Another popular church for photo shoots abroad: The Paper Dome in Nantou defies your stereotypes about paper

▲ The Paper Dome in Puli, Nantou is a popular photo spot. Using the lake’s reflection to capture the church creates a unique vibe. (Photo/IG)@yo2naProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

By Reporter Cao Yuehua / Comprehensive Report

Recently, there has been a wave of church photo shoots on Instagram. Whether it's the Fulfillment Chapel in Taichung, the Kikugahara Church in Taoyuan, or the new attraction in Changhua — the Church of Finding Happiness, all have attracted crowds of pilgrims. The "Paper Dome" in Puli Township, Nantou is also an unmissable check-in hotspot. Its exterior is constructed from fiberglass wave panels, while the interior is built with paper materials, creating a one-of-a-kind architectural structure that looks amazing both day and night.

▲ The Paper Dome is located in Taomi Village, a community known for its ecology, where lush greenery brings peace to the mind. (Photo/IG)@yvonnetuuuProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

The Paper Dome is situated in Taomi Village, Puli Township, Nantou County, a community striving to become an eco-village. The lush green scenery is refreshing and uplifting. Originally, the Paper Dome was in Kobe City, Japan, designed by architect Shigeru Ban as a post-Hanshin earthquake church, serving functions such as community building and relief base. Later, during Taiwan's reconstruction following the 921 Earthquake, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Hanshin earthquake, Lin Chia-chan, chairman of the New Homeland Foundation, seized the opportunity to bring the Paper Dome to Taiwan from Japan, turning it into a platform for exchange between Taiwan and Japan on community building and post-earthquake reconstruction.

▲ In the evening, with the church’s interior lights shining down, the scene feels completely different from daytime. (Photo/IG)@akanboiProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

When designing the Paper Dome, Shigeru Ban used the space between the oval formed by paper tubes and the outer walls to create a corridor. As for the roof canopy above the hall, it allows natural light to filter through. These seemingly thin paper tubes can actually bear a weight of 6,936 kilograms each — quite astonishing — and they completely overturn people's traditional perceptions of paper.

▲ %The interior is also uniquely designed. (Photo/IG)@_shi.shi_、@yuchia.wangProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Qiu Wenjie, a renowned Taiwanese architect who holds a master’s degree in architecture from Harvard University, believes the Paper Dome needed new auxiliary facilities added in a way that felt harmonious. Therefore, he contrasted the "hardness of paper" in the dome with the "softness of steel," using locally-sourced C-channel steel and incorporating numerous curves to soften the rigidity of the steel. This achieved a delicate balance between the two very different materials.

▲ The park area mostly features lake-green and light blue designs, which blend well with the overall ecological environment. (Photo/IG)@yuchia.wangProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

Aside from the main highlight — the Paper Dome — the park area also features lake-green and light blue architectural designs that match the image of Taomi Village’s ecological area, making visitors feel instantly relaxed upon entering. It includes a lotus pond, a wooden restaurant, and a casual eatery, offering tourists not only a place to take photos with the Paper Dome but also spaces to shop and dine — making it a richly planned destination.

▲ The Paper Dome is a place to relax both body and mind. (Photo/IG)@tzuyu528Provided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

When the church lights shine down inside, you can’t help but exclaim, “So beautiful, so romantic!” Next time you’re in Nantou, be sure to visit the Paper Dome. Besides witnessing an architectural breakthrough, you’ll also find your mood becoming calm and relaxed.

Paper Dome
Address: No. 52-12, Taomi Lane, Taomi Village, Puli Township, Nantou County
Phone: 049-2914922
Opening Hours: Weekdays 09:30–18:00, Holidays 09:00–20:00 (Closed on the first Wednesday of every month except February, July, and August, as well as on Lunar New Year’s Eve. Open as usual on national holidays.)
Park Admission: General admission NT$100, concession NT$50 (seniors over 65, students, preschool children, group tickets, and Puli residents); all ticket fees can be fully offset against purchases.