Tainan Travel: Going Back to Shanhua to Visit My Friend

It's been over a year since we moved out of Tainan, so I haven't seen my friend for a couple of months. She went to Poland with her kids this summer, but she is back now and we're going to Tainan this weekend, providing a good opportunity to meet up. 

The Shanhua Sugar Factory in Tainan County is one of the two remaining sugar factories that still conduct sugar cane crushing. Although it's impossible to visit the factory inside, you can take a walk around the park, which features several Japanese-era buildings. Nearby, there is an elementary school / kindergarten where we arranged to let the kids play together. Despite having only two hours to meet, time passed so quickly. It's unfortunate that it's so far away from where we currently live. Apart from one Polish girl who has already moved out of Tainan, she was the only Polish friend I frequently met.

I miss Tainan a lot. Personally, I find the people in Miaoli a bit unwelcoming, not just towards foreigners, but also to all non-Hakka people. Perhaps the common perception that Miaoli is a place with reserved locals is true. While I don't want to be swayed by others' opinions, after living here for a year, I've noticed that people seem more distant and less friendly compared to the warmth I experienced in the South. Even during my previous stay in Hsinchu, it was easier to strike up conversations with strangers, and people were more willing to offer help. That same sense of connection seems to be lacking in Miaoli.

Perhaps this feeling is confined to our particular neighborhood? I'm not entirely certain, but it appears that most of the friendly people we've encountered here originally hail from other counties, such as Kaohsiung or Chiayi, and their approach and mindset are different. Even in places like kindergartens or parks, people seem reserved and rarely engage in conversation with strangers. In the past, I used to be more reserved and didn't necessarily enjoy people approaching me, but now I'm more open to it. In the South, where I used to live, the neighborhood was incredibly friendly, and I would often have brief chats, despite my limited Chinese proficiency. It was also much easier to sell cakes there. I miss Tainan, especially after last weekend when I visited to meet a friend I hadn't seen in almost two years.

If you'd like to learn more about the Shanhua Sugar Factory, you can check out this post: HERE

We had lunch in Madou and dinner in Tainan City. I'd like to recommend these two shops that I really enjoy for their delicious food. At least the one in Madou is super popular and always crowded with people. That night, we drove to Yunlin to stay at my parents-in-law's place before heading back home the next day.

We also visited the Jianguo Military Village to see the progress of the ongoing renovations, but it seems that there hasn't been much progress, and there's still a lot to be done. They are also renovating the train tracks. I hope they'll finish before this year's sugar cane season starts, which should be pretty soon.

阿蘭碗粿, Madou District, Tainan County

天天有魚 虱目魚專賣店, North District, Tainan City

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Taichung Travel: Fun Day at Lihpao Land 麗寶樂園度假區

Travel Date: 2023/10/14

My husband's company organized a family day and invited workers with their families to the Amusement Park in Taichung called 'Lihpao Land 麗寶樂園度假區'. It was my first time visiting an amusement park in Taiwan. 

I can say it was really crowded. The wait time for most things was over an hour. Since we have a child, we also couldn't enjoy many of the attractions as he's too short. Since we only played on rides for smaller kids, it was a bit boring, but I did find two things that were really fun (the first two pictures below).

I'm still editing the video, and it's more fun to watch than the pictures. Feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel to see the most recent videos about life in Taiwan and Poland, as well as some cooking and baking recipes.

Initially, we didn't have raincoats, but my husband's coworker gave us some. It was good to have them because we (especially our son) quickly got splashed with a lot of water. His shoes were soaking wet afterward, but at least in mid-October, the weather is still great in Taiwan, with temperatures around 30 degrees. As October comes to an end, we get cooler weather and winds. Recently, in Miaoli, it was around 20 degrees, but with the wind, it feels even cooler. In weather like this, people are already wearing long pants and jackets, especially when riding scooters.

There were a few companies that also organized a family day at Lihpao Land. At noon, we had lunch with all the other workers and their families, around 200 people, I believe. The food was really delicious. The atmosphere was quite quiet since most people didn't know each other, and everyone had assigned seats, so even the workers were meeting each other for the first time. My husband mainly works from home and doesn't know many of his coworkers.

