Alicia ChongIf time permits, one thing I love doing when in a new country is to visit its historical sites – and Taipei is no exception.
Learning about the history of a place often seems to make the sites and city even more vivid and memorable. Interestingly, some of Taipei’s storied historical landmarks have now become popular dating spots, even for the city’s LGBT community.
While Taipei might call to mind skyscrapers like the Taipei 101, the city also brims with an array of historic spots that history buffs and culture vultures will love. Read on below!
1. LongShan Temple
Image Credits: Alicia Chong
This temple has an interesting backstory. It was built in 1738 after a merchant found his talisman glowing where he left it on a tree. It features a Guan Yin statue which miraculously survived a bombing during one of the wars.
Image Credits: David Stanley
In the temple, you’ll find both Buddhist and Taoist gods, one of which is the ‘Love God’ who owns a book that is able to predict anyone’s marriage destiny. Something for the singletons: you can even pray to him for a partner! Simply throw a moonstone along with your ideal list of partner traits to gain approval. Upon which, you will receive a red string which you must keep carefully with you at all times. When the string eventually disappears, it is said that the Love God is using it to bring the person to you.
Address: No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853
2. Red House in Ximending
Designed and constructed in a western-inspired style by the Japanese, the Red House in Ximending was both a market as well as a neglected graveyard during the Qing dynasty. To “protect” those visiting the building from alleged spirits, it was built in an octagonal shape in line with the Chinese belief of Eight Trigrams and the Yin/Yang philosophies. When looked at from above, you’ll also discover that the building is built in the shape of a Christian cross.
Image Credits: Alicia Chong
Today, you’ll find a movie theatre and also a popular dating spot for Taiwan’s LGBT community.
Address: No. 10, Chengdu Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
3. 228 Memorial Site
This peace park was built to remember those that were massacred in the 228 incident by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT). We’ll spare you the grim details but if you want an understanding of what has shaped Taiwan to the country it is today, this is not to be missed. Fun fact: this is also another popular dating site among Taiwanese locals!
Image Credits: Taiwan Tourism Bureau
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Address: Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
4. Bopiliao Heritage Site
This site was built during the Qing Dynasty and is often used for filming movies set in the era. The design of the buildings bears signature styles from the many colonial periods of Taiwan. While entry is free, do note that it is closed on Mondays. P.S. You can snap that perfect “OOTD” against its brick walls here.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Image Credits: Alicia Chong
Address: Lane 173, Kangding Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
5. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Building
Image Credits: Alicia Chong
Built in Victory Square, this memorial holds artefacts that once belonged to the first President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-Shek. Ascend the 89 steps (symbolic for the number of years he lived) and enter the white building with its blue roof to see a huge bronze statue made in honor of him. You can also catch the guards changing ceremony at this spot.
Image Credits: Alicia Chong
Image Credits: Alicia Chong
To further explore the memorial, find the exhibits on the left (from entrance), and take the lift down to explore the floors. At the bottom floor, you will enter a huge gallery that will highlight the chronicle of key events in his life as well as a few of his prized possessions.
Image Credits: Alicia Chong
Image Credits: Alicia Chong
Image Credits: Alicia Chong
Also, we happened to chance upon the very first original bubble tea here! It can be found in the building on the right in the picture below. Interestingly, the pearls are not sweet but the milk tea is good. Try it if you are curious as to how this initial craze came about.
Also Read: The Best Bubble Tea Spots in Taipei
Image Credit: Gavin Anderson
Address: No. 21, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
The next time you are in Taipei, remember there is more to explore other than drinking bubble tea, eating good food and shopping!
