Home to the largest Guanyin Industrial Park in northern Taiwan, an important rice granary in Taoyuan, and a major lotus production area, this region also boasts a century-old lighthouse and the famous green tunnel scenic spot. Guanyin District excels in culture, tourism, industry, and agriculture.
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◦ History of Guanyin
When we talk about "Guanyin," it naturally brings to mind the Guanyin Bodhisattva. Interestingly, the name of the Guanyin District is indeed related to Guanyin Bodhisattva. According to legend, during the Qing Dynasty, a farmer found a stone resembling Guanyin Bodhisattva in a stream and called it "Stone Guanyin." The locals then built a temple to worship the Stone Guanyin. This temple, located in the city center, is Ganquan Temple, which has a history of over 160 years and is the origin of the district's name.
Guanyin Bodhisattva is often depicted standing on a lotus or seated in a blooming lotus flower. Today, from June to September, the most distinctive scenery in Guanyin District is the blooming lotus leaves and flowers. Perhaps this beautiful coincidence is a divine arrangement?
◦ Taoyuan Lotus Festival (July to August each year)
Named after the "Stone Guanyin," Guanyin District originally focused on crop cultivation. However, starting in 1981, the Guanyin Industrial Park began to develop, transforming Guanyin into an industrial town. At the same time, water pollution became a growing concern. Since water quality testing instruments were not widely available then, a conservation association suggested planting lotuses to test water quality, leading to their bloom in the area.
In 1999, the first Taoyuan Lotus Festival, organized by local citizens, provided an opportunity for the district's transformation. Over the past 20 years, this festival has become the most iconic event in the area. Today, lotuses are not only tools for testing water quality but also key to promoting local tourism!
◦ Attractions in Guanyin
01｜Lotus Farm Ranch
Upon purchasing the entrance ticket, the enthusiastic owner told me, "You're so lucky! You can see the rare twin lotus flowers today, a one-in-a-million chance!"
The highlight of visiting Lotus Farm Ranch is the Victoria Amazonica. Every summer, these rideable giant water lilies become a popular attraction.
Besides the famous giant water lilies, the garden also features various lotus species from around the world, including rare varieties that will amaze lotus enthusiasts!
Lotus Farm Ranch Opening Hours: 0830-1700, closed on Tuesday. No. 690, Jinhua Rd., Guanyin Dist., Taoyuan
02｜Taoyuan Totoro Bus Station
Located outside He-Mei Kindergarten, the Totoro Bus Stop once attracted many visitors. Nowadays, with fewer crowds, one can fully immerse in the unique atmosphere of a Miyazaki animation scene.
However, what surprised me more was the meticulously decorated He-Mei Kindergarten seen through the bus window. Growing up here, children are likely to develop a keen sense of aesthetics.
Taoyuan Totoro Bus Station No. 239, Sec. 2, Zhongshan Rd., Guanyin Dist., Taoyuan
03｜Guanyin Cycle Path
This 2.8-kilometer green tunnel in Guanyin District is famous for its rows of cajeput trees. These trees, which serve as windbreaks, shed their outer bark layers as they grow, giving them their distinctive appearance. From July to November, the cajeput trees bloom, and a gentle breeze can create a peaceful atmosphere as white flowers fall.
Guanyin Cycle Path No. 51-1, Sec. 2, Fushan Rd., Guanyin Dist., Taoyuan
04｜The ruins of Guanyin Aircraft
Entering the vast construction site where planes are parked, I saw abandoned furniture and trash bins at the entrance. Retired airport shuttles and airbuses were now lying in disrepair, making me uncertain whether to view this as an aircraft graveyard or a restaurant ruin.
Originally planned as an airplane-themed restaurant, the project was abandoned after failing to get approval, turning the site into a scene reminiscent of a disaster movie. Before leaving, I asked a worker on-site when it might reopen. "It won't happen anytime soon!" he replied with a mix of vigor and helplessness, matching the desolate scene.
The ruins of Guanyin Aircraft No. 1189, Sec. 1, Zhongshan Rd., Guanyin Dist., Taoyuan
05｜Baishajia Lighthouse
The Baishajia Lighthouse, first lit in 1901, was a famous scenic spot during the Japanese colonial era. It has withstood over a century and remains the best-preserved early Japanese-era lighthouse in Taiwan, and the only one made of red bricks and stones. Selected as one of " One Hundred Historic Sites in Taiwan," the Baishajia Lighthouse continues its century-old mission of guiding ships safely at sea.
Baishajia Lighthouse Opening Hours: 0900-1700, closed on Monday. No. 216, Guangming Rd., Guanyin Dist., Taoyuan
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Guanyin
01｜Lai Lai Niu Jia Zhuang
"Please order a side dish if dining between 2 PM and 5 PM," read the sign on the wall. I wondered, how confident must this shop be to make such a request?
When the clear broth beef noodle soup arrived, just looking at the beef ribs, I knew this restaurant was special. The generous portions of tender beef ribs carried a rich beef aroma, paired perfectly with the chewy wide noodles. The light yet flavorful broth complemented the ingredients so well that I couldn't help but admire the chef's skill.
Lai Lai Niu Jia Zhuang Opening Hours: 1100-1830, closed on Sunday. No. 1538, Sec. 2, Chenggong Rd., Guanyin Dist., Taoyuan
02｜Fudi Ice Shop
While enjoying my shaved ice in the shop, I noticed that the metal shutter door was halfway down. The shutter wasn't lowered because it was closing time, but because they had too many delivery orders. Even with four or five staff members working non-stop, they couldn't keep up with the demand.
After tasting their brown sugar shaved ice, I understood why Fudi was so popular. Many ice shops offer similar toppings that have texture but lack aroma. Fudi is different—their glutinous rice balls and candied pineapple burst with flavor, showing the care put into their preparation. No wonder Fudi is a favorite among workers from the nearby industrial park. On a hot day, enjoying their ice dessert is truly a delight!
Fudi Ice Shop Opening Hours: 1100-2100 No. 735, Sec. 1, Chenggong Rd., Guanyin Dist., Taoyuan
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
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