Written and reported by Wei Ruyu
A week before Lunar New Year’s Eve, the Xiangshan Administration and Visitor Center at Sun Moon Lake and the nearby Shuishe Visitor Center will host a New Year’s concert and an orchid art exhibition this Sunday (1/15). It's a great opportunity for those planning to visit Nantou or looking to avoid the holiday crowds to enjoy a peaceful holiday getaway.
Located near the Shuishe Tunnel on Provincial Highway 21, the “Xiangshan Administration and Visitor Center” features various local cultural art displays, specialty products, and a café, making it a favorite among visitors. (Photo provided by Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration)
The New Year’s concert starts at 3 PM, featuring performances by a classical orchestra. The program includes three Chinese folk songs arranged by composer Lee Chih-Yi: Phoenix Drum Dance, Jasmine Flower, and Song of the Ussuri River; a sinfonietta by composer Jiang Wenye; a collection of Tchaikovsky dances; music from Studio Ghibli animations: Spirited Away/My Neighbor Totoro; ancient dances by Italian composer Ottorino Respighi; and the grand finale — a performance of Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante by Wu Tingyu (violin), current concertmaster of the National Symphony Orchestra, and Tseng Ching-Jan (viola), former concertmaster of the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra.
The classical orchestra was founded in 1998 and has performed both indoors and outdoors multiple times at venues such as the National Concert Hall, Shuishe Pier, and the Snow Mountain Forest Recreation Area. (Photo provided by Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration)
The orchid art exhibition at the Shuishe Visitor Center runs from 8 AM to 5 PM, with this Sunday being the last day of the display — be sure to catch it while you can.
The architectural art of the Xiangshan Administration and Visitor Center, paired with the beautiful scenery of Sun Moon Lake, has always been a favorite photo spot for many visitors. Meanwhile, Yuchi Township is also the heart of Taiwan’s orchid production, particularly known for its national orchids and cymbidiums. Coupled with the locally produced sweet and mellow black tea, the trip to Sun Moon Lake this time will be both artistic and romantic, surrounded by tea tasting, orchid appreciation, and delightful music.