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          • Our Travel Guide to Wulai – Taipei’s Amazing Mountain Paradise (烏來旅遊指南)
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          • Our Guide to Taiwan’s East Coast 台灣東海岸指南 – Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Coastline
          • Hualien Travel Guide 花蓮懶人包 – The Most Beautiful Part of Taiwan >
            • What to See and Do in Hualien Besides Taroko Gorge
            • Ultimate Taroko National Park Travel Guide – Explore the Deepest Marble Gorge on Earth 太魯閣國家公園懶人包
            • Taroko Gorge Travel Guide (太魯閣) – Taiwan’s Most Breathtaking Geological Feature
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        • The Ultimate Taiwan Car Rental Guide – Save Money on Your Next Trip 臺灣租汽車指南
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        • Taiwan Blogroll – Top English Blogs to Follow for All Things Taiwan
        • The Ultimate Travel Guide to Taipei 臺北旅遊指南 >
          • Yangmingshan National Park 陽明山懶人包 – Your Complete Travel Guide
          • Ultimate Guide to Taipei’s Old Streets 台北老街指南
          • The Ultimate Travel Guide to Pingxi and Shifen 平溪懶人包
          • The Ultimate One-Day Taipei Itinerary 一天在臺北怎麽旅遊
          • The Ultimate Guide to Taipei’s Night Markets 臺北夜市指南
          • The Most Awesome Day Trips from Taipei 台北一日遊景點
          • The Complete 2025 Beitou Hot Springs Guide: Soak Like Royalty 北投溫泉英文指南
          • The Best Views of the Taipei 101 (Best Places to see New Year’s Fireworks) 欣賞101煙火的最佳地點
          • The Best Beaches Near Taipei: North Taiwan’s Top 10 台北前10名的沙灘
          • Tamsui Travel Guide – Taipei’s Amazing Historic Riverside Town 淡水最佳的景點
          • Taipei’s Waterfall Guide – Explore the City’s Most Breathtaking Falls 台北瀑布指南
          • Taipei Museum Guide – Discover the Best Museums in Taipei 臺北博物館指南
          • Taipei City Hiking Guide – The Best Hikes in Taipei 台灣爬山指南
          • Taipei 101: The Ultimate Guide to Taiwan’s Tallest Tower (臺北101)
          • Shifen Waterfall and Old Street Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
          • Qingtiangang Grassland: See Amazing Views and Buffalo Close-Up 擎天崗
          • Our Travel Guide to Wulai – Taipei’s Amazing Mountain Paradise (烏來旅遊指南)
          • Jiufen Old Street – Taiwan’s Amazing Mountainside Village 九份老街
          • Dihua Street and Dadaocheng – Taipei’s Amazing Historical Hipster Paradise 迪化街及大稻埕
          • Children and Parent’s Travel Guide to Taipei 小孩及家長台北旅遊指南
        • Taiwan’s Northern Coast Travel Guide – Discover a Beautiful and Amazing Coastline 台灣北海岸懶人包 >
          • Yehliu Geopark – The Amazing Crown Jewel of Taiwan’s Northern Coast 野柳地質公園
        • Keelung Travel Guide – Best Places to See in the Harbor City 基隆旅遊指南
        • Taoyuan Travel Guide – More Than Just an Airport City 桃園旅游懶人包
        • Travel Guide to Hsinchu 新竹懶人包 – Taiwan’s Charming Tech Hub
        • Miaoli Travel Guide – Discover this Amazing Mountainous Backwater 苗栗旅遊懶人包
        • Taichung Travel Guide 台中旅遊懶人包 – Discover Central Taiwan’s Hidden Secrets
        • Gaomei Wetlands – Complete Guide to Taichung’s Amazing Wildlife Area 高美濕地
        • Nantou Travel Guide – Taiwan’s Most Stunning Mountain Getaway 南投縣懶人包
        • Sun Moon Lake Travel Guide – Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Lake 日月潭旅游指南
        • Changhua Travel Guide – Fall in Love with Taiwan’s Historical Central County 彰化懒人包
        • Chiayi Travel Guide – Best Places to Visit, Eat & Explore 嘉義懶人包
        • Alishan 阿里山 – Taiwan’s Ultimate Mountain Destination
        • Alishan Forest Railway Travel Guide (阿里山森林鐵路) – Taiwan’s Most Scenic Rail Line
        • Yunlin Travel Guide 雲林旅遊懶人包 – A Rural Wonderland in Southwest Taiwan
        • Tainan Travel Guide: Discover Taiwan’s Oldest City & Ultimate Foodie Paradise – 臺南懶人包
        • Travel Guide to Kaohsiung – Southern Taiwan’s Most Vibrant City 高雄旅遊懶人包 >
          • Tianliao Moon World Travel Guide 田寮月世界 – Taiwan’s Out-of-this-World Geopark
          • Qijin (Cijin) Island Travel Guide – Koahsiung’s Best Beach Destination 旗津懶人包
          • Maolin Travel Guide 茂林旅游懶人包 – Our Favorite Place in Taiwan
          • Monkey Mountain (Shoushan) 壽山 – Taiwan’s Best Monkey-Spotting Location
          • Lotus Pond Travel Guide 蓮池潭 – Kaohsiung’s Scenic Temple Area
          • Cheng Ching Lake Ultimate Travel Guide 澄清湖完整導覽
          • Pingtung Travel Guide – Explore Taiwan’s Sunniest County 屏東旅遊懶人包
          • Kenting Travel Guide 墾丁懶人包 – The Best Beaches in Taiwan
          • Travel Guide to Yilan 宜蘭懶人包 – Beaches, Mountains, Hot Springs, and more
          • Guide to Toucheng 頭城懶人包 – Yilan’s Amazing Seaside Paradise
          • Taipingshan Travel Guide 太平山 – Discover Yilan’s Amazing Mountain Scenery
          • Our Guide to Taiwan’s East Coast 台灣東海岸指南 – Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Coastline
          • Hualien Travel Guide 花蓮懶人包 – The Most Beautiful Part of Taiwan >
            • What to See and Do in Hualien Besides Taroko Gorge
            • Ultimate Taroko National Park Travel Guide – Explore the Deepest Marble Gorge on Earth 太魯閣國家公園懶人包
            • Taroko Gorge Travel Guide (太魯閣) – Taiwan’s Most Breathtaking Geological Feature
          • Taiwan’s East Rift Valley (Huadong Valley) Travel Guide 花東縱谷旅遊指南 – The Most Beautiful Places in Taiwan
          • Taitung Travel Guide – Top Things to Do in Taiwan’s Outdoor Tourism Paradise 台東懶人包
          • Taiwan National Public Holiday Guide 台灣國定假日指南

Blog Posts

Sanxia Old Street 三峽老街

3/28/2025

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Sanxia Old Street is one of the best-preserved Old Streets in Taiwan, with two rows of buildings that have recently been renovated in their original Japanese-era baroque-style architecture. Here you can also enjoy local delicacies Ox Horn Bread and other Taiwanese staples such as sausages, ice cream, stinky tofu, and more.

Planning your trip to Taipei?

Here are some top travel tips for you:

  • Best time to visit: March-May, and October - November when the temperatures are nice and there is not as much rain
  • How to get there: Taiwan High Speed Railway and Inter-City Bus
  • Best places to stay: Yuanshan Grand Hotel or Fu Chang Hotel
  • Book tours and activities in Taipei on Klook
  • Stay connected with a local SIM
  • Rent a car to explore distant sights

Background:
The name Sanxia (三峽, literally meaning "three valleys") comes because the area is surrounded on three sides by mountains.
In the mid-1700s, the first Chinese families began to settle in what is now Sanxia.  In 1769 Zushi Temple (祖師廟) was established, which is the main temple on the old street. In 1785, the Earth God Temple / Sanxia Fu An Temple (土地公 /三峽福安宮) was established. 
During the Qing Dynasty, the town of Shenkeng was an important trading area for camphor, tea, and cloth, Transportation was made easy thanks to the Sanxia River. 
During the Japanese invasion of Taiwan in 1895, local residents retaliated against the Japanese army, inflicting heavy casualties. In return, the Japanese burned Sanxia Old Street.
Under Japanese rule, the area underwent improvements, and houses were built in baroque-style architecture. 
With the establishment of the round island railway, Sanxia Old Street lost its importance as a trade and transportation hub. 
In 2004, the Taipei County Government allocated 3 Billion NTD to repair and restore the baroque-style architecture on Sanxia Old Street, and the renovations were completed in 2007. In 2009, further renovations were conducted to make the old street as it appears today. 
At 260 meters long, it is said to be Taiwan's longest preserved old street (I am not sure if this is true). 
Now the area is a popular tourist attraction and is very busy on weekends and holidays.

Delicacies:
Ox Horn Bread and other Taiwanese staples such as sausages, ice cream, stinky tofu, and more.
​
Hours:
Every Day from about 10 AM to 7:30 PM, with more shops opening later in the day.

