Yilan Dali Tiangong Temple

    The Tiangong Temple of Dali, also known as the Qingyun Temple, is praised by many as the “Grandest Sight of Lanyang” in addition to being a spiritual center for the townspeople. Located beside the Coastal Highway of Yilan, it leans against the lush green Caoling Mountain and faces the vast blue Pacific Ocean. From here, you can see the Turtle Island that seems to frolic in the sea.


    The temple was built in the Qing Dynasty and has been refurbished many times. Its refined architecture resembles rising clouds on the outside and is adorned with magnificent beams and carvings on the inside.


    The Jade Emperor from Fuzhou, China is worshipped in the temple. It receives much incense dedicated by believers every day and remains a religious center in Taiwan until today. Each year, On 9th day of the first month in the lunar calendar, a temple festival is held. Even more believers from around the country swarm in on this day to pay respect to the deity.


    Around the temple entrance, there are stalls selling local specialties, such as young fish soup, white-tipped mackerel scad and gelidium jelly. If you ever come to the Northeast Coast, these snacks are not to be missed.

Miaoli Shengxing Station

    Altitude elevation of 402,326 meters, Taiwan is the highest point of the railway, the station is located in Qing Guangxu 29 years (1903). Originally known as the "Bo public pit" signal field, and later renamed the sixteen signal field. In 24 years, the Republic of China was renamed "Sixteen Station" to start passenger and freight business. During the period of the Japanese occupation, the construction of the railway line of the mountain line was laid out from the first ten years since the Republic of China. In the same year on October 17, Miaoli Sanyi completed opening .....

    The following year spring, Sanyi Bo public pit section opened, but only for the construction of railway materials for transport purposes. Bo Gong resistance, between the back, because the mountain dangers, rivers lie, the building took time, to the first four years of the Republic of China, before the hardships, construction is completed, the mountain line railway opened to traffic. Shengxing said the original 16, is said to win the mountain, before the camphor, in the reclamation period, had built sixteen distillation camphor stove, named sixteen. After the restoration of the three meaning of the township, was changed to today's name.

    Shengxing station is located in the valley of the small platform, the whole building to wood for the building materials, each column are completely do not use nails, Shengxing station near the nine hills around the shape is very special, with the role of evil, District scenery layout, very ingenious, colored flowers and trees, with the terrain planting, patchwork, it seems pleasing to the eye, the Taiwan Railway along the station, the scenery is so bright and beautiful, it is not much.

    Station outside the tens of households inhabited, small mountain village, deep mountains, residents and leisurely pace of life, people are deeply fascinated. Wins and the end of the lotus mountain area, is a carp water lake protection area, to keep a dense forest, the road meandering elongation during which cool and quiet, quiet mood.

Miaoli Remains of Longteng Bridge

     In the morning of April 24, 1935 a strong earthquake hit central Taiwan. lts epicenter was near Mt. Guandao, and many buildings in the Sanyi district were destroyed. A reminder of this earthquake remains in the ruins of the arched bridge over Long River. It can be seen from the railway line between Sanyi and Houli.

    There is an interesting story about the town of Longteng that is revealing of the superstitious beliefs that local people once held. When the first settlers started to cultivate land in the area, they believed that Liyu Lake, located nearby, was inhabited by a carp spirit which brought hardship to the people. In order to overcome this evil spirit they planted yuteng (a poisonous plant) in the Longteng Mountain area.


    At the same time they gave the mountain in the east the name Guandao Mountain (lit. Guan Sword Mountain) hoping that the Sword Mountain would cut the Yuteng Rattan. In this way, they hoped to poison the evil carp spirit. The ploy must have been effective, for people no longer believe that the evil carp spirit harms the people of Longteng.

