"The tickets are really limited—you fight for them and still might not get one," explains Jessica Ho. When the Sky Becomes a Canvas: Inside Taiwan's Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

There’s a moment—right before hundreds of sky lanterns release simultaneously—when thousands fall silent. Then the sky erupts with glowing orbs floating upward like a river of light. The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival (February 27 in Pingxi, March 3 in Shifen) transforms an old survival signal into one of the world’s most breathtaking celebrations.

What Nobody Tells You About Attending

Here’s the reality: the festival is stunning, but getting there independently requires serious planning.

The Transportation Challenge

The Pingxi Line—a charming railway perfect for day trips—becomes overwhelmed during the festival. Wait times stretch to hours, trains arrive packed, and many people can’t board. One friend waited three hours at Shifen Station after the festival, watching train after train pass without space.

Jessica Ho, who attended last year’s festival, found the shuttle bus system surprisingly efficient despite the challenging terrain. “The shuttle bus flow was actually pretty good,” she recalls. “It really didn’t take long, we didn’t wait that much. Though the mountain roads are truly winding and bus seats are limited—about 30 minutes.” Still, she emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and being patient with the logistics.

Critical update: The Pingxi Line from Ruifang is under maintenance due to typhoon damage, with replacement buses until January 30, 2026. For the February 27 festival, verify if train service has resumed. March 3 should have normal operations, but always check before going.

2026.02 Update:

The Pingxi Line has now completed repairs following typhoon-related damage, and train services have resumed normal operations.However, due to Taiwan’s weather conditions and seismic activity, service adjustments may still occur at short notice. We strongly recommend checking the official Taiwan Railways (TRA) website 1–2 days before departure for the latest service updates.

Securing Your Lantern Release: Two Options

Want to release your own lantern? You have two ways to secure your spot:

Option 1: Online Pre-registration (NT$200)

Register through the official festival website and pay NT$200 to guarantee your participation. You’ll receive an activity number that you’ll exchange on festival day (between 14:00-17:00) for your lantern voucher plus a small gift. One voucher represents one lantern for four people to share, when you registered the amount, one order meaning one side of lantern—if your group has fewer than four, staff will pair you with other participants. Keep your activity number safe (no reissue if lost), and note that payments are non-refundable.

These online slots sell out quickly, so register as early as possible when registration opens.

Option 2: Free On-Site Tickets (Limited)

Free tickets are distributed at the festival service counter starting at 10:30 AM each day, first-come-first-served. One voucher covers one lantern for 2-4 people to share. These are extremely limited and run out fast—many people arrive well before 10:00 AM to queue. Miss this window, and you’ll watch from the sidelines rather than participate in the mass release.

“The tickets are really limited—you fight for them and still might not get one,” explains Jessica Ho. She arrived at 2 PM thinking she’d be early enough, only to find tickets long gone. “I still stayed and watched, and it was beautiful—but knowing I could’ve participated if I’d just arrived earlier… that hurt.”

This isn’t about showing up for the 5:00 PM event—it’s about securing your spot hours earlier. Without a ticket, you’re still welcome to attend and witness the spectacle, but there’s a profound difference between being in the ceremony versus observing from outside.

The Practical Realities

Tens of thousands of people in dense crowds. Long food lines. Limited restrooms with significant queues—a tourist center next to the venue has facilities, plus portable restrooms. Unpredictable March weather with temperatures around 15-20°C and possible drizzle. The festival runs rain or shine. Plan for a late return, potentially past midnight with public transportation delays.

Jessica suggests a strategic approach: “Arrange food before noon, eat and explore at Pingxi Old Street, then have the lantern release as the finale. As more people arrive later, I could slowly make my way over.” Her timing—leaving Taipei at 10 AM and returning around 9 PM—allowed her to experience everything without feeling rushed.

The Alternative: Organized Tours

For those wanting guaranteed participation without the 10 AM scramble, specialized tours include pre-secured lantern releases, transportation logistics, optimal timing to avoid chaos, and cultural context from guides. Small group tours (18-20 people) maintain intimacy while handling the complications that can otherwise overshadow the magic.

The Hidden Gem: Pinglin’s Tea Country

Here’s a local secret: about 30 minutes before you reach the main festival areas, Pinglin offers a completely different pace—Taiwan’s tea heartland, where the atmosphere is deliberately slow and refreshingly uncrowded.

The Pinglin Tea Museum sits elegantly beside the mountains, offering context about centuries of tea cultivation that shaped this region. Walk through Pinglin Old Street, where elderly shop owners sell locally produced oolong alongside homemade tea snacks. It’s the perfect alternative for those who want cultural richness without battling festival throngs—or an ideal stop if you’re arriving early and need somewhere peaceful before evening events.

The mountainous Pinglin area’s economy historically relied on tea farming and coal mining. When both declined, communities struggled. The sky lantern festival became part of the region’s reinvention, bringing tourism that supports local families while preserving traditions. Understanding this backstory—whether experienced in Pinglin’s quiet streets or Pingxi’s festival chaos—transforms the experience from a pretty spectacle into something with deeper resonance.

The Mass Release: Why People Travel Halfway Across the World

Around 5:00 PM as dusk settles, if you secured a ticket, you’ll receive your lantern—a surprisingly large paper balloon with a bamboo frame. Four sides, four chances to write your heart’s desires.

Watch the crowd for inspiration. Grandparents brush Chinese characters wishing health and longevity (健康, 長壽). Young couples declare love and dreams (愛, 幸福). Students plead for exam success. Parents pray for their children’s safety (平安, 快樂). Some write entire paragraphs, others simply names of departed loved ones. You’ll see wishes in English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Spanish—the sky understands all languages.

What do people actually wish for?  Jessica laughs when asked about her lantern message: “Get my Taiwan ID card, make a fortune! No, seriously, I wrote about achieving success first, then getting my Taiwan residence permit.” The mixture of practical hopes and grand dreams—that’s the beauty of these floating prayers.

Then comes the signal. Paper rustles as fuel packs ignite. Lanterns inflate rapidly, tugging against eager hands. Then—up they go. Hundreds of glowing orbs ascending together as a coordinated wave, their warm light reflecting in thousands of upturned faces.

“The moment of releasing the lanterns—it’s moving, a feeling of rebirth pounding in your chest,” Jessica describes, her voice still carrying wonder. “So many lanterns, it feels like watching the sunrise at Alishan.” When asked how the reality compared to photos and videos she’d seen online, she pauses thoughtfully: “No difference, really. But being there, feeling it—that’s something no screen can capture.”

This is why people cry. It’s not just the beauty—it’s realizing you’re part of something bigger. Your hopes and dreams merge with the elders from Japan, the backpackers from Germany, and the family from Singapore. For a few minutes, nationality, language, age—none of it matters. Everyone’s just human, hoping for better days.

The lanterns drift higher, spreading across the dark sky like stars being born. Some cluster together as companions. Others venture solo into darkness. All carry their secret messages skyward until they’re tiny flickering lights against the vastness above.

Why This Tradition Matters

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival represents something Taiwan does exceptionally well—taking traditional practices that could have faded and reimagining them for contemporary relevance while respecting cultural roots. It’s a living culture that evolves while maintaining its soul, welcoming everyone regardless of origin or language.

When asked if she’d recommend the festival to friends, Jessica doesn’t hesitate: “Absolutely. But I’d tell them: come prepared, arrive early, don’t expect it to be easy—but expect it to be worth it. Every bit of the hassle, every hour of waiting, it all fades when those lanterns go up. You’ll understand why people keep coming back.”

Your lantern is waiting. Your wishes are ready—the mountains of Pingxi call.

Practical Information

2026 Festival Dates:
– February 27th: Pingxi District
– March 3rd: Shifen Square, Pingxi District
– Main releases: 5:00-8:00 PM both days

Getting There:

By Train (once service resumes):
– Taipei Main Station → Ruifang Station (30-40 min, ~NT$76)
– Transfer to Pingxi Line → Pingxi or Shifen Station (25-30 min, ~NT$15)
– Total journey: ~1.5-2 hours
⚠️ Important: Pingxi Line under maintenance until Jan 30, 2026. Check TRA for updates before Feb 27 festival.

By Bus:
– Line 795 from MRT Muzha Station to Shifen (~90 min, ~NT$45)
– Infrequent service (30-60 min intervals)

What to Bring:
– Warm layers (temperatures 15-20°C / 59-68°F)
– Rain gear (umbrella or raincoat)
– Comfortable walking shoes
– Snacks and water
– Fully charged phone/camera + portable charger
– Cash (many vendors don’t accept cards)
How to Secure Your Lantern Release:

Option 1: Online Pre-registration (NT$200, Recommended)
– Register and pay at official website
– Receive activity number (keep it safe—no reissue if lost)
– Exchange on festival day 14:00-17:00 for lantern voucher + gift
– One lantern shared by 4 people (staff will pair smaller groups)
– No refunds after payment
– Register early—these sell out quickly

Option 2: Free On-Site Tickets (Extremely Limited)
– Distributed at festival service counter from 10:30 AM
– One lantern for 2-4 people to share
– First-come-first-served, very limited quantity
– Arrive before 10:00 AM to queue
– Once gone, no second chances

Critical Success Tips:
– Register online early for guaranteed participation, or arrive before 10:00 AM for free on-site tickets
– Without a voucher, you can watch but not participate in releases
– If you have online registration: exchange between 14:00-17:00 (late exchanges forfeit your spot)
– Arrange food and exploration before noon, save lantern release as the finale
– Check weather forecast and transportation updates before going
– Be patient with crowds—they’re part of the experience
– Plan for late return (potentially past midnight with public transportation)

Festival Tours:
For guaranteed lantern releases and organized logistics, specialized tours handle transportation, timing, and cultural context while including stops at Pinglin Tea Museum and traditional old streets.
Learn more: 2026 Cultural Sky Lantern Festival Tour

Official Festival Information:
New Taipei City Government 2026 Pingxi Sky Lantern offical website: https://skylantern.ntpc.gov.tw/#/info?tab=4

Related Reading:
Write Your Wishes on the Wind: Why Pingxi’s Sky Lantern Is a Must-Do – Year-round sky lantern experiences and cultural background

Text　Hollie Younger
Photos　VISION
Editor　Levarcy Chen

Taipei’s older neighborhoods, such as Dadaocheng, are known for their numerous Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shops, which offer ingredients like ginseng (人蔘), goji berries (枸杞), and jujubes (紅棗). If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s old herbal ways, consider taking a DIY class that allows you to smell, taste, and work with a variety of herbal ingredients to concoct your own Coke-inspired brew.

