Taidong - Sanxiantai
Taiwan's Aboriginal Culture
Hualien - Taroko Gorge
Taiwan's Wildlife
Beautiful Mountains
Breathtaking Sea View
Amazing Nature
Traditional Markets and Food

July 29, 2020

Yilan Travel: Visiting Yilan Distillery - Jiazilan Wine Relics Museum

By Żaneta Hsu July 29, 2020 // No comments

Travel Date: 2020/06/20~06/25

Our almost one-week-long holiday took us to the eastern part of Taiwan, exploring Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung. We started our journey by heading north from Tainan and made a stop at Fulong Beach in New Taipei to experience the Sand Sculpture Festival. The drive took us approximately 4 hours. From there, we continued to Yilan, where we visited various attractions such as Toucheng Town, Brick Kiln, Wine Museum, Confucius Temple, night markets, and the Nanfangao Lookout. We spent two enjoyable days exploring Yilan before moving on to Hualien.

During our visit to Hualien, we had the opportunity to experience the breathtaking Taroko National Park for the first time. The scooter ride along the winding roads next to the tall cliffs felt a bit thrilling but was absolutely worth it for the stunning views. We also explored some of the Japanese remains in Hualien, including the Manor House and Pine Garden. Although I personally feel that Hualien may be slightly less captivating than Yilan or Taitung, we still enjoyed our time there.

On our way to Taitung, we made a stop at a beautiful waterfall and also visited Luye Highlands. As we typically visit Taitung more frequently, we didn't plan to stay there this time and decided to drive back to Tainan. However, as it coincided with the beginning of a long weekend, accommodations were fully booked, and traffic started to get heavier. If you're interested, I have many posts introducing other attractions in these three counties, so feel free to check them out. The eastern part of Taiwan is truly a beautiful region to explore.

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We're continuing our second day of East Taiwan Travel.

Yilan Distillery Jiazilan Wine Museum (甲子蘭酒文物館)

The Jiazilan Wine Relics Museum, also known as Yilan Distillery, was established in 1910. Yilan was formerly known as Jiazilan and Karmaland, hence the name Jiazilan Wine when the distillery was founded.

The museum is housed in a rebuilt old warehouse building, carrying a long history. A unique urn wall made from decades-old wine urns can be found in the museum. The second floor is dedicated to exhibition rooms, showcasing the history of the Yilan winery, the wine brewing process, and the culture surrounding it. After visiting the exhibition rooms on the second floor, visitors can proceed to the first floor to purchase a variety of products, including wine-flavored food such as wine popsicles, wine jelly, wine eggs, as well as a selection of fine wines to taste.

The winery's history dates back to 1909, making it the oldest winery in Taiwan. It is also the only winery that still exists in the city center and has transitioned from a winery to a local representative establishment. During the Japanese rule in Taiwan, Yilan Liquor Company was founded by Lin Qingyun, a prominent figure in Yilan, who invested in the winemaking industry. Subsequently, nearby manufacturers were merged to form the Yilan Wine Company to manage taxes. In 1920, the Yilan Brewing Company was reorganized as Yilan Brewing Co., Ltd., becoming the first developed business in Yilan at that time. A dedicated stone lamp holder was even placed in Yilan Shrine to commemorate its significance.

Originally, the monopoly agency in the Yilan area was known as the "Monopoly Bureau Yilan Office," established in June 1920. After the war, the Taiwanese Government Monopoly Bureau was restructured into the "Taiwan Provincial Monopoly Bureau," leading to several changes and reforms within the wine company. In 1957, it was named the Yilan Distillery under the Tobacco and Wine Sales Bureau of Taiwan Province. In 1998, the Yilan Distillery underwent reform and was transformed into a winemaking and tourism destination, giving birth to the Jiazilan Wine Heritage Museum, which is now open to the public.

Yilan Distillery - Jiazilan Wine Relics Museum, Taiwan

Address:

260宜蘭縣宜蘭市舊城西路3號甲子蘭酒文物館

Yilan Travel: Brick Kiln and Funding of Yilan memorial hall

By Żaneta Hsu July 24, 2020 // No comments

Travel Date: 2020/06/20~06/25

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On the second day of our trip, we decided to drive further south to visit Yilan City and Luodong. Before heading out, we wanted to experience the hot springs in Jiaoxi. While our accommodation already had hot springs, I was determined to find another one in a different location. Close to our lodging, we discovered the Jiaoxi Public Hot Spring Park (湯圍溝溫泉公園). We also came across a shop selling chili ice cream, but the high price scared us away. Inside the shop, we noticed various chili-infused products like chocolate and beer.

