Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mingtan Reservoir SCENIC AREA
(Míngtán Shuǐkù) This reservoir feeds a power station billed as the largest pumped-storage
generating plant in Asia. The system uses surplus electricity at night from the 2nd and
3rd nuclear power plant to pump water back up to the original source of the reservoir's
water (Sun Moon Lake). During the day, the water is released to generate extra power.
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Sitou (Hsitou) & Shanlinhsi
The old forest reserves of Sitou (Xītóu; elevation 1150m; admission NT$200), 26km
south of Jiji, is noted for beautiful stands of bamboo, China fir and cedar, but can be
shockingly overrun on weekends. The whole area is often shrouded in mist but the trails
are paved and well marked.
Just south of Sitou is another forest-resort area called Shanlinhsi (Shānlínxī, Sun Link
Sea). The area is less developed than Sitou and offers longer hikes.
For sleeping check out the Youth Activity Centre (Qīngnián Huódòng Zhōngxīn;
049-261 2160; http://chitou.cyh.org.tw ; dm with IYH Card NT$600, d NT$1900) in Sitou. The area
outside the entrance of Sitou has recently been developed into a Japanese-themed village
and offers plenty of eating options.
Nantou Bus Company ( www.ntbus.com.tw ) has buses between Sun Moon Lake and Sit-
ou via Jiji (NT$194, roughly every two hours, 90 minutes), running six times a day
between 7am and 5.30pm.
Buses (NT$175, roughly every 30 minutes) to Sitou operated by Taiwan Tour Bus
( www.taiwantrip.com.tw ) leave from Taichung train station and HSR station between 7am
and 3pm.
From Sitou, there are five buses daily going to Shanlinhshi (NT$59).
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Taichi Gorge
It's not hard to see why a 1986 rockslide that killed 28 visitors closed Taichi Gorge (Tàijí
Xiágǔ; admission NT$50; 7.30am-5pm) to the public for over two decades. The precipit-
ously high, narrow and rocky terrain just doesn't allow for easy trail development. Kudos
to the forestry bureau for the wall-hugging wooden steps and the thrilling 136m Ladder
to Heaven (Tiāntī) - it's one of Taiwan's longest suspension bridges, and certainly the
only one with built-in steps (to help you descend faster). You'll need a few hours here if
 
 
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