Day 3 of Taiwan: 合歡山 -> 清境農場 -> 寶島時代村 -> 三元号 -> 五份埔 -> 饶河夜市 -> ECFA Hotel
We woke up early in the morning (5.30am) to catch the sunrise. The place seemed different from the night. We could see how the houses, roads and cars look like from up here.
While we were up trying to catch the sunrise, our drivers are already up and maintaining their cab - Washing, wiping, clearing out trashes we left.
Finally, we caught the sunrise. The sun was super bright, rising from behind a high mountain. I love how the sun warms up the area, lilting up the roof of houses.
Soon after, we left Starry Minsu and scaled up 合歡山 (by car of course HAHA). The view up there was stunning. I love the good weather and the nature's green. Although the sun was high up and scorching down, I felt rather cold due to the high altitudes and strong winds, I supposed.
After spending some time at the submit of 合歡山, we rushed back for breakfast before traveling to 清境農場 to catch the sheep shearing show. Our breakfast consisted of a tasty bread toast, a small bowl of salad and a cup of milk tea.
When we reached 清境農場, the show had started. We sat there and enjoyed the educational show before strolling around the pastures and photograph the sheep.
Next, we proceeded to 寶島時代村. This place is like a cultural centre which features items of the past. The place was decorated with old posters, wooden structures and a dim yellow lighting. Here, you find lots of food stalls selling preserved food, chocolate, candies. There are also stores which sell vintage-design items - reminding us of the past.
We dine at 三元号 - recommended by our driver. You can find the menu below. We had 卤肉饭 again! However, we are not bored of it because this stall also sells good 卤肉饭 - premium grain of rice and tender meat. I love this dish, 鱼翅肉羹 too. It tends towards the oily side but it still falls within my comfort zone. Mushrooms are my favorite!
After dinner, we spent our time shopping at 五份埔 and then 饶河夜市. I must say 五份埔 is really a shopping heaven. The guy's street wear here is kinda affordable (tend towards the cheap side). Most importantly, the designs are much cooler than what we had at Bugis Village.
At 饶河夜市, I had one of the best shaved ice. We had 芒果冰 and 红豆冰 with a pudding. The mango shaved ice is not too sweet and super refreshing. The ice melts as soon as it touches your mouth. They are generous with the mango.
The red bean snow ice is nice too. The pudding have a slightly richer and thick feel. I think there is a slight touch of chocolate somewhere (or am I wrong?).
Lastly, we headed back to ECFA Hotel and had a good night rest after so much walking. Enjoy folks!
List of Venues and Links
合歡山: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hehuanshan
清境農場: http://www.cingjing.gov.tw/en/spots/index.php
寶島時代村: http://www.twtimes.tw/
三元号: http://www.ipeen.com.tw/shop/27529-%E4%B8%89%E5%85%83%E8%99%9F
五份埔: http://travel.network.com.tw/tourguide/point/showpage/103278.html
饶河夜市: http://www.raohe.com.tw
ECFA Hotel: http://www.ecfahotel-taipei.com/en/about.php
