Road Trip from Taipei to Kaohsiung: Qingjing Farm

Little did we know what our cousins had planned for the next leg of our road trip. It was one sweet surprise after another.

Taiwan may be relatively small, but its landscapes are incredibly diverse. Within minutes of leaving Taichung, the city gives way to winding mountain roads, forested hills, and spectacular scenery.

Perched nearly 5,740 feet (1,750 meters) above sea level in Nantou County, Qingjing Farm feels like another world. With its European-inspired architecture, cool mountain air, and sweeping views, the area has an almost alpine feel. Green hills stretch into the distance as clouds drift across the mountain peaks. It was a nippy 55.4°F (13°C) when we checked into Qingjing Farm Guest House.

The next morning, we got up bright and early and made our way down the hill to find a good spot for the famous sheep-shearing show. Afterward, the sheep were let loose to roam among the spectators, who could purchase food to feed them. It was a fun and memorable way to start the day!

Aren't they adorable?

We walked through the rolling Green Grasslands to a mesmerizing equestrian show. 

Walking the Qingjing Sky Walk, we were rewarded with sweeping views of the Central Mountain Range. Along the way, we passed food vendors, horses, and, of course, even more sheep—adding to the charm of the mountain scenery.

Our tour guides leading the way

When we were done exploring, we headed to nearby Puli for lunch at Su Mama’s Tangyuan (蘇媽媽湯圓), a popular local spot serving traditional Taiwanese favorites such as tofu, noodles, and tangyuan (sweet rice balls). She's even been featured on YouTube (see below)! The line was long, but it moved quickly, and before long, we were seated and enjoying a delicious taste of local flavors.

tangyuan or sweet rice balls served in a sugary syrup

Wonton noodle with meat sauce

a tofu dish

With its scenic mountain views, famous green pastures, and sheep and horses grazing peacefully along the hillsides, Qingjing made for a wonderful detour. Add in some delicious Taiwanese favorites, and this unexpected stop turned out to be another gem of our road trip. A big shout-out to our cousins for adding this special stop to our itinerary!

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday, Dare to Share Saturday, Altered Book Lover, and **Art*Journal*Journey*.

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From Canvas to Garden: How Van Gogh's Sunflowers Inspired My Green Thumb

I have to admit—I was never really drawn to still-life paintings. But that all changed when I saw Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Something about those bright, joyful blooms bursting off the canvas completely changed my perspective. I was smitten. 

Sunflower on a lovely summer day at a friend's farm in TN

Van Gogh's artwork on a house in Mount Dora, Florida

Van Gogh's immersive art at the Dali Museum in St Pete, Florida

Dali Museum

That same vibrant energy came to life at the St. Pete Saturday Morning Market. The sunflowers there were so cheerful and radiant, it was impossible to walk by without smiling — or wanting to take a bunch home.

Saturday Morning Market

Feeling inspired, I decided to try growing my own sunflowers. I picked up a pack of Mammoth Russian seeds from the Dollar Store and planted a few in a large tub. A few weeks later, I was thrilled to see little seedlings pushing through the soil. When they finally bloomed, I was amazed - these sunny giants were absolutely stunning.  What a rewarding experience! Sunflowers are not only easy to grow, but truly breathtaking once they reach full height.

One year, I even documented the life cycle of a sunflower by taking a photo every day and turning it into a time-lapse video. At the end of the season, I carefully cut off the flower head and placed it in a paper bag to dry out for seeds. A perfect plan — until my well-meaning hubby unknowingly tossed the whole bag! 😢

This video below shows a butterfly on the sunflower. 

From my Florida garden

If you’re ever in the Tampa Bay area, I highly recommend spending time in downtown St. Pete. It's such a charming spot, filled with cozy restaurants, local art galleries, and museums. In fact, the city just had a Free Museum Day two Saturdays ago —and it was a great way to explore without spending a dime.

And don’t miss the Saturday Morning Market, which kicks off its season on October 4! There’s live music, friendly vendors, fresh produce, and that laid-back Florida vibe that makes it such a fun way to start the weekend.

And for all you beach lovers—you’re in luck! The stunning Gulf beaches are just minutes away, offering the perfect setting for sunbathing, shell collecting, a barefoot stroll along the shore, or simply soaking in one of Florida’s breathtaking sunsets.

Have you ever been inspired by art to try something new? 

Whether it’s planting flowers, picking up a paintbrush, or just pausing to appreciate the colors around you—I’d love to hear your story in the comments!

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday and Saturday Sparks.

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