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COMPASS
MAGAZINE, September 2003.
COVER
STORY:
| Enjoying
the elevated pleasures of Dadu Mountain
By
Tammy Huang
Translated by Yvonne Chen
|
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Dadu
Mountain is actually two mountains, situated between
Dajia and Dadu Rivers and bordering on Taichung City
and Taichung county's Shalu and Daya towns. The two
mountains span across Chingshuei, Shalu, Longjing,
Dadu, Shengang, Daya, Wu Er, and Taichung's Hsitun
and Nantun districts. Nearby cultural attractions,
the natural environment, panoramic views and the nearby
urban areas make this a popular place for local residents.
Almost of all of Dadu Mountain's attractions are conveniently
accessible from various parts of Taichung via TaichungGang
Road, which runs up and and over the mountain on its
way to Shalu town and Taichung Port.
Day
or night, there is plenty to see and do along Dadu
Mountain, including long park strolls, shopping in
among an eclectic combination of little shops, eating
and drinking at restaurants and cafes and, of course,
simply enjoying the great views of Taichung city and
the coastline. Below are a number of options to choose
from the next time you feel like heading up the mountain.
Multifaceted
tourist sights
-Taichung
Metropolitan Park
As central Taiwan's
first ecological park and the biggest metropolitan
park in Taiwan when it was comleted, this 88-hectare
facility offers a panoramic view of Taichung and
the western coast. The vast grounds include grass
areas, a star constellation plaza, biking lanes,
art sculptures, a lake, a visitor center and a
wildlife habitat display. All this makes it a
fun and educational place for the whole family.
Directions: Take TaichungGang Road uphill towards
Shalu and turn right on Dungda Road (opposite
Tunghai University main gate). Turn left on Hsi-tun
Road, and then right on Yu-Yuan Road, which runs
along the top of the mountain. |
 |
-Old
Tung Hai Fort at Viewpoint Hut
This Japanese colonial-era
fort is 294 meters long. Its mysterious feeling comes
from the maze of complicated, underground tunnels
which have spawned many ghost stories. Although many
young people have tested their nerves here, people
no longer go down to explore for safety reasons. The
view of the Taichung basin and the seacoast, however,
is still worthwhile.
Directions: Take TaichungGang Road towards Shalu and
connect to Chung-Chi Road. Turn left at Yu-Yuan Road
and then connect to Yu-Yuan S. Road. You will see
it once you pass the Taichung branch of the Highway
Motor Vehicle Administration.
-Tung
Hai University
Known for its beautiful
grounds, the university is the favorite photo spot
for weddings. Its beauty is presented with romantic
roads and graceful woods. The Luce Chapel, designed
by renowned architect I.M. Pei, is a must-visit shrine
for religious followers and architectural enthusiasts.
The Tung Hai farm is also worth a visit.
Directions: The main gate is on the left as one heads
up the hill along TaichungGang Road, section 3.
Huang
Hsi Old School (Ta Du Wen-Chang Temple)
The century-old
Huang Hsi Old School was built in 1888 during
the Ching Dynasty. This national heritage site
is the shrine of the Wen-Chang god. Its artistic
value lies in its reliefs, stone and wooden carvings,
and the interesting use of terracotta plates,
pines and other materials. The expert sculpting
techniques create an intricate and grand impression
central to secular art. |
 |
Directions (1): Take Provincial Highway 1 to Dadu
town. Go straight on Wen-Chang Road in front of Village
Administration Office.
Directions (2): Take
TaichungGangHarbor Road towards Shalu. Take the Shalu
Overpass and connect to Chung-Chi Rd., sec. 1. Turn
left at Chung-Hua Rd., sec. 1, go to Shan-Yang Bridge
and then connect to Sha-Tien Rd., sec. 3. Follow Sha-Tien
Rd. from sec. 3 to sec. 2 and take a right at the
Administrative Office building onto Wen-Chang Rd.,
sec. 1. After passing Wen-Chang Bridge, turn left
at Wen-Chang 1st Street and you will reach Huang Hsi
Old School.
-Guomei
Wetlands
Guomei Coastal Wetlands
covers 3.5 kilometers of coast around the Dajia River
estuary in Chingshuei. The lush wetland ecosystems
include tide pools, marshes, sandbanks, gravel, and
mud pools. The different geological formations have
spawned many bio-resources that make it a precious
ecological habitat. During dusk, it is especially
beautiful to sit on the embankment and watch the reflected
sunset and the strolling birds.
Directions: Take TaichungGang
Road towards Shalu. Turn right onto Provincial Highway
1 towards ChingShuei. Follow Guomei Road.
-Taichung
Wuchi Harbor
This is the place
for fresh seafood, with many food stands to choose
from. The inexpensive, fresh-from-the-boat seafood
includes fish, crustaceans and mollusks, and is
prepared as specified by the customer (i.e. steamed
or deep-fried). Afterwards, take a stroll at Harbor
Park, enjoy the sea breeze and listen to the waves.
