Catholic Church Hopping in Taiwan

Church Hopping in Taiwan/ doc. Mbakpetualang

Everywhere I go travel, I always make time to visit local church, although it is not for the sunday mass. As I went to Taiwan for 6 days, I had opportunity to visit more than one church, from north to south Taiwan. Some of them are unique churches that you may regret if you do not go there. Below are six churches I have visited:

Sanctuary of Our Lady of WuFongCi (Jiaoxi)
This church is located at the foothill of Wufengqi Mountain. Since its location is at the mountainside, the view is spectacular. It even stands very close to waterfall. Being there will make you physically and spiritually refreshed.

Front view of the church/ doc. mbakpetualang

Next to the church is the sanctuary grotto. Fyi, before the grotto was built, our Holy Mary had appeared to five climbers.  The five climbers got lost while they were going down in the evening. Then suddenly, Mother Mary came to give the right path until they arrived home safely.

Back view of the church/ doc. mbakpetualang

For you who like hiking, you can hike to Shengmu Peak through the trail behind the church. The breathtaking church that become the first checkpoint is such a reminder for us. We have to pray before doing anything, hiking included. Hopefully, everyone who tries to hike will return safely.
The easiest way: Take local train to Jiaoxi Railway Station, then catch Taiwan Tourist Shuttle to Wufengqi Scenic Area 

Guting Sacred Heart (Taipei)

Guting Sacred Heart/ doc. mbakpetualang

I think there is nothing special with its architecture, but the location is very strategic, and very accessible. If you attend International Mass, you will be warmly welcome by expatriates who live in Taipei. They will invite you for a tea break after Mass ends. 
The easiest way: Get there by MRT Green Line, stop at Tai Power Building Station, exit via exit 1.

Our Lady Queen of China Cathedral (Tainan)
My main reason to visit Tainan actualy was only to look closer this church. I was so curious about the beauty of its architecture. Among many churches built in modern western style, this church still stands magnificent by keeping traditional Chinese style. Really rare!!

Our Lady Queen of China Cathedral/ doc. mbakpetualang

When look from a distance with an eye level view, people will not recognize this is a church. It really looks like a temple. But if we look up or see from a higher place, we can see The Christ Cross on top of the building. The atmosphere inside the church is so special. Full of  Chinese Culture! There is even an incense burning bowl, such typical Chinese temple.

Inside of the Cathedral/ doc. mbakpetualang

For addition, if you want to visit there you have to dress properly, do not wear short pants or mini skirts and please wear tops that cover your shoulders.
The easiest way: Our Lady Queen of China Cathedral is not too far from Tainan station. It only takes 15 minutes on foot. 

Holy Rosary Cathedral (Kaohsiung)
Holy Rosary Cathedral is the first Catholic church, not only in Kaohsiung but also in Taiwan. The architectural style is modeled like western cathedral. A small grotto with a pond can be found around the church. Its situation is very calm to pray in the morning.

The easiest way:Take MRT Orange Line, stop at Yanchengpu Station. The Cathedral is only 1 km from this station. Another opsion, you can take a bus to Kaohsiung Municipal Girls Senior High School, then walk for only 100 m. Note that bus schedules are less frequent than MRT and sometimes bus arrivals are unpredicted, following conditions on the road.

St. Gallina Church (Kaohsiung)
This is also a church with Chinese culture, besides The Cathedral church in Tainan. Its architecture is not traditional, more modern but represents Chinese culture. The church is dominated by red color, decorated with Chinese ornaments, such as lanterns and hanzi letters. The inside of the church is very magnificent. But unfortunately I could not enter it, only looked through the window, since the church is not open to the public during out of mass schedule.
The easiest way: There are several options for transportation to get there. You can check on Google Map here

Church of Our Saviour (Kaohsiung)
It is a rectangular church with a simple blue cupola. In front of the church, there is a kind of pond with a statue of the Virgin Mary that does not face forward, but backs to us and faces the church instead. Such a tickling thing!

Church of Our Saviour/ doc. Eugene

Anyway... be careful around the church. There are stray dogs roaming the streets. When I visited the church, two stray dogs came and sniffed me in a very close radius. Their nose even stuck to my clothes. At that time I only prayed Our Father for not being bitten.
The easiest way: There are several options for transportation to get there. You can check on Google Map here

I hope my writing can help you who want to do pilgrimage trip or just look for information about Catholic church in Taiwan. Have a good day!!