China Pa Garden China Pa Garden [CLOSED] 1-6, Hu Shui Lane, Hu Shui Li, Yuanlin Town, Changhua County (04) 887-8855 Hours:Saturdays & Sundays 11 am-1 am; Mondays-Fridays 4 pm-1 am Parking is available. No service charge.

ADD YOUR RATING & REVIEW | VIEW VISITOR RATINGS & REVIEWS

Ever since the work week got shorter in Taiwan, there has been an explosion of garden-style restaurants all over the countryside. One of Central Taiwan's leading examples, China Pa, is situated about 40 minutes out of Taichung city. Conveniently, there isn't much traffic coming or going and either way to this restaurant, which has plenty of available parking and is easy to locate at the entrance to Yuanlin's Bai Guo Mountain. Take the Zhong Shan Freeway, exit at Yuanlin, head towards Bai Guo Mountain and you will find it at the top.

This location ensures that, during the day, you get a great view of the city which, at night, is awash with neon lights. The soft, billowing breezes provide a sensation difficult to recapture anywhere downtown. There is indoor and outdoor dining, each with its own delights. Whether you are outside, enjoying the sounds of nature and the lovely breezes, or indoors admiring the interesting decor, you are sure to feel the care and attention the owner has paid to everything.

Apart from the attractive setting, the dishes here are well worth recommending. For those who fancy a taste of France, try their French Style Lamb Chops (NT$120 per gram); this dish is fresh and juicy without the usual pungent odor of lamb meat. For Japanese cuisine, try the Japanese Style Yam and Tomato Hand Roll (NT$220); a mixture of sweet and sour, it makes an interesting choice for an appetizer. There is also the Japanese Style Sirloin Steak (NT$420). The steak is lightly fried, then barbecued with a special Japanese-style sauce. Without the usual, greasier black pepper sauce, it gives the steak a fresher flavor.
There are even more choices in the Chinese menu, from spicy Hakka stir fries to Beijing-style appetizers, and prices are all around the NT$200 mark. Due to limited space, my recommendations will end here, but be sure to come and sample everything else they have on the menu!

After dark, enjoy your choice of drink with some appetizers or an outdoor barbecue. With good food, great drinks and beautiful scenery, this all-in-one setting is able to satisfy all your entertainment needs at once. Finally, be sure and purchase some famous Bai Guo Mountain sweet preserved fruits on your way home.

By Catherine Liu Translated by Cara Steenstra