Lynda's Taiwan-logue

< Visited in Nov 2018 & Nov 2014 >

The chinese character 炊 (chui1) refers to using fire to cook, or steaming. Used in sentences, the word actually conveys a rather poetic nuance, such as in the name of this Zen-themed, fine dining restaurant up in the back mountains of Taichung - 又见一炊烟 (there is no formal English name though its FB uses 'Fooding Smoke').  

< Visited in Nov 2018 | Mar 2017 | Nov 2014 >

Xinshe 新社 is an approximate one hour drive from Taichung city into mountains of 560-620 metres altitude. Known affectionately as the garden of Taichung (台中后花园), it is also home to the highly anticipated Xinshe Flower Fest 新社花海 - usually held in Q4 annually - jamming the mountain town with locals and foreigners. Flower fest aside, the town is still worth exploring anytime of the year, for its "mushroom street", thematic garden cafes and of course, Lavender Cottage 薰衣草森林.

< 2-night stay in Nov 2014 >

To the east of Taichung city lies a mountain town covering less than 70km² - Xinshe district 新社区, affectionately known as the garden of Taichung (台中后花园). At an altitude of between 400-1000 metres, and counting a population less than 24,000, Xinshe 新社 has enough attractions and lodgings to warrant a stayover, surely not just during the town's annual Xinshe Flower Fest 新社花海 season.  

< Visited in Nov 2014 >

The annual Xinshe Flower Fest 新社花海 was one of the two triggers how I even noticed Xinshe 新社 in the first place - the other being Lavender Cottage 薰衣草森林. Once a travel destination takes root in my mind, I tend to obsess over it till I get there. So there you go, an eventual trip in 2014, centred on the two triggers. 

< Visited in Nov 2014 >

Summit Resort 新社庄园 is undeniably one of the must-go attractions at Xinshe 新社, complementary to Xinshe Flower Fest. The premises is fairly large, with vast gardens that make it suitable for families with young children and even elderly, to spend a leisurely afternoon.    

< Visited in Nov 2014 >

One of Xinshe 新社's local produce is mushroom, and Xiezhong Street 协中街 is undoubtedly the town's mushroom street, with plenty to offer in terms of mushroom-themed dining, products and sightseeing farms. If there is any shopping to be done, it has got to be on this vibrant stretch. 

< Visited in Nov 2014 >

CH Garden 千桦花园 is a small, tranquil garden cafe, included in my two-night stay planned around Xinshe Flower Fest. As most attractions and dining areas are located within proximity and short drives, it is well worth searching for such places to supplement your Xinshe 新社 itinerary. 

< Visited in Nov 2014 >

Moon House 明月居 was an accidental find when waiting to be let in for lunch at You Jian Yi Chui Yan 又见一炊烟, a mere 5-minute walk away. Located at the "entry point" of Xinshe 新社, this approximate 557sqm camillia garden restaurant is another gem to kickstart (or end off) a visit to the mountain town.