There’s something truly enchanting about Xinshe, Taichung — a place where misty mountains meet endless gardens, and fairytale-like spots seem to appear around every curve of the road. During our trip, we spent a full day exploring three of Xinshe’s most magical destinations: Lavender Cottage, Xinshe Castle (The Summit Resort), and the colorful Sea of Flowers Festival. ๐ธ๐ฐ๐บ
๐ Lavender Cottage – A Bloom-Filled Forest Escape
When we arrived at Lavender Cottage, the rain had just started to pour again — but instead of dampening our mood, it made the forest feel even more magical. Mist floated over the hills, and the scent of lavender hung in the air. It felt like walking into a dream.
๐ฟ Lavender Cottage, also known as Lavender Forest, was founded by two young women who wanted to create a place of peace and inspiration. The result is a scenic hillside filled with colorful blooms, forest trails, and cozy cafรฉs serving lavender-infused treats.
๐ฝ️ Lunch at the Forest Cafรฉ
We decided to have lunch at the Forest Cafรฉ, where the menu features comforting dishes with a touch of lavender. I can’t recall every dish, but I’ll never forget how perfect the hot tea tasted while the rain drizzled outside. We picked a seat overlooking the flowers — peaceful, fragrant, and unforgettable. ๐ธ
๐ฐ Entrance Fee:
NT$100 (consumable)
๐
Address: No. 11, Neighborhood 6, Taomi Village, Xinshe District,
Taichung City, Taiwan
⏰
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
๐ก
Tip: Don’t miss their lavender ice cream and handmade essential oils at
the gift shop!
๐ฐ Xinshe Castle (The Summit Resort) – A Fairytale Brought to Life
Stone bridges, gothic towers, and cascading waterfalls surrounded by fog made it feel as if we’d stepped into a medieval kingdom hidden in the Taiwanese mountains. Everywhere you looked was picture-perfect — no wonder it’s a favorite pre-wedding photoshoot spot!
Inside, there are restaurants, cafรฉs, souvenir shops, and even a small winery. You can easily spend a few hours here soaking in the romantic atmosphere and taking photos.
๐ท Fun Fact: The best photo spot is near the pavilion by the parking lot — it gives you a panoramic view of the castle, bridge, and lake!
๐ฐ Entrance Fee:
NT$250 (around ₱375)
๐
Address: No. 65, Xiezhong St., Xinshe District, Taichung City 426,
Taiwan
⏰
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Weekdays) | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
(Weekends)
๐
Phone: +886-4-2582-5628
๐
Website: www.summit-resort.com
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Tip: Bring a raincoat instead of an umbrella — it’s easier to explore
and take photos in light rain!
๐ธ A Small Scare & A Big Reminder
At one point, I accidentally left my Nikon camera case near one of the cottages. My heart nearly stopped when I realized it — but when I rushed back, it was still there, untouched. That small act of honesty reminded me once again how kind and trustworthy the people of Taiwan are. ๐
๐ธ The Perfect Ending – Sea of Flowers Festival
As the day turned to evening, we made our last stop — the Sea of Flowers Festival. Even though it was already getting dark when we arrived, the scene was breathtaking. The fields stretched endlessly, blanketed in vibrant blooms of pink, yellow, and purple, glowing under the fading sunlight.
We strolled through rows of flowers, took countless photos, and laughed as the cool breeze brushed past. Families, locals, and travelers all wandered joyfully among the blossoms. ๐บ
It truly lived up to its name — a sea of flowers. Even with only a glimpse before nightfall, it felt magical and serene.
๐ก
Tip: Visit from November to early December when the festival is
in full bloom. Bring a light jacket — it gets chilly after sunset!
๐
Location: Near Xinshe District Farmers’ Association, Taichung City,
Taiwan
๐ฐ
Entrance Fee: Free
๐ป
Facilities: Rest areas, food stalls, photo zones, and floral exhibitions
๐งญ Getting to Xinshe
๐ From Taichung Station:
- Take a Fengyuan Bus (270, 271, or 276) bound for Dongshi or Zhongxingling.
- Alternatively, hire a taxi or private driver (recommended if visiting multiple attractions).
๐ก We initially planned to take the bus because it’s affordable and scenic. The countryside views approaching Xinshe are absolutely beautiful — a great prelude to the Flower Carpet Festival and Lavender Cottage! But since we were offered a taxi service, we opted for that instead — and it was a comfortable, time-saving choice. ๐
๐ฟ Travel Tips
✔️ Bring layered clothes — it
gets chilly in the mountains.
✔️
Keep an umbrella or raincoat handy.
✔️
Try lavender products directly from the source — they’re authentic and
affordable!
✔️
Hire a local driver if visiting several attractions in one day.
✔️
Bring cash (NT$) for entrance fees and small vendors.
๐ฌEven though the day was filled with rain, fog, and unexpected turns, it turned out to be one of my favorite experiences in Taiwan. There’s something about Xinshe — its charm, calmness, and fairytale beauty — that lingers long after you leave. It reminded me that travel isn’t about perfect weather but about embracing the magic of every moment. ๐✨
๐Thinking of visiting Taichung or Xinshe soon? Don’t skip this fairytale day trip! Explore Lavender Cottage, Xinshe Castle, and the Sea of Flowers Festival — a trio of color, peace, and wonder you’ll never forget.
๐ Read More About My
Taiwan Journey:
๐ TaiwanDering Four Day
1: Cingjing Farm | Small Swiss Garden | Bee Pollen | Carton King Shop &
Restaurant
๐ TaiwanDering Four Day 2: OldEngland Manor | Lavender Cottage | Xinshe Castle | Xinshe Flower CarpetFestival | Ximending Night Market
#XinsheCastle #LavenderCottage #SeaOfFlowers #TaichungTravel #TaiwanItinerary #TravelDiaries #FlowerFestival #ExploreTaiwan #FairytalePlaces #MenchuTravels
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