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HOW TO GET THERE
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CKS
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT |
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u |
The CKS
International Airport - (take the buses of Guo-Guang Motor
Transit Co., Zhang-Hang Transport Co., U-Bus, Jian-Ming Motor
Transit Co.) - Taipei Urban Area |
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KAOHSIUNG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT |
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u |
Kaohsiung
Xiao-Gang Airport - Sung-Shan Airport |
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v |
Kaohsiung
Xiao-Gang Airport - (take the buses of the transportation
route of the airport, Bus 301, Guo-Guang Motor Transit Co.,
Kaohsiung Motor Transit Co., Chung-Nan Motor Transit Co.) -
Kaohsiung City - (take the train of Taiwan Railway, the buse
of Guo-Guang Motor Transit Co., U-Bus) - Taipei City |
Taipei is Taiwan's largest city as well as its economic, political,
and cultural center. It is a modern cosmopolitan metropolis with a
lively and diversified face, filled with exuberance. Its buildings
provide much of the diversity, and visitors who are fond of historic
sites and old streets will not want to miss the work of traditional
master builders evident on Dihua Street in the Dadaocheng area or
the Longshan Temple in the Wanhus district, as well as other places.
The internationally renowned National Palace Museum has an
inexhaustible collection of precious historical Chinese arts and
artifacts that no visitor can afford to miss; Taipei is also home to
many other fine museums, including the Taipei Fine Arts Museum,
National Museum of History, and Postal Museum. On the city's
outskirts, the Yangmingshan National Park has unique volcanic
terrain, a rich variety of forest vegetation, and an extensive
network of hiking trails, making it a popular destination for
visitors from the Taipei area and elsewhere. Yangmingshan is one of
the places in the Taipei area where you can indulge yourself in a
hot mineral bath; for the pleasure of relieving the exhaustion of a
day's travels, you can also go to the hot springs of Beitou or Wulai.
Taipei also has the largest zoo in Asia, where you can see the rare
Formosan black bear, cuddly koalas, and stately king penguins. The
city's comprehensive rapid transit system takes you quickly to the
zoo or just about anyplace you might want to go in the metropolitan
area.
GENERAL
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Botanical Garden
Historical Background : The Botanical Garden was established
in 1921. It has been part of the memory of Taipei citizens. Many
people come here to appreciate the lotus in summer and falling
leaves in winter. The Botanical Garden was established on January
22, 1921. In 1930, there were 1129 species in the garden, serving
greatly to academic research and natural science. However, the
garden was deserted during World War II. After the war, the garden
was rearranged and new plants were introduced. Currently, the garden
is well maintained and has over 100 species of plants.
Cultural Highlights : There are 17 districts in the garden,
exhibiting various plants. The 9 ponds are also designed to grow
different plants. As green land is far and scarce in urban area, the
garden has become a popular leisure space for Taipei citizens. The
garden is next to National History Museum, Science Museum and Art
Museum.
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Dihua Street
A
walk through the Dihua Street Area gives visitors a feel of Taipei
city's past. The old-town market has scores of shops selling a
variety of traditional goods such as Chinese medicines and herbs,
temple icons and incense, spices and dried food, colorful bolts of
cloth, and bamboo and wooden crafts. A fascinating patch of the
past.
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February 28 Memorial Park
Historical Background : The 228 Memorial Peace Park was
called Taipei Park and New Park in the past. The park was
established in the Ching Dynasty and is the oldest park in Taipei.
After World War II, the KMT government took over Taiwan. However,
economic monopoly and corruption of the government led to civil
resistance. On February 27, 1947, people gathered in front of the
police department but were shot by the soldiers. The next day,
people gathered in the Taipei Park and broadcast the movement at the
radio station. The KMT government used military force to restrain
the protesters and arrested alleged participants afterward. In order
to relieve this historic pain, the park was renamed 28 Memorial
Peace Park in 1996.
Cultural Highlights : In order to remember the innocent
people sacrificed in the event, a monument was set up in the park.
