Exploring Miaoli: Cherry Blossoms, Waterfalls & Unexpected Delays

Travel Date: 2025/03/01

First things first, don’t be surprised by the cherry blossoms! This trip happened at the beginning of March, even though I’m only writing about it now. It took a while to put everything together, but here it is!

The past few weeks have been crazy. We all got sick, and this time, it wasn’t just a simple cough that lasted a few days. We had high fevers, followed by unusually low temperatures, and the worst part for me? I partially lost my hearing. For a few days, I could barely hear anything... not even my own voice. Luckily, I’m finally getting better. But as if that wasn’t enough, we have other challenges to deal with... 

Another reason why this blog post (and video) took so long? I had to switch to a new video editor after using the same one for two years. The new one feels way too advanced, and I’m still getting used to it. On top of that, I had several partially edited videos that I couldn’t finish in my old editor, so I had to start from scratch.

Chasing Cherry Blossoms in Nanzhuang

 The cherry blossoms were in Nanzhuang, but despite it being early March, most of the trees in the mountains had already finished blooming. Only a few bright pink ones were still holding on. We also visited an aboriginal village and then made our way to the Valley of the Gods Waterfall.

We’ve been to this waterfall before, but since we were in the area, we decided to stop by again. There’s a parking lot and even some food stalls at the entrance. The trail down is short and easy to walk, so no worries—it only takes a little while to reach the viewing area. While you can’t access the water itself, you get a great view of the waterfall from a suspension bridge.

We also grabbed a meal there, but honestly, the food was pretty plain—except for the sausage, which was by far the best part!

A Scenic Drive to Xiangtian Lake Tribe

After our waterfall stop, we hit the road again, heading toward Xiangtian Lake Tribe, about a 30-minute drive away. The weather was absolutely perfect—sunny and pleasantly warm, which was rare in recent days.

Xiangtian Lake was much busier than our previous stops, with lots of people walking around. Most visitors park and take the trail around the lake, but since we’ve done that before, we decided to follow the road around it instead. The road is narrow but manageable, even for cars, as there was a nearby camping area packed with people.

Speaking of camping—I still don’t really get the appeal. It always seems way louder than just sleeping at home! But I guess a lot of people enjoy it.

After driving around the lake, we returned to the parking lot for a short walk. This area had a lot more going on compared to our earlier stops. There were plenty of food stalls, and the tea eggs were definitely a highlight. The guy selling them was a peeling master—it took him just a second to peel an egg, while I always struggle and end up breaking them. Actually, older eggs are much easier to peel, so if you’re making tea eggs, check out my recipe and don’t use fresh eggs—they’re a nightmare to peel!

We walked around for a bit, and I think if we had come in mid-February, there would have been even more cherry blossoms. Still, the area was beautiful and peaceful, and I definitely recommend visiting if you’re ever in Miaoli.

A Perfect End to the Day

By afternoon, the sun in the mountains was already fading, and we started heading home. On our way back, we spotted several wild monkeys just chilling in the trees, completely unbothered by passing cars and scooters.

When we passed through Nanzhuang, it was really busy, but we didn’t stop since we’ve been there so many times already. Honestly, I’m starting to feel like I’ve seen all of Taiwan!

That’s it for this trip! If you’re into nature, waterfalls, and peaceful walks, Miaoli is definitely worth a visit. Stay tuned for more adventures, and let’s see where the road takes us next!

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Hsinchu Travel: Japanese style residence in Aboriginal Village in Taiwan

Travel Date: 2023/07/08

Driving here last time, we had to head back home after arriving in Beipu due to rainy weather.

This weekend, we decided to wake up a bit earlier and visit Chang Xueliang's Former Residence in the mountains of Wufeng Township, Hsinchu. We took the road that goes through Beipu Town and continued further into the Hsinchu Mountains, passing Shannping Old Street and several aboriginal villages. Along the road, there are many markings written in their own languages, adding to the cultural richness of the area.

Our destination was the Aboriginal Village - Qingquan Tribe in Wufeng Township. Although it's less than 50km away, it took us about 1.5 hours to drive from our home. The mountain road can be quite narrow at times, making it challenging to navigate when encountering oncoming traffic. While driving a scooter may seem easier, it can also be more dangerous due to the presence of cliffs and frequent warnings about falling stones. However, seeing several other cars driving to and from the Japanese house reassured us that it was possible to reach the destination by car.

Upon arrival, we discovered that, like many other places we visited in Taiwan, access to this spot was free of charge. The car parking area is located on the road before crossing the bridge. It's advisable not to park along the road near Chang Xueliang's Former Residence as it's a red zone, and the police frequently come to check. Adjacent to the building, there is a small public hot spring park, which we didn't have a chance to visit due to the scorching weather. The temperature was around 34 degrees Celsius, but it felt even hotter, like 40 degrees Celsius, especially around noon.

See also: Beipu Old Street

Zhang Xueliang's Former Residence (張學良故居) 

Zhang Xueliang's Former Residence  is a museum dedicated to his life in Wufeng Township, Hsinchu County.