The class is offered by Caomuzhushi (草木竹石), a group that provides cultural experiences and states that its mission is to “promote Taiwanese farmers and handmade-crafts designers.”

Our classroom for the day (Caomuzhushi does not have a fixed location) is a quiet and airy studio on the third floor of an old narrow-front building featuring a Baroque façade, located right in the center of the action on historic Dihua Street. The edifice is sandwiched between bustling shops selling all sorts of dried goods, their storefront wares wafting herbal aromas.

For the past two years, Caomuzhushi (lit. Grass, Wood, Bamboo, and Stone) has been offering specialized experiences to reinvent classic flavors. The team teaches how to craft herbal versions of cola, coffee, chocolate, etc., using TCM herbs and other locally sourced ingredients to promote sustainable living and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of this historical area.

We have signed up for a two-hour herbal DIY class that’ll take us through the history of cola, from its invention to the famous carbonated soft drink in red-labeled bottles people consume today. We’ll then be taught how to create an herbal version with a homemade brew of cinnamon, cloves, and a host of other traditional ingredients you might never have even heard of before.

TCM is an ancient practice still widely used across East Asia to this day, balancing yin and yang (陰陽), observing the body’s qi (氣), or energy, and relieving all manner of ailments. Our class serves as a crash course in TCM, allowing us to understand how the ingredients can aid in cooling the body down on hot summer days or heating it during chilly winter days, how they can help with digestion or with lowering blood pressure, and, more importantly for our experience, how they taste in a self-made brew.

Our teacher, Qiqi, first takes us through a fun presentation running through the history of cola and how it has been consumed through time. We then explore its present-day forms the world over, including the Japanese brand Iyoshi Cola (伊良可樂), a pop-culture icon in Taiwan, and the modern-day Coca-Cola brand, known for its fizziness and high levels of sugar. This leads us to the health benefits of our own brew, in which only a limited amount of brown sugar will be used, a somewhat healthier alternative to white sugar or corn syrup, and we learn about the drink’s medicinal benefits.

Qiqi gives us an overview of the ingredients we’ll be working with, from sealwort, favored by fasting Daoist ascetics, to the potentially poisonous nutmeg, which can induce hallucinations if improperly consumed. Then we get to the brewing. Qiqi asks us to smell and test each of 17 ingredients before we pick six to eight for our colas, depending on personal taste and medicinal needs.

I select slightly sweeter ingredients such as dried jujubes and mulberries, and those beneficial for women’s health, including ginseng. Meanwhile, my friend chooses a more bitter selection, suitable for someone more accustomed to traditionally used herbal ingredients, which is sweetened with dried chrysanthemum flower.

Next, I measure out each of the ingredients: a piece of cinnamon bark, a handful of jujubes and mulberries, and five grams each of goji berries, cloves, and tangerine peel. Then it’s time to bring the ingredients to a boil in a dash of water, followed by simmering the mix for 25 minutes.

While we wait, Qiqi brings us tastings of two of his special cola recipes, one more sweet with an herbaceous aftertaste, and one more bitter with a hit of classic TCM aromatics. Once our brews have simmered down into a deep amber liquid, we turn off the heat and add in brown sugar to taste, stirring until it turns to that deep mahogany cola color.

Qiqi helps us to strain out the liquid into a jug before we each measure 200ml for our mini take-home glass bottles. We each apply a “herbal cola” label, and voilà, we have a keepsake of our time on Dihua Street (迪化街). Once we get home, we can simply mix one part cola to two parts soda over ice to enjoy our very own brew. Before we leave, Qiqi prepares leftover cola so we can try our creations on the spot. Sweet, floral, and herbaceous, they go down a treat.

This herbal-cola DIY class is especially great for cultural experience activities, team-building sessions, educational trips, and even family outings, with participants receiving an introduction to traditional local industries and practices, and taking home some unique souvenirs.

Caomuzhushi 草木竹石
🔗www.caomuzhushi.com
🔗instagram.com/caomuzhushi.___
🕝Reservations can be made via the LINE app; Upcoming workshops are announced on Instagram

TEXT　Jenna Lynn Cody
PHOTOS　Courtesy Of Restaurants
Editor　Levarcy Chen

A restaurant’s first Michelin star is more than an achievement for the establishment; it’s a rite of passage for the chef. In 2025, a number of Taipei restaurants were honored with this distinction – offering a range of dining experiences from eco-friendly and sustainable to hyper-local, from bold Tuscan-style to delicate European-Asian fusion, as well as some of the finest Japanese cuisine available in and outside Japan.

aMaze

aMaze is just steps away from MRT Dazhi Station. Its austere façade evokes a Japanese gilt-iron tetsuyu glaze, complemented by bonsai-like twisting trees. The minimalist exterior gives way to an inviting space decorated in warm neutrals, wood, and art by contemporary Taiwanese artists, bringing splashes of cobalt and crimson to the space.

Chef Yang Guang-zong (楊光宗) not only creates but also reinvents Chinese cuisine, primarily from the Jiangsu (江蘇) and Zhejiang (浙江) traditions. His dishes incorporate elements of Western technique, Japanese accents, and local Taiwanese ingredients. The restaurant’s recent “Concerto” menu featured fresh mussels from the Matsu islands, green Huadiao bamboo shoots marinated in local wine, and smoked fish in a fusion of Zhejiang and Japanese flavors. The latest menu, “A Taste of Gratitude,” continues with premium seafood creations, high-quality wagyu beef, and warming ginger duck, perfect for the colder season.

aMaze was distinguished with its first Michelin star just a year after opening, but Chef Yang is no stranger to Michelin. As a chef at Tien Hsiang Lo (天香樓) in the Landis Taipei hotel, Yang helped that restaurant earn Michelin stars for five consecutive years.

aMaze 心宴
🚩598, Mingshui Rd., Zhongshan Dist.
📞(02) 8501-5980
🔗www.amaze598.com
🕝By reservation only

Chuan Ya

This is a fine-dining restaurant with some of the best views in Taipei. Located on the 46^th floor of the Breeze Nan Shan mall (微風南山), it offers carefully crafted set menus that move between different expressions of Sichuan cuisine – from the hearty comforts of home cooking to the refined dishes once served at official imperial banquets. Chef Jason Wang (王國政) formerly served as head chef at the local W Hotel’s YEN Chinese restaurant (紫艷中餐廳).

The Chuan Ya interior is warm and composed, using tones of cream, amber, and caramel with warm wood. This calm space allows the food to take center stage. Windows take up most of the exterior-wall space to take advantage of the views.

One of the signature dishes is the Golden Sour Soup with Crab Meat, Assorted Seafood, Mushrooms and Crispy Rice. This golden-hued sour soup is crafted with abalone, scallops, crab meat, dried mountain jelly greens, and straw mushrooms, with its flavor beautifully balanced by pickled vegetables, tomatoes, and yellow bell peppers. Into this aromatic broth, golden rice, which is first steamed, then fried, is immersed. The rice absorbs the soup’s essence while retaining a delicate crunch. Luxurious and layered, the soup delivers a springy texture enriched with depth.

Chuan Ya 川雅
🚩46F, 17, Songzhi Rd., Xinyi Dist.
📞(02) 2722-0303
🔗www.chuan-ya.com
🕝By reservation only

HoSu

This restaurant takes sustainability seriously. Although it earned its first Michelin star this year, it has earned a Michelin green star, given out for “green” or eco-friendly fine-dining establishments, each year since 2023. The restaurant relies on Taiwanese ingredients to reduce unsustainable shipping practices and engages in food composting. It also provides detailed explanations of each dish, enabling diners to grasp the ecological principles underpinning their luxury experience.

The interior reflects the same philosophy: natural materials, a garden courtyard with five-needle pine, and oyster shell paint walls. Everything else, however, evolves with the seasons. Most high-end restaurants change their menus seasonally; HoSu changes its decor as well.

Located interior reflects the same philosophy: natural materials, a garden courtyard with five-needle pine, and oyster shell paint walls. Everything else, however, evolves with the seasons. Most high-end restaurants change their menus seasonally; HoSu changes its decor as well.

HoSu 好嶼
🚩17, Aly. 20, Ln. 300, Sec. 4, Renai Rd., Daan Dist.
🔗 www.hosutaiwan.com
🕝By reservation only

La Vie by Thomas Bühner

Helmed by German star chef Thomas Bühner and Hong Kong-born executive chef Xavier Yeung, La Vie blends European techniques with local Taiwanese produce. Located on the first floor of Noke Mall, walking into the striking dining space is like visiting a modern art museum: bathed in cool neutrals accented with gold, the smooth curves of tablescapes and space-age light fixtures are something out of another world.

The menu is prix fixe, and for the most part seasonal, with courses that range from delicate starters – think steamed oysters with horseradish oil and celeriac ravioli – to luxurious mains such as blue lobster, frog leg Kiev, and roasted Hampshire Down lamb rack. Desserts include “ice pearls,” hazelnut praline, and petits kougelhof.

Apart from its Michelin star, La Vie has also been recognized for its rich fine-wine collection, spanning different regions and confidently presenting various vintages from top winemakers. Head Sommelier Max Huang and his team earned a prestigious “Best of Award of Excellence,” represented by two wine glasses, from the American magazine Wine Spectator in 2025.

