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Zhaiming Temple

Located in the Daxi District of Taoyuan, the more-than-a-hundred-year-old Zhaiming Temple is known to be the oldest Buddhist monastery in the area. Venerating Guanshiyin Buddha as the primary deity, this historic temple was named a national historic site in 1985 and is currently being managed by Dharma Drum Mountain.

The architecture itself is a typical courtyard house (sanheyuan), where the traditional artworks from crafts to koji pottery and clay modelling are all well preserved. The garden landscape boasts a touch of Japanese charm, and the Sanskrit chanting in your ears will create the peace of mind that follows you like a shadow.

The rather smooth trail behind the temple is made of stone steps, where both senior citizens and children can appreciate the natural beauty. Along the way, you will have a bird's-eye view of Dahan Creek, Daxi Bridge and Wuling Bridge. In May, the trail is literally drenched in white tung flowers, giving a romantic touch to the hike.

Phone

+886-3-3801426

Address

No.153, Zhaiming St., Daxi Dist., Taoyuan City 335, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Business hours

09:00 - 17:00

Nearby

Daxi Old Street

Daxi Old Street (大溪老街) is home to a large number of old houses built during the Japanese colonial period, making it one of the most representative attractions in Daxi Town. Due to its excellent water quality, this area is known for producing a local delicacy called "dried tofu" (dougan). One highly recommended spot is "Lao Abao's Braised Dried Tofu," where you can find generous portions of tofu soaked in flavorful braising sauce. It's common to encounter long queues, especially on weekends, due to its popularity.

Other popular snacks in the area include moonlight cakes, peanut candy, and tofu pudding, making Daxi Old Street (大溪老街) an ideal destination for indulging in local treats.

The architecture along the old street combines Western Baroque and Eastern Fujian styles, creating a unique and eclectic appearance. Nearby attractions such as Daxi Bridge, the Lee Teng-fang's Ancient Residence, and the Daxi Wood Art Eco-Museum can be included as part of a comprehensive itinerary.

Daxi Old Street (大溪老街) is often crowded with visitors on weekends, making parking a significant challenge. It is advisable to research parking options in advance or, starting in 2023, utilize the "Yuemei Parking Lot" on the right bank of the Dahan River, which offers free shuttle service into the old town area on weekends.

FoodShoppingAttractions

Sun Green

For many tourists who come to Taiwan, experiencing the country’s beautiful flowers is high on the to-do list. In the case of lavender, some people will think of the hidden-away mountain Lavender Cottage. For cherry, it would have to be Alishan, Sun Moon Lake and Wulai; and for giant taro, Yangmingshan Bamboo Lake. But when it comes to sunflowers, Sun Green farm is definitely the place to go.

In recent years, sunflowers, as a natural fertiliser, have been the candidate plant for fallow land. Given its beauty, the flower also has the benefit of boosting tourism, and its unique shape and happy image have meant that people love to come and gaze upon it. Sun Green, located in Guanyin (觀音鄉), Taoyuan, is big and easily accessible. The founder Huang Yong-lin (黃永林), who graduated from the Department of Plant Industry, at Pingtung University of Science and Technology, is very passionate about sunflowers and has dedicated himself to making this land into an extensive flower farm where families can relax and have fun.

There are more than eleven breeds of sunflowers on display at Sun Green Farm, so almost any time of the year is suitable for appreciating the flowers. Other flowers, such as lavender, Easter lily, Siberian larkspur and snapdragon are also seen in different seasons. However, between May and October is definitely the prime time to visit here. If you get tired of strolling around and taking pictures here, you can try the special meals cooked with derivative products of sunflowers. Vegetarian meals or a European-style buffet are also provided. Or you can relax with a sunflower tea, and eat the sunflower flavor sausage invented by the owner of the farm.

