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Bopiliao Historic Block
at Night

Bopiliao Historic Block
during the Day

About
Bopiliao

The community of Bopiliao was firstly formed back in early Qing Dynasty. Since then, its history evolves as Taiwan went through different eras, from Qing Dynasty, Japanese colonization, to early Post World War II period. Situated in one of the most prosperous areas, Mengjia, architecture in Bopiliao reflects different culture of which it was built. The area is uniquely representative of once flourishing Mengjia.

In 2009, Taipei City government finished the repairing process of Bopiliao Historic Block, and opened it up to the public. It stands in WanHua District, continuing the over-a-hundred-year legacy, shown through arching verandas and red-brown brick walls. These old buildings witnessed the development of Mengjia and now have become a cultural and educational landmark. Their existence showcases local culture and history to the visitors, and the buildings still serve practical purpose as to hold art exhibitions.

Life in Here

Bopiliao Historic BlockCultural Map

Bopiliao is located in Mengjia, the first area being cultivated in Taipei, making it iconic in Taiwanese history. Along with other historic heritage, visitors get a sense of what Mengjia is and was like.

Qingshan Temple

No. 218, Sec 2, Guiyang St., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City

Also listed as a municipal historic site, Qingshan Temple is a Daoist temple built in 1856. The temple was constructed in honor of Qingshan Ling’an Zunwang. It has been the religious center for immigrants from Sanyi, Quanzhou, China in Mengjia. There are always huge celebrations before Qingshan Ling’an Zunwang’s birthday. It’s considered the biggest religious event in Mengjia, called “Great Bangka (Mengjia) Sacrificial Ceremony.” It’s also one of the three biggest temple fairs in Taipei.

Qingshui Temple

No. 81, Kangding Rd., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City

Listed as one of the municipal historic sites, Qingshui Temple is also known as the Divine Progenitors Temple. It worships mainly the Penglai Divine Progenitor, a deity whose nose was said to drop whenever a disaster was going to happen. Qingshui Temple is a Buddhist temple hugely influenced by Daoism and other Taiwanese folk religions. Besides the Penglai Divine Progenitor, it also worships Mazu, Holy Emperor Guan, Wenchang Dijun, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, and Tudigong.

Longshan Temple

No. 211, Guangzhou St., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City

Longshan Temple is another municipal historic site near Bopiliao Historic Block. Built in 1738, Longshan Temple mainly worships Avalokitesvara(Guan’in). It’s not only a religious center for the neighborhood but one of the most important temples around Taiwan. In front of the temple, visitors can see the only bronze columns in Taiwan that are exquisitely curved in the shape of dragon, adding a sense of reverence to the already-fabulous temple.

Herb Lane

Lane 224, Xichang St., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City

More than 10 herb shops are packed in Herb Lane, offering a variety of herbs to choose from. Back when people started to gather in Mengjia, disease was a common scene. However, there were not enough doctors to care for everyone. Herb shops with Chinese medicine therefore became the clinic that sick people went to. That was how the lane was formed, making it one of the most “professional” alley around the town.

Buddha Handicraft Street

Sec 1, Xiyuan St., which is near Longshan Temple and in between Guangzhou Street and Guilin Road, is famous for having everything prayers need for Buddhist practice, ranging from statues to altar and lamps. There are more than 20 stores to go around on this street, a lot of which have been running for more than a hundred years, while others have been passed down generations after generations.

Bopiliao Historic Block Cultural MapBopiliao Historic Block Cultural Map