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Sightseeing and Attractions

Taichung Country

HOW TO GET THERE
 

Taichung County is located at the central part of Taiwan, with the Central Mountains in the east and adjacent to Hualien County. Taichung County is faced with Taiwan Strait in the west, Changhua County and Nantou County in the south, Miaoli County in the north. It covers 2,051.4712 square kilometers, divided into twenty-one towns and villages. As to the contour, the County con-sists of on -coast plains in the west, highlands in the west, Taichung Basin & Hills, and mountainous areas. Main rivers from the north to the south are as follows: Da-an river, Dajia river,and Ue river. The second largest streams are Da-Li stream, Han stream, Tow-ben-kun creek, Bu-tsi-Kun creek, Tsa-hu stream, Gan stream,Fa-tsi stream, etc. The County has a mild climate, with the yearly average temperature of 22.8 degrees Celsius. It also has abundant rainfall, with 2,000 millimeters in mountainous areas and 1,000 to 2,000 millimeters on ground level. Its four seasons feel like spring, extremely good for farming


NATIONAL PARK

• Shei-Pa National Park
  Historical Background : Shei-Pa National Park was established in 1992, located at the border of Hsin Chu, Miao Li and Tai Chung. It faces Ku Yen Shan and Le Shan in the north, Ta Chia River in the east, Pei Keng Shan and Hsiao Shuei Shan in the west and Yu Lo Wei Shan and Ta Chia River in the south. Total area of the park is 76,850 hectares. Shei Pa National Park is the fifth national park of Taiwan. The mountainous scenery is spectacular as there are several mountains in the park. The mountains are of different heights and the drop height reaches 3000 meters. The highest mountain is the Shei Mountain, 3,886 meters in height and it is the second highest mountain in Taiwan. The Shei Mountain, Yu Shan, Nan Hu Ta Shan, Hsiu Ku Luan Shan and Pei Ta Wu Shan are the five highest mountains in Taiwan. Ta Pa Chien Mountain is 3,492 meters in height. Ta Pa Chien Mountain, Chung Yang Chien Mountain and Ta Fen Chien Mountain are called the three Chien Mountains in Taiwan.
  Cultural Highlights : Shei-Pa National Park is noted for its rough geography and natural scenery. Mountains in the park are origins of major rivers in northern and central Taiwan. Erosion by the rivers has formed special scenes in the park. As for climate, the park has both sub-frigid and temperate climates and thus breeds various plants and animals. Wildlife here includes salmon, black bears, etc.
   

NATIONAL SCENIC AREA

• Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area
  Tri-MountionAgriculture in these areas includes tea fields, tourist fruit orchards, and alpine vegetable farms, adding to the educational as well as recreational allure of this new national scenic area. In its future development efforts, the Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area Administration will strive to build up a high-quality tourism environment focusing on native culture, education, ecology, and sustainability. In addition to high mountains, lakes, and other enchanting scenery, these areas also feature interesting plants and animals, good weather, conve-nient location, unique terrain, and rich ecological resources. Cultural attractions include the lifestyles and historical artifacts of the Hakka, aborigine, and Taiwanese (southern Fujianese) peoples. Central Taiwan is blessed with beautiful scenery and a pleasant climate, and is rich in natural, cultural, and industrial attractions. Transportation to and within the area is convenient, making this a prime destination for tourism. In March 2001 the Tourism Bureau combined three major tourist destinations in central Taiwan--the Lion's Head Mountain Scenic Area, Mt. Li Scenic Area, and Mt. Bagua Scenic Area--into a single national scenic area, and established an administration to manage and oversee its development and operation. The Lion's Head Mountain area covers a total of 7,900 hectares and encompasses the Mt. Wuchi and Nankeng resort systems as well as Lion's Head Mountain itself; Mt. Li covers 31,300 hectares and takes in the Shiyuan Pass and Guguan resort systems as well as Mt. Li; and the Mt. Bagua area covers 22,000 hectares including the Mt. Baiguo and Songboling resort systems as well as Mt. Bagua.
   

FOREST PLEASURE GROUND

• Tongshih Forest Recreation Area
  The beautiful Tongshih Forest Recreation Park is located in Dongshih Township, Taichung County. The park is fully equipped with barbecue areas, camping and recreational sites, forest hiking trails, horse riding center, mountain climbing training area, grass-skiing slopes, etc.

