Text & Photography / Jungle
Yanshui is one of Taiwan’s ancient towns, with Han Chinese settlers arriving even before Zheng Zhilong came to Taiwan in the late Ming Dynasty. Located at the estuaries of the Jishuei River and Bajhang River, Yanshui’s Yuejin Harbor once welcomed sea vessels from mainland China. In its early days, the area was bustling with merchants, flourishing for a time. There’s even a saying: “First Tainan, second Lukang, third Monga, fourth Yuejin,” which speaks to Yanshui’s former glory.
To make travel to Yanshui more convenient for tourists, the Tainan City Government has established an efficient Greater Tainan Bus network and actively promotes light rail travel. Yanshui is located on the Brown Line of the Greater Tainan Bus system. Travelers can take the Brown Line bus from Xinying Railway Station to reach Yanshui Town. With an electronic ticket, passengers can even enjoy free rides for the entire journey.
Yanshui is compact in size with attractions clustered together, making it perfect for a light rail trip. Just a 250-meter walk from Yanshui Bus Stop will take you to Yanshui Catholic Church – arguably the most temple-like Catholic church in all of Taiwan. Not only does its exterior feature traditional Chinese palace-style architecture, but its interior also showcases biblical stories and Catholic saints in Chinese artistic style, making it truly unique. Just like most temples in Taiwan, the entrance gate of Yanshui Catholic Church is flanked by two bronze lions, while the main hall is called the “Heaven-Worshipping Hall.” Round, traditional Chinese windows...
Stepping inside the Heaven-Worshipping Hall, visitors are greeted by exquisitely carved beams and painted columns, resplendent and magnificent. Red pillars are inscribed with poetry, and looking up, the ceiling is adorned with traditional Chinese patterns, totems, and murals. Beneath each stained-glass window is a painting depicting the Stations of the Cross, with figures portrayed as having East Asian features and dressed in ancient Chinese attire.
The mural at the front of the main hall is the highlight of the Yanshui Catholic Church visit. The three deities with East Asian faces at the top are not the Three Pure Ones, but rather the Holy Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit from Catholic doctrine. Below is the famous “The Last Supper,” where the figures are all depicted with the faces and clothing of ancient Chinese people. At the table, red candles are lit, and the disciples eat with chopsticks and drink from goblets. The altar is fitted with a shrine, and at the very front stands a bronze tripod resembling an incense burner. This uniquely charming Catholic church is definitely a must-visit spot on your trip to Yanshui.
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