Lung Shan Temple, Taipei, Taiwan for Treasure Tuesday

 

Lungshan Temple, one of Taipei's most venerated and historic sanctuaries, still bears the vestiges of the recent Lantern Festival, with vibrant lanterns swaying gently in the breeze even as spring advances. Founded in 1738 during the Qing Dynasty by settlers from Fujian, this sacred site has long stood as a testament to the resilience and devotion of the local people, having endured earthquakes, fires, and even wartime bombardments.

In my younger days, I often wandered these hallowed grounds, capturing candid images of life unfolding amid the temple's intricate carvings and incense-laden air. These excursions were frequently shared with my friend Darren, a Canadian who, like me, found himself drawn time and again to the timeless atmosphere of Lungshan Temple. Together, we sought to preserve fleeting moments through the lens, amidst a setting where history, faith, and community converge.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Bo Pi Liao Heritage buildings with graffiti for Treasure Tuesday

 

Bo Pi Liao, located in the Wanhua District of Taipei, Taiwan, is a historical and cultural gem that offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich past. This preserved area, known for its well-maintained Qing Dynasty architecture and Japanese colonial influences, stands as a testament to Taipei’s transformation from a trade hub to a modern metropolis. Bo Pi Liao is not only a place of historical significance but also a center for cultural education and artistic expression.

Historical Significance

Bo Pi Liao’s history dates back over 200 years to the Qing Dynasty, when it was a bustling commercial district. The area flourished due to its strategic location along trade routes, serving as a marketplace for merchants and craftsmen. During the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945), the district underwent significant changes, with the introduction of new architectural styles and infrastructure developments that blended traditional Chinese and Western influences. Later, during the post-World War II era, Bo Pi Liao saw urbanization, but many of its historical buildings were preserved, allowing future generations to appreciate its unique heritage.

Architectural and Cultural Heritage

One of Bo Pi Liao’s most striking features is its architecture. The buildings, constructed using red bricks, wooden beams, and stone carvings, reflect a blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Western architectural styles. The narrow alleys, arched corridors, and preserved shopfronts transport visitors back in time, showcasing Taipei’s commercial history.

Bo Pi Liao is also home to the Heritage and Culture Education Center of Taipei, which provides exhibits and interactive displays about the city’s history. Through these exhibits, visitors can learn about Taipei’s evolution from a traditional market town to a modern urban center. The area often hosts cultural events, including art exhibitions, traditional performances, and educational workshops, further enhancing its role as a cultural hotspot.

While waiting in line for what was reputedly the finest congee in Taipei, as praised in various magazine reviews, I unexpectedly wandered into this historic district. Though the congee itself did not prove to be particularly remarkable, the accompanying dishes were quite delightful.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Wufeng Lin Family Garden, Middle Taiwan for Treasure Tuesday

 

Last year, I shared a brief post about this remarkable place. As I am currently in Taiwan attending to my mother’s affairs, I will be adding more photographs from that trip.

The descendant of this esteemed family home continues to play a significant role in the island’s political sphere. In light of this, I shall refrain from commenting on the political landscape of what is often regarded as a renegade province of China.

What captivates me most are the intricate Chinese ornaments and sculptures. In my youth, I failed to appreciate such cultural heritage, instead dreaming of traveling to New York or exploring Norway’s towering mountains. Yet, as the years have passed, I have developed a profound appreciation for the traditions and artistry inherent to my own ethnic background. It is curious how life unfolds.

Even during this visit, I found myself deeply drawn to the beauty of abandonment in urban exploration.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

During our visit to my mother's hometown, Zhongli, there were numerous matters to attend to. We reunited with our cousins and learned the sorrowful news that our nephew had recently taken his own life at the age of 35. Amidst the solemn atmosphere, my brother happened upon an old eatery specialising in Hakka cuisine, where we shared a delightful meal.

Among the traditional dishes, I shared a photograph of stir-fried pig intestines prepared with ginger, white vinegar, and fermented soybeans. Joel, as always, reacted with exaggerated discomfort, dry heaving at the mere sight of the dish when I sent it to his phone. Undeterred, I shall now present it here for all to appreciate.

The junction between duodenum and jejunum 

Gluten ball soup with spring onion and shallows (chicken bone stock)

Wu Feng Lin Heritage House for Sunday Best

 

This was one of the heritage households I visited when I was in Middle Taiwan.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking to Sunday Best

Long Teng Broken Bridge for Sunday Best

 

There is an interesting story about the town of Longteng that is revealing of the superstitious beliefs that local people once held. When the first settlers started to cultivate land in the area, they believed that Liyu Lake, located nearby, was inhabited by a carp spirit which brought hardship to the people. In order to overcome this evil spirit they planted yuteng (a poisonous plant) in the Longteng Mountain area. At the same time they gave the mountain in the east the name Guandao Mountain (lit. Guan Sword Mountain) hoping that the Sword Mountain would cut the Yuteng Rattan. In this way, they hoped to poison the evil carp spirit. The ploy must have been effective, for people no longer believe that the evil carp spirit harms the people of Longteng. In the morning of April 24, 1935 a strong earthquake hit central Taiwan. lts epicenter was near Mt. Guandao, and many buildings in the Sanyi district were destroyed. A reminder of this earthquake remains in the ruins of the arched bridge over Long River. It can be seen from the railway line between Sanyi and Houli.

The ruins of Longteng Bridge join Chengxing (Shengxing) Station as one of the top-two visitor attractions on the Jiushan tour route. This historic span is notable attraction both for its simple beauty and as a memorial to the two major earthquakes that severed the bridge twice at the fifth northernmost pier, including damages caused by the 921 Earthquake in September 21, 1999.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Bendigo Cathedral sunset for Skywatch Friday

 

Great Heart Cathedral 

Sony A7RIV

Laowa 9mm f5.6

Linking Eileen's Friday

Great wall of China

Taken by Canon 50mm f1.2

Pisa Tower, Italy

This is developed from a forgotten film left in my storage cabinet. The old lovely E-6 quality image from Provia 400

Love this grain feel.