#night market Taichung

[tumblasha]

vacation review: taiwan

overall rating: ★★★★/5

cities visited (chronologically): taipei, taichung, kaohsiung, taitung

the good parts

i got to see Moomf (micosu oomf)

i got over the "i can't visit a country if i don't know the language" feeling

nature everywhere

night markets were so fun!

at least half of the population wears a mask at all times (even outside of taipei where the air quality is nicer!)

every train station + tourist spot had a stamp area so now i have a lil booklet filled with taiwanese stamps :,)

food! especially boba and soups :DD -so much liquid.

traveling on the back of a scooter is so mind-numbing, i love being a passenger princess

the bad parts

taipei's air pollution is a lil sad but def not the worst

getting over the jetlag and post-vacation sadness T_T

they killed that duck that i saw in that one tumblr post

overall summary

i think that taiwan is an excellent place for people of all places to visit! especially if you know english, everyone is really nice to english-speakers and makes an effort to gesture-speak or google translate through every conversation

this may be insensitive, but i think that the "made in taipei" brand (country pride of having many ~cultural influences) really works for tourism. previously, i saw friends and co-workers take their japan trip and do all the kawaii things (sanrio store, snoopy cafe, studio ghibli museum, etc), and got sad. taichung really embraces manga, anime, and other kawaii-adjacent things, and it satisfied my desire to go to japan. i've been having a hard time with co-existing with appreciating the good side of japan (mostly art and media) and learning abt the bad sides (colonial history), so it was nice being able to get a positive experience with low "double-think"

on post-vacation sadness

idk why but this was the first time that i came back from a vacation and i was Sad. like, maybe it's bc i got my period mid-trip and it was some weird post-period hormonal thing?? but i doubt it

looking back, i think that i have never truly been Alone until this trip? when i solo traveled in sp+pt, i was able to talk to the people in the hostel and go out with them. i wasn't able to talk to anybody bc a majority of the tourists spoke either mandarin or japanese, and idk either of those languages. i think that i was alone with my thoughts for too long -> leading to being on my phone too much -> leading to random bursts of crying (?) that lasted through a week after coming back to the US. it was bad enough that i took off all my jewelry and almost cut my hair X|

also any instagram posts that mentions taiwan / east asia kinda ruins my whole day. i wanna go backkkkkk

lessons learned

it's okay to be lost emotionally and physically! being alone is a constant battle of self-love and The Void

i need more international friends bc visiting them in their free time + their country of residence in their work time is so fun

i need to take more pictures of myself! i think somewhere in this trip i convinced myself to download dating apps again and i have no good pics. i also can't post a "taiwan photodump" on insta :(

tl;dr: go to taiwan! but go with friends!!

[malaysiatravelagency]

Taiwan Travel Agency | Travel Agent in Taiwan

Taiwan, an island of dynamic contrasts, offers an unparalleled travel experience with its bustling cities, serene landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. As your dedicated Taiwan Travel Agency, we are committed to crafting unforgettable journeys through this fascinating destination.

Start your adventure in Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan. Explore the iconic Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Stroll through the bustling Shilin Night Market, where you can sample a variety of delicious street foods, from stinky tofu to bubble tea. Don’t miss the tranquil beauty of the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the serene atmosphere of Longshan Temple.

Venture south to Taichung, known for its artistic flair and charming attractions. Visit the Rainbow Village, a colorful and whimsical neighborhood created by a former soldier, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Gaomei Wetlands. Explore the National Museum of Natural Science for fascinating exhibits on Taiwan’s natural history.

In the east, Hualien offers stunning coastal landscapes and access to Taroko Gorge, a breathtaking marble canyon with hiking trails, waterfalls, and dramatic rock formations. The natural beauty of Taroko National Park provides a perfect escape into nature.

For a more tranquil experience, head to the picturesque Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan. Enjoy boat rides on the serene waters, hike the surrounding trails, and visit the historic Wenwu Temple overlooking the lake.

Taiwan’s southern city, Kaohsiung, provides a vibrant mix of modern attractions and cultural sites. Explore the lively Liuhe Night Market, visit the stunning Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, and take a relaxing stroll along the Love River.

Taiwan’s rich cultural tapestry is reflected in its festivals, traditional crafts, and diverse cuisine. From the vibrant night markets to the tranquil temples, Taiwan invites you to discover its unique charm and warm hospitality.

With our expertise and personalized service, your journey through Taiwan will be seamless and memorable. Explore the best of Taipei, Taichung, Hualien, and beyond, and experience the dynamic beauty of Taiwan.

Conclusion: Taiwan’s diverse attractions, from bustling cities and scenic landscapes to rich cultural experiences, make it a must-visit destination. Our Taiwan Travel Agency is dedicated to ensuring you explore the best of this vibrant island, creating a memorable and immersive travel experience.

[taaaaangi]

