Nearby Attractions - Yanshui Catholic Church

"Dragons and steamed buns at Taiwan's temple-like church"

- Kuwait Times-

"Christianity with Chinese characteristics"

- The Standard -

WOW! Yes, WOW!

You might have been to grand churches and cathedrals in the world, but take a deep breath when you step into this one-- this Holy Trinity Church in Yanshui. 

The mural's figures from the Bible on the interior walls are all Chinese-looking saints, wearing Chinese-style clothing. An incense bowl is placed in the front of the church for people to worship God. Poems were carved on the red pillars inside the church. The decor resembles thousands of Buddhist and Taoist temples in Taiwan, yet still keeps a Catholic soul in it.

A temple? A church?

The exterior of the church looks nothing like a church but a ubiquitous temple in Taiwan until you notice the Christian crosses. Even the Chinese name of the church is called "Ji Tian Dian," which literally means "Heaven Worship Palace," a common term used in Buddhist or Taoist tradition.

Taiwanese version of "The Last Supper"

Jesus and each of his apostles use chopsticks and eat baozi (steam bun) instead of bread. The church was built 60 years ago by a German missionary Fr. Eusebius in a traditional Catholic style. To attract more followers, Fr. Shaofeng Li began rebuilding it in 1986 to a more Chinese-style church by adapting to a local religious environment. 

Note: 72% of Taiwanese population are Taoist or Buddhist, 4.5% Christians, and 1.5% Catholics.

Address: No. 19, Ximen Rd., Yanshui Dist., Tainan, Taiwan