Hidden gems, underrated spots and thrilling day journeys to your subsequent Taipei itinerary!
The scent of pungent tofu, the style of braised pork rice, the push of a bustling metropolitan metropolis, and the tranquillity of its outskirts — Taipei has all the things we miss as travellers.
We final visited Taiwan greater than three years in the past and have been thrilled to rediscover its capital metropolis and past! Our previous itineraries included many widespread sights in Taipei, so this journey was all about uncovering the lesser-known issues to eat, see and do within the metropolis and its environment.
This time, we spent a day in Taipei earlier than heading to Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu to take a look at what’s modified since our final go to. We additionally explored Keelung for the primary time and found a hidden gem within the widespread tea area of Shiding.
Should you miss Taiwan too, listed below are hidden gems and underrated spots value trying out whenever you’re planning your subsequent Taipei itinerary.
Day 1: Taipei | Day 2: Yehliu, Golden Waterfall, Jiufen, Shifen | Day 3: Keelung |
Day 4: Pinglin, Shiding
Pre-trip Necessities
Transport in Taipei and SIM Card: We pre-ordered an EasyCard (~S$26) that comes pre-loaded with NT$200 Deposit and a 5-day limitless 4G SIM Card. Each could be collected from the Ezfly service counter at Terminal 1 or 2 at Taoyuan Worldwide Airport.
Journey insurance coverage: We bought the group Important Plan from MSIG Insurance coverage (inclusive of as much as S$150,000 Covid-19 abroad medical protection)
Covid guidelines: Masks are required on public transport and in hospitals (correct as of 20 February 2023. Pre-departure and on-arrival checks should not required since 7 February 2023.
Day 1: Taipei
10AM: Breakfast at Sihai Soy Milk King
A conventional Taiwanese breakfast at Sihai Soy Milk King was what we wanted to begin the day after a sleep-deprived in a single day flight into Taipei.
The queue was lengthy however strikes impressively rapidly — 5 minutes was all we needed to await a desk.
Well-known dishes right here just like the glutinous rice roll (NT$30), the xiao lengthy bao (NT$45) and soy milk (NT$20) have been scrumptious. However our favorite was the crispy and flavourful egg pancakes (NT$28)!
Value: From NT$20 (~S$1)
Opening hours: 6AM – 9 PM (Mon – Sat), 6AM – 1 PM (Solar)
Tackle: No. 29, Chang’an West Street, Datong District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 103
11:30AM: Gaki Hip: Taiwan’s First IG Museum
From boba tea to phone cubicles, and large claw machines, the interactive nature of Taiwan’s first IG museum — Gaki Hip — allowed us to study Taiwanese tradition in document time.
An attention-grabbing exhibit here’s a stranger word exchanger. Drop a handwritten word right into a machine and get one other in alternate from a stranger.
We obtained a friendship-themed card from a card dispenser earlier within the exhibition, so we wrote concerning the significance of treasuring friendships. In return, we obtained a courage-themed card with a word that translated to one thing alongside the strains of taking the street much less travelled is the hallmark of our technology — one thing we resonate with!
The common ticket contains entry to 5 primary exhibitions, however a VIP ticket is required for particular exhibitions just like the Pingxi Sky Lantern Competition show.
*Be aware: Gaki Hip is simply open until 12 Could 2023, so examine this web page for particulars of future exhibitions. For related alternate options in Taipei, try the Taipei Astronomical Museum.
Entrance price: ~S$16 for a daily grownup ticket
Opening hours: 11:30AM – 8 PM
Tackle: 13F, No. 66, Part 1, Zhongxiao West Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, 100
1PM: Lunch at Haoji Dumpling Specialty Retailer
Haoji Dumpling Specialty Retailer is a well-liked hideout amongst locals.
Positioned in an inconspicuous alley simply not far away from Taipei Primary Station (Exit M7), this restaurant has all the things we have been searching for in a eating spot — low cost, scrumptious and handy.
Two bowls of zha jia mian (NT$50), a bowl of sizzling and bitter soup (NT$35) and a plate of 10 prawn dumplings (NT$90) have been excellent for a gaggle of 4 to share. Our favorite was the splendid prawn dumplings.
We waited about 10 minutes for a desk because the 30-seater restaurant was full of locals at 1PM. And we heard from locals that it will get crowded throughout mealtimes.
*Professional-tip: Keep away from mealtimes in the event you don’t need to wait too lengthy for a seat!
