While at Wuling Farm in Heping District of Taichung City
This is my second visit to the fascinating country of Taiwan. May first visit was dated May 14-17, 2019. I was with four travel buddies, two of them are my frequent buddies in Japan and Korea and some local tours. That first visit was more on touring around some famous spots of Taiwan. We were based in Ximending and we had explored it From the airport to Ximending. For tone day, we booked our tour thru Klook and visited Yeuliu Geological Park Rock Formations, Shifen for its water falls and lantern flying and the bustling but charming village of Jiufen. The other days, we had DIY tours at the Taipei 101 and National Shiang Kai Shek Memorial Site.
On this second visit of mine dated March 12-20, 2024, it took longer as this trip was really intended to climb Yushan (Jade Mountain) and Xueshan (Snow Mountain) Climb and the remaining couple of days were only for side trips. This package tour has been catered of course by the most reliable and dependable Ms. Jonah Chavez-Ranchez and husband Dr. Eric R. Ranchez under their brand service name Jonah's Travel. Don't hesitate to contact them, they can offer travels ranging from local, and international tours and climbs in Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealan and even the STAN Countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
For this post, I am sharing the places I had toured nearby Taichung City. From Taoyuan Internationa Airport, we drove right to Taichung City for our Yushan climb and we did not have the opportunity to tour around Taipei City,
The accommodating receptionist at Loosha Hostel
Loosha Hostel is located in the middle of Taichung City. Right after our Yushan climb, we drove back to Taichung to spend an overnight. This hostel is very affordable and offers a comfortable and clean accommodation with their capsule-type beds.
This is my comfortable hostel accommodation
It was already early in the evening when we arrived Taichung City from our Yushan climb. And after checking in at Loosha Hostel, we had a sumptuous dinner together.
Comfortable rest at the city after the Yushan climb
The dining hall of the hostel where free breakfast is served
Since, the following day was a rest day, we did not wake-up early but still we have a city tour and we need to buy our essentials for the next climb as well as mountaineering gears that we might need in scaling the mountain.
This is a train store inside
Inside the Train Souvenir Store
From the vicinity of our accommodation, we took a bus going to Green Point Outdoor Shop to buy mountaineering gears and essentials. Of course, we enjoyed the ride.
The bus travel to Green Point Outdoor Shop
Our photographer here is the owner of Green Point Outdoor Shop
To take advantage of cheaper prices, I bough a Vibram goretex shoes. What so special about this shoes is that, it is designed to withstand the challenges of the most demanding terrain, this innovative technology offers a perfect combination of water resistance, breathability and lightness. I also bought two trekking poles which I was advised I would need in the snow-covered Xueshan mountain.
A variety of sporting shoes
Cheaper down jacket or puffer jacket
Taking a walk in search of lunch
I got a problem in looking for my lunch because I really wanted to have rice. However, my group insisted that we have to try their original noodles. So, when we lifted the bus near our accommodation, we just had a long walk going to that destination.
My noodles lunch at the Original Store of Chun Shui Tang
I was not happy with my lunch. I really do not like noodles. I thought that at the bottom of all those meat slices is rice, because I did not see noodles in the menu picture only meat slices on top of it. Of course, this store is mor expensive. There are some small food corners, serving rice and chicken just a block away from our accommodation.
A long walk back to the accommodation
After a long walk, we dropped by at a convenience store to buy our climbing essentials which will be good for 2 days. Then, we rested in our comfortable beds. I had the chance also to have my clothes for laundry at the hostel.
One of the two stores I passed thru. Parang Filipino store
Just after my dinner fronting our accommodation
To be sure that I will have the rice for dinner, I went out with my Beshie Chris Palacio where we have the same choice of food. I got a soundly and tight sleep. I also had packed my things and we are living our things at the hostel, those stuff which are not needed in the climb.
