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Tucked away in southwestern Taiwan, Yunlin County is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, rich history, and natural beauty. From its stunning temples and glove puppetry to historical architecture and picturesque landscapes, Yunlin rewards those who venture off the beaten path.
Yunlin is renowned for its flourishing temple culture. Temples in this region are not merely places of worship but also communal centers where people gather for festivals, rituals, and social functions. One of the most notable temples here is the Beigang Chaotian Temple, which was built more than 300 years ago and is dedicated to Matsu, the sea goddess. It draws a steady stream of pilgrims daily, while flocks of people at home and abroad pour in to celebrate the Lunar New Year and Matsu’s birthday. Excellent craftsmanship can be seen everywhere, from carvings on entrance pillars and support beams to the facial expressions on sculptures inside the temple hall. Numerous temples of varying sizes dot the county, each with its own unique history, architecture, and deities.
Photo: AdobeStock 照片：AdobeStock
Another cultural highlight of Yunlin is the art of glove puppetry. At the Yunlin Palm Puppet Museum in Huwei Township, visitors can admire beautifully crafted puppets and learn about the development of this art. There are also live puppet shows that combine storytelling, music, and martial arts choreography. Besides the valuable assets inside, the building has its own story to tell. The three-section compound was originally built as an administration and security agency in 1931 and later became a police department. It was once abandoned in the 1990s but was saved by the locals from being torn down. After undergoing renovation, the building was transformed into a center for glove puppetry in 2007 and has since helped Huwei Township preserve and demonstrate its unique cultural heritage.
雲林縣藏身於臺灣的西南部，是個文化遺產、豐富歷史，以及自然美景的寶庫。從令人驚歎的廟宇和布袋戲，到歷史建築和美麗風景，雲林讓那些冒險前往偏僻之地的人值回票價。
雲林以其繁榮的廟宇文化聞名。這個地區的廟宇不僅僅是敬拜神明的地方，還是人們為了節慶、儀式和社交活動而聚集在一起的社區中心。這裡其中一間最有名的廟宇是北港朝天宮，約於三百多年前建造，主祀神是海神媽祖。這座廟宇每天都有穩定的香客人流，在慶祝農曆新年或媽祖誕辰時則會有國內外的人群湧入。從入口柱子及支撐樑上的雕刻到內殿雕像的臉部表情，優秀的工藝隨處可見。眾多大小不一的廟宇遍布整個雲林縣，每一座都有獨特的歷史、建築和神祇。
Photo: AdobeStock 照片：AdobeStock
布袋戲藝術是雲林的另一個文化亮點。在虎尾鎮的雲林布袋戲館，遊客可以欣賞做工精美的戲偶，並認識這項藝術的發展。這裡還有結合了故事講述、音樂以及武術編舞的現場布袋戲演出。除了內部的珍貴資產，建築本身也擁有自己的故事。這座三合院起初於1931年建造時是作為行政治安機關，接著變成警察局。這座建築在1990年代時曾遭棄置，但被當地人救下，免於被拆除。整修過後，該建築於2007年轉變為布袋戲中心，自那時起便一直幫助虎尾鎮保存並展示其獨特的文化遺產。
Words in Use
1. heritage n. （歷史性的）遺產
The festival is recognized as part of the cultural heritage of the country.
那個節慶被認可為該國的文化遺產之一。
2. stunning a. 令人讚歎∕驚豔的
The young actor’s performance in the play was stunning.
那位年輕演員在該戲劇的演出令人驚豔。
3. venture vi. 冒險（去某地或做某事）
Despite the warnings, the explorers ventured into the forest.
儘管有警告標語，那群探險家仍冒險進入森林。
4. flourishing a. 繁榮的，蓬勃發展的
With support from companies, the school has become a flourishing center of education and innovation.
有了企業的支持，該校已成為一座蓬勃發展的教育和創新中心。
5. worship n. 敬神，拜神
For centuries, the temple has been a place of worship for people in this region.
數世紀以來，這座廟宇一直是該地區人們敬神的場所。
Practical Phrases
1. be renowned for. . . 以…（特色）聞名
renowned a. 有名的
With years of experience, the diplomat is renowned for his negotiation skills.
那位外交官有數年的經驗，以他的談判技巧聞名。
2. be dedicated to. . . 紀念…（人物、事件等）
The monument is dedicated to soldiers who died in war.
這個紀念碑是紀念死於戰爭的士兵。
3. at home and abroad 國內及國外
Critics at home and abroad praised the director’s new movie.
國內外的影評人都讚譽那位導演的新電影。
4. tear down... / tear... down 拆除……
The city plans to tear down the old library to make way for a new stadium.
該市計劃拆除那間舊圖書館，改建一座新的體育場。
5. transform A into B 將A轉變成B
It took me a month to transform the old warehouse into a studio.
我花了一個月的時間將這棟舊倉庫改建成工作室。
To be continued tomorrow（明日待續）
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本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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