AMUSEMENT PARK

• Yamay Resort
  Historical Background : The Yamay Resort is located at 115 Anmei Rd. in Taiching countys Houli village. It was originally a ranch belonging to the Taiwan Sugar Corporation, Many amusement facilities have already been completed since year 2000, including the Wave which is the first large-scale open-air artificial wave pool to appear in the entire south-east Asia, that creates waves that are 2.4 meters high. There is also the Chu Slide where 1800 liters of water rush down at set intervals; there is the Beach Theater where exotic music and dances are performed; there is the 270 meter-long River there is umahu a childr area with five different water slides; and there is also umuhu a 21 meter high water slide. The main attractions in the Yamay Resort are live performances, gift shops, restaurants, food stalls, the gourmet alley, and rides. The Resort is planned to become similar to international amusement resorts such as Tokyo Disneyland, the Miazaki Sea Gaia in Japan, Hong Kongs Ocean Park, and Koreas Everland.
  Cultural Highlights : Yamay Resorts Discovery World is 25 hectares wide, and it encompasses 6 live performing groups, 10 gift shops, 20 restaurants, 8 food stalls, and 23 amusement rides.Future World, Magical Castle, the Enchanted Forest and the Fairytale Village all have their own exclusive merchandise for customers. The objective of the Resort is to let visitors experience the fun of water in an exotic atmosphere, along with the service of trained staff. The Central Garden boasts a 6 dimensional Crystal Palace Restaurant, that offers 6 stage shows at Disneyland standards. A combination of western-style and Chinese-style drama is performed, and there are also parades and large-scale stage shows. Visitors can now enjoy Disney-standard performances without having to go abroad.
   

FARM / SCENERY

• Wuling Rest Area
  Historical Background : Wuling Forest Park is located on Chung Heng Highway, Yi Lan Branch, near the border of Heping Village, Taichung County and Datong Hsiang, Yilan County. The altitude is 1,800 meters. The Wuling Farm has a history of over 20 years and it stretches from Shuei Shan, Ta Pa Chien Shan to Tao Shan. The Ke La Yeh Mountain in the park was included as a part of Shei-Pa National Park in July 1992; it is the fifth national park in Taiwan. The national park is 76850 hectares in area. Besides mountain climbers, Wuling Forest Park is also perfect for families and hikers, because it has mountains, valleys, and waterfalls.
  Cultural Highlights : Wuling Forest Park grows various vegetables and teas in different seasons. Peach blossoms and plum blossoms are colorful and attractive in spring, and fruits and vegetables are harvested in summer. In autumn, maples and pines depict beautiful colors, and in winter, the snow caps the mountaintops. Maple leaves here turn red very early due to its unique climate. Some call this place Jhiu Tzai Ko because the beautiful scenery here resembles Jhiu Tzai Ko in China. Crossing Wan Sho Bridge, visitors can walk along the tracks in the pine and cypress forests. In the center of the farm is a giant silver lion sculpture, which has a stone, inscribed by famous traditional Chinese painter Mr. Chang Ta Chien. The Tao Shan Waterfall is about 50 meters high and the mountainous views here are remarkable.
   

• Wuling Veteran's Farm
  "For those interested in high mountain farm life there are several farms in these mountainous regions that welcome visitors and offer an insight in local rural life. One of the most prominent farms, which can be easily reached from Mt. Hehuan, is Wuling Farm , located about 29 kilometers from Lishan on the Ilan branch of the Central Cross-Island Highway. This farm was established in 1963 to provide employment for retired servicemen. On the more than 700 hectares of land, at an altitude of 1,740-2,100 meters, high-mountain fruits (pears, peaches, apples, etc.) and vegetables (cabbage, spinach, etc.) as well as tea (Ching Shin Oolung) are grown. The spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains, with nice walks to scenic spots like the 50-meter Taushan Waterfall , creates an oasis of tranquillity. It is hard to tell the best time to visit Wuling Farm, as nearly all year round you will be delighted either by blossoming fruit orchards (spring and early summer ) or the abundance of harvest (summer and autumn). Formosan Salmon, also known as the ""Cherry Blossom Hook Salmon"" , which is unusual in this part of the world, is a very rare variety of fish on the verge of extinction. Wuling Farm is the home of this land-locked salmon and you can find it in the Chijiawan Creek Ecological Protection Area ." For more information, call Wuling Farm under (04)2590-1257
   