Creator of the monument, Cheng Tze-Tsai, also suffered during the
movement. He had studied in the USA in 1962 and learned the
importance of democracy and freedom. Thus, when he came back to
Taiwan, he decided to improve Taiwan human rights and independence.
Cheng even tried to assassinate President Chiang Ching-Kuo when he
visited the USA. Cheng became an exile for over 20 years ever since.
The monument has detailed description of the 228 event in 1947,
hoping that people can learn from this painful lesson.
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Hsimending
The name of Hsimending came from the period of Japanese
colonization. At that time most local residents live within Taipei
City. Hsimending is the center for recreation. In 1896, the first
theater "Tokyo Stand" was set up. In 1922, the place was officially
called Hsimending. In early years, the main business activity in
Hsimending was going to cinema theater. At that time, most cinema
theaters are on E-mei Street, Chengdu Road and Shining S. Road. They
were the center of Hsimending's development. After the central
government of R.O.C. was reinstated in Taiwan in 1949, a large sum
of capital was poured into Hsimending. Other than cinema theaters,
there were department stores and other entertainment attractions.
After the completion of Junghua Business Buildings, Hsimending
became the largest business and entertainment center in the country.
In 1990s, the business and entertainment activities of Taipei
gradually shifted to East District. Later, Junghua Business
Buildings were torn down for road construction. Hsimending became
silent for a while. Then, MRT Pan Nan Line was completed. Junghua
Road was converted to be a prosperous main street under the planning
of Taipei City Government. Furthermore, there are many emerging
squares and activity locations. On holidays and at weekends, people
gather here for art, culture events or sports, music performance.
The business opportunities and people are coming back to Hsimending.
Hismending not only is a witness to history, but also a leader of
trend for the new generation. Many middle age or senior people with
nostalgia come here to reminisce. The young people come here for
fashion. Two totally different life styles meet here. Hsimending
fulfills the needs of different groups of people.
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Hsuehhai Academy
Hsuehhai Academy. Taipei's only remaining school of the Ching
dynasty era. is located at No. 73 Huanho S. Rd.. Sec. 2.Today it
serves as the Kao family's ancestral shrines. which is the
traditional meeting place for clans. Even today the concept of clan.
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Martyrs Shrine
The Martyrs Shrine, resting on the slopes of the Chingshan Mountain
and overseeing the Keelung River, is located right next to the Grand
Hotel. It was built in 1969 and covers a large area. Its grand and
magnificent architectural style is similar to that of the Taihe Dian
Imperial Palace in Beijing, Mainland China, and symbolizes the
martyrs' brave spirit. More than 10,000 ping (33,000 m2) of grass
fields surround the structure, and protected by the neighboring
mountains it breathes a serene atmosphere which even more emphasizes
its solemn and stately character. The 330,000 men who sacrificed
their lives to the revolution before the establishment of the
Republic of China and who fell during the Sino-Japanese war and the
Chinese Civil war are worshipped here. Plates of these brave and
loyal martyrs have been inserted into the four walls of the main
building in testimony of their heroic deeds. Each spring and autumn
the president of Taiwan leads both civil and military officials in a
public worship, while leaders from Taiwan's befriended countries
come and pay floral tribute. Each year in October groups of overseas
Chinese also come to visit the site. Worth mentioning are the
military police officers who guard the main gate, and who have been
rigidly trained to stand like expressionless statues and remain
unmoved by the teasing of tourists. Tourists alike are amazed at
this display of composure and flock to see the ceremonial changing
of the guards. The guard-changing ceremony begins at 9:00 AM and is
to be held the hour. But the last one is at 4:40 PM
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Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall was built in 1972. It is located in east
side of Taipei and is close to Taipei City Government. The memorial
hall was built to commemorate the great founding father of R.O.C.,
Dr. Sun Yat-sen and was built on the 100th birthday of Dr. Sun. The
building is inspired by structure of Chinese palace. It is grand and
beautiful. There is a statue of founding father in the building for
the public to pay their respect. There are exhibitions of historical
items related to creation of R.O.C. The memorial hall has a concert
hall that can accommodate more than 3,000 people. It is equipped
with excellent facilities and hardware items and has become an
important place for performance. The lecture room in Sun Yat-sen
Memorial Hall frequently hosts academic and other lectures. The main
building is surrounded by a long, winding porch. Four great
exhibition rooms frequently host works of famous artists and various
exhibitions. Outside the main building there is great space. You can
usually see people flying kites here. The colorful, high-flying
kites add touch of vigor to the serene hall. There are many roller
skaters gathering here to practice their techniques. It is a good
place for the public for sports and ecreation. The willow trees
along the lake in Zhongshan Park, the garden with lush flowers, and
the beauty of Chinese garden attract many visitors. There is a
library in the main building housing 400 seats and 140,000 books.
