Lin Mansion in BanQiao Taipei Taiwan for Sunday Best

 

During my visit to Lin Family Mansion and Garden in Taichung last year, this year’s journey led me to its counterpart in Banqiao, Taipei. Unlike the Taichung site, the Banqiao mansion has never suffered destruction; its original architecture, remarkably well preserved, continues to bear witness to the elegance of a bygone era. Although part of the estate was undergoing renovation during my visit, there remained much to admire and explore.

The Lin Family Mansion in Banqiao, also known as the Lin Ben Yuan Family Mansion and Garden, is one of the finest surviving examples of traditional Chinese garden architecture in Taiwan. Constructed in the mid-19th century during the Qing Dynasty by the prosperous Lin family—one of Taiwan’s wealthiest and most influential clans—the estate served both as a private residence and a symbol of social and cultural prestige.

The mansion encompasses a series of exquisitely designed courtyards, pavilions, and halls arranged around tranquil ponds and delicately landscaped gardens. Its architectural style reflects the aesthetic values of southern Fujian and Jiangnan regions, marked by curved roofs, intricate woodwork, and balanced spatial harmony.

Despite ongoing restoration, the place retains its serene grandeur. I found myself particularly drawn to the refined symmetry and oriental grace that define its structures—a timeless testament to heritage, resilience, and the enduring beauty of classical design.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Piranha in Taipei Aquarium for Saturday Critter

 

While visiting an aquarium in Taipei, I came face-to-face with a creature that’s as infamous as it is fascinating — a piranha. Nestled behind the glass of its tank, the fish hovered with a stillness that somehow made it even more unsettling. Its sleek, silvery body shimmered under the tank lights, but what truly drew my attention were its teeth.

Razor-sharp and tightly packed, the piranha's teeth looked like something out of a horror movie. Even from behind glass, they gave off a sense of menace. It wasn’t hard to imagine how they earned their reputation — built for tearing flesh with frightening efficiency, they seemed almost too intense for such a small creature.

Despite their fearsome appearance, I found myself captivated rather than afraid. There was something mesmerizing about the contrast between their calm, quiet movement and the violence their teeth implied. In that moment, I realized why the piranha has such a legendary place in the natural world — it's a perfect example of nature’s balance between beauty and danger.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Saturday Critter

It has been raining heavily in Swan Hill, and the inclement weather is expected to persist throughout the weekend. I have just completed watching the entire series The Penguin. It is a most riveting production, steeped in anguish and tragedy, and peopled with eccentric, often unpredictable characters.

More Sanxia Shrine from Taipei for Treasure Tuesday

 

The abundance of carvings and ornate details within this shrine is truly astounding. Every corner is adorned with oriental artistry, rich in history and narrative. The tales of the Three Pure Ones in Taoism echo the complexity of Greek mythology, filled with themes of human nature—betrayal, intrigue, and divine powers. Were it not for my interest in photography, I might have passed by the shrine without so much as a second glance.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking to Treasure Tuesday

Taipei Mural for Mural Monday

 

I came upon a charming mural near the entrance of a night market in Shulin, Taipei. I arrived too early, before the market had come to life, and so, with little else to do, I captured a photograph of the mural before continuing on my way.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

When I was in high school, my English teacher held a peculiar aversion to the word senseless, deeming it wholly nonsensical. She would penalise me on several occasions merely for employing the term, as though it were a kind of linguistic taboo in her classroom. At the time, I understood senseless to signify a state of numbness or insensibility. Yet now, in contemporary media, one frequently encounters the word used to describe acts of violence and tragedy — "senseless crimes" and "senseless deaths" abound in the headlines. I cannot help but wonder whether the language has shifted with the passage of time.

Wisteria in Taipei for Sunday Best

 

It is presently autumn in Australia, whilst spring has arrived in Taipei. This wisteria garden is of considerable size, and many visitors gather here to behold and inhale the delicate blossoms of the wisteria.

I take great pleasure in its fragrance.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Joel and I await with great interest the forthcoming 50–150mm f/2.0 zoom lens from Sony, which is expected to retail for approximately 8,000 AUD owing to import tariffs. It is difficult to fathom that the successor to my current model, the A7R V—anticipated for release later this year—might approach a price of 20,000 AUD. Such figures are extraordinary, particularly for what remains, for us, a mere hobby.

Mural at an abandoned beach resort

 

The once grand mosaic mural, now decayed and abandoned, was, I believe, a vast composition depicting various landmarks of Taipei.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Mural Monday

I have returned to diligently addressing the backlog of delayed referrals from last week, and the effort is certainly taking its toll. Over the weekend, Joel was unable to join the planned trip to Pinnacles, having discovered at the last moment that he had a prior commitment to a family dinner. In his absence, I devoted my time to attending to a rather tedious volume of paperwork.

Shifen Waterfall, Taipei for Sunday Best

 

Shifen Waterfall is indeed a breathtaking spot! The walk to the area, surrounded by lush greenery, makes the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. The vibrant nature enhances the experience, creating a serene and refreshing atmosphere.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Buffalo in QingTianGang for Saturday Critter

 

Buffalo have been introduced to the region to provide tourists with subjects for photography. However, their presence results in an unpleasant odor in the surrounding area.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Saturday Critter

I must express my gratitude to the Snow White remake. My mother has never been inclined to follow the news. However, in recent times, she has found great amusement in the widespread criticism and controversy surrounding the film on YouTube.

