Complete Guide to Worship & Fortune Slips at Longshan Temple
Detailed guide to traditional worship etiquette, Jiaobai divination, and fortune slip rituals
About Bangka Longshan Temple
Founded in 1738, Bangka Longshan Temple is Taipei’s oldest, most revered, and spiritually significant temple.
Housing over 100 deities spanning Buddhist, Taoist, and folk beliefs alongside the principal deity Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy), the temple is famed as Taiwan’s ultimate spiritual landmark for love, academic success, career, health, and peace.
Access & Visiting Information
Longshan Temple Location
The map is centered on Bangka Longshan Temple.
Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors
Proper Worship Etiquette & Sequence
Enter through the Dragon Gate (Right), Exit through the Tiger Gate (Left)
Facing the temple, always enter through the right-hand door (Dragon Gate) and exit through the left-hand door (Tiger Gate). This comes from the proverb "Enter the Dragon’s mouth for auspicious fortune, exit the Tiger’s mouth to escape calamity." Never enter through the middle door (reserved for deities) and never step on the threshold beam.
Washing Hands & Eco-Friendly Worship
Wash your hands upon entering. Note: Since 2020, burning incense sticks has been discontinued at Longshan Temple for cultural heritage preservation. Today, placing palms together in prayer (Bai-Bai) is the official, eco-friendly tradition.
Introducing Yourself to the Deities
When standing before any deity, state mentally: 1. Full Name 2. Date of Birth 3. Residential Address 4. Gratitude for blessings and ONE clear, specific question/wish.
Sequential Order of Prayer
Follow the traditional clockwise sequence: Front Hall (Sanbao Buddha) → Main Hall (Guanyin Bodhisattva) → Rear Hall right side (Wenchang Dijun, Shuixian Zunwang) → Rear Hall left side (Guan Di, Mazu, Zhusheng Niangniang, Yue Lao).
How to Draw a Fortune Slip (Step-by-Step)
Drawing a fortune slip is a sacred divination process to seek guidance from Guanyin Bodhisattva using wooden crescent-shaped divination blocks called Jiaobai (筊杯).
Present Your Specific Question to Guanyin
Stand before Guanyin in the Main Hall. Introduce yourself and articulate one specific life inquiry or dilemma clearly in your mind.
Ask for Permission with the Jiaobai Blocks
Hold the two wooden Jiaobai blocks in both hands, pray, and gently toss them to the ground. A "Shengbei" (one flat side up, one rounded side up) grants divine permission to draw a fortune slip.
Draw a Bamboo Stick from the Cylinder
Gently shuffle the bamboo sticks in the wooden cylinder and draw one that stands out highest. Check the Chinese numeral inscribed on the top (e.g., No. 1 to No. 100). Do not take the paper slip yet!
Confirm with 3 Consecutive Shengbei (The Golden Rule)
Ask Guanyin: "Is Fortune Stick No. X the correct answer to my question?" and toss the Jiaobai. At Longshan Temple, you must obtain 3 consecutive "Shengbei" (Yes) tosses to confirm this number! If you get a No or Laughing toss even once, return the stick and repeat from Step 3.
Collect the Fortune Poetry Paper & Check Translations
Once confirmed with 3 consecutive Shengbei, locate the corresponding wooden drawer beside the hall and take one paper slip. Look up full modern interpretations on our site!
Already drawn your fortune slip number? Look up your interpretation now!
View Fortune Slips (1-100) →The 3 Divination Block (Jiaobai) Outcomes
The curved wooden blocks represent Yin (rounded side) and Yang (flat side). Their combination reflects divine guidance:
Shengbei (Divine / Yes)
The deity approves and agrees. This outcome is required to gain permission and confirm your fortune slip number.
Xiaobei (Laughing / Ambiguous)
The deity is smiling or amused. It signals that your inquiry is vague, unnecessary to ask, or the outcome is entirely in your own hands. Refocus and ask again.
