Waziwei Ecological Reserve。Taipei, Bali Township

那天潮水還末完全退去，即將西斜的太陽發出溫暖的色調，落在隨潮水微微浮動的舢舨及茂盛的水筆仔上。小白鷺四處走動覓食，步伐十分輕盈，各種不知名的鳥兒在紅樹林間悅耳鳴唱。接近木棧道的這一側，潮水全然退去，軟泥出露，各式各樣的招潮蟹及彈塗魚等，已開始活躍了起來……

The tide has not receded completely; the color of the sunset is spreading on the floating sampans and lush Kandelia. Little Egrets are walking around and looking for food. Their pace is slow and light. All different kinds of birds are singing in the Mangrove. On the side of wooden path, the tide has receded completely. All kinds of Fiddler Crabs and Mudskippers are active in the soft mud…

眼前這片生機盎然的濕地，靜謐祥和、美如畫作，有一種情緒在心頭隱隱騷動著，我什麼形容詞都吐不出來，只能不斷的輕呼著，「大自然，真美！」

The lively wetland is so quiet, peaceful, and pretty as a natural painting. I can’t describe it with any words, but it is absolutely beautiful. Our Mother Nature!

「挖仔尾」雖然為「八里左岸」沿線的景點之一，但氣氛卻大不相同，這裡不是太受觀光客青睞的地方，即便是在假日來到，也只見三三兩兩零星的遊客。但，這樣反而更好，這裡不是個適合嬉笑吵鬧的地方，而是一處需要安靜下來，享受自然、感受自然及聆聽自然的生態天堂。

註：「八里左岸」與淡水老街隔海相望，是台灣著名的旅遊景點。

Although “Waziwei” is a scenery attraction place on the “Bali Left Bank”, it has a different atmosphere due to few tourists even during weekends. However, I think it fits perfectly to the surrounding environment which is supposed to be a peaceful ecological paradise for people to feel and enjoy the nature.

PS: “Bali Left Bank” across the sea from Danshui Old Street, is a famous tourist attraction place in Taiwan.

「挖仔尾自然保護區」是淡水河系的紅樹林自然保護區，為水筆仔純林區。漫步在架高的木棧道上，可以近距離觀賞水筆仔的獨特胎生苗繁殖方式。

“Waziwei Nature Reserve” is the Mangrove Nature Reserve in Danshui, is an area for the Kandelia.Walking through the elevated wooden walkway, you can have a close look at the unique Kandelia fetus reproduction method.

河流與海洋交會的泥質濕地，是紅樹林的生育地，也是水鳥渡冬地與各種魚蝦貝蟹的棲息地。因東北方有大屯山阻擋強烈的東北季風，冬天時這裡沒有強風且依舊溫暖，吸引了上百種以上的候鳥在此渡冬。保護區的木棧道沿線設有中英文導覽解說牌，讓民眾得以了解水筆仔、水鳥與招潮蟹的相關資訊。

The muddy wetland was created by the intersection of the river and marine where the mangrove habitat is located. It is also the winter resting place for the waterfowl and habitat for all kinds of fishes, shrimps, and crabs. Because the Datun Mountain blocks the north east wind, this place is warm during the winter season which attracts hundred of birds to rest here in the winter. Along the walking wooden path in the reservation area, Chinese and English tour signs are available for visitors to get information on Kandelia, Waterfowl, and Fiddler Crab.

淡水大多是岩岸地形，這裡的砂岸地形，提供遊客一處真正得以近距離接觸河海的自然空間。這裡的招潮蟹種類繁多，數量也十分驚人，是觀察招潮蟹生態的好地方。圖中灘地上，那一個個的小白點，都是可愛招潮蟹的身影。數量之多，很驚人吧！

Danshui has a rocky terrain. The sand shore offers visitors a closer look at the marine life. There are so many kinds as well as large quantities of Fiddler Crabs. It is a great habitat area to observe the Fiddler Crabs. The white spots on the photo are the lovely Fiddler Crab figures. The number is very startling!

