Architecture of Taiwan

The architecture of Taiwan carries distinct traits of the various influences with which Taiwan has met. The Taiwanese architecture is fine a blend of traditional Chinese architectural patterns with those of the colonial ones. A typical Taiwanese building can be marked by certain distinct features.

The architectural patterns visible in Taiwan today owe their inception to influences from the southern Fukien and eastern Kwangtung states. Most of the buildings in Taiwan are derivations from original san-ho-yuan pattern, or the three winged pattern and the szu-ho-yuan or four winged pattern of architecture. Many of these compounds often included gardens at the back, especially is they belonged to an affluent owner. The typical pattern of architecture was followed in case of the temples too. Be it Buddhist, Taoist, or temples of local gods, most of the temples, were constructed with the traditional designs. The finest and most prominent specimens of Chinese architecture in Taiwan can be seen in the Lungshan and Tienhou Temples in Lukang, the Chaotien Temple in Peikang, and the Lungshan Temple in Taipei.

Taiwanese architecture is characterized by its use of wood. Ornate wooden sculptures and patterns are typical of the traditional buildings and temples in Taiwan. Murals are another essential part of Taiwanese architecture. Most of the traditional buildings of Taiwan include exquisite painted wood, clay, or ceramic murals which at once reveal the variety and richness of Chinese art.