Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team, compiled and reported
When the night quietly falls over Puli, the Paper Cathedral glowing in the valley of Tianfenzi in Taomi Ecological Village resembles a giant lantern, romantically and beautifully reflecting on the lake surface. The serene and magical scene always captivates visitors' eyes. The Paper Cathedral was opened in the Taomi community on September 21, 2008. This is not a newly built structure; its origins are deeply connected to the people of Taomi — the earthquake.
A simple form, a touch of warmth, and a symbol of human love and mutual aid, this paper cathedral covering just 51 pyeong holds special significance in Taiwan and Japan’s post-disaster community reconstruction history. (Image source / Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration)
After the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake in Japan, architect Shigeru Ban built a paper tube church for the collapsed Yonezawa Church. Now, this paper cathedral, symbolizing post-earthquake reconstruction, has crossed the ocean to the Taomi community with its undying spirit, continuing its mission of rebirth after disaster. As seasons and times of day shift, the Paper Cathedral engages in intimate dialogue with visitors through its graceful charm and multifunctional design.The paper cathedral, having endured scorched earth, transcends religion and ethnicity with its inclusiveness, accompanying people as they build dreams together — a tangible symbol of love and mutual aid.
The installation art “Shaking Memories” reflects the artist’s view of Taiwan as an island nation like a boat — a hopeful light vessel laden with emotions and blessings, akin to Noah’s Ark, carrying the rebirth of life. (Image source / Paper Dome)
The Paper Cathedral sits atop lush green lawns. Inside, fifty-eight paper tubes support the entire structure. The long benches inside and outside the church are also made of paper. The warm yellow lighting creates a tranquil and cozy atmosphere.At dusk, warm orange bulbs illuminate the entire church, mirroring its reflection on the water. In the darkness of night, it fills people with hope and courage for rebirth.
The Paper Cathedral sits on green grass, radiating warm hues in the dimness, symbolizing hope and courage. (Image source / Council of Agriculture)
In 2005, friends from the Hanshin and Taiwan 921 earthquake reconstruction zones wrote wishes on two paper bags — one sent to Nishinomiya, Japan, also hit hard by the quake, and one left in Taiwan’s Paper Cathedral. The installation art “Wishes in Bags” uses an online interactive system to spread blessings far and wide. (Image source / Paper Dome)
PAPER DOME is an oval space constructed from 58 paper tubes, inspired by Baroque-era churches in Rome. (Image source / Paper Dome)