La Vie by Thomas Bühner
🚩200, Lequn 3rd Rd., Zhongshan Dist.
📞0937-857-869
🔗www.laviebythomasbuehner.com
🕝By reservation only

FRASSI

Italian styling is rarely understated, and FRASSI takes its cues from the boldness of this design ethos. Geometric gold chairs play against walls of Calacatta marble and accent walls that evoke meteor showers at sunset for a look that’s both brash and unique. FRASSI offers especially elegant bar- and family-style seating options that can accommodate individuals, couples, or groups.

Originally from Tuscany, Chef Iacopo Frassi has called Taipei home for several years. He draws on both his Tuscan roots and experiences in Asia to create a memorable contemporary Italian-fusion dining experience. His kitchen cures its own meats, including a ten-day-aged duck that is the stuff of legend, served with earthy beetroot and black apple.

FRASSI offers a multi-course tasting menu and wine pairings. Lobster risotto is served with chive and avocado, followed by white asparagus with koji and parsley. Something special happens when the tagliatelle with rabbit and salsa verde is served, followed by the celebrated aged duck, the neck stuffed with pork, veal, and Parmesan cheese.

FRASSI
🚩299, Lequn 3rd Rd., Zhongshan Dist.
📞(02) 8502-6383
🔗www.frassi.com.tw
🕝By reservation only

Motoichi

One doesn’t typically think of Japanese tempura as Michelin-worthy food, but Motoichi manages to surprise at every turn. The team at this tiny space – there are only 16 seats – carefully selects seasonal ingredients for an evening of omakase-style dining. Omakase means “I leave it up to you”: it’s a Japanese dining experience where the chef is trusted to create a unique tasting menu for each patron.

Tucked away in an alley near busy Zhongxiao East Road, Motoichi’s interior is both modern and thoroughly Japanese, blending blond wood, carved elements, and off-white walls with contemporary style. Diners across the two rooms watch the chefs create each dish.

Some might expect the tempura to be heavy or oily, but Motoichi’s creations are light, fried in a delicate batter that seals in both juices and flavor. The lightness is achieved by using a unique liquid nitrogen technique that eliminates the moisture and water contained in the flour. Apart from the fresh shrimp, fish, and vegetable selections available one might choose something more unexpected, such as asparagus or even olives. Texture is an important part of omakase-style tempura, and Motoichi has been praised as nailing this element perfectly, earning it its first Michelin star.

Motoichi 元一
🚩11, Aly. 27, Ln. 216, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Daan Dist.
📞(02) 2778-3380
🕝By reservation only

Sushi Kajin

At first glance, Sushi Kajin looks like every other high-end sushi restaurant in Taipei. You would be remiss in dismissing it, however, as it crafts some of the finest sushi in the city. The ambiance is elegant yet warm, imbued with Japanese minimalism: a counter made of Taiwanese cypress, subdued lighting, lacquerware, and a quiet, focused energy.

The core of the experience lies in its Edomae-style sushi, a sushi preparation method from Tokyo that originated in the city’s Edo period. Fish from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market is flown in and prepared precisely to enhance the depth of flavor. In some cases, this may involve aging or curing.

Chef Okuchi Taichi, formerly of the Michelin-starred Sushi Wakon in Kyoto, leads the kitchen. His renown is so great that a prominent Taiwanese investor funded his Taipei venture so that he could showcase his skills here, in a city that may not be Japanese but where many food lovers have a list of favorite gourmet sushi restaurants.

The restaurant is known for upholding a philosophy of craftsmanship, such as limiting sugar in the sushi rice, tailoring aging times by fish species, and emphasizing seasonality. In winter, the focus is on delicacies like kobako crab, bonito, and winter yellowtail.

Sushi Kajin 鮨嘉仁
🚩28, Jilin Rd., Zhongshan Dist.
📞(02) 2581-8999
🔗www.sushi-kajin.com
🕝By reservation only

🔎
Ian Lee | 李易晏
Tien Hsiang Lo | 天香樓
Jason Wang | 王國政
Yang Guang-zong | 楊光宗

🗺️Click here to see aforementioned spots on Google Map

This article is reproduced under the permission of TAIPEI. Original content can be found on the website of Taipei Travel Net (www.travel.taipei/en).

Wenshan District’s Maokong area is frequently on lists of recommended Taipei day trips — and for good reason. It’s basically a greatest-hits tour of the city squeezed into a single, easily accessible mountainous neighborhood. Between the tea-covered hills, gondola rides, grand temples, hiking trails, and plentiful refreshment options, it has everything necessary for an effortlessly rewarding day out.

Any Maokong day trip is incomplete without a stop at Zhinan Temple (指南宮), which – despite the name – is not so much a single temple as a sprawling religious complex with several grand halls, a syncretic all-you-can-eat buffet’s worth of divine advisors, and gardens dotted with blessing-laden bushes. Since the opening of the Maokong Gondola nearly two decades ago, most visitors arrive after a 20-minute cable car ride, but a more rewarding way to visit is by climbing the leafy Zhinan Temple Bamboo & Cypress Trail (part of the Taipei Grand Trail), which cuts its way up from Lane 33, Section 3, Zhinan Road.

To reach the trailhead, take the BR15 bus from MRT Taipei Zoo Station (southern terminus of the Brown Line) and get off at Beizheng Junior High School bus stop (北政國中). The walk starts at the end of a residential cul-de-sac, where a gaggle of elderly locals often gathers for a morning chinwag. You can get the sense that they’re placing bets on whether you’ll be bounding up the trail like a mountain goat or huffing and puffing after the first ten steps.

▲Trail sign to Zhinan Temple

Speaking of steps, the climb to Zhinan Temple is comprised of about 1,200 of them (by the time you reach halfway, you will be wishing no one had told you that). Thankfully, there are distractions to help break up the climb. Elegant stone lanterns and sculptures of austere lions dating from the 1895~1945 Japanese era flank the path at regular intervals, and several pavilions offer shady seats upon which you can pause for a breather. The most photogenic among these is Longhao Pavilion (龍嗥亭), a wide shelter that straddles the path, its mossy roof lending it a romantic air of semi-abandonment.

▲Japanese-era stone lantern on the 1,200-step trail

The first junction is reached after a 20-minute climb. Here, you’ll need to decide which way to approach the temple. Turning left up a flight of narrower steps will bring you to Zhinan Temple bus stop and the sleepy Qianshan Old Street (前山老街), which seems lost in a daydream of its former glory years. Passing through on any given weekday, the only signs of life consist of elderly store guardians overseeing dusty shelves full of temple offerings. Saturdays and Sundays are somewhat livelier – an influx of weekend warriors invigorates the old arcade, and several vendors crank open metal shutters to offer snacks like steamed sweet corn and roasted sweet potatoes.

The most famous store here is Jhi Nan Tea House (指南茶莊), a tea shop boasting 50 years of history and a loyal customer base. It may not look particularly impressive, but the walls decked with certificates and medals tell a different story, and those who step inside can sample award-winning varieties of Maokong’s specialty tea, Tieguanyin (鐵觀音), or Baozhong (aka Pouchong 包種茶) from just over the hills in New Taipei City’s Pinglin District.

▲Fude Temple (福德祠)

Alternatively, you can continue along the main Zhinan Temple Trail pathway from the junction until you come to Fude Temple. A fish-filled pool separates this smallest and simplest of Zhinan Temple’s assorted seats of worship from the trail, and if you cross the bridge to peek inside, you’ll find the Earth God, Tudi Gong (土地公), presiding over the altar. Steps to either side of temple climb upwards before converging (along with the path from Qianshan Old Street) in front of Chunyang Hall (純陽寶殿). At the top, there’s a flag-flanked semi-circular platform where you can catch some expansive city views before stepping through the dragon door (the one on the right, and the correct door through which to enter any temple in Taiwan) to greet the gods.

▲Semi-circular platform in front of Chunyang Hall

Like many religious sites in Taiwan, Zhinan Temple is a concatenation of Daoist, Buddhist, and Confucian beliefs, although Chunyang Hall leans mostly Daoist. The hall was the earliest established feature of the temple complex, and Lü Dongbin (呂洞賓) occupies its main altar. Best known as one of the Eight Immortals, Lü was a Tang dynasty (唐朝) poet and religious scholar whose escapades left Daoist literature a treasure trove of colorful tales. His reputation for being something of a womanizer has also led to the rumor that couples who visit Zhinan Temple are doomed to break up.

According to this superstition, seeing lovers together reminds Lü of his thwarted courtship of He Xiangu (the only female immortal)(何仙姑), and in his jealousy, he drives young women away from their paramours. Temple custodians, however, maintain that this is an erroneous interpretation, citing various examples of why couples can safely visit the temple. One such example is the story of former Vice President Vincent Siew (蕭萬長), who, while studying at National Chengchi University nearby, went on dates with his later wife to the temple. Their marriage has lasted over 60 years.

In adjacent Dacheng Hall (大成寶殿), Confucius sits flanked by the Confucian sages Zengzi (曾子) and Mencius (孟子), ready to bestow blessings and wisdom upon those who enter. Another altar honors the Daoist principles of bagua (八卦) – a kind of cosmological framework encompassing the fundamental principles of the universe – and thirsty hikers will be happy to find Zizai Tea Pavilion (自在茶亭) tucked away to the right-hand side of Chunyang Hall. Wooden chairs polished to a glossy sheen invite visitors to sit while a gentle breeze flows through the space and – for the price of a discretionary donation – specialty teas spill from teapots into gratefully awaiting cups.

▲Chunyang Hall (純陽寶殿)

Exiting Chunyang Hall via the rear right-hand exit, a short walk brings you to Daxiong Hall (nicknamed Buddha Hall for reasons that will soon become clear). By far the quietest of Zhinan Temple’s spaces, this hall seems to be in a perpetual state of renovation, but that doesn’t stop the devout from coming to pay their respects.

Enshrined inside are Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, among them Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, the Medicine Buddha, and Guanyin Bodhisattva (Guanyin being one of several religious figures to slip through the porous boundary between Buddhism and Daoism). The interior is opulent – gold glints from almost every surface, and warm lighting sets the statuary aglow. How is such extravagance sustained? Zhinan Temple’s deities are highly efficacious, and this has attracted many generous benefactors. Peer at the piles of building materials awaiting deployment and you’ll notice each brick bears the name of the individual or company whose donation funded its purchase.

