Taiwan Revisited 2019, Day 3

My trip continued with another visit to Shifen Waterfalls Park and Maokong Gondola ride.

SHIFEN WATERFALLS PARK
Widely regarded as  most scenic waterfalls in Taiwan, Shifen Waterfalls is 40 meters high and its strong cascades create double rainbow . The waterfall can be reached after a 30 minute walk from the Old Street. 

Prior to reaching the waterfalls, one will cross a suspension bridge where a river runs underneath. 

At the end of the bridge, you will reach a park and view deck  built along the waterfall for a relaxing view. 

Food stalls, dining area, comfort rooms are provided for visitors.

refreshing aiyu lemon jelly juice

sweetened cherry tomatoes

Spend an hour at the waterfall park and return to the Old Town for another leisurely walk.

 Catch the train back to Ruifang and try to get the front seat beside the train driver. The view at the front seat is relaxing.

Direction to Shifen Waterfalls Park

1. Take a train from Taipei main station to Ruifang train station (瑞芳車站)
2. walk to underground to the other side and transfer train to the Pingxi Line (平溪線)
3. Ride train to Shifen train station (十分车站): 1 hour travel time.
4. From the station, walk 20-30 minutes to Shifen Waterfalls. There are English signs along the road, so you won't get lost.

MAOKONG GONDOLA CABLECAR RIDE

Maokong is a picturesque village located at the top of a mountain with breathtaking views of Taipei City. You can reach this place via the Maokong gondola cable car ride. Choose the Crystal Cabins which have glass bottom cars to see the green views below.

 Alight at the third stop and stroll along the road, try street food, and enjoy the city view.

Direction to Maokong Gondola
Take the MRT brown line and alight at Taipei Zoo Station; 10 minute walk to the gondola station. Entrance fees: NT$120 each way for adults, NT$50 for children 6-12 and seniors over 65, with each adult allowed up to 2 children under 6 for free. Easycard can be used to pay the entrance fee.

Taiwan Revisited 2019, Day 2

On my second day, I headed to Houli Farm, Shifen and Rouhe Night Market. 
 
HOULI FLOWER FARM
I took the high speed train (HSR) for a fast 45 minute ride to Taichung Station  then transfer to local train Xinwuri Station which is just adjacent to Taichung Station. The flower farm is Instagram worthy due to numerous colorful blooms. The owner of the farm set up nice structures where visitors can take lovely photos.

HSR ticket

Gate/Entrance to the flower farm

How to get to Houli Flower Farm
Take the HSR or TRA to Taichung (if HSR NTD700) , transfer to Xinwuri Station and stop at Tai'an Station, hail a taxi to the flower farm , fare NTD150;   farm is quite far and I advise to take a cab to spare the long walk

SHIFEN OLD STREET

The town of Shifen has railroad tracks running through its old street. Along the side of the railroad are shops & restaurants, plus sky-lantern lightings.

Visitors are drawn to releasing lighted sky lanterns along the tracks. Visitors buy the lanterns , paint their wishes on them and release them to the sky.
 

There is also an old bridge across the train station and a river runs underneath.

You will never go hungry as there are lots of food stalls. Try the peanut ice cream, chicken wings, fried squid to name a few

Shifen Waterfall park has a schedule and it was already closed when I got there at 430pm

How to get to Shifen Old Town

From Taipei Main Station, take a northbound train (except Keelung-bound trains) towards Ruifang Station. walk to the other side of the track via underground walkway and transfer to the Pingxi Line

RAOHE NIGHT MARKET

A must when in Taiwan is to visit at least one night market. At the night market, one can see plenty of food selection cooking right in front of you. There are also different merchandise from clothing, electronic gadgets, toys and nicknacks.

Must try food : crispy pork pepper bun, pork sausage, aiyu lemon jelly, 

must try crispy pork pepper bun NTD50 each

squid takoyaki balls,  6pcs @NTD100

pork sausage , NTD50 each

selfie pod, ring light, zoom lens for smartphones

 
 How to get to Raohe Night Market

Take the MRT green line and alight at  Songshan Station. Follow the directional sign upon exit from the train.

Taiwan Revisited 2019 , Day 1

My second visit to Taiwan was a solo trip. I missed my travelmate and am sure my partner is always with me in spirit.

I went to places which we did not visit the first time we went to Taiwan.  Like the first time, I used mostly the MRT, TRA and HSR to reach well known places. I got my wifi and easycard which are part of my travel essentials.

Hello Kitty Edition of Easy Card @NTD100

NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM
I was not able to get inside the museum because there were tons of tourists and I felt unpleasant jostling for position to view the exhibits. I wandered outside and gazed at the beautiful facade and courtyard of the museum

How to get to National Palace Museum

Take  MRT Red Line and alight at Shilin Station (士林). Exit and walk towards the highway, look for the bus stop and ride Bus R30 to National Palace Museum.  Fare is NTD 17

CHIANG  KAI SHEK MEMORIAL HALL
This sprawling complex consists of Front Gate, National Concert Hall, National Theatre and the Memorial Hall.
The Memorial Hall structure is white with four sides and has an octagonal blue roof. There are two stairways with 89 step each, the number of which is the age of Chiang Kai Shek when he died.

How to get to CKS Memorial Hall

Take the MRT green or red line and alight at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial station. Follow the direction upon exit to arrive at the side of the National Concert Hall

FISHERMAN'S WHARF & LOVER'S BRIDGE 

Located at Tamsui District , this place is very scenic spot situated at the Tamsui river.

The Lover's Bridge is so called as it was started on February 14. The white cabled bridge is about 196 meters and it is a great spot to watch the sunset. The bridge changes its color at nighttime. There are restaurants along the boardwalk and there is a boat cruise  for a fee.

How to get to Fisherman's Wharf

Take the MRT Red Line to Tamsui Station ( last station)  and then transfer to Bus Red-26, 836, or 837.