So here's my Taiwan travel story no one's asking for (2/2) hahaha

Malamig sa Taichung. Binago nung tour guide namin ung itinerary, ang Sun Moon Lake Cruise kasi namin supposedly for day 2 pa pero naging day 1 siya, dun kami dumiretso. Ang ganda niya pls, sobrang lamig. Kudos din sa internet and signal sa Taiwan, sobrang lakas. Imagine, nasa gitna na kami ng lake pero ang lakas pa din ng signal kasi kausap pa ni Jensen ung mama niya. Next, pumunta kami sa night market ng Taichung, keri naman ang foods, sobrang generous nila sa free taste hahahaha ang bango din talaga ng waffles. Plus, totoo ang chika, ang daming gwapo sa Taiwan. Sis??? yung kasabayan ko bumili ng takoyaki, ang pogi. bakit naman ganon. Basta ang pogi talaga. Madami din palang motorcycle sa Taiwan. Sabi nung tour guide namin, ang average family daw sa Taiwan, may 1 kotse at 2 motor. Sana all talaga. Pero kahit na ganon hindi pa din traffic don plus ung mga riders don ang disiplinado and may respeto sa pedestrians. Doon talaga ung mag ggive way sila sa pedestrians unlike dito satin na pedestrians pa ang mag gigiveway para sa mga motor and kotse. sad reality. Sa Taiwan, priority ang pedestrians kasi every corner and street may stoplight. Kahit na walang tumatawid na motor or sasakyan basta naka red ung pedestrian stoplight, walang tumatawid. Dito ako talaga na-amazed. Kasi grabe ung pagiging disiplinado nila. Nung nasa hotel na kami, na-sad ako kasi walang bidet hahaha shet, don talaga ako nasad kasi sanay ako sa bidet. nag half bath din ako sa bath tub and sobrang nakakarelax siya after a long and tiring day. Nag heart-to-heart talk din kami ni Mina. Nakakatuwa and nakaka touch pag ikaw lang ung pinagsasabihan ng mga happenings sa buhay ng isang tao. Like, ikaw ung pinagkatiwalaan niyang pagkwentuhan. Ganon kasi kami ni Mina talaga, kahit anong issues. Kahit anong ganap nagkkwento kami sa isa't isa. Ni hindi namin naiisip na majjudge kami haha kasi hello, kami na to. Never ko siya ijjudge sa mga decisions niya in life and ganon din siya sakin. Kami yung may friendship na hindi laging nagkikita and nag uusap pero walang pagbabago ung friendship, mas tumitibay pa nga. hays. anws, after the heart-to-heart talk, nag night stroll kami. tbh, hindi nakakatakot maglakad lakad sa Taichung kahit na parang kami na lang ni Mina ung naglalakad sa kalsada hahahaha ang relaxing niya, pareho lang kaming lost in the moment. Night stroll with silence ganon. Isa kasi yon sa mga gusto kong ginagawa pag nasa ibang bansa ako, maglakad sa gabi. ang dami mo kasing marerealize bigla lol.

anws, day 2 namin is sa Taichung 2nd market, may nameet kami na granny don. Kasi nag pipicture lang kami sa harap ng tindahan niya tapos siya samin "can I also take pictures with you all" tapos ayun game na game siya mag picture. Turns out, sikat pala yung kainan nya kasi ang daming artists ang nakain don sa kanya. cutie lang kasi ang warm ni granny.Next is ung flower farm ng Taichung, para siyang Northern Blossom ng Atok pero eto patag hahaha wala kang aakyatin at bababain ganon. sobrang ganda din sa mata nung red and violet flowers. Ang sarap sa mata tignan tapos sobrang dami nila. Tirik ung araw nung nagpunta kami pero mahangin naman so hindi kami pawisan lol. Mongolian buffet naman yung lunch namin, feeling ko ginutom talaga kam nung guide namin kasi 2pm na kami nag lunch hahaha compare kahapon, mas masarap ung lunch nung 2nd day kasi ang daming choices. Nakakatuwa din ung family na kasama namin lagi sa lunch, extended family na nga tawag namin sakanila kasi kami kami lagi ang magkakasama hahaha ang kenkoy din nung tatay nila, nakakatuwa, kami lang ata yung group na tawa ng tawa kasi ang kalog nung tatay. May incident din na nangyare don, natulak nung asawa na nag ddrive ng motor ung asawa niya pababa ng motor, so ang ending si lola (may edad na kasi) nasemplang, una ung pisngi. 5 minutes lang ata dumating na yung ambulance and mga pulis. 5 minutes. agad agad. pero sa Pinas aabutin ka pa ng ilang oras hays. Hindi ko maiwasang mag compare kasi napag iiwanan na talaga tayo. Maliit lang yung Taiwan pero sobrang yaman nila. hays. nakaka inggit. Anws, dumiretso kami ng Taipei na, nag DIY pineapple cake kami. ang sakit sakit sa puso na gumastos kami ng 930ntd for pineapple cake and 2 mochi tapos makikita mo sa Ximending na may 100ntd lang na pineapple cake and mochi. sayaaaang. sam lang naman ng lasa hays. Ximending, maganda, ang daming turista din. Daming magaganda and gwapo din talaga. Mag night market sana kami pero dahil sa pagod bumalik muna kami hotel para magpahinga. Sakto namang nacredit na yung bonus ko ahahaha so forda budget and bayad na si ate mo girl ng mga bayarin. Nag heart-to-heart talk ulit kami ni Mina. Ang sarap sa feeling na nakkwento ko yung mga ganap ko sa buhay sa isang tao na alam mong genuine na curious sa mga ganap mo din sa life. Hanggang sa nakaramdam kami ng gutom and gusto namin ng rice. Umabot kami ng 1 oras kakahanap ng resto na may rice hanggang sa nauwi kami sa KFC, pero sis wala silang kanin. Kaya ang ending, bumili kami sa family mart ng kanin na nasa pouch tapos pina re-heat na namin don. Bumalik kami sa KFC, bumili kami ng chicken tapos wala silang kubyertos :((((((( wala dn silang extra plate. kaya ang nangyare sa lagayan nung kanin kami kumain and sa tissue paper kasi nga walang plato. Nag kamay din akmi hahahahha sobrang core memory talaga nito. Never in my wildest dream na kakain kami ng nakakamay sa isang fastfood chain sa Taiwan. Buti na lang talaga walang pakialam ung mga tao don hahah kasi kung dito yun for sure may nag vvideo na lol forda clout ang karamihan dito eh.

