5 Days in Taiwan: A Journey Through the Heart of Taipei
Day 1: Arrival & Discovering Ximending’s Charm
As the plane touched down at Taoyuan International Airport, the excitement was palpable. Taiwan, with its vibrant culture and stunning sights, awaited. The first task—withdrawing cash (we used GCASH - and it was hassle free, aside from the long line at the ATM). After quickly withdrawing cash and playing at Luckyland where we unfortunately not lucky enough to win, LOL. We headed to the Airport MRT, a smooth ride later, we arrived at Taipei Main Station, where we transferred to the Green Line and then the Blue Line, finally stepping off at Ximen Station where our hotel was located.
We couldn’t resist stepping right back into the streets, wandering down the colorful Rainbow Street, a hidden gem filled with street art that made for the perfect photo op. The vibrant hues of the wall murals reflected the lively spirit of Ximending—a fantastic first glimpse of Taiwan’s artistic soul.
Day 2: Temples and Taipei 101
Our second day in Taipei began early, with a trip to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. We marveled at the vast, open plaza and the majestic architecture that seemed to stand guard over the heart of the city. The towering memorial was breathtaking—a real symbol of Taiwan’s rich history and pride.
Not far from the memorial was Longshan Temple, a serene, centuries-old place of worship. A short, ten-minute walk brought us there, where we found the air thick with incense and the soft murmur of prayers. The ornate carvings and golden statues made this a sacred retreat from the city’s hustle.
After immersing ourselves in Taipei’s spiritual side, we hopped back on the MRT, heading towards the iconic Taipei 101. We unfortunately had to skip the observatory deck due to long queue.
Ended the day riding the Maokong Gondola, with stunning views at one of the coldest spots we've visited so far.
Day 3: A Scenic Day Trip to Tamsui?
Today was about escaping the city and experiencing Taiwan’s natural beauty. We began by taking the MRT to Tamsui, a coastal town that feels like a world away from the bustling streets of Taipei. Our plan was to go to Tiaoshi Coast, to experience the salty breeze and stunning ocean views - we unfortunately rode wrong bus number and got lost. Good thing we meet few people who helped us back in track. By the time we found our way, it was too late and we were too tired already. Had to head back to hotel.
Day 4: A Journey Jiufen and Shifen
Feeling adventurous, we set off early in the morning, we boarded to Jinshan, a charming little town where we stopped for a quick snack before heading to Jiufen—a place that felt like it had stepped out of a storybook. Steeped in history, the winding streets of Jiufen were lined with tea houses and small shops selling handmade goods. The mist rolling down the mountains added an almost magical quality to the town.
As the day began to fade, we took the bus back to Ruifang Station and hopped on the train to Shifen, where we released sky lanterns over the railway tracks. The soft glow of the lanterns floating into the night sky made for an unforgettable experience, symbolizing wishes and dreams.
After a few hours we boarded the return train to Taipei. Back at Taipei Main Station, we decided to revisit Ximending. This time, we explored the alleys, indulged in some late-night street food, and watched the neon lights flicker as we made our way through the vibrant district.
Day 5: Farewell
The memories of Taiwan—the street art, the temples, the lanterns in the night sky—stayed with us as we made our way to the airport, knowing that Taiwan’s beauty had left an indelible mark on our hearts.
What a journey it had been! Taiwan had shown us everything from its rich cultural heritage to its modern marvels. Every corner, every street, every moment felt like a part of a larger, beautiful story.
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