Pass back through Chunyang Hall, this time taking the exit to the left of Lü Dongbin’s altar. A cloistered trail painted with scenes espousing the core Confucian values of loyalty, filial piety, moral discipline, and righteousness runs up towards Lingxiao Hall, and a profusion of red-and-gold blessing cards hang from the shrubbery beside the path. These small tokens can be used to petition for blessings in all areas of life and are sold in the temple store for a fair price, while those feeling in need of extra celestial support can opt for a relatively pricey lantern.

▲Lingxiao Hall (凌霄寶殿)

Lingxiao Hall is primarily devoted to the Jade Emperor, but perhaps the most impressive feature of this hall is the U-shaped room running behind the main altar, filled with representations of the Tai Sui Generals. The Tai Sui – of which there are 60 – are essentially guardian gods of the year, taking turns in a 60-year cycle. All of Lingxiao Hall’s Tai Sui Generals are rendered in meticulous detail, each unique and each ensconced in its own alcove with plaques bearing the most recent years they have overseen. Above them, faux clouds and twinkling LEDs evoke a starry sky, while below, gleaming tiles reflect floor-to-ceiling banks of prayer lights.

▲Blessing cards

Once you’ve attended to your spiritual needs, you can make your way on to your next destination by hopping aboard the Maokong Gondola. But before heading onwards and upwards to the heart of the Maokong tea-plantation area (or back down to the Taipei Zoo), it’s worth taking a moment to explore the area around the gondola station.

Just to the south, the Green Ray Platform looks out over lush forest and tea plantations, while to the north, a hilly park has been transformed into a lovers’ sanctuary (in part to quell rumors of the temple’s deleterious effect upon couples). Yue Lao (月老), the God of Love, greets those who make it all the way to the top, and in late winter, cherry blossoms frame the winding trails. Whether you come seeking spiritual guidance, cultural interest, or just a bit of exercise, it’s safe to say you’ll be heading home satisfied.

▲Green Ray Platform (綠光平台)

🔎
bagua | 八卦
Beizheng Junior High School | 北政國中
Chunyang Hall | 純陽寶殿
Dacheng Hall | 大成寶殿
Daxiong Hall | 大雄寶殿
Fude Temple | 福德祠
Green Ray Platform | 綠光平台
Jhi Nan Tea House | 指南茶莊
Lingxiao Hall | 凌霄寶殿
Longhao Pavilion | 龍嗥亭
Maokong Gondola | 貓空纜車
Qianshan Old Street | 前山老街
Zhinan Temple Bamboo & Cypress Trail | 指南宮竹柏參道
Zizai Tea Pavilion | 自在茶亭

🗺️Click here to see aforementioned spots on Google Map

This article is reproduced under the permission of TAIPEI. Original content can be found on the website of Taipei Travel Net (www.travel.taipei/en).

Stepping off the train in Hualien, I’m greeted by crystalline mountain peaks framed against an impossibly blue sky. A taxi driver’s warm inquiry—”Where are you headed?”—launches us into easy conversation as we wind through narrow alleys toward Chongqing Traditional Market on the city’s southern, seaside edge. This welcoming spirit, I’ll soon learn, is woven into every aspect of the day ahead.

At the market entrance, Sofia Chiu waits beneath a fisherman’s hat, her wheat-toned skin and confident posture immediately distinguishing her from the regular market-goers. She spots me quickly—I’m clearly an out-of-town visitor, and she greets me with an easy warmth.

After brief introductions, we dive into today’s agenda: exploring the indigenous section of Chongqing Market.

Where Indigenous Traditions Meet Daily Life

Within Chongqing Market (重慶市場) lies a designated corridor reserved exclusively for indigenous vendors—a living archive of Taiwan’s indigenous food heritage. Taiwan is home to 16 officially recognized indigenous tribes, each with distinct languages, traditions, and culinary practices. The Amis (阿美族), Taiwan’s largest indigenous group, are particularly prominent in Hualien, known for their deep knowledge of wild edible plants and coastal resources. The Bunun people (布農族), traditionally mountain dwellers, are renowned for their hunting expertise and intimate relationship with Taiwan’s highlands. Though Hualien is home to multiple indigenous groups, the Amis people form the largest community here, and their agricultural wisdom dominates the market’s offerings.

Sofia’s market introduction focuses less on tribal distinctions and more on the overarching philosophy that unites indigenous food culture: eat what nature provides today. This isn’t simply about sourcing locally—it’s about moving in rhythm with the land’s natural cycles, taking only what’s given, and honoring each season’s bounty.

Our first stop introduces me to amla (餘甘子), small green fruits resembling oversized grapes. The vendor places several in my palm and explains their nutritional prowess with unhurried confidence. The eating experience itself is a journey: initial sourness gradually transforms into sweetness, a metaphor perhaps for patience rewarded. As she lists the fruit’s health benefits, I let the tartness linger while absorbing the market’s ambient sounds and rhythms.

Further down the corridor, Sofia gestures toward an elderly woman carefully sorting through herbs and vegetables. “She’s nearly one hundred years old,” Sofia says quietly, admiration evident in her voice. The Amis grandmother’s hands move with practiced precision, selecting wild greens with the kind of knowledge that comes from a lifetime of foraging. “The Amis are sometimes called ‘the grass-eating tribe,'” Sofia explains. “Their ability to identify edible wild plants is genetic—they have stomachs like lawnmowers.” Even as a Bunun person, Sofia admits she can’t match their botanical expertise.

The market tour becomes a parade of unfamiliar produce: gac fruit (木鱉果) with its spiky orange exterior reminiscent of a small durian, delicate wheel-shaped eggplants (車輪茄), and fuzzy-skinned persimmons (毛柿). At one stall processing snails, a vendor enthusiastically invites us to share a drink, insisting we meet up later that evening. Sofia leans in with a conspiratorial whisper: “They’ve already started their daytime party—maintaining a perfect level of tipsy.” I can’t help but laugh at the contrast between Hualien’s relaxed pace and the restrained formality of big city life.

This openness, however, isn’t universal. Many indigenous vendors maintain a quieter presence, going about their daily routines with modest reserve. Yet when asked about their produce or offered a taste, none refuse. Instead, they respond with generous portions, worried you might not have enough—a warmth that transcends words.

From Ingredients to Kitchen

With our basket filled with indigenous specialties, common aromatics, and fresh meat, we drive along Hualien’s coast to Sofia’s cooking space. A member of the Bunun tribe who relocated to Hualien from the city, Sofia started Karenko Cooking Class out of a simple love for cooking and meeting people. Her fluent English allows her to welcome guests from around the world, sharing indigenous food culture across language barriers. She laughs as she explains the venue’s unexpected evolution: “I originally chose this location as a rest stop for digital nomads. But somehow, it turned into a cooking classroom instead.” Though teaching remains her side business, she treasures each guest who walks through her door.

I ask about the pandemic years—surely they were difficult? “Not really,” she says with surprising candor. “Domestic tourism actually kept us incredibly busy. It took a while before I finally got a break.” As we chat, Sofia moves fluidly through the space—donning an apron, shuttling ingredients from kitchen to workspace, offering drinks. “Coffee, tea, or maybe some of my homemade pomelo wine?”

A sudden movement catches my eye: a round, grey creature with enormous eyes peers from around the corner. The beautiful grey cat approaches with gentle curiosity, waiting patiently to be noticed before offering a friendly meow. For someone unaccustomed to cats seeking attention, this warm reception feels like a blessing—a perfect prelude to the cooking ahead.

Hands in the Work, Heart in the Process

We begin with rice, though not the everyday variety. Today’s base is glutinous rice mixed with red quinoa, destined to be wrapped in shell ginger leaves. Sofia demonstrates how to lightly toast the broad leaves over flame, and I watch water vapor escape rapidly from their surface pores. The toasting softens the leaves while releasing their distinctive aroma—ginger-like but sweeter—that soon fills the entire room.

Sofia guides my hands through folding the leaf into a small pouch, filling it with the rice mixture, then using the leaf’s own stem as natural twine to seal the bundle. These charming packets go into the rice cooker for an hour of steaming. While modern indigenous cooking often uses rice as filling, Sofia notes that traditionally, anything could be wrapped inside—a testament to the cuisine’s adaptability.

Next comes the gac fruit and pork rib soup. Since I’m cooking solo today, Sofia alternates between instructing and prepping, ensuring I can both participate and document each moment. Cutting into the gac fruit reveals pumpkin-like flesh housing a citrus-textured interior. Nervous about wasting this unfamiliar ingredient, I work slowly and carefully. Sofia and I fall into easy conversation—swapping life stories, discussing relationships, sharing the kind of comfortable gossip that happens between friends. It feels less like a cooking class and more like visiting an old friend’s kitchen.

As ingredients came together, Sofia helped sear the pork ribs with garlic and ginger before adding water and gac fruit to a clay pot, which we set to simmer gently. Then we move to my favorite part: grinding maqaw (also known as Mountain Litsea) in a mortar and pestle. These small black seeds, called mountain pepper by some, have earned international recognition as possessing a “sexy” flavor profile. Like a perfumer’s creation, maqaw evolves on the palate—opening with ginger and lemon notes, transitioning to lemongrass, finishing with a peppery kick. Combined with the shell ginger leaves steaming nearby, the air becomes a feast in itself, anticipation building with every aromatic layer.

I massage the ground maqaw into chicken thighs, leaving them to marinate while we move to the rear kitchen. Two large skillets heat simultaneously as Sofia adds vegetables in a rainbow of colors—red, green, yellow. “I like incorporating different colored vegetables,” she explains. “It makes the dish beautiful and ensures balanced nutrition.” Finally, the marinated chicken hits a hot pan, skin-side down. As the Maillard reaction works its magic, transforming the skin golden and crispy, our cooking duties officially conclude.

We also prepare a coastal specialty: seaweed salad brightened with indigenous chili sauce, its particular heat adding another dimension of flavor that coastal areas have perfected over generations.

