Should i visit taipei

They can be reluctantly helpful if you ask directions, and they can even make an effort to be polite to show how much more civilized they are than the mainlanders. Hi Max! I just wonder — you sould like someone who lives there but actually hates it? Did all the excitement disappeared over the ears?

What this guy said is totally absurd. First, natural views are everywhere in the world but every single natural site has its unique characteristics. Watching the sunset and sunrise in mountain Ali are an exclusive experience because it takes only one hour to get there. Why do I assume that you just stay at the hotel all the time? Every single traveler knows that before visiting a country, travelers may look up when is the best time to visit. In addition to picking up the right time, no one force you to stay in Taipei all the time, especially you visited there in spring or summer.

You may visit the south Taiwan or southeast of Taiwan, Taiwan has high-speed rail it takes only 2 hours from the north to south. The south of Taiwan, another city named Kaohsiung, the sunny day is all year long. I traveled to many places in the world, there are people not willing to help when I ask direction.

But when I was in Taiwan, the high percentage of Taiwanese citizens is willing to help with that. If you said China is more civilized than Taiwan, according to this index, the rank of UK is close to Taiwan, so you are saying that China is more civilized than the UK?? Racism and microagressions?

I think if some people bring this issue, I assume they are the person like that. I have been to around 30 countries, so granted, I have not seen that much.

That being said, nature in Taiwan offers some of the most spectacular views I have seen. Not many countries offer very high mountains over peaks over m, the highest east of the Himalayas, mind you and stunning sea view in the same place.

Some food may feel bland yes, especially if one is accustomed to more flavourful cuisines. But call it all bland? Surely you are not serious. Have you ever tried aborigine roasted pork?

Thank you, Veronika, for sharing all the beautiful photos, many of those I have never seen as a native citizen in Taiwan. Thanks for your support, Deborah! Pictures are actually from five photographers — I love to feature friends who have amazing photo skills most of times better than my own. Ouch, such a negative comment.

Everything you said in this article is how I feel! Max, seriously??! Ok, the reality is there will always be someone some where who is just plain rude, bitter, cynical, egoistic and, all in all, negative.

LIFE will be sooooooooooo much better if you actually decide to think, speak and live in a positive way. Not sure why you had such a bad time given you did not name any places which were superior to Taiwan and the reasons.

However, if you went to Taiwan without researching the weather, customs, food, and culture, you set yourself up for disappointments. As for the people, racism and microaggressions exist everywhere. However, a mature, kind, and polite attitude often shifts the bar. If you went to Taiwan thinking the Taiwanese were going to soak you with welcoming hugs and kisses, cater to your every demand, and anticipate your every need, then you were sadly mistaken.

The Taiwanese have a developed society not dependent on tourism. They enjoy the intellectual stimulation of mingling with visitors, but they do not need to, nor will, kowtow to arrogant, critical, rude, or self important people. They have a high context culture, whereby they give the unspoken as much importance as the spoken. That holds true in every part of the world. Hi,Veronika,thank you for keeping loving Taiwan. I am Taieanese. After watched your recommendation , I am so happy haha.

Looks gorgeous. Since I saw the picture of Taiwan 6 years ago, I wanted to go there. But your post reminded me how much I wanted to go there. The east coast does look absolutely breathtaking.

Thanks for sharing. They look amazing too. I have a good friend who lives there-looks like its time to pay her a visit! Ohh, amazing hiking is all around — even when I lived in Taipei, I could easily reach the trails within one hour.

And now even more! I found it great and so welcoming. But it sounds lovely! There is much of Chinese culture, combined with some Japanese and European aspects as well. Just a perfect mix! I really enjoyed this article, a school friend of mine was from Taiwan and she went back to live there pretty much straight after graduation.

I can see why! Thanks for support, Cheeta! Taiwan remains one of the underrated destinations, but I guess better this way that overcrowded. Those are all amazing reasons to visit Taiwan! The contrast of the nature with the city is always an interesting mix to me, and the hiking, beaches and the food all look fantastic! Plus, the Taiwan Lantern festival sounds especially amazing! There are quite few festivals, the Lantern Festival is one of the most crowded ones — but I loved it nevertheless.

It must be noted that those lanterns are not the best thing for the birds and environment around Pinxi…. I hear their street food is the best too! Haha, well it smells the same both in Hong Hong and Taiwan. Hi Anita, I am sure you will get to visit Taiwan.

So sooner or later, see you in Taiwan:. Taiwan looks incredible! So any Taiwanese, nevertheless, do:. It is! There are many nightmarkets where one can try the local food. But at least one more reason to do some hiking! Hi Julie! Yep the food is amazing and really affordable.

I have never been to Taiwan but this post makes me want to go now since its so close to Manila! You are welcome. You should go! There are couple of cheap flights directly from Mania as far as I know. I almost agree with you on everything, after I lived there for 1 year.

Most surprising spot on earth and fantastic people! The only thing I did not like was the food on the night markets, I never got used to that. For the rest, best place to live!

Hey Veronika, my husband and I recently visited Taiwan and absolutely loved it. One of the coolest lesser-visited attractions in Taipei, there is no charge to explore the nature reserve. Also known as Tamsui River Mangrove Nature Reserve, the area protects the large Hongshulin mangrove swamp as well as all the creatures that call the salty swamp home.

What to do there: Step into the small but informative education centre to learn more about the swamp and its eco-diversity before wandering along the boardwalk.

