Showing posts with label Taiwan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taiwan. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Taiwanese style tour - Meinong District, Kaohsiung City: Hakka Beauty and Hospitality

 
Meinong District, Kaohsiung City: Hakka Beauty and Hospitality



Meinong District, Kaohsiung City: Hakka Beauty and HospitalityMeinong is a small southern Hakka community with plenty of visual charm. Meinong came out on top in the "Land of Smiles" internet survey jointly conducted by CommonWealth magazine and the Taiwan Tourism Bureau. Its vibrant Hakka culture, rustic landscape, and simple, sincere residents make it a popular destination for visitors who want to experience the richness of the Hakka culture and way of life.Harmony with Nature
The Hakka people have a close connection to the land—a link that is reflected in the community's strong disposition towards environmental protection. In Meinong, nature and man coexist, bringing the butterflies, birds, and nature's other creations close to hand.Living Culture
Meinong has preserved its roots in Hakka tradition more fully than any other town in Taiwan. The best way to experience these living traditions is to stroll through the town and take part in its daily life activities.

Abundant Harvests and Delicious Cuisine
Clear water and ideal growing conditions have made Meinong a center for high-quality rice, vegetables and fruit. These ingredients combine with the town's Hakka food culture to create a number of must-try specialty dishes.

Culture and Arts
Education and culture have always occupied a high place in Hakka communities. This is amply evident in Meinong, whose cultural atmosphere is everywhere evident in everyday life, both traditionally and with innovative new faces.

With its richness of culture, history, natural beauty, and tourism resources, Meinong is a destination you will want to see with your own eyes.



Part 1 Photos Fields of sunflowers brighten the green foothills of Meinong with their golden hues in winter.Part 2 Photos Fields of colorful flowers blanket the farms of Meinong after the autumn harvest.Part 3 Photos A procession of people wearing traditional Hakka blue robes Hakka advances to the Respect Words Pavilion to burn paper with writing.Part 4 Photos Farmers stoop to transplant seedlings in a rice paddy at the base of Meinong Mountain.Part 5 Photos Hakka women with protective hats and headscarves tend to a field of tall tobacco plants.Part 6 Photos Stripped tobacco leaves are sorted by size and quality.Part 7 Photos Several old tobacco buildings have been preserved in Meinong.Part 8 Photos In summer, yellow butterflies descend en masse to the green valley of Meinong.Part 9 Photos Meinong has preserved the traditional skills for hand-made paper umbrellas.Part 10 Photos A happy pair of Meinong farmers collect Meinong's trademark white radishes together.





(Traffic information is subject to change. Please check with the transportation station before departure.)














AddressMeinong District, Kaohsiung City

 
Longitude/Latitude  (22.890093,120.566883)
Public1.THSR: From Zuoying Station, take the Cishan-Meinong Express Bus to Meinong.2.Taiwan Railway: From Kaohsiung Station, take bus No. 8011, 8025, 8028, or 8038 to Meinong.







Taiwanese style tour - Xinyi District, Taipei City: Fashion Central

 
Xinyi District, Taipei City: Fashion Central



Xinyi District, Taipei City: Fashion CentralXinyi is a one-of-a-kind tourism area in Taiwan. A product of urban planning, it is the center of fashion and a place where Taipei's future is being created. The district has convenient transportation links to other parts of the city and region. The stores here sell the world's best brands. Xinyi is also home to Taiwan biggest bookstore chain, Eslite and the international landmark Taipei 101 building. Four Four South Village (a restored military dependents housing complex), Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, an internationally-renowned Michelin star restaurant, eye-catching buildings and installation art, and the annual Taipei New Year Eve Party all further add to the sparkle of Xinyi District.For shopping, entertainment and delicious cuisine to art, culture and international MICE facilities, Xinyi District serves up the best of Taiwan.