Yinbei (No / Disapproval)
The deity disagrees or answers "No". The stick number is incorrect, or your proposed course of action is not auspicious at this time.
🏮 How to Use the On-Site Fortune Interpretation Counter (解籤處)
Get your fortune slip analyzed by certified temple interpreters
At Longshan Temple, there is a dedicated "Interpretation Office" (解籤處, Jie Qian Chu) where experienced interpreters provide personalized readings of your fortune slip completely free of charge. They decipher the ancient poetry and connect its moral story to your real-life situations (career, romance, health, finances).
Location & Operating Hours
Consultation Steps
Have your fortune paper ready
Hold the poem slip you retrieved from the wooden drawer.
Queue up at the interpretation desk
Approach the desk and wait for your turn. Greet the master with "Ni-hao" and hand over your slip.
State your specific question
Tell the master whether you asked about career, love, marriage, health, or studies. Even simple English or pointing works smoothly.
Listen to the wisdom & express thanks
The master will explain the historical background and actionable advice. Say "Xièxie lǎoshī" (Thank you, Master) before leaving.
🗣️ Practical Phrases to Use at the Counter
Useful phrases you can show on your phone or say aloud when asking for interpretations:
✨ Fortune Slip Ranks & Taiwanese Etiquette Guide
Should you tie it or take it home? Proper manners for fortune slips in Taiwan
Fortune slips at Longshan Temple feature traditional ranks like "Shang-Shang (Supreme)", "Da-Ji (Great Fortune)", "Zhong-Ping (Average/Peaceful)", and "Xia-Xia (Caution)". Here is how to understand these ranks and handle your sacred slip respectfully.
Fortune Slip Ranks & Meanings
Heaven, Earth, and Harmony are perfectly aligned. Great luck is on your side to achieve your goals. However, stay humble and avoid complacency to sustain this blessing.
Smooth sailing with prosperous outcomes. Taking proactive steps will yield fruitful results in business, romance, or studies.
Zhong-Ping is the most common rank in Taiwan, meaning "peace and balance are the greatest blessings." Focus on solid foundations and patience rather than hasty gambles.
A calm, neutral phase without disruption. Use this period to hone your inner strength and prepare for future opportunities.
In Taiwanese temple culture, drawing "Xia-Xia" is NOT a curse. It is viewed as an act of divine compassion—Guanyin alerting you to hidden obstacles so you can steer clear of mistakes.
Taiwanese Fortune Slip Etiquette (Q&A)
Q1. Should you tie the slip to trees/fences like in Japan?
【Never tie it! Always take it home with you】 Taiwanese temples do not have trees or racks to tie fortune slips. The slip is considered a sacred personal message from the deity to you. Keep it and cherish it.
Q2. The "Guo-Lu" (Purification over Incense Smoke) Ritual
【Circle 3 times clockwise above the main censer】 After taking your paper slip, hold it with both hands and circle it clockwise three times over the smoke of the main incense burner. This infuses the slip with divine energy and protection.
Q3. How to store and carry your fortune slip
【Keep it in your wallet, passport case, or notebook】 Fold the slip neatly and carry it with you as a protective amulet for approximately one year. If keeping it at home, place it in a clean, elevated space.
Q4. What if you receive a "Xia-Xia" (Challenging) Slip?
【Appreciate the early warning & stay mindful】 Thank Guanyin mentally for warning you. You may keep the slip to remind yourself to exercise prudence, or burn it with ceremonial gold paper in the temple burner if available.
Q5. Returning for Gratitude: The "Huan-Yuan" (還願) Tradition
【Expressing gratitude after your wish comes true】 The spiritual guidance of a fortune slip generally lasts for one year. When your prayers are fulfilled, it is customary to return to Longshan Temple on a future trip to offer prayers of thanksgiving (Huan-Yuan).
Directory of Deities & Blessings
Praying to Yue Lao for marriage and the sacred Red Thread
Explore the underground fortune-telling street
Learn the difference between temple fortune slips and paid readings, choose a method, and check how to find English-friendly consultations.