Simplicity is beauty. Discover 12 “exposed concrete” spots across Taiwan—perfect backdrops for stunning photos anywhere.

▲ Fo Guang Shan Nung Chan Temple. (Photo provided by netizen Lin Yuting. No unauthorized reproduction to avoid copyright infringement.)

By reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

Exposed concrete architecture highlights the raw, natural tones of concrete to showcase a solid, rustic charm. With sleek lines and the interplay of light, it creates serene and peaceful spaces that many people adore. In recent years, Taiwan has seen a rise in such buildings, each uniquely designed by architects to present distinctive aesthetics. This article selects 12 must-visit exposed concrete spots around Taiwan—wherever you stand, you can snap an artistic, Instagram-worthy photo. Don’t miss them.

1. Taipei – Fo Guang Shan Nung Chan Temple
Located in Beitou, Fo Guang Shan Nung Chan Temple has gone viral on Instagram for its elegant architecture and picturesque scenery blending with the lake and sky. Many flock to this tranquil sanctuary to capture their own peaceful moments. Designed by renowned architect Kris Yao, the most enchanting feature of the complex is the “Water-Moon Pond,” which reflects different scenes depending on the weather. Viewed from the water’s surface, the main hall appears to float in the middle of the pond. A small lotus pond within adds a charming touch. No matter the angle, the harmonious and majestic composition of the hall and pond creates a paradise-like atmosphere, cleansing the soul with its beauty.

Address: No. 89, Lane 65, Daye Rd., Beitou Dist., Taipei City
Daily visiting hours: 09:00–16:00

▲ Different corners of the Beiting Site Museum offer varied moods for photos. (Photo provided by netizen @jie_0520_l on IG. No unauthorized reproduction to avoid copyright infringement.)

2. New Taipei City – Beiting Site Museum
The Beiting Site Museum houses many iconic artifacts from Taiwan’s prehistoric Iron Age and was designed by renowned Taiwanese architect Sun Te-hung. Its irregular, unique exterior, constructed largely with exposed concrete, gives the building a strong industrial gray visual appeal. From the moment you step into the park, you’ll be tempted to take countless photos to capture its various facets. Both indoor and outdoor gray staircases have unexpectedly become popular photo spots among netizens.

Address: No. 200, Museum Rd., Bali District, New Taipei City

▲ Yingge Ceramics Museum. (Photo provided by IG@karyq_1020)

3. New Taipei City – Yingge Ceramics Museum
Located in Yingge, New Taipei City, the Yingge Ceramics Museum is Taiwan’s first professional museum dedicated to ceramics. The main structure features a gray-toned exterior built with exposed concrete and steel, paired with large glass curtain walls for excellent visual impact. The corridors and walls in the complex are simple yet uniquely styled, making it easy to take beautiful, intellectual photos.

Address: No. 200, Wenhua Rd., Yingge District, New Taipei City

▲ Fo Guang Shan Zhaiming Temple. (Photo provided by netizen @be_0425 on IG. No unauthorized reproduction to avoid copyright infringement.)

4. Taoyuan Daxi – Zhaiming Temple
Located in Daxi, Taoyuan, Fo Guang Shan Zhaiming Temple boasts a history of over 100 years and is listed as a third-grade historic site in Taiwan. Renowned Taiwanese architect Sun Te-hung adopted a subtractive, minimal, and understated approach in its planning. He deliberately lowered the eaves of the meditation hall and used elements like exposed concrete and corridors to make the new structure appear as a background that accentuates the historical elegance of the century-old temple, creating a spatial dialogue with the old buildings. This project, released nearly 10 years after the Beiting Site Museum, earned Sun Te-hung the top prize at the 2012 Taiwan Architecture Award.

Location: No. 153, Zhaiming St., Daxi Township, Taoyuan County
Phone: 03-380-1426

▲ Asia University Museum of Modern Art. (Photo from Asia University Museum of Modern Art Facebook page)

5. Taichung – Asia University Museum of Modern Art
Asia University could easily be called the most beautiful university campus in Taiwan. Aside from its administrative building modeled after Roman style, the Museum of Modern Art, opened in 2013, is Japanese master architect Tadao Ando’s first architectural work in Taiwan, bringing a completely different vibe to the campus and making it a popular spot for wedding photography.

