How to Explore Taoyuan: Walk on a Skywalk & Make DIY Chocolates at a Chocolate Factory
▲ Xiaowulai has several waterfalls, all of which are incredibly beautiful and charming. (Photo / Reporter Zhu t? Rong, Luan Ji?)
Reporter Zhu t? Man, Taipei News
What to do in Taoyuan? Take the newly launched Taiwan Good Line’s Xiaowulai Route to admire the stunning skywalk and take in the picturesque mountainous waterfalls of Xiaowulai. Not far away, visit the Xiaowulai Helou Tribe to experience how the Atayal hunters freely roam the mountains and enjoy authentic indigenous cuisine. Or head to Asia’s first chocolate-themed tourist factory to try your hand at making DIY chocolates.
▲ The YuNei River still seems to echo the spirit of "Seediq Bale."
Lü Pengsheng, chairman of the Taoyuan County Homestay Development Association, said there are no fewer than ten beautiful waterfalls in Xiaowulai. Even renowned director Wei Te-sheng came here to shoot scenes for the movie "Seediq Bale" on the YuNei River and Yixing Bridge. However, the most famous attraction is the skywalk completed in 2011, which attracts large numbers of visitors every week. Walking on the transparent reinforced glass walkway, you can look down at the 70-meter-high Xiaowulai Waterfall — a breathtakingly beautiful yet thrilling experience.
▲ Walking on the 11-meter-long skywalk can still be a bit nerve-wracking.
Aside from the Xiaowulai Waterfalls, another highlight of the skywalk is the Wind-Rocking Stone, regarded as a guardian spirit by the Atayal people. Lü Pengsheng explained, “The Wind-Rocking Stone, also known as the Balancing Stone, has stood on the slope for a thousand years and survived the 921 and 331 earthquakes. However, it was blown down into the river valley by Typhoon Soudelor this July. Many tribes held blessing ceremonies due to the fallen stone, but whether it will be relocated back to its original spot remains undecided.” In addition, during this summer vacation and until the end of September, the YuNei River Water Trail in the Xiaowulai Scenic Area has been specially opened to allow visitors to not only experience the skywalk but also cool off with some water play.
% The long queue for the skywalk shows just how popular it is among visitors. (Strong)
% The operating hours for the water trail end at the end of this month.
Near the north and south ends of Xiayun Bridge, on small terraces, the Atayal Helou Tribe is promoting indigenous culture. Local guide Jiwas said that here, visitors can join a Hunter School experience where local hunter instructors teach participants how to set traps in the mountains or by the stream, equipping urban kids with skills in hunting and fishing. Since the activities are all customized, they can be arranged for either one or two days.
% The experienced hunter Jiwas (pictured) demonstrates and explains how to set traps.
For those who prefer more relaxed activities, there are various DIY options such as banana cake DIY, cookie DIY, millet wine DIY, and sesame oil DIY. Moreover, if you haven’t tasted authentic tribal cuisine, you can’t say you’ve truly visited the Helou Tribe. With dishes like mountain boar, bright red stream shrimp, bamboo utensils, and millet rice, each person can enjoy an immersive cultural experience for just NT$250.
% The rich tribal menu is entirely made with locally sourced ingredients, and no pesticides are used. The unique dining utensils (also pictured in the lower right corner) are also a rare experience.
No matter race, gender, or age, chocolate always captivates people. Funded by Hwang Yea Food Co., Ltd., and built upon over 30 years of chocolate research and production expertise, the Chocolate Republic was born. Chocolate Republic PR Lin Ting-xian said that the building, shaped like an unwrapped piece of chocolate, hides the sweet secrets of chocolate-making. In this chocolate kingdom, the architecture was designed by the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Pingtung, while the garden was created by the team behind the Taipei Flower Expo. There is even a dedicated water play area so that children can have fun even in the hot summer.
% The uniquely designed building is the Chocolate Republic. (Strong)
% The especially designed water play area ensures kids stay safe and happy. (Strong)
When visiting the Chocolate Republic, be sure to try making your own chocolate treats. The DIY chocolate class lasts 40 minutes per session, costs just NT$200 per person, and allows online reservations. Tickets can also be used as discounts. Professional cooking instructors teach you how to turn liquid chocolate into your favorite shapes. Sprinkle colorful sugar powder or add strawberry and white chocolate, and your unique chocolate creation is ready to eat in under 10 minutes — a big hit with kids. Here, you can also buy a variety of chocolate desserts and related gifts.
% The chocolate DIY class is a must-do activity here, and even adults have fun eating and playing along.
% (Strong)Of course, there are also all kinds of chocolate desserts and souvenirs available on-site.
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