Hsinchu Fengxiang waterfall

    Fengxiang waterfall is located in Hengshan Township Feng Village, a height of about 10 meters, year-round clear water gurgling constantly, waterfall below the clear pool reflects the surrounding green walls of the green shade, accompanied by trickle flow, a fresh beauty suddenly let people forget Worry, leisurely. Picturesque beauty not only become Hengshan Township emerging tourist attractions, but also attract many new people in this wedding photography, love for life to witness the witness; in the night after the Fengxiang waterfall area is amazing! The origin of the firefly activities, there is no light of the here, full of firefly little fluorescent, and the stars of the sky brilliant together, like the beauty of the scenery is enough to describe. In addition, Fengxiang waterfall recreation area there are a hundred years old ancient Gong Gongmiao, the gods of the glutinous rice bridge and can be built for the footsteps of the Fengxiang trail, by the Taiwan County Road, connecting the 34 counties Road, about 20 minutes forward , You can reach this intoxicating tourist attraction, may wish to take advantage of Zhou Xiu two days to visit here, I believe that in front of the mountain water color will let you linger, to remind you! Night to see the fluorescent light more remember to pay more attention to safety.


    Here the stream for the whole mountain is a very important water system, yeares have a grand water potential, and the bottom of the waterfall crystal clear bottom, surrounded by rock and stone flat, and the new waterfall next to a small pavilion and arch bridge for the public to rest Shade, accompanied by trickle sound of the sound, comfortable and comfortable where. And below the parking lot next to provide a greater rest, come here not to slow down the pace, sit down and enjoy the voice of nature.


        From the waterfall up about 50 meters walk, along the stairs and on, you can see a hundred years Bo Gong (land public) temple. Bo is the Hakka region is quite common and far-reaching folk beliefs, here not only to retain the most primitive shape of the temple, but also to show the traditional cultural characteristics of the land, is worthy of our attention and preservation.

Taoyuan Baishajia Lighthouse

    This bright light of the Taiwan Strait stands in a serene environment surrounded by a stream, bridge, rice fields, and ponds, there is also a boardwalk and winding walk path. The lighthouse is a perfect backdrop for picture taking. If you rode a bike, you can leave it on the side of the road and enter the area on foot.


    Inside the visitor's area is an information room where a tour guide explains the detailed information on the various equipment found in the lighthouse. In the vicinity of the lighthouse are a circular walk path, park, pavilion, plaza, and children's play area. The walk path follows along the bank of the Guanyin River, apart from the stream and bridges, rice fields and ponds, the famous windmill from the Guanyin coast can also be seen in the distance. The clock tower plaza and the pedestrian arch bridge are wonderful locations for taking wedding photos.

    The Baishajia Lighthouse is situated on the Guanyin coast, and it is the second tallest lighthouse in Taiwan. Before the lighthouse in Taichung Harbor was built, it was also the westernmost lighthouse on the main island of Taiwan. A circular pathway has been built around the lighthouse which can also be used to access the Guanyin beach recreational area. The white structure of the Baishajia Lighthouse is even more dazzling between the blue sky and the ocean. After it officially came into use in 1901, the lighthouse had already become a famous attraction Taiwan during the Japanese occupation era. A century later, in 2001, it was selected by the Council for Cultural Affairs as one of the "One Hundred Historic Sites in Taiwan". The main structure of the lighthouse, its surrounding walls, and the sundial from the Japanese era were chosen the following year as the first county level historical site of Taoyuan. It is currently the most well-preserved lighthouse from the early Japanese colonial period.

Baishajia Lighthouse has a height of around 37 meters, second only to the Eluanbi Lighthouse in Kenting. The most unique feature of this lighthouse is that it is the only lighthouse in Taiwan constructed from bricks and stones, unlike the concrete lighthouses generally found throughout Taiwan. During the late Qing dynasty, lighthouse equipment was usually imported from England or France. The manufacturer would first cast and construct the main structure and lighting components then ship the parts to their destination where everything would be assembled. The Baishajia Lighthouse, which took three years to complete, was not made from soldered iron but instead from what is known in Japanese as "stone bricks". The double-layered stone bricks were unique in being earthquake-resistant; the circular body of the tower was constructed from these bricks and cemented together with the ancient adhesive substance made from glutinous rice, brown sugar, and lime. The upper section of the lighthouse is constructed from large pieces of stone layered together to form a framework to support the upper section, which was constructed from cast iron. Even after the bombardment of shells during both world wars, numerous earthquakes and natural disasters, the lighthouse has never suffered any significant damage.