Peer into the mangroves to spot an array of flora and fauna. Some of the most unusual creatures to look out for are the curious mudskippers — fish that can walk on land. The ambience is calm and there are great views of city life in the distance. Want more deetz on why we love it so damn much?

Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Built by the Japanese, it is perched on the craggy mountainside near the coast. The covered shopping area is especially popular and the views are beautiful. What to do there: Visit the ornate Chinese temple and soak up the sense of spirituality and stand at the nearby observation point to enjoy beautiful views out over the water.

Explore the two main hillside pedestrian streets of Shuchi Street and Jishan Street, pausing to look in the assortment of shops filled with an array of goods. Stop for refreshments in a charming tea house and refuel in one of the traditional restaurants. Although no longer open to visitors, you can see the outside of the historic Taiyang Co. Ruifang mining Operation Office and the now-derelict Jiufen Shingpeng Theatre, which was one of the earliest theatres in Taiwan.

Feeling active? Go hiking up Mount Jilong and enjoy the terrific vistas! Located at one end of the large Liberty Square, the iconic blue and white building is an attractive sight. Open since , it was constructed to honour the memory of the late president. Inside there is a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek, guarded by solemn-looking soldiers in ceremonial uniforms, as well as educational displays and a library. What to do there: Climb the 89 steps that lead to the upper level of the memorial hall, noting that the number of steps represents the age at which the former leader died.

See the large statue of the late leader and snap some pictures of the smartly dressed guards. There are many interesting objects and artefacts and comprehensive information is provided in English as well as Chinese languages. Need to travel to Taipei on the cheap? Use Bookaway to find the best deals on bus, plane, train, and ferry tickets. Book your transport on Bookaway now to guarantee your seat and for the right price.

The original fortress was built by the Spanish, while the present building was constructed in the s by the Dutch. It was later expanded and fortified further by the Qing regime and served as the British consulate from It was occupied by the Japanese during the Pacific War, then later passed back to British control.

What to do there: Pay the reasonable admission fee and climb the shaded steps to reach the entrance to the historic fortress. In addition to the red fort, the site also has the original gate that was constructed during the Qing era, leafy gardens, and the English-style former residence of the British Consul. The hillside town was abandoned when the mines dried up, leaving cats to roam free, multiply, and claim the space as their own.

Today, Houtong is a Taipei must-see for any animal lover, particularly those with a penchant for cats. Volunteers care for the animals and have created many cool and quirky cat-themed attractions.

I dunno about you, but this is my personal best place to visit in Taipei! What to do there: Get up close and personal with the friendly cats that call Houtong home. See the feline-themed artworks that adorn many walls, spot the small houses built to afford shelter to the strays, and enjoy snacks and drinks in one of the quaint cafes.

There are plenty of great photo opportunities and you can purchase a range of cat-themed memorabilia. Beitou Hot Springs has a number of well-maintained and clean hot springs, with private changing areas and lockers. Signs clearly state the temperature of each pool. Beitou also boasts stunning geothermal features and several interesting attractions. What to do there: Melt your problems away! Marvel at the milky blue steaming waters of Beitou Thermal Valley, also known as Hell Valley closed on Mondays , set in beautiful natural surroundings.

Stroll through the scenic Beitou Hot Spring Park and Plum Garden, visit the small and secluded Puji Temple, and soothe away any aches and pains in the hot springs. Lively by day and by night, it has a wealth of recreational and leisure options too. Made popular when there was a heavy Japanese presence in Taiwan , it has gone from strength to strength since the s. Brimming with clothes shops and accessory stores, the area also has cool karaoke joints, cinemas, and eateries. What to do there: Spend hours browsing in a large variety of stores in Ximending, trying not to get swept away in the exuberant crowds.

Try out new fashions and perhaps add some funky pieces to your wardrobe. Stop for a bite to eat in one of the local restaurants and, as night falls, sing your heart out in one of the KTVs.

Nestled down a quiet alley, visitors can peer at some 1, unusual masks, with some that are rather grotesque and others that border on the comedic. Seeing the creepy collection of masks is definitely among the most unusual things to do in Taipei! What to do there: Gaze in curiosity at the large collection of masks created by sculptor Wu Jyh Chyang and appreciate the effort and passion that must have gone into painstakingly creating each item by hand. Some masks are embellished with various items, including animal hair, cigarette butts, and scraps of cloth.

The museum provides insights into local ghost beliefs and some seek to teach valuable life lessons and warn of punishments that await one in the afterlife if people fail to live a righteous life. Established as a botanical garden by the Japanese in the early s, there has been a garden at the same place for many decades. The pretty and peaceful garden is split between 17 different areas, with historical buildings, sparkling ponds, and well-maintained footpaths too.

What to do there: Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque botanical garden, admiring a wide range of plants and flowers from different parts of the world. There are species native to the island of Taiwan, as well as those from neighbouring nations and farther afield.

Having lived in Taiwan for two years, we certainly agree that this island nation provides a bucket-list worthy travel adventure — and that now is an excellent time to visit. In particular, Taipei — the capital — is a vibrant city overflowing with things to eat, do and discover. Here are our top reasons why everyone should visit Taipei, Taiwan :. Street food is where the city truly excels; we recommend the grilled squid, fried chicken and oyster omelets. Stinky tofu is another classic, though not for everyone.

Fried and fermented tofu is served on a stick with chili sauce and pickled vegetables — simply follow your nose to find this odiferous delicacy. The Shilin Night Market is one of the largest in Taipei, where winding alleys are packed with stalls and vendors of all variety.

Grab an oyster omelet and then wash it down with a pearl milk tea.