Sun Green Farm is highly recommended for parents coming with children. In addition to picking sunflowers, there is a playground and an animal feeding show (sheep and green-headed ducks). Kids can also have the opportunity to plant flowers by themselves, making it a wonderful combination of education and entertainment. Do you know why sunflowers always head towards the sun? Do you know that sunflower is the reincarnation of “love” in ancient Greet mythology? Do you know sunflowers used to be the national flower of the Inca Empire in Peru? Come along to Sun Green Farm and bring all these secrets back home with you.

ActivityAttractions

Cihu

The spot is currently under renovation.

Cihu (慈湖) is known for being the final resting place of former President of the Republic of China, Mr. Chiang Kai-shek. The entire Cihu (慈湖) area is divided into ""Front Cihu (慈湖)"" and ""Back Cihu (慈湖),"" which are the main attractions here. In addition to the Cihu (慈湖) Memorial Sculpture Park, there are also group visits to the mausoleum available by reservation on specific holidays, as well as the fascinating changing of the guard ceremony performed by the military, featuring intricate rifle drills that attract visitors from both domestic and international locations.

The former is the official mausoleum of Mr. Chiang Kai-shek, known as the ""President Chiang Mausoleum."" The stream connecting Front Cihu (慈湖) and Back Cihu (慈湖) is surrounded by lush natural scenery, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely mountain route.

There are two nature trails in the park, namely the ""Touliao Ecological Trail"" and the ""Cihu (慈湖) Trail."" Walking along these trails, visitors will be greeted by the picturesque countryside and lake views, with the added bonus of being able to gaze at the only volcano in the Taoyuan area, Mount Caoling. The trail distances are not long, taking only about 20 minutes. Lastly, it is highly recommended to visit the Cihu (慈湖) Visitor Center first to gather travel information about the area. The center also features exhibitions and video introductions showcasing various artifacts from the Chiang era, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of this landmark!

Attractions

Jiaobanshan Night Market

The Jiao Ban Mountain Image Business District is located in the Fuxing District of Taoyuan and is a popular area that combines local culture and cuisine. Here, visitors can enjoy a rich array of indigenous flavors and a variety of local snacks, including stir-fried mountain vegetables, bamboo tube rice, and grilled wild boar meat. These unique dishes are beloved by both locals and tourists, showcasing Taiwan's distinctive culinary culture.

During the sweltering summer months, peach slushes become a top choice for visitors seeking to cool off. The locally produced peaches are handcrafted, resulting in a rich and refreshing flavor, making them an ideal summer treat. Meanwhile, the pearl onion sausage offers a different kind of unique taste, combining the savory flavor of meat with the spiciness of pearl onions, leaving those who enjoy bold flavors completely satisfied. The process of making traditional popcorn has also attracted many curious onlookers, as they watch craftsmen prepare it on-site, evoking endless nostalgia.

The Jiao Ban Mountain Image Business District is not only a food paradise but also boasts nearby historical buildings that attract tourists' attention. The Jiao Ban Mountain Hotel, located at the intersection of Zhongzheng Road and Zhongxiao Road, was originally built in 1914 and now presents itself as a revival of a mountain villa. Visitors shouldn't miss the nearby military readiness tunnel, which is about 20 meters long and once served as a civil defense shelter, providing a sense of the weight of history. Additionally, the Jiao Ban Mountain Camphor Collection Depot is the only remaining building from the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan, quietly witnessing the passage of time.

As tourists stroll through the Jiao Ban Mountain Image Business District, Jiao Ban Mountain Park is a must-visit destination. During the plum blossom season each year, the blooming flowers attract numerous visitors. The Siqin Pavilion within the park offers excellent views, allowing guests to overlook the beautiful landscape of the creek terrace. The impressive scenery of Shimen Reservoir and its suspension bridge adds to the natural charm of the district. Next, the Sky Bridge, with its wooden color complemented by a milky white design, makes for an ideal backdrop for photography, drawing in many photography enthusiasts.

