Officials from Taiwan

Its been awhile since I got offcials from Taiwan but in the last days arrived these 4. The last 3 have sequencial ID numbers!! 

© www.jjp.com.tw

TW-1658461, sent by Victoria.

 This is the oldest and most impressive temple in Taiwan dedicated to Guandi (GuanGong), a Han-dynasty general deified as the God of War and the patron of warriors and those who live by a code of honour.

The temple's overall structure was established in 1690, although much splendid artwork and many historically valuable objects have been added over the years. The long, deep-rose-coloured walls of this temple have always been one of its highlights. Other interesting features include the beggar seats around the doorframe that the poor used to beg alms from every visitor, and the high threshold at the entrance (originally designed to keep women out!). - in: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/taiwan/southern-taiwan/tainan-city/sights/religious/official-god-war-temple

Published by Rainbowarts

TW-1684607, sent by Jack.

On the back of the card: The gateway to the East-West Cross-Island Highway, in Hualien. After passing through the vermilion archway, you'll be greeted by the breathtaking splendor of Taroko Gorge. 

Photography by Chen Ping-Yuan

TW-1684608, sent by Gina.

The previous card shows the gateway to the Taroko National Park and this snowy view is from that same park.

Taroko National Park is one of the nine national parks in Taiwan and was named after the Taroko Gorge, the landmark gorge of the park. The park spans Taichung Municipality, Nantou County, and Hualien County.

The park was originally established as the Tsugitaka-Taroko National Park by the Governor-General of Taiwan on 12 December 1937 when Taiwan was part of the Empire of Japan. After the Empire of Japan's defeat in World War II, the Republic of China assumed control of Taiwan. The ROC government subsequently abolished the park on 15 August 1945. It was not until 28 November 1986 that the park was reestablished. - in: wikipedia

Photography: kovis.idv.tw/wp

TW-1684609, sent by Howard.

Howard sent me this beautiful sunrise at the Estuary of the Hualien river. 

The Hualien River Estuary is one of the important sites on Taiwan’s east coast for migrating and over-wintering birds. 

The natural landscape includes the convergence of the Hualien River and the Pacific Ocean, and the river beach wetlands.