11 days in Taiwan: Day 2 in Cingjing
11 days in Taiwan: Day 2 in Cingjing
Cingjing offers a respite from the busy city life with its fresh air, verdant landscapes and cool breeze all year round.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to Klook and Trip.com. I may get a commission if you purchase through my links but they are at no cost to you.
I missed my HSR to Taichung that morning. My cousin and her boyfriend who were supposed to join me in Taiwan that day were also late as their flight was delayed by 3 hours. As a result, neither of us could make it at 8:00 AM to meet our driver who will drive us up to Cingjing.
Despite the mishaps, we still managed to cover these places in the Cingjing area on day two:
- Guanyin Waterfall and Bridge
- Old England Manor
- Green Green Grasslands
- Small Swiss Garden
- Ah Dong Chicken
The travel to Cingjing
Evidently neither the couple nor I could meet the driver on time. I called the driver (which my cousin booked prior to the trip) and he kindly agreed to pick us up at a later time.
If you miss your HSR ride like me, fret not. Just head over to the counter and let the staff assist you. The staff will stamp your ticket and you will be told to get on any later train that heads for the stop. You will have to take any available seats in the cars with unreserved seating though.
As there are several train services that run within the same building, please make sure that you are queuing up at the correct counter. This picture above captures the TRA counters, not the HSR one!
It was 10-ish when we finally got into our ride.
My cousin did her research and hunted down Mr Lu to bring us around for two days. It was the standard yellow cabs which you will see in Taiwan, something like this:
The car was able to house 3 large luggage in the boot and 4 passengers. Mr Lu even prepared a bottle of mineral water for each of us in the car.
Mr Lu will drive us up to Cingjing, and on the second day, to Sun Moon Lake, Xinshe, and finally back to Taichung. This cost us about NT7000. I wouldn’t have considered this itinerary if I was alone since these locations are nearly inaccessible by public transport and hiring a driver is too expensive for a single person.
But this was more than 10 years back! There are many more options now including private car hire and shared car hire that can bring you to not only Cingjing but other places of interest in Taichung as well:
Klook.com
Midway stop at Guanyin waterfall and bridge
En route to Cingjing, we stopped by Guanyin Waterfall (观音瀑布) and the suspending bridge.
As you might tell, we could have given this a miss.
Well, Mr Lu did tell us that there was an even more magnificent waterfall 20 minutes up slope but…we were so not up to it.
Like a true city-bred Singaporean, we gasped at the rocks, streams and mountains afar.
Address: 南投縣埔里鎮埔霧公路, Puwu Rd., Puli Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
Arriving at Cingjing
We then headed straight for Cingjing. It was about a 1.5 hours travel to Cingjing from the Taichung HSR station.
We kept a lookout for cherry blossoms and spotted a few along the roads. It was close to the end of the season so many of the blooms have wilted. But those which were still in bloom were breathtaking.
From afar, we could already make out the majestic silhouette of the Old England Manor (老英格兰庄园), possibly the most well-known homestay in Cingjing.
A double room at the Old England Manor will set you back by NT15000/night.
The standard rates for the homestays in Cingjing is about NT3000/night. And there are lots of choices; the mountain was littered with homestays. Our driver joked that there are about 200 minsus in Cingjing but probably less than 10 are registered. I might have gotten the numbers wrong, but yea, you get the gist of it.
Yes, those little houses in the background were almost all minsus.
The air was fresh and the views were gorgeous! I’m liking the place already.
I was famished so I asked for lunch. Mr Lu drove us to this hawker centre-like area.
The food here was barely passable but I don’t think there were much alternatives, considering that we wanted to head to Green Green Grasslands next.
Cingjing farm
Mr Lu drove us to enter from the highest point of Green Green Grasslands (青青草原/清境农场) so we could leisurely walk down the slope to view the place.
The entrance ticket cost NT160/adult. You need to give yourself a stamp on the hand at the entrance before you entered.
Wear a good pair of shoes because the area has quite a fair bit of steps and slopes; some looked like driftwood wedged haphazardly into the ground. Also, avoid wearing your swanky branded boots unless you want animals’ defecation all over the soles because there were –
Sheeps, sheeps everywhere.
The sheeps were let loose and visitors could buy food from a vending machine to feed them. Unfortunately for us, the feeds were all sold out.
It wasn’t only us who felt the disappointment. Here’s a sheep which was nibbling on the leftovers at the feed vending machine.
Even though we didn’t get a chance to bribe the sheeps, the cherry blossoms and mountain view easily made up for the ticket price.
There were horses too. But I think they were mainly there for performance purposes.
We also spotted a boy who kept the water flowing for a thirsty sheep.
On the way, we passed by this shop that sold honey products.
And the entrance was swarmed with bees.
Yes, those yellow dots were bees. But trust me, there were much much much more bees there than captured in the photo.
