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The Ultimate Travel Guide: Shifen
New Taipei’s vast expanse is a treasure trove of hidden gems, each more enchanting than the last. From the natural wonders of indigenous hot springs in Wulai to the enchanting alleyways straight out of a fairy tale in Jiufen, this region is a haven for explorers. However, if you seek unparalleled serenity and charm, look no further than Shifen. Nestled within Shifen’s picturesque landscape are its captivating old streets, a mesmerising waterfall, and the age-old tradition of releasing sky lanterns. It’s no wonder that Shifen is one of the most sought-after day trips from Taipei. In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil the secrets of Shifen and provide you with…
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The 25 Best Temples to Visit in Taipei
To say that Taiwan is in touch with its spirituality would be a severe understatement! In the wondrous melting pot of Taiwanese culture and religious ideology, elements from some of the world’s oldest belief systems and ancient superstitions have been brought together and proudly represented in its many decedent temples. Of the 15,000 temples scattered across this vibrant nation, many of the country’s biggest and best are held within its capital. So in that case, let me show you every temple worth checking out in the city of Taipei! The article may contain affiliate links which I may be compensated for at no extra cost to you dear readers! Brief…
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The 13 Best Highlights to See in Jiufen
Popular amongst day-trippers and anime fans alike, the iconic streets of Jiufen are one of the biggest tourist destinations anywhere in Taiwan. The erratically stacked buildings placed precariously along the misty hillsides are a beautiful throwback to the area’s colonial past and industrial heritage, which brought a vibrant cultural boost to the area in the form of teahouses and lantern-lined alleyways. For others, the streets represent the internationally acclaimed anime movie Spirited Away, which was believed to be based on, though that isn’t actually the case. Regardless, as far as everyone is concerned, this is the true home of the mischievous spirits and their beloved bathhouse. With plenty on offer amongst…
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The Ultimate Travel Itinerary: Wulai in 1 Day
Whether you’re travelling through or in it for the long haul, Taiwan has plenty of fascinating day trips to experience, many of which can be done from Taipei! Though the mountain town of Jiufen or the toasty waters of Beitou are some of the more popular, only one trip includes a healthy dose of indigenous culture! Taiwan is home to several indigenous tribes, of which some found a home in the valleys surrounding Taipei. Yet what makes this place all the more fascinating is the reason the tribes settled here in the first place! Wulai is iconic for its natural hot springs, which provide a place to escape the concrete…
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Wulai: Aboriginals and Hot Springs
Karma is a relentless force that I came to know all too well over the last 6 months. While the rest of the world has been in complete turmoil over the last 2 years, I was fortunate enough to live in one of the few countries that avoided the worst of the COVID outbreak. Though despite Taiwan’s near-perfect record, one careless visit to a couple of ropey old prostitutes brought the country momentarily to its knees. And just like that, Taiwan joined the rest of the world with its first real outbreak of the pandemic. As schools were shut and all but essential travel was forbidden, I found myself in…
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Your Ultimate Daily Guide: Living in Taipei
There are plenty of cities around the world that are beloved amongst expats. New York, London and Tokyo may be some of the most iconic, but according to a recent survey, the Taiwanese capital of Taipei was placed firmly at number one for the best places to live! Taipei represents a series of delicate balances between a sleek modern metropolis and its humble past, 5-star restaurants standing next to bustling night markets, and stunning architecture embraced by rolling mountain ranges. There’s little wonder why an endless stream of foreigners choose to find their home in this spectacular city! With such a steady supply of foreign nationals arriving in Taipei, it’s…
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The Ultimate Travel Guide: Jiufen
There are a few things that have placed Taiwan on the world stage. Whether it’s bubble tea, cute black bears or their constant beefing with neighbouring China, the country has earned a place in many people’s collective consciousness. However, many people only know of Taiwan because of one sleepy mountain town in the hills outside of Taipei, Jiufen. The iconic stacked buildings placed haphazardly along the misty hillsides are a beautiful throwback to the area’s colonial past and industrial heritage, which brought the region such a rich boost in culture with a combination of authentic teahouses and lantern-lined alleyways. However, many people only know of Jiufen through the internationally renowned…
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Jiufen: Being Spirited Away
There are a couple of places out there that you’d want to visit JUST because they’re in a movie. Everyone wants to be Leonardo Di Caprio on the beach of Koh Phi Phi. In Taiwan, one place has been the ultimate destination for movie buffs, Jiufen. People believe this town inspired the critically acclaimed Japanese anime movie “Spirited Away”. Well…that may not actually be true, but that doesn’t matter. As far as everyone is concerned, this is Spirited Away and the home of No-Face. I’d only seen the movie since being in Taiwan and instantly fell in love. With Jiufen only being an hour away from Taipei, it made for the perfect little…