In the Jiao Ban Mountain Image Business District, visitors can not only indulge in delicious food but also explore cultural and historical sites. Whether savoring exquisite snacks or appreciating the surrounding scenery, one can deeply feel the rich cultural heritage of this land.

Food

Basque Old Church

The Basque Old Church is located in the stone structure of Sanmin Village in the Fuxing District of Taoyuan City, carrying rich cultural and historical significance. In terms of architectural design, the Basque Old Church adopts the style of 19th-century Scottish Presbyterian churches, constructed using locally sourced Bat Cave stones. Its unique entrance features overlapping square and circular elements, symbolizing a key to heaven. The roof is topped with a cross handcrafted by Pastor Huang Rongquan, combining reinforced concrete techniques to create an exquisite visual effect.

The Basque Old Church chose hand-chiseled stone blocks as its building material, which posed structural challenges due to the irregular shape of the stones. Therefore, Pastor Huang designed a double-layer stone wall solution and reinforced it with cement and steel. This construction method not only provides the necessary structural stability but also enhances the visual appeal, making it one of the distinctive features of the local attractions.

The historical background of the church traces back to the mid-20th century, when, through the efforts of American missionary Pastor Sun Yage, the Basque church became the focal point for the evangelization of the Atayal women. Since the 36th year of the Republic of China, Pastor Sun preached in Jiao Banshan and had a profound impact on the religious beliefs and cultural development of the Atayal people. During the construction process, members of the Basque tribe actively participated, with each stone and gravel transported through cooperation among local tribespeople, reflecting the spirit of unity in a challenging environment.

Currently, hydrangeas are gradually being arranged around the Basque Old Church, and during the annual Taoyuan Hydrangea Festival, these flowers create a vivid contrast with the solemn stone structure, attracting numerous visitors. Furthermore, as a center of faith for the Atayal people, the Basque Old Church showcases the fusion of indigenous culture and Christian belief, preserving the local traditions and architectural artistry, making it a must-visit cultural landmark.

Lala Mountain

lala Mountain is located at the intersection of Fuxing District in Taoyuan City and Wulai District in New Taipei City, reaching an elevation of 2,031 meters. It is a well-known ecotourism destination in northern Taiwan. The original name "Lala" in the Atayal language means "beautiful" and "to gaze." The area's natural scenery attracts numerous nature lovers, making it an important site for exploring Taiwan's ecological diversity.

Lala Mountain is renowned for its rich cypress forests and ecological resources, featuring expansive natural broadleaf and mixed conifer-broadleaf forests. Notably, it is home to many ancient trees with ages ranging from 500 to 3,000 years, forming a precious natural heritage and a vital ecosystem. The Giant Tree Trail, in particular, is a 3.7-kilometer path that winds through the largest red cypress forest in Taiwan, where visitors can admire 24 magnificent red cypress trees. The trail is relatively flat, making it suitable for visitors of all ages—whether families on outings or solo adventurers can easily enjoy it.

In addition to the Giant Tree Trail, other attractions in Lala Mountain should not be missed. The Balin Ecological Ancient Trail offers a charming pathway, perfect for those who love wandering in nature. Additionally, En’ai Farm attracts many visitors during the cherry blossom and honey peach seasons, where they can taste seasonal fruits. For photography enthusiasts or those who appreciate beautiful landscapes, the Xiaowulai Sky Trail, suspended next to the Wind Moving Stone, provides a great vantage point for enjoying stunning views, especially on clear days when the scenery resembles a painted canvas.

The best way to reach Lala Mountain is by driving, which usually takes about 2 to 3 hours. If you do not have a private vehicle, you can take a train to Taoyuan and then transfer to a bus. A recommended itinerary would be to visit the Daxi Old Tea Factory or the Xiaowulai Sky Trail on the first day and further explore the Giant Tree Trail and the Sacred Trees with Cloud Sea the next day. During your visit, it's essential to respect Lala Mountain's nature reserve and strive to maintain the environment's original state, avoiding the impacts of overdevelopment.