In my opinion, Taiwan is one of the best countries that should be explored, since three of the main cities express different feelings. The night markets and natural spots are also the best places to discover the history of Taiwan. Also, there are five parts in Taiwan, like Northern Taiwan, Central Taiwan, Southern Taiwan, Eastern Taiwan, and the Outer Islands. In this article, I will guide you to explore Taiwan and find out its unique food culture.
How to get to Taiwan and transportation?
Although they are 22 airports in the whole of Taiwan, visitors mainly choose the three airports below. It depends on where your starting point is. Therefore, just keep it for a record and plan your trip.
Taoyuan International Airport
Taoyuan International Airport is the largest and busiest airport and has served Taipei and Northern Taiwan since 1979. Basically, they got the award of 11th busiest airport worldwide which can reflect that their reputation is gaining steadily. Moreover, most people will choose Taipei as their first destination since everything is getting close together. It just takes around 35 to 50 mins from the Airport to Taipei’s main station.
Transportation
- Airport Express Train: Normally stopping at 5 stops. But the extended service will stop for extra A18 and A21 stops.
- Airport Commuter Train: From A1 to A21. All-stopped train
Taichung International Aiport
Taichung International Aiport, known as Ching Chuan Kang Airport previously. The main area is used for military and commercial purposes. Also, it is the third international airport in Taiwan and serves many Asian countries, such as Hong Kong, South Korea, and Thailand etc. Also, it is the middle point connecting Taipei and Tainan.
Transportation
There are several bus routes which can take you to different stops. For the full information, please check this link.
Tainan Airport
Tainan Airport, typically a commercial airport and is shared with the Republic of China Air Force. Although the scale is not really large compared with the Taoyuan and Taichung, it is enough for people who would like to start from the south side. Moreover, Tainan is likely to be suitable for mature visitors who would like to enjoy a slow-paced lifestyle.
Transportation
- Taxi
- Bus: Line 88 (Still need to take a taxi to Chenggong Road. Drop off: Tainan station)
Where to stay in Taiwan?
When deciding on the accommodation, there are various prices and choices across Taiwan as most of them are affordable. Therefore, Taiwan is the good choice for you to control your budget on everything, especially on accommodation.
Taipei
If you are choosing Taipei as your stop, Ximemding is the popular spot that you MIGHT stay because of the prime location and the amenities are really convenient. Ximending is in the Wanhua district of Taipei, which merged with Japanese culture, fashion, and subculture. Moreover, this consumption area also includes loads of restaurants and bars which attract more visitors to come. Also, various Airbnbs and hotels are located in the heart and surrounding the whole area. Therefore, you do not need to worry about the distance between those.
Taichung and Tainan
I would say Airbnbs would be the best choice to experience how the residents live. The central and southern parts are quite different from the northern part. For example, the area is relatively quiet and there are more outdoor activities to do. Also, these two places are suitable for someone who comes with a family. Therefore, just go ahead and discover something new!
Taipei Attractions
I bet most visitors might visit Taipei as their first travel place since everything is nearby and the transportation is perfect. Taipei Main Station is the main transition that connects with different parts.
National Palace Museum
National Palace Museum exhibits nearly 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artwork. Also, most of the collections were collected by China’s emperors. Moreover, it was originally located in Beijing but was evacuated to Taiwan in 1945. Moreover, this museum has merged with the Northern and Southern buildings. The southern one is located in Taibao and along with a lake and an Asian-style garden. In the meantime, visitors can also pay attention to overseas exhibitions and other facilities, such as Zhishan Garden and Chang Dai-Chien residence.
Tickets
Basically, the admission fee is free and all visitors should bring their passport in advance.
How to get to the National Palace Museum?
- Metro with bus: Shilin Station and transfer to Taipei City bus by R30 (Red)
- Sightseeing bus: Blue Route to National Palace Museum Stop.
Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street is one of the tourist spots that you MUST NOT forget. Today, it is a small village located in the mountains with an amazing ocean view of the Yin Yang Sea. Also, different shops sell various things, such as boutiques, food, or some handmade souvenirs. Moreover, you can take your time to visit their tea houses and alley, as the quality is better than you might expect. At the same time, you can enjoy the most traditional Taiwanese food, such as Taro Ball Soup, Peanut Ice Cream Roll, and Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice). Furthermore, just take a rest and stand near the banister and you can take a selfie with your loved one. Moreover, the background of Jiufen Old Street inspired the animated Studio Ghibli movie called “Spirited Away”.
How to get to Jiufen Old Street?
- Taxi: The most convenient way to get there
- Bus: Take 1062 from Zhongxiao Fuxing Station to Jiufen Old Street Station
Address: Jishan St, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224
Maokong Gondola
Maokong Gondola connects Maokong and Taipei Zoo and has been operating since 2007. The whole 4.3km line includes four main passenger stations, which are Taipei Zoo, Taipei Zoo South, Zhinan Temple, and Maokong. Moreover, you can choose their glass floor version cable car, which allows you to view from different angles. On the other hand, do not miss the tea houses in Maokong because of their “Tieguanyin”, along with their reputation.
Tickets
The ticket prices are various depending on which stop are you at:
- Single-journey ticket: 1 stop: 70 NT, 2 stops: 100 NT, 3 stops: 120 NT
- Maokong Gondola 1-Day Fun Pass: 260 NT
For further information, you can check out this link.
How to get to Maokong Gondola?