3rd day. Northcoast kami and napaka init. as in sobrang init. Di ko masyado na-enjoy to kasi nakakapagod na. eto din talaga ang cons pag naka agency, hindi mo hawak ung oras mo. kaya hindi ko nasulit ung Jiufen. Tho, sobrang enjoy naman kami magpalipad ng lantern. Nakakatuwa kasi ung mga nasa lantern marunong mag tagalog. Feeling namin nag aral talaga sila mag tagalog hahaha suki siguro pinoy don. Back to Taipei kami after the lantern pala. Nag pahinga lang kami saglit tapos nag Ximending na..

Bago kami mag Ximending, nagkwentuhan muna kami ulit ni Mina. Ang dami dami kong natutunan. Gusto ko talaga may substance na usapan hindi yung walang kwentang usap hahahhaa As I grow older, I want to talk to someone na may magiging ambag sa life ko. ganon. anws, after 2 hrs talk ata yon nag Ximending na kami, nagtaxi na lang kami kasi mas malapit kung mag taxi than train. Umuulan pa nga pagkababa namin. Tinry namin ung Miktea sa Ximending, yung Xing Fu Tang. Hindi siya matamis which I like kasi ayoko ng masyadong matamis pag milk tea. Pumila na din kami sa Hot Star, masarap siya sa kanin for sure kasi sobrang laki and hindi naman naubos kasi nga malaki siya talaga, dapat pala naghati hati na lang kami lol. Nag try din kami ng crepe don and ung crispy milk donuts. Masarap naman pero normal, may nagbebenta din dito sa Pinas non ang alam ko hahaha gusto ko sana pumunta sa Donki non kaso alam kokng pagod na ang mga ferson kaya umuwi na kami kasi need pa namin mag impake. May nangyare sa dog ni Mina kaya puyat na puyat sila. :( Pupunta din dapat kami sa Taipei Zoo kaso dahil nga pagod kami napasarap ung higa namin sa kama and pahinga kaya hindi na kami tumuloy, sa susunod na lang. Nagpunta na lang kami sa Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall. 8 minutes away lang din siya sa hotel namin kaya nag taxi kami ulit. Sobrang init lang pero worth it ung pagkasunod ng balat hahahaha kasi ang ganda ng place, hindi din ako hiningal sa pag akyat ng hagdan don lol. Gusto ko mawitness talaga yung changing of guards ceremony kaya sobrang saya ko nung napanuod ko siya. Amazed na amazed talaga ako. Ang sarap sa tenga nung tunog ng rifles and sapatos nila. 15 minutes ung tinagal nung ceremony tapos after, nagpahinga muna kami sa labas ng hall bago bumalik sa hotel namin. Nagpahangin lang kami don sa taas mismo tapos after 30 minutes siguro bumalik na kami sa hotel tapos sa carrefour kami tumambay kasi malamig. Katabi lang kasi ng hotel namin ung Carrefour. Namili din kami ulit don ng keychain and ref magnets.

Taipei 101. nagbayad kami ng 600ntd para makapunta sa 89th floor observatory hahaha saks lang. mas maganda siguro siya kung sa gabi para may city lights. Mas matagal pa ung pinila namin kesa sa pag ikot don hahaha oks din sa experience kasi minsan lang naman tayo makakapunta sa Taiwan. After 101, nagpunta kami a Everrich Duty Free. Ang mamahal ng bilihin don kaya di ko gets bakit kasama siya sa tour namin hahaha di naman kami rich char. Last itinerary for our last day in Taiwan was in Gloria Outlet. Naglibot lang kami, pamatay oras bago pumunta sa Airport. Tapos si Brylle may gusto siyang bilhing sapatos sa Lacoste edi nagpunta kami don nagtingin tingin, sinukat na nga niya. para kaming nanay ni mina na todo check kung kasya ba sakanya, sabi pa namin ilakad para malaman niya kung oks ba sa paa, hindi masakit ganon hahahaha tapos ung magbabayad na si Brylle sa cashier, kinompyutan siya nung staff na from 4100+ntd, 2100+ntd na lang daw kasi naka 50% off hahahahahaha shuta never nag 50% off ang Lacoste sa Pinas sis, kaya ayon imbes na hindi kami bibili ng sapatos, napabili na din kami kasi steal ung price and ang ganda din naman ng quality ng sapatos sa Lacoste. So ayun, ending bumili kaming lahat HAHAHAHAHAHA isa din to sa core memory namin kasi ang daming ganap sa Lacoste store na yon. Nung nakapag check in na kami, dumiretso kami sa Airport experience zone para makapag pahinga saglit kasi 2am pa yung flight namin. free zon siya for travellers na pwedeng matulog ganon kasi naka dim ung light. Pwede ka din mag shower kasi may shower area sila don for free. Sana meron din sa Pinas ng ganon. Hanggang sa flight na namin,tulog kaming apat sa plane, nagising na lang ata kami nung nag announce na pa landing na kami. Nag breakfast din kami sa Jollibee tapos lutang na lutang siguro kami kasi ang dami naming sabaw moments hahahaha the best talaga kasma si Brylle eh, di niya naman intention maging funny pero bentang benta samin hahahahaha

nanibago din kami sa traffic lol kasi sa Taiwan talaga wala kaming naranasang traffic. Yung sinasabi ng guide namin na busy road sakanila, mga pang 5am na kalsada satin pag may pasok ganon. Anws, overall na-enjoy ko sobra ung travel namin na to. Ang next nga naming target travel sa Vietnam hahaha matinding ipunan nanaman ito.

[northshoreproject]

Research & Inspiration: Night Market Place Making on Fish Market Site in Taichung, Taiwan

Wharf side fish market site reconstructed into Japanese themed night market offering gourmet street food, seating area, numerous photo hot spots next to unique decoration pieces.

[travelingonvacation]

Taiwan is a vibrant island nation known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, delicious cuisine, and technological innovation. Here's a guide to help you plan your visit to Taiwan:

1. Taipei:

Taipei 101: Once the world's tallest building, offering panoramic views of the city.

National Palace Museum: Home to a vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A symbol of Taiwan's history and democracy.

Shilin Night Market: Experience Taipei's street food culture and try local delicacies.

2. Taroko Gorge:

Explore the stunning Taroko National Park, known for its marble cliffs, deep gorges, and hiking trails.

3. Sun Moon Lake:

Relax at this picturesque lake surrounded by lush greenery, pagodas, and temples.

4. Jiufen Old Street:

Wander through the narrow streets of Jiufen, a historic mining town with tea houses and beautiful views.

5. Alishan National Scenic Area:

Famous for its sunrise views, ancient cypress trees, and mountain railways.

6. Kenting National Park:

Enjoy beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life in this southern national park.

7. Tainan:

Taiwan's oldest city with a rich history, temples, and traditional street food.

Chihkan Tower: An ancient Dutch fort with historical significance.

8. Taichung:

Rainbow Village: Colorful, vibrant artwork adorns the buildings.

Fengjia Night Market: One of the largest night markets in Taiwan.

9. Hualien:

Gateway to Taroko Gorge and a charming coastal city with a relaxed atmosphere.

10. Yehliu Geopark:

Marvel at unique rock formations along the coast, including the iconic Queen's Head.

11. Traditional Festivals:

Experience traditional festivals such as Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival if your visit coincides with them.

12. Hot Springs in Beitou:

Relax in natural hot springs in the Beitou district near Taipei.

13. Night Markets:

Explore various night markets, such as Raohe, Shida, and Shilin, to sample a wide array of Taiwanese street food.

14. Taiwan's Islands:

Consider visiting outlying islands like Penghu or Kinmen for a different cultural experience.

15. Cultural Etiquette:

Respect local customs and traditions, such as removing shoes when entering someone's home or a temple.

Tips:

Transportation: Taiwan has an efficient and well-connected transportation system, including high-speed trains and an extensive bus network.

Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in urban areas.

Currency: The New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) is the official currency.

Weather: Taiwan experiences a subtropical climate, so be prepared for both rain and sunshine, depending on the season.

Remember to check for any travel advisories and entry requirements before planning your trip. Taiwan's diverse offerings cater to nature lovers, food enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking modern city experiences. Enjoy your time exploring this fascinating island!

[bezte]

Taiwan Taichung - night market

[sightedtaiwan]

Harry Potter reference in Feng Chia night market in Taichung, Taiwan. Love Love Love it. I think it was a tea shop, but I am not sure.

[equivocations]

blue nights in Taichung, Taiwan

[yourstrulyjuly]

Still unsure what I got myself into, but 3 weeks prior to this trip, I simply told my parents, “I’m going to Taiwan,” and the first solo travel to a country I have never set foot on happened.

Trust me, it was not the broken heart that prompted me, not even the thought of possibly seeing Dao Ming Si and the rest of F4, nor the plethora of dimsum goodness in their night markets. Blame it on adrenaline, maybe?

It was not my first time abroad and not my first solo trip either, but the struggle was real when I had to pass through Philippine immigration and prove myself that I deserved to travel alone and that I was worthy of that vacation. Haha.

Disclaimer: This is not a legit travel guide, so read at your own risk. Hahaha. I tried to put the details and links that might help you if you ever plan to visit Taiwan. Starting November 1, 2017 until July 31, 2018, Filipinos are granted visa-free entry to Taiwan for 14 days. UPDATE: It has been extended to July 31, 2019! I went there on the first week of December 2017 which kicks off the winter season.

I checked in at Taipei Taipei Hostel where everything is strategically located especially the Taipei Main Station. From Taoyuan International Airport, I traveled for about an hour to the main city via Kuo-Kuang Bus 1819. (Fare at NTD125/P222) Also, getting an Easy Card made every commute more convenient and hassle-free.  

A rare sight in the heart of the city is one of the gates of Taipei City Wall, the North Gate or Cheng-en Gate. Day one was spent wandering along the bustling streets of Taipei, visiting Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (and chanced upon the Guards Changing Ceremony) and seeing the world’s famous Taipei 101. Thanks to Klook for my pocket wifi! It was so easy to navigate around using Google Maps.

By riding the metro, take the Blue Line and alight at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station (BL15). I decided to walk from the memorial hall to Taipei 101 which I kind of regret because strolling for thousands of meters in the middle of winter breeze absolutely turned my legs into jelly! Wisdom from the road: Get a copy of the train route!

Finally!!! Some authentic Taiwanese food at Din Tai Fung located at the basement level of Taipei 101. Of course, I had the most-talked about xiao long bao. I was supposed to try it at their original branch in Xinyi Road, but on that very moment, I could no longer wait to give my feet a rest. Hahaha. 

Prepare to get drunk by milk tea! Haha. Taiwan is the mecca for pearl milk tea lovers and I made sure to satisfy my daily fix.

I set day 2 of my itinerary to meet a friend who apparently works in Taiwan. However, she is based in Tainan that’s about 4 hours by train south of Taipei, so we decided to meet halfway—in Taichung. 

Confusion was written all over my face when I arrived in Taipei Main Station, but the guy at the information center was helpful enough to write the directions in Chinese and told me to just show it at the ticket booth. (Fare at NTD375/P665 one way for 2 hours)

After alighting at the wrong station (panic rising all over me!) and leaving the wrong exit, after getting lost and frozen because Google Maps was not working, I can finally say it was one roller coaster of a reunion! 

It was so amazing to be reunited with my close friend from grade school! I remember spending my lunch breaks in her cozy home. Fifteen years later and nothing has ever changed between us, except having our lunch about 900 miles away. 

We initially planned to check Houli Flower Farm, but the lady at the station said that the farm was already closed for that day. We just hailed a cab from Taichung Station going to Rainbow Village and admired the vibrant artworks of a veteran soldier everyone fondly called Rainbow Grandpa. 

It was about midnight when I arrived from Taichung (I almost booked a room to spend the night because I was a bit anxious to go back to Taipei, but felt so relieved I made it alive!) that I woke up late on my 3rd day and missed breakfast hours at the hostel.

This stall was my lifesaver! They sell the best to-go steamed buns and soya milk! (NTD15/P26 each) P.S. They are all over Taipei! The rain did not stop me to proceed to Jiufen, an old mining town in the mountain area of Ruifang District. 

It must be a blessing in disguise that Klook ran out of tickets for their Jiufen group tour because I got to explore it on my own. And by far, it was one of the highlights of my entire trip. How to get there? Use the metro and alight at the Blue and Brown Line interchange (Zhongxiao Fuxing Station), leave from Exit 2, ride Keelung Bus 1062 to Jinguashi and get off at Jiufen.

Relive the scenes from the animated movie Spirited Away by exploring the lanes and alleys packed with a wide variety of restaurants, shops and cafes. Peanut ice cream wrap is a must-try even on a cold weather! 

From Jiufen I went straight to Shilin Night Market to make the most of my food adventure in Taiwan. Stinky tofu, anyone? Take the Red Line and alight at Jiantan Station (R15). 

You know when they say, “Eat like a local.” Day 4 started with a brunch somewhere in a sidewalk and a visit to Dalongdong Bao’an Temple. By MRT, take the Red Line, alight at Yuanshan Station (R14) and leave from Exit 2. Walk down Kulun St., turn right at the intersection of Dalong St. (walk past Taipei Confucius Temple) and turn left on Hami St. 

Bao’an Temple has received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation in 2003. The Taipei Confucius Temple is another must-see destination within Datong District. Except for the ongoing pictorial, I sincerely loved the solemnity of the place.

Next stop was the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a national monument in honor and memory of their former president. Take the Green Line or Red Line and alight at CKS Memorial Hall Station (G10 or R08).

To say that I am an avid fan of Meteor Garden is an understatement. I remember hoarding pirated VCDs just so I don’t miss out on an episode, asking my dad to buy every single memento sold at Divisoria, and collecting their posters and giving away some to our neighbors because my room ran out of space.

That is why I could not contain my fangirling moment when I reached the gates of National Taiwan University (Green Line, Gongguan Station or G07) where some of the scenes were filmed. Feel free to roam around and be your own version of Shan Cai.

My last day in Taiwan was spent at the ... airport! Haha. My flight back to Cebu was delayed for 4 freaking hours, but shops for pasalubong got me covered. I actually had no idea how to get there (my bad!) and I was already on the verge of panic ‘cause I might miss my flight and hiring a cab will surely dig a hole in my wallet (fare starts at NTD1,000/P1,780), so I just followed everyone carrying a luggage. Hahaha.

Going on a solo trip is quite challenging, yet it equally feels liberating. Unexpected circumstances had come my way, but it did not hinder me to enjoy such beautiful moments--of experiencing new culture, meeting new people, and discovering more about myself. ♥

[taiwancabtour]

Central-Taiwan-Taichung City-Longjing-Tung Hai Night Market

Tung Hai Night Market is situated west of Tung Hai University. The streets start to get busy in the afternoon as a variety of street food vendors and themed restaurants open for business. Some of the most renowned dishes include chicken feet gelatin, Chinese baked pancake, chicken steak burger, boiled salty chicken, Fuzhou bun, douhua, steamed meat balls, braised dishes, etc. More deliciousness tucked away in streets and alleys also await your discovery. In addition to fulfilling your appetite, you can also enjoy shopping in Tung Hai Night Market where you can find trendy clothes, Korean-style outfits and many renowned brands. Xingxing Road, the main road to Tung Hai Night Market is quite narrow so the traffic can be a bit messy. Visitors are also advised to take public transportation or park your vehicles in parking lots on Xinxing Road to avoid the hassle.

Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/drsHrmeCZnGX9WgM9

[liruwang]

Night Collection vol.2

I hate crowd, but I love night markets. Night markets are always attractive to me… for the food, the people, the atmosphere. 

While I was studying in Taipei, I was pretty determined to explore EVERY night market in north Taiwan (weirdo😅). I didn’t achieve my goal and became too lazy to explore in my 4th year, but if I happen to pass by one, I still spend some time wandering in the market. 

This night market is in Taichung and is next to my home. The vendors gather in the parking lot on every Sunday.  

Magical Fried Sweet Potato Balls

Ha!! Those balls never fail – they always attract a long line. When I was living with my grandparents in the 5th traditional market, I was hooked on potato balls too. Mom sometimes stealthily bought a bag of yellow and purple potato balls for me and my sis. We needed to finish them before my grandmother found those balls😆 (she hates us eating fried food)

I didn’t try the food. Ever since I started to eat like a vegan ( I don’t dare to call myself a vegan yet. There are really many things to learn!), I barely found food I can eat in night markets. But I still love going to night market la😆 I really love taking photographs there - the light, the atmosphere, the heat, the lovers, the vendors… kind of remind me those old good days in college. 

