Taipei 101

Which building is the tallest in Taiwan and was once in the whole world? Where can you have a feast for your eyes for the most splendid fireworks display when the moment you finish counting down of the year? Without a second thought we all know it is Taipei 101, a modern architecture combined with traditional notion and symbols.

What's unique about Taipei 101?

Well, the special architecture has a lot to offer. Its name features the idea of going one better on 100, and the number means perfection in Chinese tradition. Besides, take a closer look and you’ll find that the shape of its exterior appearance resembles a bamboo, signifying learning and growth. The bamboo-shaped building has eight segments, with eight floors in each. In Chinese culture, the number “eight” is often associated with abundance, prosperity, and good fortune.

The feeling you see Taipei 101 from a distant place is totally different from the feeling of standing just in front of it and lifting up your head to see its endless stretch. I remember the first time I looked up at what I thought to be a mysterious structure, I could say nothing but “wow” with emotion of marvel and amazement. Compared with 101, I was just like a grain of salt that was too tiny to be observed. Actually I could just have part of its image because it’s too high and, sometimes, surrounded by thick smog or cloud. Somehow I was still awestricken.

Since I was a student in senior high school which is near Taipei 101, I had plenty of chances to observe it every day while going to school and after class. It was during these three years that I found it has many patterns to display. Sometimes it would show special pictures for some specific festival. For example, I once saw red ribbon exhibited in red light on December 1st, the date which reminds people of showing love and care for those who have AIDS. And it would display “88” on outer wall on Fathers' Day for the purpose of celebrating this annual festival.

A red ribbon, the internationally recognized symbol of AIDS and"♥AIDS" are lighted on top of "Taipei 101" during a campaign for World AIDS Day in Taiwan.

on Double Tenth Day

on Valentine's Day

Even on days that are not set for celebrations, the lights and decorations on this building change every evening. There are seven colors for each weekday, like red for Monday and orange for Tuesday. The lights would decorate the building until ten o' clock every day. Turning off the lights conveys the message that a hardworking day has ended.

We'll have more to expect, because this year the 89th-floor observatory will be open for people who want to enjoy themselves among thundering fireworks. The cost is NT700 dollars each person. After admiring unforgettable view, there will also be a chance to see the first gleams of morning from the top of Taipei 101 this year, with tickets sold NT800 dollars each.

This is the picture in the new year of 2008:

This outstanding landmark in Taipei has really more to offer, not only with its unique modernistic appearance that attracts people from all over the world to see it, but also with plenty of special markets, restaurants, gyms, and elegant boutiques for those who want to enjoy their life there. And I think the popularity will increase as more and more foreign visitors have perfect impression on Taipei 101. It's true that Taipei 101 brings Taipei to the world.

Outside of Taipei 101. The Christmas tree in the picture was taken this December.

How to get there?

MRT:

Taipei City Hall Station 2 exit.

Then take walk for about 10 minutes or if you are afraid of getting lost. You can find shuttle bus near number2 exit for free charge.

shuttle bus:

here's its route:

For more information:

http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/ch/OB/index_ob.asp

Hope you enjoy your day with Taipei 101 !

by Janice 陳怡君, 教育系101

Le-Hua Night Market

Le-Hua Night Market is a very popular and well-known place in Yung-He City. The night market is located on Yung-ping Road. It has nearly 320 shops and vendors, including food stands, restaurants, boutiques, clothing stores, and so on. If you want to taste various kinds of traditional foods in Taiwan, Le-Hua Night Market is just the place you should pay a visit to. Not only can it provide food you may have never tasted before, it also gives friendly atmosphere. Furthermore, it only takes 5 minutes by walking from MRT Dingxi Station to the night market. In this article, I’ll introduce some traditional and popular stores, and I promise you’ll like them! Now, let’s take a little food tour.

