Taipei City

HOW TO GET THERE
 

CKS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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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

KAOHSIUNG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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Kaohsiung Xiao-Gang Airport - Sung-Shan Airport

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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

  • 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.

     

  • 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.
     

  • 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.

     

  • 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.
     

  • 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.
     

  • 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
     

  • 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.
     

  • 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

     

  • 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.
     

  • 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.

     

  • 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.
     

  • 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.
     

  • 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.

     

  • 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

  • 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
     

  • 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.
     

  • 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 .

     

  • 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.
     

  • 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.
     

  • 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.

     

  • 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.

     

  • 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.

     

  • 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.

     

  • 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

  • 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.

     

  • 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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Information provided by Tourism Bureau, Rep. of China.

 

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