Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Christopher | Compiled & Reported Image Source / Hualien County Government
Taiwan’s abundant natural landscapes of beautiful mountains and waters aside, its distinctive architecture and landscape design also make the island even more diverse and captivating. Hidden within the alleys of Xincheng Township in Hualien, there is a Catholic church that resembles Noah’s Ark. The exterior of the church looks like a ship, with walls covered in creeping vines, lush and green, exuding a wild, Wizard of Oz-like atmosphere. Since its former site was a Shinto shrine from the Japanese colonial period, it combines two different faith-based architectures. As a result, you can also find elements like torii gates and stone lanterns here. The merging of two different faiths through historical evolution has allowed Eastern and Western cultures to blend harmoniously, emanating a serene and peaceful aura.
The ark-like design of Xincheng Catholic Church resembles a vessel in a sea of green
The torii gate and garden lanterns at the entrance of Xincheng Catholic Church feature characteristics of Japanese architecture
Two additional pillars were added to either side of the torii gate at Xincheng Catholic Church as a disguise by the church’s priest at the time, who feared the torii might be demolished — making it no longer look like a traditional torii
Stone lions on either side of the path leading to the Virgin Mary Garden at Xincheng Catholic Church
Xincheng Catholic Church was built in 1956 on the original site of the shrine, and its overall architectural beauty is considered among the best in eastern Taiwan. A memorial stone commemorating the Xincheng Incident — the spark that ignited the Taroko Battle — remains preserved in the garden. The long windows on both sides of the ship-shaped church are fitted with stained glass, neatly aligned in rows. At the back on the right side is a baptismal font, originally a stone hand-washing basin used for cleansing hands and the spirit. The former main hall of the shrine has been converted into a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, in front of which stands a statue of the Virgin. Towering old pine trees add to the tranquil and secluded atmosphere.
The stained glass window view outside Xincheng Catholic Church
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