清白招潮蟹,Uca Lacteal (White Fiddler)

「清白招潮蟹」是最容易觀察到的招潮蟹，數量相當的多，雖然體型小（二公分以內），但白色的外殼在黑色的灘地上很難不被發現。據說，清白招潮蟹是大近視，只對動的東西敏感，而我觀察到的也是這樣，只要安靜的站在那裡幾秒，他們隨即就會冒出來，持續先前的動作，覓食的覓食、打架的打架……

“Uca lacteal” (White Fiddler) can be observed very easily. There are so many, although they are very tiny (less than 2 cm long). Because of the white shell, they can be very easily found in the black sand. It is said that Uca lacteal is near sighted and can only see moving objects. I found them the same way as well. If I stand there quietly with a few seconds, they would come out right away to look for food or continue fighting…

註：清白招潮蟹的雌蟹是二小螯，而雄蟹有一大螯一小螯，大螯長在左右兩邊的比例差不多。雄蟹喜歡揮舞著大螯，除了是向同伴示威外，也是向母蟹示愛之意。

PS: The female Uca Lacteal has 2 small claws, while the male has a large claw and a small claw. The large claw on the right or left side is almost the same size. Male Uca Lacteal likes to brandish with its large claw to show off to its peers and also gives a love signal to the female Uca lacteal.

弧邊招潮蟹,Uca Arcuata (Arch Fiddlers)

「弧邊招潮蟹」在北部紅樹林中是十分常見的蟹種，也是台灣產招潮蟹中體型最大的。弧邊招潮蟹的甲殼、步足以深褐色為主，背甲有明顯的網狀花紋，故又稱「網紋招潮蟹」。雄蟹一側螯大，一側螯小，母蟹兩側皆小，大螯有密佈的疣狀顆粒，呈漂亮的橘紅色，十分搶眼。

“Uca Arcuata” (Arch Fiddlers) is often seen in the northern Mangrove, and is also the largest among all other Fiddlers in Taiwan. The shell and claws of Arch fiddlers are brown. It has the reticulate shell; it is also named “Reticular Fiddlers”. The male has a large claw on one side and small claw on the other. The female has two small claws on both sides. The large claw has verrucous particles with beautiful red orange color. Very eye catching!

弧邊招潮蟹,Uca Arcuata (Arch Fiddlers)

由洞口形狀可以判別藏在洞內的弧邊招潮蟹是公蟹還是母蟹，洞口呈火山形的為母蟹，而公蟹的洞口則與地面平齊。

You can tell the male or female Uca Arcuata (Arch Fiddlers) from the shape of the cave they stay. If the hole is a volcano-shape, it’s for female Arch Fiddlers. If the hole is leveling on the sand, it’s for male Arch Fiddlers.

台灣厚蟹, Helice Formosensis (Taiwan Helice)

台灣厚蟹，光聽名字就知道，為台灣特有種。台灣厚蟹的甲殼、步足與螫腳，皆為灰綠色，寬厚的粗螫左右等大，而背甲的兩側還有明顯的裂齒狀。

From the name Helice Formosensis (Taiwan Helice), you can tell is the endemic species in Taiwan. The shell and claw are gray green color. The thick claws on both sides are pretty much the same size. The edges of the shell have denticulations.

萬歲大眼蟹, Macrophthalmus Banzai (Long Live Big Eyes Fiddler)

「萬歲大眼蟹」的背甲呈長方型扁平狀，甲殼與步足為黑褐色，兩螯同大為黃白色，螯腳兩指下彎，指尖小巧呈匙狀。萬歲大眼蟹的揮螯的動作，是向兩側畫開再收攏，有點像高舉大喊「中華民國萬歲」的模樣，因此稱做萬歲大眼蟹。

“Macrophthalmus Banzai’s” (Long Live Big Eyes Fiddler) shell is in a flat rectangular shape. Shell and claws are brown black color. Two pincers are yellow white colors which are in the small spoon shape. The claws move from outside to inside. It looks like it is shouting for “Long Live the Republic of China (ROC)”! That was how it was named.

