Explore Taiwan’s “Peach Blossom Land” in Taoyuan – Taste President
▲ The mountain and water scenery of Taoyuan’s Cihu Lake makes one want to linger longer to take in the beauty. (Photo provided by Taoyuan County Tourism Bureau; the same applies to the photo below)
Reporter Zhu t?幔?ㄌ獗ǖ技/p>
Taoyuan, this beautiful land of peach blossoms, boasts not only the Minnan and Hakka culture along Daxi and Sankeng Old Streets, but also the rich landscapes of the North Cross-Island Highway, as well as the hidden gardens that were the retreats of the Chiang presidencies. It is endowed with many unique tourism resources. Especially in recent years, the “Two Chiangs Cultural Park” has attracted over 3 million visitors annually. In addition, there are diverse local experiences such as military dependents’ village tours and industrial experiences, drawing large crowds of tourists.
For a two-day trip exploring Taoyuan, you can kick off the first morning with a hands-on experience route by visiting Chocolate Republic for a chocolate discovery journey, where you can even make your own chocolates and enjoy the fun process. Located in Bade, Taoyuan,Chocolate Republicis a green building specially constructed with eco-friendly materials, and its appearance resembles a premium handmade chocolate oozing with melted chocolate. Aside from offering a peek into the secrets of chocolate, there are also many outdoor facilities. For instance, the children's graffiti wall lets sunshine and water replace paint, allowing kids to freely splash their creativity on the wall. The wading pool is a favorite among children in the scorching summer, with its shallow, fountain-style water where parents don’t have to worry about their safety.
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What attracts both children and adults here, aside from visiting the factory tour, are the guided tours inside and outside the venue, and the chocolate DIY workshops loved by kids, where parents can join their little ones to make chocolates from melting to coloring, assembling, decorating, and completing them, which they can even take home. Meanwhile, tasting chocolates is a course favored by many female visitors. There’s also a dessert workshop made of transparent glass, where you can witness firsthand how chocolate masters craft delicious chocolates. These finished products can also be purchased at the shop.
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If you take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, it takes about 20 minutes to reach Daxi Old Street for lunch, where you can savor the old street’s traditional flavors. After a hearty meal, head to the gorgeously craggy Xiaowulai Scenic Area in the afternoon to admire the famed Xiaowulai Waterfall, Longfeng Valley Waterfall, and the Wind-moving Rock. Watch as the stream water plunges 50 meters down into the deep pool from a cliff formed by a fault after narrowing through the valley — the mist created is like stepping into a hidden paradise.
In Xiaowulai Scenic Area, May to June and November to February of the following year are prime bird-watching seasons. In late autumn, you can also enjoy bright red maple leaves paired with murmuring streams, creating a breathtaking view. And when you come here,you must walk the famous Xiaowulai Skywalk to challenge your senses. The skywalk is located next to the Wind-moving Rock and is suspended above the Xiaowulai Waterfall, making you feel like you’re walking on clouds. Though the seemingly delicate skywalk appears fragile, its base is actually made of reinforced glass. When standing on the 70-meter-high glass platform above the waterfall base, you’ll experience a brand-new 360-degree view, a rare chance to look down upon Xiaowulai’s valleys and waterfalls from above.
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The next morning features theCihu Parkitinerary, beloved by seniors and mainland tourists alike. Originally called Pibi or Dongkou, Cihu was renamed by Chiang Kai-shek in 1962 as “Cihu” (Mercy Lake) because he loved the place, found its scenery similar to his hometown, and wanted to honor his beloved mother, Madam Wang. The Cihu Mausoleum faces the water with mountains behind, situated north-facing and south-opening. It’s a red-tiled brick house built in the style of traditional southern Fujian and Zhejiang quadrangle courtyards. Aside from paying respects, the most important tourist attraction is the ceremonial guard shift, especially the weekend guard handover ceremonies that are adored by domestic and international visitors, with camera flashes going off non-stop.
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The Cihu Visitor Center, located next to the parking lot for those visiting the mausoleum, has the appearance of a red-brick flat-roofed house. Inside, it displays many photos, calligraphy works, and replicated garments from Chiang Kai-shek’s life. Next to the center is a souvenir shop selling a variety of Two Chiangs memorabilia, particularly the popular Q-version figurines and Madam Chiang’s favorite honey plum cakes, which are crowd favorites. Behind Cihu, the Baixin Forest Trail was once a military restricted area. To promote local tourism, it was opened to the public in 1998. It features many beautiful spots and natural ecology, making it perfect for family hiking trips. From its highest point, you can gaze at distant mountains and enjoy a panoramic view of Daxi, making it one of the best trails to deeply explore the beauty of Daxi.
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Shimen Reservoir is definitely one of the must-visit attractions in Taoyuan. As the largest reservoir in the Far East, its lake and mountain scenery are admired all year round. The park area is filled with tree-lined parks, featuring a three-kilometer bike path and a lakeside cruise. However, the most popular spots in the area are the dam, spillway, and plum garden. During the rainy season, the spectacular sight of the dam releasing water always draws many visitors. Shimen Reservoir is also a prime spot for flower viewing. In autumn, golden maple leaves stretch as far as the eye can see; in winter, the plum blossoms are no less stunning, with their snowy white blooms dazzling the eyes. Come spring, peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, and azaleas compete in a vibrant display.
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Shimen Reservoir has a bicycle path encircling the rear pool weir, approximately three kilometers long. It’s a dedicated cycling trail that begins after entering from the Daping Toll Station, with signs on the ground indicating the way. The bike path loops around the lake, and on a clear, scenic day, it feels like you're in a paradise, cycling slowly with your family, offering a sense of immersive happiness. Don’t worry about bikes — there are rental shops near the reservoir where you can rent one. If you want to fully enjoy the reservoir’s scenery, you can also cycle uphill onto the loop road to take in the full panorama of the mountains and waters.
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