The Organizing Secretariat will arrange conference excursion on January 21, 2010. The tour itinerary is as follows:
Wufengchi Waterfall -National Center for Traditional Arts- Tiangong Temple- Beiguan Park
Stop 1: Wufengchi Waterfall
Departing from Jiaosi at 9:00am, we will stop first at Wufengchi Waterfall. The Wufengchi (Five Peak Flag) Waterfall is characterized by a lineup of five hills which spread into a dimension that looks like a flag. The famous waterfall is located at the front of the steep hills. Located in Jiaosi Township, the waterfall drops from the sky in three layers and is approximately 100 meters tall. The uppermost layer falls from gorges and splashes down into a 50-meter-high water veil. The second layer pierces out from the hill walls and gushes out into a drop of 20 meters. The third layer flows into a 20-meter-highwater curtain and merges into the small pond underneath. A water playground is located at the entrance of the park to provide families with a place to play in the water. At the top of the park stands a panoramic structure – the Villa of the Holy Mother. The serenity of this place and the absolutely gorgeous scenes along the trails attract flocks of admirers to this place. This area has another special, secluded area. By taking the trail along the small Land God Temple and hiking for about an hour, you can reach the source of the Wufengchi Waterfall. Here, scattered ponds are veiled in the mist of the valley – mountain lovers call this secluded valley the ‘Shangri-La of Wufeng Mountains’. There is a small camping ground by the side of the ponds and the water here is clear and sweet. This water is a favorite souvenir of hikers for this water is renowned as being the best water for brewing tea.
Stop 2: National Center for Traditional Arts
The second stop, we will stop at National Center for Traditional Arts, where we will visit the famous House of Scholar Huang, Definitely Taiwanese, Traditional Handcraft Artists’Studios, Wen-Chang Temple, Guang-Hsiao Hall, and Forte Dong-Shan Villa Yi-Lan. Lunch will be at the center at you own cost.
Stop 3: Temple of the Heavenly Emperor - Tiangong Temple in Dali
The third stop, we will visit Tiangong Temple in Dali. Standing by the side of the coastal expressway, this temple, originally known as the Qingyun Temple is located in a fishing village in the Dali area and is dedicated to the Jade Emperor (Emperor of the Heaven) from Zhangzhou. This temple was built in 1836 to meet the spiritual needs of the local settlers. It was merely a simple shed until 1904, when it was rebuilt and turned into a majestic temple.
Stop 4 : Beiguan Park
Also known as Orchid City, Beiguan Park is a seashore park located in the vicinity of Toucheng Township. Beiguan (North Gate) was originally a city gate build in the Qing Dynasty to guard against pirates. The South Gate at the corresponding side of the town completed the defense system of this city. Two old canons, possibly built in the Jiaqing Period of the Qing Dynasty, are displayed in this park. This park features spectacular geological formations such as the Single-Sided Hills, Tofu Rocks and the Little Capes. Stairs, trails, and pergolas interweave the majestic rocks and cliffs. Looking out, you will sea Guishan Island and the Lanyang Plains. Looking down, you will be amazed by the dynamism of the pounding waves. These are the renowned Beiguan Waves – another one of the Eight Wonders of Ilan County's Lanyang Plain. The Pergola is the best spot to view the beauty of Guishan Island, Wai-ao, and Beiguan. From here, the serenity of the lone island and the majesty of the oceans spread out completely before you. During high tides and at sunrise, the roaring waves rush into the capes and clash against the unwavering rocks. Two old canons, with 160 years of history, stand faithfully facing the sea to add a touch of nostalgia to the charismatic country of Ilan.
After visiting Beiguan Park, we will return to Jiaosi at about 5:30 at night.