What Interesting Things To Do In Taipei|Explore Taiwan

cupcakes-singapore | Posted on July 9, 2016 |

Been wanting to explore the less touristy spots in Taiwan and see the beauty of Taiwan? Here are 9 places you can visit!

1. Explore the small lanes of Jui Fen Old Street

Getting there: From Taipei, take the train north to Ruifang Station. After exiting the station, cross the street to the bus stop next to the Wellcome Supermarket and board the Keelung Transit bus towards Jiufen. The bus trip takes roughly 15 minutes, and the fare is NT$21 during the weekdays, NT$15 during weekends/holiday.

Besides the usual tea sessions, look out for good eats when exploring the smaller lanes. Here are a few of the things you must try!

– Egg pudding at Jui Fen bus station

– Handmade Fishball Vermicelli

– Ah Ma Orh Yi (Taro balls)

-Filtered Coffee

2. Golden Waterfall

Getting there: Take bus 788 from Keelung or Bus 886 from Ruifang. Both buses stop exactly in front of the falls. Alternatively, you can take a cab from Gold Mine Museum for around NT50 per person.

Set against the Green Hulk-like Mt Keelung and overlooking the alluring Yin Yang Sea, this waterfall is just such a serene and peaceful place. Taiwan was traditionally known for coal mines that are non-operational now. Thus, when it rains and when the rain seeped into these mines amalgamates with the metal deposits, it causes a chemical reaction that produces a stunning coppery Golden Waterfall.

3. Yin Yang Sea

Right beside the Golden Waterfall is the Yin Yang Sea. This sea is called the Yin Yang sea due to the intense contrast between the golden yellow water at the bay and the sparkling blue water from the endless sea.

4. Kee Lung Mountain

Getting there: Qiche Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City 224

588m above sea level, Mt KeeLung is an extinct volcano with a panoramic top view. The view from the foot of the mountain is picturesque but if you want a breath-taking view, take a 45 minutes hike to the top.

5. Mao Kong Shan

Getting there: Take Wenshan-Neihu Line to Taipei Zoo Metro Station, then walk to Maokong Gondola Taipei Zoo Station | Take Bus 236, 237, 282, 294, 295, 611, 676, 679, S21, Brown (3, 6, 11, 15, 18), Green (1, 1501, 1073, 1558, 1503) to Maokong Gondola Taipei Zoo Station

Love the sunset? This is the perfect place in the city for you to catch the setting sun and to feel the warmth of the sun on your face. There are many hidden tea houses along the winding lanes. Tea-sipping is a must when you are Mao Kong Shan, Taipei’s tea plantation.

6. Shi Fen Old Street

Getting there by train: From Taipei Main Station, take a northbound train (except Keelung-bound trains) towards Ruifang Station. Transfer to the Pingxi Line (平溪線) and drop at Shi Fen Station.

Known for being a place where people can release sky lanterns, don’t just be mesmerised by the sky lanterns. Take a walk along the vintage and themed shops along the train tracks.

7. Shi Fen Waterfall

Getting there: Short walk from Shi Fen Train Station. There will be many signs leading you to the waterfall.

Before you get to Shi Fen Waterfall, you will pass by this iconic suspension bridge. This cascading waterfall is labelled the Niagara Falls of Taiwan; being the largest natural waterfall along Pingxi Line.

8. Pingxi Old Street

Getting there by train: From Taipei Main Station, take a northbound train (except Keelung-bound trains) towards Ruifang Station. Transfer to the Pingxi Line (平溪線) and purchase a One Day Ticket for the Pingxi Line, NT$52.

Another spot for setting off sky lanterns, this place may be a better option as it is less crowded compared to Shi Fen.

9. Yang Ming Shan National Park

Lined with hot springs along the mountain, city dwellers will take a day trip to soak their bodies in milky sulphuric baths and rest their eyes on miles of luscious green hills. Make a stop at the flower clock and don’t forget the Calla Lilies Farm (Zhu Zhi Hu). In spring, this entire field will be filled with pink and white Calla Lilies. If you are up to the challenge, trek up to the Volcanic vent (Xiao You Keng) where you will be surprised with a breath taking view of the scenery.

Try out these uncommon places on your next trip to Taiwan!