Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
You can visit any time of year but in early spring (mid-February to mid-April) note
that the annual flower festivals really bring in the crowds. Avoid weekends during this
time and any time expect long bus rides down to Taipei at the end of the day. If you are
interested in flowers, the first month is dedicated to cherry blossoms and azaleas, while
the second is dedicated to the white calla lily.
THE TIGERS OF DATUNSHAN
Most of Taiwan's big cat species have unfortunately become extinct, but one spe-
cies of the genusParantica,known casually as the chestnut tiger(Parantica sita ni-
phonica),can do something no feline ever could: fly all the way to Japan.
The 'tiger' in question is actually a midsized butterfly that lives in a well-studied
colony on Yangmingshan National Park's Datunshan. In 2000, the lepidopterist
world was rocked when one member of the colony, marked NTU1032C, was found
in southern Japan - 1200km away. At first, researchers thought this was another
instance of butterfly migration, but over the past decade only 12 other tigers have
been found making that long ocean journey. Most likely dumb luck and strong
winds account for the occasional long voyage. But it's still hard not to be impressed
with such a feat.
The best time to see the tigers of Datunshan is June mornings when they swarm
trailside. The butterflies, which are used to human presence, will often land right on
you if you wear bright clothes. To get to the prime viewing areas, take park shuttle
bus 108 to
Erziping Visitor Centre
( 8.30am-4.30pm)
and ask for directions.
In addition to the chestnut tigers, there are around 150 other butterfly species in
the park, which can be seen from May to September.
Sights
The park has a few heritage sights if nature isn't your thing.
Grass Mountain Chateau
MUSEUM
(Cǎoshān Xíngguǎn;
www.grassmountainchateau.com.tw
; admission NT$30; 9am-5pm Tue-Sun,
meals 11am-9pm)
Built in 1920 and visited by Japanese Crown Prince Hirohito, this hand-
some building became Chiang Kai-shek's first residence in 1949. The chateau is now a
museum, exhibition centre and well-regarded
restaurant
(set meals NT$488) with dishes
favoured by the Generalissimo such as meatballs, braised spare ribs and lamb. Tourism
shuttle bus 9 runs here from the park's main bus stop on the way to Beitou.