[wyeong]

Yizhong Night Market // Taichung // Taiwan

[kendochick-moor]

Author-san, I am craving noodles like crazy tonight and I saw the gorgeous photo you shared of your last trip to Taiwan. So, I have to ask: Did you have beef noodle soup on that trip? And if so, where is the best place you've had it (that isn't homemade)?? 🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜

@birkastan2018, I completely understand, I crave Taiwanese food like crazy (thank goodness #1 hubby is such a good cook). Once Covid lifts, hopefully we can make a trip back again. We didn't have beef noodle soup (BNS) on our last trip (unfortunately!), but Taiwan has BNS competitions!! https://en.rti.org.tw/news/view/id/2001644 (I thought hubby was joking when he said it.) I recommend street vendor versions @ the night markets, if you can find 'em (try Taipei near Shilin station, or a nightmarket in Taichung!!). <3 If you're in the south of Taiwan, in Kenting (palm trees & beaches!), there's a night market that runs through the main street in town that has some wonderful food vendors. <3 (https://www.rtaiwanr.com/kenting/kenting-street-night-market)

[everydayisafoodday]

[Taiwan Series] Day 4 in Taichung: Sun Moon Lake 日月潭 and FengJia Night Market 逢甲夜市

[Taiwan Series] Day 4 in Taichung: Sun Moon Lake 日月潭 and FengJia Night Market 逢甲夜市

The next morning, I woke up not feeling well. This sort of ruined our plans as we spent the morning looking for medicine and trying to rest up. There are many attractions that are nearby Taichung but require you to drive or bus for a significant time to get to. One of these included Sun Moon Lake 日月潭and this was actually the sight we decided to go to that day. As it takes around 2 hours by bus,…

[mymemoirs]

Unrecorded Memories & Missing Taiwan #7

I gotta admit that the last post (#6) seems much boring, it took a lot of effort for me to actually post that one. However, for the next post it’s going to be more exciting since we went to a lot of places and I’m also starting to feel better and have fun with my group mates too. So, I really was kinda reluctant that this has to end at some point. 

30) The day after our makerspace activity, we have classes as usual. Our professor gave us a group project that Thursday. He also let us have a day off on Friday for us to finish the project. The project is a group presentation and we’re required to present a video along with it. 

On Friday, my Thai group mates and I made an appointment to explore Taichung and find places we wanted to feature in our videos. Well, since the concept of our presentation is an international food court, I suggested going to ASEAN square. I knew this place because I previously stayed for a night with my parents in a hotel nearby. 

The entrance of ASEAN Square

When we arrived there, we can see quite a few Southeast Asian people and there’s also a lot of shops that sells Southeast Asian foods. Familiar writings of Thai, Vietnamese, or Bahasa can be seen all over this place. So, if you came from Southeast Asia and you’re homesick while living in Taichung, this is the perfect place to explore because it has that familiar vibe for Southeast Asians. 

I had to say that the ASEAN square is bustling with people only during evening or weekends because most Southeast Asian who came to Taiwan usually works on weekdays (duh?). This is because the place looks almost empty, like going to a market but they’re closing. I didn’t see much people that day when we’re exploring the place. I assumed it’s working hours and most shops might be active during the evening instead. 

After walking around the ASEAN square, we decided to find a place we could have our lunch. We kept on walking around inside the building, until my Thai friends got interested in a Thai restaurant. Since I’m okay with anything, we chose to eat there. My friends recommended me to eat Pad Kra Pao which is basically rice with stir-fried minced meat and basil leaves. All this time, I always goes for the Tom Yum when I ordered Thai food, so a change of menu is good too. I had to admit that Pad Kra Pao is an excellent choice, I can’t explained the taste but I just like how they cooked the meat. 

Pad Kra Pao with an egg. I feel this photo didn’t do the menu any justice, but it’s really good!

Afterwards, we continued to explore Taichung city. Some of my Thai friends wanted to shop while we’re in town so we entered a lot of shops. I am not really a shopper so I’m only tagging along. We also haven’t started filming our video, but we’re not really in a haste since we have all day. 

Since, I’m such a foodie, I only took photos of the food or desert I ate. That day, we went for a dessert! Yay! It’s Miyahara dessert yet again, but we’re not visiting the same store as before. This time we went to a seated store that sells the Miyahara Ice Cream. The place is called Fourth Credit Union in Google maps. Just like the previous store I visited, this store have exquisite interior too. Very interesting and worth to visit and it’s not really that far away from the Miyahara Ice Cream. It would be a 3 minute walk estimation from one store to another and it’s 210 meters away from each other. 

Mango Fruit Shave Ice, I think it’s a seasonal menu you can get in this store

And taraaa~! This is one of the desserts we chose and share with each other. It was worth it! Seriously! I really want to go back there just to taste it again! I am literally fangirling over the food right now. I think going to Taiwan is worth it for the food and personally for me it wasn’t really that expensive if you know how to plan your budget. 

After immersing myself with good food and company, we walk around the city again. I think we were hanging around the Taichung train station until it was evening. Then we head out to a mall and eat at the food court there while filming around the area. So that sums up my Friday. 

The evening view in front of Taichung Train Station

31) During the weekend, I went to a lot of places with my roommates. I kinda feel bad for my group mates that I didn’t accompanied them during the weekend to finish our group’s project but I think I did my part already and I have prior appointment with my roommates. I didn’t regret going out with my roommates. Iris always planned well for our trip and it was a fun one.

I think during this weekend, we only went for a one day trip on Saturday. If I still remembered it right, I think my roommates have a trip on Sunday. Together with my roommates’ classmates, Jasmine and Hui En, we went to Sun Moon Lake. Yep, I went there again, but we’re not really visiting the exact same place I went so it’s like I’m exploring new places too. 

One of the photo spots in Sun Moon Lake

For this trip, we have a taxi driver who act as a tour guide and our driver. I think each of us need to pay a certain amount. I forgot how much though but I think this way, we can visit more places and it’s a good thing actually. He’s not really a guide who took us to a souvenir shop but someone who took us to visit tourist spots. He also took us to eat tea eggs which he bought for us, he stop by a shop near Sun Moon Lake and said the tea eggs there is delicious. Speaking about tea eggs, you can also found tea eggs in most marts in Taiwan, like 7-Eleven. Although, I had to agree the tea eggs he gave us is fresh and tasty *laughs*.