Stopover for refreshment
The Old England
Old England is one of our side trips on our way to the jump-off point of Snow Mountain. It was such a long trip coming from Taichung City. This manor is located in Ren'al Township, Nantou County which is nestled in scenic Nantou County. It is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World which offers a unique blend of English Tudor architecture and diverse period furnishings. Below are some other pictures of the place.
From this point, we still had a long drive going to the jump-off point of the Snow Mountain. We've witnessed a very dramatic mountainous region with lots of parks on it. There are some locals and tourists enjoying this mountain parks.
Stopover for lunch
The jump-off point of Xueshan at 2,140 MASL
Xueshan or Snow Mountain that we climb has an elevation of 3,886 MASL (12,749 feet) and from this point of the jump-off point of 2,140 MASL, we only have to scale another 1,746 MASL. This mountain is the second highest mountain in Taiwan and East Asia.
Our Xueshan (Snow Mountain) Climbing Team
This registration site is in itself a good place to stay with for it is overlooking the scenic Wuling Farm. There is a souvenir shop here. Some essentials can be bought here.
Qika Cabin overnight accommodation
From the jump-off point to Qika Cabin is just barely an hour trek with an elevation of 2,460 MASL. It is advisable that climbers spend a night here for acclimatization due to the high altitude.
After the Xueshan Day climb the following day, we spent another night at the Qika Cabin and proceed back to the jump off point in the morning.
Cherry blossoms at the Wuling Farm
Wuling Farm is just barely an hour drive from the jump off point of Xueshan. This can be best visited when Cherry Blossom is on its full bloom. This has a charming scenery in all four seasons. In spring, the fruit trees are in full bloom, and the pear and peach blossoms are in full bloom, as beautiful as a painting; in summer, the mountains are full of green, and the sound of waterfalls and streams is cool and refreshing.
Still at Wuling Farm
During winter at Wuling Farm, guests have the chance to see the silvery white snow, as if you have entered a fairy tale world. No matter what the season, strolling the farm trails, enjoying the fresh air and stunning mountain view, can make you completely relaxed and full of energy.
Wuling farm at a wide angle
Guests can book thru Klook for this exciting experience. To make the most of your experience, you can avail accommodations ranging from hotel, guest house and camping options. But guests can also avail hotels and resorts in the surrounding areas of Lishan or lodging accommodations.
The Rape (Brassica napus) flower field in Wuling Farm
Playing with Rape (Brassica napus) flowers
In Taiwan, convenience stores really offers the best services and food are of varied choices. The best thing is it offers a truly comfortable space where motorists and guests can relax. It is not just a small convenience store.
The imposing Lisan Guesthouse
From the looks of it, I thought Lishan is a palace. We spent ample time taking pictures and videos just to learn that this is just a guesthouse. It is located at No. 91 Zhongzheng Road, Heping District, Taichung City. This accommodation can be an option if guests prefer not to stay in Wuling Farm. At the backdrop of it or overlooking are stunning mountain views and hot springs. It's an ideal base for nature and adventure. It is just 1.3 km from Fushoushan farm.
Dropping by at a historic tunnel
They also honor their native ancestors
We still had an overnight at the Loosha hostel and the following day, we had our early flight heading to Manila. It was such a great experience. Climbing two major mountains of Taiwan: Yushan (Jade Mountain) at 3,952 MASL - Taiwan's highest mountain and Xueshan (Snow Mountain at 3,886 MASL - second highest mountain of Taiwan and a number of side trips worth sharing.
While at the boarding gate of Taoyuan International Airport bound for Manila
For the record, Taiwan is the 12th country that I have visited and two Special Administrative Regions (SAR) of China such as Hongkong and Macau. Other countries are: (1) Thailand, (2) United Arab Emirates in Dubai, (3) Uganda, (4) Rwanda, (5) Kenya, (6) Singapore, (7) Indonesia twice, (8) Malaysia twice, (9) Brunei, (10) Japan five times, (11) South Korea twice, (12) Taiwan.
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