Inside an industrial park in central Taiwan stands the only glass temple in the world. It was built with the goal of being a spiritual oasis that's also environmentally friendly.
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00:00At this temple in central Taiwan, over 70,000 pieces of glass are on display.
00:07It's the first temple made of glass in Taiwan and the world.
00:11The religious site is designed to be environmentally friendly.
00:15The glass helps save energy by reflecting sunlight, meaning less need for artificial lighting.
00:20This one-of-a-kind temple also shows off Taiwan's glassmaking industry.
00:30The temple is built inside an industrial park along Taiwan's west coast, home to many factories.
00:50Construction on the temple started in 2007, and it was officially opened five years later.
00:57Like many temples in Taiwan, it's dedicated to Mazu, the incredibly popular goddess of the sea.
01:04But besides its glass structure, this temple differs from other Mazu temples in other ways.
01:10Fish swim in ponds outside, which help to regulate humidity and collect dust.
01:16And the temple's outer walls display photos introducing Taiwan's culture and people.
01:22The hope is that the temple can provide an environmental and spiritual oasis for residents and visitors alike.
01:40Inside an industrial park, here is a place that connects faith, culture, industry, and sustainability.
01:49Devon Tsai and Cadence Coranta for Taiwan Plus.