Taiwan: A Quick Trip Report
-
Upon arriving in Taiwan, I was completely overwhelmed by Taipei Main Station! Not only is it a station, but it's as if an enormous maze, integrating the high-speed rail, metro, airport lines and numerous underground shops.
Signage was really unclear, and coming out of the metro from the airport, it took me nearly half an hour just to find the exit. This has never happened to me before; I was so frustrated that I felt like yelling!
Regarding accommodation, I stayed near Taipei Main Station.
My friend joked, “Taiwan feels like an enormous ‘county town’” (The feeling was even stronger when I visited Taichung!). I believe “county town” here implies that the city looks old, unlike a dazzling international metropolis. However, despite its old appearance, it was well organized, without chaos. Despite the buildings being several decades old, walking on the streets never felt crowded nor uncomfortable. This may be attributed to:
- Motorcycles, referred to as “chic,” parked perfectly and neatly on sidewalks.
- Drivers generally following traffic rules, avoiding pedestrians’ right of way.
- Street flow not at peak times either, permitting leisurely strolls around the city.
Traveling in Taiwan, many habits need adjustment:
-
Note: Cash is crucial!
Some establishments only accept cash, not credit cards.
Bus rides must use "EasyCard" (an e-Wallet card usable for transportation and small expenses).
I discovered how essential my wallet now became throughout these days. -
Caution: Apps may not be convenient!
I want to comment on the poor design of some Taiwanese apps.
We intended to travel by high-speed train from Taichung, but checking the train schedule entailed entering cumbersome verification codes each time.
It was equally problematic finding reliable bus apps; every company had their own inconvenient interface design.
I apologize to mainland platforms, previously complaining about the excessive ads and size, but they were at least functional and practical! -
Warning: Important notifications can be delayed!
Due to typhoon threats, the high-speed train I was scheduled to board on the subsequent day was canceled, and this was informed upon arrival at the high-speed rail station. A staff member told me, without prior emails or calls.
Nor could I directly cancel tickets on the app; a phone conversation with customer service is required for such operations.
Aside from these frustrations, Taiwan has given me the following impressions:
- Flashbacks of certain scenes:
- Conversations with the driver while using Uber in Taiwan, discussing topics of interest.
- At Chekheng Street, a street filled with creative shops where the shop owner placed a metal gong on my hand, feeling its vibrations diffusing through my fingertips with a stick.
- A friendly bartender at Bar Mood, generously offering me numerous shots, perhaps being the most generous so far in my life!
- During typhoon season in Taichung’s Gao Mui Wetlands (a scenic spot famed for sunset and windmills), strong winds nearly blew me into the ocean!
- My mind pieced together this specific portrayal of Taiwan through these diverse snippets of travel; many moments felt similar, bridging the Taiwan Strait, yet distinct subtleties are noticeable upon closer examination.
In a nutshell, it was indeed a memorable voyage! Traveling elsewhere holds its own significance, but how long until my next visit to Taiwan?
-
If you booked your tickets on the high-speed rail website or app, you can process a refund directly through the app up to 30 minutes before the train's departure.
-
We bought our discounted high-speed rail tickets through Klook, so we definitely had to call Klook customer service to handle the refund.
-
Taipei Main Station (Beiche) is notoriously an underground maze, haha!
-
It's so disorienting!
-
You could say that only Taipei locals don't get lost in Taipei Main Station (Beiche).