HOME > CENTRAL TAIWAN > TAICHUNG > ARTICLES >

COMPASS MAGAZINE, July 2002

cover story:

GOING FOR A RIDE: Getting flipped, twirled, spun and dropped at Taiwan's amusement parks

By Selena Huang and Douglas Habecker / Translated by Cheryl Robbins and Sharon Yang

When it comes to man-made attractions, it's hard to think of one with more all-around, varied entertainment and fun for all ages than the amusement park. From that theme-park mecca, Disney World, to small, local traveling fairs, this concept has proved itself as a winner all around the world.

With summer vacation arriving, there is no better time to offer a brief survey of Taiwan's own amusement parks. Today, there are a significant and growing number of options up and down the west coast. As selection and quality of rides, games, food and other facets continues to grow and develop, island residents are voting with their feet and flocking past ticket counters to spend a few hours or an entire day at local amusement parks. Already, these facilities are beginning to resemble in size and scope their counterparts in North America and elsewhere.

Read on for a sampling of what fun options are available out there.

-LEOFOO VILLAGE 60, Kung Tzu Kou, Ren An Li, Kuanshi Town, Hsinchu County Tel: 0800-006-565 Admission: NT$690 general (18 and older), NT$660 (12-18 years), NT$630 for children from 110 cm in height to 12 years, NT$345 for senior citizens 65 and older and those with a disability certificate, NT$570 "starlight" admission (after 3 p.m.), NT$2,400 annual pass *******************************

Leofoo Village is divided into six theme areas and a world garden. Theme areas include mainland China and five of the world's continents. Start your visit by first walking through Chinatown, then experience a recreated scene from the 19th-century American West.

In the South Pacific area, view the intensity of a volcanic eruption. Make sure to take a thrilling ride on a pirate ship as it passes through a raging storm or ride a flying carpet in the Arabian Palace area. Children will love Storybook Village and The Wild Kingdom. In March this year, Leofoo Village added another attraction--the largest primate conservation and education park in Southeast Asia.

-WINDOW ON CHINA
60-2, Heng Kang Hsia, Kao Yuan Tsun (village), Lungtan Hsiang (township), Taoyuan County
Tel: 0800-321-468
Admission: NT$550 general, NT$490 students, NT$350 senior citizens and preschool children, NT$490 groups, NT$420 "starlight" admission (after 3 p.m.)
*******************************
Window on China is the only theme park in Taiwan to present miniature versions of more than 100 of the world's most famous landmarks, including Taiwan's Presidential Building, the Forbidden City, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Statue of Liberty. Window on China is also home to the largest indoor amusement park in Southeast Asia. Attractions are as diverse as roller coasters and horse-drawn carriages. For those who like a thrill, try "Super Twister" with revolutions equivalent to a Force 8 cyclone. For something less stimulating, enjoy a ride down the Nile River and, in the same area, take in the Pharaoh Theater and shops selling Egyptian souvenirs.

-DISCOVERY WORLD
115, An Mei Road, Houli Hsiang (Township), Taichung County
Tel: 0800-054-080
Admission: NT$700 general (19 and older), NT$600 for middle school through college students, NT$550 for kids 110 cm and up, and NT$350 for kids between 90 and 110 cm. There are discounts for groups of 30 or more, and NT$450 "Starlight" general admission (110 cm and up) after 4 p.m. Management is also hoping to soon introduce a joint DiscoveryWorld/Mala Bay ticket, allowing visitors to jump between the two parks for one price.
*******************************
This very impressive theme park is Taiwan's newest and certainly one of its biggest. Discovery World is part of a huge complex that includes the Mala Bay water park. Of all Taiwan's theme parks, this is arguably the most American in feeling, thanks to its world-class, foreign-designed entertainment facilities. These are almost identical to those found at any American park, right down to the signs and names. The park is divided into six main areas--Discovery Walk, D Street, Yamay Island, Enchanted Forest, Fairy Tale Village and the unfinished Palace of Dreams. There are dozens of rides for all ages, plus carnival-type games, food and drink outlets, shops and regular performances by local and foreign entertainers. Top rides include the Gravity Max roller coaster with a 360-degree loop; the milder Mine Express roller coaster; the Wild River Canyon water ride; a giant rotating swing called The Stinger; Energy Storm, which resembles a giant multi-axial propeller; a giant swinging ship called The Hook; and--of course--a Merry Go Round. Getting to the park is easy-from Taichung head north on the Freeway for about 15 minutes, get off at the Houli/Waipu exit and follow the Yamay Park signs.

-FORMOSAN ABORIGINAL CULTURE VILLAGE
45, Jin Tian Lane, Ta Lin Tsun (village), Yuchih Hsiang (township), Nantou County
Tel: (049) 289-5361
Admission: NT$650 general, NT$550 groups, NT$500 students, NT$450 student groups, NT$350 children under 6 years but taller than 110 cm, senior citizens 60 and older and those with a disability certificate
*******************************
Although the focus of this theme park is the island's aboriginal culture, attractions include a European-style garden, cable cars and roller coasters. There are two to three aboriginal dance performances daily, as well as simulated ceremonies from the island's 10 tribes. The park has hired Aborigines that are proficient in traditional handicrafts to provide wood sculpting, pottery making and weaving demonstrations. One of the park's restaurants serves aboriginal fare, such as sticky rice cooked in a bamboo pot, while the park's aboriginal culture museum provides guided educational tours.

