selling these delicious snacks. Zongzi were traditionally used as offerings to deities by the local people here. It is a must stop location on your trip to the northeast coast.

Background:
It is said that originally about 300 years ago seven people and one dog were shipwrecked at this site, and a small shrine was built here to honor the dog, who was the lone survivor. Later the area became a graveyard, and a temple was built here around the time of WWII. 
In 1960 Taiwan's Nuclear Plant No. 1 was built on the site. The Taipower Company then rebuilt the temple at the entrance of the plant which was completed in 1975.
The new temple included space for Zongzi stalls and other night market like stalls, and soon it became a popular tourist site as well as religious center, and remains so to this day. Zongzi were traditionally used as offerings to deities by the local people here.
There is also a sister temple further up the mountain with a giant dog statue. 

Hours:
24/7

Price:
Free

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: Take provincial Highway 2 from either Tamsui or Keelung North to Shimen. The Temple sits on the very northern edge of Shimen District.
By Bus: Take Keelung bus from either Danshui MRT station or Keelung TRA station.
You can also take the yellow and white North Coast Shuttle Bus to Qianhua or Shibawang station.

Map:
Please see below:

Our Journey:

I have been past Shibawang Temple many times, but I have only stopped to get Zongzi here once, and they were great. 

The first thing you will notice of course is the spillway coming from Nuclear Reactor No. 1.

Closer look at the nuclear power plant. 

Here the water flows out into the ocean, and as you can see it is also a popular fishing spot.

There are a lot of people that sell Zongzi here. 
There is also a bathroom here at the temple, which can come in handy in the middle of a long car ride.

Name plate of the temple.

Looking into the temple. 

Wider view.

More stalls in front of the temple. 

People waiting to sell their Zongzi.

View from the back of the temple. 

More Zongzi sellers.

Fishermen.

I think this is an overflow stall location, for bigger events. 

Golden dog.

Last view of the area before we left.

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