Temples & Presidents: An Old Taipei Walking Tour
From the incense of Longshan Temple to the grandeur of the Presidential Office. A journey through Qing Dynasty and Japanese Colonial Taipei.
TL;DR / Quick Summary
From the incense of Longshan Temple to the grandeur of the Presidential Office. A journey through Qing Dynasty and Japanese Colonial Taipei.
Taipei is more than just skyscrapers. In the West District, you can see the 300-year historical trajectory of this city.
This walking route will take you through time, from the Qing dynasty's center of faith to the heart of power during the Japanese colonial era, and finally witnessing the development of modern democracy.
1. Bangka Longshan Temple: Taipei's Spiritual Starting Point
"First Tainan, second Lukang, third Bangka"—Wanhua (Bangka) is the earliest developed area of Taipei. Built in 1738, Longshan Temple is not only a center of faith but was also the local command center.
Sightseeing Highlights
- Hui-Shaped Layout: A traditional and prestigious temple layout, perfectly preserved.
- Bronze Dragon Pillars: The front hall features bronze dragon pillars, unique in all of Taiwan.
- "Foreigners Lifting the Roof": Look for the interesting sculptures under the eaves and on the incense burners—a display of the humor and ingenuity in Taiwanese temple architecture.
- Sincere Prayer: Over a hundred deities are enshrined here. Whether you're seeking peace, a relationship (the Old Man under the Moon is very famous), or academic success, this place can fulfill your needs.
2. Presidential Office: Symbol of Power
Leaving Wanhua, we arrive at the Zhongzheng District. This red-and-white building has been the highest symbol of power in Taiwan since its completion in 1919.
- Architectural Style: This is a five-story building in the Late Renaissance style, with a central tower 60 meters high, exuding a grand spirit. It served as the "Governor-General's Office" during the Japanese colonial era and has witnessed a century of political changes in Taiwan.
- Visiting Tip: It is usually open for tours on weekday mornings (identification required). Step into this historical building and feel the solemn atmosphere.
- Ketagalan Boulevard: The boulevard in front of the Presidential Office has witnessed countless democratic movements.
3. CKS Memorial Hall: Plaza of Democracy
This magnificent building with its blue roof and white walls was built in memory of President Chiang Kai-shek. Today, it serves more as a recreational park for citizens and a cultural and arts center.
- Liberty Square: The massive archway and plaza are venues for large-scale events and gatherings.
- National Theater & Concert Hall: Located on both sides of the Memorial Hall, these are Taiwan's highest halls of art, built in traditional Chinese palace style-architectures.
- Guard Mounting: The hourly changing of the guard ceremony is perfectly synchronized and always attracts large crowds of tourists.
4. Cultural Clusters: Rebirth of Old Factories and Japanese Dorms
To experience Taipei's modern cultural vitality, extending your walk from the CKS Memorial Hall to nearby cultural and creative clusters is an excellent choice. These areas successfully transform Japanese-era industrial heritage and dormitories into creative bases for the youth:
- Huashan 1914 Creative Park: Formerly the Japanese "Fangniang" winery. It's now packed with indie shops, an arthouse cinema, and various pop-up exhibitions, making it Taipei's most popular weekend hangout.
- Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (Songyan): Once Taiwan's first modernized tobacco factory. Beyond the Eslite Spectrum Songyan Store, the surrounding old warehouses have been repurposed into art exhibition spaces and a Baroque-style garden.
- Wen-Ro-Ting Area: A neighborhood interwoven by Wenzhou St., Roosevelt Rd., and Tingzhou Rd. It hides the highest density of independent bookstores, underground live music venues, and cafes in Taiwan. It's Taipei's most "hipster" (Wenqing) secret walking route.
Real User Insights
Based on traveler reviews from Google Maps over the past 6 months, here is some advice from locals for your visit:
- About the Old Man under the Moon: Many young locals and tourists come specifically for a red thread. If you're seeking a relationship, remember to worship the main deities in order first before going to the Old Man under the Moon; this is basic etiquette.
- Hidden Photo Spot: The artificial waterfall and koi pond at the entrance are great photo spots. Additionally, Longshan Temple at night has a more solemn atmosphere after the lights are turned on, avoids the daytime heat, and offers more layered lighting for photos.
- Avoid the Crowds: If you want to avoid extreme crowds, avoid the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month, as these are major days for worshippers to pay their respects.
- Temple Taboos: When entering and exiting temple doors, be sure to step over the threshold; never step on the threshold, as this is considered disrespectful to the deities.
Walking this route, you will discover what an inclusive city Taipei is. Different eras, different beliefs, and different ethnic groups have all left deep imprints here.
