Charming in Decay: 5 "Ruin-Inspired" Castle and Church Check-in Spots Across Taiwan

▲ Buddha World (Photo / Reporter Peng Huaiyu)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

With vibrant colors and whimsical installations full of modern flair, these spots attract young visitors eager to snap photos. Ancient structures like castles and churches, weathered by time and lacking maintenance, gain an additional layer of rustic beauty, becoming unique hotspots on IG. ETNEWS Travel Cloud has compiled a list of 5 "ruin-inspired" spots across Taiwan. Take some time to explore these magically time-worn attractions.

▲ Buddha World (Photo / Provided by netizen)hanhan0w0Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

1. Buddha World
Located at the border between Guanxi and Longtan, there stands a blue-and-white castle mimicking the spires of medieval European architecture. It was once a wildly popular Fairy Tale World amusement park that stirred many childhood memories. After closing down, it fell into disuse for a long time, with overgrown weeds inside the castle reflecting its current state of decay. Now managed anew under the name Buddha World, it’s worth noting that when entering this solemn sacred space, please tread lightly and avoid loud noises. The mysterious atmosphere of Buddha World attracts many curious visitors.

Buddha World
Address: No. 23, Dazhukeng, Dongshan Village, Guanxi Township, Hsinchu County
Opening Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 09:00–16:00 (Last entry at 15:30)

▲Shi'erliao Catholic Church. (Photo / Provided by netizen) hanhan0w0 Please do not reproduce images without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

2. Shi'erliao Catholic Church
Situated by the Ermei Lake in Hsinchu, the Shi'erliao Catholic Church was built in 1963. Its Spanish-style architecture is hailed as “the most beautiful ruined church in Taiwan.” Though hidden among overgrown vegetation and trees and left unused for years, its standout red-tiled roof and cross make it a popular Instagram spot. Inside, there are numerous corridors, interconnected arched designs, and plenty of hollowed-out windows, fully utilizing the three classic elements of Mediterranean architecture: porticoes, arches, and fenestrations.

Shi'erliao Catholic Church
Address: Shi'erliao, Huguang Village, Emei Township, Hsinchu County (Next to the large wall of Shi'erliao, on Zhong 49 Township Road)

▲ Lidongshan Fortress. (Photo / Provided by netizen)asazaqasPlease do not reproduce images without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

3. Lidongshan Fortress
Located on Lidong Mountain, which straddles the boundary between Hsinchu and Taoyuan, there are two distinctive buildings. The one at the mountain entrance, Lidong Mountain Lodge, bears traces of the passage of time and boasts a uniquely decayed charm, even being dubbed by netizens as resembling “Howl’s Moving Castle.” At the mountaintop, the Lidongshan Fortress dates back to the Qing Dynasty. After several battles, only the gate and some fragmented walls remain, serving as a testament to the tragic warfare of that era.

Lidong Mountain
Address: No. 29-1, Mayiba Neighborhood, Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County (Access via Lidong Mountain Lodge; the lodge owner charges a NT$10 cleaning fee to help maintain the surroundings)

▲ Taichung Qingshui Dayang Oil Depot (Photo / Provided by netizen)reecechainPlease do not reproduce images without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

4. Taichung Qingshui Dayang Oil Depot
The Dayang Oil Depot in Qingshui, Taichung, was built in 1966 and is a relic from the Vietnam War era. Its weathered red iron exterior bears the marks of time, and visiting the site evokes a sense of loneliness from the passage of time and the absence of people. Today, Qingshui District houses seven oil depots covering a total area of 16 hectares. In addition to the spectacular orange-red giant tanks, the interior steel-frame structures create stunning photo opportunities with their interplay of light and shadow.

Dayang Oil Depot
Address: No. 10-1, Dingsanzhuang Road, Yangcuo Li, Qingshui District, Taichung City (near Dayang Elementary School)

▲Changbin Ruins. (Photo / Netizentw.luoyin Contribution. No unauthorized photography, to avoid copyright infringement)

5. Changbin Ruins 
The Changbin Ruins attract many visitors with their massive abandoned factory buildings standing at a key transportation junction. Originally a large textile factory named “Qiao Fang,” it opened in 1990 after its founder invested 1 billion NTD to build it. However, due to suspected wastewater discharge and protests from residents, the government at the time ordered it to shut down, and the factory has remained abandoned ever since. Please be advised that the interior of the factory is now sealed off. Having been unused for a long time, it has become a gathering place for stray dogs. If you plan to visit, please exercise extreme caution, stay safe, and avoid any potential dangers.

Changbin Ruins
Address: Intersection of Taiwan Provincial Highway 1B Changbin Connector Road and National Freeway No. 61 West Coast Expressway (next to Jianhe Xingtou Terminal Factory)