Located along Taiwan’s rugged northeast coast just outside of Keelung, the Shen’ao Rail Bike Experience is one of those activities that feels both unique and effortlessly fun!  Just a short trip from Taipei and near the port city of Keelung, this converted railway ride lets you pedal your way along a scenic stretch of coastline, complete with ocean views, tunnels, and authentic charm.  The Shen’ao Rail Bike is a relaxing experience that is a beginner-friendly experience perfect for couples, families, or anyone really looking to add something different to their Taiwan itinerary. In this guide, I’ll cover what you need to know about the Shen’ao Rail Bike Experience, from how to get there and book tickets to what to expect. If you are planning a day trip from Taipei or Keelung, this attraction is definitely worth it!  ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! What is the Shen’ao Rail Bike? The Shen’ao Rail Bike is a unique and fun outdoor activity in northern Taiwan that lets you ride a small, pedal powered cart in the shape of an ocean character. The experience takes place along a restored section of coastal railway. Located near Keelung and an easy day trip from Taipei, this scenic activity follows a short part of the former Shen’ao Line, which was used to transport industrial materials. The old rail has been converted into this fun tourist attraction.  The route itself is relatively short, it’s only about 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) one way and takes around 20-30 minutes to complete. I highly recommend doing a roundtrip journey. While it’s not a long adventure, the Shen’ao Rail Bike is a must do activity, especially if visiting Keelung or looking for things to do around Taipei. The Shen’ao Rail Bike is a great combination of coastal scenery, light activity, and is fun for everyone! How to Get to Shen’ao Rail Bike The Shen’ao Rail Bike is located along Taiwan’s northern coast near the coastal town of Keelung and about an hour from Taipei.  The ride itself starts at either Badouzi Station or Shen’ao Station. From what I’ve experienced, most visitors choose Badouzi Station as the starting point. When doing a roundtrip journey, it also ends at Badouzi Station.  There are numerous ways to get to Badouzi Station, I’ll list the specifics here. From Taipei Train & Short Transfer Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang. Transfer to the local line toward Badouzi. Get off at Badouzi Station.  Direct Bus Take Bus 1579 from Taipei (City Hall area) to Badouzi. Taxi or Ride Share From Taipei, it’s about a 45-60 minute ride.  Taiwan does use Uber and it works really well.  From Keelung Taxi or Ride Share We stayed in Keelung and just took an Uber to Badouzi Station. This method was quick and inexpensive.  Bus Bus 791, 1051, T99 For updated bus routes and times, I recommend visiting the Shen’ao Rail Bike website.  Tickets and How to Book Booking tickets for the Shen’ao Rail Bike in advance is highly recommended. It’s a popular activity and time slots do sell out. The day we went, there was a bus full of tourists already in line.  Ticket Prices One-way Ticket Price: NT$150Round-trip Price (Recommended): NT$300 👉 Each Rail Bike seats 2 people and the ride is about 20-30 minutes one-way.  For updated ticket prices and discount prices, check the official Shen’ao Rail Bike website.  How to Book You can book tickets directly through the official Shen’ao Rail Bike website.  You can book your ticket 30 days in advance. For online booking, register as a member, through the website.  At the Login page, you can create an account or use an existing account.  Go to Book Now, here you have the option to purchase your one-way or Round-trip ticket and select either Badouzi Station or Shen’ao Station.  Select the date, time, and number of passengers.  You will then fill in your personal information and pay for your tickets.  You will then get a confirmation email with a QR Code. Simply show this at the station you are embarking on.  What to Expect on the Ride I did a similar rail bike experience in the Japanese Prefecture of Akita, but that rail was more of a bike on a small track, so I kind of expected the Shen’ao Rail Bike to be similar.  The Shen’ao Rail Bike was a different experience, each pair of people get their own covered cart with a pedal and brake. For the most part, it was pretty comfortable and easy to operate.  Each cart is designed for two people and runs along a fixed track, no steering involved, just pedaling and enjoying the views.  The day I went, there was a tourist bus that just parked so nearly every cart was full. At first I thought it would take away from the atmosphere but in reality it did not affect my experience one bit.  