Value: From NT$50/predominant (~S$2.50)
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 8PM (Mon – Sat), closed on Solar
Tackle: No. 1, Lane 29, Part 1, Zhongxiao West Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 100
3:30PM: Jinmianshan Mountaineering Path
When daylight shines on the face of Jinmianshan, the sunshine that’s mirrored makes the mountain seem like a “Gold Face Mountain”, which was how the mountain bought its title.
The slopes are steep however the mesmerising view at its peak made this a worthwhile journey.
Even in the event you’re not a seasoned hiker, ropes alongside the path make it extra manageable to overcome the 258m peak. All you want is slightly dedication!
We took an hour to hike from base to peak, the place gusts of robust winds greeted our arrival. Don’t let our brilliant smiles idiot you, it was extraordinarily chilly!
This path within the north of Taipei wasn’t full of hikers, making it a beautiful various to the favored Elephant Mountain for any Taipei itinerary.
*Professional-tip: Deliver a torchlight in the event you’re planning to descend the mountain previous sundown as there are not any lights alongside the path.
Value: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
The way to get there: Stroll 11 minutes from Xihu Station to trailhead, then hike 1hr to peak
7:30PM: Ningxia Evening Market
The ultimate cease on our day one itinerary was a visit to one of many oldest night time markets in Taipei — Ningxia Evening Market.
Different night time markets like Shilin Evening Market usually see a mix of meals and non-food stalls, however Ningxia Evening Market is primarily a foodie paradise that specialises in Taiwanese meals.
We tried a variety, however the massive sesame mochi (NT$50 for 2, stall #97), and the mouth-watering cheese corn canine (NT$65, stall #47) have been our favourites!
The place was packed however not cramped to the brim — good for individuals who get pleasure from an evening out on the town however are cautious of enormous crowds!
Opening hours: 5PM – 1AM
The way to get there: Stroll 9 minutes from Zhongshan Station
Day 2: Day Journey to Yehliu, Golden Waterfall, Jiufen and Shifen
We have been intrigued to find what has modified in Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen since our final go to, so we went on a day journey from Taipei to discover these sights on the second day of our itinerary.
We booked the Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall Day Tour (~S$45/pax), which included round-trip shuttle bus transport from Taipei Primary Station and an English-speaking native information. The tour additionally stopped by Shifen Waterfall.
9:45AM: Yehliu Geopark
The primary cease was Yehliu Geopark, a 1.7km lengthy cape that’s residence to quite a few rock formations formed by pure erosion.
We have been lucky to beat the group to a photograph alternative with the long-lasting Queen’s Head, which resembles the late Queen Elizabeth from sure angles.
Amongst the three zones right here — our favorite was zone two — the place widespread rock formations such because the Queen’s Head, Elephant Rock and Fairy Shoe are discovered. The Mushroom Rock and Cute Princess Head headline zone one, whereas zone three is used for area analysis.
Nothing a lot has modified since our final go to. However the Cute Princess Head — which resembles a woman with a ponytail — has been earmarked because the Queen’s Head successor because it’ll inevitably collapse sooner or later.
*Professional-tip: Get there as soon as the geopark opens to keep away from massive crowds, particularly if you wish to get a photograph with the Queen’s Head!
Entrance price: ~S$5.50
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM
The way to get there: Drive 45 minutes from Taipei Primary Station
12PM: Golden Waterfall
The Golden Waterfall bought its title from the golden-orange colored water that flows down the cascade, which occurs when rainwater comes into contact with pyrite and sulphur-copper ore within the mining city of Jinguashi.
Throughout our 15-minute cease, the mesmerising waterfall was flowing in abundance as a consequence of rainfall within the space — a silver lining of our rain-filled day tour!
Entrance price: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
The way to get there: Drive 40 minutes from Yehliu Geopark
1PM: Jiufen Previous Avenue
As true foodies, we have been delighted to seize lunch at Jiufen Previous Avenue — a slim alleyway well-known for its meals stalls, memento outlets and tea homes.
We tried a wide range of meals in the course of the 2-hour cease and listed below are our prime three picks!
First up, A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll (NT$50) — a skinny crepe with two scoops of peanut ice cream. The snack was scrumptious — refreshing but not too heavy. The distinction between the crunchy peanuts and creamy ice cream was an ideal match!
