Hello: Ni hao

Thank you: Xiexie (pronounced: shay shay)

Currency and exchange rate (2018): $1=30 NT$

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Cultural Notes:

• If staying into the country for an extended period get an Easycard (public transport is amazing in Taiwan and this card can be used for busses and the MRT, saving time and giving you discounts for rides versus using cash).

• Affection for the opposite sex is not shown in public. Putting an arm around someone’s shoulder, winking, and pointing with your index finger are also considered rude.

• Men should not cross their legs. Hands should be placed on the lap when sitting.

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The capital of the country and a melting pot of western and Asian cultures, where history is explored in national palaces and day hikes provide perfect justification for oversampling what is sure to be some of the best food of your travels at the night markets.

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GETTING AROUND: The easiest and cheapest way around the city is via the bus and metro system. The “bus/metro” button of Google Maps can help you navigate the lines you will need to take. 

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EAT:

• Soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung (Xiao Long Bao)

• Shilin Tourist Night Market

  • Beef noodles​

  • Baobing (shaved ice)

  • Baozi (steamed buns) - especially Sheng Jian Bao

  • Scallion pancake

  • Stinky tofu

• Raohe Night Market

• Hot pot

• Drink: pearl milk (bubble) tea

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TO DO:​

• Hike Mount Elephant for a view of the city

• Get your hair washed at a local salon

• Visit Huashan 1914 Creative Park

• Visit the National Palace Museum in Shilin - the world's largest collection of Chinese art

  • Be sure to marvel at the jade room, especially the renowned jadeite cabbage

  • The museum offers free guided tours in English at 10am and 3pm as well as English headphone guide (NT$150, requires passport or cash deposit)

• See Taipei 101 at night (no need to pay to go up)

• Go to the movies (every movie will be in English with subtitles) 

• Get a permit and hike Jade Mountain (highest peak in Taiwan)

 

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Day Trips:

• Yangmingshan National Park

  • Use the park bus, get off at Qingtiangang and Xiao You Keng

• Pingxi

  • Famous for releasing lanterns at night

• Hike Xiaozi, Cimu and Putuo mountains

• Lingjiao Shiku Waterfall

• Shifen Waterfall

• Day hike the Taoyuan Valley Trail

  • Access via the MRT

  • Check weather/cloud cover ahead of time

• Yehliu Geopark

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A cute mountainside town overlooking the sea that some say inspire Miyazaki’s city in Spirited Away.

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GETTING THERE:

• Motorbike

  • Along the way, stop at Hutong Cat Village, a village devoted to cats

• ​Take a TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station

  • To visit Shien, transfer to the Pingxi Line to Shifen Station

    • In Shifen: light paper lanterns or visit the waterfalls​

  • To continue to Jiufen, transfer to bus 827 or 788 to Jiufen (on weekends, you can also catch bus 825)

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TO DO:

• Explore the town

• Eat your way through old town

• Visit the mask shop

• Hike Teapot Mountain

• Drink tea at a traditional teahouse

 

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Taking a trip down Taiwan's eastern coast will take you through this coastal, mountainous city. Frequented for its access to natural environment, multiple days can be spent here exploring all the beaches and hiking the area has to offer.

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• Taroko Gorge

• Swallow Grotto Trail

• Precipice hike

• Natural hot springs

• Hitchhike through the park to Hehuanshan mountain - about 100km both ways, make a sign in Chinese

• Wenshan hot spring

• Feicui Gu (swimming hole)

• Take the local bus to the beach

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One of the top surfing spots in the country, the low-key city of Dulan is a haven for artists, beach lovers, serenity seekers, and expats alike. 

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STAY: 

• Dulan the Travel Bug Bistro Inn

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EAT:

• Cheap noodle place across the street from Travel Bug 

• Taitung Tea House - fish and chips shop in the alleyway

• More food suggestions: https://www.nickkembel.com/dulan-taiwan-surfing-beach/

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TO DO:

• On Saturday nights, the abandoned sugar factory hosts live music, local foods, and homemade beer and mead (Highway 11 Bar)

• Ask the hostel about the secret waterfall and hiking through the forest

• Visit the beach

  • Take a surfing lesson (arrange through Surf House Tawian or Wa Ga Li Gong Surf Hostel & Restaurant)​

• Rent a bicycle or car and explore the area

  • ​ Platform of the Three Immortals

  • Xingang Fish Market in Chenggong

• Continue to Taitung

  • ​From here, take ferry to Orchid or Green Island (quiet, easy to motorbike around, beautiful and culturally preserved but expensive to access)

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As the southernmost tip of the country, this city offers tropical weather, easy access to national parks, many food options, and a laid-back backpacker community.

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STAY:

• Rainbow Wave - surfer hostel

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TO DO: 

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The second largest city in Taiwan and its largest port, this is a good reintroduction into the bustling metropolis side of the country. Museums, bars, and wide streets to get lost among, Kaohsiung is worth a stop before returning to the capital.

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TO DO: 

• Visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda

• Go shopping in the Neiwei Flea Market in the Gushan District

• Visit the art studios off of Dayi Street along the water (find by searching “live warehouse” in Maps.me)

• Visit Pier-2 Art Center

 

 

 

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TO DO:​