First of all, when coming to Le-Hua Night Market, one of the most important stores we cannot miss is the one selling oyster omelets. After taking a two-minute walk from the start of the night market, you’ll see it on the left side. It has been running for almost 30 years, and the ownership of it has been handed down to the second generation by the original shopkeeper. The store is special because it always uses fresh oysters, and the food is flavored with specific sauce made exclusively by the owners. Except the owners, no one knows how to make that particular sauce. The sauce is so delicious that some people even want to buy it. The store also uses sweet potato flour and water celery to substitute the flour and celery cabbage that other venders use, which will make the oyster omelets more savory. People would rather spend a long time waiting in line just for the tenderness and tasty flavor of oyster omelets. If you want to take a visit and have some nice oyster omelets, remember to come as early as you can.

When the appetizer is finished, let’s move on to the entrée. There is a really special store selling angelica duck and that with thin noodles. The store is located near the end of the night market; you can easily find it by recognizing its bright simple sign. It uses ducks just killed within a day and handmade noodles to make the food tastier. The highest record of the number of ducks they sell out per day is 50. So you can know how popular it is. It mainly provides soup with thin noodles or green bean noodles. It also sells some specific parts of the duck. In addition, some Chinese herbal medicines are put into the soup, which is beneficial to health. Don’t worry, the soup is mild so that it is suitable for everyone, even the pregnant and the sick can have the soup. It doesn’t smell weird; you can slightly smell the sweetness of the angelica duck instead! With the tenderness of duck meat and the elasticity of noodles, it will absolutely be a delicacy for you when visiting here.

After having so many things to eat, we may probably feel thirsty. If so, I cordially recommend a place for you to go. There is one store selling almond ice, which you can find out on the right side after walking through the only winding road in the night market. The reason why I would like to talk about this store is that it not only sells almond ice but also offers kinds of snacks made from almond, including tofu, cookies, ice-lollies, and so forth. The store mainly sells almond shaved ice and tofu. The ice they use is purely made of almond, which makes the shaved ice and mein mein ice so yummy. Needless to say, they are the most popular items ordered by visitors because of their frosty and velvety taste. What’s more, it also sells almond soft ice cream that other venders don’t have. Therefore, if you’re accustomed to the special smell of almond and want to have some tasty shaved ice or snacks, you shouldn’t miss this store!

There’re still a lot more special food stands and stores in Le-Hua Night Market. Whether traditional or modern, they all have their exclusive traits and the ways to attract people. The most distinctive feature of the night market is that it offers both delicious food and the friendly atmosphere. Only when you come here will you know how you can be infected with that feeling. So, when coming to Yung-He City , don’t forget to take a look at the sleepless nigh market and get something to eat. I promise that you will have a good time!


Directions :
MRT : Dingxi Station ( Beitou – Nanshijiao Line )
Bus : 5、57、214、238、624、627 ( Lehua Theater )
51、57、214、242、243、248、262、304、311、627 ( MRT Dingxi )
If you start walking from the Dingxi Station, you don’t need to worry about the side of the road you’re walking on. There’s a huge winding road which leads you to Zhongzheng Bridge; therefore, walk towards the opposite direction. Just walk straight, and you only need to cross the road once. The distance between the MRT station and the night market is within 300 meters.

Bangka Lungshan Temple: Where spirits live

Thousands of folks surge into LungshanTemple every day. In the face of adversity, people usually seek shelter where they can, clinging to life and waiting for the storm to pass. LungshanTemple offers a place where one who is under a lot of strain in livelihood can commit their souls to Gods.

Let the divine inspirations set you free

Life in Taipei, a prosperous city, though brightened with many colors, is noisy and crowded. With a view to earning as much money as possible, people are always on the go. Being under stress continually, they feel exhausted, worried and not knowing what to do about the next step. They ask spirits’ suggestions, by casting two pieces of wood which are shaped like lunula. If one piece shows the obverse side, with the other on the reverse side, it means the spirits agree your opinion. Then, just to do what you want and let the consent of Gods wash away your anxiety.

A Masterpiece of Traditional Chinese Architecture

Lungshan Temple, was founded in 1738, consists of three halls: the fore hall, the main hall and the rear hall. With the destruction of the bombing during World War II, the whole temple was toppled. Thanks to Wang Yi-Shun, we have rebuilt a temple of art; and thanks to his perfect carving skills, the LungshanTemple has become one of the most impressive sites in Taiwan.
There are many pillars supporting the historic temple uprightly. These pillars are not made for ornaments, but there is nothing else that so splendidly ornaments a temple. On the original intentions of the masons, the pillars are made out of stones in an eye to protecting the stylobates from decayed. However, to build pillars without inscribing is like go out without dressing. So the masons started carving something served as the symbolization of joy, such as the magpies and the blossoms stands for “to look very happy.” It is hard to find these vivid and exquisite carvings in modern architecture. LungshanTemple preserves a heritage of ancient culture for future generations. Therefore, it is assigned a historical site of second grade by the government.

Have some snacks

After making a formal visit to LungshanTemple, you can try some local snacks: sailfish rice-flour soup tastes thick and delicious; glutinous rice wrapped in lotus leaves, palatable; crispy tofu, toothsome; green grass tea, able to anneal. Savoring these snakes is an inexpensive way to be fulfill your hunger of tasty foods
Life at any time can become difficult. Worshiping a religious figure might help one adjusts oneself more easily. Although you are not a Buddhist, LungshanTemple is still worthy of visit. The erection remains unequaled and draws tourists’ attention. In conclusion, LungshanTemple bears testimony to the spirits of devotees to Gods now and forever.

How to get there

MRT: Longshan Temple Station
Bus:
0 west, 1, 9, 18, 24,25,38, 49, 231, 233, 234, 263, 264, 265, 310, 601, 628, 701,702, 703,705(Longshan Temple Stop)
205, 218(Laosong Elementary School Stop)
Train:TRA Wanhua Station

Su-ao cold spring --offers escape from the everyday

Su-ao cold spring --offers escape from the everyday
Do you feel exhausted after dealing with your jobs? Are you longing for a place which offers escape from the daily routine? Su-ao cold spring is a great choice! Su-ao is a tranquil place located in Yilan which is renowned of the cold spring. Cold spring, also called cold spa, has magic power that enables our whole body to warm up in spite of soaking in cold water. The purity of the water and moderate content of mineral substance, such as Sodium bicarbonate, calcium,iron and so on, are the spring’s feature. So it’s beneficial to human body to take a shower .Soaking in cold spring can also make us feel refreshed and full of vigor without any side-effect.
Cold spring has many therapeutic effects for diseases such as gastric disease, chronic pneumonia, gout, diabetes, and skin disease. etc.
People living in Su-ao are very friendly .The atmosphere there is peaceful, and the scenery there is splendid. If you come, you’ll definitely find the pure energy of Taiwan.

Going to cold spring in summer is just like soaking in hot spring in winter. The pleasant feeling is hard to express. You may feel very cold while entering the water, so you’d better try the temperature with hands and pat some water on your skin first. After that, you soak in slowly. Wait for the body to adapt to the temperature, then your body will generate heat gradually. The cold spring will permeate the internal organs and achieve therapeutic effects .Then you can heartily enjoy the relaxing bath.


Before you enter the park, you’ll see a big stone in front of the entry, which is inscribed with” th e best cold spring of the world”.

If you go to the single pool, you will see an oaken house built in Japanese style.

The wooden cottages are clean and spacious with good lighting, which makes you feel ease just like being at home. The interior design of the building will amaze you with its beauty. Each room has one cold spring pool and an oaken tub which contains the hot spring .The colors of the room make you feel warm and relaxed. You can enjoy in your own room leisurely.

If you turn to the public pool, you will be surprised to see the surrounding of the pool is designed in classic western style .There are many shower nozzles which can massage your body with cold water. The water in the pool is crystal-clear and cool, and you can see the stone at the bottom and the bubbles continually floating up .The pool is often crowded with adults and kids who are eager for the blue sky and natural water. The pool is usually filled with laughter. The atmosphere there is peaceful and the air is fresh. If you go there, you’ll find that you’re pretty close to nature!

