Hello everyone! I apologize for missing last week, but I was affected by a cold for the first time since arriving in Taiwan. Now I can proudly say that catching a cold is just as bad in Taiwan as in the United States. I want to share with you about Nangan’s northern neighbor Beigan this week. Unlike last week’s post which was filled with Cold War tensions, my time in Beigan was filled with numerous cute animals including a hotel filled with cats and an island dedicated to hungry sika deer.
During our time in Beigan, we enjoyed staying at an absolutely wonderful hotel overlooking Qinbi Village. Perched on a hillside, the hotel offered breathtaking views of the sparkling ocean stretching out towards the horizon, and the charming village nestled below, its rooftops a patchwork of colors against the green landscape. Oh, and did I mention the best part? It features tons of cats! Every morning, as we stepped out onto our balcony, we were greeted by the most stunning vista – the vast expanse of the East China Sea shimmering under the sun. And as if that wasn’t enough, the hotel was a haven for feline friends. When you visit the reception desk every day you will be greeted by kitties of all shapes and sizes, each with their unique personality. We got to pet playful kittens, wise old cats with knowing eyes, a sweet disabled cat that stole our hearts, and a whole lot more. Honestly, I could fill this entire post with pictures of them lounging in sunny spots, curiously exploring the grounds, and demanding cuddles from the guests, but that wouldn’t exactly be constructive, would it? Just imagine sipping your morning coffee with that view and a furry companion by your side – pure bliss! If you ever find yourself in the Matsu Islands, yearning for tranquility, stunning scenery, and a healthy dose of cat therapy, then you can find the link to this stellar hotel here.
Now, during my time in Beigan, I didn’t only gawk at cute animals, I also saw some of the sites that the island had to offer. Exploring Qinbi Village was like stepping into a postcard. During the day, I wandered through its charming streets, admiring the traditional houses clinging to the cliffside, their vibrant colors contrasting with the ocean’s deep blue. I found a quaint cafe perched on the hillside, where I sipped coffee while soaking in the panoramic views of the village and the coastline stretching out below. Nearby, a relic of the bygone Cold War era stood silently – a weathered array of propaganda speakers, once used to broadcast messages across the water to Mainland China. Later we stumbled upon a traditional cemetery, its tombs containing past defenders of the strait. However, I must say that a highlight of my time wandering around the island was the view you can get of the airport from the highest vantage point, as the planes appeared like tiny toys juxtaposed against the vast sea.
On the day before we returned home, I had the immense pleasure of visiting Daqiu island, a much smaller place that sits just five minutes away by ferry. This place holds a special surprise: scores of Formosan sika deer, these gentle creatures with their soft noses and velvety antlers roamed freely, and I had the incredible opportunity to feed them mulberry leaves right from my hand! As I wandered along the trails, I accidentally stumbled upon a less fun animal, a massive spider in a web that glistened in the sunlight (terrifying!). Beyond the creatures, the island continued the Cold War theme, holding remnants of its military past, with old bunkers and lookout posts scattered amongst the greenery, continuing the reminder in my head of these islands’ turbulent history. Ultimately, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the trip than with our visit to Daqiu.
You might have noticed that this post was released on a Monday. Well, the social media guru descended from the clouds and told me that it would be better for people if I released on a Monday instead of a Sunday, so expect that from now on! (Unless it terribly backfires) Next week will be my final post about my trip to the Matsu Islands, discussing traditional festivals in Taiwan, their connection to the Cross-Strait issue, and my personal experience at the festival celebrating the ascension of the goddess Mazu.
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