Treasure Manor 確幸莊園: Manor in the Mountains

A fake white piano serves as one of the many photo ops at Treasure Manor 確幸莊園 in New Taipei City.

I’m not dead, but my computer was.  Everything’s sorted out now, so I should post updates more regularly.  I’ve got quite the backlog to share! Number one in the backlog file is Treasure Manor 確幸莊園 in New Taipei City.  Continuing the Taiwanese trend of not having accurate English names, it’s more of a lake than a manor.  Despite the poor naming, it does offer some scenic views and some cutesy photo spots if you’re into that kind of thing.  Not to mention some great waffles.  Check out more info after the jump.

Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival 福隆沙雕藝術季: Golden Art

You can see elaborate sand sculptures of all types at the Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival 福隆沙雕藝術季 in New Taipei City.

While we’re in the midst of winter in Taiwan, it’s never too early to think about summer.  While most people head to the beach for some R&R, you can also enjoy an art show right by the ocean.  The canvas at the Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival 福隆沙雕藝術季 is the beach itself.  These incredible sculptures top any paltry sand castle I’ve ever made, and showcase a variety of different themes and subjects.  Check out more info after the jump.

Ju Ming Museum 朱銘美術館: Sculpting Memories

Hundreds of incredible sculptures await at the Ju Ming Museum 朱銘美術館 in New Taipei City.

I’m always impressed at the quality and diversity of Taiwan’s museums.  Some people find museums to be too droll, but I love exploring them.  The Ju Ming Museum 朱銘美術館 in New Taipei City may sound like a typical art museum at first, but it is a far cry from many others.  The museum houses the sculptures and artwork of Taiwanese sculptor Ju Ming, whose career has spanned nearly 50 years.  In that time, he has created hundreds of sculptures from bronze, metal, stone, and probably dozens of other materials.  Not only are the pieces ambitious and stunning, but the museum also serves as a nice outdoor activity on a clear day.  Check out more info after the jump.

Thousand Island Lake 千島湖: Tea Time with a View

Though there are no islands or lakes, Thousand Island Lake 千島湖 in New Taipei City offers some great visuals.

When you hear the name “Thousand Island Lake” you would probably expect some islands.  Or at least a lake.  Not so here.  Though you won’t find any of the titular sights, you will still experience some amazing views which including endless rows of mountains, terraced tea fields, and cerulean water.  Though there aren’t many activities at this destination, it’s still worth checking out for fans of scenic outposts and tea junkies.  Check out more info after the jump.

Yummy Vegan House 芽米屋: Veggies on the MRT

There are some nice looking vegan dishes at Yummy Vegan House 芽米屋 in Taipei.

If you ask people what’s near Qiyan Station in Taipei, the answer will probably be unanimous: nothing.  It’s not exactly a tourist destination, especially with the more alluring sights of Beitou right around the corner.  However, all places have a hidden treasure or two, and Yummy Vegan House 芽米屋 is one of those.  This nice vegan cafe is tucked right next to the busy MRT line and has some tasty eats.  Check out more info after the jump.

Miss Green 環保有機飲食概念店: Brownies and Burgers, Vegan Edition

Beans? Burger? Bean burger! One of the several dishes at Miss Green 環保有機飲食概念店 in Taipei.

I don’t know how it happened, but I think I have eaten more vegetarian burgers in Taipei than beef ones.  I can’t complain however, as the quality has impressed a red-meat lover like myself.  My latest burger escapade was at Miss Green 環保有機飲食概念店 (not exactly a Chinese translation of the name, but I’m not sure it even has one…) in Taipei.  The cozy restaurant is completely vegan, for those who went vegetarian but then wanted to go the extra mile.  Though the menu is small, there are some good choices that suit the urban nature aesthetic of the interior.  And yes, they have brownies.  Check out more photos after the jump.

The Metal Door Art of Guangming Road 光明路的金屬門: A Different Canvas

Close your shop in style with some art! You can see many colorful metal doors on Guangming Road in Taipei.

Though Taipei has many interesting places that are open late (including a 24 hour bookstore), stores do indeed close.  Stores seem to fade into anonymity when the owners pack up shop and bring down those big metal gates.  On Guangming Road in the Beitou District of Taipei, you may find something unexpected on these slabs of steel: art!  Several stores on Guangming Road have their metal doors decorated with elaborate drawings from a host of different topics.  Check out more photos after the jump.

Mt. Miantian 面天山: Facing Heaven

Mt. Miantian 面天山 is a great place to see silver grass, mountains, and even the sea!

I think I’ve used the cliche “commanding view” a few times on this blog.  This time, I really mean it!  It is hard to top the amazing atmosphere and vantage point Mt. Miantian 面天山 offers.  Not only is it a prime destination to watch silver grass dancing in the wind, but you can also see some unparalleled views of Taipei, the surrounding mountains, and even the ocean.  Did you know you can see the ocean from Yangminshan?  Well now you know!  Check out more info after the jump.

Erziping 二子坪: Magnificent Meadow

Erziping 二子坪 on Yangmingshan is a very accessible and relaxing destination.

For me, my go-to activity for when I have no plan is to visit Yangmingshan.  I have been up there countless times, and yet I always find something new.  One of the first places I visited in the national park was Erziping 二子坪 (also may be spelled as Erzihping).  Not only is it one of the easiest places to trot around in on Yangmingshan, it is especially beautiful in the fall when the silver grass grows.  Check out more info after the jump.

Dream Parade 夢想嘉年華: Celebrate the Kooky

This is not even the strangest thing you will see at the Dream Parade 夢想嘉年華 in Taipei.

One of the strangest events actually hosted by the Taipei government is the Dream Parade 夢想嘉年華.  It’s a mix of Brazilian Carnival, Mardi Gras, religious processions, modern art, and traditional culture all mashed together.  It celebrates the surreal, the quirky, the colorful, and the half-dressed.  Everyone from eight to eighty (literally) join in the festivities to make it one of Taipei’s weirdest and enjoyable events.  Check out more info after the jump.