Nearby Attractions - Octagonal House

Yanshui is one of the oldest towns in Taiwan, and most of the attractions nearby Wu Temple are within walking distance. Come take a relaxing walk in the small allies and lanes that soak people in the simple and old world charm.

Discover the landmark of Yanshui

Octagonal House, built in 1847, is a wealthy sugar merchant Yeh's residence. During the Japanese ruling era (1895-1945), it was the residence of the Japanese Imperial Prince. 

Experience the architectural beauty

The two-story building is supported by twelve logs of 24 meters long China Fir, featuring its octagonal shape roof. All components were fastened with mortise and tenon joints, not a single nail used. Such property was considered the grandest courtyard residences of the era.

The shaved ice shop right next to the Octagonal House was a famous matchmaking place in the old times. It was said that matchmaking would have a higher successful rate if raw egg shaved ice was served because expensive raw eggs at that time were a demonstration of sincerity between two sides. 

Address: No. 1, Lane 4, Zhongshan Rd., Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan

Nearby Attractions - Qiaonan Old Street

Discovering the glorious past

"Yanshui", literally meaning salt water, was the inland port and used to be one of the four busiest maritime towns in Taiwan in the 18th century, now declined after the plague, silt up of the port, and World War II.

Rich merchant Lee's Old Houses and Stores

Lee was one of the richest families in Yanshui in the 18th century. Those houses were where they used to run sugar and salt business in. Now one of the houses was sold and modified, and the other two were kept in its original look.

Symbols of the rich

Solid bricks are symbols of rich households. In early times, solid bricks were made and shipped from Mainland China and were used to put weight in ships for stability. That's the material and craftsmanship only the rich can afford.

200 year-old blacksmith shop run by the 5th generation

Blacksmith Lee has been forging knives for over 60 years. According to him, the knives are soaked into the "noon water" collected at 11:45 am of May 5th lunar calendar. It is believed that the water collected then has the strongest yang (positive) energy which gives strength and sharpness to blades.

Address: Qiaonan St., Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan

Nearby Attractions - Streets, Lanes, and Numerous Temples in Yanshui

Strolling down Yanshui's history

Each ally, lane, or road has its own story. People name Chao Qin Road after the late famous politician Chao-Qin Huang (first mayor of Taipei City) not only because he's from here, but also because he's the man that brought the First Bank branch here in 1917. The lane behind the First Bank is also called the "First Bank Lane (Yi Yin Xiang)."

Address: Lane 10, Wumiao Rd., Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan

The allies and lanes are full of old vibes; temples and shrines are also seen everywhere.

Address: Wangye Temple. No. 16, Lane 3, Zhongshan Rd., Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan

Providing people with sense of security

Hubi Temple is a temple to Mazu, a Chinese sea goddess whose life span is dated back to the years of 960 to 987. She was thought to roam the seas, protecting her believers through miraculous interventions.

Yanshui used to be an inland port, and most people's livelihood relied greatly on the sea. Mazuism is popular in Taiwan, and though Hubi Temple is not the grandest Mazu temple in Taiwan, it is the one that gives local people the feeling of security all through the years.

Address: No. 140, Zhongzheng Rd., Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan

Fish Scale Lane

In the past, fish venders used to carry fish through this lane from the port to the market. As they passed through the lane, the fish scales fell like glitters on the sun-showered path, and hence came the name "Fish Scale Lane (Yu Lin Xiang)."

Address: On Zhongzheng Rd., across from Hubi Temple.

What was once river in front of Yanshui Dajhong Temple...

Located at No. 7 Wumiao Road, Yanshui Dajhong Temple was established in 1675. It is also named "Juboting" because the place was previously a beautiful pavilion facing prosperous Yanshui port in the early time.

Address: No. 7, Wumiao Rd., Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan

Lovely shop houses

Those shop houses are mostly on Zhongzheng Road, built with modern building practices and European aesthetics, bringing blends of Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Deco into the design, adding decorative qualities to large and durable structures.

Nearby Attractions - Yanshui Catholic Church

"Dragons and steamed buns at Taiwan's temple-like church"

- Kuwait Times-

"Christianity with Chinese characteristics"

- The Standard -

WOW! Yes, WOW!

You might have been to grand churches and cathedrals in the world, but take a deep breath when you step into this one-- this Holy Trinity Church in Yanshui. 

The mural's figures from the Bible on the interior walls are all Chinese-looking saints, wearing Chinese-style clothing. An incense bowl is placed in the front of the church for people to worship God. Poems were carved on the red pillars inside the church. The decor resembles thousands of Buddhist and Taoist temples in Taiwan, yet still keeps a Catholic soul in it.

A temple? A church?

The exterior of the church looks nothing like a church but a ubiquitous temple in Taiwan until you notice the Christian crosses. Even the Chinese name of the church is called "Ji Tian Dian," which literally means "Heaven Worship Palace," a common term used in Buddhist or Taoist tradition.

Taiwanese version of "The Last Supper"

Jesus and each of his apostles use chopsticks and eat baozi (steam bun) instead of bread. The church was built 60 years ago by a German missionary Fr. Eusebius in a traditional Catholic style. To attract more followers, Fr. Li Shaofeng began rebuilding it in 1986 to a more Chinese-style church by adapting to a local religious environment. 

Note: 72% of Taiwanese population are Taoist or Buddhist, 4.5% Christians, and 1.5% Catholics. 

Address: No. 19, Ximen Rd., Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan

Nearby Attractions - YongCheng Theater

Originally a rice mill, now a theater

The rice mill was completed in 1942 during the period of Japanese Rule (1895-1945). The rice mill was partially damaged in the fire of World War II and was converted into a theater.

Guessing game

The grandpa in front of the family photo hanging on the wall of YongCheng Theater is the descendent of the Huang family and the owner of the Theater. Guess which one in this old photo is he. 

(He is the baby held by a woman on the very side of the picture.)

Grandpa, in his old age, still manages the theater and tells the story of his family and the theater with glittering eyes.

Address: No. 21, Guogang, Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan