TRAVEL: Ching Xiu Temple @ Ji’an Township, Hualien (Taiwan)

My exploration on vehicle through the valleys started here.

There are valid reason to be exploring in a car, considering the vast landscapes there is to see. The mountainous region. Hiring a tour guide for the day can be alot more efficient.

My only advice is go with an idea of what you would want to see.

I went without a real plan, but a vague idea of wanting to see Hualien through the eyes of a local. To pace myself as I go about observing this beautiful county. What could be a better option? The only concern would probably be the doubt of whether or not I have seen all I have to see with the money spent.

Teru teru bōzu (照る照る坊主) to cast the bad weather away? It did for me that day :)

The Ji An Ching Xiu Temple is the best reserved Japanese Monastery in Taiwan.

A Japanese Shrine built in 1971 during the Japanese colonial period (1895 – 1945).

While the property might seem unassuming, to me I started on the beginning of a journey to understand Hualien and the history of both Taiwan and Japan.

Part of the Temple’s interior. Makes a very good spot for reflection on a sunny, breezy morning.

A building that represents the cultural intervention of the Japanese, the history of Ji’an (I consider all townships to be part of Hualien). Could the Japanese have possibly contributed to the accession of the agricultural aspect here?

Apparently, information on the internet verifies it.

Aptly named Hualien, it’s County flower is the Lotus. (If you invert the word, “Lian Hua” which also means Lotus/Water Lilies.

As my tour guide, Ms Chen had told me. Hualien is a fertile land, with an abundance of fresh mountain water, lush vegetation, natural elements to make the land a great place for agricultural purposes. And Agriculture is one of the main aspects of business here.

Driving along the road, traffic is pretty calm here. Lush vegetation, there are no fences blocking the farmed lands.

Fields of beautifully farmed flowers. Sweet Potatoes growing – seemingly made into a National representation of Taiwan. The shape of the main island of Taiwan is similar to a sweet potato seen in a south-to-north direction.

And Fresh Mountain air. I could literally feel my soul lift its spirits.

The best time of day to visit in my opinion is the early morning. Before continuing deeper into the valleys (Do plan your itinerary, because a lot of driving can be required or not.

Symbol of Edo Period Temple Architecture

A simple architecture that reflects Edo Period elements. The wooden roof especially was a great representation.

Compared to the other temples I have seen in Japan, there is something meaningful behind its design, now that I am revisiting my photographs again.

Time could pass us by, but whatever that mankind had contributed in its time and still lies standing is the very proof of our evolution. History while recorded is best witness in it’s physical form. Somehow buildings always represented that to me.

So my morning was spent, idly observing the students on holiday.

Plenty of touristy behaviour taking photos of the interiors, as momento of our visit.

Address：No. 345-1, ChungHsin Rd., GiAn Village, ChiAn Township, HuaLien Conty 973, Taiwan
Tel：+886-3-8529905 & +886-3-8463995
Fax：+886-3-8545681
Opening hours: 08:20~17:30, Tuesday through Sunday The temple is close on Monday.
Ticket：Free admission
Website：http://www.heritage.org.tw/

REFERENCE:

• History of Ji An Ching Xiu Temple HERE
• More information HERE