The astonishing 300-year-old Tungliang Banyan Tree wraps and creeps and twists round a cement frame that stabilises the tree like the lattice arch of a bower. The spread of branches and aerial roots cover 600 sq metres, enough to give shade to you and the endless tour bus loads of visitors.
It's said that during the Qing dynasty a ship sunk off the coast of Penghu and a small seedling floated to shore and was planted by locals. A temple complex was built later, and the tree and hall of worship are now inseparable.
A little snack shop by the temple sells cactus-fruit sorbet, something you won’t find anywhere else in Taiwan. Well worth trying.