Downtown Jiaoxi was very convenient, especially when it came to finding food options for the night. Yilan is famous for its scallions and spring roll ice cream.

Yilan Brick Kiln (宜蘭磚窯)

The Yilan brick kiln is an exemplary representation of the early Mulan kilns in Yilan County, featuring brick vaults and brick floors. It was officially designated as a county monument on December 27, 2002.

Also known as the Jinmei brick kiln, the Yilan brick kiln derives its name from the area's highly viscous soil, which is ideal for firing red bricks. Brick kilns have been constructed in Yilan since the Qing Dynasty. During the Japanese occupation period, there was a high demand for bricks, leading to the peak of brick kiln production.

However, with advancements in science and technology, brick-making techniques have improved, and concrete has gradually replaced the use of bricks. As a result, brick kilns have gradually declined and fallen into disuse. The Yilan brick kilns stand as the most well-preserved brick kiln monuments, representing centuries-old heritage in Yilan County.

The Yilan brick kiln consists of 13 brick kilns, all constructed with red bricks. At the end of the kiln, there stands a towering chimney reaching a height of 37 meters. Despite enduring numerous natural disasters over the years, the chimney stands steadfast and unyielding.

When visiting the Yilan brick kiln, visitors can observe the tools used for brick-making, explore the brick kiln where bricks were fired in the past, and encounter informative displays detailing the history of the brick kiln. Additionally, there is a folk art and literature studio that serves as a reminder of the brick kiln's glorious past.

Memorial Hall of Founding of Yilan (宜蘭設治紀念館)

In 1812, the Qing Dynasty established the Karmaran Hall in Yilan, initially commissioned by Commissioner Yang Tingli, who served as the prefect of Kailan prefecture, and later succeeded by Zhai Gan. This marked the historical development of Yilan's government. In 1895, during the Japanese occupation period, Yilan experienced significant stages of governance, including armed conflicts, modernization, and social unrest during the Pacific War. Over the course of 200 years, Yilan has been shaped by the governance of different regimes.

The Yilan Memorial Hall, built during the Japanese occupation period, was the official residence of successive chief executives. It bears witness to the trajectory of Yilan's administration over the past two centuries. Originally, the preservation of this historical building was sparked by a proposal to protect a 100-year-old camphor tree in the park. The Yilan County Government, in order to preserve this significant tree and leave a historical testament to Yilan's political development, launched the "South Gate Project" in Yilan City. This initiative not only resulted in the preservation of the large tree but also led to the reconstruction of the century-old mansion in 1997. The Yilan Memorial Hall showcases the historical development of the county's government since the Qing Dynasty and has given new life to this historical space.

Completed around 1906, the Yilan Memorial Hall is a fusion of Japanese wooden house and Western classical architecture styles. The outdoor garden, adorned with old trees, is one of the most distinctive features of the site. The garden spans an area of 800 pings, with the building covering 74 pings.

Memorial Hall of Founding of Yilan 宜蘭設治紀念館, Taiwan

Wusha Residence (吳沙故居)

Wusha Residence holds significant historical importance as a contributor to the development of Yilan. During a time when Yilan was relatively undeveloped, Wusha led Zhang, Quan, and Yue ethnic groups in reclaiming the land. Initially, he had conflicts with the Karmarans, but later gained popularity when he helped them during a smallpox outbreak. This act of kindness fostered gratitude and led to peaceful coexistence, laying the foundation for Kailan. As a respected figure, Wusha built a house and settled in the area. Although his former residence in Wusha has been renovated, traces of the hundred-year-old mansion can still be seen. The house is adorned with tablets and portraits of WuSha, paying homage to his legacy.

