Cheng Hung Temple Leans at 45 Degrees, Attracting Attention from the Travel Community, Compared to Taiwan’s Version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Cheng Hung Temple is located in Thai Hoa Village, Mai Son District, Gia Nghia City, and it leans at a 45-degree angle. In the past month, the temple has been featured in various news outlets. Tourists have been taking photos and sharing them on forums. International visitors refer to it as the “Leaning Tower of Pisa in Taiwan.”
Visitors often pose to create photos that make it seem like they are in a zero-gravity world. The photography technique is quite simple; just stand on the road in front of the temple, hold the phone straight, and lean forward to capture an image reminiscent of a Michael Jackson dance move.
CTS Television from Taiwan reported on Cheng Hung Temple on December 24. (Video: YouTube)
Before August 2009, the temple stood upright like any other temple across the island. However, after Typhoon Morakot that same year, the ground beneath it eroded, causing the temple to gradually sink. By 2020, the Alishan National Scenic Area Administration constructed an observation deck opposite the temple for visitors to enjoy the view, but it saw fewer visitors due to COVID-19. According to locals, despite its tilt, the temple still stands “miraculously.”
Gia Nghia is located nearly 270 km from Taipei. Visitors can travel by taxi, train, or bus. The train journey takes approximately 90 minutes, with ticket prices starting at $30. The bus ride is longer, almost double the time, but tickets are cheaper, starting at $15.
Visitors often pose in the famous dance style of Michael Jackson. (Photo: Odd, Mirror)
Taiwan reopened for tourism on October 13, with no mandatory quarantine, but travelers must monitor their health at their accommodation for 7 days. Guests are also provided with 4 rapid test kits to test every two days, but they are free to move around (unless a positive case is detected).
