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

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Our Weekend Family Activities

This time, we found ourselves back in Yunlin thanks to some free tickets we received for a baking class. Since we had two, my husband and I went together. The class was held in Douliu, so we headed there from Huwei in the morning. 

The baking class we attended focused on making a taro roll and lasted about two hours. After watching the process, we got to sample a slice of the freshly baked cake. I felt like I might have been the only one with baking experience - many participants asked basic questions, which made me wonder if fewer Taiwanese people bake at home since street food is so readily available. Perhaps, like us, some people attended simply because of the free vouchers.

After the class, we decided to explore some local foods we had seen in a YouTube video. One dish was squid mouth soup - not my cup of tea! I just wanted to see it in person, while my husband was brave enough to taste it. On the other hand, the rou zao fan (minced pork rice) was quite good and more to my taste.

Given the chilly weather, we craved something warm for dessert. We ordered a sweet soup filled with red beans, mung beans, barley, jelly noodles, and tangyuan (glutinous rice balls). It was my first time trying this combination, and to my surprise, I liked it! In the past, I couldn’t stand beans in desserts, but I’ve grown to appreciate them. We also enjoyed some boiled mochi, which was delicious.

On our way back, we passed through Douliu Old Street, where hundreds or maybe even thousands of lanterns lit up the night. This year, the lantern designs were different from previous years, giving the street a fresh look. 

After lunch, we returned to pick up our son and drove back for his DIY gingerbread house activity.

The gingerbread house kit included cookies, icing sugar, and decorations - both edible ones like candies and non-edible ones like a little Christmas tree and a Santa Claus figurine. The atmosphere was lively and filled with excited kids. A little girl in front of us seemed more interested in munching on her cookie than decorating it, but she was much younger than our son, so she probably didn’t quite understand the task.

These DIY gingerbread house activities and various baking classes are held every Saturday and Sunday, at least for this year, each time with different designs and courses.

The weather was a chilly 8°C that day, but it was even colder back at home in Toufen, where it dropped to 5°C! Taiwan’s cold can feel much harsher than Poland’s because there are no heaters, making winter feel especially miserable. Although the cold season here is short, I’m sure many people welcome it after enduring the intense summer heat.

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Yunlin Travel: Taiping Old Street decorated with 16,000 lanterns! - Japanese remnants in Douliou

Travel Date: 2024.01.06

Our first journey of the year led us back to Yunlin, where we explored Douliou. As the Lunar New Year draws near, the captivating glow of lanterns illuminates Douliu City, painting a vibrant tapestry of colors and warmth across this charming old street in Taiwan.

Douliou holds a special place in our travels, and today, we revisited familiar spots such as Douliou Old Street (Taiping Old Street), Japanese Dormitories, and other historical landmarks in the town. It's a delightful way to welcome the Lunar New Year amid the rich history and enchanting atmosphere of Douliou.

Taiping Old Street (太平老街)

In recent years, the Douliu Municipal Office of Yunlin County has hung up lanterns painted by school students on Taiping Old Street at the end of each year to create a lantern corridor, which has been well received. This year, the Municipal Office cooperated with 18 elementary and middle schools in Douliu City to create a lantern gallery in Taiping Old Street in Douliu City. There are 16,000 lanterns hanging on the street and Zhonghua Road!

The Douliu City Office held a lantern-turning ceremony at 6:30 pm on December 23, 2023. The exhibition will last until March 31, 2024.

This year, the festivities extend to the enchanting Taiping Old Street, where a few thousands lanterns grace the thoroughfare.

Taiping Old Street, with its remarkable 600-meter stretch from Douliu Circle to Douliu Post Office, is a living testament to Taiwan's rich history. Dating back to the Japanese era, the street's buildings showcase an architectural elegance rooted in the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods. The Baroque-style structures, adorned with intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes, carry the legacies of their residents etched in stone.

To safeguard these century-old monuments from the ravages of time, the Cultural Development Association and the city office joined hands for a historic street reconstruction plan. This visionary initiative involved unifying shop signs, enhancing leisure facilities, introducing greenery and ambient street lighting, and overall beautification efforts. The unique floor tiles, a testament to meticulous planning, transform Taiping Old Street into an open-air haven, seamlessly blending commerce, tourism, and recreation in Yunlin County. 

Yunzhong Street Cultural and Creative Settlement (雲中街生活聚落)

The Yunzhong Street Cultural and Creative Settlement spans both sides of Yunzhong Street in Douliu City. The wooden houses in this area emanate a distinct Japanese nostalgic charm. Once neglected and abandoned, these old houses have undergone a thorough renovation by the county government, transforming into cultural and creative parks with unique characteristics that promote the local cultural and creative industries.

Within the park, you'll find various cultural and creative theme halls. For example, 'The Handmade Forest' showcases adorable potted plants, while the 'Future Classroom-Robot Workshop' offers children hands-on DIY robot experiences. Another highlight is the 'Vinyl Music Story Hall,' curated by retired professor Zhang Guangxun. With a collection of over 8,000 vinyl records amassed over 30 years, Professor Zhang invites visitors to listen to old songs and enjoy a cup of tea, creating a delightful journey through time.

Douliou Memorial Hall (古蹟 斗六行啟記念館)

Douliou Memorial Hall, also known as Douliu Xingqi Memorial Hall, was constructed around 1927 to commemorate Prince Yuren's visit to Taiwan in 1923. Originally named 'Douliu Memorial Mansion,' it functioned as a public meeting space, funded by a combination of local and official sources. Throughout its history, the building served various purposes, housing entities such as the water company, the Chiayi Supervision Office of the Highway Bureau, the Yunlin County Office of Industry and Commerce, the Military Public Education and Welfare Center, and the Central District Office of the State Property Bureau.

In 1999, the devastating 921 earthquake caused severe damage, leading to the classification of the building as dangerous. Recognizing its historical significance, it was registered as a historic building in 2001. Subsequent restoration work took place from 2005 to 2006, culminating in the renaming of the hall to 'Dou Liu XingQi Memorial Hall' in 2006.

Address:

1. Taiping Old Street: 640雲林縣斗六市太平路123號太平老街
2. Japanese Dormitories: 640雲林縣斗六市雲林路一段75巷7號警察宿舍
3. Memorial Hall: 640雲林縣斗六市府前街101號古蹟 斗六行啟記念館

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