So, if you already have a ticket, don’t worry if the Shen’ao Rail Bike is crowded.  Once you disembark from Badouzi Station, you’ll start pedaling and notice how quickly the scenery opens up. The track hugs the coastline, so you get amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.  One of the highlights along the ride is passing through the tunnel. The tunnel was lit with colorful lights making the experience even more exciting!  It’s a fun contrast to the natural scenery outside one moment and the next moment, you are going through a tunnel with exciting light displays.  Shortly after the tunnel, we rode through a forested area before making our way to the end of the track. It’s short, only 1.3 kilometers, so I recommend doing what we did, and paying for the round-trip option.  The staff turns all the carts around and you simply pedal back the same way.  Since you are pedaling at a slow pace, there are plenty of opportunities to take photos and videos.  The Shen’ao Rail Bike is all about enjoying the short, scenic ride and creating fun memories with your passenger.  Rules for Riding Just so you are aware of the Rules and Regulations, I’ve included them below. These are taken directly from the inside of the rail bike. ✅ Keep your seatbelt on at all times. ✅ Take care of personal belongings and don’t disembark or personal items. Contact staff if something is dropped. ✅ Keep 5-meters distance between your cart and the rail bike ahead of you. ✅ Don’t stand, jump, or shake the rail bike. ✅Wear appropriate clothing, don’t let it get caught in the pedals. ✅Be mindful of the surroundings and be careful when getting on/off the rail bikes. ✅ No eating, smoking, or littering on the rail bike.  Is the Shen’ao Rail Bike Worth It? I spent a long weekend in Keelung and the primary reason I went was to experience the Shen’ao Rail Bike. Because of this, my expectations were kind of high and it did not disappoint. I can honestly say that the Shen’ao Rail Bike is well worth it!  The rail bike is less about the adrenaline like you might think but it’s more about enjoying a short and scenic journey along Taiwan’s beautiful coastline with someone you truly love or at least like enough to share a rail bike with.  Conclusion The Shen’ao Rail Bike might not be the longest or thrilling adventure Taiwan has to offer, but that is not really the point here. What it does offer is something simple and memorable, a short journey along Taiwan’s beautiful coastline at a relaxed pace.  Its location near Keelung and being close to Taipei it’s an easy addition to any north coast Taiwan itinerary. I loved the Shen’ao Rail Bike, it was exactly what I expected and needed. It’s a short half-day activity that allowed me to get fresh air, do something fun, and see beautiful nature.  At the end of the day, the Shen’ao Rail Bike is one of those experiences that won’t take up to much of  your time and leave you with a great memory.  Have you done the Shen’ao Rail Bike? What was your thought? Leave a comment and share your experience. Safe Travels!  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️ 🇹🇼    Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖 🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

Towering above the city skyline, Taipei 101 is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Taiwan and for many travelers, it’s a must visit. But with ticket prices, long lines, and unpredictable weather, one big question comes up: is visiting Taipei 101 worth it?  In my opinion, after visiting Taipei 101 three times, it’s an unforgettable experience. In this Taipei 101 guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know before visiting. Chances are, you will see Taipei 101 from the outside when visiting Taipei, but If you are trying to decide whether or not to buy tickets to the observation deck to Taipei 101 in your itinerary, this guide will help you with that decision.  And, to answer your question early on if Taipei 101 is worth it? My quick answer is absolutely!  ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Quick Facts About Taipei 101 ✅ Height: 508 meters or 1,667 ft, making Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest buildings. ✅Floors: 101 floors above ground and 5 floors underground.  ✅ Completed: December 31, 2004 ✅ Former Record Holder: Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the world until the Burj Khalifa in Dubai was built in 2009. Taipei 101 currently ranks as the world’s eleventh tallest building. It is still the tallest building in Taiwan.  ✅ Location: Xinyi District, the modern heart of Taipei.  ✅ Observation Deck: Located on the 89th floor.  ✅ Elevator Speed: One of the fastest elevators in the world, reaching the top in about 37 seconds.  ✅ Design Inspiration: Modeled after a traditional bamboo stalk, symbolizing growth and prosperity. I learned that after watching Alex Honnold free climb Taipei 101.  ✅ Wind Damper: Taipei 101 has the largest mass damper in the world and it is open for the public to see.  Is Taipei 101 Worth Visiting? Short answer: Yes!  For first-time visitors to Taipei, Taipei is more than just a skyscraper, it’s a symbol of Taipei and one of the best locations to take in the full 360° view of the city.  It’s an engineering marvel that is a must visit for anyone in Taipei. I’ve been to Taipei several times and have visited the observation deck of Taipei 101, three times.  Standing at the base of Taipei 101, looking up, make you feel so small. It’s more of an experience when visiting Taipei 101. You get to ride on one of the world’s fastest elevators, see the massive damper, and see the beautiful city of Taipei from above.  Taipei 101 is absolutely worth visiting and I highly recommend it, especially if you are visiting Taipei for the first time.  Guide to Visiting Taipei 101 If you are visiting Taipei for your first time and have plans to visit Taipei 101, I created this guide to cover all the basics to your visit to include tips and additional information on Taipei 101.  How to get to Taipei 101 Getting to Taipei 101 is easy and straightforward, thanks to Taipei’s efficient public transport system.  The simplest option is the MRT:  Take the Tamsui-Xinyi Line, Red Line to Taipei 101/World Center Station (R03). You can also reach Taipei 101 by bus or taxi, but the MRT is the fastest and cheapest option.  Admission and Hours Below you can find the latest admission rates and hours for visiting Taipei 101. For the latest prices, hours, and getting to the 5th floor, I recommend visiting the official Taipei 101 website.  Admission General Ticket: NT$600This includes visiting Floors 88F and 89F.  Skyline460: NT$3,000This includes Floors 88F, 89F, and the Outdoor on the 101st Floor.    Hours Observatory: Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 21:00 (Last Admission is 20:15) Mall: Sunday – Thursday 11:00 – 21:30. Friday, Saturday, and Holidays 11:00 – 22:00 You can purchase tickets to Taipei 101 at the official ticket country on the 5th floor or in advance online.  Booking ahead not only saves time, but it guarantees you a time slot and sometimes offers small discounts or bundle deals.  👉 Ways to Save:  Book through platforms like Get Your Guide or Klook. Look for bundle deals that are offered with other Taipei attractions.  The Elevator Normally, I wouldn’t write about an elevator but the elevator inside Taipei 101 is unique and one of a kind!  The elevator was built by Toshiba and according to the Toshiba website, the elevator runs at speeds of 1,010meters a minute which is equivalent to 60.6 km/h.  The elevator starts at the 5th-floor where the ticket counter is and reaches the observation deck on the 89th-floor in just 37 seconds! I’ve been in elevators that take just as long to go just a couple of floors, it is truly impressive! The elevator can carry 24 passengers and is really smooth, you don’t get a sense of how fast it really is outside of your ears popping.  88th & 89th-Floor Observation Deck The main reason to visit Taipei 101 is to get a chance to take the elevator up to the  89th-floor observation deck. At the observation deck, you get a 360-degree view of Taipei. The large windows make it easy to take photos and enjoy the views. There are other fun features and facilities on the 89th-floor. There are magnification telescopes, photo services, and seasonal themes. On the 88th-floor of Taipei 101, there is a cafe called Simple Kaffa. Here you can relax with a coffee and enjoy the views.  Of course, on the 88th floor there is the famous wind-damper that is one of the top highlights of visiting Taipei 101.  Tuned Mass Damper One of the most fascinating things inside Taipei 101 is the massive tuned or wind damper. This 660-ton golden sphere suspends between the upper floors. It does look futuristic and actually serves a critical and important purpose.  The damper is designed to help stabilize the skyscraper during weather events like strong winds and earthquakes, both very common in Taiwan.  As the building itself sways, the damper moves in the opposite direction to counteract the motion which reduces vibrations and sway, making the building safe.  The damper is fully visible to the public which is unique. You can walk around the damper. There is a cool video in the room that shows the damper at work during a strong earthquake that happened a few years ago.  