Zhang Xueliang played a significant role in the reunification of China in 1928 following the conclusion of the Northern Expedition led by Chiang Kai-shek's National Revolutionary Army. The expedition aimed to unite the Beiyang Government under the Republic of China. However, Chiang was unwilling to collaborate with the Communist Party of China to defend the country against the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War. In December 1936, during the Xi'an Incident, Zhang took Chiang hostage and demanded an end to the civil war with the Communist Party and cooperation in the fight against the Japanese.

After Taiwan was handed over from Japan in 1945, Chiang imprisoned Chang for his involvement in the Xi'an Incident and placed him under house arrest in Wufeng Township, Hsinchu County from 1946 to 1957. Zhang left Taiwan in 1993 to visit his relatives in the United States. In 1995, he and his wife settled in Hawaii, where he passed away on October 14, 2001, at the age of 100.

The house where Zhang was held under house arrest was damaged by a landslide in 1963. New building was reconstructed in the southwest of the original site. 

In July 2008, the broken building underwent renovation to restore it and was opened to the public on December 12, 2008, during the 72nd anniversary of the Xi'an Inciden. The opening ceremony was attended by President Ma Ying-jeou. The house was later closed for further renovation and reopened on September 20, 2014. 

The house covers an area of approximately 150 m2. It's adorned with Zhang's original furniture and over 500 pictures donated by his two nieces. A bronze statue of Zhang and his wife is displayed in front of the historical house. 

The reconstructed former residence of Zhang Xueliang features a Japanese-style black-tiled farmhouse with a simple design that harmonizes well with the surrounding mountain scenery. The exhibition showcases various historical materials, including videos, old photos, maps, and documents, along with household items, pictures, and wall explanations, providing a vivid depiction of Zhang Xueliang's personal character and the living conditions of that era.

The building on the opposite side of the river serves as an Aboriginal museum.

Fun in the water

After exploring the site, we decided to play in the river. 

If you park in the car parking area, you'll find a large information board and a sign indicating that swimming is not allowed. In the bushes nearby, there is a small path that leads to the river. Some parts of the river can be dangerous with fast-flowing water. Just a few meters away, the water is calmer and small pools are formed with stones. 

When we arrived, we saw aborigines playing in the river. It was noticeable that they often have BBQs there, but unfortunately, they don't clean up after themselves. After a couple of minutes, they left, and we had the river to ourselves for a while. As the afternoon went on, more people arrived at the river, bringing kids to play here. Many people also camp in the car parking area, although it's technically illegal. Nonetheless, it seemed like a smart move as the car parking area is shaded with trees and provides a comfortable place to stay.

Aboriginal Museum of Wufeng Township (五峰鄉原住民族館)

Finding food was not a problem as there were several food stalls in the nearby aboriginal market. We could either walk or drive and park in the car parking area right next to it, which is what we did. Since there weren't many people when we visited, it was easy to find parking space. The market sells fruits, aboriginal ingredients such as millet wine or magao (mountain pepper), and various cooked foods like fried rice, fried noodles, Hakka noodles, and stir-fried vegetables. Considering it's a mountainous area far from the city, the prices seemed reasonable. Our food cost around 160NT.

A few kilometers away, there is also a 7-11 convenience store and a gas station.

The Museum of Aboriginal Peoples in Wufeng Township, formerly known as the Memorial Hall of the Former Residence of Zhang Xueliang, focuses on showcasing the culture of the Saisiyat and Atayal ethnic groups. The museum exhibits traditional costumes and everyday items of the aboriginal peoples, providing visitors with an opportunity to gain deeper insights into the lives and traditions of these two major ethnic groups residing in Wufeng Township.

Qingquan Falls (清泉瀑布)

We still wanted to see the nearby waterfall, which was only 2-3km away on the way back. We parked next to a church and asked a local person if that was the correct place. He assured us that we could follow the trail for a while, but it was impossible to get close to the waterfall anymore. We could only view it from a distance. We went to the trail entrance and found information stating that it had collapsed and was closed. So, unfortunately, we couldn't see the waterfall, but at least we had a great time playing in the river.

As it was already close to 4PM, we started our journey back home, considering it takes about 1.5 hours to drive, and the mountains get dark quickly. We noticed there were more cars on the road heading back compared to when we ventured out in the morning.

There is no need to come here as the trail to the waterfall has collapsed and it's no longer accessible.

Address:

1. Zhang Xueliang Former Residence: 311新竹縣五峰鄉張學良文化園區
2.  Aboriginal Museum: 311新竹縣五峰鄉五峰鄉原住民族館

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Taitung Travel: Donghe - the Monkey Valley in Taidong

Travel Date: 2019/08/31-09/02

t's our last day in Taitung (we only stayed here for 2 days), and tomorrow we're heading to Hualien. Thanks to my husband's uncle, we've visited some places that most local people would go to and discovered many shortcuts that Google Maps would never show you. Unfortunately, one day it rained heavily, so we could only visit the museum. The road to Hualien is filled with many attractions along the coastal area. We hope to see as many as possible, but we also had to cancel some of our plans due to lack of time. Seeing wild monkeys was a first-time experience for me. We went there twice because the weather was too bad on the first day. A monkey followed me, and I got scared and quickly jumped into the car. Unfortunately, the animal sat on our car's roof, doors, mirrors, and so on. The east coast is very beautiful, but unfortunately, we didn't have a chance to go to the beach. Usually, we made quick stops at many nearby places to see as much as possible.

