Hsinchu’s “Blue-and-White Castle” Is Peeling But Still Popular — And There’s a 40-Year-Old Giant Ape Too!

The blue-and-white castle at Buddha World imitates the architecture of medieval European spires. Having been abandoned for a long time, trees have even grown inside the castle, with weeds sprawling all around — the level of dilapidation is evident. It’s as if the castle has been frozen in time by magic, locking in its once peerless splendor, yet adding an air of mystery that attracts many visitors eager to see it with their own eyes.

▲ Having been abandoned for a long time, trees have grown inside the castle, and weeds sprawl all around, showing just how run-down it is.

Buddha World covers a fairly large area and is surrounded by tranquility. It serves as a meditation site for the Linji school of Buddhism and occasionally hosts meditation courses. It is not open to the public on weekdays, only opening from 9 AM to 4 PM on holidays. Entry requires permission from the monks, and visitors are asked to walk slowly and avoid loud play that might disturb the daily lives of the residents. In addition, stairways leading to the second floor and the walls in front of the castle have been cordoned off with warning signs about danger. Visitors are urged to pay attention to their safety and not to enter restricted areas without authorization.

▲ The once “No.1 Pass” gate has been repainted.

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