Mall & Food Court At the base of Taipei 101, you’ll find a massive multi-level mall. The mall is free to enter and perfect for if you are looking for things to do in Taipei on a rainy day.  I’ve been to the mall and food court several times although not necessarily to shop, but to catch a break from sightseeing.  The mall here leans more toward luxury shopping, you can find all the expensive and big name brands here. Again, I am not a shopper, but I enjoy the cleanliness and design of the mall. The highlight for me is the food court. Here you can find a huge variety of both Taiwanese and international options at a reasonable price. It’s convenient with great options, perfect before making your way up to the observation deck.  Best Photo Spots of Taipei 101 If you are looking to capture photos of Taipei 101 from afar, here are a few of my favorite photography spots.  Street-level in Xinyi District: If you simply walk around the Xinyi District, you’ll see glimpses of Taipei 101 almost everywhere. Zhongshan Park: At Zhongshan Park in Taipei, you can get great close up shots of Taipei 101. If you walk around the park, you can capture the refection on the skyscraper in the ponds, or get the Taiwan flag in the photo. Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan): Perhaps my favorite location and one of the most popular viewpoints of the skyline is what we know it as Elephant Mountain. There are many viewing platforms to get that iconic shot of Taipei 101. Conclusion Is Taipei 101 worth it? The simple answer is yes! Especially if you are a first time visitor to Taipei. The views, engineering behind the skyscraper, and overall experience make visiting Taipei 101 a must visit attraction while in Taipei.  It’s one thing to see Taipei 101 in person from the outside, but getting the full experience from riding the elevator to seeing the giant damper, it’s a one of a kind attraction.  I’ve been to other scrapers around the world, like the Petronas Towers in Malaysia or Tokyo’s Skytree, and Taipei 101 remains one of my favorite buildings in the world.  Have you been to Taipei 101? If so, how was your experience? Do you know of any other locations or have recommendations for photo spots around Taipei? Let us know in the comments. Safe Travels!  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️ 🇹🇼    Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖 🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

Taipei is one of my favorite cities. I’ve spent days, if not weeks here but I also love exploring easy to get to destinations from Taipei. It’s the perfect launchpad for exploring northern Taiwan and other parts of the country.  Some of Taiwan’s most scenic locations, historic towns, and natural parks are just a short trip away. This post outlines my favorite and most recommended day trips from Taipei that are definitely worth your time and effort.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Summary Day Trips from Taipei: Taipei is an incredible city with an abundance of things to do and attractions. I think Taipei deserves a minimum of two days to visit. But if you are extending your stay in Taipei or just want to see more of Taiwan, there are many great day trips from Taipei that are worth your time.   Top Day Trips from Taipei: Yangmingshan National Park Jiufen Yehliu Geopark Considering a day trip from Taipei? I recommend booking a day trip through Viator, Klook, or Get Your Guide, you can browse the many fun and exciting tours and activities.  Day Trips from Taipei Taipei is an incredible city and deserves time to explore. But if you want to see more of what Taiwan has to offer without spending to much time and hassle, there are many great day trips from Taipei that are both easy and offer a new experience.  My list of day trips from Taipei here includes a nice mix of other cities, national parks, and fun experiences. Yangmingshan National Park One of the closest day trips from Taipei is Yangmingshan National Park. This volcanic area is a must when visiting Taipei and is so easy to get to.  There are a few popular hiking trails like Qingtiangang and Xiaoyoukeng that really showcase this national parks beauty and geothermal activity.  The Qingtiangang Grasslands were one of my favorite areas of Yangmingshan National Park and it was here where I saw the wild water buffalo.  If you are looking to hike in Taiwan, visit hot springs, spot wild water buffalo, and see beautiful nature, then Yangmingshan National Park is definitely the place for you!  Getting to Yangmingshan National Park from Taipei If relying on Public Transit to access Yangmingshan National Park from Taipei, then taking the local bus is the most affordable and easiest option. From Taipei Main Station, take the City Bus 260 to Yangmingshan Bus Terminal. You can check the Taipei eBus website for routes and times.  