Between Mountains and Seas: From the Poetic Hualien-Taitung Valley to Taipei's Urban Culture.

On the first day of this trip, I chose to leave the hustle and bustle of the city and head to the Hualien-Taitung Valley in eastern Taiwan to experience the purity and tranquility of nature. Early in the morning, I took a train from Taipei, traveling south along the east coast. The alternating views of the Pacific Ocean and lush mountains outside the window were breathtaking. Upon arriving in Hualien, I rented a bicycle and embarked on a valley cycling tour. The first stop was Sixty Stone Mountain, which was in the midst of the daylily season, with golden flowers covering the slopes. I took a short break at a pavilion on the mountain, savoring dishes made with freshly picked daylilies from local farms, the fragrant flavors perfectly complementing the stunning scenery. Next, I followed the country roads to Yun Shan Shui Nature Park, where the lakes and vegetation resembled a watercolor painting. I took a moment to relax at a lakeside café, enjoying the gentle breeze and the serene green surroundings. In the afternoon, I arrived at Brown Avenue in Chishang, cycling through the golden waves of rice fields, feeling the peace and tranquility of the vast countryside. In the evening, I checked into a guesthouse in Hualien, where the owner enthusiastically introduced the local delicacies and attractions, recommending the famous Gongzheng Baozi and mochi. These authentic snacks left a lasting impression on my taste buds.