GENERAL

• Bird Watching at Dadu River
  The mouth of the Dadu River is the largest resting site for water birds in central Taiwan. It is the country's best place for bird watching. Of the birds to be seen here, 24 are listed as protected species. The area has been named by the International Nature Resource Conservation Federation as one of Asia's most important wetlands. The best bird watching season at Dadu River is October through May. December through April is the best time to see waders and other water birds. It is important to check tide times before planning a trip.
  There are no public buses to this area, so it is best to go by car. Leave the Sun Yat-sen Freeway at the Wangtian Interchange and take Provincial Route No. 17 toward Dadu. When you reach the coastal barrier your are at the bird watching area.
   

• Gaomei Wetlands
  Historical Background : Gaomei was called Kao Mi in the Ching Dynasty and was renamed during the Japanese occupation. The wetlands here are over 300 hectares, but the area is only 1/10 of Dadu River wetlands. The geography is divided into 7 categories, which results in diversified organisms in this area. Gaomei Wetlands is one of the few places that has wild ducks.
  Cultural Highlights : Despite the small area, Gaomei Wetlands have special soils mixed with mud and sand. Ecology here breeds diversified organisms of both plants and animals. Research shows that animals here include birds, fishes, crabs and invertebrates.
   

• Gukuan
  Gukuan is located in Boai Village of Hoping Town of Taichung County. The altitude is 800 meters. It is next to Dachia Creek. It is a standard valley. The place is called Gukuan because the Jhunghang Highway cuts across the valley and it looks like a guarded entrance. It is at the meeting points of Jhunghang Highway eastbound and westbound. It is also the center of Jhunghang touring route. The place is famous for hot springs and country items. The hot springs in Gukuan were first discovered by Tai Ya Tribe back in 1907. The quality of hot spring is good and the hot springs have been well renowned since the age of Japanese colonization. The hot springs are carbonic acid springs and the temperature is about 48 degrees Celsius. The hot springs are mild and are good for spa and drinking. They are effective in healing arthritis, neuralgia, pain of digestive organs, athlete's foot and serious dermatitis. Hotels in the region are equipped with hot spring spa facilities. In addition, there is a thousand-year great tree in Shengmugu Holiday Hotel. It is a special attraction in Gukuan. The place is surrounded by clear creeks and dense forestry. Visitors can go camping, swimming and fishing. The scenery along the road is beautiful and there are many attractions. Spring and autumn are Gukuan's most beautiful seasons. There are splendor cherry blossoms and maple trees for viewing. After enjoying the hot spring spa and the mountain view, one may further try the trout dish. What a pleasure! There is a "Lung Gu Waterfall" of more than 80 meters high in Lung Gu Resort. The waterfall comes straight down and forms a splendor scene. In this place one would feel like being in fairies' land.
   

• Lishan
  Historical Background : Located in Ho Ping, Tai Chung County, Li Shan was called Sha La Mao in the past. It has an altitude of 2000 meters and is a famous summer resort. Li Shan is noted for its production of pears, apples and peaches. Surrounded by Fu Sho Shan, Wu Ling Park, and Ku Kuan, Li Shan has beautiful mountainous scenery. Li Shan is also famous for its flowers, vegetables, and waterfalls.
  Cultural Highlights : Li Shan Culture Museum is 1 km away from the entrance of Fu Sho Shan. The museum presents the history of developing Li Shan, Tai Ya Tribe and the construction of central highway. Li Shan Hotel is the first tourist hotel in Li Shan. The hotel is of traditional Chinese architectural style. Transportation around Li Shan is very convenient. Taroko National Park is on the left, Tai Chung on the west, Wu She on the south and Yi Lan on the north.
   

• Mt. Fushou
  To explore an entirely different part of Mt. Hehuan, it is worthwhile to visit its north section. To get there it is first necessary to go to Lishan , the town lying at the midpoint of the Central Cross-Island Highway on the way to Taichung. Behind the town is Mt. Fushou , one of the largest fruit and vegetable growing areas in Taiwan. It has a pleasant pastoral air of green fields, small farms, and pine trees. About half way along the road through the area, at the highest point of the plateau, is a lodge once favored by late President Chiang Kai-shek. Further on, the road drops steeply through some attractive aborigine villages and spectacular wooded hills before it comes out on the Mt. Hehuan branch of the Cross-Island Highway just above Wushe. Unfortunately there is no path through to the summit area of Mt. Hehuan from here, but taking the road allows an interesting circuit of the mountains by car or bicycle.
   