I am not too sure why anyone will walk in to purchase their products.
We continued walking down to the Small Swiss Garden (小瑞士花园). There wasn’t much to see, safe for some decorative windmills and more cherry blossoms. Or maybe we just didn’t walk the full length of the garden.
There is a Starbucks, convenience store and some eateries nearby too. If dinner is not included in your plan, do stock up on your rations here.
Fon Chin Homestay – Almost like a resort
We covered the main sights of Cingjing in about two hours and got to our minsu, Fon Chin Homestay (also called Julie’s Garden), a little before 3:00 PM. Realizing that we didn’t make any dinner plans, we asked Mr Lu if he could drive us out for dinner later on since there were no convenience store or restaurants nearby. Being the nice guy he was, he kindly obliged.
Fon Chin was an idyllic accommodation.
There were dreamy swings which overlooked the mountains.
It was also home to many animals, such as this friendly dog:
and Mr Goose:
We were upgraded to a huge family room which had 3 double beds with built-in heating. The heated beds were magical in warding off the cold at night.
As you can tell, the room was spacious.
Here’s the view from our patio, which was shared with just another room of guests.
Dinner at Ah Dong Chicken
After we bummed around for a couple of hours, Mr Lu came to get us for dinner. I don’t think we had a discussion on what to eat for dinner; Mr Lu was confident about his recommendation, which he had pointed out to us on the way up to Cingjing.
And boy, this Ah Dong Chicken (阿东窯仔鸡) was one of the best meals I had in Taiwan.
These were the special kilns used to roast the chicken.
Here’s a portion of the food we ordered.
I will admit I wasn’t too impressed when I saw the chicken.
I mean, it looks just like any normal chicken right?
From the corner of my eyes, I spotted Mr Lu putting on cotton farm gloves and another layer of disposable gloves over. After he made sure we got all our photos, he promptly proceeded to attack the chicken…
Nah! Mr Lu was helping us to rip the chicken into smaller pieces.
It was an amazing display of dexterity.
He also recommended us to dip the chicken into a mixture of pepper and salt if we were not keen on the sauce provided. It was heavenly.
We also ordered:
- Stir-fried cabbage (炒高丽菜)
- Stir-fried sugarcane shoots (炒甘蔗筍)
- Caipo Egg (菜脯蛋)
- Golden Tofu (黄金豆腐)
With the exception of the shoots, everything else was awesome.
And though we evidently over-ordered, it was hardly surprising that all the dishes were almost wiped out.
After the super satisfying dinner, we could only return to Fon Chin as there were no other places we could hit at Cingjing at night.
Address: 546, Taiwan, Nantou County, Ren’ai Township, 信義巷52號(仁愛國中對面)
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[…] three was a real hectic day as we were driving from Cingjing to Sun Moon Lake, then to Xinshe, before reaching Taichung to settle […]
[…] three was a real hectic day as we were driving from Cingjing to Sun Moon Lake, then to Xinshe, before reaching Taichung to settle […]
Hi,
May I have the contact details of the driver, Mr Lu please?
Thanks in advance. 🙂
Best regards
Yenleng
Emailed. 🙂
May I also request for the contact number of the driver? Thanks in advance
Sent via email! 🙂
Hi can I have Mr Lu contact details. Thanks!
Sent via email. 🙂
Hi there, sorry in advance if this is a double post, not sure if my previous comment got through. May I also request for Mr Lu’s contact too? Thanks in advance!
Sent via email. 🙂
Hi,
May I have the contact number of the driver, Mr Lu.
Thank you.
Sent via email. 🙂
Hi!
May I have the contact details for Mr. Lu? Thanks!
Sent via email. 🙂
Hello Eunice!
May I have Mr Lu’s contact?
Thanks so much!
Enqi
Replied via email. 🙂
Hello there,
May I have Mr Lu ‘s number? And also, I’ve sent you an email yesterday,thank you in advance 🙂
Replied via email. 🙂
8 Ang Mo Kio Central 3
11-12
Please recommend best location minsu for period 24/4/2016-26/4/2016 and may I have Mr Lu contacts.
thanks
Hi Irene, I didn’t stay in minsu all the way so can’t really recommend much. But for reference, here are the accommodations I stayed in before:
Taipei
– Star Hostel (Excellent!)
– Via Hotel in Ximending (Excellent but pricy)
Taichung
– Le Parker Hotel (Near the bustle but in a quieter area just a couple minutes away from Fengjia, slightly pricy)
– Fengjia Garden/Garden Stay Minsu (Excellent location but the street is slightly quiet at night, not too bad place, runs like a economy hotel and the lobby is a Tangyuan shop?)
