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Sightseeing and Attractions

Taipei Country

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The life of any region arises out of its historical past, its remembrance of culture, and its hold on the future. The Taipei County government has established museums of tea culture, pottery and ceramics, and other sites to help preserve the memory of the common history and culture. Taipei County is rich in cultural resources. It's a major cultural county that hosts a rich variety of cultural activities. Come! Join us as we trace our cultural roots.The confluence of the Tamshui, Hsintien and Keelung Rivers gave rise to Taipei County, which expanded gradually inland from the smallish river mouth to achieve its present scope. The meeting ground of the rivers stretches away in a scene of grandeur as the seashore, its terrain carved out by the hand of time, faces off with the low mountains standing peacefully in the distance of Taipei County.


HERITAGE / TEMPLE

• Ching Shui Temple
  Historical Background : Ching Shui Master Temple was built in 1769. The temple was destroyed by an earthquake in 1833 and was rebuilt in 1867. However, during 1895, it was burned down by the Japanese army. After World War II, the restoration was led by the renowned artist Li Mei Shu. The restored temple presents refined carvings and sculptures and it is the work of Taiwanese artists. Ching Shui Master is also known as Ma Chang Master or Peng Lai Master. He was an expert in medicine and a wizard. In memory of Ching Shui Master, local people built a temple to worship him. The temple is a third grade historic site and is one of the three major temples in Taipei.
  Cultural Highlights : There are five gates in front of Ching Shui Master Temple, which symbolizes its honorable and prestigious status. The stone sculptures and carvings in the temple are the works of experienced sculptors. The stone lions at the front gate are so lively and refined. The lions are designed by Mr. Li himself, featuring a more energetic and dynamic style.
   

• Fuyou Temple
  Danshuei has a number of important temples, which provide visitors with an excellent introduction to Taiwanese religious culture.The oldest temple in the district is Fuyou Temple, built in 1796, which is dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Matzu. It is located on No. 200 Jungjeng Rd., Danshuei.
   

• Oxford College
  Historical Background : During 1872 to 1880, Dr. Mackay had been preaching to the Taiwanese people outdoors until he felt the need to build a school. Therefore, when he returned to Britain in 1880, he raised money for the school. Construction of Oxford College completed in 1882. In honor of the British contributors, he named the school after his hometown, Oxford. Oxford College has the characteristics of traditional Chinese architecture with a symmetrical structure. There are 8 little Buddhist towers on the roof instead of crucifixes. The school engaged in training missionaries, medial workers and teachers. The building has been listed as second grade historical site.
  Cultural Highlights : Oxford College is considered to have provided an educational foundation for Aletheia University and Tamkang Senior High School. The building was designed by Dr. Mackay with traditional Chinese architectural style. Construction materials, such as bricks and roof tiles, were imported from Hsia Men. The bricks were coated with paint to prevent weather damage, while sticky rice mixed with lime and sugar was the major material for the walls. The building has been listed as second grade historical site.
   

• Sansia Streets
  Historical Background : Shansias Old Street refers to the south section of Min-Chuan Street in Taipei County. Its length is about two hundred meters, and its architecture dates back to the early days when the Republic of China was newly established. Walking along Sansias Old Street is like walking into a time tunnel; the arched red brick hallways, the traditional architecture, the beams, columns, ancient wooden plaques, the squat maidens walls and the figure carvings upon the buildings are all very unique. Walking along this ancient street brings a feeling of nostalgia for the good old days, and makes visitors want to linger.. Shansias Old Street is best preserved the along the Min-Chuan Street, Ho-Ping street, Ren-Ai street and Chung-San Street sections. Min-Chuan Street was the commercial center in the past, and the commercial stores and alleys that date back to the time of Japanese Occupation are still in good condition. Both the town and its street underwent modification during the Japanese Occupation; streets were expanded, rooftops, walkways, and drainage systems were also re-organized, and it was transformed into a stately, modernized street. During the time of Sanshias heyday, the street was lined with shops that sold dyes, manufacturing materials, and tea, and western-style houses were also being built quickly. Nowadays, only the red brick buildings with arched hallways and Baroque styled architecture remain to tell of their past glory.
  Cultural Highlights : The characters carved upon the ancient buildings in the Street show the first and last names of the occupants, or their occupations, or the names of the store. The character is most frequently seen here, showing that there were many dye shops; the plaques hanging above the entrance of shops also had the shop's name, as well as the proprietors names carved into them. This was a much-used method of propaganda in those days. A section that jutted out from the wall of a building, and had different shapes carved upon it, was termed a ountain wall or a building these sections were usually higher in the middle, and flatter on either sides. The ornate figures upon the ountain wallshad significance attached to them as well; a vase symbolized afety and an octagon was used to ward off evil. Red brick was the main material used for the side of the buildings facing the street; pebbles were less used, and cement was not used until recently, for renovations. was used for the interior walls of the buildings. Because the merchants who lived along the Street in those days were all well-to-do folks, the architectural style and the building materials used were the cream of the crop; many materials were imported, and some of the residents employed architects from as far as England. The protruding sections on the roof of the buildings, and the carved patterns under the windowsills on the second floor of the buildings enhance the beauty of these constructions. The patterns are widely varied and extremely interesting to study.
   

• Yinshan Temple
  Yinshan Temple is located at No. 15 Denggung Rd., one of the first streets built in town.?The street was built by early immigrants from Dingjou in Fujian Province.?This temple is notable for the addition of a clan hall, which was used to house new arrivals from mainland China.

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