Price:
Free

When to go:
If you go during weekends or holidays, it can get really crowded but that is also the time when most all of the shops and stalls are open. If you want to avoid the crowds you can try going early in the afternoon when it is not as busy, 

Tours:
​You can book a day tour to Sanxia on TripAdvisor here or KKday here.
You can also book a river tracing experience in Sanxia on Klook here. 
There are also free tours in Chinese offered by the local municipal office on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Hotels in Taipei:
We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Agoda here, or Kayak here). 
We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Agoda here, or Kayak here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By Scooter: From central Taipei. provincial highway 3 southwest from Tucheng to Sanxia. The old street is right in the middle of town. You can park for free on the side of the road nearby.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
By Car: You can take National Highway 3 and get off at the Sanxia exit. There is paid parking under the Sanxia Public Market. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bus: There are a number of buses that pass by the old street coming from Taipei, such as bus 910. You can also book tickets to travel to Sanxia via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can also book a Taipei Sightseeing: Hop On, Hop Off Open Top Bus on TripAdvisor here. ​
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:
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Guandu Temple 關渡宮

3/25/2025

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Guandu Temple (關渡宮, aka Lingshan Temple) is a popular temple in Beitou District of Taipei dedicated to the goddess Mazu, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. The temple is said to be the most important Mazu Temple in northern Taiwan. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Taipei. 

Here you can enjoy 
Guandu Wharf and Guandu Nature Preserve here.
Click on the links above for our full blogs on these three areas. ​
You can also check out our full guide to Beitou here. ​

Planning your trip to Taipei?

Here are some top travel tips for you:

  • Best time to visit: April to November when the temperatures are nice and the water is warm
  • How to get there: Taiwan High Speed Railway and Inter-City Bus
  • Best places to stay: Fullon Hotel or Hai Xia Your Home
  • Book tours and activities in Taipei on Klook
  • Stay connected with a local SIM
  • Rent a car to explore distant sights

​Historical Background:
Guandu Temple was completed in 1712 during the Qing Dynasty, built by early Fujian settlers in Taiwan to the Goddess Mazu.
The Goddess Mazu was originally a young lady named Lin Moniang from Meizhou island in Fujian who lived in the 900s AD. She jumped into the sea to save her father and unfortunately drowned. Since then, she has been revered in Fujian and Taiwan as a goddess who protects fishermen especially those at sea. Now there are many Mazu temples around Taiwan and around the world. For more information on the Goddess Mazu, check out this wiki article here. 
Deities worshipped at the temple besides Mazu include 
Guanyin Bodhisattva, the Three Generals of the Prince of Yanping, the Wenchang Emporer, Jade Emperor, and others. 
In the Ancient Buddha Cave, there are statues of Thousand-Armed Guanyin, Arhats, the Four Heavenly Kings, the Eight Divisions of Heavenly Dragons, and more. 

​
According to the temple, Zen master Shi Xing brought a statue of Mazu from the Tianhou Temple in Meizhou, Putian County, Xinghua Prefecture, Fujian Province, and built a thatched house to worship her in the hills of Guandu. This temple was known as Gantoumen Tianhou Temple and was built in 1712. It was renovated in 1715 with materials shipped from Xiamen, and was named "Ling Shan Temple 靈山廟."
The temple was then relocated to the foot of the mountain in 1719 due to improper orientation, and further renovations were made in 1823 following damage from Typhoons.
During the Japanese colonial period, in 1897, a wealthy businessman named Lin Dachun, interested in feng shui purchased the temple land and converted it into his residence. Lin later donated 280 silver dollars and funds to relocate the "Ling Shan Tianfei Temple" to its current site, and renamed it "Guandu Ancestral Temple." The temple was renamed "Guandu Temple" in 1922  and was renovated further. 
When I visited in 2024, the temple was going under another renovation. 

Price:
Free

Hours:
7 AM to 5 PM

Tours:
You can book a 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide, or Taipei at Night: Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour on KKday here, or Klook here . ​

Where to stay:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By MRT:
Take the MRT red line to Guandu Station. The temple is about a ten minute walk to the west. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car:
If you travel there by car, there is lots of paid parking near the temple. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. ​
By Scooter:
There is free parking next to the temple. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
By Bicycle: 
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy, and there are many bike paths nearby. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:

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Raohe Street Night Market 饒河街夜市

3/12/2025

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​Raohe Street Night Market is a bustling night market in Eastern Taipei and one of the most popular in the city. One could argue that Roahe Street is the best night market in Taipei. With a large assortment of great food and snacks, along with the usual night market cheap clothes and everyday items, along with close proximity to public transport, Raohe Street is a must-see destination when you come to Taipei.

Planning your trip to Taipei?

Here are some top travel tips for you:

  • Best time to visit: March-May, and October - November when the temperatures are nice and there is not as much rain
  • How to get there: Taiwan High Speed Railway and Inter-City Bus
  • Best places to stay: Yuanshan Grand Hotel or Fu Chang Hotel
  • Book tours and activities in Taipei on Klook
  • Stay connected with a local SIM
  • Rent a car to explore distant sights

​Historical Background:
The name Raohe comes from a county in Heilongjiang, China, meaning the place of many birds. Starting in the Qing Dynasty, the area around Raohe Street and Songshan station was called Xikou (tin port), an important transportation hub in Taiwan (for more information about this old industrial area in East Taipei, check out our blog here). From Songshan station, goods from Taipei, Keelung, and Yilan could be directly loaded to the Keelung River and transported to the sea. However due to silting, the Keelung River became less and less import in terms of transportation, and Raohe Street became obsolete, especially after the much wider Bade street was built right next to it.

In order to help business in the area, the Taipei city government established a tourist night market on Raohe Street on May 11th, 1987, which was the second tourist night market established in Taipei.

Price:
Free! But don't you dare come with an empty wallet. 

Hours:
4 PM to 12 AM

Tours:

You can book a 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide, or Taipei at Night: Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour on TripAdvisor here, KKday here, or Klook here . ​

Where to stay:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By MRT:
Take the MRT green line to Songshan station (the last station), and get out at exit 2, 3, or 4, and continue walking north for about 1 minute to Raohe street. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Train /TRA: 
​Raohe Street is within walking distance of Songshan TRA station
. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA)  on Klook here.
By Car:
If you travel there by car, there is a parking garage on Bade street. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. 
By Scooter:
There is scooter parking next to Songshan elementary school and on Songhe street in front of Rainbow bridge. Do not park on areas with a red line; this place is a hot spot for parking tickets, so beware. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
By Bicycle: 
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:

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Taiwan Festivals Guide – A Monthly Guide to the Best Festivals and Traditions 台灣節日指南

1/24/2025

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Throughout the year, Taiwan is full of festivals and holidays. Besides the three major festivals and National Holidays when people are off from school and work, there are also many smaller religious festivals and events throughout the year. In this guide, we will provide a month-by-month breakdown of the major festivals and holidays in Taiwan.
​
🏯 Planning your trip to Taiwan? 🌊
Here are some top travel tips for you:
  • Best time to visit: All Year because there are festivals going on all the time!
  • How to get there: Plane tickets via Trip.com
  • Best places to stay can be found on Agoda
  • Book tours and activities in Taiwan on Klook
  • Stay connected with a local SIM
  • Rent a car to explore distant sights