Jiufen One of the most popular day trips from Taipei is Jiufen. When visiting Jiufen, you get a slice of all things Taiwan in one small town. Jiufen offers a blend of history, culture, scenic beauty, and delicious food!  Jiufen is known for its narrow alley ways, traditional teahouses, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.  While exploring Jiufen, make sure to walk Jiufen Old Street, sample food at the vendors, and take a break at one of the teahouses. You can’t miss a photo opportunity of Amei Teahouse.  Getting to Jiufen from TaipeiFrom Taipei Main Station, take the local train on the Yilan Line to Ruifang Station. When exiting Ruifang Station, head to the bus stop and hop on the Local Bus 788 or 1062 to Jiufen.  The day we visited Jiufen, we opted to take a taxi to and from Ruifang Station. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive.  👉 For more information about Jiufen and things to do, I have a dedicated post: Day Trip to Jiufen.  Houtong Cat Village If you are a cat lover as much as we are, then I highly recommend visiting Houtong Cat Village.  A day trip to Houtong Cat Village from Taipei can be combined with a trip to Jiufen. Houtong Cat Village is a charming destination that got its start as a coal mining town but has since become a tourist attraction due to the abundance of cats that live here.  Not only are adorable cats found throughout Houtong but there are a lot of cat themed sculptures, cafes, and souvenir shops.  Getting to Houtong Cat Village from TaipeiTake the Pingxi Line from Taipei Main Station.  👉 Want to learn more about visiting Houtong Cat Village? I have a post that covers getting there, things to do, and all things cats. The Purrfect Day Trip to Houtong Cat Village from Taipei.  Yehliu Geopark Located along northern Taiwan’s stunning coast is Yehliu Geopark. Known for its unique rock formations like the iconic Queen’s Head or Fairy’s Shoe, this natural wonder is one of the most popular day trips from Taipei. There are a few hiking paths at Yehliu Geopark, but the main attraction is walking along the coast meandering through the rock formations. Keep an eye out for fossils.  Getting to Yehliu Geopark from TaipeiFrom Taipei Main Station go to the Kuo-Kuan Bus Taipei Terminal and look for the Bus #1815 headed toward Dharma Drum Mountain. Get off at Yehliu Bus Station.  👉 For more information on visiting Yehliu Geopark, feel free to read my post on Visiting Yehliu Geopark from Taipei.  Keelung City Visiting Keelung as a day trip from Taipei is an easy way to experience the beautiful coast of Northern Taiwan not to mention there is a lot to do in Keelung.  Keelung is known for its famous Night Market, it’s often regarded as one of the best night markets in Taiwan.  Other things to do in Keelung include seeing the unique geology and coastal views at Heping Island Geopark, having fun riding the Shen’ao Rail Bike, and taking the Keelung Tower to Zhongzheng Park.  Getting to Keelung from Taipei There are a few ways to get to Keelung from Taipei, I recommend either the bus or train. If taking the bus, at Taipei Main Station head to Taipei East Gate 3 and wait at the bus stop for Bus #1813. Bus #1813 goes directly to Keelung from Taipei. The bus journey to Keelung is about 35 to 50 minutes depending on traffic.  If taking the train there are multiple trains that go to Keelung from Taipei Main Station. These leave roughly every 15 to 20 minutes. The train ride from Taipei to Keelung is around 45 minutes. Pinglin Taiwan’s tea capital, Pinglin is just an hour away from Taipei. A day trip to Pinglin is perfect for those that want to explore Taiwan’s tea culture.  I recommend booking a Pinglin Tea Plantation tour. This is the best way to arrive in Pinglin, learn about the tea culture, and enjoy a tea brewing ceremony. The tour also stops at an observation deck for views of the Thousand Island Lake, beautiful!  👉 Interested in a Pinglin Tour? I have a post on Touring the Pinglin Tea Plantations with information on the tour, how to book it, and what to expect.  Taichung A day trip from Taipei to Taichung is definitely doable, but I recommend starting the day off early as there is a lot to see in Taichung. We stayed in Taichung over the course of a weekend and still didn’t get to see everything we wanted to. But traveling to Taichung from Taipei is only an hour train ride on the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR).  Once in Taichung, most attractions are within walking distance from the city center. I recommend going to Jianguo Public Market, visiting the National Museum of Natural Science, and going to Chun Shui Tang, the birthplace of Bubble Tea.  