Tainan City to release English audio tours for 9 temples in July

2018/04/12

English-language audio tours of nine temples in Tainan City are set to be released in July as part of local government efforts to promote the southern Taiwan metropolis’s rich religious heritage among international tourists.
 
 According to the city’s Office of English as the Second Official Language April 10, visitors will be able to access the 30-minute audio guides through their smartphones by scanning QR codes at the sites. Participating facilities include Anping Matsu Temple, Beiji Temple, Luermen Tienhogong, State Temple of the Martial God, Tainan Grand Matsu Temple and Taiwan Fu City God Temple.
 
 This latest move to strengthen the environment for international tourists follows the English Friendly Temples project launched last year. The initiative involved the installation of English and Chinese signs explaining everything from basic rituals and floor plans to histories and worship routes with the goal of promoting cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.
 
 Li Hsien-wei, deputy secretary-general of the office, said the excellent reception for the English Friendly Temples project prompted the development of the more in-depth audio experiences. “Many people were delighted to discover from the signs that they could take part in religious ceremonies and have their fortune revealed,” he said.
 
 The recordings are being produced in collaboration with five foreign writers and voice talents based in Taiwan: Piera Chen and Joshua Samuel, tour guide authors for Lonely Planet; Robert Dawson, a DJ from International Community Radio Taipei; Andrew Jackson, an English teacher; and Monica Mizzi, a blogger from Australia. They are on a weeklong trip to Tainan organized by the city government to explore the participating facilities.
 
 Chen said many international visitors are amazed by Tainan’s stunning temples, but the language barrier makes it difficult for them to appreciate their histories and religious significance. He applauded local government efforts in creating an English-friendly environment, adding that he will focus his introduction on the temples’ architectural artistry to strengthen awareness of their distinctive aesthetics.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=18&post=132472)