Shire Chronicles: Day 7: Taichung --> Kaohsiung

Today, we left Taichung for Alishan. It took a 2-hour coach ride via the highway before we reached the Alishan National Scenic Area, and another 2 hours on the winding roads to the top. We enjoyed great views all the way up, and had a chance to taste the tea brewed from the famous tea leaves of Alishan.

Tea crops

After lunch, we embarked on a 1-hour trek through the magnificent forest. Taking in the sights and sounds while inhaling the sweet, crisp air made for an incredibly therapeutic experience. It was, without doubt, my favourite stop on the entire itinerary.

Many shades of green

Heart-shaped family portrait

森林隧道

世外桃园

三代木

An elementary school on the mountain!

A temple, one of many we visited in Taiwan.

The wasabi plant, another famed produce of Alishan.

Very reluctantly, we left behind Alishan and got on the coach again for another butt-numbing, four-hour ride all the way back to Kaohsiung.

Determined to make the most of our last night in Taiwan, we took a cab to Dream mall after dinner for some last-minute shopping. The 6th largest shopping complex in Asia, it boasts nine storeys with three basement levels, featuring a rooftop Ferris wheel, department stores, gyms, a cinema, and exhibition galleries.