Part 1 Photos 【Taipei City View from Xiangshan】<br /><br/>From the 183-meter-high peak of Xiangshan one can enjoy an unobstructed view of nearby Xinyi District.Part 2 Photos 【Taipei City View from Xiangshan】<br /><br/>Xiangshan is a popular spot for expert photographers to capture the sunset view of Xinyi District.Part 3 Photos 【Taipei 101】<br /><br/>Located on Xinyi Road, Taipei 101 is a landmark building that has put Taipei on the world map. The 89th-floor observatory offers a panoramic view of Taipei.Part 4 Photos 【Four Four South Village】<br /><br/>The yesteryear Four Four South Village and modern Taipei Financial Center buildings present the architectural styles of Xinyi District past and present in striking contrast.Part 5 Photos 【 Taipei World Trade Center Plaza Landscaping】<br /><br/>Peony's set the visual tone at this plaza area, adding a colorful note to the city landscape. The flowers also represent the Part 6 Photos 【 Xinyi Sky Bridge 】<br /><br/>This sky bridge has a space-capsule-like roof and is bathed in light after dusk, making an elegant addition to the night view in Xinyi District.Part 7 Photos 【 Eslite Xinyi Flagship Store】<br /><br/>This is a perfect spot for visitors to experience the local book culture and immerse in the pleasure of reading.Part 8 Photos 【Taipei New Year's Eve Party 】<br /><br/>Hundreds of thousands of people come together for the countdown to the New Year during the energy-charged Taipei New Year's Eve Party.Part 9 Photos 【Taipei 101 Fireworks Show 】<br /><br/>The New Year's Eve countdown climaxes with Taiwan's biggest fireworks show: an event that turns the international spotlight on Taiwan.Part 10 Photos 【Xinyi Shopping District】<br /><br/>Xinyi's high-end department stores offer the largest collection of top brand products. Their lit exteriors also add a colorful note to the night view in Xinyi District.





(Traffic information is subject to change. Please check with the transportation station before departure.)














AddressXinyi District, Taipei City
Longitude/Latitude  (25.0287024,121.5769572)
Public1.THSR: From Taipei Main Station, take the MRT Bannan Line to Taipei City Hall Station.2.Taiwan Railway: From Taipei Main Station, take the MRT Bannan Line to Taipei City Hall Station.

3.Bus: Take an intercity bus to Taipei City Hall Bus Station.

4.MRT: Take the MRT Bannan Line to Taipei City Hall Station.






Taiwanese style tour - Beitou District, Taipei City: Small Town Elegance

 
Beitou District, Taipei City: Small Town Elegance



Beitou District, Taipei City: Small Town EleganceFeatured in the Travel section of the The New York Times online edition, Beitou a hot spring escape with abundant natural, cultural and historical attractions, as well as convenient rapid transit access, making it one of Taipei's premier tourism destinations.Beitou District encompasses the Beitou Hot Springs, Yangmingshan National Park, and the Guandu scenic area. The Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Taiwan Folk Arts Museum, and Plum Garden are a few of the many points cultural and historic interest here. Distinctive hot spring hotels, Taiwan's first green library building, and the hot-spring themed MRT train art are other attractions here. In 2011, Beitou was ranked as a three-star tourist attraction in the Michelin Green Guide. Fox News also gave a thumbs-up to this very special tourism district.



Part 1 Photos 【Taiwan Folk Arts Museum】<br /><br/>This museum is housed in what was once Beitou's premier hot spring hotel. Preserved as a city historic site, the museum displays an extensive collection of folk and cultural relics. The museum building is built of wood and infusPart 2 Photos 【Beitou Library】<br /><br/>This is the first library in Taiwan to earn a diamond rating under the EEWH green building certification system. The library is built with a wooden structure and serves as a showcase for eco-friendly building techniques.Part 3 Photos 【Beitou Garden Spa】<br /><br/>Located at Beitou Park, this popular open-air hot spring has six spring pools of various temperature, all fed by the green sulfur springs from Thermal Valley.Part 4 Photos 【Beitou Hot Spring Museum】<br /><br/>This museum is best known for its Roman-style baths, which recall the earlier splendor of the Beitou Hot Springs. The historic museum building and extensive displays inside make this a good place to learn more about Beitou.Part 5 Photos 【Thermal Valley (Diregu)】<br /><br/>Thermal Valley was counted among the top-12 scenic sites in Taiwan during the Japanese occupation period. This area is shrouded year-round in the steam from green sulfur springs of a type found only in Beitou and Akita PrefecturPart 6 Photos The Part 7 Photos Built in 1930s, this was once the home of scholar and calligrapher Yu Youren. The home is a city historic site and has been preserved in its original Japanese style, with tree-lined courtyard, exhibition area and visitor center.Part 8 Photos The Xinbeitou MRT Line train is painted in hot spring themed designs with a whimsical touch that are sure to bring a smile to your face.Part 9 Photos Inside the Xinbeitou MRT Line train is a wooden hot spring bath with a display introducing the attractions in Beitou.Part 10 Photos Beitou





(Traffic information is subject to change. Please check with the transportation station before departure.)














