By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
Ring in the Year of the Dog with a prayer-filled road trip—make wishes at the legendary Stone Guanyin, stroll through the Bald Cypress Tunnel said to bless couples with everlasting love, visit a row of white windmills straight out of a Taiwanese drama, and feast on hearty freshly harvested rice meals. Play, snap photos, and cover all the top check-in spots along Routes 61 and 15 for a spontaneous one-day mini adventure.
1. Ganquan Temple
Legend has it that during the Qing Dynasty, someone found a stone statue resembling Guanyin in the river, leading to the construction of this temple. With over 150 years of history, Ganquan Temple features an expansive five-three mountain layout and a grand three-tiered palace-style architectural complex. The temple walls are adorned with intricate and vivid stone carvings. The well water beside the temple, known as Ganquan (Sweet Spring), is said to be cool, sweet, and curative, making this site a spiritual hub for locals and a renowned Guanyin landmark.
Address: No. 1, Ganquan St., Guanyin District, Taoyuan City
Opening Hours: 06:00–18:00
Ganquan Temple. (Photo courtesy of Taoyuan City Government; the same applies to the following photos)
2. Baishajiao Lighthouse
This is the only lighthouse in Taiwan built with red bricks and stones, unlike others made of concrete. It still preserves a sundial from the Japanese colonial period, which can tell time, direction, and latitude based on the sun’s shadow. It has also been selected as one of “Taiwan’s 100 Historical Architectural Landmarks.” The surrounding area features a circular trail along the Guanyin River, lined with rice fields, small bridges, and flowing water—a picturesque scene that has become a popular spot for wedding photo shoots.
Address: No. 16, Xinpoxia, Guanyin District, Taoyuan City
Opening Hours: 06:00–18:00
Baishajiao Lighthouse.
3. Guanyin Coastal Windmills
“White windmills, spinning quietly, a real feeling, dreamlike and far away”—these are the lyrics written by famed singer Jay Chou. Along the West Coast Expressway stands a row of white windmills that keep turning against the sea breeze, standing tall through sun and rain like silent guardians. This dreamy atmosphere has naturally made it a popular drama filming location.
Address: Km 38 on Route 61
Guanyin Coastal Windmills.
4. Rice Story Museum
Housed in a well-preserved Japanese-era wooden building, with walls coated in yellow mud mixed with bran powder or cement mortar, and wooden beams supported by suspension structures, the museum displays large wooden rice mills and farming tools, taking visitors back in time to experience rural life.
Address: No. 242, Zhonghua Rd., Xinyi District, Taoyuan City
Phone: 03-477-2124 ext. 202 (by appointment only)
The Rice Story Museum is full of nostalgic charm.
Rice Story Museum.
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