Taiwan: Temple in the ginger garden

Temples in Taiwan are also good attractions for tourists. Taiwan has more than 5000 temples, including from single room shrines to many stories temples. All of these temples are active places for worship.

I have been to some Chinese temples in Thailand but never really get to know what do people do there. Here I got a chance to know more about Chinese temple

There are three main varieties of temple in Tawian: Buddhist, Taoist and Confucius temples- reflecting Taiwan’s religious make-up. I think this one is Taoist temple. Temples here are unique blend of Buddhist and Taoist belief- and the physical merging of the two temples into single structures since the widespread during the 50 years Japanese occupation of Taiwan.

Taoist Temples tend to be bright and colourful structures, with broad curving roofs and traditional symbols of luck such as dragons and carp.

While the temples do not have resident monks or nuns, they are often filled with devotees, and are used as the base for many ceremonies ranging from parades to exorcisms. Taoist ceremonies are as brash and colorful as their temples, with music, chanting and firecrackers. I have joined some ceremonies at this temple and everything was run by local people and temple's committees. They have a special calender which says when do they have a ceremony at the temple. It's usually once or twice a month when everybody gets together at night around 9 until 12 to pray. If it is a big ceremony then they will use a large oven which is usually located in the central area to burn sacrificial 'Ghost Money' as an offering to ancestral spirits.

Going to the temple the other day I got a chance to learn writing Chinese by brush. It's one kind of arts. I thought it was easy since I also write Japanese but to make your Chinese characters beautiful was not that easy like what I thought.



Traveling through Taiwan you will find temples at every turn, each one a unique place that plays a vibrant role in the life and soul of modern Taiwan.

Taiwan: Feeling Right at Home in a Homestay

Feeling Right at Home in a Homestay in Taiwan

It has been a while since I updated my blog last time. I also wanted to write about Chinese New Year here in Taiwan but I guess I was so busy traveling and spending too much time on eating so I did not have time to organize my photos yet...

Well, today I'd like to recommend those of you who want to come travel in Taiwan about where to stay. Not a hotel, not a hostel, not a motel or even a resort but it is a homestay where could offer you more than just traveling experience.

What I found it interesting when I traveled here is that in Taiwan, they prefer to stay in a homestay when they go for a trip somewhere.

For me the word "Homestay" means the time spent with foreign family or staying at somebody's home in a foreign family. But in Taiwan, homestays are Taiwan's version of the bed and breakfast. It is a great way to meet Taiwan's friendly people.

Not only meeting local people but what some homestay offers you is a cheaper price with even better quality than hotels.Another benefit is that most homestays are run by long-time residents of an area who can offer tips on attractions that are off the beaten path.

Why I introduce you about the homestay here is that I have experienced by myself. Even though I am not a guest but what I can feel is how friendly the people are and I believe that every guest who stays here would feel the same way even just for a few days.

I was with Jamie, our little guide today who showed me around her family's homestay.

--Jamie--Our little guide

In front of the homestay's restaurant is decorated with a colorful hand made mail box.

Another Building of the homestay

The homestay is modern designed with very cozy atmosphere. It offers you a great view and fresh air up on the mountain.

Here are some photos of the homestay...

Here is my favorite corner. Looking through the window on a sunny day would leave whatever in your mind behind and that's how you can feel relax... :)

It is interesting that the concept of homestay in Taiwan was new about a decade ago but it has caught on fast and Taiwan offers so many homstays right now so why don't you want to try to experience a unique culture of this country.

Check out this homestay website here www.130.com.tw for more pictures. If you have a chance to come by Jiang Ma Yuen (Ginger Garden) in the middle of Sanyi and Dahu, drop by here and will see you!