Laomei green moss beach, Taipei for Water H2O Thursday

 

In the later days of spring, the Laomei Shimen Green Moss Coast in northern Taiwan is said to be transformed into a breathtaking spectacle, as a lush emerald carpet of moss blankets the entire shoreline, resembling a masterpiece of nature’s artistry. Alas, during my brief visit, I was unable to witness this enchanting scene.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Taipei Street Joints for Sign2

 

Wagu Teppanyaki 

Kyoto Matcha Yoghurt ice-cream 

Korean BBQ joint

Tempura hot pot 

Taiwan was under Japanese occupation for over fifty years, and as a result, much of what I observe in its streets and shops consists of direct franchises from Japan. Historically, one might expect the Taiwanese to harbor resentment toward Japan for its colonial rule over the island, particularly in light of the Sino-Japanese War, during which millions of Chinese lives were lost in a single day. Yet, paradoxically, the majority of the population today embraces Japanese popular culture with great enthusiasm, admiring everything from its cuisine and fashion to its history. In many respects, the island bears the unmistakable imprint of a Japanese state.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sign2

SanXia Temple, Taipei for Treasure Tuesday

 

Sanxia Temple, renowned for its devotion to the Three Pure Ones—the primordial deities of Daoism—stands as a revered site of worship and cultural heritage. This historic temple, nestled in the heart of Sanxia, Taipei, is celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship and deep spiritual significance.

At the time of my visit, the temple’s front entrance was undergoing renovation, a testament to the ongoing efforts to preserve its architectural grandeur. Unfortunately, my time was limited, preventing me from fully capturing its beauty through photography. Nevertheless, I was able to take a few frames, offering a glimpse into this sacred and storied sanctuary.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Treasure Tuesday

On my first day handling referrals within the community, I encountered six so-called urgent cases—none of which were true medical emergencies. Rather, the urgency stemmed from the desire to annul the legal autonomy of elderly nursing home residents, enabling their children to access their bank accounts and real estate. It was a stark reminder of the grotesque realities I have so often witnessed in the geriatric care industry. Genuine concern from family members is, more often than not, absent. Almost every elderly resident I spoke with shared the same lament: "I have not seen any of my grandchildren in years." Loneliness and isolation weigh heavily upon them all.

Late Cherry Blossom at Tian Yuan Temple in Taipei for Sunday Best

 

After an arduous and fatiguing journey home, I was able to secure only two hours of sleep in total. The upcoming weekend will require significant adjustment before I officially resume work.

February marks the season of cherry blossoms in Taiwan, with the Yoshino cherry (Prunus yedoensis) blooming slightly later. This exquisite variety, characterised by its pale pink petals that fade to white, is renowned for its delicate beauty and ephemeral nature, symbolising both renewal and the fleeting passage of time.

My visit to Wuji Tianyuan Temple in Tamsui, Taipei, was primarily to witness this floral spectacle. This revered temple, known for its magnificent five-story pagoda and serene atmosphere, becomes a favored destination during cherry blossom season. The harmonious blend of traditional architecture and cascading blooms transforms the temple grounds into an ethereal landscape, drawing visitors seeking both spiritual solace and natural splendor.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Sunday Best

Wulai Waterfall, Taipei, Taiwan for Water H2O Thursday

 

Wulai Waterfall, situated in the verdant mountains of northern Taiwan, is a popular destination for both locals and travelers seeking a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Taipei. Wulai is just outside the Taipei district, with easy access by rapid transport, making it an ideal day trip for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without venturing too far from the city.

During my visit, the weather was rather disappointing. It should have been sunny, but instead, the skies turned stormy intermittently. Despite the unpredictable showers, the sight of the waterfall cascading down the cliffs, surrounded by mist and lush greenery, created an almost mystical atmosphere that made the trip worthwhile.

One of the highlights of the Wulai region is its charming old street, where vendors sell an array of local delicacies. Among them, I particularly enjoyed the mountain pig sausage — a savory and smoky treat that perfectly complemented the rustic setting. The flavors, unique to this region, added a special touch to the experience.

Beyond the culinary delights, what makes Wulai so special is the easy access to nature. The towering trees, rushing river, and distant calls of wildlife provide a welcome escape from urban noises. As you wander through the trails and listen to the waterfall’s roar, you are reminded of how refreshing it is to step away from city life and reconnect with the natural world.

Though the weather did not fully cooperate, Wulai still left me with lasting impressions — a blend of scenic beauty, cultural flavor, and peaceful solitude that’s hard to find so close to a major metropolis.

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FE 20-70mm f4 G

Linking Water H2O Thursday

Taipei Signs for Sign2

 

Hot Dog shop

Don Don Donki shop sign says "Welcome"

A traditional shop that sells simple carbohydrates 

Life has become considerably more tranquil of late. With but a few days remaining in my hometown, I now choose to take my leisure, reclining and occupying myself with various shows. The humidity here has grown quite oppressive, and the rising temperatures only add to the discomfort. It has, as a result, become increasingly difficult to venture outdoors.

Sony A7RV + FE 20-70mm f4 G

This is linking Sign2

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