The Ritual of Eating

Each dish finds its place in elegant serving bowls, and suddenly, a complete feast emerges—one created by my own hands. Sofia urges me to eat while it’s hot, busying herself with cleaning the workspace and stovetop. After documenting the spread properly, I approach the meal with something like reverence.

Every bite carries layers of meaning: indigenous history, generations of culinary wisdom, and the ingenuity born from living closely with the land. When Sofia emerges from the kitchen and asks how it tastes, I’m too absorbed in eating to respond verbally. My enthusiasm, however, speaks volumes.

More Than a Cooking Class

From that first glimpse of mountains upon arriving at the station, through the preserved indigenous culture coexisting harmoniously within the market, to physically engaging with ancestral knowledge and wisdom, the experience offered exactly what my city-rushed soul needed. A leisurely morning. Unhurried shopping. Meandering conversation while cooking. Slow, mindful eating.

This wasn’t simply about learning recipes—it was about remembering that life can be savored, that food connects us to place and history, and that sometimes the best medicine for modern exhaustion is returning to fundamental rhythms: gathering, preparing, sharing, enjoying.

Karenko Cooking Class

🔗 Link: Facebook
⏳ Duration: 3 hours (cooking and dining only) / 4 hours (including market tour)
💰 Fee: NTD$1,800~NTD$2,200 / person
🕰️ Operating Hours: 09:30-13:30 & 15:30-1830 2 sessions
⚠️ A 2-day advance appointment is a must.
📍 Location: No. 7-1, Minquan Rd, Hualien City, Hualien County, 970
📌 Note: Advanced booking required. Cancellation upon the day of arrival with no refund.

For the most current information and reservations, visit their website or contact directly through their social media channels.

TEXT　Han Cheung
PHOTOS　VISION
Editor　Levarcy Chen

Taipei’s rise during the late 19^th century as a bustling trade hub and Taiwan’s provincial, colonial, and later national capital shaped a distinct historic landscape. Japanese-era (1895~1945) buildings and infrastructure remain most prominent, alongside post-war monuments and facilities, offering a layered view into the city’s commercial and political past.

▲Diesel-Electric Locomotive Workshop at the National Railway Museum

While Taipei was earlier home to the prosperous settlement areas of today’s Wanhua and Datong districts, it only became an administrative center in the 1880s and the official provincial capital in 1894 – just one year before the Qing imperial government ceded Taiwan to Japan.

Qing-era relics such as Beimen (North Gate 北門), buildings in Bopiliao Historic Block (剝皮寮街區), Bangka Lungshan Temple, and Dalongdong Baoan Temple (大龍峒保安宮) still stand across the city, but many other important structures were removed soon after the Japanese arrived. The colonial government tore down the Qing government offices and city walls as part of an extensive urban modernization plan. It also expanded the railway system, laid out wide boulevards, and improved water supply and sanitation, completely transforming the Taipei cityscape.

Although the Japanese preferred living in traditional Japanese-style wooden residences, they built many stately, public buildings with Western architectural elements, such as the Taipei Guest House, National Taiwan Museum, and Governor-General’s Office (today’s Presidential Office Building). This unique hybrid aesthetic also influenced merchants’ shophouses along Dihua Street, which had become a major commercial hub.

Other landmarks from this era include the Railway Department Park, the Taipei Water Park, where the city’s first modern water-supply system was managed, and the ornate Taipei Post Office. These sites, along with several others, now allow visitors to explore three key aspects of Taipei’s modernization – railway, water infrastructure, and postal service – through carefully restored facilities that offer hands-on insights into how these systems transformed daily life. Each reveals a different dimension of the city’s development from colonial capital to modern metropolis.

RAILWAYS

National Railway Museum

For nearly eight decades, thousands of employees toiled behind the walls of the Taipei Railway Workshop (opened in October 1935), servicing and repairing the trains that formed an integral part of Taiwan’s daily life, industry, and culture. Serving Taiwan’s rapidly expanding railway network, the workshop soon became the island’s largest rolling-stock maintenance and logistics center. It witnessed the transformation of the industry – from steam to diesel and diesel-electric locomotives in the 1960s, and electrification beginning in 1979.

Subsequently, the 1980s brought a boom in road travel, especially after the completion of the first National Freeway in 1978. As buses became the preferred mode of public transport, railway passenger numbers declined, as did the workshop’s workload. Sitting on valuable land in the heart of Taipei, the workshop was eventually relocated, and the site’s incoming rail line was severed during construction of the High Speed Rail system. Following a public campaign to preserve the workshop and open up the once-restricted grounds, the full complex was designated a national historic site in 2015.

Following years of restoration, the sprawling site was partially opened to the public in 2025 – honoring not just the machines and vehicles, but also the people who kept them running. The museum’s architecture retains much of the original 1930s industrial grandeur, including massive steel-frame workshops, saw-tooth roofs, and towering gantries, with overhead cranes, embedded rail lines, heavy machinery, and weathered structures remaining in place and the façades still bearing the wear and tear of decades of use. The vast factory halls filled with painstakingly restored train engines and cars, intricate machinery, and other railway artifacts are a major draw, but equally captivating are the preserved facilities that provide a glimpse into the workers’ daily life.

The Diesel-Electric Locomotive Workshop (the museum’s only paid area; NT$100) offers visitors an in-depth look at the site’s maintenance operations. This 2,000m² industrial space showcases key locomotive components – parts rarely seen by the public – and provides close-up views of the specialized machines and processes once handled by skilled workers. Interactive displays, moving parts, and videos help make these complex technical concepts accessible.

▲Old locomotive on display

Among the highlights are 24 restored locomotives and passenger cars, several of which visitors can board and sit in, experiencing firsthand what rail travel was like in the mid-to-late 20^th century. With becoming a “living museum” as a central goal, exhibits across the complex detail the meticulous efforts taken to restore these vehicles, many of which arrived in bad shape after decades of disuse. From structural repairs to the recreation of authentic interiors, the restoration effort has been both historic and functional.

▲Recreated dining car

Next, visitors can learn more about the daily lives of the men behind the machines by exploring facilities such as the Art Deco-style Employee Bathhouse, once used by hundreds of workers each day to wash off the grime after long shifts. The central chamber’s arched ceilings are supported by metal frames made from repurposed old rails, while large windows and skylights allow sunlight illumination of the two circular pools heated by excess steam piped in from the workshops. Details such as shelves with personal belongings have been recreated, and one pool features a specially commissioned art installation inspired by artist Liao Chien-chung.

▲Employee Bathhouse, well preserved in its original Art Deco style

The canteen and recreation center have also been brought back to life using original materials. An exhibit here explores in vivid detail how meals were prepared and served in metal bento boxes, complete with colorful anecdotes and displays.

▲Canteen exhibit showing meals in bento boxes

The leafy lanes and wide-open spaces of the central complex are pleasant to stroll through and unwind. Containing the director’s office and other rooms, preserved with original furniture, the administrative building offers exhibits on notable figures, workshop history, and the lasting impact of rail travel on Taiwan’s arts and popular culture.

▲Hop on the “Blue Babies” diesel cars to traverse the museum grounds

On weekends and holidays, visitors can hop aboard one of two vintage blue-painted diesel railcars that traverse the museum grounds (Book online early, as tickets sell quickly). This is now the only above-ground train (apart from the elevated metro trains) operating in Taipei, as the city’s railway tracks were moved underground decades ago. The railcars belong to the DR2200 and DR2300 series, which served the rail network from the 1930s until the 1990s. Affectionately called “blue babies,” they remain favorites among local railway enthusiasts. The guided train rides start from either the NRM East Station or the NRM West Station and last about 10 minutes.

National Railway Museum 國家鐵道博物館
🚩50, Sec. 5, Civic Blvd., Xinyi Dist.
📞(02) 8787-8850
🔗www.nrm.gov.tw
🕝Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:00pm

Railway Department Park

Standing out with its distinctive rounded-corner façade, the red-and-white brick main building of the Railway Department Park is a commanding presence, visible from Beimen (the North Gate) and Taipei Main Station’s west exits. This ornate two-story structure exemplifies the Western-infused architecture of the early Japanese era, with an equally impressive interior. Built in 1918 as the Railway Department’s headquarters, it remained in use until around 1990, after which it fell into disrepair.

Following years of careful restoration, it was reopened in 2020 as a branch of the National Taiwan Museum. Permanent exhibitions explore the evolution of train travel in Taiwan and how it transformed people’s daily lives, from concepts of time and space to culture. A 1/80 scale model of “Taipei Station and Surroundings” with moving miniature trains explores the transition from diesel to electric locomotives during the 1970s and 1980s. Young visitors can have fun in the children’s play zone, and the museum also frequently holds special exhibitions.

▲1/80 scale model of “Taipei Station and Surroundings”

The area’s connection to the railroad dates back to 1900, when the original Taipei Railway Workshop was established here to maintain and service locomotives. Surging demand led to its relocation to the above-introduced, much larger facility across town in 1935. The workshop’s red-brick building, to the north, is currently being renovated and is not (yet) part of the park.

Of the original 40 structures, 10 have been preserved. An elegant octagonal building, one of Taiwan’s earliest public facilities, served as the male restroom, featuring eight urinals around a central column and toilets to the side. The engineering building presents displays on railway construction, while the electrical room highlights electrification with preserved equipment.

A small bomb shelter, built during World War II, later served as a wartime command center in the 1950s. Visitors can also enjoy refreshments at the museum café, located in the original canteen, a charming wooden structure with British and German design elements.

National Taiwan Museum – Railway Department Park 國立台灣博物館鐵道部園區
🚩2, Sec. 1, Yanping N. Rd., Datong Dist.
📞(02) 2558-9790
🔗www.ntm.gov.tw
🕝Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:00pm

WATER

Museum of Drinking Water

Families with young kids flock to the Taipei Water Park during the Taipei Water Festival in the summer for its large shallow pool, equipped with slides and sprinklers – but the site’s connection to water goes much deeper. At its heart is the Museum of Drinking Water, housed in a 1908 pumping station that was a key part of Taipei’s earliest public water-supply system.

