Panding Church Introduction
Taiwan currently has three ship-shaped churches, including the Panting Church located in Longjing District, Taichung; the Gala Church situated in Lala Mountain, Fuxing Township, Taoyuan; and the Changyuan Church found in Changbin Township, Taitung County. The Panting Church in Longjing District is a remarkably well-preserved building, with the outer wall of the ship's cabin colored sky blue on the outer ring and white in the middle. The exterior is painted in Mediterranean blue and white, reflecting the sky, resembling a giant ship sailing on the sea. Its unique and eye-catching appearance has quickly made it one of the local attractions. Hidden in the alleys of the Donghai University commercial area, the Panting Church is another uniquely styled church in the Taichung coastal area, following the Donghai Lutheran Church. Completed in 1983, the distinctive ship-shaped design of Panting Church was inspired by the biblical story of Noah's Ark, with details such as the ship's anchor and lanterns on the walls resonating with biblical themes. The striking architecture and the sailboat-like exterior make the main body of Panting Church resemble Noah's Ark, providing a sense of reassurance to the visiting devout believers. After nearly thirty years since its completion, the Panting Church, with its bright blue and white theme, offers a cheerful yet tranquil atmosphere, while the garden landscaping is also related to Noah's Ark, showcasing thoughtful design.