After taking a relaxing cold spa, you can’t miss the “Namunei”(from English "lemonade", a kind of soft drink, and a pearl is designed to be in the inner bottle) This is the specialty of Su-ao.

In view of lovely scenery, refreshing cold spa , friendly locals, and special goodies, taking a trip to Su-ao ought to be a wonderful experience that will never be forgotten! You should come and enjoy the pleasure at least once in your life!

Here are some information about Su-ao cold spring:

Address:No.6-4,Cold spring road , Su-ao town, Yilan country, Taiwan(R.O.C.)
Operating time:8:00-22:00
Su-ao cold spring park Tel：(03)996-0645
Charge synopsis :
Adult: NT70--(general tourists)
Discount: NT40--(residents of Su-ao town, seniors above age 65 and the physically changed. )
Group:NT56--(Groups of 30 or more)
Family bathing pool :NT100 for each room,(Time limit: 40 minutes)
Traffic system:
1.Railway: take the train on the North Link Line to arrive at Su-ao Station then take a short walk.
2.Passenger transport : take a bus of Taiwan motor transport company, and get off at Su-ao station.
3.Drive by yourself: Su-ao cold spring is located beside Provincial Highway No.1. Chung-Shan Freeway Su-ao Town. There are 2 ways leading to Su-ao that drivers can choose.
1. Go Provincial Highway No.2, and then arrive at Su-ao Town after passing Su-ao Harbor.
2. Go The Taipei-Yilan Freeway ,and then arrive at Su-ao Town after passing Yilan, Luodong.

Hou-feng bikeway& dong-feng bike way

-old railway,new scenery
Without any sweat.I’m going to lead you to experience a tour of nature.
Hou-feng bikeway& dong-feng bike way are famous to many biking-lover.
However, even not a biking lover, It is still worthy to be visited!

The two bike way are connected. Totally the length is 16.5km, while it is not necessary that one should ride the whole route at once! There are many fabulous spot along the way. Each part has its distinguished features. Enable to let people enjoy the whole ridding. Also ,we can enjoy the beautiful sight along the bank of da-jia river. The entrance of hou-feng bikeway is located in hou-li town, near by another famous scenic spot hou-li horse farm.

The most famous part in the road is the 9th tunnel ,which is used to be using by
train.The tunnel is neitherwind nor very big .Just suitable for little train.Now, It’s suitable for two bikes ridding together.It is cool inside, the temperature is lower than outside. If you ride it in summer, it’s really comfortable.

The end of hou-feng bikeway is the beginning of dong-feng bikeway.


Dong-feng bikeway is the first bikeway that is constructed by a devastated railway in Taiwan. Dong-feng bike way was once called Dong-feng rail way, carrying wood and farm product. To many local people, it is a memory to their past life. Passing through Houli、Shi Gang、Dong-feng bikeway is longer than hou-feng bikeway ,while there are more spots in it, including Shi Gang reservoir and 921 memorial park-The place where government keep the shattered building and several broken rock(really big, taller than me! ).

If hungry, going on a picnic would be a good choice!
Or, there are many food shop along the way, look at this mango ice!

I went and had fun in the two bikeway with my friends in this summer vacation. I like biking but I don’t ride it often , therefore, I was afraid that I couldn’t finish the whole route, nevertheless , my friend told me that the only thing that I supposed to do is to enjoy the refreshing air、blue sky and all the things we meet in our journey. But actually, ridding bicycle in such a distance is not a easy thing. After several curve, I had felt a little tired. especially those up slopes always made me have the impulse to take a brake. But after a while, the beautiful views caught my sight, I forgot the tiredness, relishing in the speed and wind. It is unavoidable that we may face difficulties in our journey, but I realize that once there is up slopes, there will be down slope after while, and ridding the speedy down slopes part is my favorite time.
NO BIKES!!??
Don’t worring!

There are many shops that provide bike renting.