Travel date: 2024/08/14
After our adventure in Japan, we made our way back to Taiwan. By noon, we were free to leave, but the weather in Taiwan was less than inviting—cloudy skies and a forecast full of rain. Faced with a choice between a scenic coastal drive or a visit to Shifen Waterfall and Pingxi, we opted for a more practical route home, with a stop at Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine, which had been on my list for some time.
Unfortunately, as soon as we reached the shrine and climbed the stairs, the weather took a turn for the worse. A thunderstorm rolled in, bringing with it heavy rain. We waited indoors, capturing some videos, but the weather wasn’t ideal for a full visit.
Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine (桃園忠烈祠)
Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine, nestled on Hutou Mountain, was completed in 1938 and originally known as Taoyuan Shinto Shrine during the Japanese colonial era. It stands as the best-preserved Japanese-era Shinto shrine in Taiwan. The architecture blends ancient Chinese Tang dynasty elements with Japanese and contemporary Taiwanese styles. Constructed from high-quality cypress wood, it was officially designated a level three national monument in 1994. The shrine also served as a filming location for the movie "Kano," which captures the essence of the 1930s.
During the Japanese colonial era, over 200 Shinto shrines were built across Taiwan as part of the Japanization movement. After the end of World War II and the cessation of Taiwan-Japan diplomatic relations, many shrines faced demolition. However, Taoyuan Shinto Shrine, renamed Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine in 1950, was preserved for its cultural, historical, and artistic value. It remains the only Shinto shrine in Taiwan and outside of Japan that has been perfectly preserved.
The shrine features a variety of buildings: the main hall, where spirit tablets are placed; the worship hall, for visitors to pay their respects; the administration office; and the water room for purification rituals. Additional features include the Torii Gate, Buddhist lantern, Komainu (guardian lions), brass horse sculpture, and the Sandao (path). The intricate craftsmanship is evident in the cypress and fir materials, with beams joined through meticulous grafting joints, highlighting the detailed labor involved.
The shrine’s grounds offer a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by old pine and evergreen trees. The Sandao leads from Chenggong Road to the inner gate and worship hall, extending all the way to Taoyuan Train Station. The surrounding greenery provides a serene backdrop, with cherry blossoms in early spring and vibrant red maple leaves in autumn. Each season transforms the shrine’s landscape, offering new scenic views.
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