Table of Contents
  • Taiwan Festivals By Month of the Year
    • January
    • February
    • March
    • April
    • May
    • June
    • July
    • August
    • September
    • October
    • November
    • December
  • Summary of Taiwan National Holidays (With the Day off from work and/or school):
    • New Year's Day 中華民國開國紀念日 / 元旦
    • Lunar New Year or Spring Festival 農曆新年/過年
    • 228 Peace Memorial Day 228和平紀念日
    • Children's Day 兒童節
    • Tomb Sweeping Day 淸明節
    • Labor Day 勞動節
    • Dragon Boat Festival 端午節
    • Mid-Autumn Festival 中秋節
    • ROC National Day / Double Ten Day 國慶日 / 雙十節
  • Other Traditional Festivals (that do not include a day off):
    • Lantern Festival 元宵節
    • Ghost Festival / Ghost Month 中元節/普渡/鬼月
    • Tourism Day 觀光節
    • Earth God's Birthday 土地公誕辰
    • Guan Yin's Birthday 觀音誕辰
    • God of Medicine's Birthday 保生大帝誕辰
    • Matsu's Birthday 媽祖誕辰
    • Buddha's Birthday 佛誕日
    • Guan Yu's Birthday 關公誕辰
    • City God's Birthday 城隍爺誕辰
    • Qixi Festival / Chinese Valentine's Day 七夕
    • Double Ninth Festival / Senior Citizen's Day 重陽節
    • Saisiat paSta'ay Festival 矮靈祭
  • Other Seasonal Festival Activities and Events:
    • Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgames Festival
    • Taiwan International Balloon Festival
    • Fulong Sand Art Festival 福隆國際沙雕藝術季
    • Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
    • Yanshui Beehive Fireworks (Tainan) 鹽水蜂炮
    • Taitung Bombing Lord Handan 玄武堂慶元宵炮炸寒單爺
    • Miaoli Bombing Dragon Festival 苗栗火旁龍之夜
    • Yilan Lizejian "Zao-Wang" -"Wife Carrying" Festival 宜蘭利澤簡走尪
    • Taichung Dajia Mazu Festival 大甲媽祖
    • Kaohsiung Neimen Song Jiang Battle Ritual 高雄內門宋江陣
    • Penghu International Fireworks Festival 澎湖花火節
    • Hot Spring Season 溫泉季節
    • Hot Pot Season 火鍋季
    • Maolin Butterfly Season 茂林蝴蝶季節
    • Flower Festivals 花海:
    • Cherry Blossom Season 櫻花季:
    • Mang Grass Season 芒草季
    • Taiwan Mango Season 台灣芒果季
    • Taiwan Beach Season 台灣沙灘季
  • Other Aboriginal/Indigenous Festivals
    • Flying Fish Festival of the Yami (Tao) tribe 飛魚祭
    • Mayasvi Ceremony of the Tsou tribe 阿里山鄒族達邦社傳統戰祭
    • The Ear-shooting Festival of the Bunun Tribe 布農射耳祭
    • Harvest Festival of the Amis tribe 阿美族豐年祭
    • New Year Ritual of the Puyuma Tribe 卑南族年祭
  • Other Sports Festivals 運動比賽
    • Dapeng Bay Marine Festival 大鵬灣帆船生活節
    • Taiwan Open of Surfing 臺灣國際衝浪公開賽
    • Taipei Marathon 台北馬拉松
      • Other Marathons in Taiwan:
  • Other Unnoficial Holidays 其他節日
    • Farmer's Day 農民節
    • Valentine's Day 情人節
    • Arbor Day / Sun Yat-sen Memorial Day 植樹節/國父逝世紀念日
    • White Day 白色情人節
    • Youth Day / Martyrs' Memorial Day 青年節/革命先烈紀念日
    • Literary Day 文藝節
    • Easter 復活節
    • Mother's Day 母親節
    • Opium Suppression Movement Day / Anti-Smoking Day 禁菸節
    • Tiananmen Square Massacre Memorials 六四事件紀念活動
    • Indigenous Peoples' Day 原住民族日
    • Father's Day 父親節
    • 823 Artillery Battle Memorial Day 823砲戰紀念日
    • Journalist' Day 記者節
    • Armed Forces Day 軍人節
    • Teachers' Day / Confucious' Birthday 孔子誕辰紀念日
    • Overseas Chinese Day 華僑節
    • Taiwan Retrocession Day 臺灣光復節
    • Halloween 萬聖節
    • Chinese Cultural Renaissance Day / Sun Yat-sen's Birthday 國父誕辰紀念日 / 中華文化復興運動
    • Winter Solstice / Dongzhi Festival 冬至
    • Constitution Day 行憲紀念日 (xíng xiàn jì niàn rì)
    • Christmas 聖誕節
  • Maps:
    • Taiwan Lantern Festival Locations:
    • Taiwan Dragon Boat Racing Locations:

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Funerals and Death Rituals in Taiwan 台灣喪禮及殯葬儀式

1/8/2025

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In Taiwan, funerals and death rituals are very different that funerals in the west. Taiwan's funeral rites are influenced by Buddhism, Taoism, ancestor worship, and folk religion. In this blog, we will explore the different funeral rituals and rites, and let you know what you can expect at a Taiwanese funeral.

Foreword: Please note this blog and FAQ section are written from the perspective of a long-term American expat married to a Taiwanese spouse. Part of the facts for this blog have been taken from personal experience attending multiple funerals in Taiwan, and also from research such as Chinese anthropology classes and other research.

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Dihua Street and Dadaocheng 迪化街及大稻埕

1/2/2025

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Dihua Street is Taipei City's biggest and oldest Old Street. Here you can find a large area with historical buildings and unique old-style shops. Also, there are many art spaces, museums, and restaurants to explore in the area. You should definitely make a stop in this historically rich area on your trip to Taipei.

Planning your trip to Taipei?

Here are some top travel tips for you:

  • Best time to visit: March-May, and October - November when the temperatures are nice and there is not as much rain
  • How to get there: Taiwan High Speed Railway and Inter-City Bus
  • Best places to stay: Yuanshan Grand Hotel or Fu Chang Hotel
  • Book tours and activities in Taipei on Klook
  • Stay connected with a local SIM
  • Rent a car to explore distant sights


Historical Background:
The land that Dadaocheng (aka Twatutia in Taiwanese 大稻埕) stands on was once part of Basay tribal land. The Basay people had lived on the land for thousands of years before the first Chinese settlers.
Sections of Dadaocheng indicate that there were settlements here during the Dutch rule in the 1600s.
The first Chinese settlers came to the area in the mid-1800's during the Qing Dynasty. They created a public area for drying rice and grain, called Dadaocheng (大稻埕) from which the place gets its name, which also became the central market in the area.
The earliest trading shops were built in 1851, mainly selling rice, sugar, camphor, and tea. Dihua Street (迪化街), or center street (中街) was created around this time, making it the oldest street in Taipei.
In 1859 the City God Temple was completed, the religious center of the area, and many streets sprouted out of the area. Most of the buildings were one story and made of red brick in Fujian style, and later western style houses were built. 
In 1891, the first train connecting Keelung and Taipei was completed. In 1902, Dadaocheng station was completed on the Tamsui Railway line. Tea and rice were the major exports from Dadaocheng during the Japanese era.
After WWII, the main street, known as Center Street (中街) was changed to Dihua Street, to remember Dihua City in Xinjiang. 
Dihua Street is an important place to buy traditional food supplies and ingredients. It is particularly popular during Chinese festivals. 

Hours:
About 9 AM to 7 PM.

Price:
Free

Tours:
You can book a walking tour of Dihua Street on TripAdvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. 
You can also book a Changing Cheongsam Tour at Dadaocheng on TripAdvisor here. 
There are many tours of Dihua Street, Dadaocheng, and other spots in Taipei available on Klook here or KKday here. 

Hotels in Taipei:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Grand Hyatt (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here), Marriot (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here), Sheraton (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here), Shangri-la (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here), and Regent (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here), which are all very high quality hotels in the middle of Taipei City.
We also recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). 
Budget Hotels: We have also stayed at and recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. Some of the Klook links may not work if you are using an Ad blocker. 
You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. 

How to get there:
By MRT: From Beimen MRT station, walk north to Tacheng Street. Keep going until the street becomes Dihua Street (about 500 meters). You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car/Scooter: Take Shimin Blvd. west to Tacheng Street. Keep going until the street becomes Dihua Street (about 500 meters). There is paid car parking on Shimin Blvd.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 
​
Map:
Please see below:

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Museum of World Religions 世界宗教博物館 – Understand the World’s Major Beliefs

11/12/2024

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The Museum of World Religions in Yonghe, New Taipei celebrates religious traditions and artifacts from all over the globe. It includes a permanent exhibit of world religions, as well as changing spiritual exhibits, which help to foster understanding among world cultures and religions. Overall it is a fun and educational journey for the whole family.
Table of Contents
  • Historical Background:
  • Hours:
  • Price:
  • Where to stay:
  • Activities in Taipei:
  • How to get there:
  • Map:
  • Our Journey:
  • Water Curtain
    • "Island Sanctuary" MWR Kids & Teens
  • Pilgrims' Way
  • Golden Lobby
  • Great Hall of World Religions
  • The Greatest Sacred Buildings
    • Borobudur
    • Kandariya Mahadeva Temple
    • Assumption Cathedral (Trinity St. Sergius Monastery)
    • Golden Temple
    • Luce Chapel
    • Buddha's Light Temple
    • Ise Grand Shrine
    • Chartres Cathedral
    • Religious Life of the Taiwanese
    • Daoism
    • Buddhism
    • Islam
    • Shinto
    • Maya
    • Hinduism
    • Sikhism
    • Judaism
    • Ancient Egypt
    • Wall of Gratitude
    • Hall of Life's Journey
  • Creations
    • Special Exhibition: Mountains, Ocean, and Sky-Nature in Me​

Historical Background:
The Museum of World Religions was established in 2001 by Buddhist Monk Hsin Tao (心道) and the Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Foundation in Gongliao District of New Taipei near Fulong. The Lingjiu monastery was started by a former ROC soldier who fought against the PRC in Burma during the 1960s. He then retired near Shuangxi and started this monastery. His religion is now international, has raised tons of money, and also owns two monasteries. The interior design and exhibition planning were led by the renowned U.S. design firm Ralph Appelbaum Associates, with Dr. Laurence Sullivan of Harvard University’s Center for the Study of World Religions spearheading the development of the religious exhibition content. Through its collections, exhibitions, activities, research, and publications, the museum aims to showcase the power and uniqueness of religions while fostering a shared understanding of world religions among visitors.

Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM
Closed on Mondays

Price:
300 NT per person.
You can buy tickets for a discount on Klook here or KKday here.  
Also, socks are required. If you do not have socks, you will need to buy some for some exhibits.

Where to stay:
We recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). 
We have stayed at and recommend ​Gold Mountain Ranch, which is a horse ranch and glamping destination in Jinshan. ​You can book a night at Gold Mountain Ranch on Klook here.  You can also check out our full blog on the ranch here. 
We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). 

Activities in Taipei:
There are many activities available to enjoy in Taipei such as kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, SUP / paddle boarding, water biking, and more activities which you can book on Klook here or KKday here. 

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Taipei Main Station, take Chongqing South Road South to the Zhongzheng Bridge until it crosses into Yonghe, then continue onto Zhongshan Road and take a right. The museum is in the same building as the Beyond Plaza shopping mall. There is paid car parking underground, but it can fill up quickly.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By MRT/Bus: Take the yellow line MRT to Yongan Market Station. The Museum is about a 15-minute walk from the MRT station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Bicycle: 
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

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Ghost Month in Taiwan: Key Taboos to Avoid

9/12/2024

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Happy Ghost Month! In Taiwan and many other Asian countries where Buddhism or Taoism is practiced, ghost month (鬼月 Guǐ Yuè), or the seventh month of the lunar calendar, is an important festival when it is believed that the dead come to visit the realm of the living, and it is an important time for…Read More

Table of Contents
  • Historical and Religious Background
  • Key Taboos to Avoid
    • Don't go swimming
    • Don't walk near open water
    • Stay out of mountain areas after sunset
    • Do not place chopsticks upright in a bowl
    • Don't buy a car
    • Don't buy a house
    • Don't get married
    • Don't dry clothes at night
    • Don't take walks at night
    • Don't whistle at night
    • Don't take photos at night
    • Don't pick up money on the ground
    • Don't open an Umbrell Indoors
    • Do not hang chimes outside your window or near your bed
  • How to protect yourself during ghost month:
    • Use Sandalwood
    • Use Noon Water
    • Use Wormwood
  • Frequently Asked Questions from Foreigners
    • Do foreigners have to adhere to the above taboos?
    • Are swimming pools open during August in Taiwan?
    • How do people celebrate Ghost Month in Taiwan compared to other regions?
    • What is the difference between Ghost Month and the Ghost Festival?
    • When does Ghost Month occur?
    • What are the key customs and rituals during Ghost Month?
    • What is the significance of offerings and rituals during Ghost Month?
  • Conclusion

​Historical and Religious BackgroundGhost festival originated in ancient India based on the Yulanpen or Ullambana Sutra in which a child searches for his deceased parents, and is told that he is able to assist his parents by offering food on the 15th day of the seventh month. The 15th day of ghost month is also known as Zhongyuan Festival 中元節 Zhōng Yuán Jié, or Pudu 普渡 Pǔ Dù), when it is believed that the dead from both heaven and hell are opened to allow the dead to visit the living on earth. This festival is practiced in both Buddhism and Taoism, which are the major religions in Taiwan.
Spirits without descendants, or spirits in hell, are believed to be able to wander the earth for the entire month. These ghosts are thought to be hungry and in need of entertainment. Therefore, people prepare offerings of incense, food, and paper “ghost money,” for the ghosts to enjoy and spare any misfortune on their families. Ceremonies are also held by Taoist and Buddhist priests to try and relieve the suffering of these ghosts. Water lanterns or burning boats on the water are also used to guide ghosts back to the underworld.

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Xingtian Temple 行天宮

8/20/2024

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Xingtian Temple (行天宮) is a Taiwanese Folk Religion temple dedicated to the deity Guan Di. With millions of visitors a year, it is one of the most popular religious centers in Taipei, sitting right next to Xingtiangong MRT Station. In 2014 it also became the first temple to ban incense to improve air pollution. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Taipei. 

​Historical Background:
Xingtian Temple was constructed in 1967 and completed in 1968, but its roots started in 1943, when Daoist Priest Master Kong Zhenzi and his fellow disciples worshipped established "Xingtian Temple" on Dihua Street in Taipei, with Guan Di as the primary deity. Guan Di (關帝), also known as Lord Guan, Emporer Guan, Guan Yu, or Guan Gong, is a prominent figure in Chinese history and mythology. He was a general serving under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period of China. Over time, Guan Yu became deified and is worshipped as a god of war, loyalty, righteousness, and justice, and is the patron saint of businessmen, soldiers, and policemen. Before Xingtian Temple, ​​there was once an official worship Taipei Guan Di Temple (Taipei Prefecture Martial Temple) during the Qing Dynasty within Taipei City, which was demolished during the Japanese colonial period due to urban planning.
Later, a Daoist Master named Xuan Kong became converted after his father and many others contracted Malaria in the coal mines of Sanxia. Master Kongzhenzi created a small temple next to the coal mine, and soon everyone was cured, which helped to spread the fame of Xingtian Temple. 
In 1949, Master Xuan Kong, using money he had made from coal mining, purchased a small private faith-based Luantan temple and an attached Earth God temple at Jiutai Street (now the intersection of Linsen North Road and Minquan East Road) in Taipei City. This was where the original Taipei Xingtian Temple was created, located at the current site of Taipei Municipal Xinxing Junior High School.
He also built two other temples in Beitou and Sanxia. The new temple built in the center of Taipei City was called the Main Temple, with the other two known as branches. 
In 1958, Daoist Master Kong Zhenzi passed away before the main temple could be completed. Master Xuan Kong was then elected as the second leader of Xingtian Temple.
In the early 1960s, Master Xuan Kong planned to expand the Taipei Xingtian Temple. However, the land was designated for a national middle school (now Taipei Municipal Xinxing Junior High School). After a negotiation, the Taipei City Government exchanged the land with public wetlands. Master Xuan Kong then purchased land at the northeast corner of Minquan East Road and Songjiang Road and invited the experienced temple builder Liao Shicheng to design and construct the temple, successfully completing Xingtian Temple Taipei Main Hall in 1968.

Price:
Free

Hours:
7 AM to 5 PM

Tours:
You can book a 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide, or Taipei at Night: Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour on KKday here, or Klook here . ​

Where to stay:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By MRT:
Take the MRT yellow line to Xingtian Temple Station. The temple is literally right on top of the MRT station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car:
If you travel there by car, there is very limited paid parking nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. ​
By Scooter:
There is limited paid scooter parking nearby. Do not park on areas with a red line; this place is a hot spot for parking tickets, so beware. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
By Bicycle: 
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

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Bankga Qingshan Temple 艋舺青山宮

8/19/2024

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Bangka Qingshan Temple (艋舺清山宮) is a religious center of the area, dedicated to the deity Qingshan King, brought from Fujian, China, and dating back to the Qing Dynasty. It is one of the most historically important temples in Taipei and is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Taipei. 

​Historical Background:
In 1854, Mengjia experienced a plague. Fishermen from Hui'an County, Quanzhou, Fujian, China brought a statue of Qingshan King, the local guardian deity of Hui'an Qingshan Temple, to Bangka setting up a small shrine to help stop the epidemic. Due to the miracles that followed, the number of followers grew, which led to the construction of Bangka Qingshui Temple.
Bangka Qingshui Temple was established in 1856 and completed in 1859 during the Qing Dynasty and is located in Bangka (
Mengjia), Wanhua District, Taipei City.
Since the Qing Dynasty, this Taiwan Folk Religion temple has been one of the centers of belief for the local people in the Bangka area.

The rear hall, originally a traditional structure, was rebuilt in 1979 into a three-story reinforced concrete pavilion with a basement.
Due to its historical, cultural, and artistic value, the temple was designated as a national third-class monument by the Ministry of the Interior in 1985 and is now a designated monument of a directly governed city. In 2003 underwent restoration by the Taipei City Government's Cultural Affairs Bureau which was completed in 2006.
On November 19, 2013, an electrical fire caused surface damage to the wooden components including the robes of the the Qingshan King and over ten other gods. After the fire, the temple underwent another restoration that was completed in 2014.
Besides the Qingshan King, other deities such as the Jade Emperor, the Three Great Emperors, Buddha and Guanyin are also worshipped here. 

Qingshan Temple faces south, covering an area of 184 pings (about 609 square meters), and follows the street house style of Quanzhou Hui'an's Xiadi craftsmen, featuring three openings, three sections, and two corridors. The front hall has a double-eaved roof with the inscription "Conferred as a Great God by the Song Dynasty" between the eaves. The entrance, originally a timber structure, was renovated in 1938 with granite and green stone, featuring stone lions in a typical Japanese style and dragon pillars by Xie Wanlai. The main hall's grandeur is accentuated by its raised platform and connected rooftops.
Every year, on the eve of Qingshan King's birthday, a grand festival is held, with the main day being the most magnificent deity-welcoming event in Wanhua District, commonly known as the Bangka Grand Festival, one of the three major temple festivals in Taipei City. Today, Mengjia Qingshan Temple, Mengjia Longshan Temple, Mengjia Qingshui Temple, and Ximending Tianhou Temple are collectively known as the Four Major Temples of Bangka.