彈塗魚,Mudskipper

除了招潮蟹外，泥質灘地上還可以看到為數不少的彈塗魚。眼睛突起，全身灰褐色有深色的斑紋的彈塗魚，是水陸兩棲的魚類，可以在水中游泳也可以在泥灘地上彈跳、爬行，在水中時用鰓呼吸，在陸上則用濕潤的皮膚和鰓室中的水分維持呼吸。彈塗魚的胸鰭相當達發達，可以撐起身體爬行，腹鰭演化成吸盤，可以吸附在樹幹與石頭上。彈跳時，則以尾就水做短程的彈跳。

Beside the Fiddler Crabs, you can also see lots of mudskippers on the muddy sand area. The gray brown mudskipper with protruding eyes is the amphibious fish. Mudskipper can live in the water; can also crawl on the muddy sand. It breathes through the gills in the water, and maintains the water through the wet skin and gills on the land. The pectoral of the mudskipper has a great strength which helps it to crawl. The pelvic fins develop to the suckers so that it can be absorbed to the tree truck and stone. It bounces with its short tail touching the water.

【挖仔尾自然保護區】,Waziwei Ecological Reserve

觀察時間：最佳觀察時間約莫是漲潮與退潮間中間的三小時。想知道每日的潮汐時間，可至「中央氣象局的潮汐預報」查看。

The observation time: The best observation time is the three hours between the high and low tide. Please click to check the daily tide time on Central Weather Bureau

交通資訊：在捷運關渡站下車，搭紅22或紅13至挖仔尾站。紅13是沿著八里左岸景區行駛，可直接抵挖仔尾保護區入口，但平日班次很少不容易等到。若平日來的話，建議搭紅22，班次多，到挖仔尾站後，步行一小段就到了。

Transportation information: Take MRT to Kuantu Station, and then take Red 22 or Red 13 to Waziwei Station. The Red 13 is a scenic drive along the Bali Left Bank which will take you directly to the entrance of the Waziwei Ecological Reserve. However, The Red 13 does not run frequently during weekdays. If you would like to come during weekdays, you can take Red 22 to Waziwei Station, and walk shortly to the entrance. Read More

Taipei 101 Skyscraper

Visiting Taipei, you definitely don’t want to miss the tallest building in Taiwan which was also the world tallest skyscraper from 2004 to January 4th, 2010, when the opening of Burj Khalifa in Dubai took place. Taipei 101 has served as an icon of modern Taiwan. It consists of 101 floors above the ground and 5 floors underground. Taipei 101 is also known as “Taipei World Financial Center” and a multi-level shopping mall with hundreds of fashionable stores, restaurants and clubs.

The ticket booth and lift entrance are located on the 5th floor of the building. We purchased the tickets priced at NT 400 (around US $11) per person to ride on the world’s fastest elevator to the 89th floor, the Indoor Observatory. Visitors were greeted friendly by the staff. Compliance to the rules was also firmly. I saw a visitor who was asked to throw away the chewing gum before he was able to line up for the elevator. Lockers are also provided to the guests who have the larger carry-on.

This is the world’s fastest, high-speed pressurized elevator, reaching speeds of 1,010 meters per minutes. It only takes 37 seconds to go from the 5th floor to the 89th floor. No dizziness feeling at all. You can also watch the animated sky scene on the roof of the elevator while you are being lifted.

On the 88th and 89th floor, the world’s largest and heaviest wind damper can be observed with a closer view. This damper is designed to keep the building not to swing too much from the strong wind or earthquake. The building would only be swamp 150 cm the most if those situations occur! Here is the Damper’s fact sheet- “World’s biggest passive wind damper, with a diameter of 5.5 meters and weighing 660 metric tons. The damper was made of 41 layers of 12.5 cm thick solid steel plate, at a cost of more than NT 132 million.”

