Natural Jianshi Hot Spring (part 2)

There are two small, shallow pools under cover and a deck of sorts where I have seen people taking a nap.

Being Taiwan people normally enjoy the water wearing a swimsuit or underwear. However, when it is only the guys, it is not unusual to enjoy the soaking au naturel.

The environment is greatly unspoilt because of the difficulty getting there which makes it so much more attractive to nature lovers. Nothing like enjoying a nap on a rock right in the middle of the Taiwanese Jungle.

Jianshi Hot Spring (Part 1)

If you have access to one of these, this popular family spot is easily in reach between Taoyuan and Hsinchu, in Jianshi.

Although the road is VERY rocky with fragments piling up in uneven heaps after rains, it doesn't stop 4x4 owners to practice their skills going down. I don't own an SUV but that just means I had to park my scooter higher up the mountain and walk down - something even SUV owners do as the road pays testimony to the difficulty of maneuvering even a off-road vehicle down.

At the bottom of the road lies a hot spring next to the river. AND it's free. Well, not really hot, but warm enough to count as a hot spring. After bathing in the icy river first the heat of the hot spring is very welcome. So, on week-ends groups camp here, barbecue and enjoy the environment.

Angelic in 228 Park

As I was waiting for Michelle in 228 Park, I noticed unusual activity in one area. Passersby were staring and ogling.


Some young men were applying body make-up to a friend, and I was under the impression that a photo shoot was being prepared for.


It turned out that preparation was being made to participate in Taipei Pride 2009.


The costume was hand-made by the wearer, but he called in the help of his friends with the fitting.


The end result is stunning and a red angelic creature is born.

The wings are heavy and difficult to keep in place, upon the shoulders. Likewise, the tail seems to be awkward to pull behind.

However, he walked the whole two and half hours, posed for many pictures, ....

... and brought glittering attention to the plight of gays, not only in Taiwan but across Asia. Hopefully Mr. Ma took notice of the inequalities in Taiwanese law, which hurt the LGBT minority of Taiwan.

If the shoe fits, ..... you're a fairy.

Remnants of typhoon Morakot were still evident. Driftwood piled up all over Taiwan's coast for weeks after the devastating typhoon flooded the South.


Hoodoo stones in the shape of candles are clustered next to the sea. The softer surrounding part is eroded faster than the harder center, leaving a candle-like shape.


Other shapes like this amazing stone resembling a sandal are also formed by erosion alone.


Generally, public toilets in Taiwan are clean. However, toilet paper is not provided. For men the urinals lack privacy as they are visible from outside. Western toilets are increasing in Taiwan but squat toilets like this one are still common place. Once you get the hang of it, it is not so awkward to use.


In summer Taiwan gets very hot and humid. Water is sold everywhere as it is not safe to drink tap water. Sports drinks like Supau are popular. A shady seat in Yehliu provides a break from the sun.


Hoodoos clustered closely together can be seen in the background. Closer one can see the driftwood. It was being cleared by a crane when we visited Yehliu.

Right outside Yehliu Geopark, a row of shops sell a few souvenirs and plenty of Taiwanese snacks. We saw Chinese tourists stocking up on the famous Taiwanese foods.

Mother took the opportunity to snap a picture of this fellow taking a nap next to his wares. It is commonplace for Taiwanese to nap after lunch.

Trying on a hat. This was something needed in the blistering heat.

A beautiful picture of exposed stones under a pedestrian arch during low tide.

Decapitating the Queen

The Yehliu Geopark is quite famous in Taiwan, and it should be famous all over the world.


However, as with most Asian countries, marketing itself to Western tourists has fallen short, mostly because it takes decades for the concerned ministries to understand that Westerners in general speak English, either as first or second language. I am not saying that English is better in a way of form, but it is the lingua franca of the West.


Erosion caused by wind and waves (Just think of all those typhoons every year!) has sculpted formations out of rocks to make interesting patterns and shapes.


The strange formation happens because of different strengths in the rock, so that the softer parts erode first.


Pedestrian arches connect the eroded beach. One walks along a narrow path with a beautiful view on both sides. Mineral deposits paint colorful stripes on the exposed rock.


A statue (not statute, Minister!) reminds us of the treacherous currents at places on the coast of Taiwan.

Although the situation is improving with many schools providing swim lessons, a huge chunk of Taiwanese society is unable to swim. Taiwan being an island, and the abundance of rivers make this a strange and dangerous state of affairs as Taiwanese like the rest of the world enjoy the pleasures of water.

The area provides opportunity for taking amazing photos.

Before descending to some of the most well-known shapes, called hoodoos, we see them grouped together. An elevated wooden pathway ensures that most people stay off the rock, minimizing erosion and defacing by tourists. The rocks also get very slippery in wet weather.

The face of Wanli. The shape, called The Queen's head is the unofficial emblem of the local town of Wanli. One can clearly see how hoodoos are formed. The head looks a lot harder than the neck, so that eventually the neck will wear through and decapitate the queen.

Taiwan Beer brings people together

The army boys were on leave and so it was a good time to indulge in some Taiwan Beer in front of the store.

A couple of meters down from Michael's home and the store, a waterfall makes a splendid view.

But we are down here for the cool mountain water. And who needs swim wear in Taiwan - undies will do fine. Nothing like enjoying a refreshing swim and basking in the sun afterwards.

Michael looking kewl in the shades.

Pleasing the gods!

I was on my scooter when I heard the banging. Immediately I suspected a temple ceremony and looked around for the source. And there it was. Huge puppets were worn as costumes and paraded through the streets.


The costumes were very colorful and match the average temple in color and design. I followed the procession along with the hired carriers and spectators.


Two young men had spiked sticks in their hands and they repeatedly hit their heads as they followed, so that blood was streaming down their faces onto their torsos.


The local participants were guided in the ritual by older people who seemed to be there especially for that reason. On a pickup in front of the temple a band was executing the temple sounds on their instruments.


The spectators and participants were all extremely friendly and even asked to be photographed.

Mock fighting ensued between the different characters and eventually everyone arrived at the small temple among the houses in a narrow alley. Incense was burned and an evil spirit exorcised while drums were chiming a steady rhythm.


Then it was a quick light meal for all, and the hired temple throng was off by bus to the next one. As this procession happened in the morning hours everything was done rather faster than it would be in the afternoon going towards evening I suspect.