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COMPASS MAGAZINE, June 2014

Strolling in the clouds and savoring alpine breezes at Roll In Farm

Words by Lin Fu-shan
Translated by Angela Cheng

This place was discovered a decade ago when former Kaohsiung resident Ms. Wu, also known as "Mama Wu" came here to escape some personal pain and fell in love with the beauty of Xueshan's (Snow Mt.) sea of clouds. The construction of the farm that followed was an all-family project, from overall planning to road repairs, installing irrigation and planting.

Strolling in the clouds and savoring alpine breezes at Roll In Farm Strolling in the clouds and savoring alpine breezes at Roll In Farm Strolling in the clouds and savoring alpine breezes at Roll In Farm

The farm is located in Taichung's Heping District and can be located via road signs from the police station nearby. Above an elevation of 1,100 meters, there is a panoramic, 270-degree view from the observation deck where you can watch the clouds and sunset. The dusky clouds resemble castles in the sky, creating a fantasy wonderland scene. On sunny days, you can enjoy taking in a beautiful vista that encompasses places as far away as Taichung Port, Sanyi, Nantou and Changhua. If the weather is colder and wet, or it has recently been raining, the water vapor in the valley below becomes thick hanging clouds, especially in the early morning and early evening. The sea of clouds is spectacular and, if you're lucky, you might witness a double rainbow, a bit of paradise added to your fun.

Strolling in the clouds and savoring alpine breezes at Roll In Farm Strolling in the clouds and savoring alpine breezes at Roll In Farm

On the way to the farm, this writer passed through a Hakka village in Xinshe District and encountered Lanting Restaurant. This restaurant combines a nostalgic ambiance with an innovative spirit. Whether it's for individual diners or a set meal for two or a whole table, diners can enjoy dishes like Boneless Chicken (NT$599), boneless chicken legs first marinated and then fried before cumin powder is added. Another dish, Salted Duck Egg Mushrooms, is crispy on the outside and soft inside. The fish served here is first fried and sprinkled with pepper, making it fresh and delicious, while the fried cabbage with a little rice wine was crispy and sweet, served with decade-old "takuan" pickled radish, mushrooms, vegetable soup and rice. All this makes for a very happy, satisfying dining experience.

Strolling in the clouds and savoring alpine breezes at Roll In Farm Strolling in the clouds and savoring alpine breezes at Roll In Farm

Lanting Restaurant
112, HuaFeng St, Xie Cheng Village, Xinshe Dist.
(04) 2581-2482
Hours: 11 am-5 pm(Reservations required in evenings); closed Tue.

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