There are many things to love about Taipei like its night markets and many museums. But beyond its attractions, what makes Taipei so alluring for me, is the city itself. With conveniences like a cheap but incredibly efficient metro system, and its plethora of well-maintained public parks, it’s a city that clearly puts its people first.
One of the things I loved most about Kaohsiung is its vibe. It may be a big cosmopolitan city but it’s more laid back than its counterparts in the north. Kaohsiung is also known for being one of the country’s most bicycle-friendly cities, boasting numerous designated bike paths running through the city’s many parks.
There are many fun day trips you can make from Taipei, but this guided tour to Yehliu Geopark, Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfalls, and Jiufen mining town is one of the most interesting. It’s interesting because it takes you to four locations that are starkly different from one another.
Cijin or Qijin Island is a small and narrow island about 10-15 minutes away by ferry from Kaohsiung harbor. It’s a popular day trip destination known for its long stretch of black sand beach, its historical and religious structures, and some of the best seafood in Kaohsiung.
Truth be told, Tainan isn’t as much fun as Taipei. It isn’t as naturally beautiful as Hualien or as laid-back as Kaohsiung, but it has a character all its own that makes it interesting and unique. I like to think of it as the eldest sibling in the family, the one with all the stories to tell and the one you could learn the most from.
Because of their proximity to the city and the convenience of the MRT system, one of the easiest day trips you can make is to Tamsui and Beitou. Tamsui is a seaside district famous for its street food while Beitou is one of the most popular hot spring resort areas in Taiwan.
Shanxi or Shan cuisine is the cooking style of Shanxi Province in China, just west of Beijing. Famous for its noodles and fried flatbreads, there’s an old saying in Shanxi that goes like this: “China has the best flour-based foods in the world, and Shanxi province has the best flour-based foods in China.”
There’s a character to this preserved mountain town that’s unlike any we experienced in Taiwan. It’s a character you can appreciate in its architecture, its tight alleyways, and of course, in its food. If you’re looking to visit Shifen and Jiufen on your next trip to Taipei, then I hope this guide can help you plan your trip.
At the heart of this mining town is Jiufen Old Street, a twisty labyrinthine alley noted for its hanging red lanterns and array of shops selling souvenirs and street food. If you’re looking to spend the day eating your way through Jiufen, then here are ten delicious snacks that you cannot miss.
When I asked my Taiwanese friend to recommend a good hot pot restaurant in Taipei, he said without hesitation – Orange Shabu Shabu House. There was no debate, no deliberation. Orange Shabu Shabu House, according to him, was the best hot pot restaurant in Taipei.