Timeless Journey Taiwan Season 1, Episode 4: Hengchun Peninsula

The Suhua Highway

This amazing drive, hugging sea-cliffs along Taiwan's east coast, is simply staggering. If you haven't had the chance to experience it, you need to get out and do it. The highway is located between I-lan and Hualien, with its northern terminus in the port town of Suao, and southern near the entrance to Taroko Gorge National Park. Allow a couple of hours, as road conditions are not conducive to fast driving, with nasty curves and climbs, falling rocks and trees, trucks, and road construction.

50 min

Impressions Of Jiufen

Until the 50s, Jiufen was a prosperous gold mining town, but when the mining was discontinued, the town went into sharp decline. However, the quaint streets, tea houses and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean saved it from becoming yet another anonymous mining ghost town, and it is now a popular tourist destination, especially with Taipeites eager to relive scenes of the past. Jiufen has provided the setting for several period movies.

50 min

Shui-Sha-Lian And Sun Moon

Hemmed in by verdant mountains in the heart of Taiwan, SUN MOON LAKE is the island's largest freshwater body and one of its most renowned tourist destinations. It's popular for good reason its calm, emerald-green waters reflect the lush tiers of mountains that tower around, creating some of the country's most mesmerizing landscapes. The lake's name is inspired by its distinctive shape, with a rounded main section likened to the sun and a narrow western fringe compared to a crescent moon. Encircling it all is a 33-kilometre road, dotted with fascinating temples and picturesque pavilions, each offering a unique perspective on the waters below. The lake and its environs are also ideally suited for a variety of outdoor activities, from boating and canoeing to cycling and hiking. There are several well-maintained hiking trails, ranging from short, paved nature walks to longer, more rugged paths including the tough slog up 2059-metre Shueisheshan.

50 min

Lily Town

Taiwan has been called the "Kingdom of Butterflies" with more than 400 species of butterflies in Taiwan, and 40 of them can be found nowhere else in the world! There was a time during the 1960's when thousands of workers here were producing butterfly art and crafts. It is estimated that some 10 million butterflies were caught every year.

50 min

Taroko And The Cross-Island Highway

Central Taiwan is home to a stunning array of large, beautiful and dangerous mountains. The Central Cross-Island Highway cuts across the island making a journey from Taichung to Hualien possible without having to circle around the island. When the weather cooperates, the road offers spectacular scenic views. On the eastern side, the road runs through the Taroko Gorge National Park, with the final 20km or so of the road running through the Gorge itself. This highly traveled portion of the road is perpetually under construction ... construction which has claimed the lives of hundreds of workers over the life of the road. For the prepared traveler, this road like no other can be an excellent place to bike, motorcycle, drive or even walk. This gallery is directed not so much at the scenic views, but more at the marvel of this cross-island highway itself.

50 min

Mt. Ali And The Forest Railway

Ali Mountain is the general name of the eighteen hills including Zhu Hill and Tower Hill. The highest peak of Ali Mountain is Tower Hill with the height of 8,736 feet. Ali Mountain is world famous for its 'five rare sites' including the Sunrise, the Ali Mountain Forest Railway, the famous Alishan Sacred Tree, the Grand Sea of Clouds, and the Flamboyant Cherry Blossom.

50 min

Misty Xanadu And Mt. Hehuan

An 11,207 foot tall mountain, Hehuan Mountain (Hehuanshan) is a well known tourist destination in Taiwan. Hehuan Mountain (Hehuanshan) lies in Central Taiwan between the counties of Nantou and Hualien.

50 min

Penghu

The Penghu Islands is internationally known as The Pescadores, meaning "the islands of fishermen" in Portuguese. Lying on the Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and China, some reporters named the Penghu Islands "the pearls scattered in the sea by the fairy" to compliment its splendor. Penghu possesses an important geological position for it is the only island with the coastlines formed of basalt magma.

50 min

Lanyu and Kending National Park

Lanyu or the Orchid Island is a tiny island located 60 km off the south east of Taiwan. Though stretching for merely 45sq km, the small island with its serene locale, is one of the most popular destinations of Taiwan. Lanyu gets its name from the extensive variety of orchids that had once covered the island. The orchids however, have been destroyed or sold, though the beauty of the island still remains unhampered. With its coastline, lush vegetation and serene locales, the island has become a popular summer resort in Taiwan.

50 min

Episode 11

50 min