What can you enjoy at Lihpao Land?

The site where the theme park is located today was formerly a ranch owned by the Taiwan Sugar Corporation. The theme park, which covers an area of 200 hectares, was initially established in July 1998 under the name 'Yamay Recreation World' or 'Yamay Discovery World.' In 2012, it underwent a name change and was rebranded as 'Lihpao Land.

We obtained tickets to Discovery World, which offers over 30 attractions designed for people of different ages. I wasn't brave enough to try the rides for adults, as they seemed too fast and scary. 

Lihpao Land also has Mala Bay with 11 water attractions, an outdoor theater, and the ability to create waves up to 3 meters high. It's also home to Taiwan's largest Ferris wheel - Sky Dream, with a diameter of 120 meters, reaching a maximum elevation of 384 meters and featuring 60 luxury observation cars.

Lihpao Land has constructed the largest escape room-themed attraction in Taiwan, offering three major scenarios and nine themed games.

Lihpao International Racing Park is Taiwan's only G2 racetrack and karting racetrack accredited by the FIA and CIK. It boasts Taiwan's longest karting track, spanning over 1.5 km, with the most powerful karts imported from Italy. The highly anticipated F2 track for a G2-level racetrack is 3.5 km long, featuring 23 turns and the only one with a height difference of up to 5 stories along the track

You can also stay at Lihpao Fullon Hotel, which is located within the Lihpao resort and can accommodate over 1,000 people. The other hotel, T11 T12 Racing Theme Hotel, is the only racing-themed hotel in Taiwan.

Another part of the area is the Lihpao Outlet Mall, which offers top domestic and international sports and leisure brands, as well as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and souvenirs imported directly from Hokkaido, Japan. 

The parking fee is NT$20 per hour, with the first hour free. The maximum daily rate is NT$120. For motorcycles, the fee is NT$50.

The food that day included several appetizers, 'Buddha Jump Over the Wall' soup, chicken soup, seafood, and custard buns for dessert.

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Exploring Guanxi: Historical Gems of Hsinchu, Taiwan

Travel Date: 2013/09/15

Guanxi, nestled in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, is a captivating township rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its tea production, historic sites, and Hakka traditions, Guanxi invites visitors to explore its old streets, temples, and picturesque landscapes. 

We visited Guanxi sometime in 2018 when we used to live in Hsinchu City, and we decided to revisit it. We actually rode scooters from Toufen in Miaoli, and it took about 1 hour to get there, which was quite tiring. When we left home, the weather was really good with a clear blue sky, but it didn't stay the same. When we arrived, it was quite cloudy. Luckily for us, right?

During our visit, we explored the Tea Factory, an Old Bridge, a Japanese-style police office, and Guanxi Old Street, which seemed much emptier compared to a few years ago. We also explored some old houses around town.

Guanxi Dongan Bridge (關西東安橋) 

Guanxi Dong'an Bridge, situated in Guanxi Town, Hsinchu County, Taiwan, is a revered historical landmark. Originally known as Caifeng Bridge, it has been officially recognized as a designated historic site in Hsinchu County.

The necessity for this bridge arose due to the Niulan River's presence in the Guanxi region. Previous wooden bridges were frequently washed away by flash floods, causing disruptions in transportation. In 1933, a collaborative effort between the government, local residents, and the Sandun area (now Santun District of Dong'anli) led to the construction of Dong'an Bridge. Japanese experts were enlisted to design the bridge, and local artisans, particularly stonemason Li, utilized fine-textured local stones in its construction. The construction commenced on January 12, 1933 and concluded in late November of the same year. By August 1935, the entire transportation system was accessible.

Upon its official opening in 1935, a monument was erected to commemorate the bridge's completion, with an inscription indicating an erection cost of 4,669 yen. Donations from local residents  contributed significantly to its construction. The names of households that donated more than 1 yuan each are engraved on a stone tablet at the east end of the bridge. Dong'an Bridge played a pivotal role in transporting agricultural produce from Dong'an and Dongshan areas to the market, becoming a vital transportation artery in Kansai's history of development.

