Taiwan 2013 - Day 8 - Cingjing Farm, Taipei

Walking up as early as 2am was not really a very desirable thing to do during a tour - but well,  all for the sunrise, I really thought it was worth the sacrifice and trouble. 

It was really cold in the wee hours and on our mini van, there was another Singaporean young couple. Off we went together with the driver up to Hehuanshan. The driver told us that it would be well below 0 degree when we reached the top for the sunrise view. Good thing about his service was that he had prepared winter thick jacket for us. Thank you so much as our basic jacket would not be able to take the cold for us. 

First, he dropped us off at the convenience store to grab some drink and snacks. Then off we went to a dark pitch place where we dropped off and looked at the starry starry sky!. Then the journey up was a little long that we fell asleep. The next moment when we woke up, we had reached the pitstop for the sunrise. It was still a little early and thus, we sat in the van as we did not want to be out in the cold. But time came and off we went to the viewing platform. Good sunrise for the trip - totally loved it. Here's some of my captures:

Hehuanshan, 合歡山 - Sunrise tour

After the sunrise, we went back to Misty Villa for breakfast - a very simple buffet spread but it was good enough. Took a quite rest in the room and off we went back to Small Swiss Garden (really wanted to make full use of the time at Cingjing). The view in the day and at night was totally different. While there was new lightings at night, the Small Swiss Garden in the day seems so calming and relaxing. 

Small Swiss Garden, 小瑞士花園

We checked out at 11am and rushed to take the 11:10 Nantou bus back to Taichung HSR. Though the timetable stated 11:10, we waited for quite some time. So my take was, please be there early, just in case though you might have to wait - we did not want to take the chance as we had prebooked the HSR tickets. Our trip back to Taipei was smooth-sailing and back to CityInn Plus hotel at Ximending area. After checking in, and resting, we decided to head to Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) for Dinner. Eating street food has been a routine for us. Loved it!

At Shilin Night Market (Jiantan MRT), remember to try the 豪大大鸡排 and 卤肉饭. But well, like I always say, try whatever you think you want to try - my liking may not be yours! At this market, I bought 2 pairs of shoes - wooah... at NT390 for each pair and well, I am still wearing them now!

Shilin Night Market, 士林夜市