Selasa, 11 Juni 2013

Taiwan Day 31: Taoyuan and Dasi Old Street

Day Thirty One

Since Hui Chee and I didn't stay overnight at Hualien like we originally planned, we had a free day in our itinerary. We decided to take the train to Taoyuan which is only a 30 minute ride from Taipei.


From Taoyuan Train Station, it was approximately a 7 minute walk until we reached the bus station that would take us to Dasi. The old street at Dasi was the main attraction of Taoyuan county when we searched online so we wanted to go there. The bus ride was longer than anticipated at 45 minutes one way.

Dasi Old Street
Honestly I was quite disappointed when we arrived. I thought that this old street would be similar to the ones I've seen in Jioufen and Neiwan (lively and bustling) but this one was very empty. It didn't help that it was raining today so the grey skies made the place look more dreary.

The buildings themselves were nice with exquisite designs preserved from when the street was built. I'm sure that there is a story behind this street but it didn't seem to be doing well in attracting others to learn about them on this afternoon.

Shop on Dasi Old Street
View at the end of Dasi Old Street
We didn't stay long in Taoyuan and went back to Taipei after eating dinner. When we alighted from the train station we were met with this scene in Wanhua. There was some temple parade celebration going on and it was extremely lively. There was continuous firecrackers and fireworks being set in the middle of the road. Cars didn't seem to care and drove right past. People were dressed in figures, there were loud drums and lion dance performances. It was quite a sight and not one I've seen before! A Disney parade would be less lively and attention grabbing than this one.


Fireworks
Take care,

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