Price:
Free

Hours:
7 AM to 5 PM

Tours:
You can book a 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide, or Taipei at Night: Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour on KKday here, or Klook here . ​

Where to stay:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By MRT:
Take the MRT green line to Ximen Station or Longshan Temple Station. The temple is about a ten minute walk to the east. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car:
If you travel there by car, there is very limited paid parking nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. ​
By Scooter:
There is limited paid scooter parking nearby. Do not park on areas with a red line; this place is a hot spot for parking tickets, so beware. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
By Bicycle: 
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

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Bangka Qingshui Zushi Temple 艋舺清水巖祖師廟

8/13/2024

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Bangka Qingshui Temple 艋舺清水嚴 (also known as Zushi Temple 祖師廟) is a religious center of the area, dedicated to the deity Master Qingshui, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. The temple is said to be one of the best examples of Qing Dynasty temple architecture in Taiwan. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Taipei. 

​Historical Background:
Bangka Qingshui Temple was established in 1787 and completed in 1790 during the Qing Dynasty.
Master Qingshui was a Buddhist Monk born in 1047 from the Northern Song Dynasty who is honored for saving a town during a drought as well as other miraculous deeds. Currently there are numerous temples dedicated Qingshui throughout Asia.
Besides Qingshui, the temple also enshrines deities such as Mazu, Guan Sheng Dijun, Wenchang Dijun, Ksitigarbha, Confucius, Kuixing Xingjun, and Fude Zhengshen. 
Mengjia Qingshui Temple is a national monument in the Republic of China and is considered one of the three most important temples in Taipei, along with Mengjia Longshan Temple and Dalongdong Baoan Temple. 
Early settlements around the Taipei Basin were primarily developed by immigrants from Anxi, China, for whom Qingshui Ancestor serves as the guardian deity. This led to the establishment of numerous ancestral temples in the Greater Taipei area including Sanxia Qingshui Temple, Tamsui Qingshui Temple, and Ruifang Qingshui.
They raised 30,000 silver coins to build a temple with the incense of Qingshui brought from Qingshui Temple in Anxi, Quanzhou.
Several temples in the surrounding area were established from the incense transferred from Mengjia Qingshui Temple.
In 1817, a typhoon damaged the temple, prompting local residents to raise 5,000 silver coins for repairs. 
In 1853, a brawl took place known as the "Ding-Xia Feud" between early Quanzhou immigrants and Xiamen immigrants, over the rights to sell near the temple, leading to the partial destruction of the temple. 25,000 silver coins were raised for reconstruction, which was completed in 1867. The original three-hall layout of the temple was reduced to the front hall and main hall.
During the Sino-French War, the temple was believed to have helped repel French forces. 
In the early Japanese colonial period, the temple served as an affiliated school of the Governor-General's National Language School. The rear hall was destroyed by fire in 1940 and has not been rebuilt. In 1985, construction of a parking lot unearthed buried stone materials from the rear hall.
Restoration plans began in 1997 and the main and front halls have since been restored.
The temple was featured in the 2010 Taiwanese film "Monga," with many scenes shot within the temple premises.

Price:
Free

Hours:
7 AM to 5 PM

Tours:
You can book a 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide, or Taipei at Night: Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour on KKday here, or Klook here . ​

Where to stay:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By MRT:
Take the MRT green line to Ximen Station or Longshan Temple Station. The temple is about a ten minute walk to the east. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car:
If you travel there by car, there is very limited paid parking nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. ​
By Scooter:
There is limited paid scooter parking nearby. Do not park on areas with a red line; this place is a hot spot for parking tickets, so beware. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
By Bicycle: 
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

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Zhen Wen Academy 振文書院

5/3/2024

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Zhenwen Academy (aka Jhen Wen Academy or Chenwen Academy) is a Qing Dynasty Civil Servant Academy in Xiluo Township of Yunlin dating back to the 1700s, and the only such Academy in Yunlin County that has survived to the current day. It now sits as a cultural and historical landmark, alongside with ​Nantian Academy-Yide Branch. It is important to the local people as a religious and scholarly site, especially for local students. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Yunlin.

Historical Background:
Before Han Chinese settlement, Xiluo was inhabited by native peoples. During the Kingdom of Tungming after Koxinga's conquest of Taiwan from the Dutch, the first Chinese farmers began to settle here due to the fertile land and mild climate. At the time it was situated in the middle of two other settlements: Lukang and Beigang. 
The original name for Xiluo was Luoyang (螺陽).

Zhen Wen Academy 振文書院
In 1797, a group of respected individuals from Xiluo, led by Liao Chenghe, contributed funds to construct the Temple of Wenchang Emperor which acted as a precursor to Zhenwen Academy. This temple was also dedicated to Confucius and other revered figures. It wasn't until 1814 that the Zhenwen Academy was formally established.
Zhenwen Academy originally consisted of one hall, one courtyard, and six side corridors, but was later renovated and expanded
During the Japanese era, among various academies that existed in Yunlin during the Qing Dynasty, including Longmen, Kuiwen, and Xiuwen, Zhenwen Academy was the only one that endured.
After WWII, the academy was registered as a third-class historical site in 1985.
However, in 1986, it suffered damage during Typhoon Wayne. Restoration efforts commenced in July 1987.
Following the 921 earthquake on September 21st, 1999, the building was damaged and further restoration work was needed. The academy reopened in 2004.

​Nantian Academy-Yide Branch 南天修文院懿德分院
Nantian Academy Yide Branch, formerly known as Yide Hall, can be traced back to the initiative of the late Liu Wan, a distinguished individual in Xiluo Town. In the autumn of 1934, Liu Wan rallied local leaders to establish this institution, situated east of Zhenwen Academy. Its founding mission was to promote Confucianism and celebrate Chinese cultural traditions, advocating for a virtuous society. Despite facing threats of demolition by the Japanese during WWII, the hall suspended activities during the war.
After WWII, the hall resumed activities and underwent further expansion. In July 1970, the "Three Graces," 三恩主 (Sān Ēn Zhǔ) namely Guan Yu, Lu Dongbin, and Siming Zhaoyun, who were revered as saints, and Wenchang Emperor 文衡聖帝 (Wén Héng Shèng Dì), were enshrined at Yide Hall. Subsequently, in 1971, Yide Hall was renovated and officially renamed as Nantian Academy Yide Branch. 
Following the renovation of Yide Branch into a two-story palace building, the upper hall housed the Three Graces, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Cheng Huangye, and Tudigong. The lower hall was dedicated to the promotion of Confucianism.
Now, many local students frequent the lecture hall for study and review. The caretakers here also provide air conditioning and tea for the students. 

Hours:
24/7

Price:
Free

Where to stay:
We have stayed at and recommend Ai Ni Ya Hotel, with great quality and service right in downtown Beigang (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here).
We also recommend the Grand Earl Hotel, a high class hotel in central Douliu (book on Agoda here or Booking.com here)
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.
​
Tours in Yunlin: 
Tours and activities in Yunlin include Janfusun Fancy World Amusement Park, Kite Surfing, Tree Climbing , Chaoyang Green Energy Farm, Sam Siu Garden, Pink Castle Park, Gukeng Green Tunnel, Caoling Highway, and more. 
You can find more tours of Yunlin on Klook here or KKday here. 

Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. 
You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. 

How to get there:
By Scooter: From Provincial Highway 1, go south to the Xiluo Great Bridge until you reach Xiluo Town. The Academy is on the south side of town along Highway 154 and is hard to miss. There is free parking on the side of the road.
Looking for 
scooter rental in Yunlin? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
By Car: From National Freeway 1, get off at the Xiluo Exit and keep going until you reach Xiluo Town. The Academy is on the south side of town along Highway 154 and is hard to miss. There is free parking on the side of the road.
If you are looking for 
car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. 
By Bus/Train: From Yunlin HSR Station, you can take bus 88 for about 30 minutes to Xiluo Town. The Academy is then in walking distance.
You can also book tickets to travel to Yunlin via 
inter-city bus on Klook here. 
You can book tickets to Yunlin via high speed rail (HSR)  on Klook here or KKDay here. 
Book tickets via the normal train (TRA)  on Klook here.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. 

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Songshan Ciyou Temple 松山慈祐宮

12/24/2023

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Sitting at the eastern entrance of Raohe Street Night market is the Ciyou temple, which is the religious center of the area. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Matsu, with a blackened statue of her as the centerpiece. The temple was completed in 1753 and was also an important centerpiece of the old Xikou transportation area near Songshan Station. 

