Kuantu is located in the Peitou suburb of Taipei city at the confluence of the Keeling and Tamsui Rivers. With a population of only 4,000, it is bounded on the west by Cloud Mountain, on the east by the Hsientu Plain and on the south by the Tamsui River and the Kuanyin (Goddess of Mercy) Mountain.
The peaceful aspect of the old town today is in sharp contrast to the scene 300 years ago when it was a busy commercial center because of the navigable river on whose banks it lay, and its easy access to the hinterland. At present, the town's main source of income comes from tourism based on its natural beauty and its religious significance. It is especially noted for having one of the three Matsu Temples in Taiwan. Matsu is the goddess of the sea and patron saint of fishermen, and therefore one of the most popular deities in Taiwan. The island of Matsu off the coast of mainland China, held by the government of the Republic of China, is named after her, since she is believed to have come from there to Taiwan. Trains traveling from Taipei to Tamsui stop at Kuantu, and are often filled with people on weekends seeking a respite in the countryside from the bustle of the city.
About 280 years ago, Ching Dynasty (1644-1911) authorities sent prospectors to nearby Peitou to look for minerals. They had to pass through Kuantu on their way to their destination, but at that time it was covered by malarial swamps and was considered hostile to settlement. Nevertheless, a small thatched temple was established in the area where the miners would light incense and pray. A few people followed in their wake to settle and gradually open up the wilderness. About 100 years ago, the Tamsui river began to recede to lay bare a fertile plain which stretched all the way to Mt. Kuanyin. Residents of the area suddenly found themselves with an abundance of cultivable land. This, coupled with a plentiful supply of fish and revenue from ships passing along the river, turned Kuantu into a busy market center.
As a reminder of this prosperous past, the town of Kuantu today is full of old-style houses with low drooping eaves simply constructed in wood or stone. Life moves at a slow pace. Women can be seen sitting casually in front of their homes making handicrafts to earn money as well as while away the hours. Small children romp in the streets chasing each other and playing games with homemade dolls and toys.
The encroachments of modern life can be seen in the form of a main road which divides the town, flanked on either side by apartment blocks. People's lives in Kuantu revolve around religion. A pre-school facility has been established where children can learn about religion and filial piety. Nearby is a cave where a huge gilt Buddha image is housed. Kuantu's other main attraction is its flocks of migratory birds, which were subjects of a research study by American ornithologists recently. Above the town is the famed Cloud Mountain Park, with its Chinese pavilions, sparkling waterfalls and Peacock Garden providing a retreat for travel-weary visitors. No wonder that Kuantu is such a magnet for the day-tripper from Taipei.
[Picture Caption]
1. Bird's eye view of Kuantu and the Hsientu plain. 2. Gold image of the Kuanyin goddess. 3. Entrance to the House of the Ancient Buddhas. 4. Lighting traditional candles at a local temple.
1. Door gods and goddesses carved onto the sides of doorways to ward off evil spirits. 2.3. Buddha images at Kuantu. 4.5. A stone lion and elephants guard the entrance.
1.2. Kuantu is a leading tourist attraction in northern Taiwan. 3-5. Though catches have diminished in recent years, Kuantu remains a fishing village.
Top. A corner of Cloud Mountain Park. Bottom. Many tourists get off to an early start to catch sunrise at Kuantu.
Bird's eye view of Kuantu and the Hsientu plain.
Lighting traditional candles at a local temple.
Gold image of the Kuanyin goddess.
Entrance to the House of the Ancient Buddhas.
Door gods and goddesses carved onto the sides of doorways to ward off evil spirits.
A stone lion and elephants guard the entrance.
A stone lion and elephants guard the entrance.
Kuantu is a leading tourist attraction in northern Taiwan.
Kuantu is a leading tourist attraction in northern Taiwan.
Though catches have diminished in recent years, Kuantu remains a fishing village.
Though catches have diminished in recent years, Kuantu remains a fishing village.
Though catches have diminished in recent years, Kuantu remains a fishing village.
A corner of Cloud Mountain Park.
Many tourists get off to an early start to catch sunrise at Kuantu.
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