TAIPEI, TAIWAN: ALTERNATIVE THINGS

Taipei, once known as “Formosa,” meaning beautiful island, is in Taiwan. It was previously called Hong Kong and Shanghai.

You’ll find a modern, exciting Asian city with low prices and old cultural influences from the Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch.

Things to Do in Taipei

People here are warm, friendly, sincere, and proud to be the land of xiao chi (literally translated as small bites’ – Taiwanese tapas that can be devoured), their efficient public transport system, and continued independence from mainland China.

Taipei’s Most Popular Places to Visit

Standard Tour of Taipei: Visit Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and National Palace Museum. Night markets are also included. You can try many Taiwanese classics such as stinky tofu, braised minced pork rice, and oyster omelet.

If you’re interested in history and museums, these are great places to visit, and you are a traveler who wants to see the most famous sights.

Avoid the long lines and significant sights if you want something more local. Here are seven things I recommend.

Go up Elephant Mountain (XiangShan).

It’s a short hike that MRT can reach. Although the trails are mostly paved and stairs, they can be steep. It takes approximately 30 minutes to enjoy the stunning views of the city. The course can be extended, which takes roughly an hour.

Instead of standing in long lines to climb Taipei 101, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the building from the top of Elephant Mountain.

The best time to go is on weekdays in the morning to see the sunrise or later in the afternoon or evening to catch the sunset.

If you feel like being outdoors, you can visit the three other small mountains around Taipei with their hiking trails.

Tiger, Leopard, And Lion Mountains

They are Tiger Mountain, Leopard Mountain, and Lion Mountain. They are collectively known as the Four Beasts Mountains.

• How to get there? Take the Red Line and get off at XiangShan. Follow the marked signs.

Shuanglian Morning Market: Start your day

Although Taiwan is well-known for its night markets, morning markets are trendy. You will see locals grocery shopping and buying fresh produce, meat, and fish.

You will find food stalls and people selling daily household items and clothing in the narrower streets and alleyways. They are half the price at Shilin Night Markets or Ximenting.

Here are some street snacks for the daytime. The Taiwanese burrito, also known as running, is my favorite. It’s filled with vegetables and pork meat and topped with peanuts. You can also get ice cream wrapped in the crepe with shredded peanuts or cilantro.

• How to get there: Take the Red Line and leave at Shuanglian MRT Station.

Visit Dihua Street – Dadaocheng

This street is Taipei’s oldest and was once a central area of commerce. It is about 15 to 20 minutes walking distance from Shuanglian market.

Historic buildings are being restored and preserved, displaying the architectural styles of the Qing Dynasty and the Japanese occupation of Taiwan.

You will find a mixture of traditional shops selling Chinese herbal medicine, fabric, and teas. There are also various modern shops selling local artisans and independent tea shops.

Take a seat and enjoy a cup of tea.

Xiahai Chenghuang Temple

You’ll come across a temple called Xiahai Chenghuang Temple as you walk along. Here is the Chinese Cupid.

Many young people visit this site to pray for a partner and a loving, happy relationship.

Enjoy O-Dei at Its Best

If you’re a foodie, you can find O-dei, a street snack I love. It is a fried pat stuffed with oyster and cabbage.

It is located in an alleyway (Lane 36 YanPing N. Rd. Sec. 2). It is a temporary stand that closes Mondays. One can be purchased for 45NT.

• To get to Dihua Street, take the MRT Green Line from Beimen to Tacheng Street.

Indulge In Your Spirit – Bao-An Temple

Bao-an is an excellent alternative if you’re not yet “temple tired” and want to avoid Long Shan’s crowded temple.

The temple has intricate decorations and hosts a free clinic for Chinese medicine.

They host many temple ceremonies and festivities. Bao-Sheng Cultural Festival is one of the most well-known events. It takes place on the 15th of the third lunar month (April/ June) and lasts approximately a month.

It is celebrated with lion dances, fire-walking rituals, and parades. Click here for more information.

You can also pick up incense sticks and pray for your family and friends back home.

• You can get there by taking the Red Line MRT towards Tamshui. Get off at Yuan Shan Station exit Kulun Street, and walk for approximately 10 minutes—Address: No.61, Hami St., Taipei City.

Escape the Crowd and Visit Taipei’s 24-Hour Bookstore.

The Eslite Bookstore-Dunnan branch is for those who don’t like partying, singing, and drinking.

This is the ideal place for bookworms or insomniacs. You can read as much as you like without buying anything.

It contains more than 230,000 books in Chinese and other languages.

• How to get to Eslite Dunnan Branch No. 245 Section 1, Dunhua S. Rd., Da’an District, Taipei. Take the blue MRT Line and get off at Zhongxiao Dunhua.

Hua Shan Creative Park: Recharge and Support Local Artists

Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a beautiful open space, was once a winery or sake-producing factory during the Japanese colonial period.

It has become a place for Taipei’s creative types and artists. Here they display their indie creations, from fashion and art to photography.