WanderLex

Tag: Nantou

  • Getting back to nature in Xitou

    Getting back to nature in Xitou

    From Sun Moon Lake, we travelled southwards to Xitou Nature Education Area (溪頭自然教育園區). A forest with diverse varieties of plants and the natural research ground for National Taiwan University students. Besides abundant in plant species, there’re plenty of wildlife resources, making it an excellent area for ecological education. Also a sanctuary for the nature lover and a popular destination for bird watching, leisure hiking, astronomy and summer getaway.

    Bridge at Xi tou Nature Education Area

    Nice flower at Xi tou Nature Education Area

    The walk to Sacred Tree

    Xi tou forest area

    Around Xi tou forest

    One of the highlights here is a 2,800 years old red cypress call the Sacred Tree (神木) which had survived three lightning strikes. But in order to reach the sacred one, we walked/ hiked for almost 2 km before we saw the oldest tree in the forest.

    Xitou Sacred Tree

    Xi tou Sacred Tree info

    Another highlight is Skywalk, a 220 meters long canopy walkway which is 22.6 meters above ground (equivalent to seven storeys high). It’s also a nice experience to get a closer look at the canopy, plus the air up here is so refreshing.

    Xi tou Skywalk

    Xi tou Sky walk

    Looking down from Xi tou Skywalk

    An evening at Xitou Monster Village

    The evening and dinner were spent at Xitou Monster Village (溪頭怪物村) located at the entrance of Xitou Nature Education Area. Xitou Monster Village is a Japanese style/ monster themed quaint village in the middle of a forest. The wooden huts house many stores selling funny-looking souvenirs and snacks.

    Stores at Xi tou Monster Village

    Here’s the famous signboard of a monster with long sausage nose.

    Xitou Monster Village

    We were told that there will be more activities during the day where ‘monsters’ will roam around the village. We are probably not fated to meet the monsters after all LOL. The Monster Village in the evening is mostly people like us who have booked their accommodation stay in Xitou Nature Education Area.

    Around Xi tou Monster Village

    Evening at Xi tou Monster Village

    Yu Mask of Xi tou Monster Village

    We had a great tea session in this shop.

    Tea shop at Xi tou Monster Village

    STAY: Xitou Education Center review

    Ya I know, the name is kinda funny but rest assured we are not sleeping in some classrooms LOL. We stayed at the well-equipped and comfortable villas. Do take note that the Xitou Education Center accommodation is in a forest area so sighting of insects is common…but waking up to the fresh air deep in nature is one huge plus experience.

    ** Image credits: Xitou Education Center
    Xi tou Education Center

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  • Mirror of Sun Moon Lake

    Mirror of Sun Moon Lake

    I tried in vain to wake up earlier next day to capture the sunrise at the roof of Sun Moon Lake Teachers Hostel. While I didn’t exactly catch the sunrise moments, the marvellous weather that morning was my consolation prize. So even though it’s rather chilling on the rooftop, I stayed on to marvel at the crystal clear lake. The charming and reflective water just kept beckoning at me – the Mirror of Sun Moon Lake is so damn beautiful! Wouldn’t you agree?

    Dawn at sun moon lake

    lake view from the roof

    lake view of lake from the roof

    lake view of sun moon lake from the roof

    Mesmerized by what I saw, I asked my uncle whether it’s possible to spend a little more time at Sun Moon Lake and he suggested a hike up to Ci En Pagoda (慈恩塔) after check out. That got me all excited as the Pagoda’s high vantage point means that the view will just be spectacular.

    Ci En Pagoda at Sun Moon Lake

    We alighted at the carpark next to Ci En Pagoda hiking trail northern entrance and raring to go. The information board indicated that the entire trail is 700 meters, which is very manageable. Moreover, the trail is actually a paved road with nice surrounding greenery.

    Based on the timestamp of my photos, it took me just 10 minutes to complete the hike.

    Cien Pagoda info board

    Ci En Pagoda was built in 1971 by the late Taiwanese President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother. One interesting fact is the 46 meters tall Pagoda sits on a mountaintop with an elevation of 954 meters, which means the tip of Pagoda is exactly 1000 meters. Did the late President actually plan for that?

    Ci En Pagoda at sun moon lake

    Climbing up Cien Pagoda

    Upon reaching the top of Ci En Pagoda, I just go wow and wow, finally get to see the awesome turquoise water!! The mirror-like calm water and range of mountain setting are amazingly picturesque. The Pagoda offers a 360 degree of magnificent view of Sun Moon Lake, it’s just so freaking beautiful.

    View from Ci en Pagoda

    Beautiful sky at Ci en Pagoda

    Superb view from Ci en Pagoda

    Superb view from Ci en Pagoda

    Superb view from Ci en Pagoda

    Superb view from Ci en Pagoda

    Exhibition room at Ci en Pagoda

    Since there aren’t many people around, I asked my younger cousins to create something with the sand for me to take a picture from the top. And this was their creation LOL.

    Sand drawing at Cien Pagoda

    Before leaving the Pagoda, I gently rang the bell and prayed.

    The bell of Ci En Pagoda

    Great view of sun moon lake

    While walking back to the carpark, I saw an elderly couple heading towards the Pagoda. The lady looked to have difficulties walking but her companion helped her in every step of the way. I offered help but they declined politely. The husband then told me a little about his wife’s illness and though she has difficulty walking, she wanted to complete the trail and see Ci En Pagoda before her condition worsen. They bade farewell to me with a smile and continue…I almost teared up…

    Life can be so unpredictable, told myself after that to visit places which I want to go whenever I can, sooner than later.

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