Donghe Village (泰源幽谷)

From Donghe Bridge, along the Dongfu Highway into the coastal mountains, you can reach the famous Taiyuan Valley. It is surrounded by mountains and eroded by rivers, forming a canyon terrain. Taiyuan Valley is also a paradise for Taiwanese macaques. Monkeys can often be seen in the woods or directly approaching tourists for food, creating a unique scenery. It is the best place to enjoy monkeys in Taitung, adding more to the journey. Monkeys are easily seen near the bridge in the area. Be careful and don't take anything out of your car, as they will chase you. It's just a quick stop, not far from the main coastal road. Donghe Township has an old name, Fafukod (馬武窟), which means "fishing by net" in the Ami language. Many prehistoric artifacts have been found at the Dulan Site. In 1920, during Japanese rule, the Toran local office was established. In 1937, it was changed to Toran Village (都蘭庄) under Shinkō District (新港郡), Taitō Prefecture. The name "Donghe Township" was established after World War II and is currently used.

Newer post from Donghe: HERE

金樽陸連島

The Jinyu Recreation Area consists of a small bay, an offshore reef, a long sandy beach, and a coastal cliff. The bay is shaped like a wine glass and is called "Golden Dragonfly." Jinmao has a 3km stretch of soft beaches.

Amis Folk Center (阿美族民俗中心)

The Ami Folk Center is located next to the headquarters of the East Tube Office and covers an area of about 2 hectares. It features outdoor performance plazas, outdoor stands for 2,000 people, archery experience areas, Ami traditional houses, and more. Visitors can engage in DIY activities like making Ami beading or traditional instrumental flutes, or enjoy Ami traditional song and dance performances. It offers a chance to experience Ami culture and have fun with parents and children.

The Ami Folklore Center was completed in November 1995. The main building's sacred houses and homes were hand-painted according to the Japanese ethnologist Qian Qianyan. They imitated the priests of the Taiba Bengshe in Hualien County to build a home. Visiting here allows you to witness the unique living culture of the Ami.

Ami traditional houses are mostly made of thatch. In addition to visiting the famous buildings and understanding the beauty of Ami architecture, the folk center also features tribal cultural relics exhibitions, handicrafts, special product exhibitions, and food services.

The Ami ethnic group is located east of the Liwu River and the east coast of the East Coast. It has a population of about 140,000 and is the most populous group among Taiwan's aboriginal people. The Ami still retains a rich traditional culture. The Harvest Festival is the most representative traditional ritual. It is held every summer to celebrate the harvest of millet, offer sacrifices to ancestors and gods, and express gratitude. The ceremony is full of blessings and emphasizes the ethics of pursuing the future and unity.

Since the Ami society is predominantly matriarchal, the ideal Ami family house is long and wide, with a capacity of about 20 people. Ami traditional houses are mostly made of thatched roofs, wooden pillars, vertical bamboo side walls, and indoor rattan-woven elevated beds. Generally, houses usually need to be rebuilt after more than ten years of residence. The thatch on the roof needs to be replenished every year, and replacement is required every three to four years.

See also: Amis Folk Center

八嗡嗡海岸

In the Ami language, it is called "Paong'ong." There are two explanations for the origin of the place name. One is related to the nearby Kanatoron Creek and Chiinawan Creek. The Ami people call it "paongowan." The other explanation is that the area has many Papaongay plants. The buds of this plant have refreshing properties and can repel mosquitoes when burned. It is said that children who eat Papaongay's buds perform better in spiritual learning. Over time, the place became known as Paong'ong or Papaongay.

Museum of Natural History (台東縣自然史教育館)

The Taitung County Natural History Education Center displays a collection of 557 shell specimens and features mineral display rooms showcasing marine treasures and ores from around the world. It combines natural resources with educational functions.

The mineral exhibition room on the third floor displays over 200 ore rocks from Hualien and Taitung, including gemstones from the coastal mountains like sapphire. You can observe the contrast between original stones and carved stones.

Taiwan's Lanbao original stone was first unearthed during the Japanese colonial rule. It was discovered by the aborigines in Dulan Mountain. It is a 70-centimeter-long, 30-centimeter-wide, and 30-centimeter-high blue translucent stone that officially unveiled the upsurge of the East Coast Mountains.

Address: 

1. Monkeys: 959台東縣東河鄉東富公路登仙橋遊憩區
2. 金樽陸連島: 959台東縣東河鄉七里橋11號金樽陸連島
3. Amis Folk Center: 961台東縣成功鎮新村路25號阿美族民俗中心
4. Museum of Natural History: 961台東縣成功鎮基翬路16號台東縣自然史教育館

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