Yunlin Travel: Discover Douliu's Ningji Yuting Garden

Travel Date: 2025/06/21

Are you dreaming of a place where serene nature, rich culture, and spiritual peace intertwine? Look no further than the Ningji Yuting Garden Landscape Cultural Park (寧濟御庭園林山水文化園區) in Douliu, Yunlin. This magnificent Chinese-style garden is not just a feast for the eyes; it's an architectural marvel built with an investment of over a hundred million NTD, offering free admission and ample free parking – even for tour buses!

Nestled peacefully on Zhenliao Road in Douliu, near the Yunlin Science Park, Ningji Yuting feels like stepping into a hidden royal garden. Spanning approximately three acres (about 3,500 ping), every corner of this meticulously designed park exudes the timeless elegance of a classical Suzhou garden. Imagine strolling past exquisitely crafted pavilions, serene water features, intricate stone sculptures, and vibrant green landscapes. From the auspicious "Golden Rooster Announcing Good News" at the entrance to the subtle beauty of various flowers like camellias and azaleas, every detail transports you to a bygone era.

Ningji Yuting is more than just a picturesque spot, it's a profound expression of gratitude and spiritual devotion. Established by a prominent local construction company, the park was founded as a heartfelt dedication to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, who guided the founder through challenging times. This deep spiritual connection permeates the entire park, creating an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

The park's name, "Ningji," originates from the revered King Ningji of Quanzhou, while "Shunji" refers to the Mazu Temple in Quanzhou. This historical and spiritual lineage is beautifully embodied in the park's layout and deities.

Your journey through Ningji Yuting is a "100-point blessing path." You'll cross the Ruyi Bridge (Bridge of Auspiciousness) and the Yingxian Bridge (Bridge for Welcoming Immortals), gazing into the crystal-clear waters of Fuhai (Fortune Sea) where fish gracefully glide. Don't miss the rare Green Jade Ancient Warship, a century-old masterpiece that has become a viral hotspot for social media photos! Take a moment to enjoy a cup of warm "Immortal-Welcoming Peace Tea" and feel your spirit uplifted amidst the blooming flowers and the peaceful rustling of pines.

Beyond its undeniable aesthetic charm, Ningji Yuting serves as a significant spiritual center. Within its tranquil confines, visitors can pay respects at various halls dedicated to different deities:

- Sanyuan Hall: Honoring the God of Wealth, complete with a massive golden ingot and offerings.

- Da Guanyin Pavilion (Great Guanyin Pavilion): Housing the White Jade Guanyin, Thousand-Handed Guanyin, and Zhengxiang Guanyin, where you can admire the exquisite interior decorations.

- Ningji Wangye (King Ningji) & Dragon King: Found in the main temple complex, featuring stunning modern architecture complementing the gardens.

- Wenling Mazu: Tucked away in the innermost part of the park, this temple is dedicated to the White Jade Mazu, renowned for her pure, translucent beauty. Notably, Ningji Yuting is the only place in Taiwan where you must cross the Ruyi Bridge to worship the White Jade Mazu, adding to its unique charm.

The park actively integrates traditional culture and spiritual practices. During Chinese New Year, special events like the "Heavenly Official Bestows Blessings, Auspicious Door" are held, featuring enchanting guzheng performances that blend music and spiritual ceremony, creating a truly moving experience. You can also engage in traditional practices like lighting incense and lamps, and even seek blessings for love at the Yue Lao (Matchmaker God) shrine.

For photography enthusiasts, Ningji Yuting is a dream. The arched bridges, serene water features, and majestic temple buildings create an ethereal backdrop for stunning photos. It's no wonder this spot is a favorite for influencers! The blend of traditional Chinese architecture and lush natural scenery provides endless captivating shots.

The park's accessible design, combined with its free admission and ample parking, makes it an excellent choice for families and elders seeking a peaceful and enriching outing. On weekdays, the park is wonderfully quiet, allowing for a deeply meditative experience.

Ningji Yuting is perfectly situated for a full day of exploration in Douliu. It's conveniently close to other popular attractions, making it easy to create a comprehensive itinerary.

Here's what you need to know for your visit:

- Address: No. 195, Zhenliao Road, Douliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan

- Admission: FREE all year round!

- Parking: Ample free on-site parking is available.

- Pet Policy: Pets are welcome, but must be carried (not allowed to walk on the ground).

- Opening Hours:

  Weekdays (Mon-Fri): 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (no appointment needed)

  Weekends (Sat-Sun) & Public Holidays: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  1st and 15th of each Lunar Month: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Read More

Yunlin Travel: Tracing Time in Linnei – From Paper Mills to Sacred Sites

Travel Date: 2025/06/21

I was randomly scrolling through Google Maps, as I always do, looking for something new to explore.

It’s getting harder and harder to find places I haven’t seen - even though I don’t have that many videos yet, my blog has been around much longer than my channel, so I’ve already visited and written about a lot of places there. 