• Taichung Metropolitan Park
  Historical Background : Taichung Metropolitan Park is designed to conserve nature, to educate citizens and to provide a leisure space. Citizens can spend the leisure hours here to expose themselves to the nature and to learn more about the ecologic system. The main purpose of the park is to provide a leisure space, purify the air, reduce air pollution, conserve water and soil, regulate temperature and reduce noise.
  Cultural Highlights : Besides the educational function, people can take a walk in the park and enjoy the starry skies. Situated in the suburban area, the park has a clear sky and a beautiful view of stars. Visitors can enjoy the night view of Taichung City on the right and Sha Lu on the left.
   

• The Lishan Scienic Area
  The Lishan Scienic Area focus on the Central Cross-island Highway, also know as Provincial Route 8 and 7A. It covers Hoping Township in Taichung ,and part of Tungshin Town and Jenai Township in Nantou County. Lishan has gorgeous views and the Tachia River Flows through the whole area. Varied landscapes can be seen along the riverbanks. Tehchi Reservoir is also one of the area's most prominent features. Fushoushan has a picturesque lake .On the middle reaches of the Tachia River is a famous hot spring resort called Kukuan.Lishan itself is famous for temperate-zone fruit as well as vegetables, and high-mountain tea.
   

• Tieh Chan Shan
  Historical Background : The Tieh Chan is named because the looking is similar to iron anvil. There is an old well, Chien Well, located on the top of the mountain. Traditional tale about the well told that this was the place where Cheng Cheng Kung dug with his sword for the water. During the early years, Cheng Cheng Kung led the soldiers passing this place when they left no food and water. And because the weather was torrid, the soldiers and the horses died of no water to drink. Cheng Cheng Kung felt hopeless and a great feeling of the God, he kneeled down on the ground with his sword into the ground praying for the water. Suddenly, the ground dehisced, and the sword really sank into the ground. Then the spirit water came out for all the people to drink, and saving the lives. Hereafter, people commemorated this great miracle; they called this well the Chien Well or the Kuo Hsing Well. The people in Ta Chia Town set a curve board of Kuo Hsing Well in memory of the miracle that Cheng Cheng Kung inserted his sword into the ground in Tieh Chan Mountain. The ancient well was rebuilt in 1953. The protections were set around the well. The ex-supervision administrator, Yu Yu Jen, named "Sword Well" two words. It becomes the most famous tourism view today.
  Cultural Highlights : Sword Well was said that Cheng Cheng Kung leaded the soldiers to this place when they were out of the water. The Cheng prayed to God and inserted his sword into the ground. The water saved their lives. Chung Cheng Park: It can supply the tourists for photo taking. There are the theme stone sculptures, the windmill, simple physical activity facilities, and small playground path.
   

• Tongshih Forest Recreation Area
  The beautiful Tongshih Forest Recreation Park is located in Dongshih Township, Taichung County. The park is fully equipped with barbecue areas, camping and recreational sites, forest hiking trails, horse riding center, mountain climbing training area, grass-skiing slopes, etc.
   

HERITAGE / TEMPLE

• Dajia as Jenlan Temple
  Historical Background : People saying that Jenlan Temple of Dajia was brought in to Taiwan by the Fukien province Tien islander, surname Lin, from Mei Chou in 1730. Later on because the public worship tripod, in Yu Year of tenth, the little temple was built in Dajia in Taichung. Till 1770 (Yung Cheng Year of 35th) the little temple was changed to HouTemple. In the Yung Cheng Year of 52nd (1778 A.D.), the temple was rebuilt. Afterwards the scholar gentry frequently raised reconstructs and change to become Jenlan Temple. The temple with the statue of Matzu in Taiwan is more than five hundred and more. Every year during the beginning of March of Chinese Year, erritorial pilgrimage is a great celebration. There are hundreds of believers following the pilgrimage, and there are many celebrations for welcoming Matzu in every temple. The erritorial pilgrimage of Jenlan Temple of Dajia devolved hundreds of years. For every period, Ta An County will go aboard to the main Matzu temple in Mei Chou to worship some holy spirit back for the statue. Whenever the people of pilgrimage several bulkiness and magnitude grandeur, it is praised and studied between the internal academic circle and mass communication border.
  Cultural Highlights : Jenlan Temples has front palace, behind palace, south north palace, south north room, bell drum floor and so on all suffusion personality, flowers and birds, walk beast and so on sculpture carvings woodcarving, all essence carves are neat and beautiful. The inner part is the oblation of Matzu, and the south palace supplies the chastity Matzu. The chastity Matzu means the chastity workshop woman Ms. Lin. All of these are connected to each other. The views are bright and shine. But after many times of re-built, many of the ancient antiques were not found. Only one or two plaques that were written by Chien Lung and Kuang She emperors.
   

