Friday, January 27, 2012

Wen Wu Temple & Peacock Garden

One of the last two stops on the tour before heading to our hotel was Wen Wu Temple.
This is one of two lions standing guard over the temple and it was the first thing I noticed upon entering.


This is the entrance gate I passed through upon entering into the temple. You can see Sun Moon Lake in the background.


Incense is burnt in a huge urn inside the temple.


The 3-D relief artwork inside the temple is exquisite.


At the top of the temple, you have a great view of Sun Moon Lake during sunset.


A few miles away from the temple is the entrance to Peacock Garden where peacocks and other birds are reared.


Even the gate to the peacocks' habitat is created in the form of a peacock.


Have you seen so many peacocks?
There were even a few albino peacocks in the distance which I have never seen before.


Other than peacocks, the Formosan Blue Magpie, Taiwan's national bird, also lives at the garden.
It is part of the crow family and can only be found in the Taiwan area.


Next door to the magpie was the Golden Pheasant usually found in the mountainous regions of Western China. This is a male golden pheasant with its bright plumage to attract the female.


This is a golden pheasant as well, but I wonder if it is female because of its plainer colors.


- Karen

12 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Awesome photos, I love the temple and the lion is cool. The view of the lake is gorgeous and the peacock garden is my kind of place. I would love to see all the birds. The magpie is pretty and wow the golden pheasant is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day. BTW, I love your header shot as well.

Queenie Believe said...

Beautiful photography of your travels.
Thank you for stoping by Queenie's wee blog and your kind comment.
Have a great day.
Always, Queenie

FilipBlog said...

It reminds me so much of China and the colours are so bright. The birds are also very spectacular.You are on a great trip.

Greetings,
Filip

Halcyon said...

So much beauty! I especially love the birds.

cocomino said...

There are many beautiful and interesting birds. Thank you for sharing.

rainfield61 said...

The Blue Magpie would like to follow you back to America. Isn't it?

I like the dragon.

betchai said...

oh, what amazing collection of pictures, at the top of the temple at sunset with the sun moon lake is so inspiring.

Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook said...

It's a beautiful place. Even the roofs are beautiful. Great pictures, looks like a most wonderful trip.

ArtandArchitecture-SF.com said...

These are all such gorgeous shots. The architecture is so exquisite, and the details are just amazing. I so wish our economy supported art work to that level in our public spaces. Thank you for this wonderful journey, it has been just visually delightful

Ryan said...

What a serene and beautiful place, why are temples always at the top of hills with so many steps? Or is it my imagination?

LifeRamblings said...

such a beautiful temple and i love the intricate carvings. the views are gorgeous and even the birds are very colourful and eyecatching.

Jana said...

impressive the temple! thanks for sharing these lovely pics of the colourful pheasants too, they look different here in Europe-its good to know!