I’ve noticed that quite a few places in Taiwan are connected to the Japanese occupation era, and honestly, I really enjoy visiting them. There's something fascinating about seeing the different architecture, the remains of shrines, and old Japanese-style buildings. This time, I found a place that I think not many people really know about.

To be honest, Yunlin isn’t a major tourist destination, even many Taiwanese people I’ve met have never actually been here. And if they have, it’s usually just to places like Beigang, Douliu, Huwei, or maybe Xiluo. The smaller townships often get overlooked, probably because they seem like they don’t have much to offer.

I’ll admit, even I sometimes get bored with Yunlin. There really isn’t that much to see, especially if you don’t have your own transportation. Without a car or scooter, it can be pretty hard to get around, and your options for exploring are quite limited.

Former Taiwan Mitsubishi Paper Mill Office Building (原台灣三菱製紙所辦公廳舍(林內驛棧))

Yunlin County's Linnei Township might seem like a quiet corner, but delve a little deeper, and you'll uncover layers of fascinating history. From an ambitious industrial venture to a revered spiritual site, Linnei offers a unique glimpse into Taiwan's past under Japanese rule and its subsequent transformations.

Hidden in plain sight at No. 9, Xinxing Road, in Linnei's Linzhong Village, stands the Former Taiwan Mitsubishi Paper Mill Office Building. Completed in 1911, this distinctive hip-roofed structure with its outer brick arches is more than just an old building; it's a designated cultural asset and a tangible link to Taiwan's early industrialization.

Originally the administrative heart of the Taiwan Mitsubishi Paper Mill, this venture was a bold move by the Mitsubishi Paper Mill partnership from Japan. Why here? The Japanese Governor-General's Office had identified central and southern Taiwan's abundant moso bamboo as ideal for papermaking. In 1908, Mitsubishi leased extensive bamboo forests, leading to the mill's construction north of Linnei Station in 1909. By June 1911, the mill was operational, producing wood pulp from bamboo.

However, despite its grand opening in 1912, the mill's success was short-lived. Market demand fell short, and technological breakthroughs proved elusive. By 1914, production ceased, and the entire operation shut down in February 1916. The story of this mill is also intertwined with local history, as the forceful demarcation of bamboo forests led to the significant Linqipu Incident (Bamboo Forest Incident) of 1912, highlighting the tensions of the era.

After World War II, the office building found new life, serving as the headquarters for Bao Long Paper. Today, this historic structure, officially recognized in 2006 (and renamed in 2009 from "Former Linnei Township Office"), holds promise for the future, with plans to integrate it into an eco-park alongside the former Bao Long Paper Mill site. It stands as a silent witness to industrial ambition and local resilience.

The Linnei Shrine Remnants (林内神社)

Just a short distance away, in the heart of Linnei Township, lies another profound historical site: the Linnei Shrine (林内神社). Though largely dismantled after World War II, its remnants offer a poignant connection to Taiwan's Japanese colonial past and its subsequent transformation.

I actually decided to climb the entire stairs, but my husband... well, let's just say he's not quite as enthusiastic about this kind of activity! So he googled a road and drove all the way to the top.

But here's the funny part: I walked pretty slowly, stopping to take pictures, and guess what? We arrived at the temple at the exact same time!

Built between 1939 and 1940, the Linnei Shrine was a significant Shinto site, dedicated to Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa, the Three Pioneer Deities, and Toyouke-Ōmikami. Its annual festival on March 3rd was a key event. The construction was massive, involving thousands of man-days of compulsory labor, reflecting the Japanese government's push for shrine building across the island.

After 1945, political shifts led to the shrine's gradual destruction. By 1957, the main hall and worship hall were demolished to make way for the Linnei Jigong General Temple (濟公總廟). Yet, remarkably, parts of the shrine survived. The first and second concrete torii gates were preserved, their plaques changed to "Linnei Park," signifying a new public purpose.

In recent years, a commendable effort has been made to restore elements like the sacred bridge (Shinkyo), purification font (Temizuya), and several Kasuga lanterns. What makes Linnei unique is that it's currently the only shrine remnant in Taiwan with three complete sets of torii gates – two original and one new archway for Jigongtang Temple – creating a tangible link to its layered past.

Visiting Linnei Shrine today is a journey through architectural styles and historical narratives. It's a testament to how places evolve, adapt, and sometimes, are reborn.

The Longguomai Forest Trail (龍過脈森林步道)

After immersing yourself in Linnei's rich history, why not breathe deep the fresh air and connect with its natural splendor? The Longguomai Forest Trail (龍過脈森林步道) offers a perfect opportunity to balance your historical exploration with an invigorating outdoor adventure.

This beautiful trail invites you to wander through verdant forests, providing a refreshing escape into Yunlin's natural landscape. It's an excellent choice for hikers of all levels, offering a chance to stretch your legs, enjoy scenic views, and appreciate the tranquility of the forest. It’s the perfect way to round out your visit, experiencing both the man-made heritage and the untouched beauty of Linnei.

