I’ve never really been an art person. I can tell you when I like something but take me to a gallery or get me to look at an art book and I’ll probably get bored pretty quickly.

Since coming to Taiwan I’ve been forced to re-evaluate my stance on art and how I perceive it.

I’m not entirely sure what it is that draws me into the temples of Taiwan but every time I see one I am practically mesmerised by the level of detail that has gone into these buildings.

When it comes to appreciating temple artwork, for me it’s all in the roof. The buildings themselves are quite impressive but are a case of seen one, seen em all. When you look at the roofs you’re presented with intricate detail that varies from temple to temple.

The temple featured in this article is Keming Temple in Jhushan, Taichung County. Keming temple is quite large in size and the artwork that adorns its roof reads like a story book.

It’s hard to take it all in with just a glance as there’s just so much going on.

When I look at the roofs of these temples, and I mean really look, the level of detail the artists have gone to is just phenomenal.

I have no idea how long they spend detailing the temples but once done it easily looks like years of painstaking work.

Sure beats the limestone cathedrals and brick churches we get back home.

1. Chinese Year of the Tiger 2010: Chenlan Temple Taiwan
2. Taiwanese government works against itself on overwork