Taiwan is a fascinating land of great vistas, glorious food and spellbinding skyscrapers. With a rich culture to boot, there is loads you can do on a four-day-three night stay here.
1. Visit Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is an architectural wonder considering Taiwan is a country prone to earthquakes and typhoons.
So if you’re vacationing here, you must visit Taipei 101 and head up to its observatory deck. Don’t forget to check out its one-of-a-kind wind damper as well.
2. Eat Taiwan Beef Noodles
Although similar to the dishes in mainland China, Taiwanese dishes have a flavour of their own. One in particular is their beef noodles. The broth is delicious with a hint of spice.
If you want the halal version, head to Basement B2 of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi store opposite Taipei 101.
3. Visit Yehliu Geopark
This unique park is by the ocean near New Taipei City. Its mountainous landscape turns to a barren desert-like atmosphere once you enter Yehliu Geopark.
The main attractions here are the rocks which have eroded over time from the wind and other natural elements.
If you visit in summer or early autumn, consider bringing umbrellas since the sunshine can be unforgiving.
The main star at Yehliu Geopark is the Queen’s Head, whose neck is getting thinner by the day. If you don’t visit soon, she may lose her head altogether from more erosion.
4. Walk down Jiu Fen Old Street
Jiu Fen Old Street is in an old gold-mining town which the authorities transformed into a tourist attraction once all the gold was mined.
Today, the place is bustling with tourists who come to try out all the famous Taiwanese dishes and teas available here. There are souvenir shops aplenty too.
The zigzagging, narrow alleys between the buildings are a delight to navigate and offer some great vistas.
5. Take five at Shifen Waterfall
Shifen Waterfall is calming and breathtaking. Some liken it to the Niagara Falls but Shifen Waterfall has a beauty all its own. To get here, be prepared to walk along the hanging bridge crossing the river – that in itself is an experience you’ll always remember.
6. Stop by at Shifen Old Street
This is a bustling street located along a railway track that is still in use to this day. One of the most popular activities here is releasing paper lanterns but you can also visit the many tea shops here and indulge in some people-watching while waiting for the next train to pass.
7. Shop till you drop at Ximending
Here, you can find the world-famous Xing Fu Tang bubble tea store as well as the famous JJ Fried Chicken and loads of branded goods.
8. Drink Bubble Tea
Bubble tea originates from Taiwan and is a tea-based drink with tapioca bubbles floating at the base. There are many bubble tea stores here so knock yourself out.
9. Visit Taipei Zoo
If you want to see a panda, the fee to enter the Taipei Zoo is just NTD 60. There is a koala bear too.
10. Go to Maokong by cable car
You can go up to the Maokong area by taking the Maokong Gondola. The Gondola station is a short walk away from the Taipei Zoo MRT station. Maokong is a mountainous area that offers breathtaking views of Taipei as well as a tea plantation.
You can also visit the many tea houses here that serve tea brewed from locally harvested tea leaves. The ride on the gondola is 30 minutes and you can pay using your Easycard or buy a ticket on site.
11. Perform prayers at Taipei Grand Mosque
The Taipei Grand Mosque is accessible from the Daan Park MRT Station, Exit 3. Just walk across the park and the mosque is on your right. Nearby are restaurants serving halal food.
12. Visit Shihlin Night Market
This is the most famous night market in Taiwan where you’ll find all sorts of street food and stalls selling shirts and dresses.
The prices are generally reasonable and there’s no haggling. It’s also easy getting here – just take the MRT to Jiantan station or Shihlin station.
This article first appeared in kakijalans.