A Complete Guide to Taiwan’s 23 Most Beautiful and Unique Churches – Which One Is Your Favorite?

Travel Center / Special Feature

Churches always give off a sense of peace and beauty. They are places where believers worship regularly, where some people celebrate life’s most important moments, or, thanks to their stunning and romantic appearances, popular tourist attractions. ETtoday ETToday Travel Cloud has compiled a list of over 23 uniquely charming or romantic churches across Taiwan. Be sure to visit them if you get the chance!

Also,“The Great Survey of Taiwan’s Unique Churches”is now underway. Share your thoughts with us!
 

▲ Tamsui Presbyterian Church

1. Tamsui Presbyterian Church

Located on Mackay Street, Tamsui Presbyterian Church is where missionary George Leslie Mackay began his preaching activities. The current building was reconstructed in 1932 in a red-brick neo-Gothic style, featuring exquisite stained-glass windows and a tall bell tower. Inside, it houses many historical artifacts and a vintage organ dating back to 1909, exuding a strong Western atmosphere. It is a municipal historic site in New Taipei City and also the largest gathering place of the Taiwan Presbyterian Church in the Tamsui area. (Photo / Reporter Chen Rui-zhong)Read more: “A Different Kind of Light Travel – Following Mackay’s Footsteps in Tamsui and Listening to Historic Sites Tell Their Stories”
Address: No. 8, Mackay St., Tamsui District, New Taipei City

2. Tamsui Datun Flower Farm

Inside Tamsui’s Datun Flower Farm, there is a Water Chapel specially built for wedding photography. The pure white chapel surrounded by blue water looks even more romantic. Though small in size, it is filled with strong island vibes, making it a popular spot for couples taking wedding photos.
Address: No. 3-26, Quanzhoucuo, Tamsui, New Taipei City

▲ Aletheia University Main Chapel

3. Aletheia University Chapel

Now a popular location for wedding photography, this chapel with its distinctive pointed arch design was built in 1882. With three underground levels, four above-ground floors, and three attic levels, totaling ten stories, the building repeatedly uses the pointed arch motif—symbolizing “praying hands in humility”—to highlight Christian teachings. This unique shape is reflected throughout the main structure, windows, and doors, giving the building its distinct character. (Photo / Home of Aikuai)Read more: “Spanish-style Chapel in Tamsui Showcasing Elegant Exotic Charm Again”
Address: No. 32, Truth St., Tamsui District, New Taipei City

4. Taoxi Crystal Chapel

Inside Taoxi Aerospace City stands a crystal chapel built with transparent glass and reaching about 10 meters in height. The entire chapel features a triangular design, and its interior seats are also transparent, emitting a bright and elegant vibe under natural light. Being an indoor structure, the Crystal Chapel is also unaffected by weather conditions.
Address: No. 777, Daguan Rd., Dayuan Township, Taoyuan County

Taoyuan Kikuo Old Church

5. Kikuo Old Church

Designed with the concept of “the key to heaven” and built using bat cave stone for lasting durability, the church combines a rustic form with delicate lines. It blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural greenery, offering a rich humanistic feel. It was once selected as one of the “Top 100 Historical Buildings in Taiwan.” (Photo / Provided by reader Kaige)
Address: No. 101, Kikuo, Sanmin Village, Fuxing Township, Taoyuan County

6. Hsinchu North Chapel

Originally named the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Mary, the North Chapel is more commonly known as such because it sits at the intersection of Hsinchu’s Beida Road and Zhongzheng Road. Built in 1957 in a Gothic Revival style, the chapel was designed by Father Francesco Ferrerri, who had previously served as bishop in Yangzhou, China—hence its resemblance to Yangzhou’s churches. In 2001, the North Chapel was listed among Taiwan’s Top 100 Historical Buildings. It remains a significant landmark in Hsinchu City and a key faith center for Catholics in the Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli region.
Address: No. 156, Zhongzheng Rd., Hsinchu City

Tunghai University’s Luce Memorial Chapel

7. Tunghai University’s Luce Memorial Chapel

The renowned campus symbol, the Luce Memorial Chapel, was designed by architect I.M. Pei, who was also responsible for the renovation of the Louvre. The exterior of the chapel consists of four towering walls, while the interior ceiling features a grid-like structure. Every design element is visually striking, and the radiant sunlight streaming through the central side windows creates an even more solemn and majestic atmosphere. (Photo / Provided materials)Read more: "Vast Greenery and a Beautiful Chapel – A Summer Date with Tunghai University"
Address: No. 1727, Section 4, Taiwan Boulevard, Xitun District, Taichung City

8. Wanshan Church in Wufeng, Taichung

Made famous by the idol drama “You’re the Apple of My Eye,” the Wanshan Church is one of the three main structures in the Jinling Mountain Religious and Leisure Park. With an architectural form resembling a Greek temple but featuring a Gothic-style roof, its mixed-style design is one of its distinctive features. Unlike the seriousness typically associated with churches, the church courtyard also includes character statues and animal-shaped stone benches. Scattered stone carvings depict the 14 Stations of the Cross during Jesus’ crucifixion, each with its own significance.Read more: "Famous Thanks to an Idol Drama – Wanshan Church Becomes a Favorite Spot for Wedding Photography"
Address: No. 900, Fenggu Road, Wufeng District, Taichung City

Many unique churches across Taiwan’s cities and counties have become new must-visit travel destinations. Which churches have you put on your list to visit? Or which ones have you already been to? Join the “Taiwan’s Unique Churches Survey” and share your thoughts now.

