Located in the Xinshe district, about an hour’s drive away from Taichung City, Shinshe Lavender Cottage is a tranquil spot to chill, especially if you like flowers and photography. Do note though that it leans towards couples – so if you’re single, keep this in mind as the saccharine props and displays might act as constant reminders of your singledom.

The main garden is located on a hilly plateau with views overlooking the surrounding countryside. Trees and shrubs line the pathway, which has love quotes embedded into the ground at intervals, as well as stone displays with poetry and more quotes.

The garden is cute, with several European-style ‘cottages’ housing souvenir shops and cafes. Like many tourist places in Taiwan, the price of the admission ticket includes a voucher to spend. I got a keychain and some lavender-scented pouches.

Another souvenir shop selling necklaces, brooches, and silver jewellery to gift to your girlfriend (or boyfriend).

Wooden spoons which you can get from the workshop. They even throw in calligraphy/writing services for free. Couples write their wishes on to the spoons and hang them up on the hedge, like love locks.

A good place to drop on your knees and… tie your shoelaces?

Not a real piano.

There were actually lots of couple props, ie hedges cut into heart shapes, hanging frames with love quotes, kissing cutouts, etc. which were all a little too sickly sweet for my taste lol so I didn’t put any pictures up here.

The main courtyard with a cafe and a fountain.

Personally, the Lavender Cottage was not one of my favourites spotsto visit around Taichung, since it’s out of the way and I think the ticket is kind of overpriced, but apparently they have a very nice lavender field in spring and summer so you might want to time your visit properly.