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is a place of commemoration and also a
park for outdoor, recreational and art activities.
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Sung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines
The Sun Ye Formosan Aborigine Museum is a museum of ethnology. The
museum mainly works to collect, research and display items related
to Taiwan's aborigines, as well as engage in educational and
promotional activities in order to aid the process of retaining the
unwritten history of this island's aboriginal peoples and promote
understanding and mutual respect between different ethnic groups
living on the island. It does this by broadening their horizons and
displaying the vast diversity of Taiwan's native culture.
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Taipei (Mu Cha) Zoo
Historical Background : Mu Cha Zoo objectives are to provide
a natural environment for the animals, educate the public and
research and conserve wildlife. Therefore, it has education,
entertaining, conservation and academic functions. It endeavors to
keep up with the global standard and to provide an educational
environment for wildlife conservation.
Cultural Highlights : The zoo is divided into different
sections according to the characteristics of the animals. For
example, in the contact section, people can pat and hold lovely and
harmless animals and poultry. In the bird section, there are 135
species and 1200 birds. The African section has some of the largest
animals in the zoo. The Australian section has koalas and kangaroos.
The desert section has five species of desert animals
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Taipei Municipal Children's Recreational
Center
The World of Yesterday offers visitors a fascinating glimpse of
Chinese history and culture through displays of mythology. ancient
toys and games. traditional handicrafts. and folk culture. On
Sundays and holidays. Chinese opera and other performances.
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Taipei Shantao Temple
The Japanese introduced a number of schools of Buddhism during their
50-year occupation of Taiwan, but due to the language barrier these
efforts were not particularly successful. This temple was
established by the Pure Land school in 1935 (it was originally named
the "Pure Land Mission"), and today is the largest of Taipei's seven
most prominent Buddhist temples.
Compared with most Chinese Taoist and folk-religion temples, Shantao
Temple is simple in appearance and the atmosphere inside is one of
quiet solemnity. Construction of a nine-story pagoda beside the
original temple was begun in 1981 and completed five years later;
four of its floors are used for the storage of books and scriptures,
and the other four are used to display works of Buddhist art dating
all the way back to the Six Dynasties period (A.D. 220-589). Notable
among these treasures is a wooden carving of Kuanyin, the Goddess of
Mercy, which was created during the Sung dynasty (A.D. 960-1279).
This carving has great historic value and has been exhibited at the
famous National Palace Museum. The temple's display area is open
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Mondays.
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The Chinese Postal Museum
The Chinese Postal Museum houses exhibitions on the history of
ancient China's postal service, Chinese and foreign stamp
collections, and a library.
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The Taiwan Folk Arts Museum
The Taiwan Folk Arts Museum was first opened in 1983 as the Taiwan
Folk Arts Antique House. In 1984 the premises were converted to
their present use as a museum of Taiwan's early folk arts and
popular artifacts. Over 5,000 items are on display including 5,000
folk arts, aboriginal arts, and tranditional costumes and
embroideries.
