Eternal Spring Shrine 长春寺

Eternal Spring Shrine (长春寺) made such an impression when I visited in 2009 that I requested to visit again this trip. And according to Dad, when he did a Google search for images on Taiwan, countless images of this shrine came up. Basically, Eternal Spring Shrine is synonymous to the number one place to visit in Taiwan.

This has got to be one of the most recognisable photographs of Taiwan

Although this is my second visit, I still did not make the trek up to the top. I also do not recall crossing the Eternal Spring Bridge but I must have, as otherwise, how did I get to the shrine?

The shrine was built in 1989 in memory of the 212 veterans who died while constructing the Central Cross-Island Highway. The water that flows done into Liwu River below is natural spring water.

The shrine has been rebuilt twice due to destruction caused by landslides. I suppose landslides are unpredictable, especially in a gorge and when Taiwan is prone to strong typhoons but I hope it does not get destroyed a third time.

Lushui Trail 绿水道路

The Lushui Trail (綠水步道) is a short, flat, beautiful hike along the historic Cross-Hehuan Mountain Road. It was rebuilt into paths due to the good road condition, beautiful landscape and significant ecological value. The width of the path is about 2 metres, which is similar to what it was during the Japanese Era.

The trail is about two kilometres long. Mostly gravel, it has a gentle slope and is easy to walk. About 10 minutes into the walk, there was a tunnel and heeding Allie's advice, we switched on the torch light apps in our mobile phones. It was really really dark in that 30-metre long tunnel!

The trail offers stunning views of the Liwu River (立雾溪) and interesting geological formations. 

We came upon a memorial stone along our walk and found out that it was erected in memory of four Japanese men who lost their lives here during official business here in the gorge. I then recalled hte information I read earlier at the Information Centre on how the Cross-Hehuan Mountain Road was the original road built by the Japanese during their administration of Taiwan from 1895 to 1945. The purpose of the road was mostly to subdue and control the local aboriginal tribes and to enable them to better exploit the area for wood, such as camphor among others, as well as for minerals. 

Walking this trail was like walking in the footsteps of the people before us, from the local Aboriginal people to the Japanese and later to the local Taiwanese. One day, I will return in better form and fitness to walk the other trails that make up the Cross-Hehuan Mountain Road.

Tianxiang Scenic Area 文天祥公园

Allie drove us up a little hill to make a quick pitstop at what I initially thought was just a normal park. It turned out to be the Tianxiang Scenic Area (文天祥公园) and there was nothing normal about it at all.

This park is a commemorative park for the Song Dynasty scholar-general Wen Tianxiang (文天祥). Apparently, he is a popular symbol of patriotism and righteousness in China for his resistance to Kublai Khan's invasion of the Song and his refusal to yield to the Yuan Dynasty despite being captured and tortured by their men.

He was captured by the invading Yuan armies of Kublai Khan, "offered" a Yuan post and ordered to convince the remaining Song forces to surrender. When he refused to do both, he suffered for 4 years in a military prison before he was executed. During his time in prison, he wrote two now world-famous classics, Passing Lingdingyang (过零丁洋) and Song of Righteousness (正气歌, pictured below).

Kublai Khan succeeded in becoming the first emperor of the Yuan Dynasty. Despite this, Wen Tianxiang was and is still considered a hero for his loyalty to the Song Dynasty. I thought the location of this park was really apt as a commemorative park, as it had good fengshui - mountains and a river flowing in front, and a temple on the opposite hill.

Monuments and parks in memory of Wen Tianxiang can also be found in Hong Kong, Beijing and his hometown of Jiangxi.

Travellogue Taiwan: Hualien and Yilan

From Hualien, we made our way to Yilan, the state just northwards. We visited Taroko National Park, famous for its marble.

Upon alighting the bus, I noticed swifts up in the clouds yonder.

The river had crystal clear water flowing towards the sea beyond. Having tried the coffee (supposedly brewed using water from the river itself), we climbed up to Eternal Spring Shrine atop the hill.

We continued our journey towards Taipei along super narrow roads. It was just wide enough for a bus. The linzi centre we stopped at was very expensive and despite their enthusiastic marketing and persistent persuasion, we all came out of the place empty-handed.

The next stop was yet another money-spending place - the marble factory. After having our lunch at their restaurant, we were brought on a tour of the factory, introduced to the different kinds of stones in production.

I have to admit that the stones they sold were cheap but I did not buy any as they were set in stainless steel, not in sterling silver or white gold.

Suhua National Highway was like a roller-coaster ride but the view was superb. While everyone else was taking a nap, I was busy shutter-bugging.

The batteries to my camera were drained due to my enthusiasm in getting good shots. Along the way, we stopped to buy steamed sweet potatoes from the local roadside vendors.

Despite feeling slightly dizzy, I found Nanfangau and Nantien Temple interesting. No, this temple isn't like the one in Wollongong, silly. This one worships Ma Zhu for the peace and safety of the fisherfolk.

Dusk fell and it was time for as to arrive at our final destination for the day: Shangrila Leisure Farm. At first, we were thinking: wow, Reliance actually arranged for us to spend a night at Shangrila? Cool! How wrong were we! It was of a different concept altogether but we were not let down. It turned out to be the BEST of all the places we've stayed at so far! We had no complains for the food and rooms. The view was breath-taking. Here are some shots taken the morning after:

After dinner, the hotel had activities lined up for us. We made glutinous rice ball and wrote wishes on a wish lantern.

There was also a top-spinning competition. After all the hype, Shek Mei, Xue Er, Alicia, Miss Lee and I sat outside and had a long chat about their babies, their husbands, and the economy.