Nishi Hongan-ji Square Introduction
"Wanhua No. 406 Square", located at the intersection of Zhonghua Road and Changsha Street in the southern edge of Ximending, was originally the "Nishi Hongan-ji". It was jointly funded by Taiwanese followers and Japanese donors. Its official name is "Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Taiwan Branch", which began construction in 1904 and was completed in 1912. This is an architectural complex rich in Japanese style. The Taiwan branch of Nishi Hongan-ji is a branch of the Japanese Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha established in Taiwan. Most of the main buildings exhibit eclectic styles commonly found in Japanese Buddhist architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. The main hall, administrative hall, kitchen, and bell tower are primarily of an eclectic style, while the ceremony hall is in the traditional Japanese residential format. The Shuxin Hall reflects the spirit of the new era, featuring a combination of brick structures and Western-style wooden frameworks, while maintaining a Japanese roof style. After the Nishi Hongan-ji Square was opened to the public, many photography enthusiasts often visit to take pictures. Numerous bloggers also share travel tales on internet platforms. The quaint bell tower, nostalgic Shuxin Hall, Japanese-style ceremony hall, and understated main hall scatter amidst a lush green park, creating beautiful scenes in the eyes of visitors. The culturally historical and architecturally distinctive "Nishi Hongan-ji" heritage complex is revitalized through public sector initiatives, allowing this square to become an urban plaza that extends and expands the Ximending pop culture circle. It also provides travelers with a deeper journey to reminisce about the historical stream while enjoying the bustling area of Ximending, with hopes to attract crowds and recreate the bustling prosperity of the Monga area.
