Sandwiched between Taoyuan City and New Taipei City near the historic towns of Daxi
and Sanxia, Yingge is Taiwan
’
s ceramics capital. Around 1800, the area began
producing pottery items such as cups and plates. Dozens of commercial kilns were
constructed over the following century. Yingge remained an industrial powerhouse until
the end of the Japanese occupation of Taiwan in 1945. Though most of the kilns have
long since been demolished, a few have been preserved and are open to the public.
Award-winning ceramic art, some of it produced by local craftsmen, is on display at the
Yingge Ceramics Museum, an eye-catching, modern structure that contrasts sharply
with the surrounding architecture.
Yingge
A stop midway along the soon-to-open Taoyuan International Airport MRT line, Linkou
is a rapidly growing Taipei suburb that is home to Taiwan
’
s biggest fashion retail outlet
park. Operated by the Japanese company Mitsui, the retail park consists of a
traditional air-conditioned mall and a larger outdoor section based around a central
courtyard. The courtyard has shaded areas and is a great place to relax with a cup of
coffee or a cold drink while listening to the live entertainment.
Top brands include Uniqlo, Armani, Versace, Levis, Roots, Anna Sui, Miss Sixty, Nike,
and Oakley. There are also luxury goods shops, a movie theater, a children
’
s
entertainment area, restaurants, and coffee shops.
Linkou
Shifen
Shifen Waterfall is located in New Taipei City, near the village of Shifen. At around 20m
high and 40m across, it is Taiwan
’
s largest waterfall. Spanning the Keelung River, it is
named
“
Little Niagara
”
for its horseshoe shape and veil of mist. The waterfall is around
a 15-minute walk from the Shifen stop on the Pinggxi Railway Line. The village of Shifen
retains a mid-20th-century feel, with traditional shopfronts opening out onto the
unguarded tracks. Many of the stores sell souvenirs and sky lanterns
{
sturdy paper
lanterns that are heated by oil-burning wicks, allowing them to fly like hot-air balloons.
It
’
s customary to write wishes on the lanterns so that they are carried into the heavens
(and hopefully come true.)
Trains to Shifen depart from Taipei Main Station throughout the day.
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