Taiwan

Taiwan: A Nature Lover’s Journey with a Few Surprises


I knew I would enjoy Taiwan’s nature—no question about that. What I didn’t expect was how different my experience in the city, particularly in Taipei, would be from what I imagined.


Taipei: Not What I Expected

Before arriving, I pictured vibrant night markets full of sizzling street food, quirky shops, and non-stop energy. While all of that does exist, the reality of experiencing it in the sweltering heat was something else. The extreme humidity drained my energy and appetite. I had big plans to explore food stalls and eat like a local, but the weather made that nearly impossible. Thankfully, a local friend came to the rescue and took me to a restaurant- one I could actually enjoy the local food  in the comfort of air conditioning. .

Instead, what stood out was Taipei’s modern and sleek side—towering skyscrapers, high-end malls, and fancy restaurants. It reminded me of other progressive Asian cities, polished and globalized. One highlight was Taipei 101, a bamboo-shaped skyscraper designed to withstand both earthquakes and typhoons thanks to its massive internal damper. The observation deck offers stunning city views, and the mall inside is packed with luxury brands and upscale dining. A friend even told me that Taipei 101 hosts an epic fireworks display on New Year’s Eve—something worth coming back for.


Another spot I really appreciated was the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Gardens—a grand, open space with impressive architecture and peaceful surroundings. It gave me a glimpse into Taiwan’s history and was a refreshing escape from the city’s bustle.


Getting around Taipei was a breeze thanks to the reliable and inexpensive metro system. Public transport made exploring the city stress-free, even in the heat.


Keelung & Shifen: Cultural Glimpses Through the Heat


In Keelung, I tried to brave the famous night market determined to sample the street food. But again, the heat got the better of me—and to make matters worse, a pungent smell hit me hard and completely killed my appetite. Still, I appreciated the local culture, especially in the older part of town, where traditions and architecture gave me a better sense of place.


A brighter moment came in Shifen, where I joined the tradition of releasing sky lanterns along the old railway tracks. It was simple, meaningful, and special. As the train rumbled past and we sent our wishes skyward, I felt a connection to the ritual, despite the crowds and heat.


Escaping to Nature—As Much as the Heat Allowed


As a nature lover, I couldn’t leave Taiwan without visiting its famous parks—even if the heat made hiking a real challenge. I managed a short hike at Heping Island Geopark, just enough to take in the coastal views and walk among its unique rock formations and windswept hills.


But the true natural highlight was Yehliu Geopark. This place is otherworldly. The odd shapes of the rocks—especially the iconic Queen’s Head formation—make it feel like walking on another planet. Even in the heat, I was mesmerized by the geological beauty and raw energy of the coastline.


Final Thoughts


Taiwan surprised me. I came for nature and found it, even if the weather made me work for it. I expected a vibrant food scene and instead encountered the sobering impact of climate on travel plans. Still, between the dazzling design of Taipei 101, the cultural moments in Shifen, and the stunning coastline at Yehliu, Taiwan gave me memories I won’t forget. Next time, though, I’ll aim for a cooler season—maybe even catch those famous fireworks.


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Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 30, 2025 at 1:25 PM

    Wow! Thanks for sharing your epic journey. Lani from Australia

    ReplyDelete

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