Directions: Go straight on TaichungGang Road towards
Shalu and connect to Chung-Chi Road. Turn left
at the gas station. Follow the signs to the harbor
for about five minutes. |
 |
-Chingshuei
Service Area
This rest stop on the
Second North-South Freeway opened in June. The spectacular
night view attracts many visitors. The facility is
complete with viewing deck, shark aquarium, outdoor
caf?and small shopping center with souvenir stores,
a supermarket and reasonably-priced food court. For
information, contact the service desk at 0800-000-076.
Directions: Take TaichungGang
Road towards Shalu. After Tung Hai University, take
the Longjing Interchange onto the freeway (Rt. 3),
heading north. It's at the 173-kilometer mark on the
freeway, about two kilometers after you get on the
interchange.
-Guo
Ji (International) Street
Forget about sweating
outdoors. How about a place to sit down and enjoy
a nice cup of coffee? This area is filled with a wide
variety of teahouses and cafe, as well as unique shops
to dig for treasure.
Directions: Take TaichungGang Road towards Shalu and
turn right on Guo Ji Street.
Great
outdoor dining with panoramic night views
-Moon
House
217, Tung Da Rd., Sec. 2
(04) 2461-2208
Hours: 10 am-2 am
Credit cards accepted
The owner of this place instantly knew that this
was the spot to build his second dream. The gazebo,
walkway and wooden chairs are reminiscent of Canada's
Prince Edward Island. The foods are a mix of Japanese
and Chinese cuisine. Lady Thigh (NT$220/small,
NT$450-550/large) is a time-consuming stewed pig's
knuckle without the greasy taste. Grilled bamboo
shoots (around NT$100) use select, tender Dakeng
bamboo shoots for a rustic taste that is great
with dressing. Coffee (around NT$100), homemade
cakes, sweet moon cakes, and pine leaf cakes (NT$200-300/box)
are great afternoon tea choices. |
 |
-Niu
Ting Tou
176, Hsi Tun Rd., Sec. 3
0910-504961
Hours: 10 am-9 pm (closed Mondays)
Credit cards not accepted
After a long walk, a glass of cold, refreshing winter-melon
tea is guaranteed to hit the spot. This teahouse mainly
sells cold drinks from about NT$40 to NT$60 (hot tea
is NT$100-300/pot). The recommended drink is a winter-melon
tea with fresh fruit and herbs. Tea snacks are a must
(NT$30-50): seaweed, congealed blood cake, bean curd,
thick toast, and the addictive turnip cake with scallion
eggs. Set meals (NT$99) and petite hotpots (NT$130)
are also available; beef stew with rice, sweet and
sour fish with rice, and kimchi hotpot are the most
popular. On a good day, sit out on the patio and let
the mountain breeze and warm sunlight wash away the
fatigue.
-Yeh
Shih Chieh (Night World)
20-26, Hsiping South Lane
(04) 2461-7197, (04) 2461-0175
Hours: 6 pm-2 am; (opens 5 pm weekends/holidays, closed
Mondays)
Credit cards not accepted
180 degrees of great views are the draw at this place,
which mainly serves grilled and stir-fry dishes. Although
known for its strict quality, the prices are reasonable
and preferred for companies and group gatherings;
a substantial stir-fry plate costs NT$500 to NT$600.
The grilled dishes are great too: spareribs and lamb
chops are NT$100 to NT$250. Young couples favor the
patio caf?next to the restaurant; drinks are NT$180-200
with a minimum charge of NT$50.
-Night
Flight Restaurant
107, TaichungGang Rd., sec. 3, 23F
(04) 2355-6789
Hours: 12 pm to after midnight
The relaxing restaurant, located on the top of a high-rise
office building on TaichungGang Road near Cheng Ching
Hospital, easily offers one of the best views of Taichung
to be found anywhere. Besides the indoor area and
a balcony outside, there are two separate glass boxes--perched
on the roof edge and filled with romantic tables--that
offer amazing views. There is a NT$500 minimum charge
to dine here. Medium-to-high-priced, Western dishes
include Rib Eye Steak with flame (NT$888), Lamb Cutlet
Provencal with olives and garlic, and Salmon Steak
with mustard seed (NT$668). There are also plenty
of snacks, soups, salads, beers (NT$168), coffees,
teas and othe drinks. If you're lucky, you'll bump
into Hero, the owner's big, friendly Weimaraner dog.
-Bu
Yeh Tien
199, TaichungGang Road
(04) 2633-8719
Hours: 6 pm-3 am
Credit cards accepted
This self-service grill sits on along a Dadu Mountain
stretch of TaichungGang Road, just off Longjing interchange
for the Second Freeway (Rt. 3). The large outdoor
area puts one with nature and the night view differs
from other areas: the stream of cars on Second Freeway
is clearly visible and the car headlights only add
to the view. The barbeque is great and paired with
fresh, abundant food (NT$30-100), special "secret"
sauces and wonderful aromas. Satay Chicken Kabob (NT$50)
uses the proud owner's secret sauce. Beverages include
tea, coffee and light wine, all costing around NT$100.
Discount coupons are available for up to NT$500. Charming
views and a bustling beer house atmosphere make this
is a great place. |