As time progressed and vehicular traffic increased, the Hsinchu County Government renovated the Niulan River in 1999. This included the creation of the Niulan River Water Park adjacent to Dong'an Bridge, featuring a buffalo statue and a suspension bridge, as well as stone landscaping. The waterfront park has become a venue for various events, including markets and concerts in conjunction with the Guanxi Town Art Festival. In 2003, a new five-arch bridge was constructed adjacent to the old bridge, and in 2010, Dong'an Bridge was officially designated as a county-designated historic site by the Cultural Bureau of the Hsinchu County Government.

In 2017, Guanxi Town Office independently repaired the bridge, garnering attention from the Cultural Affairs Bureau. In 2019, due to issues like concrete deterioration and steel corrosion, plans to dismantle and rebuild the guardrail of Dong'an Ancient Bridge were considered by the Guanxi Town Office. However, local environmental and Native Culture Associations opposed this plan. After a public hearing, a consensus was reached to dismantle it while preserving the ancient bridge's guardrail construction style as much as possible. The guardrail reconstruction project replicated the original ancient bridge's design.

Dong'an Bridge's classical and elegant architecture, coupled with the picturesque waterside park, has made it a popular filming location for movies. Productions like the 2008 film "Ghost Love Letter" and the 2015 movie "My Girlhood" have featured scenes shot at the Niulan River Water Park and Dong'an Bridge.

Guanxi Branch Office (關西分駐所)

The Guanxi Branch Office, a historical landmark completed in 1920 during the period of the Japanese Empire, is designated historic site.

This distinguished edifice has played multiple roles throughout its storied past. During the Japanese colonial period, it functioned as a vital administrative center for the Japanese colonial government, overseeing local affairs and household registration in Guanxi Village. Later, following a fire incident, it was repurposed as the office space for the local "Baojia Secretary Office" under the jurisdiction of the Hsinchu County Office Police Division.

After World War II, the building passed into the hands of the local government, continuing to serve as a vital hub for various police units. However, as time took its toll, the structure faced challenges such as aging, inadequate facilities, and water leakage issues. In response, local government authorities initiated a renovation and relocation plan, resulting in the construction of a new Japanese-style branch office building, mirroring the existing architecture. This new Guanxi branch was officially completed on March 27, 2017, marking a new chapter in its history as it relocated to its modern premises.

The original Guanxi Branch Office, with its enduring Japanese architectural flair, primarily features a one-story reinforced concrete brick structure adorned with Japanese tiles on the roof. A distinctive triangular gable graces the front entrance, while the columns on either side exhibit Western geometric pattern reliefs, giving the building an intriguing style. A unique blend of Japanese and local architectural elements characterizes this historic structure.

Adjacent to the main building stands the Guanxi Branch Director's Dormitory, a splendid example of Japanese-style wooden architecture, which adds further charm to the site.

Today, the original Guanxi Branch Office stands as a testament to the rich history of the region and its architectural heritage. 

Jintai Tea Factory (錦泰茶業股份有限公司) 

The Jintai Tea Factory, nestled in the heart of Guanxi, Hsinchu County, boasts a storied legacy in the production of renowned Hakka teas, including Oriental Beauty Tea, Lei Cha, and fruit tea. This esteemed establishment, founded in 1936 by Luo Jinxi, initially commenced its operations using equipment that had gracefully aged over 70 years. During the Japanese occupation, it operated relentlessly with a workforce exceeding 50 individuals, and its output of 50,000 kilograms of raw tea found its way to destinations worldwide. The factory's unwavering commitment to both productivity and quality earned it widespread recognition, including accolades in prestigious tea competitions.

In response to surging demand, a new Guanxi Factory was erected in 1938. This expansion was marked not only by the introduction of modern machinery but also the preservation of traditional equipment, resulting in a harmonious blend of old and new. This strategic move effectively tripled the factory's size, ushering in a new era of enhanced efficiency. Today, the Jintai Tea Factory occupies an expansive area spanning approximately 5,000 pings (a unit of land measurement in Taiwan) and stands as a living testament to its rich historical legacy, housing valuable artifacts that reflect its enduring heritage.

