Taiwan is shaped like a small sweet potato, with even sweeter people.

My time here was so magical; I loved every minute of it. If you want to go to China but are intimidated, Taiwan struck me as a friendlier, more accessible, and westernized version of China.

Sights

• Yangmingshan National Park
  • Xiaoyoukeng Visitor Center: Continuous stream of smoke emanating from the sulfur reserve.
  • Qingtiangang Grassland: This place is from another world. As you walk among the tops of the hills, you are greeted by some friendly ox, on the other side of a fence for the majority of the time. Bring a blanket, have a picnic, take a photo jumping in the air with joy!
• Qianshui Bay: Small beach with a cute little pier that extends into the water.
• Laomei Beach: This beach is remarkable, with wave-shaped rocks visible on the shoreline that are covered in striking green algae. Up the hill a short way, you can visit the lighthouse and get a great panoramic view.
• Elisa Cafe – 萬里駱駝峰: This location only appeared in Mandarin, but if you find the cafe and then continue on the road, you’ll pass between two rocks that look orange. Get out onto the rocks and explore. Great views and incredible marbling of the rock. 207, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Wanli District.
• Taiwan 101: Iconic building, lots of luxury shops.
• Raohe St. Night Market: Awesome night market. Soft-shell crab, sweet sausage, fried sweet rice balls, burnt quail egg, sugar-dipped strawberries, tongyuan over shaved ice.
• National Palace Museum: Lovely building with a great selection of art. Really enjoyed it, modern and fun.
• Zhongshan Metro Mall: This shopping center is in a fun part of town. They have a Din Tai Fung and a few other dim sum places. Great energy, lots of food options.
• Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall: Easily the most impressive and memorable memorials I’ve been to. The grounds sprawl across 8 city blocks worth of land with impressive buildings.
• Shilin Main Presidential Residence: Wonderful chrysanthemum park around and an opportunity to go into the president’s home!

Eats

• Miau Ban Garden Restaurant: This is near Yangmingshan National Park. A tucked-away dining spot with amazing chicken, morning glory greens, and ginger dessert.
• Yu Jiaxiang Seafood Restaurant: The best squid I’ve ever had. You can also pick out the squid and all the seafood you want from the front of the shop fresh.
• Beefull: We had the most insane beef noodles here, a Taiwan classic. Located at Shilin station, which is a treasure trove for good eats. Conveniently on your way to the National Palace Museum.
• WooTea: Their Thai milk tea is the second-best milk tea I’ve had in all of Asia. Also located at the Shilin station.