Taipei: A CNY trip

Chinese New Year is just around the corner! So it is just the perfect time to write about my CNY trip, which happened a few years ago. Haha! I know it’s been like ages so this post is just a round-up of the places we went to during our trip. I hope this will be helpful especially to those of you wondering what to see in Taipei.

We went in February, which apparently is winter season in Taiwan. This was my first trip outside Southeast Asia, so I thought, maybe winter isn’t that cold since we’re still in Asia, and packed my blazers. That was the last time I brought blazers on a winter trip. Compared to the locals wearing furry coats and boots and gloves, I wasn’t underdressed, I was ‘undressed’! And yes, I ended up buying a pair of boots and gloves, the budget couldn’t accommodate the furry coats anymore.

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

This is just huge and beautiful and reminds me so much of those palaces I see in Koreanovelas.

*The memorial hall is built as a tribute to the founder of modern China, Sun Yat-Sen*

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

I love big, open spaces and this stunning architecture stands on the expansive Chiang Kai-shek grounds surrounded by impeccably manicured gardens. I couldn’t get over how grand this is so I got all sides of the hall covered. For history buffs, you would be glad to know that there’s a museum inside documenting the former President’s life and exhibits showing the country’s history.

Don’t miss the changing of the guards ceremony which happens every hour from 9am. I am totally impressed at the way they can keep their composure for an hour, they won’t even bat an eye! Okay, I actually don’t know because I wasn’t there for the whole duration of their duty. Come early (like as soon as the previous hour changing of the guards has finished) to secure a good spot!

Taipei 101

Of course, you were not in Taipei when you haven’t seen Taipei 101. Standing tall in the midst of the city, it is just impossible to miss. Apparently, the design was inspired by the bamboo plant, the eight sections resemble the shoots of a bamboo tree where the number 8 means prosperity in Chinese.

Jiufen Old Street

This is a one-hour bus ride from Taipei. Situated in the mountains, you can enjoy scenic views of Northern Taiwan along the way. It’s a long and winding street consisting of food stalls and souvenir shops and more food stalls. There’s something for every palate here – from mochi to smelly tofu, peanut ice-cream to grilled mushroom and sea snails, everyone will be spoilt for choice! Need a tip? Go where the queue is, you won’t regret it!

If you like cobblestone streets (I do!) and anything artsy, it’s the place to be!

Yehliu Geopark

We took the bus from Taipei West Bus station going here. Travel time is 1.5-2 hours. Here you can find several geological formations, the Queen’s Head being the most popular. Perfect for nature lovers!

Shifen Old Street

Easily my second favourite part of the trip! Guess what, I just set a Chinese lantern with my wishes on it into the sky, and it just felt surreal.

24a — *And there goes the first Chinese character I ever wrote ❤*

*It’s in the railway station so people have to give way when the train arrives*

National Taiwan University

And we’ve come to my favourite part of the trip!! Du-du-du-dun! No, I am not fangirling, I was just hoping to bump into my very own Dao Ming Su. Haha! But really, my friend and I set a Me-Myself-and-I day (very introvert of us) so we could do whatever it is we want to do without someone else judging. So this is it, I decided to go biking!! Don’t judge me. First love never dies, ya know.

Where did I get a bike? Tadaaa! There’s a public bicycle rental just outside the university entrance. But first, you have to sign up as a YouBike member. There’s a kiosk terminal just beside this bike station where you can do this. You need an Easycard (the mrt card) and a local mobile number. Just follow the instructions and you have your bike. Easypeasy!