    Today, the light house continues to stand tall, bringing light to the Taiwan Strait and guarding ships passing by. The lighthouse structure and its interior design have endured the passing of a century. The Japanese era sundial has also been well preserved; it once held the important task of determining when to switch the lights from the lighthouse on and off by establishing the time, bearing, and latitude from the position of its shadow. Also, a clock manufactured by the Shanghai Machinery Bureau, as well as a century-old chinaberry tree which existed since the Japanese colonial era are both still standing tall inside the garden.

Yilan Caoling Historic Trail

“Boldly Quell the Violent Mists” Stone Inscription
    The inscription is located 240 meters above the sea level, halfway to the hilltop. It is believed to be inscribed in the 6th Year of Emperor Tongzhi of the Qing Dynasty (1867) by Liu Ming-deng, head of the Qing army stationing in Taiwan, who was on an inspection trip to Kamalan in the north. As he passed by this spot, strong mists arose and he could barely see the road ahead. He was reminded that the mists often made travelling businessmen fall into danger. Thus he wrote on the stone, “boldly quell the violent mists,” hoping to repress mountain evils. As an ancient poem explains, “boldly” does this inscription stand beside the Star of Mao, for it aims to “quell” the dragon of mists. “Violent” is the dragon which absorbs all the rain, but the dragon of “mists” shall eventually be swallowed by the tiger of winds. These four meaningful Chinese characters are so powerfully inscribed on the rock that it has been listed as a third-grade national historic site.

Tiger Inscription

    The cursive Tiger Inscription stands imposingly about 4 meters away from the Caoling Mountain Pass, which at 300 meters above the sea level. Above this tiger character, it states, “winter, 6th Year of Emperor Tongzhi.” Below, it says, “Liu Ming-deng, Military Ambassador to Taiwan.” It is said that Liu was stopped by a sandstorm here during his inspection trip to Kamalan. Because it was believed at the time that “all clouds follow the Dragon, all winds follow the Tiger, and all saintly deeds shall be witnessed by all beings of the world,” Liu wrote “tiger” on the stone with a batch of wild silvergrass hoping to repress the mythological Tiger. It is listed as third-grade national historic sites along with the “Boldly Quell the Violent Mists” Stone Inscription. It can be seen from these precious historical objects that the early immigrants had truly paid hard effort to overcome fierce natural conditions for a new life here.

    The Caoling Historic Trail is part of the Danlan Historic Trail between Dansui and Kamalan Prefectures built by early settlers of the Qing Dynasty. Today, it stretches across Caoling between Yuanwangkeng in Gongliao, New Taipei City and Dali in Toucheng, Yilan County. This 8.5km trail is thus called the Caoling Historic Trail.

    Along the trails, plenty of native broad-leafed tree, cultivated coniferous trees, and subtropical “flying spider-monkey tree ferns” can be seen. Walk up the slope and you will see historical Diesima Bridge, Xianji Rock, a stone inscription that states “boldly quell the violent mists” by head of the Qing army in Taiwan, Liu Ming-deng, and the Tiger Inscription. After you have passed all of these spots, the hill-top scenic pavilion should not be far away. There is an antique Earth God and Goddess Temple made of stones near the pavilion and a board that marks the border between New Taipei City and Yilan County. Along the path are three more pavilions, information boards, a service area hosted by the Maintenance and Management Office under the Forestry Bureau, and public toilets. It takes 3 to 4 hours to complete one trip.

New North City Manyueyuan Forest Recreation Area

     Situated in Yomu District of Sanxia Township in Taipei County, the hilly terrain of Manyueyuan (Full Moon) National Forest Recreation Area rises in elevation from northwest to southeast. This 1573-acre area ranges from 300 to 1700 meters above sea level. The winding Rueizai Creek, upstream of the Dabau River, humidifies the area. With a moist climate, summers that are cool and refreshing, and a mean annual temperature of 19.9oC, this area is an ideal place for outdoor activity.