At first, we followed signs pointing to a “viewing platform”… but it turned out to be more of a trail junction than an actual viewpoint!

After checking the map, we chose a short trail, about 500 meters long, hoping to catch a glimpse of some Rhinoceros beetles. But instead of beetles, we got a surprise leg workout!

The trail quickly turned challenging - steep, narrow, and not always well-maintained. Some of the wooden steps were broken, so we had to move carefully, watching every step.

Interestingly, this area is also part of a butterfly migration route. Every October, butterflies pass through from south to north, and if you visit at the right time, it's a truly magical sight. While this trail may not be a must-see for everyone, it’s a lovely addition to your itinerary if you enjoy nature walks and mountain paths.

By the end of it, we hadn’t seen a single beetle - just two people, sweaty, out of breath, and realizing that playing football doesn’t exactly prepare you for hiking uphill!

To wrap up the day, we also stopped by a local temple (more on that in the next post!), wandered through a night market, and visited a nearby park that, to our surprise, still had Lantern Festival decorations up - a colorful and unexpected bonus!

Read More

Yunlin Travel: Discovering Tranquility and Tradition at Chih-Fa Mazu Temple

Travel Date: 2025/05/31

Nestled quietly amid the green fields of Huwei Township in Yunlin County, Chih-Fa Mazu Temple (持法媽祖宮) is a peaceful haven unlike any other. While it may not boast the grandeur or fame of Beigang’s Chaotian Temple, it more than makes up for it with authenticity, elegance, and mindful simplicity. There are no glittering golden roofs or lavish decorations here - just a heartfelt tribute to Mazu, the beloved sea goddess, set apart from the crowds and surrounded by serene farmland.

Open year-round, Chih-Fa Mazu Temple offers a calming spiritual environment, but it holds a special surprise during the Lunar New Year. From the 1st to the 4th day of the lunar calendar, two extraordinary areas open their gates to the public:

The Dressing Pavilion Garden (梳妝樓園區), a beautifully imagined space that reflects Mazu’s youth, with items like a traditional dressing table thoughtfully arranged to express her early, human life.

The Stone Sculpture Mazu Garden (石雕媽祖園區), which illustrates Mazu’s ascension to divinity. Visitors enter through a path lined with stone carvings of historical figures and blooming osmanthus trees, eventually encountering a hidden giant stone Mazu and a striking 10-meter-tall statue of Wu-De, the God of Wealth.

Set across more than two hectares, the temple is designed in the elegant style of a Jiangnan classical garden - complete with flowing water, arched bridges, pavilions, and scenic walkways. The architecture blends natural serenity with human artistry, featuring Koji ceramics (交趾陶) and vibrant murals that celebrate the depth of Taiwan’s Mazu culture. The entire space invites reflection and reverence without the distraction of loud rituals or ornate excess.

What makes Chih-Fa Mazu Temple truly special is its dedication to tradition, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Built by a group of devoted Mazu followers—guided, they believe, by divine instruction - the temple adheres to classical Taiwanese architectural principles. Highlights include:

- Ceramic details by Master Kuo Chih-Lang, inspired by traditional water wheels

- Vivid guardian paintings by Master Liu Chia-Cheng

- Intricate wood and stone carvings, crafted with elegance and cultural depth

The temple also stands out for its environmentally conscious practices. Unlike many temples, Chih-Fa does not permit joss paper burning and encourages minimal incense use. Their message is clear:

”One stick of incense per censer is enough. Sincerity is what truly matters.”

As a result, Chih-Fa Mazu Temple is considered one of the most eco-friendly religious sites in Taiwan, blending ancient tradition with modern environmental awareness.

During the holiday period, visitors can participate in a variety of symbolic and joyful rituals that offer both spiritual meaning and festive fun:

- Blessing Rice Balls (吃紅圓): Enjoy sweet red glutinous rice balls, symbolizing happiness and completeness.

- Peace Bridge Walk (過平安橋): Cross a ceremonial bridge as 108 celestial generals and 28 constellations are invoked to bless the year ahead.

- Treasure Pot Draw (吉祥聚寶盆): Reach into a pot for a lucky charm or symbolic item representing wealth and good fortune.

- Fortune Candy (喜童發喜糖): Children distribute candy to share joy and blessings.

- Tangerine Divination: Toss divination blocks to receive a lucky tangerine from Mazu, symbolizing great fortune.

- God of Wealth Red Envelopes: Ask for a red envelope from the God of Wealth - if the blocks fall right, you may just receive a symbolic token of prosperity.

Whether you're drawn by faith, art, or a desire for peace, Chih-Fa Mazu Temple offers a uniquely human, artistic, and spiritual journey. Especially during the Lunar New Year, it becomes a living tapestry of Taiwan’s rich cultural and religious traditions - a place to pause, reflect, and embrace blessings for the year to come.

Read More