The majestic building blends Baroque, Neoclassical, and other European architectural elements with modern industrialism, featuring a gently curved façade with 14 Ionic columns, domes, and ornate reliefs. The original machinery, pipes, and control panels have been preserved inside. Through photos, artifacts, and interpretive displays, the story of how water was sourced, treated, and distributed to the growing city is told. Another historical structure, similar in style, is the metering room, which is now surrounded by a spacious plaza.

▲Museum of Drinking Water

Drawing water from the nearby Xindian River, the pump and flow system was designed by Scottish engineer William K. Burton and Japanese technician Yashiro Hamano, and initially provided about 20,000 tons of water daily to 120,000 residents. The system was expanded over the years and remained in operation until the city’s water intake unit was moved to the upstream area in 1977.

Beyond the historical exhibits, the park also emphasizes water education and conservation, with interactive displays and family-friendly workshops exploring sustainable urban water management. The Little Guanyinshan Ecological Trail winds over three small hills and past restored facilities, introducing visitors to Taipei’s local flora and fauna. There is also a recreational area with installations and walk-through structures crafted from a variety of water-distribution pipes, allowing visitors to experience the scale of the city’s water operations firsthand.

▲Pumping station machinery

The water theme also extends to nearby attractions. The iconic red-painted Yongfu Bridge (永福橋), with its visible bright-blue pipe transporting water across the river, runs parallel to biking and walking paths and is a favorite for photographers.

Guanyinshan Reservoir (觀音山蓄水池)

Dubbed the “Underground Water Palace,” the Guanyinshan Reservoir is one of Taipei’s more elusive attractions. Only opening to the public in 2019, access is extremely limited. Visitor entry is restricted to guided tours. Free tours are available on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2:30 pm. Attendance is capped at 30 people per tour, so it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a spot. Paid tours at other times, requiring a minimum of 10 people, can also be booked online. 

Drawing comparisons to Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern, this historic water-storage facility was built in 1908 alongside the pump equipment house, now the Museum of Drinking Water. Both were decommissioned in 1977. Partially embedded into a slope, its red-color, neoclassical entrance can be reached via the Little Guanyinshan Ecological Trail. Constructed of reinforced concrete, the structure houses two large tanks, each 4.2 meters deep, with a combined capacity of about 5,000 metric tons.

Once inside, comparisons to Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern, this historic water-storage facility was built in 1908 alongside the pump equipment house, now the Museum of Drinking Water. Both were decommissioned in 1977. Partially embedded into a slope, its red-color, neoclassical entrance can be reached via the Little Guanyinshan Ecological Trail. Constructed of reinforced concrete, the structure houses two large tanks, each 4.2 meters deep, with a combined capacity of about 5,000 metric tons.

Taipei Water Park 自來水園區
🚩1, Siyuan St., Zhongzheng Dist.
📞(02) 8369-5104
🔗waterpark.water.gov.taipei
🕝Tue-Sun 9:00am-5:00pm

POSTAL SERVICES

Taipei Post Office

Standing proudly between Beimen and the city’s modern high-rises, the monumental Taipei Post Office (aka Beimen Post Office) has been Taiwan’s largest and most important postal facility for nearly a century. Completed in 1930, the three-story structure replaced a temporary building that succeeded the original wood-built post office erected in 1898, which was destroyed in a fire.

Designed by architect Shunichi Kuriyama, the post office is yet another prime example of Japanese-era fusion architecture. Featuring double classical columns, a protruding arched entrance, and light-brown ceramic tiles from kilns in the city’s Beitou area, its three-winged layout surrounds an open courtyard – reminiscent of traditional Taiwanese homes. The grand hall rises two stories high, its ceiling and columns intricately adorned with ornate carvings.

In the 1960s, a fourth floor was added, and the front portico was replaced by a flat gray-green marble veneer that clashed with the original style. The administration had long considered demolishing this building, but after it was designated a heritage site in 1992, work began in 2010 to recover much of its prewar appearance.

Due to the post office’s extended hours, people can be seen sending packages well into the evening during the week. On the second floor is the Postal Museum Taipei Beimen Branch. It features rotating exhibitions highlighting Taiwan’s postal history (Qing Dynasty, Japanese era, and Republic of China) and stamp art.

Taipei Post Office 台北郵局
🚩120, Sec. 1, Zhongxiao W. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist.
📞(02) 2361-5752
🕝Mon-Fri 8:30am-9:00pm, Sat 9:00am-12:00pm (2nd floor museum: Tue-Sun 9:00am-5:00pm)

Postal Museum

With six spacious exhibition floors, the Postal Museum offers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about postal stamps and the mail service in Taiwan – and across the world. Originally opened by Chunghwa Post (中華郵政) in 1965 in New Taipei City’s Xindian District, it was relocated to the more accessible current location on Chongqing South Road (重慶南路) in 1984. Permanent exhibitions are hosted on the second through fifth floors, while the sixth floor features rotating special exhibitions on philately and art.

Visitors can explore historic postal artifacts, including vintage mailbags along with telegraph and telegram equipment, and learn about the technological innovations that have transformed mail delivery – from horse-drawn carts and bicycles to trucks and modern logistics systems.

▲Valuable old stamps

Enthusiasts will marvel at the museum’s vast collection of more than 80,000 stamps from Taiwan and more than 130 countries around the world, created in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Highlights include the first stamps issued by the Qing Dynasty – where Chunghwa Post traces its origins – which are among the world’s most valuable stamps. It also boasts a full collection of commemorative editions that showcase Taiwanese history, art, culture, and natural heritage.

A full floor is dedicated to children, featuring interactive displays and hands-on activities that teach the basics of mail sorting and stamp collecting. The special exhibits often feature themes centered on stamp design, exploring the artistic and cultural motivations behind them.

Postal Museum 郵政博物館
🚩45, Sec. 2, Chongqing S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist.
📞(02) 2394-5185
🔗museum.post.gov.tw
🕝Tue-Sun 9:00am-5:00pm

Dihua Street Post Office

Tucked amid the narrow-front shophouses from the early 1900s in the historic Dadaocheng area stands the Dihua Street Post Office, still functioning 110 years after its opening. The building features a simple stucco exterior blending Western and local influences, and a wooden entrance with a plaque displaying the post office’s name in gold calligraphy. Inside, the high-ceilinged interior is adorned with old photographs and displays that trace its past. Visitors will also discover many vintage furnishings, including wooden counters, antique mailboxes, and traditional postal equipment. 

▲Dihua Street Post Office

It’s said that famous Japanese-era political activist Chiang Wei-shui (蔣渭水) often visited to send letters and telegrams to his associates. Thus, the post office witnessed the history of Taiwan’s democratic movement, as the Dadaocheng neighborhood saw the course of Taipei’s urban development.

Dihua Street Post Office 迪化街郵局
🚩38, Sec. 1, Dihua St., Datong Dist.
📞(02) 2556-0519
🕝Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm

🔎
Bangka Lungshan Temple | 艋舺龍山寺
Beimen (North Gate) | 北門
Bopiliao Historic Block | 剝皮寮歷史街區
Dadaocheng | 大稻埕
Dalongdong Baoan Temple | 大龍峒保安宮
Liao Chien-chung | 廖建忠
Little Guanyinshan Ecological Trail | 小觀音山生態步道
Guanyinshan Reservoir | 觀音山蓄水池
Diesel-Electric Locomotive Workshop | 柴電工場
Museum of Drinking Water | 自來水博物館
Taipei Guest House | 台北賓館
Xindian River | 新店溪
Yongfu Bridge | 永福橋

🗺️Click here to see aforementioned spots on Google Map

This article is reproduced under the permission of TAIPEI. Original content can be found on the website of Taipei Travel Net (www.travel.taipei/en).

In central Hualien, where the Philippine and Eurasian plates collide, the town of Yuli lives with frequent tremors and breathtaking mountain vistas as part of its everyday landscape. The renowned Batonguan Trail ( Indigenous name: Walami Trail), marking the eastern entrance to Yushan National Park—home to Taiwan’s highest peak—winds through this terrain. Originally carved by the Japanese to access Bunun tribal settlements, the path bears witness to a complex colonial history woven with both heroism and tragedy. Even the name “Yuli” itself reflects this heritage, derived from the Japanese transliteration of the indigenous place name.

More than a century after Japanese colonial rule ended, young Bunun people in Yuli have been carefully excavating their history, gradually reclaiming their identity. A new generation is now writing fresh chapters in the ongoing story of Bunun culture.

Pedaling Through Living History

Four returning young locals established “TANA culture,” each bringing unique skills to guide visitors through Yuli by electric bicycle, sharing tribal stories that no Google search could uncover. The naturally cheerful disposition of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples fills these tours with laughter and warmth.

At one stop, we pause before a massive ancient tree. Our guide Lo’oh explains: “During Japanese colonial rule, camphor trees were Taiwan’s crucial export resource, used to manufacture explosives and film stock. Over 80% of the world’s camphor came from Taiwan—as important then as TSMC is today!”

This land has played pivotal roles on the world stage for centuries. We should hold greater confidence in the ground beneath our feet, never underestimating its significance.

A Hunter’s Reservation-Only Kitchen

After roughly two hours of leisurely cycling, adjusted to our stamina, we arrived at  a Bunun chef’s restaurant. The restaurant is called “嗡嗡私廚”, named after Chef Chou’s Bunun nickname “Weng Weng”. He stands waiting at the entrance, rifle in hand. He raises it skyward and fires. The gunshot splits the quiet mountain valley, jolting our urban senses awake. This is the Bunun hunter’s welcome ceremony—not merely greeting guests, but offering solemn respect to prey and nature alike.

Stepping inside, staff members approach bearing bamboo cups filled with richly aromatic millet wine. This is the welcome drink traditionally prepared for hunters returning from their labors. Through this cup, we too are accepted, becoming a small part of the tribe’s continuing narrative.

