Chinese New Year 2008

After travelling up the west coast from Taichung (台中) and passing through the Yangmingshan National Park (陽明山國家公園), we spent the first night of the trip at Jinguashi (金瓜石) near the former gold-mining town of Jiufen (九份) .

These views were taken from Jiufen (九份) looking along the coast towards Keelung (基隆).

We spent the day exploring roads around Jiufen (九份).

We stumbled upon the little town of Shifen (十分) and were amazed to discover that this railway platform doubles as a road!

We spent our second night at Datong (大同 ) which is located on national highway number 7. After the nice weather we enjoyed at Jiufen (九份), we were disappointed to spend the day riding in the rain. These are views taken from guesthouse that we stayed at.

The wet weather continued the next day as we headed towards Taipingshan (太平山).

A short a distance from Datong (大同), we turned off national higway number seven and headed for the Taipingshan Forest Recreation Area (太平山森林遊樂區). Tapingshan (太平山) sits at almost 2000 metres and is a popular spot for hiking.

As we climbed higher, the visibility became worse.

This now unused railway track used to be used by loggers.

Tsuifeng Lake (翠峰湖) at 2350 metres. This is the highest point you can get to by motor vehicle on this road.

After Taipingshan (太平山), we continued our journey further inland towards Lishan (梨山).

On the road to Lishan (梨山), just after Wuling Farm (武陵農場), the road passes through this picturesque little valley.

Orchards cover the mountains near Lishan (梨山).

Spectacular views from Lishan (梨山) on what turned out to be a rare day of sunshine on this particular trip.

After leaving Lishan (梨山), we joined the Central-Cross Highway (中橫公路) at Tayuling (大禹嶺). Shortly after, we were fortunate enough to stumble upon this stunning sea of clouds.

This picture was taken in Taroko Gorge (太魯閣). Even though I live so far away from England, I remain a passionate Everton fan.

Relaxing on the roof of our hotel at Taroko (太魯閣).

After leaving Hualian (花蓮), we headed south down national highway 11. Not for the first time, we were greeted with ominous-looking rain clouds.

After spending a couple of nights in Kenting (墾丁), we headed back home along the west coast. On the way, we stopped at Foguangshan (佛光山), a monastery on national highway number 21 in Kaohsiung County (高雄縣).