✧ Series Note – Taiwandering 2019 ✧
A third visit, a shared adventure—full of inspiration and discovery.
Thank you for reading and supporting my stories. ✨🇹🇼
📅 Travel Dates: November 1–4, 2019
Our last full day in Taiwan was spent in search of peace, meaning, and a lingering dose of wonder. We dedicated it to temple hopping—a gentle, thoughtful way to wind down from the adrenaline of adventure. Each temple revealed its own story through incense smoke, sacred altars, and elaborate architecture. In between steps and silent prayers, we found ourselves slowly processing the inevitable: the trip was coming to an end.
We were excited to go home—yes—but also, we weren’t ready to leave. Not just yet.
🐉 Xingtian Temple: A Modern Marvel of Devotion 行天宮
A striking temple dedicated to Guan Yu—the god of war, loyalty, and righteousness—Xingtian Temple stands out for its clean, incense-free worship practices and graceful dragon sculptures carved with intricate detail. Unlike many traditional temples, this one bans offerings of incense and paper money to promote environmental consciousness, creating a serene and smoke-free environment.
The courtyard welcomes worshippers in silent devotion, and the temple’s orderly ambiance feels like a sanctuary amid the city’s buzz. It’s no wonder locals flock here to pray for success, guidance, and protection.
🧘 Shandao Temple: Quiet Grace in the City 善導寺
Just a few steps from the MRT station bearing its name, Shandao Temple is a serene Buddhist temple rooted in the Pure Land tradition. Its spacious halls and minimalistic design offer a calming contrast to Taipei’s busy pace. Visitors often come here not just to pray but to pause and reflect.
The golden Buddha inside exudes warmth, while the temple grounds remain peacefully quiet, encouraging mindfulness in every corner. For us, this stop became more than just a tourist visit—it was a moment to catch our breath.
🏮 Longshan Temple: Taipei’s Timeless Soul 龍山寺
Rich with history, Longshan Temple is the crown jewel of Wanhua District and arguably one of Taiwan’s most iconic temples. Originally built in 1738, it’s been rebuilt and restored through the years due to earthquakes and wartime bombings. Yet it continues to stand proud, with its classic Minnan-style architecture, colorful roof dragons, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant decorative details.
A place of worship for both Buddhist and Taoist devotees, Longshan is a spiritual melting pot. Even amid the crowd, the aura was deeply reverent. We lit incense, whispered our wishes, and thanked Taiwan for the journey it gave us.
🎭 A Glimpse of the Red House 紅樓劇場
On our way back, we passed by The Red House in Ximending—a cultural landmark and historical building that has transformed into a creative hub. It’s known for hosting art exhibitions, indie markets, and LGBTQ+ events, making it one of the most vibrant spots in Taipei. Sadly, it was closed that day, so we only had time for a quick photo stop before making our way toward Ximen Station.
We weren’t sure if we were taking the right exit from Longshan Temple, but the sight of Ximen Station was a reassuring beacon. “Okay,” I thought, “we’re on the right path.” That small moment of recognition felt like an accomplishment—proof that we were no longer strangers to this place.
🧋 Reflections at Taipei Main Station
Back at the guesthouse, we checked out but left our luggage behind to savor our final hours. We headed to Taipei Main Station, grabbed a light meal at 7-Eleven, and found a quiet corner to sit outside the station exit.
And then… we paused.
The kind of pause where words feel unnecessary. We were still in the middle of our journey, and yet somehow, we already missed it. It was a shared silence filled with memories—Yehliu’s rock formations, Jiufen’s lantern-lit streets, the roar of Shifen’s waterfalls, and every little adventure that had stitched our trip together.
We sat there for over an hour, reflecting. Laughing softly. Smiling at nothing. Letting it all sink in.
✈️ The Bittersweet Goodbye
Eventually, it was time.
We returned to the guesthouse to retrieve our luggage, then headed off to the airport via the high-speed train from Taipei Main Station. That ride felt faster than usual—as if time was rushing us out of a place we weren’t quite ready to leave.
My flight back to Manila was at 2:00 AM. My friend’s was at 10:00 AM. As I approached the boarding gate alone, I felt the lump in my throat rise. There were no tears, but the heaviness in my chest was real. Not just from fatigue—but from the ache of leaving a place that had once again welcomed me so warmly.
Taiwan, you were more than a destination. You were a place of discovery, connection, reflection, and quiet magic.
I don’t know when, but I know—I’ll be back. Some goodbyes come too soon. But in our hearts, we stay a little longer.