The damper is suspended from 92th floor to 88th floor. (Illustration is done by Someformofhuman) The damper indeed is a giant round figure when compared with a human size; however, it looks so tiny if you looked through the skyscraper!

The Indoor Observatory on the 89th floor offers visitors a commanding view of the city and Taipei Basin in all directions. Taipei is surrounded by the rivers and mountains. Choose a clear sky day to go up here; you would be surprised by what you can see!

Taipei is the capital of Taiwan and is also a home to an estimated 2,619,920 people (March, 2009).

The world’s highest jewelry arts boutique is located on the 88th floor-“Treasure Sky”. Lots of precious coral gemstone arts and jewelry are displayed and sold on this floor. Strolling and enjoying the art gallery, I totally forgot that I was on the floor of 438 meters in height. It is also very interesting to see the world’s tallest building’s mailboxes (2004) which are located on the 89th floor! Don’t forget to send your friend a postcard through this world tallest building’s mailbox!

To go up to the 91th floor of the Outdoor Observatory, take the stairs from the 89th floor. It offers the expansive outside view and close view of the spire at the top of the building. Be careful of the strong wind and the sharp metal sound created by the wind hitting the metal fences. This Outdoor Observatory only opens if weather permits.

Although Taipei 101 is now the second tallest skyscraper in the world, it had so many world record figures inside this building. It is the symbol where the earth and the sky meet in Taiwan. Through launching of fireworks, it takes people in Taiwan to the bright and shinning new years.

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Ching Tung Station。Ping Si Branch

平溪支線最古意的車站要屬菁桐站了，這個將近有八十幾年歷史的車站，至今還保留著當初建造時的風貌。佈滿苔蘚的黑瓦屋簷，其上、下雙層結構形成了美麗多重屋頂，而白色的木牆，看起來相當古樸典雅，兩者迷人的組合，讓這個古老的日式木造站房，成了平溪支線裡最美麗的風景。

The loveliest station in Ping Si Branch is the Ching Tung Station. For nearly an 80 year history, Ching Tung Station has kept its original appearance as it was built. The black tiles roof is covered with moss. The upper and lower multi-layer structures form a beautiful roof. The combination of the simple and elegant white wooded walls with the roof becomes very charming. This ancient Japanese wooden station has turned into the most beautiful scenery for Ping Si Branch.

站內沿牆架起的簡易木條長椅，還有那木製欄杆剪票口，依舊保持著當年的面貌。遊客們到了菁桐站，總喜歡在長椅上坐著休息，而不管搭不搭火車，都至少要穿過一次剪票口，似乎這麼一做，就能回到了舊時光。

The simple wooden bench and wooden railing ticket gate has the original look. Visitors would like to rest on the benches and pass the ticket gate to feel the old good time regardless whether they are here to take the train or not when they come to Ching Tung Station.

卸煤櫃, Coal’s Unloading Cabinet

卸煤櫃的底部, The bottom of the Coal’s Unloading Cabinet

菁桐昔日是臺陽煤礦最大的採煤礦區。這個曾經繁榮一時的礦業聚落，在封坑停採後便迅速沒落，但這遺留了不少採礦遺跡及礦業文物，如車站不遠處的卸煤櫃及石底煤礦遺址等等。站在月台就可以看到對面聳立著高大的降煤櫃，這條降煤櫃的長度可是台灣之冠哦！當年石底煤礦即由此裝載至火車貨櫃裡，這樣特有的鐵道景觀，是早年鐵道與產業共生的歷史見證。

Ching Tung was used to be the largest mining area for Tai Yang Coal. It was once a thriving mining village. After the closure, as the mining demand rapidly declines, it left lots of mining and mining heritage monuments, such as the Coal’s Unloading Cabinet and the Shi De Coal Ruins, etc. While standing on the platform, you can see the tall Coal’s Unloading Cabinet which is the tallest Coal Cabinet in Taiwan. The Shi De Coal was loaded to the train at this station. This special scenery is the witness for the railway and industrial symbiosis of the history.

