In the morning, we joined a guided tour to visit the Fu-yuan Butterfly Valley Resort Area (富源蝴蝶谷) along the Fu-yuan river to learn about the ecology in this area. She guided us through the Creek Trail for about 40 minutes and we learned about the camphor trees (樟樹). Camphor has been used for many centuries as a culinary spice, a component of incense, and as a medicine. It is also an insect repellent and a flea-killing substance.
After the guided tour, we took an hour hiking up to the Long-ying (龍吟) Waterfall and the Long-ying (龍吟) Suspension Bridge. On the way back, we visited the Stone Park, Butterfly Eco House and Dream Garden. The weather was sunny and beautiful and we truly enjoyed the 2 hours plus natural hike.
Then, we drove toward Taitung (臺東) for about 2 hours and had lunch at the New Cheng-Li Seafood Restaurant (新成利海鮮飯店) in Chenggong (成功) township recommended by Charles. Chenggong is a fishing seaport and their seafood is famous for their freshness. We also tried their Mambo Fish. The Chinese translation of its academic name is fan-che yu (翻車魚), meaning "toppled wheel fish". It got this name because when they swim in the water, it looks like a car keeping turning over.
After lunch we visited Sanxiantai (三仙台) which is located in the north of Chenggong Township in Taitung (臺東) County. it is composed of offshore islands and coral reefs. Odd-shaped rock are everywhere on the islands, including three huge rocks which have spawned legends about three Chinese saints: Lyu-Dongbin, Li-Tieguai and He-Xiangu (鐵拐李, 呂洞賓, 何仙姑). They once boarded on the island, hence the name (Three Saints Island). Sanxiantai is a geological rock that turned out to be a headland. Gradual erosion cut the neck that connected the mainland to the island, and thus became offshore islands. Tourists who used to visit this place could only reached the island during low tide. In 1987, the government completed the eight cross-sea arch bridge that crosses over to the island. It was designed in the shape of waves, like a prostrate sea dragon and connects Sanxiantai Island with Taiwan. It has become the most famous landmark on the East Coast.
Next, we visited Little Yehliu (小野柳) which has similar rock formations of the famous Yehliu (野柳) in Northeast of Taiwan. It was interesting to walk on the rock formation while listening and watching the sea waves rushing to these rock formations. It was a little cloudy at the time we visited Little Yehliu, but weather did not take away any fun from us.
We then visited the “Water Running Upward” (水往上流) wonder. This irrigation ditch which is merely 1.8 km has violated gravity and it’s water runs slowly uphill along the canals. Next to the ditch stands a block inscribed with the words "Miracle" (奇蹟) on a monument. People come here to witness this wonder. However, it is just an illustration.
We stayed at Hotel Royal Jhihben (知本老爺大酒店). We had a wonderful dinner there along with an aboriginal dance performance. Jhihben is one of world known hot spring area and they also provide hot spring spa in each guest room. We had another chance to enjoy the hot spring spa in our room.
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