Taichung has many natural scenic spots. Last year, I went tea-picking and had a picnic at a tea plantation in Nantou, but I never got the chance to visit Qingjing. This time, taking advantage of a three-day holiday, I specially arranged a one-day car tour around Taichung. Though a 10-hour car tour covering Sun Moon Lake, Puli, and Qingjing might feel a bit rushed, it was incredibly convenient not having to worry about anything. With a driver providing point-to-point transfers, I managed to visit several places I’d long wanted to see in just one day. For someone like me with limited time, this arrangement was perfect.
At 8 a.m., the driver picked me up from the hotel lobby. Since it was a private car with only me as the passenger, the spacious cabin was very comfortable even for the whole day. The driver, Brother Ming, was also very friendly. We chatted and laughed along the way, and soon we arrived at the first destination.
First Stop: Sun Moon Lake
The best way to enjoy the lake is by taking a boat ride to admire Sun Moon Lake from different angles. The boat travels counterclockwise, starting from Shuishe Pier, then heading to Xuan Guang Temple Pier, followed by Ita Thao Pier, and finally returning to Shuishe Pier. Boats depart every half hour, and passengers can decide how long to stay at each pier, as long as they board the boat again from the same location where they disembarked.
Among the three piers, I liked Ita Thao the most. It’s a small community with many restaurants and stalls lining the streets. It’s quiet and peaceful during the day, but probably lively at night. Most shops don’t open until noon, so if you plan to stay overnight at Sun Moon Lake, it’s a good idea to visit later in the day.
If you want to take a boat tour on the lake, you can book your tickets in advance via KKday. A one-day pass for all three piers costs just $3 USD, which is cheaper than the on-site price. After arriving at Shuishe Pier, show your KKday order number at the Zhan’an Shalian ticket booth to exchange it for a physical one-day boat pass. The boat schedule is printed on the ticket. >>> Sun Moon Lake One-Day Boat Pass
Second Stop: Puli
Paragliding in Puli was the highlight of the day. We arrived at the site at Hu Xiao Mountain Villa at noon. If you’re not taking a private car, you can also take a free shuttle bus from downtown Puli. The weather that day was perfect for paragliding—blue skies, white clouds, and a gentle breeze. The view of Puli down the mountain was breathtaking. Even if you’re not paragliding, it’s a great place for camping and vacationing.
After filling out the necessary information, the staff explained the flight arrangements. There were three people paragliding that day, including me and a couple from Macau. We took turns, with each flight lasting about 15 minutes.
When booking the paragliding experience via KKday, the rental fee for photography equipment was already included. After the activity, you receive a Micro SD card and USB drive with your photos. The process is simple and convenient, and the photos turned out great.
Years ago, I tried skydiving in Australia, so I thought paragliding wouldn’t be too difficult. But the older I get, the more scared I become. Standing in front of the open field, my mind went blank. Following the instructor’s guidance, I tried running a few steps to take off. Seconds later, I was flying like a bird. The instructor controlled the altitude and direction behind me, allowing me to relax and enjoy the scenery while feeling the thrill of free flight. I even managed to take a few selfies.
One of the most popular challenges in paragliding is called the “aerial roller coaster,” where you descend while swinging left and right at a 180-degree angle, creating an intense centrifugal force. Daredevils definitely have to try this. While up in the air, the instructor asked me multiple times if I wanted to try it, but I was too scared: “No way, no way!” I shouted in panic. After begging, the instructor finally spared me, and I landed safely in the end. >>> Nantou Puli Paragliding Experience
Third Stop: Qingjing
Having seen photos of friends kissing little lambs on lush green grass, I had long dreamed of visiting this place. I made it to Qingjing before sunset, and there were still quite a few visitors. The farm is large and well-organized, and strolling around felt very relaxing. After spending some time at Qingjing Farm, I walked over to the nearby Little Switzerland Garden. It was less crowded, with fresh air and beautiful scenery, making it a perfect final stop for the trip.
>>> Taichung Sun Moon Lake Qingjing One-Day Car Tour
Acknowledgments: KKday
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