He also took us to Feeling 18, which is a chocolate store. We don’t really buy anything there except from trying out free coffee or hot cocoa.  I bought and share some snacks from the street vendors there with Karen or Vincy, I think. He took us there so that we can eat first before going to our next destination. Well, girls eat light, so we didn’t spent that much time there. 

The main entrance of Qingjing Farm

Our next destination is very unique, it’s a farm! And not just any farm, it’s a sheep farm! It’s called Qingjing Farm. Unfortunately, when we went there the weather wasn’t sunny at all but cloudy with a light showers. There were even haze and it was so cold but I think it was a memorable experience nevertheless. To get into the farm, we need to buy tickets. That’s a given, but I don’t remembered it to be too expensive. The business hours is from 8 AM to 5 PM. 

The farm is a tourist spot with a vast grassland. The sheep are allowed to wander and the tourists are also allowed to get close to the animals. Since we came quite late, we missed most of the shows provided by the farm.  We bought sheep’s milk ice cream and spent the most time looking around the farm. 

At the top of the hill overlooking the farm and shows below

I don’t remembered much of what we did at the farm, but we there were a lot of walking and picture taking. The sheep are just so cute, so precious! We went to the souvenir shops and I think there were also some short of market that sells food at the end of the farm. In the maps it’s called “Food Court @ Qingjing Farm”. 

We eventually finished our farm tour and then we were picked up by our driver. He dropped us off in one of the night markets near our campus so we can go back by ourselves using the bus. We end our day with a dinner together before heading back home. 

- Reina

PS. Next post is a goodbye post :( since it will be the last of this series

[carleencl]

Taiwan Travel Guide 2019 (Itinerary + Expenses)

Took so long but here’s the summary of our trip last year to Taiwan with the itinerary and expenses we had. At the end of the post are the links to my individual blogs per day that contains my detailed trip and experiences around Taiwan. 

For the expenses, there are computations that were divided by 2 or 4, that results to the expense of just one person.

If you have any questions about my travel to Taiwan last 2019, you may comment down or message me through my social networking sites.

DAY 1

DAY 1 Part 1: May 22-23, 2019 (Wed/Thurs) 07:00 pm - Meet-up at NAIA Terminal 3 10:35 pm - ETD from Manila 12:55 am - ETA to Taipei (Taoyuan International Airport, Terminal 1) 01:00 am - Immigration, Get Luggage & Sim Card 02:00 am - Go to the hotel 03:00 am - Check-in at Diary of Ximen Hotel

DAY 1 Part 2: May 23, 2019 (Thursday) 07:00 am - Wake-Up 08:00 am - BREAKFAST 09:00 am - Leave for Taichung 09:15 am - ETD:  MRT Ximen Station to Taipei Main Station 09:20 am - ETA:  MRT Taipei Main Station 09:30 am - Taipei to Taichung via High Speed Rail 10:30 am - Arrival Taichung Station 10:45 am - To Rainbow Village 11:15 pm - ETA:  Rainbow Village (Caihongjuan Village) 12:15 pm - Leave for Zhongshe Flower Market 12:30 pm - Zhongshe Flower Market 02:00 pm - LUNCH 04:00 pm - Fengjia Night Market 06:00 pm - Go back to Taipei Main Station 07:30 pm - Ximending Night Market 08:30 pm - Back to hotel

EXPENSES

SIM Card (Klook) - PHP 377 Taxi (Airport to Hotel) - NT$1, 100 (PHP 1, 870; PHP467.50/ea) Breakfast at 7/11

Chicken Teriyaki Rice Meal - NT$89 (PHP 151.30)

HSR Taipei to Taichung (Klook) - PHP 945 (Buy one get one; PHP 472.50/ea) HSR Taichung to Taipei (Klook) - PHP 886/ea Taxi in Taichung (8 hours) - NT$3, 500 (PHP 5, 950; PHP1, 487.50/ea) - For 4 pax Rainbow Village: Free Flower Market: - NT$120 (PHP 204) LUNCH

Pork Noodle Soup - NT$100 (PHP 170)

Milk Tea at Chun Shui Tang (PHP106.25/ea) - shared by 4 people

Original Pearl Milk Tea (Medium) - NT$130 (PHP221)

Oreo Milk Tea (Medium) - NT$120 (PHP204)

Fengjia Night Market: Chicken - NT$70 (PHP119)

Ximending Night Market

Fried Chicken - NT$120 (PHP204; PHP51/ea) - shared by 4 people

Family Mart (Bulgogi) - NT$65 (PHP 110.50)

Family Mart (Milk tea) - NT$28 (PHP47.60)

Total: PHP4, 650.15

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DAY 2

DAY 2: May 24, 2019 (Friday) 06:30 am - Wake Up 07:30 am - Breakfast 08:00 am - MRT Ximen to Xiangshan Station 09:00 am - Arrived at MRT Xiangshan Station 09:30 am - Elephant Mountain 11:00 am - MRT Xiangshan Station to Taipei Zoo Station 12:00 nn - Taipei Zoo 05:30 pm - Leave Taipei Zoo 06:00 pm - MRT Taipei Zoo Station to Songshan Station 07:00 pm - Raohe Night Market 09:00 pm - Back to hotel

EXPENSES

Breakfast (We ate the food left from last night)

MRT Ximen to Xiangshan Station - NT$20 (PHP 34)

Elephant Mountain Entrance fee: Free

Sunshine Cafe (For 2: PHP 416.50/each)

Brown Sugar Milk Tea - NT$180 (PHP306)

Earl Grey Milk Tea - NT$160 (PHP272)

New York Style Cheesecake - NT$150 (PHP255)

