奕青民宿

After breakfast, we bid farewell to the Homestay and the two friendly Shibas.

Dream Works of Mei

The first destination of the day was the DreamWorks of Mei. This is a charming plum-themed factory and cultural hub operated by the Xinyi Township Farmers’ Association, where they let you discover Taiwan’s plum heritage through interactive experiences like plum-making workshops, tastings, and educational displays.

Dream Works of Mei

Various stalls could be found selling titbits.

Dream Works of Mei

Farm vegetables.

Dream Works of Mei

And Roast Meat.

Dream Works of Mei

Many statuses similar to these can be found throughout the place.

Dream Works of Mei

Inside, many products were on display. There are preserved fruits and vegetables.

Dream Works of Mei

Soap.

Dream Works of Mei

Tea products.

Dream Works of Mei

And a wide range of wine products.

The Tree of Life

Next, we headed to The Tree of Life. It is a stunning white installation perched at the heart of Tainan’s iconic fan-shaped salt fields in Jiangjun. A captivating art piece by Taiwanese sculptor Yang Shiyi, this graceful structure stands along a newly restored axial boardwalk, stretching straight to the sea.

The Tree of Life

The structure is created in the salt field. And it was very windy there.

象仔海產

As we drove past the township, we decided to try out one of their local eating place.

象仔海產

All the ingredients were displayed for us to choose.

象仔海產

We ordered Fish soup, steamed prawns, fried vegetables, and fried eggs. It seems that this restaurant is quite popular with the locals.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

After lunch, we drove south to Kaohsiung Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum. We had already visited the main temple during our last trip. So we will only visit the Museum.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

There are many shops and vegan restaurants as you enter the building.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

The objective of this trip was the Pagodas and the Buddha Statue.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

There was also a lantern festival going on in the temple. At night, there will be light shows. We did not stay for the light shows as we had other places to visit.

Mitsui Outlet Park

Mitsui Outlet Park in Tainan was next.

Mitsui Outlet Park

It was a big Outlet with many popular brands featured here.

Mitsui Outlet Park

Tried out their bubble tea.

It was already dark when we finished shopping.

Hotel Initial-Tainan

We arrived in time to check into our room as the front desk would close at 10 pm.

Hotel Initial-Tainan

A small waiting area.

Hotel Initial-Tainan

And an equally small reading cum dining area.

Hotel Initial-Tainan

Our hotel room in Tainan. The room was big, nice and clean. Though mosquito repellents were provided for the room, I killed no fewer than 20 mosquitoes during the two-night stay.

Hotel Initial-Tainan

It came with a bathtub.

Hotel Initial-Tainan

And a modern bathroom.

Tainan Garden Night Market

We proceeded to Tainan Garden Night Market after check-in.

Tainan Garden Night Market

The first food we tried was the sweet potato balls.

Tainan Garden Night Market

Then we tried out the fried dough pancake. These are some of the most popular street foods in Taiwan’s night market.

There were many other foods available too.

Tainan Garden Night Market

We then ordered this seafood and steak hotplate for our dinner. It came with soup and buns.

After dinner, back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day.