by Taiwan has a rich cultural history as it has been influenced by a variety of cultures including Japanese, aboriginal peoples, and especially Chinese culture. This unique combination of influences has birthed Taiwan’s beautiful culture that prioritizes family, work, and education. All of these elements and more are reflected in Taiwan’s powerful art and architecture.
Below are the top sites for art enthusiasts visiting Taiwan:
National Palace Museum
After WWII (1945), Taiwan sought to eradicate many of its Japanese cultural elements and promote Chinese ones instead. This led to one of the largest collections of imperial artifacts in the form of the National Palace Museum. This museum is not only an incredibly beautiful building but also offers a unique look into China’s imperial past. Many of the items in this museum were rescued by the Chiang Kai-Shek government when they fled mainland China during the cultural revolution. In fact, the museum houses more than 650,000 art objects and documents that were formerly held in Beijing. Being amongst these items in this cultural institution is a powerful experience as you can witness and embrace over 4,000 years of Chinese art (the museum covers from the Shang through the Qing dynasty). The stop is not just a must for anyone who is a fan of art, but really for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan and its people.
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
A country’s architecture is arguably one of its most prominent forms of art and the Buddhist temple of the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas is one of Taiwan’s most popular attractions. These two buildings sit on Lotus Lake in the heart of the city of Kaohsiung, a port city. Visiting this temple is truly a surreal experience as you enter the buildings either through the dragon or tiger’s mouth. Additionally, once at the top of each tower, you can enjoy a view of the lake below. This area is scenic and offers a peaceful yet lively experience as you enjoy the vibrant colors of the temple amongst the quiet scenery.
Rainbow Village
The Rainbow Village is located in the city of Taichung and has slowly become one of the most popular sites to see in Taiwan. The houses and buildings in this area are covered with vibrant colors and intricate designs making it an excellent opportunity for a photo-op but also a great opportunity to engage with Taiwanese art. As you walk through the village, the art feels almost lifelike as it surrounds you on every side. However, this neighborhood was not always so bright and lively. The area used to be an ex-military village that was so dreary and uninviting a local man named Huang Yung-Fu decided to brighten it up with a few paintings and rumor has it he has yet to stop. Now, this is considered one of the most “Instagrammable” areas of the country.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, or the CKS Memorial Hall, was erected to honor the former President of the Republic of China, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek. This hall was opened in 1980 as part of a national park and gathering area and is now considered the most prominent historical landmark in all of Taiwan.
CKS Memorial Hall is a must-see for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike as the site is truly an architectural feat that houses so much history and elements of Taiwanese culture. The octagon-shaped white building rises nearly 250 feet and is covered with blue tiles and red accents, which echo the colors of China’s flag. The octagonal shape is due to the Chinese cultural symbolism of the number eight which is traditionally associated with fortune and wealth. The beauty of this memorial site is in the detail, every aspect of the building has a meaning. For example, even the two sets of 89 steps that lead to the main hall represent the age at which Chiang died. Once in the main hall, there is a large bronze statue of Chiang protected by military personnel which change hourly. Located below the hall is a museum that documents Chiang’s life and includes exhibits about Taiwan’s history at large.
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
Located in the city of Kaohsiung, this museum is impressive even for those with no interest in Buddhism. The golden Buddha statue on top of the museum and the pagodas lining the walkway are tough to beat. The Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, formerly known as the Buddha Memorial Center, is a Mahayana Buddhist cultural, religious, and educational museum that conveys a deep sense of love, respect, and worship to all of those who enter. The site is beyond breathtaking as you explore the intricate artworks displayed as well as interesting artifacts such as one of the tooth relics of Sakyamuni Buddha, the founder of the Buddhist faith. However, this museum is somewhat of a newer addition as construction began in 2008, and the museum opened to the public in 2011. Since its opening, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum has never failed to impress as it regularly makes lists as one of the top 10 landmarks of Taiwan. Whether you choose to explore the museum on your own or with a guided tour, the Buddhist art and other elements on display will strike a chord with anyone who visits.
Taiwan’s cultural complexity has created incredible sites and an endless amount of art to be appreciated. Those lucky enough to visit this country should capitalize on enjoying and learning about the story behind Taiwanese art.
