A Glimpse of Time: The Serenity of Songyuan Villa and the Diverse Charm of Taipei

This time, I planned a day trip to Yilan during my Taipei itinerary to visit a low-key yet charming historical site—Songyuan Villa. Early in the morning, I took a train from Taipei to Yilan. The short journey of just over an hour brought me to this picturesque small town, where the fresh air and relaxed pace made me unwind. Songyuan Villa is situated on a small hill, with pine trees lining the entrance. The gentle breeze carried the scent of pine. This building was once a military facility during the Japanese occupation and has been restored to become a cultural space that blends history, art, and nature. I strolled through the villa, admiring the special exhibition of handicrafts and historical photos, each piece recording the past of this land. I sat down at the villa's café, ordered a special hand-brewed coffee, and quietly overlooked the entire Yilan city, gazing at the distant mountains and fields. The atmosphere here is tranquil and leisurely, as if time has slowed down. In the afternoon, I walked along the trails outside the villa. The sunlight filtered through the pine forest, casting dappled shadows that made me reach for my camera to capture the beauty of the moment. In the evening, I returned to Yilan city and visited the Jimmy Square, where the colorful public art installations made me feel like I was in a fairy tale. I also tasted Yilan's famous smoked duck and scallion pancakes, the authentic flavors bringing a perfect end to the day. At night, I took the train back to Taipei, ready to embrace the urban exploration the next day.