- Metro: Drop off by Taipei Zoo station
- Bus: 236 Shuttle, 237, 282 (for further routes check out this)
- Car: National Freeway No.1 (Zhongshan Highway), National Freeway No.3 (Second Northern Highway)
Address: No. 8, Section 2, Xinguang Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
Shifen Station
Shifen station is one of the ideal places to release the sky lantern and enjoy the street food near the station. This is also another traditional street that sells interesting boutiques and traditional food. Also, Shifen Old Street is also embedded with special characteristics because the shops and vendors are along with the rail. Moreover, people can walk on the rail until the next train approaches the station.
Tickets
Prices are different depending on the trains. You can purchase the day ticket.
How to get to Shifen Station?
Here are the routes connecting from Ruifang to Shifen:
- Train: Ruifang Train Station to Shifen Station (approximately 30 mins)
- Taxi (expensive way)
Taichung Attraction
If you are planning to have a short stay in Taichung, there are several places that are enough for you to explore these amazing parts of Taiwan.
Miyahara Ice Cream
Miyahara Ice Cream has got a long history as it was an ophthalmology clinic in the past. Today, it has become one of the tourist attraction points located in the central district of Taichung, as well as merged with restaurants and retail stores. In my opinion, you might need to visit this place as early as possible since it is pretty busy at the weekend. Moreover, you can purchase some desserts or biscuits for your families as they support the delivery services.
How to get to Miyahara Ice Cream?
- Walking distance from Taichung station
Address: No. 20號, Zhongshan Rd, Central District, Taichung City, Taiwan 400
Rainbow Village
Rainbow Village: another outdoor tourist spot that you MUST attend. Basically, the minority of residents are still living in Rainbow Village and operating souvenir shops to earn some profits. They are mainly selling postcards and some stationery, which are used for the colourful paintings as the theme. Also, the artworks outside their housing are designed by Huang Yung-Fu. The original purpose was to prevent the demolition and it contained over 1200 homes.
How to get to Rainbow Village?
- Bus: No. 27 from Taichung Main Station to Ling Tung University. No.56 from Xinwuri or Gancheng Train stations
- Taxi: The efficient and fastest methods
Address: 408, Taiwan, Taichung City, Nantun District, 春安路56巷25號
Shenji New Village
Shenji New Village, which is a former dorm compound built by the Taiwan Provincial Government. Nowadays, the whole revitalization plan allows vendors to advertise their products in an innovative way. Also, they are mainly selling handmaking products such as wallets, accessories, or wooden floor plates. I have been there before and it is suitable for couples to enjoy half of a day. Moreover, the design of architecture is unique and reflects different stories when you come across different buildings. You can just sit down and have a coffee, chill with your friend, and have a selfie.
How to get to Shenji New Village?
Address: No. 6, 民生路368巷1弄 West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403
Feng Chia Night Market
Feng Chia Night Market: the largest night market in Taichung. I highly recommend my readers to visit this night market when they travel to Taichung City. This night market usually sells similar products, such as clothing, food, or toys, to meet all customers’ needs. Also, there are several iconic dishes that you can ONLY try in Feng Chia Night Market.
Minglun Egg Pancake
Minglun Egg Pancake, which uses spring onion, egg, or some ham/cheese as the ingredients. This store is always queuing and has got a high reputation for egg pancakes.
Massage Chicken
This massage chicken that you CANNOT miss is based on the flavors. The inside of the chicken breast is really soft and juicy, as well as crispy on the outside. Moreover, the main thing is that they do not coat any flour to fry it. They just roast them and add their special sauces to it.
How to get to Feng Chia Night Market?
- Bus: Line 1873 (drop off: Chaoma Station)
- Taxi
Address: Wenhua Rd, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 407
Tainan Attractions
Actually, you should do a well planned trip before heading to Tainan City. There are 9 districts with over 50 tourist attractions and most of them are worth visiting.
Tainan Art Museum
Tainan Art Museum is quite a new art museum that opened to the public in 2019. There are two buildings constructed by different architects. The Japanese designer, Sutejiro Umezawa, designed Building I in an Art Deco architectural style. Moreover, the original purpose was used by Tainan City Police Department in 1931, so the whole design was constructed with tiles and bricks.
Discussing Building II, it is a modern polygon-shaped building inspired by the flower of a flame tree. The flame tree is Tainan’s city tree and blossomed over the summertime. Moreover, it tends to exhibit artwork and the scale is approximately double the size of Building I.
Tickets
- TWD 150 entrance fee for both buildings
How to get to Tinan Art Museum?
- Bus: GR17, 1, 19
- Walk: Sometimes it is faster than taking public transportation
Address:
Building I: No. 37號, Nanmen Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
Building II: No. 1號, Section 2, Zhongyi Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 70041
Chihkan Tower
Chihkan Tower is the oldest building in Tainan’s West Central District. Originally, the purpose was provided for Fort Provintia by the Dutch in 1652. Also, there are several buildings, such as Haisheng Temple, Wengchang Pavilion, and Penghu College. All of them are historical buildings which contain memorable sights and are good for visitors to learn about previous things. My suggestion is to save at least half of a day by walking through all the areas in which you can get insight comprehensively.
Tickets
- Full price: TWD 50
- Half price: TWD 25 (students, over 65 years old, military etc)
For more information, please check this link.
How to get to Chihkan Tower?
- Bus: Line 88 (drop off: Chihkan Tower)
- Walking distance (approximately 15 mins)
- Taxi
Address: No. 212, Section 2, Minzu Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
Conclusion
Taiwan is a wonderful place for visitors to explore as they embed a rich history. Also, their museums mention the whole history from previous to present. Also, the night market culture is extremely beneficial for someone who loves street food. If you love trying various foods, just go ahead! Also, try to attend the sky lantern festival on special days and bless for everything in the upcoming year.