One of Taichung’s most popular tourist destinations is Rainbow Village. It’s a quick and easy stop from Taichung’s HSR Station.  Taroko National Park One of the most beautiful places in Taiwan is Taroko National Park. Known for it’s stunning marble gorges, mountain forests, and turquoise rivers, Taroko Gorge is a top-rated natural attraction that is a must-see!  I highly recommend staying in Hualien and spending a few days in the Taroko Gorge area, but if that is not an option, a day trip from Taipei is possible.  A local tour is one of the best ways to explore Taroko Gorge. A tour includes transportation and a guide. Here are guided tours to Taroko Gorge from Taipei: Shared Full Day Tour of Taroko National Park from TaipeiPrivate Tour Taroko Gorge from Taipei Conclusion There are an abundance of top-rated attractions and must-see destinations just outside Taipei that make for the perfect day trip. From the small alley ways to explore at Jiufen to the natural wonders of Yehliu Geopark, these destinations are ideal if you are looking to maximize your Taipei itinerary. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇹🇼    Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖 🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

Welcome to my Taichung Travel Guide – this guide is especially helpful for those that are spending a quick weekend in Taichung. Or if you are just visiting for the first time and want to hit the main attractions, eat great food, and explore this colorful and vibrant city!  Taichung is not only the birthplace of Bubble Tea but it is also known for its pleasant weather, artistic neighborhoods, delicious night markets,  fascinating museums. From walking around the iconic Rainbow Village to trying Bubble Tea at Chun Shui Tang, Taichung offers a nice mix of city atmosphere, relaxing spaces, rich culture, and amazing food.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Summary Why Visit Taichung: Taichung is a vibrant city with plenty of things to do and see. Taichung is the birthplace of bubble tea and is known as a foodie city.  Top Things to do in Taichung: Visit the National Museum of Natural Science. Rainbow Village. Bubble Tea at Chun Shui Tang.  Consider taking a Sightseeing Walking Tour With a Local Guide to see the main highlights and learn about Taichung along the way.  Where is Taichung Taichung is located in the central part of Taiwan on the western side of the island between Taipei and Kaohsiung. Taichung is about 170 km (105 miles) south of Taipei.  Getting to Taichung Taiwan is well connected and getting to Taichung is easy. The Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) between Taipei and Kaohsiung stops at Taichung. From here, you can walk to Xinwuri Station and take the local train to Taichung Station, located in the city.  There is also an airport in Taichung, Taichung International Airport that has both domestic and international flights. You can read more about flying into Taichung and taking the HSR below.  Taichung International Airport Taichung International Airport is situated about 20 km from downtown Taichung. The airport serves as a hub for both domestic and international flights. For international flights to and from Taichung, there are destinations to places like Incheon, Macau, Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Okinawa.  Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) All HSR trains that travel between Taipei and Kaohsiung make a stop in Taichung.  From Taipei or Kaohsiung, the HSR travel time is about 50 minutes to an hour. The HSR runs frequent, about every 10 – 15 minutes.  You can buy tickets at the train stations or even convenience stores. When purchasing a HSR ticket, you can either do a reserved seat or non-reserved.  Both times we took the HSR, the reserved seats were already booked and the non-reserved carts were full, so we had to stand the entire time.  When you get to Taichung HSR, walk toward Xiwuri Station to take the train to Taichung Main Station. Just note, around the Taichung Station in town, there are a lot of homeless people that camp around the station. They are harmless.  Where to Stay in Taichung Taichung offers a wide variety of places to stay from budget hostels and mid-range hotels to places you can truly splurge on. A lot of it to, just depends on the area of Taichung you are staying in.  Based on price, proximity to the Taichung Station, and activities in the area, I stayed two nights at the Old School Hotel in the East District of Taichung.  Old School Hotel A 5 – 10 minute walk from Taichung Station is the Old School Hotel (Central Land Hotel). Not only is it close to the station but it is within walking distance to many major attractions like the Jianguo Public Market, Miyahara, and some of the huge malls in Taichung.  