2022/08/23-25
My husband got the new job, and we had only one month to move to North. We decided to store our belongings at parents-in-law's place as it was closer, and then we drove from Miaoli to Yunlin to move the most important items first. We had a few days left before my husband started his new job, so he wanted to take a trip to the east of Taiwan. However, I was not feeling well and didn't have the mood and energy to travel. A few days later, I found out that I had contracted COVID-19...
During our trip to Hualien, we made a short stop at Dongshan River Ecological Park in Yilan. After exploring a while, we drove to Hualien, where we stayed for two days. We met up with my husband's friend and went out together a few times. The highlight of the trip was visiting Liushidanshan to see the blooming daylilies. His friend took us for an ATV ride on the beach in Hualien, which was fun, although I didn't enjoy getting covered in sand and dust.
On the morning of the third day, we visited Jian Shrine and then continued driving South. We stayed one night in Taitung to rest before heading back home. By the morning, I was feeling more tired and didn't have the energy to continue. We only made a short stop at Zhiben Waterfall in Taitung before driving back.
As we drove, my fatigue worsened. My husband thought I was dehydrated because the weather was hot during those days, and he suspected I had heatstroke. We made a stop in Yunlin at my parents-in-law's place to pick up some things and then drove to Miaoli. I sat on the sofa feeling half-dead and eagerly waited to go home.
The next morning, I woke up with body pain. I still managed to do the laundry (which was extremely difficult as I could barely move). I didn't have apetite and couldn't stand up, so I decided to take a COVID-19 test, which came back positive.
It finally explained why I didn't enjoy the trip to the east of Taiwan, which had always been my favorite thing to do. I honestly can't remember many things from the trip; I only know that everything bothered me those days, and the food didn't taste as good as it used to.
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The plan is to drive around Taiwan, with a focus on the east. Although it's closer for us to visit Yilan after moving to Toufen, we only made a short stop there and continued driving to Hualien. First, we stopped in the city to find some food, and then we drove further south and stopped at Dongshan River Park. It's a nice place to walk around or have a picnic, with plenty of grass and a beautiful river view.
Dongshan River Ecological Green Boat (冬山河生態綠舟)
Dongshan River Ecological Green Boat, formerly known as Dongshan River Forest Park, is managed by the Yilan County Government Industry and Commerce Office. The park covers a total area of about 18 hectares, showcasing the epitome of Yilan's landscape, human history, and natural ecology. From the riverside space, water surface, and river embankment to the mountains, forests, plants, creatures, and even recreational activities, ecological education, agricultural affairs, and farming, everything can be explored, learned, and experienced here. Visitors can take a boat ride along the river, and the drive also passes by a cave, which can be reached on foot as well. It's a popular spot for taking pictures.
Dongshan River Ecological Green Boat is a forest park that underwent a 20-year renovation before reopening. Since the renovation project in 1997, it was officially opened to the public in 2016. Over the past 20 years, the park has been dedicated to protecting plants and insect habitats, and it is currently actively restoring the firefly population. If the plan is successful, visitors will be able to enjoy the romantic view of fireflies during night tours in the future. The park is located near Dongshan Railway Station, making it easily accessible, and it covers a vast area. In addition to the spacious green space and scenic Dongshan River, the park is home to a rich insect ecology and adorable small animals, making it very suitable for family travel with children. Spend a day here, get up close to trains, take a boat ride through mysterious waterways, and find a shady spot for a picnic!
-> Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 (lights are turned off at 18:00 for ecological conservation), no admission after 22:00
-> Car parking price: 50NT
-> Ticket price (park):
Full ticket: 30NT
Free of charge for Yilan citizens
-> Ticket price (boat):
Full ticket: 75NT
Half ticket: 35NT (for seniors over 65 years old or children over 3 years old but under 12 years old)
Free of charge for children under 2 years old and persons with a disability handbook and their accompanying person
-> Boat ride duration: about 15-20 minutes