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Tienmu
Tienmu Business District is located in Jhongshan N. Road, Section 6
amp; 7, Tienmu E. Road, Tienmu W. Road, Tienmu N. Road and
Chungcheng Road. It is centered on Tienmu Square. In the early
stage, it is a residential area for expatriates and foreigners.
Taipei American School and Taipei Japanese School are located here.
The streets are enriched with signs of foreign language and creative
shops. There is exotic flavor. In recent years, the district has
become a trendy place in Taipei for clothes and cuisine. Fashion
sensitive young people gather here. Tienmu is a good place for
shopping, dining and sight seeing. Jhongshan N. Road has
evolved to be a market in north Taipei for classy furniture. There
are abundant window displays of furniture. There is also antique
furniture with Chinese flavor such as tradition armchairs and
delicate dressers. The pieces are pricey but with good quality. The
place is frequently visited by foreign tourists. In addition, the
export apparel shops on Jhongshan N. Road north of Tienmu Square are
a big attraction. There are many brand-name boutiques on Tienmu E.
Road and Tienmu W. Road. Hidden in the alleys are restaurants with
foreign flavor, large chain restaurants, pubs and coffee shops.
Chungcheng Road is the base for large Japanese department stores.
You can find may Japanese restaurants, outdoor beer houses or
barbecue shops. When the night comes, such restaurants with
beautiful lights form a special scene. The new Tienmu Stadium is the
new landmark of Tienmu. On holidays or sport events, the stadium is
filled with crowd.
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Yangming House
Historical Background : Yang Ming Academy was a hot-spring
villa during Japanese occupation of Taiwan. Late president Chiang
Kai-Shek loved the beautiful scenery here and built Chung Hsing
Hotel to accommodate foreign guests and to spend summer; the hotel
was later reconstructed as Yang Ming Academy. As Yang Ming Shan
Chuang and Chung Shan Lo were constructed nearby, important
government officials often gathered here, making Yang Ming Shan the
decision center for the government. After the death of Chiang in
1975, historical KMT documents were moved from Li Yuan in Caotun,
Nantou to Yang Ming Shan for exhibition in memory of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen
and late president Chiang Kai-Shek. As late president Chiang had
respected and admired Mr. Wang Yang Ming, the building was named ang
Ming In 1996, KMT donated the Academy to the Ministry of Interior,
providing a recreational and educational space for Taipei citizens.
Cultural Highlights : Yang Ming Academy is a 2-story,
traditional Chinese building. The theater, VIP rooms, offices, and
restaurant are on the first floor. The second floor was used by Mr.
and Mrs. Chiang and their paintings and some personal belongings can
still be found here. On the wall of Chiang bedroom, there is a
wedding photo taken in Shanghai on December 1, 1927. In addition,
there are other photos of the couple visiting different places.
MUSEUM / GALLERY /
MEMORY
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Chang Foundation Museum
This newly opened private museum in Taipei displays a skillfully
selected collection of exquisite Chinese art dating from 300 BC to
the eighteenth century. The Chang Foundation Museum is at 63 Jenai
Road. Section 2. Open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Tuesday
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Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (C.K.S. Memorial Hall) is a great
building constructed in memory of the former president of R.O.C.,
Mr. Chiang Kai-shek. It is located in the heart of Taipei City,
which is the west of Hangjou S. Road, the East of Jhongshan S. Road,
the North of Aigou E. Road, and the South of Shinyi Road. The area
is 250,000 square meters and it is the attraction most visited by
foreign tourists. Outside the gate of C. K. S. Memorial Hall, there
are poles carrying the sign of true rightness. The architecture of
the C. K. S. Memorial Hall is inspired by Tientam in Beijing. The
four sides of the structure are similar to those of the pyramids in
Egypt. The material is white marble. The roofs are decorated with
deep-blue glass as part of the reflection of blue sky and bright
sun. It adds a touch of grandeur. The garden is planted with red
flowers. As a whole, the colors of blue, white and red express the
National Flag and the spirit of freedom, equality and brotherhood.