9. Pulip Church in Puli, Nantou

Named the Paper Dome, Puli’s Pulip Church was originally designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban for the Takatori Catholic Parish of the Osaka Archdiocese, which lost its church in the Great Hanshin Earthquake. It became a key spiritual symbol during Kobe’s post-earthquake reconstruction and was donated in 2005 to Nantou County, which had been severely affected by the 921 Earthquake. It was then reconstructed in 2006 in the local Taomi Ecological Village.
Address: No. 52-12, Taomi Lane, Taomi Village, Puli Township, Nantou County

Centuries-old Luocuo Catholic Church in Changhua

10. Centuries-old Luocuo Catholic Church in Changhua

With a history of 130 years, the Luocuo Catholic Church has undergone renovations but still retains a unique aesthetic. The church houses historical relics and artifacts. It once had the earliest “swimming pool” in Changhua County, a Spanish-made “Angel Bell” that kept time for residents daily, Taiwan’s earliest symphonic music ensemble, and the first orphanage in central Taiwan located nearby—these are just some of the important historical memories. (Photo / From the Changhua County Cultural Affairs Bureau website)
Address: No. 109, Luo Yong Road, Pu Xin Township, Changhua County

11. Shuzijiao Catholic Church in Yunlin

As the first Catholic church in Yunlin County, Shuzijiao Catholic Church was built during the Qing Dynasty’s Guangxu era. Initially, it was just a temporary bamboo preaching station, later rebuilt after flooding. It once had a thatched-roof sanctuary, then was remade as a wooden structure, and during the Japanese colonial period, it was transformed into a brick Baroque-style building. Today, it is a Catholic church infused with traditional Chinese Buddhist and Taoist architectural styles, offering a visually strong and culturally rich appearance.
Address: No. 16-1, Lane 73, Rao Ping Road, Rao Ping Village, Dapi Township, Yunlin County

Yujing White Church in Tainan

12. Yujing White Church in Tainan

The white church, which attracts many visitors for wedding photography, showcases a fairly typical Western style. Glass windows enhance the bright beauty of the white architecture, and the interior is furnished with white chairs, a piano, and a crystal chandelier, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for weddings. The white church quietly opened in the middle of this year (2014), but has already drawn many photography-loving travelers. (Photo / Provided by Shadow)Read more: "Nestled Between Mountains and Water – Yujing’s White Church Feels Like a Fairytale Paradise"
Address: No. 10, Ceng Lin Li, Yujing District, Tainan City (at Yin Tian Shan Fang); once you arrive at Yin Tian Shan Fang, you’ll see the sign for the white church.

Beimen White Crystal Church in Tainan

13. Beimen White Crystal Church in Tainan

Modeled after Guam’s St. Laguna Chapel, Tainan’s White Crystal Church is the first government-designed chapel in Taiwan with a theme centered around “wedding photography.” It was completed in late October of this year (2014). The Southwest Coast National Scenic Area has developed a 7-hectare area around it into Taiwan’s largest wedding photography base, “Beimen Wedding Paradise,” featuring themed attractions such as landscaping, the Love Ice Museum, Love Happiness Café, and the romantic crystal church. (Photo / Provided by Southwest Coast National Scenic Area Administration)Read more: "New Spot Feels Like Abroad – Beimen White Crystal Church Boasts Stunningly Isolated Atmosphere"
Location: Tainan Beimen Visitor Center

14. West Street Church in Tainan

West Street is one of the main thoroughfares of the Five Ports area. Its straightforward name comes from its orientation westward toward the port. This street, as its name implies—“gazing west”—once beckoned James Laidlaw Maxwell, a Western medical missionary, who founded Christianity and the Western medical system in Tainan. (The above text is excerpted from the Historic Sites Tour website of Tainan’s West Central District Office.)
Address: No. 33, Heping Street, West Central District, Tainan City

Kaohsiung’s Cathedral of the Queen of Roses

15. Cathedral of the Queen of Roses

Kaohsiung’s historic century-old cathedral, the “Cathedral of the Queen of Roses,” also known as the Rose Madonna Church, is Taiwan’s first Catholic church and one of Asia’s three great cathedrals. In addition to its long history, it boasts Gothic and Romanesque spires that are rare sights in Taiwan. In 2001, it won first place nationwide in the Taiwan Historical Architecture Hundred Scenes voting. (Photo provided by Purple Smile.)Read more: “Kaohsiung’s Cathedral of the Queen of Roses — A Rare Sight of Gothic and Romanesque Spires”
Address: No. 151, Wufu 3rd Road, Lingya District, Kaohsiung City

