Fulong is one of the best beaches in northern Taiwan. It has a long sandy beach and is a
suitable place for water sports, such as sailing and surfing. The Visitor Centre provides a
video introduction to the north-east coast of Taiwan, explaining the origin of its majestic
landscape. For those who would like to capture a bird’s eye view of the coast, the facility of
paragliding at the Visitor Centre is not to be missed.

Before
the launch of Caoling Cycling Tunnel in 2008, the 2.7 km long tunnel was used for the railway
service connecting the north and the east coast until it was replaced by the current railway in
1986. This tunnel also played an important role in the creation of an old Taiwanese folk song –
“Diu Diu Dong Ah”.

The
contemporary Tunnel connects Fulong with Shicheng, a seaside village bordering Taipei County and
Ilan County.

Take a
break at the observatory deck at the south exit of the tunnel. Enjoy the view of Turtle Island
and the Pacific Ocean.
Given its location, Turtle Island has also been an index for people
travelling between Taipei and Ilan County. Especially for those who left Ilan for Taipei to make
a living.Seeing the sight of Turtle Island, they know they are nearly home. Turtle Island is
also a natural reserve that supports the lives of 13 species of native butterflies and 33
species of birds.

The
meeting point for the two counties in the tunnel.




After
the cycling adventure, we returned to Fulong Beach, where the International Music Festival and
Sand Art Festival takes place annually.


Longdong
Cape is a very scenic spot with fabulous views of the cliffs that drastically rises up to more
than 100m high.

The
beautiful coast that earns Taiwan the name of “Ilha Formosa”!



Towards
west via Bitou, we visited a place called Nan Ya. From here, a fantasy journey with astoundingly
eroded and coloured coastal rocks began (and we tried to move the rock like hard-working ants).

A
group photo in front of the most famed Nan Ya Qiyian. Some thinks it looks like an ice cream
cone; other thinks it has the shape of bamboo shoot.



Another
famous sea-eroded rock in Nan Ya. It is nicknamed “the Seal Rock”.

In
late autumn and winter, East Asia Monsoon intensively calls on Taiwan’s northeast coast and
brings strong winds, which resulted in high swell. Sometimes, the swell is so elevated that it
covers the Seal Rock.


Mr.
Bao and Miss. Li wished that their relationship will be as solid and long-lasting as the rock.
All best wishes to the lovely couple!

On
the third day of the tour, we visited the Centre of Traditional Arts in Ilan County.

A
staff is riding the tricycle to promote the Centre’s summer exhibition.

The
Centre is divided by different houses, and each house has a theme. The Hot-Spring House
illustrates the history and culture of hot-spring in Taiwan and the island’s geographical
advantages.

The
House of Children’s Toys recreated Taiwanese Children’s entertainment during the Rural Era
(1930-1950) and Handiwork Era (1950-1970).


Chinese
costumes from the Qing Dynasty.

Try
on the Mogolian costumes to get a feel of the oriental desert culture.

Go on
a pilgrimage with the monk at The House of “The Journey to the West”…

with
more company this time!

All
the houses are equipped with air conditioning, which make them all very enjoyable and “chilled".

The
Centre of Traditional Arts occasionally serves as a film studio. Let’s make the most of the
stage properties.

A
staple collection at the House of Chinese Calligraphy.

A
Taiwanese pastry chef performs the traditional culinary skills of “Spring Onion Candy”.

Spring
onion candies are made from caramelised cane sugar. Before it cools down and solidifies, the
caramel can be stretched up to ten meters long or so.

Now,
the petit fours are served!

The
Cardboard House is filled with green ideas. Every piece of furniture, including the table and
the chairs, are made of cardboard.

The
next stop: Jiaoshi Hot Springs

The
hot spring resort we went to is partially covered and partially outdoor. Many of the hot spring
resorts in Taiwan are separated by gender, in which case nudity is expected and swimming
costumes are not allowed to be brought into the water.


One
of the destinations of the last day’s tour – Yeliu – one of the top scenic attractions on the
north coast. Hundreds of bizarre rocks, formed by sea and wind erosion, can be observed
here.

Mr.
Tan seemed to have a good time on this specific spot.

This
is a dreamland for all.

On a
sunny cloudless day, the views of the beautiful ocean and the clear coastal line can be easily
appreciated.

An
unforgettable experience, best to share with your best friends.


Despite
the temperature and strong sunlight in summer, the scenery and the ocean breeze only made all of
us want to saunter for a bit longer.


A
happy group on a merry journey.

Mr.
Wu and Mr. Chen can jump!

Yeliu
is indeed an outdoor classroom for geologists.

The
wonder of the unique rock formations is to be unfold.
A seashell fossil.


The
Rock of The Elephant’s Trunk

The
Whale Rock

The
Rock of The Duke of Thunder

The
Fair Lady

The
ROCK-n-roll dance floor!




Finally,
we had the honour to take a photograph with the “Queen”. (The rock is nicknamed “Queen’s Head”
by Taiwanese)

The
Pignose

with
enormous nostrils!


We
recharged ourselves with a delicious duck meal at Jin Bao Li Restaurant in Jin Shan, before
heading up to Xiaoyoukeng in Yangmingshan National Park.

Yangmingshan
National Park is based on Tatun Volcano Group and contains numerous sulphur steam vents.
Xiaoyoukeng is the largest vent on the west side of Cisingshan in the park.

Xiaoyoukeng
has never stopped releasing the sulphur steam as the water bubbles away beneath the soil. Follow
(and stay within) the visitor’s trail, the hiss can be heard and the heat can be felt as you
approach the vent.






After
our visit to Yangmingshan National Park, HappyLand’s tour is concluded.

HappyLand
would like to thank our Malaysian friends for the great company last summer. We were
particularly impressed by your stamina on the Bitou Cape Trail regardless of the intense
sunlight!