• Huangsi Temple
  Historical Background : Huangsi Temple is located in Taichung County and it is also called Wen Chang Temple. The temple was built in 1888 and the architecture was of late Ching style. The temple worships Wen Chang Ti Chun, and scholars would gather here for discussion. During the Japanese occupation, the temple was forced to close. However, after World War II, people found that part of the property was sold and objects were stolen. In 1986, the government designated the temple as a third grade historic site and began restoring the temple.
  Cultural Highlights : Huangsi Temple is a building of traditional southern Fu Chien style. The decoration is delicate and the brick works are refined. It is one of the most artistic buildings in Taiwan and is highly valued in architecture. The roof has five sections and six wallow tails. There are ventilators on the smaller roofs, which is both artistic and practical.
   

FARMS

• Fushoushan Veteran's Farm
  Historical Background : In 1950, the government appointed retired soldiers to cultivate a new farm in Fushoushan, which can grow apples, peaches, pears and vegetables. The farm is 6 kilometers away from Li Shan, 1,800~2,500 meters in altitude. Total area is about 900 hectares. Besides fruits, Fushoushan also grows tea and flowers. The beautiful flowers and the fruitful orchards are the achievements of those retired soldiers.
  Cultural Highlights : Li Shan Culture Museum on the farm presents documents of the development of Central Highway, Li Shan and aboriginal artifacts. The farm consists of vegetable gardens, flower gardens, tea gardens and orchards. Coreopsis can be seen everywhere in the farm. Sung Lu, resort villa of Chiang Kai Shek, is also located inside the farm. Pine trees surround the villa, which has been open to accommodate civil tourists.
   

BEACHES / ISLANDS

• Daan Seaside Resort
  Historical Background : Daan Towns west side connects to Taiwan Strait. It is the coastal town. Daan Coastal Park has wide beach. The sand is soft and tiny, and the sea is blue. The outer part has a nature sand hill for border. When it is springtide time, the place is like an inartificial lake. When the ebb tide appears, there is a hundred meters long beach. At dusk, when the setting sun shines, the little boat on the golden yellow wave light with the shinning reflection, the view is so beautiful. Daan Coastal Park established in 1932. Later on because of the Second World War, this place desolated for a long time. Until 1961, the town chief, Mr. Wu Chuan Shui, advocated the opinion of re-building and made the place become the public property of the town. At the reforming, not only restore up all the equipment needed, and also se the restaurants to serve the visitors. The Daan Coastal Park also accepts the tickets. Because it is the property of the town, the government extends the park to folksy management. Till 1981, the Village Government felt the original water address fluid matter of the Daan Coastal bathe has been contaminated. The equipment was old, too. They moved and rebuilt, and many kinds of building and equipments has been added for the Coastal Bathe of Daan. After these, the Government cooperated the western coastal high roads resting system development, it extended the Coastal Bathe of Daan into Coastal Parkland. Afterward, the government designed it into Daan Coastal Vacation Center, the best visiting place in the western coastal highroad.
  Cultural Highlights : Daan Coastal Vacation Center has the coastal bathe area. Many kinds of new excitant nautical actuations can be found, like banana boat, aquatic automobile, and other hydrographic basin actuation. Presenting the whole new ocean education building and resting places. There are four swimming pools, waterfall dabble area, exciting water-skiing, healthy warm hot springs, Sculpture Park, parkland, vacation crib, and barbeque, and others. And nonresistant celebrate haulage umbrella, light boat machine and other vacation actuation. It is diversified parkland.

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