This is a walking tour that delves into the essence of Taipei's oldest district. The journey commences with a visit to the ancient Longshan Temple, a cultural cornerstone deeply ingrained in the Taiwanese way of life.
Embark on a captivating exploration of the folklore surrounding the temple's deities, and their profound impact on the lives of Taiwanese devotees. Gain insight into Bangka's rich history and the enduring traditions of Buddhism and Taoism that have endowed it with a cherished legacy spanning centuries.
Internationally renowned for its historic landmarks, Bangka boasts attractions such as the Longshan Temple and Bopiliao Historic Street. Despite its erstwhile reputation as one of the city's most peculiar and disreputable areas, recent renovations have revitalized the Huaxi Night Market, restoring its popularity and allure.
Meet up at the MRT Longshan Temple Station Exit 1 entrance and look for a guide wearing orange vest.
Dismiss at the entrance of the Huaxi Street Night Market
Located in Taipei's oldest district historically known as Bangka, now as Wanhua, the Longshan Temple was built in 1738 which is one of the most-well known temples in Taiwan. Having witnessed multiple and major historic events, including the early pioneers who cultivated the greater Taipei area, the Sino-French War, Japan's 50-year rule of Taiwan, and armed disputes between communities, Longshan Temple can be seen as a ceaseless testimony of Taiwan's socioeconomic history.
Actually, the block is a single old street with a long history dating back to 1799. It features 18th century architecture that’s been restored and reopened to the public in 2009. One of its historical significance lies in its location. It used to be the main route from Bangka (now known as Wanhua) to Guting Village in the Qing Dynasty (1683-1895). The end of Bopiliao Street was an important military base during the Qing Dynasty. The block includes a wide range of traditional shop houses during the Qing dynasty and buildings from the Japanese rule (1895-1945) to the early post-World-War-II period.
The Bangka Qingshui Temple, which was built in 1787 and its’ worship is a cultural tradition that was brought to Taiwan from China's Fujian Province and more specifically from Anxi County in Quanzhou where a lot of Taiwan's earliest Hokkien immigrants hailed from. The Hokkien people were some of the earliest immigrants to come to Taiwan with different groups setting up homes and businesses throughout the island.
Legend has it that when the Hokkien immigrants first arrived in Taiwan, there was a lot of sickness due to a pandemic that was ravaging the area. The Qingshan Temple was one of the few places unaffected and soon became a popular place for residents of the area to pray for their continued health and safety.
Huaxi Street Night Market (aka Snake Alley) is a mostly indoor night market that stretches from Bangka Old Street to Longshan Temple in Wanhua District of Taipei. Some specialties of this market include snake meat and turtle meat. Overall it is a unique night market experience in Taiwan that feels more like it is in Southeast Asia.
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All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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