Ugh, Travel Sooner! Taiwan's Been a Forbidden Fruit for Nearly 7 Years Now.
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Sure thing! These tags clearly belong to a traveler with some stories to tell. Let me help you organize these memories and experiences into a more relatable, friendlier narrative for foreign friends, while preserving that distinct tone of an experienced traveler.
Oh my, Taiwan is a place you can’t help but love… well, mostly because it’s just so lovable! Especially Taipei and Kinmen, these two places offer completely different landscapes but both are worth exploring.
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About the Main Island (especially Taipei):
- Impressions of Taipei:
- Taipei is a typical bustling metropolis, with its subway system (also known as MRT) that connects everywhere easily. However, be prepared for crowds, especially at popular attractions such as the Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum. It’s particularly crowded in Shin-Yi District (a shopping district popular among young people, similar to Shibuya in Tokyo or Myeongdong in Seoul) during the weekends, which might make you question your life!
- You must definitely try the Night Markets! This is one of Taiwan’s major highlights, offering all sorts of delicious and affordable street foods including bubble tea, giant chicken cutlets, and fishcake pancakes. Just thinking about them makes your mouth water!
- Cultural Insights:
- Taiwan uses Traditional Chinese, slightly different from Simplified Chinese used on the mainland. Although they can still guess most meanings, their soft and charming way of speaking is quite unique.
- The EasyCard is a must-have convenience when paying! Bus rides, MRT tickets, or shopping at convenience stores, it can do it all!
- Impressions of Taipei:
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About Kinmen:
- Impressions of Kinmen:
- Kinmen is interesting; it's actually a group of islands very close to China — sometimes, you can see the coast of Xiamen across the sea with binoculars.
- Previously a front-line battlefront, the island is now brimming with traces of military history, such as tunnels and bunkers, making it quite unique compared to the cityscapes of the main island. History enthusiasts will feel right at home.
- Exploring the island riding a scooter or bicycle gives you the most authentic experience. Appreciate the untainted scenery at your own pace without the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Cultural Insights:
- The Kinmen Kaoliang Wine is famous there, a high-alcohol wine worth trying if you’re up for it. Also, the Kungtang candy (a peanut candy) is really delicious and suitable as souvenir gifts.
- Impressions of Kinmen:
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My travel reflections are as follows...
- A sense of freedom comes when you explore on the go without a strict itinerary. Sometimes, following the guidebook isn't as much fun as strolling randomly through small alleys where surprises await around every corner.
- Of course, there are also moments you might misstep, such as being directed by GPS to strange locations, or eating something unexpected. But these little mishaps are just part of the journey, making some funny stories now.
️ Important note for foreign friends who visit:- Language barrier:
- In cities like Taipei, a lot of people in touristy spots understand English, especially among the younger generation. Yet, communication barriers may appear when conversing with elders at quieter locations.
- How to deal with this: downloading a translation app before visiting always helps. And learning basic Chinese phrases such as "Thank you" (xièxie), "Hello" (nǐ hǎo), and "How much?" (duōshao qián) are guaranteed to bring smiles from the locals!
- Payment habits:
- While many places accept credit cards, street food vendors, small shops might require cash (Taiwan New Dollars, NTD).
- How to tackle this: always keep some cash handy. The EasyCard can never go wrong, easily obtainable at any convenience store.
- Navigation & Transportation:
- Google Maps is mostly reliable in Taiwan.
- Note: some narrow alleyways might not be mapped or might trick navigation systems into going through difficult roads. Asking local residents for directions tends to work better!
- Taiwanese people are typically very friendly.
- Weather:
- Taiwan is quite humid in summer (June-September), with occasional typhoons. While the northern part (like Taipei) might feel wet and cold in winter.
- How to handle this: if visiting during the summer, always bring sunscreen and hydrate yourself, but also remember to bring an umbrella. Winter travelers to the north need warm jackets or a down jacket.
- The peculiarity of Kinmen:
- Accessing Kinmen usually requires flights or ferries from the main island. Because of its sensitive geographical location and military history, certain areas might still be off-limits. Watch out for warning signs!
- Solution: make sure to check your transportation arrangements in advance. Renting an e-bike or bicycle around the island offers a convenient way to commute while still respecting local rules.
I hope these information will help you along your journey. Remember, the best part of the trip is enjoying it!
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I went in 2018. I'd love to go again, but I can't make it now.
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Wow, we both actually went to Ella's show in Wuhan!
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I still remember this: the front desk guy at the youth hostel I stayed at was handsome. One morning, as I was heading out, he was incredibly enthusiastic and told me my hat looked great. I was secretly thrilled for the rest of the day.
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I haven't stayed in a youth hostel in Taiwan, but I did stay in a huge motel, haha.
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I remember Jiufen, known as Miyazaki's Castle in the Sky. At first, I thought it was just hype, but when night fell, it truly was Castle in the Sky!
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Went in 2013. I visited Taipei First Girls' High School where Selina studied and Shida Night Market. Also went to Witch House where Wu Tsing-fong performed, and Jay Chou's Tamkang High School and Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf.
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Oh, right! And I also went to Nuannuan Station from Fish Leong's song 'Nuan Nuan,' Jiufen from Tony Leung's 'A City of Sadness,' the railway (Ruifang?) where Shen Chia-yi released sky lanterns in 'You Are the Apple of My Eye,' and Kenting, which has appeared in many idol dramas. It's hard to believe I managed to visit so many places with special memories on just a spontaneous one-week trip. -
Seeing you say it's been suspended for seven years... I opened my photo album, checked, and you're right... I also went in 2017... I still really miss that Pacific breeze in Kenting!
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I went in 2017 too, visited Taipei.
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Welcome to Taiwan!
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I'd love to visit again so much.
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The guesthouse (B&B) I stayed at actually collapsed in an earthquake.
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That's so dramatic!
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I got my permit for Taiwan back in 2017 and still haven't used it. I initially wanted to go right after I got it, but then I thought the entry permit was too expensive, so I didn't end up going.
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The entry permit wasn't that expensive, was it? Though I've forgotten how much it cost, haha.
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Last year.
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Kaohsiung?
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Glad I've been. It wasn't that amazing, to be honest. Foreign islands are more fun.
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Maybe it's because you don't listen to Taiwanese singers or watch Taiwanese variety shows, movies, and TV dramas, right?