Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to Zhongzheng Rd. Follow this down half a kilometre to Lane 224, which is marked
by a wooden arch. The residence is just down the alley.
Yinshan Temple
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
(Yínshān Sì; cnr Denggong & Xuefu Rds)
This dainty two-hall temple was constructed in 1822
by Hakka immigrants from Dingzhou in Guangdong province. The resident deity, the
Dingguang Buddha (the guardian of Dingzhou), is only worshipped by the Hakka and
only in this and one other temple in Taiwan.
The temple only has three front doors (fronted by a traditional wooden picket fence).
According to Taiwan custom, temples that worship emperors, queens and gods are al-
lowed to have five doors; those built to worship generals, ministers and others are al-
lowed only three doors.
Owing to a dearth of pilgrims over the years, money has been lacking for reconstruc-
tion, and Yinshan Temple has largely preserved its original appearance. The swallowtail
roof epitomises southern elegance, while the
jiǎnniàn
(mosaic-like temple decoration)
figures and the interior woodcarvings demonstrate the refined skills of Qing-era crafts-
men. On the front wall look for clay sculptures depicting stories of Dingguang quelling
the threat of flood dragons and tigers.
Tamsui Art & Culture Park
HISTORIC SITE
(Dànshuǐ Wénhuà Yuánqū; 9am-5.30pm Tue-Sun)
This handsome and serene collec-
tion of old brick warehouses was once the Shell Tamsui Warehouse: as in Royal Dutch
Shell, that is. The oil company leased the land in 1897 and held on until the 1990s, when
it donated it to the Tamsui Culture Foundation. There's a small display area at the back
and a wonderful cafe (
Click here
)
.
Maritime Museum
MUSEUM
(Hǎishì Bówùguǎn; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat)
This four-storey museum (shaped like an
ocean liner) is anchored by dozens of large model ships from around the world. Expect
steamers, frigates, explorers' ships and aircraft carriers as well as information on the
Chinese Admiral Zheng He's travels around the world.
