Exploring Taiwan: Our Unforgettable Company Trip Adventure in 2023
At Winston Engineering Corporation, we believe in the power of teamwork, collaboration, and, of course, a little adventure. To foster a sense of camaraderie and reward our hardworking employees, we recently embarked on an unforgettable company trip to Taiwan. This enchanting island nation offered us a unique blend of vibrant culture, breath-taking landscapes, and delectable cuisine. Join us as we recount the highlights of our memorable journey through this gem of East Asia.
Day 1: Arrival in Taipei -> Yilan County (Ilan County)
(Taoyuan International Aiport)
Our journey began in the bustling capital city of Taipei. Upon landing at Taoyuan International Airport, we were greeted by the warm smiles of our local guide, who was eager to introduce us to Taiwan's rich culture and history. We made a visit to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and observed the precisely executed Changing of the Guard ceremony, which took place promptly at 9am. This ceremonial event is characterized by its meticulous choreography and a solemn atmosphere.
(CKS Memorial hall and Changing of Guard Ceremony)
Following our visit to the memorial hall, we embarked on our journey to Yilan County. Our first stop was the Sinbow Sunshin Spring Onion leisure farm, where we had the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Taiwanese Scallion pancakes and engage in spring onion picking. Additionally, the farm had a mini zoo where we could feed the Dwarf Donkey and Sinka Deers.
(Snapshot of Scallion pancake making process)
(Snapshot of Scallion pancake making process)
(Animal feeding at mini zoo)
(Scallion picking experiences)
We continued our journey at Jimmy Square where, this park filled with beautiful illustrations and statues of characters drawn by famous Taiwanese illustrator, Jimmy Liao.
(Jimmy square)
Subsequently, we proceeded to the Lakeshore Hotel Yilan, a well-regarded four-star establishment, where we took some time to rejuvenate and recharge before the night market.
(Lakeshore hotel at Yilan)
As the evening descended, we made our way to the vibrant and bustling Luodong Night Market. This local night market offers a delightful experience for visitors, with its colorful stalls, enticing aromas, and a variety of culinary delights to savour. It's a fantastic place to explore the local culture, variety of spring onion food, and immerse oneself in the lively ambiance of the night market scene.
(Luodong night market)
Day 2: Exploring Hualien County
Our following destination was Hualien County, where we made a captivating pit stop at Qingshui Cliff, one of Taiwan's renowned Eight Wonders.
(Qingshui Cliff)
Following that, we ventured to Chong De Ying Farm, often described as Taiwan's own version of New Zealand. This farm's unique seaside location, setting it apart from the rest.
(Chongdeying farm)
Our forthcoming stop led us to Taroko National Park, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, imposing gorges, unspoiled waterways, and rich biodiversity. We embarked on a brief 30-minute walk along the Shakadang Trail to witness the captivating beauty of the mountain along the riverside.
(Taroko national park attraction)
Our journey led us to our next destination, Qixing Lake. This captivating location serves as a tranquil oasis of unspoiled beauty, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
(Qixing lake of attraction)
Subsequently, we made our way to the Dongdamen Night Market, immersing ourselves in the vibrant nightlife of Hualien and discovering the local culture and flavours that come alive after dark.
(Our boys won some prizes at dongdamen night market)
Day 3: ATV Adventure
Our day commenced with an exciting ATV adventure at Manbo Beach, providing us with the opportunity to take in the coastal splendor and picturesque scenery.
At lunchtime, we savoured a delectable meal of A-Mei tribal cuisine in Hualien before making our way to Taipei.
(Our colleague try out the tribal atire during the lunch)
Our next stop is ShenKeng Old Street, renowned for its iconic local delicacies and its nostalgic, old Taiwan ambiance.
(ShenKeng Old Street)
We concluded our adventures on the third day at the luxurious 5-star Fullon Hotel in the heart of central Taipei.
Day 4: Taipei
We kicked off our day by engaging in a DIY session, crafting our own Taiwanese green bean cakes with our unique creativity.
(Greenbean cakes DIY)
Following that, we made our way to the charming Shifen Old Street, where we partook in the tradition of releasing sky lanterns, symbolizing our hopes and wishes for the future.
(Shifen old street)
In the afternoon, we strolled through the historic streets of Jiufen, known for its charming old-world architecture and delightful tea houses.
(Jiufen scenery)
For our final night market experience in Taipei, we head to Ximending. Ximending is celebrated not only for its cultural importance but also its vibrant, youthful atmosphere, often drawing comparisons to Tokyo's Harajuku district. A visit to Ximending Night Market provides a chance to delve into the dynamic core of Taipei, where culture, cuisine, and entertainment seamlessly come together to craft an enduring urban adventure.
(Ximending night market in Taipei)
Day 5: Farewell
As our incredible journey came to an end, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences and memories we had created in Taiwan. With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to this enchanting island, promising to carry the lessons of teamwork and appreciation for different cultures back to our workplace.
Our company trip to Taiwan was an unforgettable adventure, blending culture, nature, and camaraderie in a way that left a lasting impression on all of us. We returned to work with a renewed sense of unity and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity that the world has to offer. Taiwan, with its warm hospitality and captivating attractions, will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We look forward to the next adventure that awaits us as a team, knowing that the memories of Taiwan will continue to inspire us in our journey ahead. Last but certainly not least, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Winston Engineering management and the dedicated RC members as well as our tour guide (ATA travel) for their meticulous planning and organization of this entire journey!
Note: All images showed are contributed by WEC staffs and tour guide. All right reserved by WEC.