Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MAP
(Shān Wěn Quán;
http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/changsisters-mkf
;
set meals NT$280-440;
11am-10pm Wed-Mon; )
This funky aboriginal restaurant and cafe overhangs the
Wenshui River; its name in Chinese reads 'Mountain Kiss Spring'. The two aboriginal
sisters who run the place whip up some fine meals (mostly hot pot and hot plates), and
play good music to boot.
Information
Sun)
sits at the start of County Rd 62. It doesn't have any information on travelling in
Taian, but it does offer a good overview of the history of the Atayal and Hakka settlers in
the area.
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Taian suffers frequent landslides, which can wash out roads and change the course and
look of riverbeds. Avoid the area after heavy rains or earthquakes.
Getting There & Around
You need your own transport.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Sanyi
037 / POP 5000
Over 100 years ago, a Japanese officer discovered that camphor grew in abundance in the
hills around Sanyi (Sānyì), a small Miaoli County town. Since camphor makes for excel-
lent wood products (it's aromatic, extremely heavy and can resist termites), the officer
wisely established a wood business. Over time, Sanyi became
the
woodcarving region in
Taiwan and today nearly half the population is engaged in the business in one way or an-
other.
The best time to visit Sanyi is in April when the white flowers of the blooming
youtong trees
(Aleurites fordii)
give the surrounding mountains the appearance of being
dusted with snow. Most people visit on a day trip from Taipei or Taichung but if you
have your own vehicle consider staying at Taian Hot Springs, which can be reached via
the bucolic County Rd 130 (east) connecting with Provincial Hwy 3. The 130 is also a
popular cycling route with a challenging climb in the middle.