The great building has become a landmark of Taipei City. A sitting
statue of Mr. Chiang Kai-shek is installed in the memorial hall for
the public to pay their respect. The exhibition room demonstrates
historical documents. There are also places for international art
performances. They are National Theater and National Concert Hall.
World famous musicians (such as the great cello performer Yo Yo Ma
and the great violinist Shao Lian Lin) and renowned playgroups have
conducted performance here. The garden with beautiful flowers,
miniature hills and plants, ponds, ornamental bridge and waterfalls
as well as green grass present scenery beauty. The walls surrounding
the area are with nostalgic design. The place is enriched with the
beauty of traditional Chinese gardens. There are various activities
taking place in the square. There are the concert of the world
renowned three tenors, the decorative lamp festival, school bands
performance, cheerleaders performance and fairs. One can pay respect
to the historical great leader, as well as participate in the
relaxation activities of local residents. The place provides a
precious plain view among the tall buildings of Taipei.
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National Museum of History
Historical Background : The National Historical Museum was
founded in the year 1955 . Here collections are primarily the
historical materials from the middle of China districts and also few
from the other local areas. Majority of them are from the take-over
from the Ho Nan Museum when it moved to Taiwan in the 1956-1957
period, and from the hand-over by the Japanese after the Second
World War. Among these historical materials are: copper utensils
unearthed in the San Cheng, Fui Yuen and On yang areas in the Ho Nan
Province, Mainland China; the string- pattern pottery of the Chin
Dynasty dig-ups from the Lok Yang areas; the Green-Paint Pottery of
the Han Dynasty, the Music and Dance Statues of the Six Dynasties,
the art-craft of the Tang Dynasty, etc.With the allocation of fund
by the government and the donations from more than 400 private
collectors, contents of the Museum has been very much enriched.
Besides, as a result of years hard work of Mr. Bao Jun Peng, the
first head of the Museum, and his successors, it has now been
developed into an establishment with a very solid foundation. The
Historical Museum is a place which presents the re-occurrence of
past events and the development progress of human beings. Owing to
the limited space of the Museum, an enlargement plan is now under
review. The authority intends to divide the Museum into three main
parts in conjunction with the development of the Nan Hai Scholastic
Park Project After completion, the three separate museums, namely,
the Middle China Hall, the Local Hall and the Overseas Hall, will
comprehensively exhibit the historical progress of our cultural
heritage. It is hope that through this, we will appreciate more on
our culture and that our quality of life will advance. Also, with
such common interest, the whole human cultural development will move
a step further.
Cultural Highlights : The National Historical Museum is
inside the Nan Hai Scholastic Park, Taipei City. At its eastern side
are the Taiwan Institute of Art Education and the Taiwan Institute
of Science Education. Its western neighbor is the Taiwan Province
Forest Test Laboratory. In the front of the Museum, separated by a
street, is the Chien Kuo Middle School and at its back is the
botanical garden and the lotus pond. The place picturesque
surroundings attract sight-seeing visitors coming here all the year
round .
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National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum houses the world's largest collection of
priceless Chinese art treasures, one which spans China's nearly
5,000-year history. Most of the museum's 620,000 art objects were
part of the Chinese imperial collection, which began over 1,000
years ago in the early Sung dynasty.
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Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall was built in 1972. It is located in east
side of Taipei and is close to Taipei City Government. The memorial
hall was built to commemorate the great founding father of R.O.C.,
Dr. Sun Yat-sen and was built on the 100th birthday of Dr. Sun. The
building is inspired by structure of Chinese palace. It is grand and
beautiful. There is a statue of founding father in the building for
the public to pay their respect. There are exhibitions of historical
items related to creation of R.O.C. The memorial hall has a concert
hall that can accommodate more than 3,000 people. It is equipped
with excellent facilities and hardware items and has become an
important place for performance. The lecture room in Sun Yat-sen
Memorial Hall frequently hosts academic and other lectures. The main
building is surrounded by a long, winding porch. Four great
exhibition rooms frequently host works of famous artists and various
exhibitions. Outside the main building there is great space. You can
usually see people flying kites here. The colorful, high-flying
kites add touch of vigor to the serene hall. There are many roller
skaters gathering here to practice their techniques. It is a good
place for the public for sports and ecreation. The willow trees
along the lake in Zhongshan Park, the garden with lush flowers, and
the beauty of Chinese garden attract many visitors. There is a
library in the main building housing 400 seats and 140,000 books.