▲ Hidden photo spot in Taichung: Fuh Space. (Photo provided by netizen ttt22331. No unauthorized reproduction to avoid copyright infringement.)

6. Taichung – Fuh Space
Designed by Ruihe Construction, Fuh Space in Taichung was originally intended to provide residents and clients with a comfortable, quiet living space. However, its design-forward exterior has turned it into a local secret spot. With its exposed concrete walls, long staircases, green lawns, and marble surfaces, it’s been dubbed a mini version of the National Theater. Please note that the interior is only open during exhibitions, as it serves as office space for the company; the exterior is accessible to the public on weekdays.

Address: No. 308, Section 3, Taiwan Blvd., Taichung City 407
Business hours: Monday–Sunday, 9:00–17:00
Phone number: (04) 27069966

▲ Bodhisattva Temple is a tranquil spiritual retreat in Taichung. (Photo / netizenlerchen_Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

7. Taichung – Bodhisattva Temple
Bodhisattva Temple is located in Dali, Taichung, serving as a hidden sanctuary for the soul. The temple features minimalist exposed concrete architecture. As light and shadow intertwine within the space, along with the array of Buddha statues stationed at one corner, visitors can't help but feel their minds calm down.

Address: No. 147, Yonglong Road, Dali District, Taichung City
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

▲ The Sun Moon Lake Xiangshan Visitor Center is one of the most beautiful visitor centers in Taiwan. (Photo / Reporter Li Zi-yi)

8. Nantou – Sun Moon Lake Xiangshan Visitor Center
Where does such a beautiful visitor center come from? Designed by the renowned Japanese architect Toyo Ito and his team, the Xiangshan Visitor Center in Sun Moon Lake, Nantou, boasts an irregular, fluid form and a majestic aesthetic that creates a powerful visual impact. Originally intended as a rest area for travelers, it has transformed into a tourist attraction—every shot taken here effortlessly captures artistic, atmospheric photos.

Address: No. 599, Zhongshan Road, Shuishe Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County

▲ Yusu Art Museum is a new cultural hotspot for Nantou’s hipster travelers. (Photo / Screenshot from Yusu Art Museum’s Facebook page)

9. Nantou – Yusu Art Museum
Although it has only been open for just over a year, Yusu Art Museum’s modern exterior contrasts strikingly with the surrounding mountains and forests. Sunlight streams directly through stone-like pillars, offering an air of elegance and sophistication. The expansive garden often showcases unique installation art, making it an instant new favorite photography spot.

Address: No. 26, Lane 150, Jianxing Road, Pinglin Village, Caotun Township, Nantou County
Reservation phone: 049-2572999

▲ Dadong Art Center (Photo / Netizen zcwind, Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

10. Kaohsiung – Dadong Art Center
In recent years, Dadong Art Center has become a must-visit spot for the creative crowd in Kaohsiung. Its main building resembles a multi-faceted gray wooden box, and the special lighting at night gives it a different atmosphere during the day and evening.

Location: No. 161, Guangyuan Road, Fongshan District, Kaohsiung City

▲ Sakura Cemetery (Photo / Netizen iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiyu, Authorized. Please do not reproduce without permission)

11. Yilan – Sakura Cemetery
The Sakura Bridge at the entrance of Sakura Cemetery is also a popular photo spot. Its tilted wall resembles a crashing gray wave, with a streamlined design that curves inward, making it the most unique landscape in the cemetery. However, the management reminds visitors not to climb walls for dramatic shots, as it not only damages the cemetery's structure but also poses safety risks.

Address: No. 139-1, Bapiao Road, Po’ai Village, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County

▲ Historic Gongtong Church (Photo / Netizenhsun0307Authorized. Please do not reproduce without permission)

12. Taitung – Gongtong Church
Located within Gongtong Industrial High School, Gongtong Church has a long history and is one of the world’s earlier examples of exposed concrete architecture. Its light gray, minimalist palette stands out vividly against Taitung’s colorful natural scenery. Inside, the church uses sloped roofs and coarse-textured cement walls to create a profound sense of space. Yet, the embedded stained glass windows and the light streaming from above add a gentle charm.

However, visiting Gongtong Church requires advance booking, and visitors should note that shorts and flip-flops are not permitted.

Location: No. 560, Section 1, Zhongxing Road, Taitung City