-WEST LAKE RESORTOPIA
11, Hsi Hu Rd., Hsi Hu Tsun (village), San Yi Hsiang (township), Miaoli County
Tel: (037) 874-656
Admission: NT$350 general (not including rides), NT$300 groups of 30 persons or more and students middle school through college, NT$250 student groups of 30 persons or more, children taller than 110 cm including elementary school students, senior citizens 65 and older and those with a disability certificate, NT$150 pre-school student groups of 30 or more students, NT$150 coupon includes access to rides and 18 holes of mini golf
*******************************
At the entrance of this park is a sculpted Versailles garden. Fog, often present in this area, adds mystery and beauty to the landscape. In the "Alice in Wonderland" area, there are a number of attractions, including a pirate ship, space shuttle, carousel and "The Tunnel of Love". Also in the park is the Goddess of Mercy garden, which integrates Japanese garden design with Chinese religious beliefs. The San Yi area is famous for its many wood carvers and, thus, this park includes a showroom of some of this area's most famous works. There are also a variety of performances up to three times daily. If you would like to spend the night, accommodation includes quaint wood cottages.

-HSIN BAI GUO MOUNTAIN AMUSEMENT PARK
15-30, Chu Shui Lane, Chu Shui Li, Yuan Lin Town, Changhua County
Tel: (04) 836-3286
Admission: NT$350 general, NT$300 groups, NT$300 students and senior citizens, NT$250 student groups
*******************************
This is one of the island's oldest amusement parks. It includes a large European-style garden, as well as a museum with artifacts from Taiwan's early history. The children's area features fruit-shaped playground equipment. For the bigger kids there are thrill rides that provide variouis drops and turns. For something out of the ordinary, cross the Bai Guo Bridge where you can pick fruit in the orchards along both sides of the path. There is also a karaoke, as well as a large performance hall that can seat up to 1,000 people. Performances include folk art and magic shows. Another of the park's many facilities is the barbecue area, able to hold 300 to 400 people, with all of the equipment necessary for a great summertime barbecue party.

-JANFUSUN FANCYWORLD
67, Ta Hu Kou, Yung Kuang Tsun (village), Kukeng Hsiang (township), Yunlin County
Tel: 080-053-888
Admission: NT$799 general, NT$699 students (high school and older), NT$599 elementary and middle school students, NT$500 senior citizens 60 and older and those with a disability certificate, NT$299 children 90 to 110 cm in height
*******************************
Janfusun Fancyworld is a comprehensive amusement park that combines recreation, entertainment, culture and technology. The park includes a museum, a garden, thrill rides, theaters and a children's play area. Attractions are similar to those seen in international theme parks such as roller coasters and free-falling rides. The children's area includes rides for the little ones, as well as one of the largest LED projection screens in the world. There are four theaters to check out, including one with 3-D films. If you would like to take in all that the park offers at a leisurely pace, there is accommodation available with special two-day-one-night packages.

-WOOZLAND
160, Lane 245, Cheng Bei Rd., An Nan District, Tainan City
Tel: (06) 257-3811
Admission: NT$390 general, NT$350 students, NT$300 children and senior citizens, 10% off for groups of 30 or more persons
*******************************
Woozland is divided into a water park and an amusement park. The water park features South Pacific and adventure sections with exciting water slides, amusement islands and bumper boats. The amusement park area features thrilling roaster coasters that perform single and double revolutions. There are also dance performances from all over the world, as well as "Sci-Fi World", a 3-D theater, "Adventure Island" and laser shows.

-AROUND THE WORLD INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE
15, Tsai Liao Rd., San Ho Li, Kang Shan, Kaohsiung County
Tel: (07) 628-1917
Admission: NT$500 general, NT$450 senior citizens, NT$400 children
*******************************
This is one of Taiwan's only world-theme parks. Entering this park is like entering a kaleidoscope of nations. Enjoy song and dance performances from all over the world, as well as handicraft demonstrations. There are also international circus and acrobatic acts. Other attractions include cables cars, a pirate ship and a number of thrill rides. From now until August 25, Around the World International Village is hosting the Kaohsiung International Children's Festival and has invited performers from around the world to participate. Other areas of the park include a children's play area, folk arts performance area, maze and simulated aboriginal village.

-SPACE PORT 9
B3-B4, 2, Kenting Rd., Hengchun Town, Pingtung County
Tel: (08) 886-2411, ext. 218
Admission: NT$590 general, NT$550 groups, NT$490 students and children taller than 120 cm, NT$450 student groups, NT$340 senior citizens 65 and older and those with a disability certificate
*******************************
The entrance to Space Port 9 is a seven-meter-tall space ship. Once you pay admission, you are given a key to open the circular door and enter. Space Port 9 is a high-tech indoor amusement area that combines 3-D images, light, sound and movement. It is divided into eight areas, including four where visitors can try out simulated rides. There are more than 100 interactive virtual reality games to experience. When you are in need of a break, check out the "alien" dance performance.

Top