We chose to stay here because of the location, distance to the train station, budget, and of course decent online reviews. So, for my Taichung Travel Guide, I highly recommend the Old School Hotel.  Staff was friendly, the rooms were big, the hotel was clean, there was a few convenience stores around, and 12 Bubble Tea shops between the hotel and train station, we counted!  I booked a couple nights at the Old School Hotel (Central Land Hotel) using the Agoda app, it’s also listed on Booking.com.  Old School HotelAddress: No. 65 Dazhi Rd, East District, Taichung City, Taiwan 401Coordinates: 24.1339683, 120.6850337Website: Official Hotel Website What to do in Taichung If you are looking for things to do in Taichung for a quick weekend getaway or simply for a day, trust me, you won’t be bored!  Taichung offers a nice mix of tourist attractions, relaxing parks, and night markets. Below is a list of some of the things we did in Taichung over the course of a weekend.  Explore the Jianguo Public Retail Market I absolutely love starting my day off in a local market. It doesn’t get better then walking through aisles full of fresh produce, seafood caught hours ago, and chunks of meat hanging out in the open.  Taichung has many markets scattered throughout the city, but Jianguo Public Market is a must visit! This is the largest market in Taichung, you could spend a few hours here exploring. It’s more of a fresh market though and not a food market. Sure, there are some food items that can be purchased and side restaurants, but this is where locals go to buy their produce, meats, spices, and other culinary delights.  Address: No. 500, Jiancheng Rd, East District, Taichung City, Taiwan 401Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 5:00 am – 12:00. Closed Mondays Visit the National Museum of Natural Science If you are traveling to Taichung with kids or it’s a rainy day in the city, then I highly recommend visiting the National Museum of Natural Science.  I love Natural Science Museums, so I visited on a sunny day and thoroughly enjoyed the museum. You could spend an entire day here, but I was short on time, so I spent probably around 3 hours at the museum. The museum covers a lot of exhibits from local archaeological finds to dinosaurs.  For kids, there are a lot of hands and interactive displays. It’s a great place for the whole family to come together, learn, and have fun!  Address: No. 1, Guanqian Rd, North District, Taichung City Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am – 17:00. Closed MondaysAdmission: General Admission is NT$100Website: National Museum of Natural Science National Taiwan Museum of Comics I feel like this doesn’t make your average Taichung Travel Guide, but I recommend adding a brief stop at the National Taiwan Museum of Comics to your Taichung itinerary.  It’s a unique attraction that is free and doesn’t take to much time.  Build within the historic Taichung Prison Officers Quarters, the museum is comprised of several Japanese colonial-era buildings. Within the buildings you can find comics and art.  For me, the giant Banyan Tree on the grounds was the most impressive site. Based on the visible roots, you can see where a house used to be. Address: No. 33, Linsen Road, West District, Taichung CityHours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 18:00. Closed Mondays Walk the Liuchuan Riverside Walk I think the Liuchuan Riverside Walk is a newer addition in Taichung. It was constructed to clean up the river system and create an environment that people can enjoy and relax at both during the day and night.  The riverwalk is only about 300 meters long but it’s a nice stroll. Apparently at night it is lit up and especially around holidays and special occasions. Relax at one of the Parks I was surprised at how green Taichung was. There were so many parks, riverwalks, and greenspaces, scattered throughout the city.  Many of the parks I visited were pretty busy and active. Whether it’s people jogging on the trails or taking paddle boats around the city ponds.  Some of the parks and greenspaces I recommend visiting in Taichung include Yogquan Park, Taichung Park, Shin Sei Green Waterway, and the Calligraphy Greenway.  If you are wandering around Taichung and need a place to rest and relax, find a park and enjoy!  Rainbow Village Prior to visiting Taichung, I was doing my research and read that the Rainbow Village in Taichung is the most popular attraction.  