Subsequent up, the braised pork rice (NT$40) from Zhang Ji Conventional Fishballs was tasty and bang for the buck for its beneficiant portion!
We needed to strive the taro ball soup (NT$40) from Lai Ah Po Taro Balls, well-known for the proper texture of its taro balls. The dessert lived as much as expectations and the recent model was excellent for the wet day we had (though iced variations can be found too).
Opening hours: 8AM – 7PM (Mon – Thu), 8AM – 10PM (Fri – Solar)
The way to get there: Drive 10 minutes from Golden Waterfall
3:45PM: Shifen Waterfall
Dubbed Taiwan’s personal Niagara Falls, Shifen Waterfall had quite a bit to stay as much as. The waterfall regarded good in photographs, however nothing beats seeing it in individual — soaking in its magnificence was extraordinarily refreshing for the soul.
Our information shared that the waterfall usually delights guests with a rainbow on sunny days, though we weren’t blessed with such luck.
The waterfall is situated simply 5 minutes by automotive from Shifen Previous Avenue, making it a superb cease earlier than heading there.
Entrance price: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM
Tackle: No. 10, Gankeng Street, Nanshan Village, Pingxi District, New Taipei, Taiwan 226
4:15PM: Shifen Previous Avenue
Ever since watching the 2011 rom-com “You Are The Apple Of My Eye“, releasing a sky lantern in Shifen Previous Avenue has been one thing I’ve been wanting ahead to do! It felt surreal to lastly achieve this greater than a decade later!
Pingxi, the place Shifen is situated, was a harmful area previously. So staff used sky lanterns as a sign to tell their households that they have been protected. These days, releasing sky lanterns with handwritten needs is seen as a means of passing them to the gods above.
Our pleasure bought the higher of us, to the purpose the place our needs on the lantern didn’t make any sense. For starters, we’ll depart you to determine what world peace has to do with being Chiong Get together winners. Spoiler alert: we didn’t win.
For context: Chiong Get together is a TTI custom the place we’re given 12 hours to finish our assigned article or video (not an precise occasion, thoughts you), often achieved via the wee hours of the night time.
Including insult to damage, we launched the lantern earlier than we may get a full crew picture as a result of a practice was approaching. We simply hope for higher luck with our different needs!
Our information really helpful a preferred bubble tea (NT$60). The girl operating the stall kindly added grass jelly to all our drinks without spending a dime! We actually favored the mixture of boba, grass jelly and milk tea — it wasn’t too candy for our liking both.
Nothing a lot has modified alongside the quaint outdated road of Shifen, however releasing a sky lantern right here by no means will get outdated!
Opening hours: 24 hours
Tackle: No. 81, Shifen Avenue, Pingxi District, New Taipei, Taiwan 226
Learn additionally: All of the Should-Eat-See-Dos at Shifen & Jiufen
Day 3: Day Journey to Keelung
Positioned simply 40 minutes by automotive from Taipei, we’ve surprisingly by no means explored Keelung. We employed a Non-public Automotive Constitution (~S$283/automotive for 8 hours) for comfort and ease of getting across the port metropolis.
Our non-public driver picked us up from our resort at 9AM and drove an hour to our first cease, Heping Island Park.
10AM: Heping Island Park
Previously a buying and selling hub in the course of the Spanish Occupation, Heping Island Park is now a preferred vacationer attraction. The coastal park was comparatively empty once we arrived, seemingly as a consequence of rain earlier that morning.
We loved a peaceable 30-minute (round-trip) hike on the Huanshan path to Hepingdao Lookout Level whereas taking within the lovely sight of enormous waves crashing in opposition to the shoreline.
The vacationer centre in the midst of the park additionally sells meals and drinks in the event you want refreshments after the hike.
There are cabin homes, a seaside pool and a seashore on the island, making it a preferred recreation spot amongst locals in the course of the summer time from Could to November.
Entrance price: ~S$5
Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM
Tackle: No. 360, Pingyi Street, Zhongzheng District, Keelung, Taiwan 202
12:30PM: Lunch at Shang Deng Beef Noodle Restaurant
On a wet day, the most effective place for lunch is on the locally-approved Shang Deng Beef Noodle Restaurant, only a 10-minute drive from Heping Island.
We advocate including the tofu and century egg (NT$45) to the pipping sizzling bowl of beef noodle soup.
*Professional-tip: Order the small bowl in the event you’re not an enormous eater — the common serving is large!