AddressBeitou Dist., Taipei City
Longitude/Latitude  (25.1167,121.5)
Public1.THSR: From Taipei Main Station, take the MRT Danshui Line to Beitou Station. Transfer to the MRT Xinbeitou Branch Line and get off at Xinbeitou Station.2.Taiwan Railway: From Taipei Main Station, take the MRT Danshui Line to Beitou Station. Transfer to the MRT Xinbeitou Branch Line and get off at Xinbeitou Station.

3.Bus: Take the THSR or Taiwan Railway to Taipei Main Station. In front of the Zhengzhou-side Exit, take the No. 218 bus to Beitou Park.

4.MRT: Take the MRT Danshui Line to Beitou Station. Transfer to the MRT Xinbeitou Branch Line and continue to Xinbeitou Station.






Taiwanese style tour - Anping District, Tainan City: Namesake of Taiwan

 
Anping District, Tainan City: Namesake of Taiwan



Anping District, Tainan City: Namesake of TaiwanIn earlier times, Anping was known as "Dayuan," the origin of the name "Taiwan." It is known not only for its deep culture and history, but also for its sunsets, nightlife, beautiful natural scenery, ocean activities, and delicious cuisine.Anping abounds with historic sites—Anping Fort, the Eternal Golden Castle, and Anping Tree House are a few of its major attractions. Other points of interest include the Old Julius Mannich Merchant House, Haishan Hostel, Tait & Co. Merchant House and Anping Minor Artillery Fort. These historical sites reflect the history and architectural styles of the Dutch occupation, Cheng Cheng-kung (Koxinga) period, Qing administration, and Japanese colonial era, embodying more than 300 years of quintessential history in Taiwan.No visit to Anping is complete without trying the amazing array of delicious local foods—shrimp cakes, bean curd pudding, candied fruit, shrimp rolls, oyster rolls, fish ball soup, and oyster pancakes, for a start. The shops around Yanping Old Street are good places to find distinctive mementos and gifts—no one leaves Yanping empty-handed!


Part 1 Photos 【Anping Fort 】was the first fort built by the Dutch in Taiwan. At that time it was called Fort Zeelandia, as well as the Part 2 Photos 【 Old Julius Mannich Merchant House 】is a grade-three national historic site. It was built by the Germans as a trading post. During Anping's commercial heydays, this was one of five major foreign trading houses in the district, along with Tait & Co., BainPart 3 Photos Located by Anping Fort, 【 Yanping Street】 was built by the Dutch over three centuries ago and is known as the Part 4 Photos Winner of the 2009 FIABCI-Taiwan Real Estate Excellence Award and Yuan-Yie Award, this is a perfect spot for enjoying the sea views recreation. There is also a harbor loop route to enjoy a stroll at the old Anping Harbor.Part 5 Photos This recreational park combines natural scenic beauty, historical waterways, and harbor-side charm. In addition to the rich mangrove ecology, the area has bike paths and bird-watching platforms.Part 6 Photos 【Anping's famous sunsets】 light up the clouds each evening, bathing the dusk sky in a breathtaking tapestry of colors.Part 7 Photos 【A former Tait & Co. warehouse】 , Anping Tree House has long been engulfed by old banyan trees. Following a restoration, the site won the FIABCI-Taiwan Real Estate Excellence Award and Public Construction Golden Quality Award for outstanding environmentalPart 8 Photos Anping's bike paths provide eco, recreational, riverside, and heritage site routes. All 25 convenience store in the township provide free pumping services.Part 9 Photos 【Sword Lion Park 】is the first sword lion themed park in Taiwan. The sword lion wards off, repels bad fortune, and invites good luck. Anping was once called Part 10 Photos Anping is a seafood paradise with a unique geological landscape, traditional cuisine handed down across the generations, promising a rich experience, both cultural and culinary.





(Traffic information is subject to change. Please check with the transportation station before departure.)














AddressAnping District, Tainan City
Longitude/Latitude  (22.9934043,120.1647036)
Public1.THSR: From Tainan Station take the THSR Shuttle Bus (Tainan City Hall Route) to the Qingping Road/Ande Road stop.2.Taiwan Railway: Take the train to Tainan Station and then take the Tainan City Bus No. 2, 14, 88, or 99 to visitors sites in Anping District.






