Discovering Taiwan Through Her Stories

Under the influence of traditional patriarchal culture, historical records and landscapes often highlight men or major events, while women’s presence, roles, and contributions are frequently overlooked or hidden. Since 2015, the FWRPD has been conducting field research and collecting materials to reinterpret Taiwan’s local culture and history through gender perspectives. This brings women’s daily lives to light, showcasing how they have shaped Taiwanese society. By uncovering these often-neglected yet deeply impactful stories, we offer a fresh perspective on Taiwan. We encourage the public to join the walking tours, which challenge gender stereotypes and acknowledge the social and economic differences among women, ultimately promoting the visibility of women with diverse backgrounds.

Yilan City

The Blossom of the Lanyang Plain, Telling Their Extraordinary Stories

Yilan City

  • 1

    00:30 Normal Fresh Meat Soup Dumpling Shop

    Enjoy a local breakfast and start the day with the fragrant aroma of scallion juice.

  • 2

    01:30 Cimin Temple (Dimu Niangniang)

    Step into the "Cimin Ke" (Yilan Dimu Temple), founded and managed by women, and feel the care of Dimu for all beings. Experience the traditional ritual of offering a contract to Dimu and praying for the safe growth of children with a rice water ceremony.

  • 3

    02:30 The Vilan Confucius Temple

    Visit the "Jiexiao Shrine" inside the Yilan Confucius Temple. This rare shrine is dedicated to honoring women of filial piety throughout history, reflecting and reflecting on past societal expectations of women.

  • 4

    03:30 Fo Guang Shan Lan Yang Temple

    Experience the profound wisdom of Buddhism and the fusion of cultural arts. For lunch, enjoy an exquisite vegetarian meal at "Drip Water Pavilion" downstairs.

  • 5

    04:30 Zhaoyinggong Temple

    The only Mazu temple in Taiwan that does not face the sea. Come here to feel the protection Mazu offers to the women of Xuanlan

  • 6

    05:30 Nanxing Temple

    Hidden above a market, this temple is dedicated to the goddess of childbirth. Experience the traditional practice of women praying to deities for smooth childbirth and the safety of their children, and immerse yourself in the strong maternal atmosphere of Moyuli.

  • 7

    06:30 The Yilan Performing Arts Center

    Stroll through "Zhongshan Park" and visit the Yilan Performing Arts Center, which was originally established by Japanese woman Sakura Kawabuchi as "Xianglan Kindergarten" during the Japanese era— the only kindergarten at the time that accepted Taiwanese children.

  • 8

    07:30 The Taiwan Theater Museum

    Dive into Xuanlan's opera culture and understand the background of Yilan as the birthplace of Taiwanese opera, while observing the presence of women in opera troupes.

  • 9

    08:30 The Institute of Yilan County History

    Explore historical exhibitions in Yilan and uncover beautiful and profound female stories through the work of female historians.

TRAVEL GUIDE HER WAY: Discovering Taiwan Through Her Stories!

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