循著車站附近石階步道拾級而上，沒多久就可以看到一幢尖型屋脊的紅磚建築，這幢就是素有菁桐地標之稱的選洗煤場。開採出來的煤礦，經由台車運送至翻車間降煤，再經過篩選、搬運及水洗的過程，分離出不同大小比重的煤塊或煤屑後，再加以分類集中運出。這幢選洗煤場空間構造高低錯落、複雜特殊，還獲選為台灣歷史建築百景。

Following the stone step trail up near the train station for not too long, you would see a spike roof red brick building, which is the coal washing field as the landmark for Ching Tung. After the coal was mined, it was transported by car to here to be subdued. After filtering, handling and washing process, the different sizes of the coal would be produced and shipped after the classification process. This complex, high and low structure coal washing field has become a historical architecture scene in Taiwan.

循著台階繼續往上走，就可以抵達石底大斜坑遺址。石底大斜坑是全台開採最久、面積最深且產量最為豐富的礦坑，是平溪線規模最大的煤礦遺址。

Following the stone steps, you would arrive at the Shi De Slanting Pit ruin site. The Shi De slanting Pit is the oldest, deepest and richest mines production and it is also the largest mine ruin in Ping Si Branch.

石底大斜坑是將周遭幾個的坑口貫通，以便將各坑挖掘的煤炭集中運出，連結選洗煤場，簡化了原有的坑外搬運系統。除了坑口外，在這片高地上，還可以看到昔日的事務所、電車修理室、工料倉庫、礦工宿舍、浴室、台車道及翻車台等等。雖然大多的建築都頹圮敗壞，但這些遺留下來的遺跡，讓人不難想像當年採礦全盛時期的繁榮景象。

The Shi De Slanting Pit was made by connecting several pits around in order to ship the coal that was mined from each pit. Connected with the Coal Washing Field, the shipping system was made to simplify the process. Beside the pit, we can also see the old office, the carts repair room, warehouse, miners dormitory, bathroom, cart platform, and overturned platform, etc. Although most of the buildings were destroyed and corrupted, the legacy remains. You can imagine the peak time of the mining industry.

逛完了石底大斜坑遺址，若對菁桐礦業還想要有更深刻的認識，可以至車站旁的「菁桐礦業生活館」走走。菁桐礦業生活館是利用閒置廢棄的台鐵員工宿舍改建而成，館內紀錄著菁桐聚落居民原有的生活方式與礦業文化記憶，讓人們追憶與了解菁桐百年盛世的過往，並與菁桐的未來有所連結。這是一個保存煤礦產業文化、結合觀光資源，與展示地方藝文的在地文化館。

If you would like to know more about the Ching Tung Mining, you can visit the “Ching Tong Mining Life Museum” near the train station. This museum was renovated from an abandoned railway staff dormitory. It records Ching Tung villagers’ life style and mining culture history to connect the past and future of Ching Tung. This is a cultural museum that combines the local mining industry with its tourism resources.

簡單的水泥樓房與典雅的格子木窗，還有外牆上那爬滿的藤蔓植物，讓整幢建築充滿著迷人的氛圍，是拍攝人像與婚紗攝影的熱門之地。

The simple concrete building with wooden frame and climbing plants on the external walls makes it a popular place for wedding photography.

緊鄰著車站，約莫一百多公尺長的菁桐老街，幾十年來從未拓寬，街旁兩排民房，因鐵道觀光的熱潮與懷舊風的興起，而變成了一間間商店、小吃店及特色紀念品店。遊客在這裡可以買到許多具有特色的紀念品，如車票明信片、木製明信片、小天燈裝飾，還有許多具有創意的芒草編、竹編、T恤等工藝紀念品。

Near the station, less than 100-meter long Ching Tung Old Street has kept its original size. The houses by the streets become snack stores and local taste souvenirs stores to cater to the tourists. The tourists buy local souvenirs, such as, ticket postcard, wooden postcard, and small sky lantern ornaments, along with the creative grass weaving products, T-shirts and art crafts.

