Finally in the capital of Taiwan – Taipei ^^

We enjoyed the ambiance of Ximending's streets last night. The atmosphere here is markedly distinct from the places we've visited, such as Kaohsiung and Nantou. The area is teeming with a vibrant crowd and boasts an array of food options.

After a restful night, we rose early for a group tour we had booked early on – the Hualien County Tour - Taroko National Park, an almost 12-hour excursion. Our journey started from Taipei Main Station at 8 am via a tour bus, accompanied by a delightful and amiable tour guide.

Our initial stop was DAKA Park, a rest area established by Heping Power Plant, renowned for its sustainability. The park showcases solar PV, art installations, and a water fountain show. A notable feature is Taiwan's first Starbucks housed within a cement factory – quite intriguing.

Starting off on our Taroko National Park adventure, we proceeded to the Shakadang Trail, also known as the Mysterious Valley Trail. Although the trail was extensive, we couldn't traverse its entirety. The scenery, particularly the crystal-clear water below, was captivating. The turquoise water makes me want to jump in for a swim. However, we found no path going down. Walking through the tunnels crafted by ingenious individuals left me in awe, thinking of the immense effort put into this. We owe them our thanks.

It's snack time and we made a stop to Jinheng Park, featuring a small café and monuments dedicated to Engr. Jinheng and his crew. Moving forward, we passed by the Swallow Grotto, which marks the end of the Taroko Swallow Grotto Trail.

Approaching lunchtime, we stopped at Tianxiang Recreation Area, where our guide recommended trying traditional food. With her assistance, we pre-ordered our meals. The taste was okay for me. We further explored the area, indulging in some snacks. Continuing our journey, we reached the Changchun Shrine, a picturesque site nestled near the mountain's base, complemented by a serene waterfall.

Our last stop was the Qingshui Cliff. Even if we had a bad weather, the view was still a sight to behold. The turquoise ocean and the verdant mountain created a beautiful contrast. And we also took a peek of the Taiwan Railway! I would like to try it in the future. However, it might be a bit boring since the train needs to pass by a lot of tunnels.

Concluding our tour, we took a break at Su-Ao Service Area.

By nearly 8 pm, we returned to Taipei Main Station. Opting for a train ride to Raohe Street Night Market, we sampled the local delicacies. Due to limited seating, most of our food was to-go. We ate some and stored the rest in the fridge haha

It was another day filled with fatigue yet enjoyable. In the next vlog, I'll share our Taipei City Tour, featuring a special friend.

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