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Taiwan

Friendly. Hidden. Artistic.

About

Having spent nearly half a year in Taiwan, I can confidently say it is my favourite destination in Asia. An often overlooked gem, Taiwan is a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously. Rich traditions still play a large role in modern society, and hence still have a strong influence on the cuisine, culture, and architecture today. Taiwan can be a difficult place to navigate for those seeking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, and as a result, in this space I aim to share my experiences and insights to help you discover the hidden gems of this beautiful island.

Places

KEELUNG

KAOHSIUNG

TAIPEI

TAICHUNG & CHANGHUA

Recommended Attractions

HEPING ISLAND

Keelung

Heping Island, located off the coast of Keelung in Taiwan, is a beautiful destination celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes and rich history. Featuring numerous remnants of historical military installations, and paved paths to its picturesque beaches and scenic viewpoints, it’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to explore both history and nature in one captivating location.

XPARK AQUARIUM

Taipei

Xpark is a state-of-the-art aquarium located in Taiwan, dedicated to marine education and conservation. It showcases a diverse array of aquatic life, featuring both local and exotic species not found elsewhere. Developed by the renowned Japanese company Kansai Electric Power Co., Xpark incorporates Japanese architectural inspirations, enriching its stunning exhibitions and creating never-before-seen experiences for its visitors.

SIZIHWAN

Kaohsiung

Sizihwan Bay, adjacent to National Sun Yat-sen University in Kaohsiung, is not only a significant historical location but also celebrated as one of Taiwan's premier sunset viewing locations.

LUCE CHAPEL

Taichung & Changhua

In a land where Daoism and Buddhism temples are many, Luce Chapel is a rare and odd find. A modern church located in the middle of a university campus, it boasts a unique architecture, one that I'd say is worth taking the trip for. Complemented by interesting side attractions scattered around the university campus, Luce Chapel is a great place to visit and spend half your day during a trip to Taichung.

MAOKONG

Taipei

As one of Taipei’s most versatile spots, Maokong easily makes my top recommendations list. It offers multiple ways to reach the summit and a wide array of activities for all ages. While most visitors come to relax over local tea or enjoy tea-infused ice cream, one of my personal favorite things to do here is hit the trails and go hiking.

LAU THOI KHA

Kaohsiung

Nestled in a quiet pocket of Kaohsiung, Lau Thoi Kha is a true hidden gem. You’d easily miss it if not for the lively crowd of university students spilling out the door. Drawn in by the buzz, I gave it a shot, and was rewarded with a meal truly unlike anything I’d experienced before.

FUDA DUMPLING

Taipei

Opened in 1991, Fuda has been a beloved local destination for dumplings. Offering delicious, authentic flavors at very affordable prices, Fuda is the go to place for dumplings if you are around the Taipei area.

BITAN SCENIC AREA

Taipei

Accessible from Xindian, the last subway stop on the green line, Bitan Scenic Area, serves as a popular getaway for locals seeking nature and tranquility. Just a short distance from the city, Bitan Scenic Area is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including lush mountains and the serene Bitan River.

LUGANG OLD STREET

Taichung & Changhua

Lugang Old Street is a popular traditional market frequented primarily by Taiwanese locals. The street is lined with well-preserved old-fashioned shophouses and crowded food stalls, with all kinds of classic Taiwanese cuisine. It's the perfect destination for anyone looking for an authentic glimpse into the local culture and daily life of a person living in Taiwan.

DAKENG TRAIL NO.9-1

Taichung & Changhua

DaKeng is a beloved hiking spot in Taichung by the locals. It's a perfect spot for those who want to experience Taiwan's nature, culture, and community. The trail winds uphill through greenery, with local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to hot street food. An easy climb that leads to scenic views, it's high on my list for recommendations to experience Taiwan's local life.

MIAOKOU NIGHT MARKET

Keelung

Despite being one of the largest night markets in northern Taiwan, Miaokou often gets overlooked as travelers flock to nearby attractions like Shifen and Jiufen. However, it’s a hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed! With its diverse array of food options and vibrant atmosphere, Miaokou is a must-visit for anyone eager to immerse themselves in authentic night market culture!

RICE BALL KING

Taipei

One of my favorite breakfast spots in Taiwan! True to its name, this place is renowned for its Taiwanese-style onigiri. While similar to Japanese onigiri, Taiwanese onigiri uses sticky rice wrapped in a crispy fried dough stick, offering a delightful twist. With a variety of delicious fillings available, you can choose from sweet, spicy, or traditional fillings, making each rice ball a unique and flavorful breakfast!

WANGYOU VALLEY

Keelung

Wangyougu (望幽谷) is a breathtaking coastal valley nestled along Taiwan’s scenic northeast coast near Keelung. Famous for its lush green cliffs, ocean views, and serene hiking trail, it’s a hidden gem perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

April 2025: Taipei, Chiayi, New Taipei City, Taoyuan
April 2023: Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Hualien
June 2019: Taipei, Shimen

Taiwan

About

Places

KEELUNG

KAOHSIUNG

TAIPEI

TAICHUNG & CHANGHUA

Recommended Attractions

HEPING ISLAND

XPARK AQUARIUM

SIZIHWAN

LUCE CHAPEL

MAOKONG

LAU THOI KHA

FUDA DUMPLING

BITAN SCENIC AREA

LUGANG OLD STREET

DAKENG TRAIL NO.9-1

MIAOKOU NIGHT MARKET

RICE BALL KING

WANGYOU VALLEY

Stay History

Taiwan

About

Places

KEELUNG

KAOHSIUNG

TAIPEI

TAICHUNG & CHANGHUA

Recommended Attractions

HEPING ISLAND

XPARK AQUARIUM

SIZIHWAN

LUCE CHAPEL

MAOKONG

LAU THOI KHA

FUDA DUMPLING

BITAN SCENIC AREA

LUGANG OLD STREET

DAKENG TRAIL NO.9-1

MIAOKOU NIGHT MARKET

RICE BALL KING

WANGYOU VALLEY

Stay History