​Historical Background:
Songshan Ciyou Temple was established in 1753 by a wondering monk who found fellow followers of Matsu in the area, after ten years of collecting donations. 
Starting in the Qing Dynasty, the area around Ciyou Temple and Songshan station was called Xikou (tin port), an important transportation hub in Taiwan (for more information about this old industrial area in East Taipei, check out our blog here). From Songshan station, goods from Taipei, Keelung, and Yilan could be directly loaded to the Keelung River and transported to the sea. However due to silting, the Keelung River became less and less import in terms of transportation, and the area around Raohe Street became obsolete, especially after the much wider Bade street was built right next to it.
In order to help business in the area, the Taipei city government established a tourist night market on Raohe Street on May 11th, 1987, which was the second tourist night market established in Taipei.
The temple has become the main religious center of the area, and is the main Matsu Temple in eastern Taipei. 

Price:
Free! But don't you dare come with an empty wallet. 

Hours:
4 PM to 12 AM

Tours:
You can book a 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide, or Taipei at Night: Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour on TripAdvisor here, KKday here, or Klook here . ​

Where to stay:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By MRT:
Take the MRT green line to Songshan station (the last station), and get out at exit 2, 3, or 4, and continue walking north for about 1 minute to Raohe street. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Train /TRA: 
​Raohe Street is within walking distance of Songshan TRA station
. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA)  on Klook here.
By Car:
If you travel there by car, there is a parking garage on Bade street. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. ​
By Scooter:
There is scooter parking next to Songshan elementary school and on Songhe street in front of Rainbow bridge. Do not park on areas with a red line; this place is a hot spot for parking tickets, so beware. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
By Bicycle: 
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:

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Dalong Street Night Market 大龍街夜市

12/21/2023

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Dalong Street Night Market is a small night market in Taipei near the Taipei Confucius Temple and Dalongdong Baoan Temple. Here you can find local snacks and delicacies such as braised pork rice, fried chicken, and meatballs without huge crowds of people. It is definitely worth a trip if you are in the area. ​

Planning your trip to Taipei?

Here are some top travel tips for you:

  • Best time to visit: March-May, and October - November when the temperatures are nice and there is not as much rain
  • How to get there: Taiwan High Speed Railway and Inter-City Bus
  • Best places to stay: Yuanshan Grand Hotel or Fu Chang Hotel
  • Book tours and activities in Taipei on Klook
  • Stay connected with a local SIM
  • Rent a car to explore distant sights

Background:
Dalong Street Night Market was formerly named Lanzhou Street Market (蘭州街夜市) before the street name was changed in 1975, which was a name given by the KMT to remember Lanzhou in Gansu Province of China. However when the road was improved in 1975 to better connect with Dalongdong Baoan Temple, the name was changed to Dalong Street. 
The street was an important route to Dadaocheng and many merchant shops were built here both during the Qing Dynasty and the Japanese era, and also many residences. 
Popular foods at this night market include braised pork rice, meatballs, salty crispy chicken, fried rice, etc., as well as some special "Confucian" cuisine because of the nearby Taipei Confucius Temple.
The night market is usually not very busy and vehicle traffic is allowed to pass at all times. 

Hours:
4 PM to Midnight

Price:
Free

Tours:
You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here.

Hotels in Taipei:
We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). 
We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

​
Looking for Chinese lessons? You can get a 10% discount on Chinese lessons from Tutor ABC, the best Chinese language learning program out there by using the promo code FOREIGNERS10.

How to get there:
By MRT: The closest MRT station is Yuanshan Station, and is about a 5 minute walk. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car/Scooter: Driving or taking a scooter there can be hard because there is limited paid parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:
See below:

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Dalongdong Baoan Temple 大龍峒保安宮

12/20/2023

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Dalongdong Baoan Temple is a Taiwanese Folk Religion temple in Taipei dating back to the 1700s.  After many repairs and renovations, it is one of the most intricate and beautiful temples in Taiwan, and is now one of the most popular places of worship for local residents. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Taipei.

Background:
​
The spot where Dalongdong Baoan Temple was built once had a wooden shrine that was built in 1742. The temple itself was built in about 1804. During the 1900s, the temple and surrounding grounds were expanded.
The temple later fell into decay until 1985 when it underwent a major renovation thanks to the Taiwan government.  ​
​The main deity worshipped here is Baosheng Dadi, a former doctor born during the Song Dynasty later worshipped as a deity, along with other gods. 
Even though Baoshend Dadi was a doctor, he is not worshipped to give good health. Instead he is worshipped as a protector. Historically, people prayed to him for safety during floods, droughts, invasions by thieves, and shipwrecks.
The temple is a very popular place for worship especially on weekends. 

Hours:
6:30 AM to 9 PM every day. 

Price:
Free

Tours:
You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here.

Hotels in Taipei:
We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). 
We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

​
Looking for Chinese lessons? You can get a 10% discount on Chinese lessons from Tutor ABC, the best Chinese language learning program out there by using the promo code FOREIGNERS10.

How to get there:
By MRT: The closest MRT station is Yuanshan Station, and is about a 5 minute walk. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car/Scooter: Driving or taking a scooter there can be hard because there is limited paid parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:
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Dajia Old Street 大甲老街

11/17/2023

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Dajia Old Street (aka Shuntian Road Old Street) is a historic area in Taichung, including Qing-era and Japanese-era buildings, shops, and Jenn Lann Temple. It is known as one of the oldest settlements in the Taichung. The town is also home to the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage, the largest religious procession in Taiwan. Here you can also find food stalls and restaurants as well as Chinese medicine, clothing shops, and jewelry shops. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taichung.  

Background:
The area where Dajia Old Street stands was originally the land of the Taokas Aborigine Tribe, which was a Taiwan plains tribe that has some members that now live in Puli Township of Nantou. The first Chinese settlers came to this area in the late 1600s during the kingdom of Tungming, and created a settlement known as Dajia, near the Dajia River. During the 1700s, more settlers from Lukang came north and began to settle the land. Soon the area became filled with shops and became the center of commerce for the area and a transportation hub for goods. In the 1800s, a bamboo wall was built around the town creating a city enclosure. 
During the Opium Wars, a British ship called the Brig Ann ran aground nearby and the survivors were attacked by local militia who thought they had launched an amphibious assault, and falsely claimed that they had sunken enemy ships and defeated their army. 
The city of Dajia was also captured during the Daichaochun Incident (戴潮春事件), a rebel uprising during the Qing Dynasty, which was soon quelled by the Qing soldiers. 
During the Japanese invasion of Taiwan, nearby Da'an port was barraged by Japanese ships, but the local people quickly surrendered to the Japanese.
The old street also includes buildings from the Japanese Era with baroque facades. 
Today the old street is still a popular shopping area in Dajia with historical significance. 
The town is also home to the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage, the largest religious procession in Taiwan, which transports the sea goddess Mazu between Dajia and Xingang, Chiayi. 

​Hours:
24/7
​
Tours:
You can book a tour of Dajia Old Street on Klook here or KKday here. 

Hotels in Taichung:
Most of the accommodation you will find is near the city center.  If you will only visit downtown, you can consider a day trip from Taipei.
We have stayed at and recommend the Norway Forest Travel Hotel, a convenient hotel right in front of Taichung Station (you can book on Booking.com here or Agoda here), and Sin Fu Business Hotel which is also a great value for the money and great quality in downtown Taichung (you can book on Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By TRA: From Dajia TRA station, the old street is just a short walk away. You can also book a Taichung sightseeing bus on KKday here. ​
By Car/ Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 1 along the west coast until you reach Dajia The old street is in the center of town. 
​Looking for scooter rental in Taichung? Check out Klook here or KKday here to search for options.
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. ​You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Market Biking Tour in Taichung on Klook here.  
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

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Longshan Temple 龍山寺

9/21/2023

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Longshan Temple is one of the most popular Temples in Taipei, and sits right in the middle of historical Wanhua District of Taipei. 
This temple dates back to 1738, and was built by Chinese settlers in Fujian in honor of the Longshan Temple in Fujian. The main deities worshipped here are Mazu and Guanyu. Due to its easy access to the Taipei MRT, the temple sees a lot of visitors.

Historical Background:
The land that Longshan Temple stands on was once part of Basay tribal land. The Basay people had lived on the land for thousands of years before the first Chinese settlers. The area at Bangka was a trading center for the Basay people before Chinese settlers ever came. 
Maps dating to the Dutch rule in the 1600s marked Bangka as a trading location.
The name Bangka (or Měngjiǎ in Taiwanese Mandarin) comes from the fact that the Basay tribe called the Chinese trading ships that visited "Bangka" which means canoe, and was transliterated into Southern Min as (Bangkah 艋舺) which literally means small boat. 
Later when the Japanese came they mistakenly heard Bangka as “Mange” in Japanese (Wàn huá 萬華 in Chinese), which is the current name of the area. 