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is a place of commemoration and also a
park for outdoor, recreational and art activities.
-
Sung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines
The Sun Ye Formosan Aborigine Museum is a museum of ethnology. The
museum mainly works to collect, research and display items related
to Taiwan's aborigines, as well as engage in educational and
promotional activities in order to aid the process of retaining the
unwritten history of this island's aboriginal peoples and promote
understanding and mutual respect between different ethnic groups
living on the island. It does this by broadening their horizons and
displaying the vast diversity of Taiwan's native culture.
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Taipei Art Museum
Historical Background : Taipei Art Museum opened on December
24, 1983. Located in Yuanshan, It is the first museum of modern art
in Taiwan. The main tasks of the museum are to organize exhibitions
and to collect valuable works at home and abroad. The museum also
makes efforts to exchange art views and works with international art
museums. The museum has special designs and the scenery near the
museum is also very beautiful.
Cultural Highlights : The art museum holds regular
exhibitions and works with schools to introduce art works to the
students. The virtual reality art museum provides a 3D interactive
environment for museum-goers. The MOD system provides a digital
random system by which visitors can choose DVD and tapes to watch.
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Taipei Astronomical Museum
Historical Background : 1938, when Taiwan Ji Ji Hsin
Newspaper donated a telescope and observatory dome to the Taipei
administrative department. After the restoration, the observatory
was handed over to the Taipei Municipal Administration and was
renamed as Chung Shan Hall. As the region around Chung Shan Hall was
not suitable for astronomical observation, authorities concerned
decided to move the observatory to Shihlin District. The new
observatory began operation in 1963. As astronomical was an
important science, the observatory was expanded and new equipment
was purchased in 1978. However, due to the rapid growth of
population, the government decided to build a new astronomical
museum on Chi Ho Road. Most people think astronomical theories are
too abstruse and profound to approach. Therefore, the Astronomical
Museum has strived to present astronomy in an easier and friendlier
way. Through exhibition, explanation and observation, the museum
adopts different methods to show our astronomical achievements and
to educate the public.
Cultural Highlights : Equipped with 360-degree dome, the IMAX
Theater enables the audience to appreciate the beauty of the nature
and to learn about the latest scientific knowledge at the same time.
The interior of the 3D theater is devised with a 70mm 3D camera of
Iwerks Company of USA, equipped with a well-designed large screen
and 208 seats. Enhanced by a pair of polarized glasses, the wonder
of nature surrounds the audience as they experience a 3 dimensional
perception of entering into the film. The Astronomy Library has a
collection of astronomical books, magazines and materials from at
home and abroad. People interested in astronomy can never miss this
library.
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Taipei Ocean Aquarium
Historical Background : Taipei Ocean Aquarium is located
across Shi Lin Night Market. It is the first urban aquarium
featuring deep ocean fishes. The aquarium is spacious with 7 indoor
and outdoor exhibition areas: coral reefs, sharks, migration,
rivers, shallow sea, ray fish and contact. The main purpose is
educational, recreational, informative and entertaining. It is a
place suitable for family visits.
Cultural Highlights : Taipei Ocean Aquarium has an 18-meter
deep underwater tunnel. Walking in the tunnel, you can see fishes
and sharks swimming around you. There are 7 indoor and outdoor
exhibition areas with 15 theme tanks, introducing over 80 species of
fishes, such as the shark tank. In addition, the aquarium also
provides films and multimedia equipment to introduce lives in the
ocean.