– In Sky Hotel (I didn’t stay there but went in for a visit as my cousin stayed there in the same time period. New hotel, great rooms and great service. Just a little farther down from Fengjia garden)
Cingjing
– Fon Chin Homestay (huge rooms, nice owner who speaks excellent english)
Hualien
– Mini voyage hostel (new, great location)
Hi, could I also request for Mr Lu’s contact? Thanks in advance!
Emailed. 🙂
Hi,
can i have Mr Lu contact details?
Thank you!
Emailed. 🙂
Hi Can i have Mr Lu’s Contact Details?
Thanks
Emailed. 🙂
Hi Eunice! Very useful post here. I am making a trip down to Taiwan this year, possible to get Mr Lu’s contact? Thank you:)
Emailed! 🙂
Hi Eunice, can I have mr lu’s contact? Thanks
[…] Next up: Day 2 in Cingjing […]
hi,
may I request for mr lu contact?
thank you !
Hihi,
Did you made any reservation at Ah Dong? Is reservation required in advance for the chicken?
Not needed in my case. 🙂
Hi Eunice
Can I have Mr Lu’s contact.
Thank You
I love the pictures of the cherry blossoms … did you take it in Green Green Grassland?
My friend and I are staying over Taipei and then planning to travel to CingJing via taxi. Will Mr Lu or his taxi company take us from our hostel to CingJing?
Can I have Mr Lu’s contact number?
can i have mr lu’s contact pls? Thanks
Hi Eunice! Can I have Mr. Lu’s contact details? Thank you 🙂
Hi,
Can I request for mr lu’s contact? Thanks heaps!
Hi,
May I have the contact details of the driver, Mr Lu please?
Thanks in advance. 🙂
Hi Eunice,
May I have Mr Lu’s contact details.
Thank you so much.
Hi! Can you please share Mr Lu’s contact details too? Thanks!
Hi. Can i have mr Lu contact. I gonna visit Tai Chung in this September
Thanks alot
Hi Eunice, can i have Mr Lu contact’s . Thank you so much 🙂
Hi,
May I have the contact details of the driver, Mr Lu please?
Thanks
Best regards
May
can i have Mr Lu’s contact details?
Hi, is it possible for me to get Mr Lu’s contact details? 🙂
hi eunice..do u rmb how and whr to buy hsr
I did it via this website: https://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/Article/ArticleContent/906de59a-8ea0-425a-8055-ca3afded9a3e
Hi, could I please kindly have Mr Lu’s contact details if possible? Thanks much!
Hi Eunice, can I have Mr Lu’s contact please? Thanks.
Hi Eunice, appreciate if you could send me Mr Lu’s contact. Thanks.
Hi. I will be going to Taiwan this Nov. Can I have Mr Lu’s contact details?
Thanks in advance.
Hi, can i have your driver contact? Thanks v much!
HI Eunice,
Thank you for your wonderful blog. I am currently planning a trip to Cingjing.
Can I have Mr. Lu’s contact details?
Thank you!
Hi Eunice,
Thank you for this wonderful blog. Could you please share the contact number of Mr Lu please? 🙂
Hi Eunice,
Can I have Mr Lu’s contact too? Thank you!
Hi,
i need your advise as im travelling alone from Taipei to Cinjing Farm.
i tried to research from the web it quite confused as which route of station i should head to.
Regards,
Ivan Lim
Hi Ivan, sorry I’m not too sure too as I hired a cab up. I believe you need to take the HSR from Taipei to Taichung first. From there, you could take a cab or try googling for Nantou express (bus). I haven’t taken the bus personally so I’m not too sure of the routes. 🙁
Hi Eunice!
Really a nice place suggestion and write!
May i know you did mention that hire a driver cost NT7000. Is it for one day trip full day?
Thank you!
Hi Nathania, more like 1.5 days. 🙂
Hi Eunice, can I have Mr Lu’s contCt number. Thanks
Hello.
Can I ask for Mr. Lu’s contact details please.
Thank you.
Hi Eunice, your post is really awesome! Any chance i can get the contact for Mr Lu? Thanks 🙂
Hi Eunice,
May I know what camera did you use for this trip? The pictures are really nice. Thank you.
Hi Emma, thanks! Was either using a Canon 500d or my Samsung phone.:)
Hi Eunice,
I am planning to go Cingjing Farm from Taichung next March.
Can I have Mr Lu’s contact details?
Much appreciated.
Thank you.
Hi,
May i have Mr Lu’s contact too? Thank you (:
Hi Eunice,
Can I have Mr Lu contact no?
Tq
Hi Eunice, can I have Mr. Lu’s email and contact number? Thanks
Emailed 🙂
Hi hi,
Can I have Mr Lu’s contact?
Thanks!
Emailed. 🙂
Hi Eunice, thanks for sharing on your Taiwan trip! May I have Mr Lu’s contact please? Thank you.
Replied via email. 🙂
Hi,
Can I have Mr Lu’s contact details please? Thanks!