As the landscape of tea production in Hsinchu evolved over time, Mr. Luo Jinxi demonstrated remarkable adaptability. In 1991, he diversified the company's focus towards tourism and domestic research and development. Pioneering innovative tea varieties like sour citrus tea and blending traditional techniques with modern technology, such as longan charcoal roasting for alpine oolong tea, the Jintai Tea Factory continues to push boundaries. It has metamorphosed into the Hsinchu Jintai Sightseeing Tea Factory, a multifaceted institution that not only produces exceptional teas but also hosts the Jintai Tea Cultural Relics Museum. Furthermore, the factory's profound historical significance has led to its designation as a cultural monument, serving as a living testament to Taiwan's rich tea history and heritage.

Hakka-style tea

One of the noteworthy Hakka fruit teas is Bitter Orange Tea, crafted from Huton Gan, a generously sized bitter citrus fruit. Traditionally, this fruit is often used as a decorative element during Chinese New Year celebrations, but its inherent bitterness typically deters its consumption. However, the ingenious preparation of Bitter Orange Tea involves thoroughly cleaning the fruit's interior and filling it with tea leaves. The result is a delightful infusion with a complex flavor profile, encompassing sweetness, subtle sourness, and a lingering bitterness. This unique tea undergoes a meticulous process of nine steaming and nine drying cycles, spanning approximately half a year. The extended air drying period contributes to its distinct flavor, and notably, this tea contains no added preservatives. Additionally, it exhibits reduced foaming compared to conventional teas, making it a distinctive and cherished beverage choice.

Another renowned Hakka tea is Lei Cha, also known as Pounded Tea. According to legend, during the Three Kingdoms period, soldiers faced a plague outbreak. An elderly herbal doctor concocted a healing tea by mixing raw tea leaves, rice, and ginger with boiling water, which remarkably aided the soldiers in recovering their health. In contemporary times, Lei Cha can be savored as both a beverage and a dessert. Its versatility lies in the diverse array of ingredients that can be incorporated, such as sesame, red beans, soybeans, barley, lotus seeds, or pumpkin, creating a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.

Roasted oolong tea, on the other hand, is a product of meticulous charcoal roasting. The tea leaves undergo a transformation during the baking process, resulting in a rich brown hue that characterizes brown oolong tea. This tea boasts an infusion that exudes an inviting amber color, a robust flavor profile, and a captivating aroma that's uniquely its own. Beyond its delightful taste, roasted oolong tea is known for its efficacy in combating greasiness, aiding digestion, and alleviating the effects of indulgence, making it particularly well-suited for consumption after a hearty, oily meal.

Guanxi Old Street (關西老街)

Guanxi Street, originally named Guanxi Zhuang, was established in 1920. The buildings along Guanxi Old Street are predominantly two-story structures adorned with Baroque-style facades. Typically, Old Streets are bustling with visitors on weekends, but during our visit, we didn't encounter many. However, this charming locale boasts a variety of shops, including a century-old bookstore renowned for its extensive collection of 3,000 books. Additionally, you'll find a clothing store specializing in natural dyes and a delightful teahouse.

Exploring the historical alley is another highlight of this area, steeped in memories. This narrow alley, in existence for over a century, once served as a shortcut to the Dongtai Theatre, where countless young people gathered to watch movies and share their love stories. It holds cherished memories from past generations. The goal was to recreate the ambiance of this narrow alley in modern life, offering young people a chance to connect with its history and relish a unique and comfortable walking experience. As you stroll along this alley, you'll come across paintings on the ground and stories etched onto the walls. Although the theatre building now appears quite dilapidated, you can locate a QR code on the structure that links to a video about Guanxi.

Address:

1. Jintai tea Factory:  306新竹縣關西鎮中豐路一段336號錦泰茶業股份有限公司
2. Guanxi Old Street: 306新竹縣關西鎮中正路關西老街

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