Lynda's Taiwan-logue

< 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.   

At the time of my visit, the establishment appeared to be fairly new (not yet fully operational?) and in the process of finishing touches. Nonetheless, its main entrance beckons - tall and wide open. About an hour early for lunch, we swiftly paid the admission fee of NT$100 (value can be offset with inhouse F&B) for a stroll. 

What sets Moon House 明月居 apart must be its specialising in camellia 山茶花 - a big beautiful flower that blooms whole year round. Additionally, visitors can enjoy Kaiseki cuisine 怀石料理, afternoon tea and even a Sanxingdui 三星堆 exhibition (more on this cultural relic later).

Upon entering the premises, visitors are greeted by the many camellia plants flanking the pathways, and over two storeys. I realised during this visit that there are actually many varieties.     

▼ The flower has an interesting chinese nickname 美人抓破脸 - literally "beauty with scratched face" - to describe the streaks on some of the petals.  

▼ On to 2F with more camellia to admire and a viewing deck. 

▼ The Kaiseki restaurant and teahouse are located on 3F. 

The restaurant was not opened yet but we were allowed a quick peek at the premises. Would love to dine here next time.  

The teahouse was opened though, and we decided we had time for a drink (and to utilise the admission ticket). We were the only patrons that morning, for a nice, undisturbed tour of the cosy interior. 

▼ Osmanthus honey tea 桂花蜜茶 NT$180 (-NT$100) 

▼ Earlier mentioned, there is a Sanxingdui 三星堆 exhibition within the premises. If somewhat incongruous with the rest of the garden, its official website briefly explains that the artefacts were unearthed by a local farmer in 1929, resulting in the current exhibition. The collection is perhaps more known for its discovery in Sichuan, China. As I am not an expert in the subject matter, here is more info off Wikipedia - surely an interesting attraction if you are into history and culture like me.      

Though an accidental find, the garden restaurant is another good option to kickstart or wrap up a visit to Xinshe 新社.