Replied via email. 🙂
Hi, im a solo female traveller travelling first time in taiwan. Would like to ask if Mr Lu does bring travellers from hualien to cingjing? Also, can i have his contact please? 🙂
Replied via email. 🙂
Hi Eunice, planning to go for a minimoon in Taiwan. Can I have Mr Lu’s contact please 😀
Replied via email. 🙂
Hi can I get Mr Lu’s contact pls?
Thank you in advance!
Replied via email. 🙂
Hi, can I get Mr Lu’s contact pls? I’ll be going over to Cingjing this March.
Thank you in advance!
Replied via email. 🙂
Hi Eunice,
May I have Mr Lu’s number pls? Thanks! 🙂
Sent via email. 🙂
Hi can I have the contact for Mr Lu 🙂
Sent via email. 🙂
Hi can I have the contact details of Mr Lu please 🙂 Thanks!
Sent via email. 🙂
Hi Eunice, I will be travelling to Taiwan this coming November with my family.
Can I have the contact details of Mr Lu please Thanks!
Emailed 🙂
Hi Eunice! Thanks for the write up! Appreciate if you could email me the contact details of Mr Lu and the price that was charged for your whole day trip. Thanks!
Replied via email
HI:) I really enjoyed this blog post. Could I get the details of Mr Lu and also the price you paid?
Thanks in advance!!
Emailed. 🙂
Hi Eunice. My family and I will be going to Taiwan in nov. We are torn over which minsu to stay. We have a choice over Julie’s garden or misty villa. Everyone I know recommended the latter because of its close proximity to convenience stores. But it’s 30% more. How is Julie’s? Can you also share your driver’s contact with me? Thanks much.
Hi there, I’ve emailed you Mr Lu’s contact details. As for the minsu, I’ve never stayed at misty villa so I can’t say for sure if the accommodation is good. Julie’s garden is a little out of the way but I loved the surroundings and the ambience of the place. If you have engaged a driver who can ferry you around, I don’t think it would be a problem but do remember to stock up on the snacks before you head back to the homestay to rest. 🙂
hi Eunice,
We’ll be visiting Cingjing in Dec. May we please have Mr Lu’s contact? Thanks.
Emailed. 🙂
Hi, do you mind sharing Mr. Lu’s contact details please? Thanks
Emailed. 🙂
Thanks for ur details info. May i get Mr Wu contact please. Thank in advance.
Emailed. 🙂
Hi Eunice, I’m heading to taiwan next month and still looking for a driver to bring us around. Able to share Mr Lu’s contact with me? Thanks in advance! 🙂
Emailed. 🙂
Hi, can i have Mr Lu’s contact number as i am travelling to taiwan in 2 weeks’ time. thank you so much
Emailed. 🙂
Could I have Mr. Lu contact number for my upcoming trip to Taiwan?
Thanks.
Emailed. 🙂
Hi Eunice, I’m planning to travel to Sun Moon Lake – Cingjing area with my family in December, and I would like to have Mr. Lu’s contact. I would also like to know whether or not it is possible for him to pick us at Shuishe and get into Cingjing, and the next day from Cingjing to Hualien. I would also like to know whether or not he speaks English. Thank you.
Emailed. 🙂
hi Eunice, could I get the contact of Mr Lu the driver? Thanks!
Emailed. 🙂
Hi Eunice, really great info 🙂 Can I have Mr Lu’s contact as I will be travelling to Taiwan in January next year? Thanks!
Emailed. 🙂
Hi, Eunice
Saw your Taiwan Blog… nice pictures and you got a friendly and reliable driver. I would like to have his contact. Hope you are able to share with me. Going to Taiwan next year 2018. Thank you.
Emailed. 🙂
hello, can i have Mr. Lu contact no too? thanks alot
Emailed. 🙂
Hi Eunice, Can I hv Mr Lu contact? Thanks
Emailed 🙂
Hi Eunice,
your post has been an excellent help for my planning
may i have your driver’s contact as well? 🙂
thanks!
Glad you found the posts useful. Emailed the contact to you. 🙂
Hi, could you share Mr Lu’s contact details? Thank you (:
Emailed. 🙂
Hi Eunice,
Can I have the contact of Mr Lu the driver?
Thanks!
Emailed 🙂
Hi Eunice,
Can I have the contact of Mr Lu the driver?
Much Thanks!
Emailed 🙂
Hi, could you share Mr Lu’s contact details? Thank you very much!
Emailed. 🙂
Hello, can I have Mr Lu contact , thank you
Emailed. 🙂
Hi, may I have Mr Lu’s contact please?
Hi Eunice,
Thanks for sharing! Can i have Mr Lu’s contact as well?
Hello Eunice,
Your post on taiwan travel is so informative. im planning my taiwan/taichung now.
can u share Mr. Lu’s contact with me please?
Thank you!
Emailed you 🙂