Address:

1. Tangweigou Hot Spring Park: 262宜蘭縣礁溪鄉德陽路99-11號湯圍溝溫泉公園
2. Brick Kiln: 260宜蘭縣宜蘭市津梅路75巷13號宜蘭市北津里津梅磚窯
3. Founding of Yilan Memorial Hall: 268宜蘭縣宜蘭市舊城南路力行3巷3號宜蘭設治紀念館

Yilan Travel: Old Town of Toucheng

By Żaneta Hsu July 19, 2020 // No comments

Travel Date: 2020/06/20~06/25

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Traveling with me can be tiring because I always want to visit numerous places and make the most of each day. I often forget to schedule breaks for rest or meals, which can be a bit challenging. At least my husband remembers to take breaks for meals. He often gets hungry while we're traveling.

Toucheng Old Street (頭城老街)

Toucheng Old Street, also known as Yilan First Street, stretches from the "South Gate Shrine" to the "North Gate Shrine." The old street is approximately 600 meters long. It used to be a bustling center for cargo distribution during the Japanese occupation period in 1924. Today, Toucheng Old Street is home to several monuments, old temples, and ancient banyan trees.

The Yilan area was once inhabited by the Kamalan Society. The Central Mountain Range acted as a barrier between the Ketagalans living in Sanjiaojiao and the Han forces, which prevented the Han people from settling in Wusha until 1796. Initially, transportation in the Lanyang Plain relied on shipping, and the Han people used Wushi Port as the main gateway, which officially became a port in 1826. Although land transportation eventually replaced sea transportation, Toucheng remained a significant political, economic, and railway transportation center in the northern Lanyang Plain. It was not until the floods in 1924 during the Japanese occupation period that its prominence declined.

新長興樹記

Built in 1921 and completed in 1924, New Changxing Shuji was a commercial firm engaged in the wholesale trade of goods from the north and south. It was the largest store in Toucheng during its heyday. The residents referred to it as the "big store," witnessing the rise and prosperity of Toucheng.

The architecture of the building is unique. It adopts a street house-style design to facilitate business. The facade features stone, wood, and painted tiles. The woodcarvings, though simple in appearance, are intricately detailed. The construction is well-proportioned and elegant, and the woodcarvings of the shop numbers and door couplets are particularly unique.

Lu Zhanxiang's Former Residence (盧纘祥故宅)

The construction of Lu Mansion was completed in 1928. Designed and supervised by Mr. Song Zuping, who was working in the Governor's Office at the time, it was the most magnificent mansion in Yilan County.

The mansion is a fusion of Japanese and Western architectural styles, featuring Japanese-style windows and cut-corner decorations on the roof. The pond in front of Lu Zhanxiang's old house used to be the inner harbor of Tauwei Port, which was later abandoned due to siltation. When the Lu family built the house in 1928, they transformed it into a Japanese-style "boat cruise" garden. On February 5, 2010, it was designated as a county monument.

Lu Zhanxiang's Former Residence 盧纘祥故宅, Yilan, Taiwan

The 13th Line of Toutong Town (頭城鎮十三行)

The 13th Line of Toutong Town date back to the Qing Dynasty, built during the Jiaqing period. It originally consisted of thirteen continuous row houses. Today, only two households remain, while the others have been rebuilt. On November 24, 2004, it was designated as a county monument.

Address:

261宜蘭縣頭城鎮和平街

New Taipei Travel: Fulong Beach Sand Sculpture Festival

By Żaneta Hsu July 13, 2020 // No comments

Travel Date: 2020/06/20~06/25

Fulong Beach (福隆海水浴場)

During our travel around Taiwan, our first stop was in New Taipei City. It took us about 4 hours to drive from our place in Tainan to Fulong Beach. The beach was quite crowded, with people mostly focused on playing in the water or sunbathing rather than watching sand sculptures. The measures for coronavirus prevention were still in place. Before entering, our body temperature was checked, although wearing masks was not required.

Typically, the sand sculpture festival is held starting in April. However, due to the pandemic this year, the launch date was postponed to May 30 and will run until September 30. The sand art display is open to the public from Monday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The admission fee for adults is NT$100 per person, while children under 12 and seniors over 65 can enter for NT$50. Children under 3 can enter free of charge.

The theme for this year's festival is "Dream of Giants," featuring a massive 55-meter-tall giant sculpture that has washed up on the beach. Surrounding the giant sculpture, there are several other impressive sand sculptures, including an 8-meter-high pyramid.