     This area is notable for its sandstone shale, two faults and geologically young rivers. The steep valley creates a tremendous height difference of just 1000 meters less than 6 kilometers vertically. Since the steep landscape forms beautiful waterfalls upstream from the Rueizai Creek, this area is famous for these clusters of small waterfalls. On sunny days, sparkling water splashes and colorful rainbows form at the famous Manyueyuan and Chunu (Virgin) Waterfalls to create an ethereal atmosphere. During the rainy season, the roaring sound of moving water is riveting. Along the creek, each of the trails and the giant rocks beside the creek are all ideal places at which to stop. Like the Neidong area, Manyueyuan is famous for its phytocide- and anion-rich forest baths.

Manyueyuan Waterfall

    Manyueyuan Waterfall is located at the far end of the recreation area. The viewing platform there offers a clear view of the water as it makes its soft 20-meter descent. The view from the top is especially captivating.

Cryptomeria

    It is located on the right side of the middle section of the visitor center trail, full of pavilions and public toilets. It is the best forest bath for enjoying the finest and anions.

Manyueyuan Mountain

    From the visitor center and looked up, you can see the full moon like "Manyueyuan  Mountain", the mountain is the origin of the play area name.

Zheng Bai Shan to Manyueyuan Waterfall trail

    A total length of about 1,210 meters, along the Simian Creek Valley and walk about 30 minutes walk to the east full trail entrance, 50 minutes up to Manyueyuan Waterfall, in the middle can be east to meet the bridge, leading to the virgin waterfall. Along the way there are pavilions, picnic areas, landscape bridges, interpretation cards and other facilities, so you can fully experience the Manyueyuan beauty.

Chunu (Virgin) waterfall

    Chunu Waterfall can be reached by taking the Fitness Trail along the Rueizai River across the Manzu Bridge and continuing about 500 meters upward. During the rainy season, the silk-like water rushes down in a curtain from a height of eight stories. The splash of water stirs up a refreshing mist like a natural spa.

Self-guided Trail

    This 1,210-meter trail follows the Rueizai River through the forest along a relatively even path made of wood planks and stepping stones. The trail links with the Green Maple Corridor and stands of Cryptomeria and broadleaf trees. The birdsongs and forest scents that accompany you on the way add further to the invigorating experience of hiking the trail. There are guideposts at 16 points along the trail describing the forest ecology.

Ecological Description

    This area is densely covered with woods, such as planted Japanese Cedar, Formosan Incense-Cedar, Formosan Michelia, Primary Formosan Red Cypress, Red Bark Oak, Large-Leaf Nanmu and Landscaping Plants such as Cherry Blossoms. In addition, there are common tree ferns, Giant Elephant's Ears, and Formosan Sugar Palm along the trails and epiphyte-like Bird’s Nest Fern everywhere. Together, these plants make up views typical of subtropical creek forests. Gonocormus minutus, a special fern with only one layer of cells and no stoma, can be seen on damp rocks along the creek. The most charming view in Manyueyuan is of the spotted green maple forest. Every year from October until the following January, maple leaves turn from green to gold, then gradually to orange-red, starting at the hilltops. The red-leaf peak during autumn and winter is certainly one of the best views in northern Taiwan. This area is populated with many types of butterflies due to abundant food and nectar resources. There are 123 butterfly species in 9 families including the common jay, common blue bottle, Great Morrnon and Chinese Peacock (Papilio bianor). Besides butterflies, visitors can observe birds and frogs along the creek or on the self-guided trails. Varied Tit (Cyanistes varius) and Swinhoe’s frog are commonly spotted here.

    Manyueyuan is famous for its waterfalls, red maple leaves, and numerous butterflies. Especially with its pure creek, this area is a high quality recreation destination that allows for a variety of activities such as, sightseeing, butterfly-watching, birdwatching, taking in the maples, mountainclimbing, hiking, forest bathing, taking photos, painting, engaging in wilderness fitness activities, and playing eco-games. It is also the starting point of the hike to Bechatian Mountain, which transforms into a breathtaking golden world speckled with Taiwan beech in late autumn. For a trip immersed in both nature and culture, visitors can take a look at the Baroque buildings on the historic Sanxia street, carvings at the Sanxia Temple and watch blue dyeing in the community.