Mountains, Night Markets &
Timeless Traditions
Explore Taiwan
Taiwan is one of those places that quickly leaves a lasting impression. It combines vibrant city life, traditional temples, incredible street food, and beautiful mountain scenery, making every day of the journey feel different. Although I’ve only begun exploring the island, each visit has left me wanting to discover even more.
Check out my photography in Taipei Visual Stories
for more inspiration and places I have explored
What I Enjoy Taipei
Taiwan had been on my travel list for many years, yet somehow I never made it there. Once I finally visited, I quickly understood why so many people speak so fondly of this island. After just a couple of trips, I found myself looking forward to returning and exploring beyond Taipei.
What I enjoy most about travelling in Taiwan is how easily modern city life blends with traditional culture and nature. You can visit centuries-old temples, wander through lively night markets, enjoy some of the best local food in Asia, and end the day surrounded by mountain views or a beautiful city skyline.
On my visits, I stayed in Ximending at Hotel Midtown Richardson, which turned out to be a very convenient base for exploring Taipei. The MRT makes it easy to move around the city, although there is still plenty of walking once you start exploring different neighbourhoods. Taipei is a city I enjoyed discovering on foot, from temples and shopping streets to the many night markets scattered across the city.
In the morning, I enjoyed heading out for a run from Ximending, with routes taking me towards Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple and the nearby Bopiliao Historic Block with its distinctive red-brick buildings. Running through these different parts of Taipei gave me another perspective of the city, especially early in the morning before the streets became busy.
Travelling around Taipei is straightforward with its efficient MRT and public transportation, while the friendly people and welcoming atmosphere add to the experience. Although my journeys have focused mainly on Taipei so far, including day trips beyond the city, they have made me want to return and discover more destinations across the island.
Where to Visit
My journey in Taiwan has so far taken me to Taipei, the island’s vibrant capital. It offers an excellent introduction with iconic landmarks, historic temples, famous night markets, shopping districts, and easy access to nearby mountain towns and scenic day trips.
As I continue exploring Taiwan, I’ll be adding more destinations and travel stories to this guide.
Cities Beyond Taipei to Visit
- New Taipei Jiufen, Shifen, scenic coastlines, waterfalls, and historic mining towns just beyond Taipei.
- Taichung A creative city known for colourful attractions, cafés, parks, and Gaomei Wetlands.
- Tainan Taiwan’s oldest city, known for historic temples, heritage streets, and local food.
- Kaohsiung A lively harbour city with waterfront attractions, art districts, temples, and night markets.
- Hualien A gateway to mountain landscapes, dramatic gorges, and the scenic east coast.
- Alishan Mountain railways, misty forests, tea plantations, and beautiful sunrise views.
- Sun Moon Lake A scenic lake surrounded by cycling routes, temples, and mountain views.
Here are Taipei’s
Most Instagrammable Spots:
- Taipei 101 – One of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers with panoramic city views.
- Longshan Temple – Taipei’s most famous historic temple and an important cultural landmark.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall – A grand national monument with impressive architecture and ceremonial guards.
- National Palace Museum – Home to one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese imperial treasures.
- Ximending – Taipei’s lively shopping and entertainment district, popular for street food and youth culture.
- Shilin Night Market – One of Taiwan’s largest and most famous night markets.
- Raohe Street Night Market – A favourite for authentic Taiwanese street food and local atmosphere.
- Elephant Mountain – A short hike offering one of the best skyline views of Taipei.
- Beitou Hot Springs – A relaxing hot spring district just outside the city centre.
- Maokong Gondola – Scenic cable car rides through tea plantations with mountain views. Jiufen(Day Trip) – A charming hillside town known for lantern-lined streets, tea houses, and coastal views.
- Yehliu Geopark(Day Trip) – Unique rock formations shaped by wind and sea, including the famous Queen’s Head.