Value: From NT$40 (~S$2)
Opening hours: 12PM – 7:30PM
Tackle: No. 341, Beining Street, Zhongzheng District, Keelung Metropolis, Taiwan 202
2PM: Wangyou Valley
Wangyou Valley actually means the valley of forgetting worries in Chinese language. And we positive forgot ours whereas laughing unrestrainedly at a teammate who slipped and rolled on the pavement whereas mountaineering.
(I swear it regarded funnier than it sounds — she’s alright).
We had the place to ourselves for the 40-minute scenic coastal hike! There was a path that led from the cliff to the ocean, however we skipped that because it was drizzling and bought slippery.
To be trustworthy, I nonetheless can’t determine if the spotlight of this hike was the magical sea view or watching my teammate roll!
*Professional-tip: Test the climate earlier than heading there as the trail will get fairly slippery on wet days!
Entrance price: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
The way to get there: Drive 5 minutes from Shang Deng Beef Noodle Restaurant
4:30PM: Zhengbin Port Coloration Homes
Zhengbin Port Color Homes is without doubt one of the most recognisable and IG-worthy landmarks in Keelung.
Constructed by the Japanese in 1934, Zhengbin Port was one of many largest ports in Taiwan in the course of the Japanese Occupation. Whereas it’s not the bustling port it as soon as was, the 16 multi-coloured homes have now been taken over by cafes and dessert eating places.
Entrance price: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
Tackle: No. 72, Zhengbin Street, Zhongzheng District, Keelung Metropolis, Taiwan 202
5PM: Khóo Tsú-Tune Previous Mansion
A heavy downpour wasn’t going to cease us from exploring the deserted Khóo Tsú-Tune Previous Mansion. This 93-year-old mansion was named after its proprietor Khóo Tsú-song, who was in control of Keelung in the course of the Japanese occupation.
We sought cowl in one of many homes for 10 minutes however as soon as the skies cleared, we realised that the mansion was the proper backdrop for taking IG-worthy photographs.
The mansion is situated in a busy neighbourhood, so it didn’t really feel eerie all through the 20 minutes we spent there. There was even a panoramic view of town from its exterior!
It’s a perfect place to go to earlier than heading to Keelung Evening Market, which is only a 4-minute stroll away.
Value: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
Tackle: No. 15, Lane 2, Aisi Street, Ren’ai District, Keelung Metropolis, Taiwan 200
6:30PM: Dinner at Keelung Evening Market
Each stall at Keelung Evening Market is numbered and named in English, Japanese and Mandarin — one thing unusual for Taiwan night time markets. True hallmark of a vacationer attraction I assume!
We tried a wide range of meals and two stood out for us!
You would possibly name us bizarre, however we love having a chilly dessert on a cold day. The Pao Pao Ice (NT$50, stall #41) is basically Taiwanese shaved ice with elements blended in it. We had the egg-milk flavour and favored its lingering candy style — the portion was excellent for 2.
I questioned what the hype was about Nutritious Sandwiches (NT$60, stall #58) when locals really helpful it, however let’s simply say I’ve turn into a fan after making an attempt one. It’s primarily fried dough bread stuffed with braised egg, cucumber, tomato, and meat topped with candy mayonnaise.
Don’t be fooled by its title, these sandwiches are something however nutritious. They’re excessive in energy, which some locals would argue are a part of diet — therefore giving it its title. We’ll allow you to determine what to make of that rationalization!
Opening hours: 12PM – 12 AM (Mon – Sat), 8AM – 12 AM (Solar)
Tackle: No. 20, Aisi Rd, Ren’ai District, Keelung Metropolis, Taiwan 200
Day 4: Half-day Tour to Shiding and Pinglin
The view of Thousand Island Lake is definitely worth the day journey!
Shiding and Pinglin are well-known for being the place the award-winning baozhong oolong tea is grown and produced, respectively. So we booked a Shiding Tea Township Half-Day Tour from Taipei (~S$66/pax) to discover these townships on the ultimate day of our Taipei itinerary.
10:30AM: Brunch at Yong He Soy Milk King
With time to spare within the morning, we slept in earlier than grabbing brunch at Yong He Soy Milk King — situated a brief 3-minute stroll from our resort.
There have been no seats within the eatery, so we needed to make do with takeaway. We favored the tasty egg pancakes (NT$25), and the eatery was additionally extraordinarily beneficiant with the filling of the purple bean cake (NT$20)!
