Taiwan, Taipei and surrounding


petetherock

Senior Member
Oct 9, 2006
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If anyone has question, info and tips on Taiwan, please post it here. Happy to answer too.

However, I have a conference in Taipei in December, and despite 5-6 trips to Taipei, I have yet to visit Yehliu (野柳):

Anyone has tips on the best way to go there from Taipei and spend a 2-3 nights there?

Just saw this on CNA - and it looks wonderful!

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Cheers.
 

Ok, this is the info I got so far:


Transportation

By Car:
1. Sun Yat-sen Freeway → leave at Jinshan/Badu interchange → Provincial Highway No.2 (in the direction of Jinshan) → Yeliu.
2. Second Northern Freeway → leave at Keelung/Wanli interchange → Provincial Highway No.2 (in the direction of Wanli) → Yeliu.
3. Yangmingshan-Jinshan Highway → Jinshan → Provincial Highway No.2 (east bound) → Yeliu.
4. Danshui → Provincial Highway No.2 (east bound) → Yeliu.
5. Keelung → Provincial Highway No.2 (west bound) → Yeliu.
6. Nankang → New Provincial Highway No.5 → Xizhi → Qidu → Provincial Highway No.2 → Yeliu.
PublicTHSR:
Take the THSR to Taipei Station, transfer to the bus. TaipeiStation Tourist Attractions
By Bus:
1. Take express bus( bound for Jinshan Youth Activity Center) of Kuo-Kuang Co. at its North Station of Taipei City. Bus comes every 20 minutes. Then take express bus( bound for Keelung ) of Keelung Co. or Danshui Co. to Yeliu.
2. Take express bus( bound for Danshui ) of Keelung Co. or Danshui Co. at the Keelung station ( near Keelung Railway Station) to Yeliu. Bus comes every 30 minutes.
3. Take express bus( bound for Keelung ) of Keelung Co. or Danshui Co. at the Danshui station ( near Danshui MRT Station) to Yeliu. Bus comes every 30 minutes.

Taipei Intercity Bus Terminal and take a "To Jinshan" Guoguang Bus, alighting at Yehliu (about 1~1.5 hrs.) > walk through village to Yehliu Park > take same bus (in opposite direction) to return to Taipei Station > take taxi to Royal Castle (10~15 min., about NT100)

The total distance measured from the entrance of the Yehliu Geopark to the end of the cape is about 1.7 km; the widest area in between is shorter than 300 m. The distance measured from Yehliu Stop at Jijin Highway to the end of the cape is about 2.4km. The rock landscape of Yehliu Geopark is one of most famous wonders in the world. The costal line is stretching in a direction vertical to the layer and the structure line; besides, the influences caused by wave attack, rock weathering, earth movement and crustal movement all contribute to the formation of such a rare and stunning geological landscape.
The name “Yehliu” was derived from:1. A term translated from the Pinpu language; 2. An abbreviation of the Spanish words “Punto Diablos(which means “devil’s cape”); 3. In early days, local residents earned their living at sea and they relied on rice suppliers from inner land to offer rice to them. During transportation, some local people would use the sharp bamboo tube to stick the rick sack and leave a hole on it, so that the rice may slip out and could be picked up by them. As a result, rice traders often mentioned “the rice was stolen by the savages” (whereas “steal” and “savage” are pronounced similar to Yeh (savage) and liu (steal) in Taiwanese).
Yehliu Geopark can be divided into three areas. The first area contains mushroom rock and ginger rock. You may learn the development process of mushroom rock as well as witness the appearance of ginger rock, cleavage, pothole and melting erosion panel. On top of that, the famous candle shaped rock and the ice cream rock are presented in this area too.
The second area is similar to the first area, where the mushroom rock and the ginger rock are the main focuses, only they are fewer in numbers. You may see the Queen’s Head, Dragon’s Head Rock, and etc. Since the area is near the coast, rocks that develop into four different kinds of formations can be seen in this area: elephant rock, fairy’s shoe, earth rock and peanut rock. The aforementioned are parts of the layers featuring special shapes as a result of being corroded by sea water.
The third area is the wave-cut platform located on the other side of Yehliu. This area is much narrower than the second area; one side of the platform is closely adjacent to steep cliffs while down below the other side is a scene of torrent waves. Several rocks of grotesque shapes and sizes that are incarnated as a result of sea erosion can be seen in this area, including the 24-filial piety hill, pearl rock and Marine Bird Rock. The third area also includes the major ecology reserve of Yehliu Geopark in addition to the said rock landscapes

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I think you got your information on how to get there. If you are afraid that you will miss your stop, just sit behind the driver, there will be a list just above the driver's overhead compartment where they will write which station they will stop by. Or, be nice and tell driver you need to get to this place, he will "shout" to you once you have reached that stop. It's rather easy to go around there.

Nearby, there is another lighthouse, which should be quite a distance. Try going there in the morning or late noon, at least the photos taken will not be too over-exposed and you will not be grilled by the sun as it's really hot.
 

This place has me interested:

Jinguashi provides a welcome retreat from Jioufen's weekend getaway crowd
A former mining town near Jioufen offers an escape from tourist crowds but shars the seaside views and local lore

By Diana Freundl
STAFF REPORTER
Thursday, Dec 23, 2004, Page 16

The Benshan Fifth Tunnel has been reconstructed and is now open for public tours.


Every weekend countless tourists take to the winding lanes of Taiwan's northern hilltop community Jioufen (九份), while its neighbor Jinguashi (金瓜石) remains relatively quiet. The grassy hills of Jinguashi overlook Taiwan's northern coastline and the South China Sea and provide a great place to get away and do nothing at all.