“Indigenous cuisine is best when kept simple,” Weng Weng remarks. Ingredients contain their own symphony of flavors; excessive seasoning only masks their true character. To eat well requires no detours—direct approaches work best. Yet in life, we must take some detours to appreciate what was perfect all along. This fundamental wisdom of the land lives on in indigenous daily practices.

To truly understand Bunun food culture, one must look beyond beans to another essential dimension: their meat-eating traditions. The Bunun people are renowned for their hunting prowess, with meat playing a central role in daily life. Weng Weng deftly handles various cuts with his knife. He describes himself as a “conservation hunter,” having spent seven years learning from tribal elders: when, where, and which animals eat which fruits—all knowledge gained through experience. “After hunting, we first make offerings at the door, dripping wine on the animal’s body to thank it for its life and bless its spirit,” he explains. The Bunun people use every part of the animal, wasting nothing.

Preserving Nature’s Bounty

This same attention to natural ethics drives “Huazi Natural Farming Food (花子好食)”,  a brand specializing in additive-free handmade jams. Founder Ms. Wang previously worked in Taipei but returned home after the pandemic. Gazing at the orchards surrounding her family home, inspiration struck: transform these fruits into jam, extending their “lifespan.” She purchases surplus and overripe fruit from farmers—not only reducing food waste but hoping to establish fairer trading practices. When setting up stalls, she often turns her jams into cocktails, letting people taste different facets of Yuli’s terroir.

The journey becomes wrapped in stories; every destination gains meaning. Riding along, wind brushing our faces, everything feels purposeful—as if expressing the Bunun people’s wisdom of coexisting with the land. Coming to Yuli isn’t merely a trip; it’s an immersion in a philosophy of living harmoniously with nature.

If you asked any queer traveler where in Asia they’d go for an LGBTQ-friendly vacation, you might expect the usual answers: Bangkok, Tokyo, or perhaps Tel Aviv. For years, limited acceptance across the region meant there were few places where LGBTQ travelers could celebrate openly. China bans pride parades, Singapore restricts them, and in South Korea, they often face loud counter-protests.

But Asia’s story is changing—and at the center of that change stands Taiwan. Once a conservative society where open discussion of gender and sexuality was taboo, Taiwan has transformed into a regional beacon of freedom and inclusion. It is now Asia’s most progressive destination for LGBTQ travelers, proudly home to the continent’s largest Pride Parade and the first country in the region to legalize same-sex marriage.

Beyond the laws, Taiwan’s strength lies in its cultural openness. Pride here isn’t only a political statement—it’s a festival of creativity, community, and joy. Every October, Taipei fills with rainbow flags, music, and art. Streets once known for commerce turn into stages of self-expression, where locals and visitors march together not just to demand equality, but to celebrate it.

And while Pride weekend remains the centerpiece of Taiwan’s queer calendar, the island’s commitment to inclusivity extends far beyond one parade. From indie film screenings to drag performances, workshops, and exhibitions, Taiwan has built an ecosystem where LGBTQ culture thrives in the open. This dynamic spirit makes it not only a safe haven for queer travelers, but also one of the most inspiring destinations in Asia for anyone who values authenticity, creativity, and connection.

Why Taiwan Pride is so big in Asia

1. Openness to cultural diversity

Taiwan Pride has become one of Asia’s most celebrated LGBTQ events—and a powerful symbol of how social progress and cultural acceptance can coexist. Over the past few years, it has drawn hundreds of thousands of participants, surpassing any other pride event in East Asia and second only to Tel Aviv on the continental scale.

The energy is infectious: families, students, activists, and visitors from around the world walk side by side under a sea of rainbow flags. But Taiwan’s story wasn’t always this bright. Only a few decades ago, the island’s political climate was conservative and heavily policed. Public discussion of sexuality was nearly impossible.

Fast forward to today, and the transformation feels almost cinematic. Those who once faced punishment for their identity are now honored as pioneers on the same streets where they once stood in silence. Taiwan’s evolution from repression to representation has made it a model for its more conservative neighbors—and a living testament that acceptance is possible through empathy, activism, and persistence.

2. Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in a historic first for Asia

In 2019, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, setting a precedent that continues to ripple across the region. The law not only recognized love between same-sex couples—it also symbolized a broader victory for human rights and equality.

For locals and visitors alike, this milestone turned Taiwan into a beacon of hope. It signaled to the world that LGBTQ equality in Asia isn’t a distant dream but a living, thriving reality. Each year since, Taiwan Pride has grown not just in size but in meaning. What began as a march for recognition has evolved into a nationwide celebration of love and individuality, where everyone—queer or ally—is welcome to take part.

Why you should participate in Taiwan Pride

1. To support and celebrate the local LGBTQ community

Every year, Taiwan Pride adopts a theme that reflects the nation’s evolving understanding of equality. The 2025 message, “Beyond Links: More Than Clicks,” (超・連結——跨越標籤，理解差異) calls on society to move past surface-level online interactions and symbolic gestures. It’s a reminder that real progress requires empathy, not algorithms—that we must go beyond hashtags and screens to build genuine, human connections that transcend labels, stereotypes, and bias.

The energy of the parade is collective and contagious. You’ll see couples holding hands openly, families bringing children to learn about love in all its forms, and allies marching proudly alongside rainbow-draped floats. Taiwan Pride thrives because it belongs to everyone—it’s a shared statement that inclusion can be joyful, not just political.

2. To march in Taiwan’s biggest-ever pride parade

The Taipei Pride Parade has grown into Asia’s largest and most anticipated LGBTQ event, drawing visitors from around the world. This year, the parade both started and ended at Taipei City Hall Plaza, near the iconic Taipei 101—a symbolic location at the heart of modern Taipei.

The circular route wound through the city’s bustling downtown before returning to the plaza for an evening rally and performances, turning the entire area into one enormous open-air celebration. It’s more than a parade—it’s a moving canvas of art, protest, and togetherness. Music pulses from colorful floats, performers dance in glittering costumes, and spontaneous cheers echo through the city. Whether you’re waving a flag or simply walking among the crowd, you’ll feel the unity and emotion that make this day unforgettable.

3. To honor the pioneers who made it possible

Amid the music and celebration, it’s worth remembering those who paved the way. Look for Chi Chia-wei (祈家威), affectionately known as the father of Taiwan’s LGBTQ rights movement. His tireless efforts, dating back to the 1980s, helped push Taiwan toward marriage equality.

Today, he’s often spotted along the parade route in full rainbow attire, smiling and waving to younger generations who now march freely because of his courage. His presence serves as a reminder that Pride is more than a party—it’s a living history of perseverance, compassion, and progress.

4. Celebrate Taiwan Pride with You Better Werq

Every October, Taipei turns into Asia’s capital of pride and creativity—and one of the highlights of the season is the International Drag Art Festival You Better Werq. Sponsored by the Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism, the event brings together leading drag performers from across the region for a night of art, music, and unapologetic self-expression. It’s not just a show—it’s a celebration of Asia’s growing drag culture and Taiwan’s role at its center.

This year’s lineup featured Asia’s fiercest queens from Thailand 🇹🇭, the Philippines 🇵🇭, and Taiwan 🇹🇼, including Pangina Heals (Host of Drag Race Thailand / Drag Race UK vs. The World), Inty Fresh (Drag Race Philippines / Global All Stars), Eva Le Queen (Drag Race Philippines / Global All Stars), and Foriegras (ตับห่าน), winner of Thailand’s Drag Star 2025.

The result was nothing short of spectacular—a fusion of art, freedom, and cultural pride that captured the very essence of Taiwan’s openness. Stepping into the darkened venue, the anticipation was palpable. Audiences from around the world filled the space, their cheers and laughter creating a shared heartbeat of joy. In that moment, Taiwan didn’t just feel LGBTQ-friendly—it felt alive with belonging, a place where authenticity flourishes without fear.

From soulful ballads that brought tears to powerhouse dance numbers that shook the floor, each performance told a story of resilience, identity, and hope. Some queens blended Thai classical movement and Chinese folklore, while others drew from Taiwan’s Indigenous heritage, turning the stage into a dazzling dialogue between cultures. Behind the glamour and glitter, drag revealed its deeper truth: the courage to live unapologetically.

Attending You Better Werq was more than witnessing a show—it was experiencing Taiwan’s spirit at its purest. Here, Pride isn’t confined to the parade route; it spills into every creative space, every voice, every heart that chooses honesty over conformity. This is why Taiwan stands apart as Asia’s most inspiring LGBTQ destination—because it doesn’t just celebrate diversity; it embraces it with sincerity, artistry, and love.

In today’s evolving business landscape, the concept of “bleisure travel”—blending business obligations with leisure experiences—has become increasingly popular among professionals seeking to maximize their time abroad. For business visitors attending conferences at Taipei World Trade Center, Nangang Exhibition Center, or Taoyuan Convention Center, Taiwan offers a wealth of opportunities to transform a standard business trip into a memorable cultural journey. Here are three carefully curated itineraries that showcase the island’s diverse attractions, from its rich maritime heritage to its stunning mountain landscapes.

Route #1: Maritime Heritage and Coastal Wonders (Taipei World Trade Center)

After morning meetings at the Taipei World Trade Center, business travelers can embark on a unique journey that combines military harbor culture, geological beauty, and island leisure. This afternoon itinerary offers a five-sensory experience of Heping Island’s (和平島) maritime memories.

The adventure begins at noon with lunch at Keelung Miaokou Night Market (基隆廟口夜市), which opens every day from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight. CNN has featured Keelung Miaokou Night Market as one of the must-visit destinations. The fresh seafood and abundance of food stalls attract both locals and tourists. The market is famous for its variety of dishes, such as crab soup, fried fish pastry, and “nutritious sandwiches” (營養三明治). It is a major tourist attraction, often recommended for its quality and fresh offerings due to its proximity to Keelung Harbor.

WeR Warehouse No. 4 is another trendy dining venue that sets the tone for the quiet explorations. A guided cruise through Keelung’s inner harbor, where knowledgeable tour guides share captivating stories of the port’s military history and maritime heritage. This isn’t merely sightseeing—it’s a narrative journey through Taiwan’s naval past, revealing how this strategic harbor shaped the island’s development.