Value: From NT$20 (~S$1)
Opening hours: 6 AM – 4PM (Mon – Fri), 6AM – 11AM (Sat – Solar)
Tackle: No. 1, Hengyang Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 100
2PM: Shiding Tea Township and Thousand Island Lake
The primary cease of our half-day tour was the Bagua Tea Plantation in Shiding, which overlooks the serene and picturesque Thousand Island Lake.
Baozhong oolong tea, a preferred tea in Taiwan, is grown right here. The tea is claimed to have well being advantages, with analysis suggesting that it has 3 times extra antioxidants than black tea.
Enjoyable truth: Swimming, fishing or boating are strictly prohibited in Thousand Island Lake because the water is supposed for consumption in Taipei.
Our information introduced us to 2 viewpoints and left us to wander for about 20 minutes at every. The views have been breathtaking each step alongside the way in which.
There have been barely any vacationers and we liked how peaceable it was. Should you’re planning day journeys from Taipei, we reckon it’s best to embrace this hidden gem in your itinerary!
Entrance price: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
The way to get there: Drive 50 minutes from Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station
3:30PM: Pinglin Tea Museum
Subsequent cease, Pinglin Tea Museum.
Whereas right here, we learnt concerning the historical past and enjoyable information of Taiwanese tea tradition. Do you know that tea plantation staff keep awake for the complete three days and three nights in the course of the harvest season?
We spent half-hour studying about Taiwanese tea tradition with the interactive components within the museum, together with a station the place we may scent various kinds of tea.
Value: From NT$80 (~S$4)
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM (Mon – Fri), 9AM – 5:30PM (Sat – Solar)
Tackle: No. 19-1, Shuisongqikeng Street, Pinglin District, New Taipei Metropolis
5PM: Shiding Previous Avenue Tea Tasting
The tour ends with a tea-tasting expertise on the Xuanziwu in Shiding Previous Avenue.
The 45-minute session is hosted by a tea grasp, who taught us about Taiwanese tea tradition — together with attention-grabbing tea ceremony customs and the optimum technique of brewing totally different teas.
Enjoyable truth: You thank the individual serving tea by tapping the desk thrice along with your index and center fingers.
We tried baozhong oolong tea, honey-scented grasshopper black tea and tung ting oolong tea. And my favorite was the regionally produced grasshopper black tea as a consequence of its outstanding honey aroma. It tasted so good we bought some to carry residence!
Value: Included in tour
Opening hours: 9AM – 8PM
Tackle: No. 31, Pinglin St, Pinglin District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 23241
Lodging in Taipei
Photograph credit score: Klook
For our journey, it was necessary that we have been inside strolling distance of Taipei Primary Station since we had many day journeys. We ended up at Finders Lodge which was a 6-minute stroll away.
The usual double room we stayed in was clear and had all primary facilities together with a quick WiFi connection! There was additionally enough house to maneuver round after opening our baggage.
Free meals resembling cup noodles, tea and biscuits have been obtainable within the foyer, together with video games like darts and a foosball desk.
Value: ~S$72/night time by way of Klook
Tackle: No. 86, Part 1, Chongqing South Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 100
The way to get there: Stroll 6mins from Taipei Primary Station (Exit Z10)
Transport for Taipei Day Journeys
Whereas it’s potential to utilise public transport for day journeys out of Taipei, we discovered the next association a greater expertise:
– Day tour to Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu
– Half-day tour to Shiding
– Non-public constitution to get round Keelung
In hindsight, having our transport sorted for day journeys saved us a number of time and power. The drivers and guides have been additionally very beneficiant with solutions of local-approved eateries.
Should you solely have just a few days to discover Taiwan, reserving a tour or non-public constitution is unquestionably essentially the most handy and environment friendly strategy to cowl many sights!
Should you plan to go to different components of Taiwan, try these guides:
– 8D Japanese Taiwan Itinerary: The Gateway to Nature’s Finest Adventures (Taipei, Yilan, Hualien, Taitung and Kenting)
– 25 Distinctive Issues To Do In Taiwan In addition to Visiting Evening Markets
– The Final THSR Taiwan Meals Information: 25 Should-eats in Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung
– High 7 issues to do in and round Kaohsiung — Gateway to Taiwan’s laid again South
Are there every other lesser-known spots you’d add to this Taipei and surrounds itinerary? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
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