Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On a more serious note the park also gives insight into the cult of personality that was
developed (and still exists for hardcore KMT supporters) around Chiang. You'll learn for
example how his statues were placed at the front of every school, and often in pre-exist-
ing popular shrines so worshippers would be forced to pay homage whether they wanted
to or not.
The sculpture park is free but if you want to see more of the area apply ahead of time
called
Back Cihu
(Hòu Cíhú)
. This former command centre was used by Chiang in his
plans to retake China. It's set around a pretty lake and takes a couple of hours to walk.
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Shimen Reservoir
Biking out to the Shimen Reservoir (Shímén Shuǐkù) from Taipei is a popular day trip
for stronger cyclists. You can take County Rd 110 from Bitan to Sansia and then Hwy 7,
or ride the bike-only riverside bicycle paths that head along the west bank of the Tamsui
(you'll pass Yingge on the way). The latter route is very scenic past Yingge.
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Fuxing (Fuhsing, Fusing)
03 / POP 1000
The aboriginal village of Fuxing (Fùxīng), 18km down Hwy 7 from Daxi, makes for an
excellent pit stop, or an even better base from which to explore the whole area. If you
want to stay the night, the
Youth Activity Centre
(Qīngnián Huódòng Zhōngxīn; 382 2276;
d/tw incl breakfast NT$2600/4300, 10% weekday discounts)
has simple rooms in a pretty,
landscaped park on a high ridge overlooking an arm of Shimen Reservoir. The land was
formerly occupied by one of Chiang Kai-shek's summer villas (it burned down in 1992),
which should clue you in to the fact that it's incredibly scenic here. YHA holders can
stay for NT$800 per night.
On a small bluff to the right of the centre (head to the back of the car park and then
down the wooden stairs) is
Shenlin Shui An
(Sēnlín Shuǐ Àn; 382 2108;
www.facebook.com/loveforesthouse/info
; set meals NT$320-420; 10am-8pm)
, a rustic res-
taurant run by an aboriginal family. The view here is even more incredible than at the
Youth Activity Centre and the food and coffee are far superior. The owner speaks some