The harbor tour offers unique perspectives of Keelung’s working port, naval facilities, and the surrounding coastal geography. As the boat glides through waters that have witnessed centuries of maritime activity, visitors gain insight into Taiwan’s transformation from a contested colonial outpost to a modern Pacific nation.

Besides the cruise tour, Heping Island is another recommended destination, where the afternoon’s exploration continues on foot. The island’s secret geological formations reveal nature’s artistry in stone. Wind and waves have sculpted the coastal rocks into fantastical shapes over millennia, creating a landscape that seems almost otherworldly. The stories behind the geological processes point out the diverse marine life thriving in the tidal pools—a living classroom of coastal ecology.

The interplay between rock formations and tidal zones creates a dynamic environment that changes with each visit. During low tide, hidden caves and unusual rock shapes emerge, while the intertidal zone teems with crabs, sea anemones, and small fish adapted to this challenging habitat. This observation of natural rhythms and resilient life forms provides a meditative counterpoint to the morning’s business activities.

The day concludes at the cafe “With Hill” inside the Heping Island Park, where visitors can relax while reflecting on the day’s discoveries. The combination of maritime history, geological wonders, and coastal ecology creates a comprehensive experience that showcases Taiwan’s relationship with the sea—past, present, and future.

Route #2: Tea Culture and Mountain Serenity (Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center)

For business travelers based at Nangang Exhibition Center, this itinerary offers an immersive journey into one of Taiwan’s most celebrated cultural treasures: tea. The trip to Pinglin (坪林), a mountain town synonymous with premium tea production, provides the perfect antidote to conference room intensity, and that only requires a 20-minute drive(taxi please)! 

The day begins at the Pinglin Tea Museum (坪林茶業博物館), where exhibits trace the hundred-year evolution of Taiwanese tea culture. From ancient tea utensils to modern processing techniques, the museum reveals how tea cultivation became central to Taiwan’s agricultural identity and economic development. Visitors learn about different tea varieties, the intricacies of tea processing, and the cultural significance of tea ceremony traditions. The museum’s architecture reflects the aesthetics of tea culture, creating an environment that honors this refined tradition.

Pick lunch in the area based on mood. The local hipster cafes/tea bars offer a contemporary interpretation of tea-infused cuisine. The restaurant creatively incorporates local tea into its dishes, demonstrating how traditional ingredients can be reimagined for modern palates. This meal exemplifies Taiwan’s culinary innovation—respecting heritage while embracing creativity.

A leisurely stroll through Pinglin Old Street is very comfortable. Traditional shophouses line the narrow street, many still operated by families who have sold tea for generations. The unhurried pace and warm interactions with local merchants offer a glimpse into Taiwan’s community-oriented culture. Visitors can sample teas, purchase high-quality leaves directly from producers, and experience the genuine hospitality that characterizes rural Taiwan.

Along Pinglin’s riverside trails, following crystal-clear mountain streams, surrounded by lush forest and the occasional tea plantation. The sound of flowing water, bird songs, and rustling leaves creates a natural symphony that encourages mindfulness and stress relief. This isn’t strenuous hiking—it’s gentle movement through beautiful landscapes that allows body and mind to settle into nature’s rhythm.

This journey into tea country, located surprisingly close to Taipei’s urban center, demonstrates how Taiwan preserves its agricultural heritage and natural environments. It’s a daily pilgrimage that allows visitors to engage authentically with the land and the beverage that has defined this region for generations.

Route #3: Mountain Tea Gardens and Ceramic Arts (Taoyuan Convention and Exhibition Center)

Business visitors to Taoyuan Convention Center can explore a route that combines high-altitude tea cultivation with Taiwan’s renowned ceramic traditions. This itinerary creates a perfect narrative arc from mountain serenity to artistic creation.

For example, Xiong Kong Tea Garden (熊空茶園), perched at 700 meters elevation in a breathtaking mountain setting, is a secret paradise that offers fresh air saturated with phytoncides. The cooler temperatures and abundant rainfall at this elevation produce teas with distinctive flavor profiles, and visitors can observe terraced plantations that seem to cascade down the mountainside.

At noon, lunch at the tea garden where the cuisine complements the mountain setting, likely incorporating local ingredients and tea-based dishes. The restaurant’s location within the forest garden allows diners to continue enjoying the natural surroundings while refueling for the afternoon’s activities.

The itinerary then transitions from natural beauty to human creativity with a visit to either the New Taipei City Art Museum or the Yingge Ceramics Museum. Yingge (鶯歌), often called Taiwan’s pottery capital, has a centuries-old tradition of ceramic production. The museum showcases both historical pieces and contemporary ceramic art, illustrating how this ancient craft continues to evolve.

Yingge Old Street reveals the town’s living ceramic culture. Shops and studios line the street, displaying everything from traditional teaware to avant-garde sculptures. The neighborhood retains an authentic, working-town atmosphere— showcasing the genuineness of the artisan community.

The hands-on pottery experience is available at Yingge Old Street. This isn’t mere entertainment—it’s an opportunity to understand the skill, patience, and creativity required in ceramic arts. The piece created becomes a tangible memory of the journey, an object that literally carries the imprint of the traveler’s hands and their time in Taiwan.

The Bleisure Advantage

Each of these itineraries demonstrates how business travel to Taiwan can extend beyond conference halls and hotel rooms. They’re designed to fit comfortably into a single day, requiring minimal departure from business schedules while offering maximum cultural immersion and personal enrichment. Whether exploring maritime heritage, mountain tea culture, or ceramic traditions, these routes provide authentic encounters with Taiwan’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage—transforming ordinary business trips into extraordinary journeys of discovery. For more bleisure information, please visit Taiwan MICE Promotion Program “Meet Taiwan”: https://taiwanbizfun.meettaiwan.com/index.html

In today’s evolving business landscape, “bleisure travel”—blending business obligations with leisure experiences—has become increasingly popular among professionals seeking to maximize their time abroad. For business visitors attending conferences in southern Taiwan, both Tainan and Kaohsiung offer exceptional opportunities to transform standard business trips into memorable cultural journeys that reveal the island’s diverse character.

Route #4: A Journey Through Sacred History (ICC Tainan)

For business travelers in Tainan, Taiwan’s cultural capital, this walking itinerary offers an extraordinary journey through the city’s spiritual landscape and historical identity. This route traces life cycle beliefs through temple worship while exploring the political heart of Qing Dynasty Taiwan, revealing the city’s collective memory through leisurely urban exploration.

It takes about half an hour to reach Tainan city from the International Convention & Exhibition Center (ICC Tainan) by taxi or public train. Upon arriving in Tainan, visitors immediately notice temples standing closely side by side, hinting at the city’s historical splendor and its embrace of diverse faiths. Thus, let’s start the journey from Koxinga Shrine (延平郡王祠), the earliest official memorial to Zheng Chenggong (鄭成功) during the Qing Dynasty! This foundational site bridges secular history and spiritual veneration, offering insight into how historical figures become deified in Taiwanese folk religion.

Besides the Koxinga Shrine, the Sacred Heart Cathedral presents a fascinating cultural synthesis with its magnificent Chinese-style architecture. Built during Japanese colonial rule, this Catholic cathedral features traditional Chinese architectural elements, demonstrating how Christianity adapted to local aesthetic preferences and created a uniquely Taiwanese expression of faith.

Not far from the Cathedral, The East Market (台南東市場), established in 1908 and now 111 years old, remains a vital center of daily life. Walking through its narrow aisles surrounded by vendors’ calls and fresh ingredients provides authentic immersion in Tainan’s culinary culture and demonstrates Taiwan’s ability to preserve traditional commercial patterns.

The route arrives at Tainan City God Temple, Taiwan’s earliest officially-constructed city god temple. In the traditional Chinese religious hierarchy, city gods serve as spiritual administrators. The temple’s grand scale reflects how the Qing Dynasty government integrated religious institutions into administrative systems.

Tainan offers historical depth and spiritual richness, inviting contemplative engagement with centuries of cultural tradition. Understanding Tainan through its religious landscape helps travelers gain deep insight into the city’s soul.

Route #5: Harbor Views and Urban Nightlife (Kaohsiung Exhibition Center)

For business visitors to Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, this evening itinerary offers a completely different experience—one focused on the city’s maritime identity, contemporary culture, and vibrant nightlife, promising an evening “you won’t want to end.”

Pier-2 Art Center’s Warehouse, a repurposed industrial space, epitomizes Kaohsiung’s urban renewal. The transformed harbor warehouses now house galleries, performance spaces, and restaurants. Dining here means experiencing the city’s artistic renaissance, with exposed brick and industrial fixtures reflecting Kaohsiung’s reimagined relationship with its harbor heritage.

Boarding a Love River cruise for an evening tour is also recommended. The river, transformed from a polluted industrial waterway into a romantic urban amenity, offers unique perspectives on the illuminated skyline. Bridges, riverside developments, and public art create constantly changing views while narration shares stories of environmental rehabilitation and urban transformation.

Kaohsiung Music Center is a striking architectural landmark featuring venues, exhibitions, and a bar serving craft beers created in collaboration with famous bands. These band-branded beers represent an innovative fusion of Taiwan’s craft beer culture with its vibrant music scene. The center’s contemporary architecture and creative atmosphere provide perfect spaces for unwinding after conference sessions.

Taiwanese-style gastropub hidden within a traditional market, Yancheng First Public Retail Market (鹽埕第一公有市場). This venue serves elevated Taiwanese cuisine alongside craft cocktails, transforming the market space into sophisticated evening entertainment. The late finish reflects southern Taiwan’s relaxed lifestyle—dinner starts later, nightlife extends deeper, and the pace feels unhurried.

Kaohsiung provides contemporary dynamism and creative energy, showcasing urban reinvention while honoring industrial heritage. For business travelers, these experiences transform work trips into opportunities for cultural education and personal enrichment, creating memories that extend far beyond conference halls.