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Taiwan Art Education Institute
Historical Background : In order to promote art education and
culture, the government established Taiwan Art Education Institute
in Nan Hai Shueh Yuan. The main purpose of the institute is to
stimulate the interaction of people and art. The institute has
promoted research on art education and cooperated with Taiwans art
education reform. Through the promotion of general art education,
social art education and professional art education, the institute
hopes to enhance and improve peoples knowledge and application of
art.
Cultural Highlights : The Art Education Institute has three
major facilities, that is, a concert hall, Nan Hai Art Gallery and
Chung Cheng Art Gallery. The concert hall and the galleries are
within the same building. The concert hall is 479 square meters in
area with 530 seats on the first floor and 127 on the second. The
gallery is 240 square meters in area, providing advanced equipment
and space for artists and exhibitions. In addition, the outdoor
gallery and the performance square are 1,004 square meters in area.
The institute has made great contribution to Taiwans art education.
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Tittot Glass Art Museum
On
September 9,1999 Tittot Glass Art Museum, the first glass art museum
in the Great China area, was open to the world. As the base of
developing the education, it tends to attract more art lovers to
experience the beauty of Chinese glass art. Cultural interchanges
brought by the museum's international exhibitions and the art
programs make it by far beyond a local center but embodying
international perspectives in it. In order to provide more space to
display its growing collections, holding activities, and
implementing the necessary improvements, Tittot Glass Art Museum was
refurbished in spring 2002. The museum is now re-open to the public
later the year, and becomes not only the art center but the main
city attraction to all visitors. In hopes to make the art be part of
life and bring the education to maturity, Wang's efforts to achieve
the goals will never end.
HERITAGE / TEMPLE
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Lin An Tai Ancestral House
Historical Background : Lin An Tai Ancestral House is located
in Pin Chiang Park. The house is a traditional Chinese courtyard
house with elegant decorations and is one of the few traditional
houses preserved in northern Taiwan. The Lin family came to Taiwan
in the 18th century and engaged in trade in northern Taiwan. With
the money they made, they built a house and named it Today, the
house is over 160 years old. It is the best-preserved and maintained
ancient house in Taipei City.
Cultural Highlights : Lin An Tai Ancestral House is famous
for its delicate carvings; one of the examples is the creative
dragon carving on the front door. There are six dragons,
representing the six sons in the family. The carvings of vases and
bats carry the meanings of good luck, wealth and safety. Some of the
tiles and bricks of this ancient building have been restored due to
its long history, but the stones and woods have remained intact over
the long years. The crescent shaped pond in front of the building
was used for defense, raising fish, prevent fire, water supply and
keep a moderate temperature.
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Longshan Temple
Lungshan Temple is a
famous old temple in Taiwan. It is for worshiping Guanshiyin Budda
and other divine spirits. Lungshan Temple is facing the South. Its
architecture is a three-section design in shape. There are the front
hall, the rear hall and the right/left dragons protecting the middle
hall. The layout is square and serene. The temple was built in
Chianlung 5th year in Ching Dynasty. Due to natural disaster and
damages caused by men, the temple was restored for several times.
The doors, beams, and poles are beautifully decorated. There are a
pair of bronze dragon poles in the front hall, four pairs of dragon
poles in the middle hall. The sculptures are delicate. There are
also exquisite wood sculptures. Among them, the well and Budda
setting in the main hall are highly appreciated. The temple has many
Chinese poems, verses and lyrics on signs. These add a touch of
literature in addition to the religious and sightseeing value. There
are great decorative lamp fairs and temple activities on historical
festivals. On each 1st and 15th day each month of lunar year,
regular visitors will come to the temple for worship ceremony. The
temple attracts many people. At normal times, there are
domestic/foreign tourists visiting the temple. Lungshan Temple is
not only a temple, a sightseeing attraction, but also a
second-degree historical site. There are traditional streets/shops,
antique shops, Buddhists article shops, and Chinese medicine shops
surrounding the temple. These places are great to visit due to their
richness in folk art.
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