Want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong? Then let this classical Chinese garden help you find peace, and breathe in its spiritual beauty.
Photos taken on April 5, 2019
ABOUT NAN LIAN GARDEN:
This garden is a short metro journey from the centre of Kowloon. Built in 2006, it was a joint project of Chi Lin Nunnery. Inspired by the Tang Dynasty with all five design elements of a classical Chinese garden (rocks, water, plants, architecture and tracery windows).
HOW THE PANDA GOT THERE:
MTR: Depending on where you’re coming from, get to Diamond Hill Station (Kwun Tong/green line)
exit C2/Plaza Hollywood and follow the signs
Opening hours: 7AM-9PMNo entrance fee 😉
The contrast of the tall city buildings and the peacefulness of the garden are wonderful.
Took my time here to reflect and be grateful for both small and big things ❤
Aside from cherry blossoms and tulips, Yangmingshan National Park is also known for its Calla Lily farm. This peaceful area is scattered with white elegant flowers. It’s the perfect place to take a break from the city lights of Taipei!
ABOUT YANGMINSHAN ZHUZIHU:
This farming village had become suitable for farming, terraced rice paddies, and other unique flowers. The Calla Lily Festival is from mid March- end of April. ‘Calla’ is a Greek word for, “magnificent beauty” and that perfectly fits the aesthetic of this beautiful flower. It was also used in glamour spells for beauty, as well as for fertility and necromancy.
HOW THE PANDA GOT THERE:
From Jiantan MRT Station we rode Red 5 bus going to Yangmingshan National Park. Travel time is around 1 hour – 1 hour and 15 mins.
Yangming Park Flower Clock (陽明公園花鐘)
You can drop by here before heading to Yangmingshan Zhuzihu 🙂
From Yangmingshan Bus Station you can take Bus 131, S8, or S9 going directly to Yangmingshan Zhuzihu 竹子湖 Travel time is around 30 – 45 mins.
If you wish to see cherry blossoms and azaleas in the ❤ of Taipei, then this national monument is the place to be! Both flowers will greet you blushingly from mid-Feb to early March. It’s also a must for history buffs out there.
Photos taken on March 8, 2019
Azaleas are like bigger versions of cherry blossoms! ❤
ABOUT CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL:
This historical landmark was built in honor and memory of Chiang Kai-shek, former President of the Republic of China between 1928 and 1975. First in mainland China until 1949, and then in Taiwan until his death. Also known as the controversial leader of Taiwan, as he was responsible for the massacre in the country that happened on February 28, 1947. The architecture of the place was inspired by Tiantan in Beijing. The four sides of the structure are similar to those of the pyramids in Egypt.
The square in front of the memorial hall was known as, “Liberty Square”.
HOW THE PANDA GOT THERE:
MRT: Depending on where you’re coming from, you can take either the RED or GREEN line.
RED line: two stops after Taipei Main Station
GREEN line: two stops after Ximen MRT Station
No entrance fee 😉
Got here at around 7:15 AM, that’s why there were no photo bombers yet 😀Pretty in pinkNot yet in full bloom, but still stunning
If you’re on a hunt for some cherry blossoms in the outskirts of Taiwan, then this underrated beauty should be on your list! With breathtaking mountain sceneries and a sheep petting zoo, this place is worth the visit 🙂
ABOUT QINGJING FARM:
Weather was gloomy and chilly (March 9, 2019)
This farm is located in Renai Township of Nantou County. Also known as Cingjing Farm and the “Little Switzerland” of Taiwan.
Back in 1959, retired mainland soldiers from China’s Yunnan province, Myanmar (Burma) and North Thailand were relocated here by the government. Then later in 1967, Chiang Chin-kuo (Chiang Kai-shek’s son) visited the farm and quoted the place as, “A fresh air for one to breathe, and the area is elegant like the dwelling place of a fairy.” From then on the farm changed it’s name from Rongmin Farm (meaning honorary citizens’ farm) to Qingjing Farm, meaning “Fresh Landscape.”
HOW THE PANDA GOT THERE:
COMMUTE: From Taipei Main Station we bought a reserved seat ticket in Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), worth 700NTD (one way). Travel time from Taipei Main Station to Taichung is approximately 1 hour – 1 hour and 15 mins. Their trains have restrooms 🙂
Take note of the train and seat number that is indicated in your ticket. Mine was 4 car – 7C, meaning the train number that I should hop-on is number 4 and my seat is in row 7 seat C.
When you get to Taichung Station, you can buy this coupon worth 610NTD. It includes the bus fare from Taichung going to Qingjing Green Green Grassland (two way), entrance fee for Qingjing Sky Walk, Qingjing Guest House and Qingjing Green Green Grassland.
The waiting area for the bus going directly to Qingjing Green Green Grassland is right outside Taichung Station. The exit is near a 7/11 convenience store. Travel time is 1 hour and 30 mins – 2 hours. There are no restrooms in the bus, but there’s a stop over in one of their bus terminals.
CAR/TAXI: If you don’t feel like riding the bus or train, you can rent a car and a driver. I have a friend who is a local in Taiwan and another that is a Pinoy working there that does that everyday, but with a minimum of 8 pax. Don’t worry tho, if your group is just 4-6 pax they can add more people. They can also be your photographer! For further inquiries, you can drop a message on my IG: chuapandaa
ENTRANCE FEE Adult ticket:200 NTD on holidays, otherwise 160 NTD Student ticket: 130 NTD Elderly/disabled/children 6-12 years old: 80 NTD Groups over 30 people: 120 NTD
OPENING HOURS: 8AM-5PM (everyday!)
There’s also a sheep shredding show at around 2:30PM 🙂
Sleepy Panda Traveler 