The water that forms this unusual fall has a yellow hue from the copper and iron deposits it picks up as it passes through Jinguashi’s old mines. You’ll find the waterfall down from the Gold Ecological Park as you head towards the sea (which is also a yellowish colour from the river water). Travel Info Golden Waterfall [黃金瀑布 / huáng jīn bào…

Nestled against the mountains and hemmed in by the sea are Jiufen (九份; Jiǔfèn) and its neighbour Jinguashi (金瓜石; Jīnguāshí), 10 minutes by bus away from Jiufen’s main road. These two villages are the quaintest stops along the northeast coast. Both were mining centres during the Japanese era, and by the 1930s Jiufen was so prosperous it was known as…

Home to the world’s largest and arguably finest collection of Chinese art, this vast collection covers treasures in painting, calligraphy, statuary, bronzes, lacquerware, ceramics, jade and religious objects. Some of the most popular items, such as the famous jade cabbage, are always on display – although check first that it’s not on loan to the southern branch in Chiayi. Given the size…

[台北 / tái běi]  Taipei is a tough little city whose beauty lies in its blend of Chinese culture with a curious fusion of Japanese, Southeast Asian and American influences. Historical Journey In many ways this 300-year-old city is like a living museum. The Taoist temples buzz with the prayers of the hopeful; the wooden boards of Japanese-era mansions creak under…

Established in 1955 with a collection from Henan province, this is one of Taipei’s best museums of Chinese art. Exhibits are small and cover the range of dynasties, but most works are masterpieces. Even the entrance corridor boasts exquisite Buddhist sculpture, including a mesmerising nine-layer stone tower with the thousand Buddhas motif. It hails from the 5th century AD. The…

When in Taipei, you have to visit at least one of the temples. You’ll witness some of the most detailed, finely crafted buildings you’ll ever see in your life, gold, red, wooden designs interwoven with candles, incense and soft colours. If I had to have a temple built, I’d have it modeled after the temples in Taipei. Unlike some other…

This lively and well-loved temple on Dihua St was built in 1856 to house the City God statue that the losers in the Wanhua feud took as they fled upstream. Little changed since those days, the temple is a terrific spot to witness folk worship rituals as well as admire some gorgeous pieces of traditional arts and crafts. The temple management deserves…

Founded in 1738 by Han immigrants from Fujian, this temple has served as a municipal, guild and self-defense centre, as well as a house of worship. These days it is one of the city’s top religious sites, and a prime venue for exploring both Taiwan’s vibrant folk faith and its unique temple arts and architecture. Longshan is dedicated to the…

Constructed by the famous Fujian craftsman Wang Yi-shun in the late 1920s, this temple is a beautiful example of Minnan (southern) style architecture and of Taiwan’s delightful local decorative arts. Throughout the temple there are informative displays (in English) on the history of Confucius, the temple and the Six Confucian Arts (such as archery and riding), many of which are…

This 18th-century triple-tiered temple is dedicated to Matsu, the black-faced Chinese goddess of seafarers. It marks the start of the Raohe Street Night Market and is one of Taipei’s busiest and most colourful temples. The rooftop mosaic-like decoration[jiǎnniàn] is particularly vibrant.   Travel Info Ciyou Temple [慈祐宮 / cí yòu gōng] -Main God/Godess:Mazu -Function:People usually pray for peace in their lives and families,…