Yilan to Chiao Hsi

2019 Summer Trip to Asia

July 27, 2019 -- Family Trip Day 2: Yilan to Chiao Hsi, Taiwan

This turned out to be a very busy day. I had no idea where we were going throughout this trip. Just following wherever our guide was taking us. By the way, I forgot to mention that our niece arranged this family trip working with a private tour guide who scheduled the whole itinerary based on the interests of our group. There are plenty of interesting places in this area for visitors but I believe our family basically decided on spots that would be suitable for both adults and children alike. They did a good job picking out these various spots for the three-day trip. These may not be the most popular tourist spots but definitely excellent choices for our group.

Street scene of Lotung Township.

Started off the day with a group picture in front of the Ludong Forestry Culture Park entrance.

This used to be a logging processing plant and now a picturesque cultural center of gardens and lake with plenty of nature exhibits and historic buildings.

Old logs still remained on site.

Lake

This could be a man-made lake.

Old village building which serves as a museum nowadays.

This small river runs through the town of Lotung from the Pacific Ocean.

Exhibit

Outside of the coffee shop.

Train yard of the Forest Rail.

Forest Bureau Nature Center

Next, we came to the Taiwan Theater Museum.

This museum holds many costumes, props and other exhibitions that are related to the history of traditional theater and opera in Taiwan.

We arrived at a specific time with a private docent taking us through this museum.

She was very knowledgeable and provided us with a lot of valuable information.

Carving with intriguing details.

Costumes used in performances.

Hand puppets

Puppets with political themes.

Stage for the puppet shows.

We even tried on some costumes just for fun with the background of the most famous Taiwanese stage actress Yang Li Hua.

Lunch was at this Old Fashion Taiwanese Style Dining Room called Jun.

The decor was basically of Taiwan in the 50's? Creating a nostalgic mood.

Waiting area

Inside the restaurant.

Even with a small toy/snacks shop.

The owner with yellow hair. He was passing out lollipops to the kids.

Little toy/snack shop.

Quite a busy restaurant!

Movie stars and celebrities who have visited.

Not sure whose idea that was but our next destination was the Kavalan Whisky Distillery.

Our energetic guide.

We dutifully went through the whole tour of the distillery.

Surprising for Whisky produced in Taiwan, they have won many international awards.

Nice facility.

Cafe, gift shop, and where visitors can have a taste of whisky.

The Spirit Castle

Whisky tasting

Mr. Brown Cafe

After resting here for a little bit, we went on to our next stop. A village called Neicheng just north of the distillery.

This village has a sightseeing tour called "Iron Bull Aka", Iron Bull refers to the motorized tractors used in taking tourists around the village. A fun and unique way of sightseeing.

Each of these tractors can accommodate four to six passengers.

The tractor dropped us off at the first stop, a B&B (I believe it's called Phoenix) that also holds an insect collection.

Gift shop

The owner showing off his praying mantis.

After a long ride on the village road, we stopped to see the 300 years old tree.

Da Kun Fishery

Country road

Back to the community center where a Forever Young School is located.

I suppose it is like a school for senior citizens.

Another nostalgic toy/snack shop and museum.

An old student.

For dinner, we had a special treat of Yilan famous "Cherry Duck" reserved for us.

This is probably the best Peking style duck that I have ever had. A must-try whenever visiting Yilan!

The Red Lantern Restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the Silks Place Grand Hotel in the city of Yilan, apparently a very popular restaurant for roast ducks. Look at all the patrons waiting in line to be seated!

All the appetizers.

Two ducks for each table.

Carved and served table-side.

This has to be the best. Duck skin sushi with cheese and rice wrapped inside.

These crunchy, flavorful bit-size sushi were the best!

Then they wrapped duck meat inside these onion pancakes. Yummy!

Other dishes.

What a wonderful meal!

For a restful night, we were taken to the Mountain Springs Hotel in Chiao Hsi, which is located right across from the bus terminus.

Smaller room but clean and with a view outside the balcony.

We were tired after a day of touring and soaking in the hot spring tub made for a relaxing evening.

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve."   -- I Corinthians 15:3~5