當年運煤台車的小火車頭上掛滿了遊客們留下的許願竹筒，上面寫滿了眾人的祝福與願望，意外成為了菁桐老街的特色之一。

The old coal small engine hangs lots of Wishing Bamboo Tubes. The tourists write their wishes and blessings on the tubes which have become a unique characteristic on the Ching Tung Old Street.

除此之外，來到老街可千萬不能錯過菁桐著名的古早味小吃－雞捲。炸的香酥，卻不會油膩的雞捲，卻跟雞肉一點關係也沒有。它其實是以芋泥與豬肉為主要內餡。據說，早期逢年過節時，居民會準備許多食材拜拜宴客，廚師們¬將多餘的食材綜合捲起來油炸，後來演變成一道可口的小吃。雞捲就是由台語發音而來，有多出來一道菜的意思哦！

Beside all these, don’t miss the famous Ching Tung old time taste snack- "Chicken Rolls". The Chicken Roll is crispy but not greasy at all, and it is not made with chicken. It is made with taro paste and pork. It was said that residents here were wrapping the leftover food and deep frying them for worshipping. Since then, it has become a delicious snack. Chicken Roll (Ge Gen) is how it is pronounced by the Taiwanese dialect, which means an extra dish!

This is the last post of the Ping Si Branch series. Thanks for following the series, and hope you find all of the stations interesting, beneficial, and enjoyable!

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Yingge, the Ceramic Town

Yingge, the artistic town in the southwest of Taipei City belongs to the Taipei County. It is Taiwan’s ceramic landmark and the ceramic lovers’ paradise. Going through history, Yingge’s flame from its ceramic kilns has been burning for over 200 years. From one generation to the next, Yingge’s ceramic continues to shine as the stars!

We came to Yingge to visit the famous Pottery Street and Yingge Ceramic Museum by a 50 minute train ride from the Taipei Railroad Station. Although I am very interested in ceramic making, I have never had a chance to experience the process. However, the Yingge trip had given me a great taste of the pottery art and history!

Yingge was named by an eagle-shaped rock on the north side of the Yingge. The history of Yingge pottery began 200 years ago when Wu An from China moved to Yingge to become the first potter in Yingge, since the clay soil in Yingge is suitable for pottery making.

In the past, almost every resident was making pottery for living on the street. It had 800 pottery manufacturers during the peak time.

An old chimney is the landmark of Yingge called “Square Kiln. “Square Kiln” refers to the Kiln as a square room space. Following the landmark, we arrived at the Old Street, also named “Pottery Street”.

Yingge Old Street has been re-built with modern look. The street is full with pottery shops. This is the place to find the best quality “Made in Taiwan” potteries, ceramics art, and porcelains. The cost of the fine arts can be very expensive as well.

Some pottery stores also offer DIY activities for the kids and adults. The reservations are needed. I plan to participate in one of the activities for the next time visit.

We arrived at “Tunnel Kiln” which was built in the 60’s. It was well preserved. One of the ancient Kilns mass-produced ceramics in the past. It was a car pushing type of kiln consisting of preheating, firing and cooling zones. The red bricks on the wall could hold 1000 C fire heats. From the elderly memories, the workers’ white clothes worn at work would turn completely black after the work in the past.

Yingge Ceramics Museum is an eye-catching three-story steel framed glass building located on the other side of town. It’s about 15 minute walk from the Pottery Street. This museum was opened in 2000. I am very glad to finally see a museum like this to preserve all the valuable history, production, and use of ceramics of Taiwan’s. It also offers daily workshops for both adults and children and a DIY opportunity in the studio.

During the visit in November, 2009, the "Blue and White Ware Themed Competition" was exhibited on the first floor. Here are some contemporary delicate ceramic art from the exhibition.

We only had a half day visiting in Yingge town; however, if you plan to participate in the DIY activity either in the stores or in the museum, the whole day may be needed. Yingge ceramics history and art taste trip will definitely give a unique and special memory! Read More