Once a thriving mining town in the 1940s, Jinguashi is now filled with abandoned shafts and architectural reminders of its Japanese colonial past. A newly constructed and recently opened Gold Ecological Park (地質公園) documents the blood, sweat and tears of the town's mining and colonial history.
One of the best things about a trip to Jinguashi is that it is easily accessible on foot. Although it is possible to rent bicycles or scooters and even hire a taxi for the day, most of the trails are in the hillside and so walking gives people the opportunity to get off the beaten track.
Starting at Jinguashi train station is a cluster of Japanese-style dormitories whose unique location in the countryside provides a popular backdrop for several Taiwanese television series. Ascending the mountain, visitors come to several points of interest with accompanying history written in both English and Chinese. To commemorate the opening of the ecological park, the former residence of a Japanese prince (菊部次郎舊宅) is now open to the public. More interesting and better preserved the royal quarters, are the remains of the Japanese Zen temple, with a view of the city.
To commemorate the opening of the ecological park, the former residence of a Japanese prince is now available for an inspection.


The highlight of the park is the Gold Museum (金礦博物館) and the reconstructed Benshan Fifth Tunnel (本山五坑). The main floor of the museum displays both photographs and a video presentation (with English subtitles) of the changes to the surrounding area. It is while being guided through the tunnel that visitors gain an appreciation of the working conditions in the mines and the difficulties the miners experienced. Along with recreated scenes from an average workday, there is accompanying information in both English and Chinese. Jinguashi was also the site of Kinkaseki (台灣戰俘營故事), one of the worst World War II prisoner of war camps in Taiwan. There is an area reserved in the museum as a memorial to the men who were held at the prison camp.
The rooms at Cloud Village Guest House in Jinguashi are quaint and quiet.


Near the park's exit are a series of snack shops selling food and beverages, as well as local specialties such as dried fruits and peanut candy. There is also a traditional lunchbox meal (NT$180) that comes packed in a metal box and cloth bag as a souvenir replica of those used by the miners.
Remains of a mine can be found near the entrance to the ecological park.


There might not be any gold left in the hills but there are plenty of paths to take for a leisurely stroll with charming views of the sea. One route takes visitors from Gold Waterfall (黃金瀑布) up a 15-minute walk to the rooftop of an enormous 13-level abandoned refinery (十三層舊礦場). From there, visitors can walk down toward the town, sea or or another lookout point which is close to a residential area.
Gold Waterfall can be found along one of the many trails in Taipei County's Jinguashi.


With an early start, it is possible to spend the first part of the day at the ecological park and the afternoon wandering around either Keelung (雞籠山) or Wuerchahu Mountains (無耳茶壺山). From there, visitors can retire to a quaint guesthouse or join the crowds in Jioufen for shopping and tea.
A guide service is available at NT$700, however requests for guided tours must be made two weeks in advance. For more information on how to apply and where to send the request contact the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area Administration.
Most of the guesthouses provide a free breakfast and offer lunch and dinner for NT$200 per person. Jinguashi doesn't boast any particular local specialty foods, but most people don't leave without trying the taro and sweet potato dessert soup (芋圓) served either hot or cold. Because Jinguashi does not see as many tourists as Jioufen it is not saturated by small stalls selling local snacks and pre-packed items to take home. It's easy to find something to eat but finding souvenirs is not so simple.
Overnight
Jinguashi can be done as a day trip or turned into a more relaxed two-day excursion, especially if combined with Jioufen. Guesthouses are springing up in both locations and offer simple lodging for an average of NT$2,000 per double room. Rooms fill up quickly on weekends so it is recommended to reserve in advance.
Cloud Village (雲山水渡假小築): Situated in Jinguashi, this guest house and restaurant offers unique rooms furnished with antiques. Like many of the other guesthouses, the main floor is a restaurant and provides free breakfast for all guests. Lunch and dinner are also available for NT$200 per person.
Prices: NT$1,600 room per weekday NT$2,000 on weekend. (Based on double occupancy)
93-1, Ln 13, Sanjin Rd, Jinguashi, Taipei County (台北縣瑞芳鎮金瓜石石山里山尖路93-1號).
A free shuttle service is provided from the Rueifang train station (瑞芳車站) and can be arranged by calling the hotel manager.
Telephone: (02) 2496 2291.
For pick up service: (0910) 105 148 or http://www.cloudvillage.net
Getting There
By Rail: Take the Taipei-Hualien line and off at Jinguashi Train Station (金瓜石車站).
Several trains leave daily from Taipei Main Railway Train Station. Estimated travel time is one-and-a-half hours by express train.
By Car: From Taipei, take Badu or Keelung exits off of the Sun Yat-sen Freeway to connect with the Coastal Highway (Provincial Highway 2) or take the Taipei-Ilan Freeway and exit onto the Coastal Highway.
Further Planning: Tourist Service Center Hotline: (02) 2499 1115 ext. 221
Northeast Coastal National Scenic Area Administration: (02) 2499 1115
E-Mail: info@necoast-nsa.gov.tw

(02) 2960 3456
Websites: http://www.tpc.gov.tw


 

I am heading down taiwan this coming WED, not sure if I just bring my 50|1.8 prime lens will do? dun wan carry too many lens.
 

Taipei (台北 or 臺北; Táiběi) is the national capital of the Republic of China, otherwise known as Taiwan. It is in the northern part of the island in a basin between the Yangming Mountains and the Central Mountains. The largest city of Taiwan, it serves as its financial and governmental center.
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I am heading down taiwan this coming WED, not sure if I just bring my 50|1.8 prime lens will do? dun wan carry too many lens.

I think a multi-purpose zoom will be better if you are mainly touring and not doing serious professional photography or camped out in a certain spot for days :D

You will find city, scenery and people shots all in one relatively small place.
 

agree so, I am also attending jay chou concert in taiwan, hope can get some good shots. :)