Pine Garden, Kang-Ten Temple & Keishuin Japanese Temple
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Port
Hualien, Taiwan
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$140
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
In its 400 years of modern history, Taiwan has been occupied by the Dutch, Spaniards, Chinese and Japanese. Those influences echo through the city of Hualien and combine with a rich aboriginal culture on this unforgettable half-day tour.
Stop for photos at the Pine Garden, formerly the site of a Japanese military outpost. Natural beauty and historic buildings dwell harmoniously here. You will marvel at the age-old pine trees that tower above the forest floor, carpeted with native plants such as macaranga, fern and silver grass.
Re-board the coach for the scenic drive to the impressive Kang-Ten Temple. Dedicated to the Goddess of Heaven and many other Chinese deities, it is the largest Taoist temple in Hualien. Like most Taoist Temples, it is a bright and colorful structure with broad curving rooflines adorned with dragons and carp.
The Keishuin Japanese Temple, built during the Japanese occupation as a spiritual center for Japanese immigrants, reveals a different perspective on temple architecture. Walk through the graceful wooden structure and admire its Japanese-style four-pillar rooftop and the serene Japanese garden, brimming with Zen spirit.
Your last stop is at the A-Zone Hualien Cultural Center, a public exhibition space and creative industry hub for the area. Enjoy strolling about the park and shopping for souvenirs before returning to the pier.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring local currency, as many vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars.