Thanks for tuning in to our Taiwan Travel Series. For the past few weeks, we’ve brought you reasons to visit Taiwan. From the preservation of traditional asian culture to all the amazing food, you will really enjoy spending your next vacation here. We hope you feel inspired for your own hot springs trip to Beitou; or maybe a trip to the northern city of Jiu Fen. You could catch a few beautiful sunsets in Tamsui or at Yangmingshan Park. You can also visit all the temples of Lotus Lake. Make sure to check out our itinerary and myths about Taiwan before you go!
…All those feelings of comfort come flooding back.
When Frank booked the tickets to Taipei, he grinned. That grin stayed on his face permanently all the way up until the minute we exited the plane at Taoyuan Airport. He was going home even if it was just for a week. It had been over 15 years since Frank last stepped into Taipei. A lot of things had changed from how he knew it. Taiwan had culminated a 40+ year movement from a dictatorship to a democracy. The population’s wealth had exploded and the (originally lots and LOTS) of shopping places had doubled–probably even tripled– from what he remembered.
There were fewer opportunities for street food than what Frank could recall. Back in middle school, his favorite street food vendor parked himself outside the walls of the school during PE class. He and his friends would pool some change together, toss it over the wall (PE was paying off…) and Streetvendorguy would toss over some food on a stick (and don’t you know, food on a stick is the best kind of food). Streetvendorguy was still there when we visited, but a lot of his other favorites had disappeared.
Frank shared a lot of his memories and good times with me. For my husband, this was a walk down Memory Lane. For me, I was enthralled by everything he showed me. Taipei is a bustling city. There are literally people out enjoying life at all hours of the day and night. It’s truly a “city” feel. What I love most about Taipei is its walkability. It’s easy to get around the city with public transportation. We both also love all the amazing food. If you crave something, Taipei will have it.
These were just a couple of the many things we loved about the Taiwan Read on for more!
Night Markets
Shilin and other night markets is where a lot of the portable food can be found. The star of the night market is none other than Hot Star. Ladies and gentlemen, when I dream of chicken, I dream of Hot Star. The night market is home to other notable contenders, like grilled corn, loaded potatoes, black pepper pork buns and other kinds of food. I have a feeling, though, that if we expatriated to Taipei, I would have a serious case of chicken farts from all that Hot Star we would be eating. By the way, chicken farts is a real thing and it. is. not. pleasant.
Hot Star and chicken farts. Totally worth it.National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum is home to the most famous work of art: the jadeite cabbage. There’s a lot of history behind the jadeite cabbage. First, someone decided that this honkin’ piece of jade looked a lot like a head of cabbage. Either someone is making a ton of cabbage soup or they have an eye for carving. But, the color matches the cruciferous little vegetable perfectly.
Second, the cabbage was touted (jacked) along with those Chinese Nationalists folks who fled to Taiwan. So, you see, there’s just a lot of history in this cabbage and you should see it.
We weren’t allowed to take a photo of the cabbage, so we give you the photo of the front of the museum (it’s good enough…). It will take a couple of hours to get through the entire museum. Just outside the museum is a Japanese-style garden, complete with the most BAMF koi fish you will ever meet. Some of them are even older than your grandpappy.
The front of the National Palace Museum; just as pretty as the back. Oh, and there’s all this rare artifact mumbo-jumbo in between. Somewhere in this lake is our friend, BAMF, the koi fish.Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is one impressive man-made construction. Even if it’s just once, you should really check out the view from Taipei 101 and meet the Damper Baby. He’s a neat guy. The area surrounding Taipei 101 tends to be more tourist and expat-friendly. Because of that, prices for food and hotels will be a little higher than other districts in the city.
Taipei 101.Yangmingshan Park
Yangminshan Park has one of the most beautiful sunset sceneries. Just the other day, my husband and I went to Joshua Tree National Park in California. The whole time, we felt like we were walking on Mars because the landscape is nothing like we had ever seen. We watched the sunset from Keys View, which gave us a panoramic view of the Salton Sea, Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault. The sunset–while pretty–wasn’t half as beautiful as some of the sunsets we’ve seen in Taiwan. I swear we did not photoshop these colors, nor could we rival the colors Mother Nature produced anyway. She’s one talented artist.
The only thing photoshopped on this sunset was our logo. Pretty plum blossom trees line Yangminshan Park. nice place to take a stroll.Long Shan Temple
One of the most famous temples in Taipei is the Long Shan Temple. It’s probably the oldest temple in the city. As we entered the temple, Frank told me an interesting piece of tradition: “I think you have to step completely over the doorway or it’s bad luck.” Every single doorway every single time, we took looooong purposeful steps over the frame. This was our way to ward of the bad luck….except every single person was stepping right on top of them. I don’t know if they had a bout of bad luck or if stepping on door frames is some kind of made-up thing.
Longshan Temple.Dahu Park and Fun Bridges
As far as parks go, Dahu Park is pretty ordinary. It has a swimming pool, a sauna and few other things that make this place fit in with the community. The thing that stands out the most is the moon bridge simply because it is very pretty. The moon bridge is also a highly efficient piece of architecture. A few times up and down that bridge and your gams will be in tiptop shape.
Moon Bridge. So pretty.Funky Art
As if Taipei’s food scene and amazing sunsets weren’t cool enough, they even have some funky street art.
awww, so cute. cute little bunny rabbits. fishes and stuffThese were just a few of the cool things that make Taiwan so great. After sharing his memories and favorite places, I could see why my husband loves Taiwan so much. It’s more than a country. It’s a place full of fun memories and I was glad Frank shared this with me. We have a Taiwan state of mind and I can’t wait to go back for more.
Now It’s Your Turn!
There you have it, folks: Our favorite reasons to visit Taiwan. If you need more information, don’t hesitate to contact us. Visit our itineraries for more ideas!
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