The settlement at Bangka (Měngjiǎ ​ 艋舺) quickly grew into the largest settlement in Northern Taiwan. Settlements at Dadaocheng and Bopiliao nearby also began to sprout up.  

Huaxi Street Night Market has been established for over 50 years. It used to be a red light district before prostitution was banned in Taiwan in 1991. Now it specializes in strange meats such as snake, turtle, and deer meat as well as animal blood. It is also known as "Snake Alley." You can also find normal Taiwanese night market snacks here. 

Longshan temple dates back to 
1738, and was built by Chinese settlers in Fujian in honor of the Longshan Temple in Fujian. The main deities worshipped here are Mazu and Guanyu. Due to its easy access to the Taipei MRT, the temple sees a lot of visitors.

Price:
Free

Hours:
4 PM to midnight every day

Tours:
You can book a walking tour of Huaxi Street Night Market on Klook here or KKday here. 
You can also book a Private Street Food Tour of Taipei on TripAdvisor here. 

Hotels in Taipei:
We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). 
We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Ximending, go west on Guilin Road until you reach Huaxi Street. There is plenty of scooter parking on the street and paid car parking nearby.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for 
car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By MRT: Take the blue line to Longshan Temple station, then walk northwest about two blocks to the night market. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 
​​
​Map:

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Jiji Wuchang Temple 集集武昌宮

8/11/2023

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The Jiji Wuchang Temple (aka 921 Earthquake Museum ​九二一地震紀念館) in Jiji Township of Nantou County ​ is a monument to the 921 earthquake that hit Taiwan in 1999, which killed thousands of people. The temple stood near the epicenter of the earthquake, and the first floor of the temple collapsed. Now a new temple has been built but the old one has been left untouched, a testament to the power of the 921 earthquake. 

Background:
Wuchang Temple's beginnings can be traced back to1903 when a statue was built here to the God Xuan Wu (玄武), and was later built into a full temple in 1923. It was later expanded starting in 1990, and not long after the renovation was completed in 1999 the 921 earthquake hit, toppling it.
The 921 earthquake hit on September 21st, 1999 at 1:47 in the morning, shaking for 102 seconds, registering at 7.7 on the Richter scale. In total 2,415 people died, and 51,711 homes were destroyed. It was the worst natural disaster in Taiwan since WWII. The earthquake was also known as the Jiji earthquake, because its epicenter was inside Jiji township. 
However, the God Xuan Wu's Statue inside the temple was not damaged. Other God's statues were also rescued from inside the temple. The beards of some of the Gods were said to have grown longer after the collapse, which added interest and donations for the construction of a new temple. 
A new temple was rebuilt next to it with the same name, completed in 2013.

Hours:
24/7

Price:
Free

Tours: 
You can book a tour to Jiji and Nantou Sky Bridge on Klook here. ​

Accommodation:
We have stayed at and recommend Jenq Yang Hotspring Hotel (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Trip.com here, or Klook here), a hot spring hotel near the mystical Lushan hot spring, and Maple Leaf Holiday Villa (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, Expedia.com here, Trip.com here, or Klook here), a lodge with a great view and within walking distance of Cingjing Farm. I also have stayed at and recommend Kirin Villa (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here), a mountain resort in Puli near Sun Moon Lake. 
Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands.
You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here.  

Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. 
You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. 

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Mingjian, take provincial highway 16 east toward Jiji. Turn left on Bazhang Street in Jiji and you will see the temple on your left. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. 
Looking for 
scooter rental in Nantou? Search Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
By Train: Take the Jiji train line from Yuanlin all the way to Jiji Station. The temple is about a 1KM walk northeast from the station. You can book tickets to travel to Nantou via inter-city bus on Klook here. 
You can book tickets to Taichung via high speed rail (HSR)  on Klook here or KKDay here, or book tickets via the normal train (TRA)  on Klook here. 
Bicycle Rental: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. 
​
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Hongludi Nanshan Fude Temple 烘爐地南山福德宮

7/10/2023

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Hongludi Nanshan Fude Temple in Zhonghe, New Taipei is a temple complex known for its prominent Earth God statue, and also its amazing views of southwest Taipei. The hike up the mountain also provides a decent aerobic workout. It is an unmissable stop on your trip to New Taipei. 

Background:
Hongludi Nanshan Fude Temple started off as a small earth god temple built around the year 1900 by local tea farmers and was not well known. 
In 1952, a construction company donated a large amount of money to build a road up to the temple. After that, more and more people came here and made donations. In 1971 the temple complex was expanded significantly, and in 1994 the Earth God statue was completed. 
Besides the earth god, other gods such as Caishen (God of riches), Tai Sui, Wenchang Wang, and Yue Lao are worshipped here.

The temple is popular especially on weekends for hikers and temple worshippers.

Hours:
24/7

Price:
Free

Tours in Taipei:
There are many tour itineraries that you can enjoy in Taipei that will take you to multiple destinations and arrange transportation. For more information, you can check out Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here, which are both great tour websites that can connect you with the right tour and tour guide for you. 

Activities in Taipei:
You can also look for more activities in Taipei such as Rock Climbing, Surfing, Speedboat Surfing, Diving, Snorkeling, Cooking Class, Glamping, Motorcycling, and more on Klook here or KKday here. 

Hotels in Taipei:
We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). 
We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for 
car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By MRT: You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. ​You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. 
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. â€‹You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:
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Baxian Caves 八仙洞

6/9/2023

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The Baxian Caves (aka Baxiandong) on the east coast in Taitung County have the earliest evidence of humans living in Taiwan, including stone tools dating back to over 30,000 years ago. In recent times the caves were converted into Taiwan folk religion temples, but now all of the 30 caves in the area have been reclaimed by the government to preserve this important archaeological site. The area is now open to the public, and there are trails and a large park in front of the caves.

Background:
The Baxian Caves were originally underwater until geological forces between the Philippine and Eurasian tectonic plates forced the ground upward. 
The first traces of people living here date back to 30,000 years ago during the late Paleolithic age. They were thought to have crossed a land bridge between what is now Fujian Province of China and Taiwan, and created what is known as the Changbin Culture, and stayed here until about 1500 years ago during the late stone age. After that, their culture mysteriously disappeared. 
The people that lived in the caves were mostly hunter-gatherers that used stone tools, and used the caves as shelter. 
Later the area was inhabited by the Amis Aboriginie Tribe (阿美族) who have lived there since at least 1500 BC, and called the area Lohan, which means caves. 
After the area was settled by Han Chinese farmers, there arose a legend that the caves were home to the eight immortals (八仙 Baxian), from where the caves now get their name  and many temples were built in the caves here, as well as to other gods such as the Earth God, Buddha, Guanyin, and others. 

Price:
Free
Parking:
60 NT for cars, 20 NT for scooters. 
You can book a tour to Taitung with Klook here or KKday here. 

Hours:
8:30 AM PM every day. 

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: We recommend taking Provincial Highway 11 from Taitung north 30km to the caves. Feel free to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way. You can also try to coming south down from Hualien. 
Looking for scooter rental in Taitung? You can search Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search KKday here or Klook here. You can check out our car rental guide here.
By Bus: You can take bus 8102 or 8103 from Taitung, but according to Google this will take about 3 hours. You can also try to coming south down from Hualien. You can book tickets to travel to Taitung via inter-city bus on Klook here. 
Book tickets via the normal train (TRA)  on Klook here.

Accommodation:
Booking accommodation in the Taitung can be difficult in the summer months and on weekends when rooms can be fully booked for months in advance. We suggest a better quality selection on Agoda.com. 
We have stayed at and recommend the Papago International Resort in Chishang (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, or Expedia here), which is a five star hotel with private villas with pools for each room, and Mountain and Ocean B & B in Taimali (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, or Expedia here), which is a quiet and affordable B&B right next to the beach. 

You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here.  
Need travel insurance? Compare prices on Insubuy here. 
​
Tours:
There are many tours and activities such as snorkeling, diving, SUPing, Surfing, Speed Boating, Glamping, River tracing and more in Taitung. You can find more tours of Taitung on Klook here or KKday here. 

Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. 

You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. 

Map: Please see the map below:

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Hsinchu City God (Chenghuang) Temple 新竹城隍廟

1/3/2023

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Hsinchu City God Temple, or Chenghuang Temple, dates back to the Kingdom of Tungming and was built in the middle of the old bamboo-walled city of Zhuqian. Currently, it is the religious center of the city and also has its own night market. It is one of the most impressive historical sites in Hsinchu and is worth a visit for anyone in the area.

Background:
After the settlement of the area by Han Chinese farmers in about 1711 during the Kingdom of Tungming, what was then known as Zhuqianshe became the most important economic area in northern Taiwan. By 1723, a walled city was built here out of bamboo, because brick walls were forbidden for fear of a revolt against the Qing authorities. The name Zhuqiancheng (竹塹城) literally means bamboo moat city. The bamboo-walled city had four gates and its perimeter was about 1.4 KM long. In 1806, the city was upgraded with earthen walls. In 1748, the Chenghuang City God temple was completed, being built in the center of the city.