MRT Xiangshan to Taipei Zoo Station - NT$24 (PHP40.80)

Taipei Zoo Entrance Fee: NT$60 (PHP102)

Lunch: Braised Sirloin Rice - NT$ 129 (PHP219.30)

Shuttle: 2 way - NT$10 (PHP17); NT$5/way

MRT Taipei Zoo to Songshan Station - NT$28 (PHP47.60)

Raohe Night Market (For 2: PHP391)

Pork Bun - NT$55 (PHP93.50)

Bacon & Egg - NT$50 (PHP85)

Raspberry Juice - NT$40 (PHP68)

Strawberry Coated Candy - NT$50 (PHP85)

Takoyaki Cheese Flavor - NT$60 (PHP102)

Potato Twirl - NT$60 (PHP102)

Caramel Waffle - NT$50 (PHP85)

Egg Pudding Shaved Ice - NT$95 (PHP161.5)

MRT Songshan to Ximen Station - NT$20 (PHP 34)

Total: PHP1,302.20

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DAY 3

DAY 3: May 25, 2019 (Saturday) 06:00 am - Wake Up 07:00 am - Breakffast 08:20 am - MRT Ximen Station to Taipei  Main Station 08:30 am - Arrive at MRT Taipei Main Station 08:50 am - Meet up at Taipei Station (East Gate No.3) 08:55 am - Depart from Taipei Station 10:00 am - Yehliu Geopark 12:00 nn - Jiufen Old Street 03:00 pm - Shifen Sky Lanterns 04:30 pm - Shu Shin Bou Wagashi Museum 06:00 pm - Arrive at Taipei Station 06:30 pm - MRT Taipei Station to Jiantan Station  (Shilin Night Market) 06:45 pm - Arrive at Jiantan Station (Shilin Night Market) 08:30 pm - MRT Jiantan Station to Ximen Station 09:00 pm - Back to hotel

EXPENSES

Breakfast (We ate the food left bought from last night’s night market)

2 pc. 7/11 Sushi - NT$20/ea (PHP 68 for 2 pc.)

Klook Activity - PHP 1,056; The Klook activity we bought has the following inclusions:

Yehliu Geopark entrance

Shifen lantern

Pineapple Cake Making

English speaking tour guide

Insurance

Transportation from Taipei Main Station to the activities and back to the Taipei Main Station

MRT Ximen to Taipei Main Station - NT$16 (PHP 27.20)

Lunch (For 4: NT$70/PHP119 each)

Minced Pork Rice at NT$50 (PHP85)

Xiao Long Bao at NT$80 (PHP136)

Milk Tea - NT$60 (PHP102)

MRT Taipei Station to Jiantan Station - NT$16 (PHP 27.20)

Shilin Night Market (For 2: PHP280.5)

Sweet Potato Cheese Balls (NT$80/PHP136)

Burned Eight Claw Octopus (NT$100/PHP170)

Tteokbokki (NT$80/PHP136)

Seaweed fries (NT$70/PHP119)

MRT Taipei Main Station to Ximen Station - NT$16 (PHP 27.20)

Total: PHP 1,707.1

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DAY 4

DAY 4: May 26, 2019 (Sunday) 07:30 am - Wake Up 08:30 am - Breakfast 09:30 am - ETD from Diary of Ximen Hotel 10:00 am - Arrive at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall 11:00 am - ETD from CKS Memorial Hall 11:30 am - Arrive at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall 12:30 pm - Back to Ximen and Hotel 02:30 pm - Leave Hotel to explore Hotel then go to Taipei 101 03:30 pm - Arrive at Taipei 101 04:00 pm - Lunch 04:45 pm - Claim tickets via Klook 05:00 pm - Explore Taipei 101 Observatory 07:00 pm - Leave Taipei 101 07:30 pm - Arrive at Ximending Night Market/Dinner 11:30 pm - Back to Hotel

DAY 5: May 27, 2019 05:00 am - Wake Up 07:00 am - Check-out/Leave for Airport 07:45 am - Arrive at Airport 10:40 am - ETD Taipei to Manila 01:15 pm - ETA in Manila

EXPENSES

Breakfast: Buffet Breakfast in Hotel - NT$100 (PHP170)

MRT Ximen to CKS Station - NT$16 (PHP 27.20)

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Free

MRT CKS to SYS Station - NT$20 (PHP 34.00)

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: Free

MRT SYS to Ximen Station - NT$20 (PHP 34.00)

MRT Ximen to Taipei 101 Station - NT$20 (PHP 34.00)

Taipei 101 Ticket: PHP859 (via Klook)

Lunch

Fried Chicken at NT$95 (PHP 161.50)

Plain Rice at NT$30 (PHP 51)

MRT Taipei 101 to Ximen Station - NT$20 (PHP 34.00)

Ximending Night Market

Fried Chicken (NT$90/PHP153)

Mashed Potato with Cheese (NT$85/PHP144.50)

Lychee Apple Juice (NT$75/PHP127.50)

Pearl Milk Tea (NT$85/PHP144.50)

Total: PHP 1,974.20

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TOTAL EXPENSES:

Plane Tickets - PHP 10,291.43 / each with 20kg checked baggage + in-flight food Diary of Ximen Hotel - PHP 18,837.47 for 4 persons, 5 nights (PHP 4,709.37/ea)

Day 1 -  PHP 4, 650.15 Day 2 - PHP 1,302.20 Day 3 - PHP 1,707.1 Day 4 - PHP 1,974.20

Total: PHP 24,634.45

TAIWAN DAILY BLOG POST: 🔗 TAIWAN DAY 1 BLOG 🔗 TAIWAN DAY 2 BLOG  🔗 TAIWAN DAY 3 BLOG  🔗 TAIWAN DAY 4 BLOG