When I first walked in the streets of Taiwan during the New Year holidays, everything was closed and cities were silent. This quietness, perhaps a rare blessing, allowed me to explore the streets without the usual noise and agitation.
The red spring couplets on every door added a touch of warmth, communicating a festive spirit and allowing me to appreciate the beauty of the architecture and decorations in Taiwan, one of the first things I discovered after I arrived.
The streets are usually far from silent. Cities come alive with noise and color, especially at dusk, when the calming tones of shop signs compete with the bustle of rush hour. This chaotic beauty is a defining characteristic of Taiwanese cities.
Taiwanese houses can feel the same and appear very unique at the same time. They are vertical buildings, usually with two or three floors, with a covered passage in front — a practical feature for rainy days — that can also be used by restaurants and shops. I still do not really know how I feel about the massive quantity of air-conditioning units attached to every facade, but over time you get used to it and they do not appear as out of character.
Among the modern architectural residences, you can also still find traditional low houses made of red bricks. These buildings stand in stark contrast to their surroundings, seemingly resisting the modernity of its chaos and noise. They remind us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage amid rapid urban development.
Temples are a great place to observe this legacy, where you can admire every detail sculpted and find a calming ambiance accentuated by the incense fragrance.
What makes Taiwanese temples particularly captivating is their ability to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.
Ancient and contemporary temples exist, blending ancient traditions with modern architecture. This characteristic blend makes them emblematic of Taiwanese architecture, presenting the island as a place where history and modernity coexist.
I find contemporary temples fascinating for multiple reasons. Their structures often imitate ancient designs while incorporating modern materials and amenities. From afar, they might look like ancient temples, but up close, the modern concrete and electric panels reveal their contemporary nature.
This multi-temporal architecture perfectly represents Taiwan as a place where history and modernity coexist.
These temples are also a result of cultural identity politics, religious revival and societal change. It showcases how Taiwanese architecture has been influenced. As Taiwan has strived to assert its distinct identity separate from China, temples have become key sites for expressing and reinforcing this uniqueness.
The architecture of Taiwan is a captivating blend of the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. It is chaotic yet beautiful, reflecting the island’s complex history and vibrant culture.
In the eyes of a foreigner, this architectural landscape is not only impressive, but also deeply representative of Taiwan’s unique identity.
Mila Guervilly is a student in the Department of International Affairs at Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages.
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