Longshan Temple | Kawaii Traveling

Hey there,

Today I went for a walk… A long one ;)

I started my journey at Ximending, where my hostel is at. Since I wanted to go to see Longshan Temple I went in the general direction.

It’s cool to see how you can start at Ximending, with it’s modern vibe and many stores and walk a bit and see not too modern houses and small local stores that are family businesses.

At Longshan Temple there were many people. Not many tourists like me (who don’t worship there) but many people praying. First thing I noticed was the smoke of the incense. Everyone had incense in their hands and it was almost hard to breathe (although we were outside). The temple itself is quite different from all the temples I saw in Japan. It’s more decorated maybe? And more colourful. I like all the dragon ornaments.

so much incense….

Right next to Longshan Temple is Herb lane. A street were Chinese medicinal herbs are sold. I didn’t take too many pictures because some of the owners looked at me weird. But I should have one or two good ones ;)

Later I decided to go to 2/28 peace park. It was quite the walk but I like walking. :) Next to the park is the Presidential Office Building which reminded me a lot of London. The architecture was inspired by western architecture and you see that immediately.

Presidential Office Building

little park right next to 2/28 Peace memorial Park

Can someone read the inscription and tell me who this is? I didn’t find any English signs and I can’t find it on the Internet either…

Jingfu Gate (Taipei East Gate)

The 2/28 peace park (and the small park next to it) are beautiful. It remembers the victims of the 2/28 Incident in 1947. It was an anti-government uprising that was suppressed by the government by killing thousands of civilians.

After resting a bit I went to Ximen again (by foot) to see the Red House. It was build by the japanese and nowadays serves as a cultural and creative center. Inside you can find some art exhibitions and a small store with souvenirs. I really liked it since it’s not the normal souvenir stuff you can get anywhere.

Zhongshan Hall

The Red House

inside the Red House

random temple

I then walked around again for a bit, ate waffles at a café in Ximen and decided to walk to Alex’s Hotel to meet here there after work. (Which is 5 metro stations away ;))