Pingtung’s Our Lady of Wanjin Church

16. Pingtung’s Our Lady of Wanjin Church

Taiwan’s oldest Catholic church, the beauty of its history amazes many visitors. With a history of 150 years, the Our Lady of Wanjin Church still uses a mixture of traditional materials such as crushed stone, lime, honey, brown sugar, kapok, and red bricks in its structure. Every winter during Christmas, the church grounds are illuminated with 3D light displays. Though not an ornate style, its serene and tranquil presence draws people to pause and admire. (Photo provided by Pingtung County Government.)
Address: No. 24, Wanxing Road, Wanluan Township, Pingtung County

17. Eastern Media Marine Hot Spring Hotel Chapel

Nestled within the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area, the Eastern Media Marine Hot Spring Hotel in Yilan has long been a private getaway for many during short weekend trips. In addition to its privileged mountain and sea views and Yilan’s unique attraction, “Guishan Island,” annual events like the Children’s Folk Games Festival and whale-watching activities attract many visitors. Recently, it has also become a favorite filming location for idol dramas, turning the hotel itself into a new tourist attraction in Yilan.Read more: “A Hidden Wedding Photo Spot in the Northeast Coast — ‘Chiming Bells’ Add Warmth to Happiness”

Address: No. 36, Section 4, Binhai Road, Toucheng Township, Yilan County

▲ Chapel at Eastern Media Marine Hot Spring Hotel

18. Shangri-La’s Eternal Water Chapel in Yilan

Made famous by the idol drama “Office Girls,” the Eternal Water Chapel is located in the Shangri-La’s Taroko Resort in Yilan. The entire chapel sits in the middle of a lake, with a predominantly white exterior. A 30-meter-long crystal bridge leads the couple into the pure white chapel, while a 10-meter-long “Path of Holiness” paved with white marble guides them to the altar, ushering them into a sacred marriage.Read more: “The Romantic Kiss at the Eternal Water Chapel — The Happy Wedding of the Office Girls”
Address: No. 15, Section 2, Gongyuan Road, Wujie Township, Yilan County

19. Zhangyuan Church in Taitung

Known as “Taiwan’s most beautiful Noah’s Ark,” Zhangyuan Church stands out with its unique boat-shaped design and has become a must-visit and photo-worthy spot for travelers. Located in Zhangyuan Village, the Amis community in the northernmost part of Changbin Township, Taitung, the original church was damaged by a typhoon in 1990. The tribal members came up with the idea to embody the spirit of Noah’s Ark by constructing the church in the shape of a large ship, with low walls on both sides resembling a ship approaching shore. The residents voluntarily contributed funds and organized fundraising events to build this church.
Address: No. 46, Nanxi, Zhangyuan Village, Changbin Township, Taitung County

20. Fuli Church in Hualien

With its Baroque-style exterior and classic arched windows, Fuli Church exudes a European flair. Originally founded as Shipai Church in 1878, it is one of the earliest centers of Christian faith in eastern Taiwan. It was destroyed in a major earthquake in the late 1950s, and in the following year, architect Tu Ching-yuan designed this concrete church. Reinforced concrete architecture was quite rare at the time, and even today, the church remains a popular local attraction due to its unique character and style.
Address: No. 292, Zhongshan Road, Hualien County

Taitung’s Gongdong Church

21. Taitung’s Gongdong Church

Made famous by photographer Fan Yishun’s book “Gongdong’s Church,” this hidden gem is tucked away on the campus of Gongdong Industrial Vocational High School. It was originally planned by Father Luigi Lapira, the founder, who invited a Swiss engineer to use the then-rare exposed concrete construction method to create a ground-floor workshop, second-floor classrooms, third-floor dormitories, and a rooftop chapel—all actually designed to save costs. The overall design echoes the artistic techniques used by French modernist master Le Corbusier in his designs for the Chapel of Notre Dame du Haut and La Tourette Monastery. (Photo by reporter Hsu Wen-bin.)
Address: No. 560, Section 1, Zhongxing Road, Taitung City

22. Taitung Chenggong Church

The white sanctuary of Taitung Chenggong Church stands out strikingly along the East Coast. With its completely pure white walls and tall red cross, even without a long architectural history, it has inspired many photographers to capture beautiful images, making it a well-known attraction online.
Address: No. 1-6, Datong Road, Chenggong Township, Taitung County


Taitung Cardboard Church

23. Taitung Cardboard Church

The "Cardboard Church" refers to the Yiwang Presbyterian Church, the most famous church in Chenggong Township. Its appearance, as colorful and bright as a cartoon church on a postcard, frequently attracts visitors. Photographer Xiao Qingyang was deeply captivated upon his first visit, and during media interviews, he even insisted on being interviewed with the Cardboard Church in the background. (Photo / from Xiao Qingyang’s Facebook fan page)Read more: “The Bell of the ‘Cardboard Church’ Gilded — The Real ‘Cardboard Church’ Is in Taitung”
Address: No. 17, Yiwan Road, Chenggong Township, Taitung County (next to kilometer 101.5 on Provincial Highway 11)

Many distinctive churches across Taiwan’s cities and counties have become new must-visit travel spots. Which churches are on your visit list? Or which ones have you already been to? Join the “Taiwan’s Featured Churches Survey” and share your thoughts now.