The itinerary deserves a perfect score, and first, I'd like to express my gratitude to our driver and guide, Brother Ken! Brother Ken arrived very early to pick us up and took thoughtful care of everyone. Our first stop was Cingjing Farm. The journey wasn't short, and the mountain roads were winding, making me wonder if it would be boring, but it wasn't at all. Brother Ken started sharing many interesting local stories even before we began ascending the mountain, which was incredibly entertaining. He would share details about every place we passed. On the way up, we saw trucks transporting cabbages down from the high mountains, and we got a sense of the indigenous people's way of life, culture, and art. Even the place names we passed had their own history. Thanks to Brother Ken, I learned so much about Nantou. The mountains in Nantou are truly beautiful. Stepping into the vast mountains, I truly understood what it means to see layers of green peaks. The mountains seemed endless. Occasionally, we'd pass by cliffs, and in the distance, we could see riverbeds. It was the dry season, so they looked like shallow, scratch-like marks, with a few shimmering, wide, thin mirrors reflecting on them. The scenery was captivating. Upon arriving at the farm, the weather was perfect. Time seemed to stand still under the blue sky and white clouds, and we gradually felt the temperature becoming cooler. Sheep trotted on the slopes, creating little 'flowers' on the lush green grass. The walking path was built along the mountain, and a few horses grazed in the flat area below. In the distance, the continuous mountain ranges were hazy, only their general outlines remaining, blending into the azure sky. We walked along the path to the exit, where Brother Ken picked us up for lunch before taking us to our second destination, Sun Moon Lake. Getting out of the car, I was immediately drawn to the surface of Sun Moon Lake. It was more expansive than I imagined, with an emerald-like surface that seemed bottomless. Just then, fragmented sunlight fell upon it, creating shimmering ripples, like light, thin silk stretching and unfurling in the wind. Taking a boat tour of the lake was exhilarating. The breeze was refreshing, reducing some of the early summer heat. Brother Ken continued to provide explanations, deepening our impression of Sun Moon Lake. The boat stopped at several piers, and in the shallow waters near the shore, we could faintly see small fish. I guessed the fish were as happy as I was. During our free time, we walked to the Yuchi Township Farmers' Association's Ita Thao branch and bought Ruby Black Tea. It felt like a must-do to bring back some black tea from Sun Moon Lake. The Assam milk tea we bought from a roadside shop was also delicious. On the boat ride back, we could see the cable cars, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Sun Moon Lake at sunset, with its water becoming deeper and more profound, gently smoothed away all worries. Even though we were reluctant to leave, it was time to head back. Brother Ken drove us back, again carefully reminding us to gather our personal belongings. On the way back, we watched the sun set, and the fields along the highway turned golden. The lingering warmth of the sun gradually faded, and our phone galleries filled with more and more photos. I thought to myself how truly happy this day had been, and it had passed by so quickly. As night fell, we finally returned to Taichung, and Brother Ken patiently dropped us off at our respective accommodations, bidding us farewell. I am so grateful to Brother Ken and to this one-day tour. It felt like a wonderfully beautiful dream. I love the mountains and waters of Nantou, and perhaps if I ever feel anxious again, looking back at this trip, recalling those interesting little stories, those adorable little sheep, and those lovely ripples, will bring me peace. I truly hope to have the chance to visit again!
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Driver: English, Chinese, Japanese, Thai
Meals