The temple was refurbished and restored in 1792, 1799, and 1924. 
In 1891, the Guangxu Emporer visited Taiwan and held a prayer meeting here. He left a plaque that still stands today which reads "Golden Gate Protection (金門保障)," which is meant that the temple would provide protection to the entire island of Taiwan. The temple also features six different halls. Parades and activities are held regularly at the temple. 
There is also a night market that surrounds the temple known as the Chenghuang Temple Night Market (新竹市城隍廟夜市).

Hours:
24/7, but I recommend visiting at night when the night market is open. 

Price:
Free

Tours: 
You can find more tours and activities in Hsinchu such as You can find more tours and activities in Hsinchu such as river tracing, wild hot springs, white water kayaking, backpack rafting, Little Ding Dong Theme Park, Leofoo Village Theme Park, Window on China Theme Park, glamping, camping, stone spa, horse riding, Yukids Island, Tom and Bei Bei Parent Child Paradise, bee keeping experience, cycling, dried persimmons experience, Jump Wave Trampoline Park and more on Klook here or KKday here. 

Where to stay:
Most of the accommodation you will find is near the city center.  If you will only visit downtown, you can consider a day trip from Taipei.
We have stayed at and recommend the Golden Motel a high quality motel near Green Grass Lake (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, Expedia here, or Trip.com here), and CD Motel, another high quality motel in downtown Hsinchu (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, or Trip.com here). Unfortunately I cannot recommend any further hotels that I have stayed at in Hsinchu because usually we stay at my wife's uncle's house. 
You can find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.
You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here.  
Need travel insurance? Compare prices on Insubuy here. 

Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. 
You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. 

How to get there:
The temple is within walking distance of Hsinchu TRA station. 
ou can book tickets to travel to Hsinchu via inter-city bus on Klook here. You can book tickets to Hsinchu via high speed rail (HSR)  on Klook here or KKDay here. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. 

If you are looking for car rentals in Hsinchu, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKDay here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. 
​Looking for scooter rental in Hsinchu? You can search Klook here or KKday here to look for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. ​

Map:
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     Author 作家

    I am an American expat who has extensive experience living, working, and traveling in Taiwan. In my day, I had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But I have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. ​This blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. I am just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country.
    -Larry


    我來自美國, 我對台灣生活、工作和旅行有很豐富的經驗。我曾須艱辛地學習許多有關台灣的事情。但我已經了解到,台灣是世界上最適合外國人居住的地方之一。這個部落格不代表台灣每個外國人的意見。我只是想幫助其他人了解更多關於這個美麗的國家。
    -拉瑞

    Klook.com

    Categories
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    Aboriginal Culture 原住民文化
    Airports 機場
    Alishan 阿里山
    Amusement Parks 娛樂園
    Aquariums 海洋館
    Art 藝術
    Basic Info 基本資訊
    Beaches 海灘
    Beitou 北投
    Blogroll 部落格名單
    Bridges 橋梁
    Buddhism 佛教
    Business 商業
    Camping 露營
    Car Driving Test 考汽車駕照
    Car Rental 租氣車
    Caves 山洞
    Changhua 彰化
    Cherry Blossoms 櫻花
    Chiayi 嘉義
    Children Activities 小孩活動
    Chinese Film 中文電影
    Chinese Language 中文
    Chinese Literature 中文文學
    Circling Taiwan 環島
    City Parks 都市公園
    Click Bait 點擊誘餌
    Coal Mining 煤礦
    Confucius Temples 孔廟
    Cycling 騎腳踏車
    Cypress Groves 落羽松秘境
    Daily Life 日常生活
    Daoism 道教
    Disaster Tourism 災害旅遊
    Disaster Tourism 災害旅遊
    Diving 潛水
    DIY
    DIY Activities
    Driving In Taiwan 開車
    Drone Flying 飛空拍機
    Dutch Era 荷蘭時期
    East Rift Valley 花東縱谷
    East Taiwan 東部
    English Teaching 英文教學
    Events 活動
    Festivals 節日
    Fish Foot Massage 溫泉魚
    Floral Sea 花海
    Food 食物
    Forts 堡壘
    Fruit 水果
    Geography 地理
    Geology 地質
    Golf 高爾夫球
    Green Island 綠島
    Green Island 綠島
    Growing Bananas 種香蕉日記
    Guest Blog Posts 客人部落格
    Hakka Culture 客家文化
    Hiking 爬山
    Historical Buildings 歷史建築
    Hot Springs 溫泉
    Hsinchu 新竹
    Hualien 花蓮
    Immigration/Visa 移民/簽證
    Japanese Era 日治時期
    Jiaoxi 礁溪
    Kaohsiung 高雄
    Keelung 基隆
    Kenting 墾丁
    Kingdom Of Tungning Era 東寧時期
    Kinmen 金門
    Lakes And Reservoirs 湖及水庫
    Lighthouses 燈塔
    Longdong 龍洞
    Luodong Night Market 羅東夜市
    Maolin 茂林
    Martyrs' Shrines 忠烈祠
    Matsu Islands 馬祖列島
    Mazuism 媽祖
    Miaoli 苗栗
    Migrant Workers 外籍勞動
    Monkeys 猴子
    Mountain Biking 越野
    Museums 博物館
    Nangang 南港
    Nantou 南投
    National Forest Recreation Areas 國家森林游樂區
    National Palace Museum 故宮
    National Parks 國家公園
    Natural Scenery 自然風景
    New Taipei 新北市
    Night Market 夜市
    Northern Coast 北海岸
    Not Taiwan 台灣以外的地方
    Nuclear Power 核能
    Offroading 越野
    Old City Gates 古城門
    Old Streets 老街
    Old Trails 古道
    Orchid Island (Lanyu 蘭嶼)
    Outer Islands 外島
    Paragliding 跳傘
    Penghu Islands 澎湖群島
    Pingtung 屏東
    Pingxi Railway 平息火車綫
    Politics 政治
    Qing Dynasty Era 清朝時代
    Railways 鐵路
    Recreational Farms 休閑農場
    River Tracing 朔溪
    Rock Climbing 攀岩
    Sailing 帆船
    Sand Dunes 沙丘
    Sanxia 三峽
    Scooter Driving Test 考機車駕照
    Scooter Rental 租機車
    Seafood Markets 海鮮市場
    Shiding 石碇
    Shilin Night Market 士林夜市
    Shinto Shrines 神社遺址
    Shinto Shrines 神社遺址
    Shopping 購物
    Sicao Green Tunnel 四草綠色隧道
    Smokestacks 烟囪
    Snorkeling 浮潛
    Sports 運動
    Starting A Taiwan Business 創業
    Sugar Factories 糖廠
    Sun Moon Lake 日月潭
    Surfing 冲浪
    Taichung 臺中
    Tainan 台南
    Taipei 101
    Taipei Zoo 台北動物園
    Taipei 臺北
    Taitung 臺東
    Taiwanese Spouse 台灣配偶
    Taiwan FAQ 臺灣常見問題
    Taiwan History 台灣的歷史
    Taiwan's Economy 台灣經濟
    Taiwan Temples 臺灣的廟
    Tamsui 淡水
    Taoyuan-2669122290
    Taoyuan-2669122290
    Taroko-gorge-228263979138307
    Taroko-gorge-228263979138307
    Tax
    Thailand-2788822283
    Top-10-210692131321517
    Top-10-210692131321517
    Transportation-2013236890
    Turtle-island-408602366523798
    Typhoons-3908939080
    Ultimate-guide-26997384802535121335
    Ultimate-guide-26997384802535121335
    Urbex-22478240662550638570
    Urbex-22478240662550638570
    Waterfalls
    Waterfalls-2868924067
    Waterfalls-2868924067
    Weather-2282527683
    White-terror-30333333942465624598
    Wildlife
    Wildlife 野生動物
    Wildlife-野生動物
    Working-in-taiwan-2231221488287712403720316
    Wulai Hot Springs
    Wulai-hot-springs
    Wulai-hot-springs-28879203582833127849
    Xiaoliuqiu 235672970529699
    Xiaoliuqiu-235672970529699
    Xitou-2833038957
    Xizhi-2772827490
    Xizhi-2772827490
    Yangmei-2695426757
    Yangmingshan 陽明山
    Yilan-2345234349
    Yilan-2345234349
    Yonghe-2770421644
    Yunlin-3864226519
    Yunlin-3864226519
    Yushan-jade-mt-2957723665
    Zhonghe-2001321644
    Zoos-212052928922290

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Planning your trip to Taiwan?

Here are some top travel tips for you:

  • Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn when it is not too hot or cold and less rainy
  • How to get there: Plane tickets via Trip.com
  • Best places to stay can be found on Agoda
  • Book tours and activities in Taiwan on Klook
  • Stay connected with a local SIM
  • Rent a car to explore distant sights

Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.