Taiwanese style tour - Dajia District, Taichung City: Matsu Culture

 


Dajia District, Taichung City: Matsu CultureDajia brings together a unique mix of natural assets—the Dajia River, Da'an River, and Tiezhen Mountain among them, with other attractions, such as the Craftsman's Hometown recreational farm area, Songbo Harbor, distinctive folk ceremonies, and a rich local history and culture. Zhenlan Temple, built on present-day Dajia Street by early Han Chinese settlers, hosts the Dajia Matsu pilgrimage activity each March. More than one million people join this annual event, ranking the festival among the top-three religious celebrations in the world. Living history can be experienced at the Chastity Arch, which recounts the story of the frail sister who saved the townspeople, and Wenchang Temple, built with funding by the local gentry to support education. Dajia is also famous for its specialty farm products, including award-winning premium rice, certified high-quality bitter gourd, Welsh onions, and square watermelon. Jian Well (Sword Well), built on Tiezhen Mountain during Koxinga's administration of Taiwan, the historic Rinan Railway Station and Da'an River Bridge, and locally-produced hats, mats, and pastries are other worthwhile attractions for local and foreign visitors alike, inviting you to discover the deep history and warm hospitality of Dajia.



Part 1 Photos 【Dajia Taro】 Dajia has long been a major center of taro farming in Taiwan. The local taros are famously delicious thanks to ideal growing conditions. Taro ice-pops (ice cream) and taro cookies are also local specialties.Part 2 Photos 【Rush Hats and Mats】 During the early Qing period, Dajia was a major producer of rush mats. Popular as gifts in officialdom, the mats were woven by local women from triangle rush. In the early Japanese occupation period, Dajia native Hung Yang began weavPart 3 Photos 【Matsu Pilgrimage】The southward pilgrimage of Part 4 Photos 【Dajia Baked Goods】 In earlier times, it was customary in Dajia for a groom to give pastries and meat pies to his bride-to-be. The women would offer these gifts to her ancestors and then give them to friends and relatives. This tradition has made Dajia fPart 5 Photos 【Wenchang Temple】Wenchang Temple has played a civilizing role in Dajia by lifting the level of culture and education in the area. The temple is today protected as a city-level historic site.Part 6 Photos 【Rinan Railway Station】The Rinan Railway Station is housed in a wooden structure with a distinctive asymmetrical roof that gives it the appearance of being cut in half. The station house is a city-level historic site.Part 7 Photos 【Craftsman's Hometown: Sunflowers】Craftsman's Hometown is a recreational farm area linked by bikeway to a seawall, wind farm, Songbo Fishing Harbor, plant nurseries, farms, and a wealth of coastal flora and fauna.Part 8 Photos 【Lin Chastity Memorial Archway】 This archway memorializes the virtue of an Part 9 Photos 【Zhenlan Temple】Matsu is the principle deity at Zhenlan Temple. The temple is architecturally steeped in folk art tradition and attracts throngs of visitors from throughout Taiwan and the world.Part 10 Photos 【Jian Well (Sword Well) on Tiezhen Mountain 】 According to legend, Cheng Cheng-kung (Koxinga) and his troops were surrounded by Pingpu aboriginals on Tiezhen Mountain during their northward march army north in 1662. In order to find drinking water, he pl





(Traffic information is subject to change. Please check with the transportation station before departure.)






















Tel+886-4-2687-2101
AddressDajia District, Taichung City
Longitude/Latitude  (24.349083,120.622468)
TransportationFreeway No. 3 → Exit at the Dajia Interchange → County Road 132 → Shuntian Rd.
Public1.THSR: Take the train to Wuri Station in Taichung and then take the 93 Sea Loop route bus to Dajia Railway Station.

2.Taiwan Railway: Take the Coastal Line to Dajia Railway Station; or take the train to Taichung Railway Station and then take the Dajia-bound G-Bus to Dajia Station.

3.Bus: From Taichung Railway Station take the Dajia-bound G-Bus to Dajia Station; or from Fengyuan Railway Station take the Fengyuan Bus Dajia-bound shuttle to Dajia; or from Miaoli Railway Station take the Miaoli Bus Dajia-bound shuttle to Dajia.