[Family Travel]Hidden in the Mountain Sanctuary: Tongxiao Shrine

Today, let’s introduce the ‘Tongxiao Shrine’ located in Miaoli to everyone. I believe this shrine should be quite well-known. It is located within Hutou Mountain Park in Tongxiao Township. This shrine was built in the 12th year of the Showa era, which is 1937 AD. After World War II, the then-second mayor of Tongxiao Township converted the worship hall into Tongxiao Township’s Martyrs' Shrine. Having seen many shrines that were damaged after World War II, it’s surprising that there is no recorded information about any destruction here.

◆ Miaoli - Tongxiao Shrine
Address: Hutou Mountain Park, Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County
Phone: 037-352961 (Miaoli County International Culture and Tourism Bureau)I must say, this is the second shrine that I really like, besides the Taoyuan Shrine. Although it was affected by the 921 Earthquake, it was later restored at a cost of about twenty million Taiwan dollars. The many stone lanterns on both sides, paired with the shade provided by the trees, give this pathway a very special atmosphere. Upon checking, I found that many couples also come here to take wedding photos, which further shows the charm this place holds.

The main hall is well-preserved, and the surrounding environment is kept in excellent condition. It’s a pity that we can’t go inside for a visit, but the fact that these historical sites are so well maintained is a wonderful way to preserve their memory and stories.
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Quite surprisingly, there’s a staircase at the back. Climbing up the stairs reveals a renovated floor, and judging by the layout, there must have been a building here before!?
It also made me realize instantly that the building I had just seen was actually the prayer mat area, not the main hall. If what’s above is the base of the main hall, then this open space should be where the auxiliary hall (haiden) used to be. Auxiliary halls are quite rare—most shrines don’t have one. The haiden is primarily the building where rituals and offerings (heihaku) are made. Heihaku refers to valuable items, not just coins. In fact, there’s a memorial monument at the top of the shrine site. The ‘Tsūsen Shrine’ is a fantastic spot to visit, located very close to the Tsūsen Refined Salt Factory. If you’re in the Tsūsen area, be sure to take a stroll around Tsūsen Shrine for a little forest shrine adventure—a small but delightful experience in nature.
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