Wushi Harbor
Toucheng, Yilan
Wushi Harbor is a surfer paradise tucked away on the east coast of Taiwan, where surfing and sand surfing are both on the menu here, as is general beach activities. Rental shops are abundant, where you can get your surfboard and lessons as well; some ever offer pick-up and drop-off at Toucheng Train Station in Yilan. Usually, the beach grows crowded as the day wears on, especially on weekends, so we suggest you to stay at a nearby hostel the night before to catch some early-morning waves.
The harbor is the main port that connects the main island with Guishan Island (A.K.A. Turtle Island), and the area is also popular for whale-watching tours that start right from Wushi Harbor. Forget about the captive dolphin shows at ocean theme parks. Why not taking a ride on the boat and sailing on the Pacific Ocean? Let the wild and happy dolphins surprise you from every possible direction. Common bottlenose dolphin, spinner dolphins, pygmy killer whales and sperm whales can usually be spotted. This is a chance for you to get close to nature, as you've never seen it before.
On the cultural side, there is for sure a unique event you can’t miss here — Grappling with the Ghosts, a annual pole-climbing competition that takes place in the seventh lunar month at Wushi Harbor. Participants have to climb to a height of 12 meters above the ground on poles covered in oil to celebrate the end to the trepidatious holiday when the dead are said to be walking the earth — winning this contest is no simple feat though. The tourist center is standing right across from Lanyang Museum, and both architectures are unique and inspired by local landscape, making it a photographic hotspot. If you are craving for some fresh seafood, the fish market is a stone’s away and will stuff your tummy nice and full with the freshest catches and all kinds of dried seafood products. Whether you are an outdoor person, cultural type or big foodie, Wushi Harbor has it all.
Whale Watching
Meeting with dolphins and whales depends on luck. It is said that, on the date of the trip, boating companies would set sail to the sea at 3 a.m. in the morning to check which areas have more dolphins. This will ensure an 80-percent chance of seeing dolphins later in the day. However, with whales, all can be done is to pray before hopping on the boat, as it is hard to predict where whales will go.
Just put on a life vest and hit the road, when all necessary procedures are completed at the visitor center. On a sunny day, under the clear sky and amid soft breezes, it is easy to spot schools of dolphins during the 30-minute trip. Amid the glittering sea waves, smooth-skinned dolphins gracefully swim. The dolphins always receive loud applauses from boat-trip participants when they jump high and dive back in.
The boat slowly approaches the Gueishan Island as dolphins continue to show off themselves. The volcanic island, as its name Gueishan in Mandarin suggests—“Turtle Mountain,” looks like a giant turtle on the sea, although it only covers 2.85 square kilometers of land.
The Gueishan Island was under special military control from 1977 to 2000, and therefore the scenery it offers is primitively beautiful. With a visitor center and visiting trails in service now, visitors may enjoy hiking on the island. The highest point of the island is 398 meters, and trips to the tip of Gueishan are available. Be prepared for a challenging trip, however, despite the indicated altitude is low.
Don’t worry about missing the beauty of nature if you choose a trip without mounting the island. The island, observed from on the sea, is breathtakingly beautiful with its verdant vegetation. The “oceanic sulfur spring” is another must-see, with yellow sulfur streams welling out from the bottom of the sea mingling with blue ocean water. Listed as one of the eight great natural sceneries of Gueishan, it is a unique geological wonder that cannot be found elsewhere.
Toucheng Old Street
Toucheng, Yilan
Unlike other old streets in Taiwan, Toucheng Old Street is still “living”. Local residents live in the old buildings and keep their simple lifestyles. It is common to see young kids riding bikes or skipping ropes on the street. With a door ajar, we can see old men sitting on chairs and watching TV. However, Toucheng lost its traffic importance in 2006 due to the opening of the Hsuehshan Tunnel, which cut down the journey time between Taipei city and Yilan county from two hours to just half an hour. The crisis deeply affected the economic activities in Toucheng, so some local people began to evaluate their living space and future development. With support from the Regional Cultural Asset and Environment Preservation and Development Program by the Council for Cultural Affairs, they formed the Toucheng Cultural Development Association and founded the Toucheng Culture Museum on the old street. The mission of the association focuses on the old street preservation and the precious local culture development.
Mr. Brown Castle Café
Toucheng, Yilan
Perched on the mountainside, Mr. Brown Castle Café in Yilan boasts a fairy-tale setting with far-reaching panoramic views across the valley to the distant Wushi Harbor, Waiao Beach and Turtle Island. Designed with inspiration of a classic European manor, this rustic, elegant restaurant overlooks the picturesque landscape and attracts a significant number of visitors especially on weekends.
Two castles can be found here: one is more traditional while the other has a modern touch. Visitors can enjoy a cup of nice coffee as well as some delicious desserts inside the café; outdoor seating is also available, which captures a perfect commanding view of the surrounding scenery. Many would choose to spend the whole afternoon appreciating the beauty and serenity on the rooftop.
Mr. Brown Castle Café sitting on top of the mountain seems to keep itself aloof from the rest of the world, and visitors get to indulge themselves in absolute peace and unparalleled magnificence.