The roof above the ‘Spider Making its Web’ Pavilion in the main worship hall evokes the appearance of a palanquin roof and is an octagonal structure.

It is the structure protecting the intricately designed ceiling below, like the roof of a royal palanquin would keep the elements off his imperial personage. The design is unique, framing the vast sky above. Temple elders say the roof was designed during the early 20th century by a master craftsman from Quanzhou (Fujian Province) who was invited to Taiwan to work on Taipei’s Longshan Temple.

This palanquin-style roof has already become an easily recognized and widely-acclaimed element of the Nankunshen temple complex.