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There is a legend about Jian Tan. It is said that when Zheng Chenggong once led his troops through this pond, there were water monsters such as dragon-like creatures causing chaos in the pond, killing many people. Zheng Chenggong threw his precious sword, which was hanging at his waist, into the pond to subdue the demon, and from then on, the pond became calm. Hence, this pond was named "Jian Tan" (Sword Pond).
According to the "Taiwan Fu Zhi" (Taiwan Prefecture Annals), it says, "Guanyin Temple, located in Bazilan Jian Tan." According to the "Shuichuan Ting Zhi" (Shuichuan District Annals), it records, "Jian Tan Temple was built in the 38th year of Qianlong by Wu Tinggao and others. The temple has a stele recording that the monk Rong Hua was traveling through this place when a snake blocked the road. He used divination to determine the fortune or misfortune, and since it was a great omen, he decided to establish a temple here. Later, the Bodhisattva in white also appeared in a dream, indicating that eight boats would pass through Keelung from Shanghai, allowing the temple to collect funds. Indeed, this turned out to be true, and Jian Tan Temple was thus established." Therefore, this temple should have a history of over 350 years. However, it was later forced to be relocated to its current location in Dazhi during the late Japanese occupation period. Before entering the temple, there is a gate tower, with the words "Jian Tan Gu Si" (Ancient Jian Tan Temple) written on the green-tiled roof. The small alley inside is the original site of Jian Tan Ancient Temple. In this garden, the old temple pillars and stone tablets of Jian Tan Ancient Temple are preserved. The many traces left on the pillars are each a segment of history, exuding a strong sense of history.