Rainbow Village is in the Nantun District, not far from the HSR Station. We took an Uber to the Rainbow Village from the station and jumped in a taxi on the way back. Price wise it was the same, NT$272. What’s so special about Rainbow Village? It’s a small yet vibrant cluster of houses and structures that are painted with colorful murals depicting people, animals, designs, and local Taichung art.  Rainbow Village was started by a former soldier, Huang Yung-Fu. He first painted his home and due to its popularity, his artwork spread to a few nearby homes.  Rainbow Village is a fun and quirky. It was much smaller then I expected. Sure, it’s great for photos and Instagram but I don’t think it is worth going out of your way for. If you have time to spare before or after the train station, by all means, go! Address: Zhanqu 1st Rd, Wuri District, Taichung CityHours: Daily from 8:00 am – 18:00Fee: Free Get a Taiwanese Foot Massage At the end of a long day on your feet while traveling, what better way to finish your night then a cheap yet professional foot massage.  We get foot massages every night when we visit Taiwan. It’s so cheap and so necessary after a long day.  You can find massage parlors everywhere in Taichung, simply look one up nearest to you and go.  One we went to that I really recommend is called, 金角養生館. Address below.  Address: No. 32 Section 4, Fuxing Rd, East District, Taichung CityHours: 11:00 am – 24:00 The Birthplace of Bubble Tea Taichung is renowned as being the birthplace of bubble tea. Taichung definitely lives up to being the capital city of Bubble Tea as it seemed that every other storefront sold Bubble Tea.  I mentioned earlier, just a 5-10 minute walk from the train station to our hotel, there were 12 Bubble Tea shops. Of course, they sold everything from fruit tea to milk tea. Chun Shui Tang Original Store Every Taichung Travel Guide will say that you have to go to Chun Shui Tang, the Bubble Tea shop that started it all. I highly agree, and we did. We went to the original Chun Shui Tang and waited about 20 minutes to be seated.  Chun Shui Tang began in 1983 and the founder, Liu Han-Chieh served cold tea with tapioca pearls which ultimately led to the first bubble tea.  When visiting Chun Shui Tang, you kind of have to try the Pearl Milk Tea, this is their claim to fame. On a hot day, it was fantastic. Although I prefer the fruit tea over milk tea, it was still really good. The food here was delicious as well. Treat yourself to a nice meal and bubble tea!  Chun Shui Tang has multiple locations around Taichung, the original store’s address is below. Chun Shui Tang has exploded all over Taiwan and can even be found at Taoyuan International Airport.  Address: No. 30, Siwei St, West District, Taichung CityHours: 8:00 am – 22:00 Where to Eat in Taichung Taichung is a great city for foodies. You have the morning markets, great restaurants, small sit down eateries, and incredible night markets!  My recommendation is to check out a morning market, grab lunch at a restaurant, and sample bite sized dishes at the night markets for dinner.  Below is a listing of some of the recommended places to eat in Taichung City from Night Markets to Vegetarian sit down places.  Zhongxiao Road Night Market Zhongxiao Road Night Market was about a 10 minute walk from the Old School Hotel we were staying at. Since

Kaohsiung City or simply just Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s third most populated city. Accessible by both plane and high speed rail, Kaohsiung is the perfect city to explore for a day or two. Whether you are a foodie looking for traditional Taiwanese Night Markets or into history and want to explore temples and museums, Kaohsiung definitely has something for everyone. My Kaohsiung travel guide covers all of the must-see attractions, popular night markets, and so much more!  ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Summary Why Visit Kaohsiung City: Kaohsiung City is an underrated city in Taiwan. Kaohsiung City has many attractions and experiences to keep you busy for days.  Top Things to do in Kaohsiung City: Visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum. Walk around the Lotus Pond. Sample food at Kaohsiung’s night markets.  Where to Stay in Kaohsiung City: I booked a few nights at the Kung Shang Design Hotel and was very pleased with my stay.  Consider taking a Private Day Tour of Kaohsiung City to see the main highlights and learn about this city along the way.  About Kaohsiung City Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s third largest city, behind Taichung and of course Taipei with a population over 2.7 million.  Kaohsiung is known as Taiwan’s Harbor Capital because it has the largest port in Taiwan. Because of this, there is a lot of industrial areas to the city. But don’t let that scare you away from visiting Kaohsiung.  Kaohsiung has an abundance of things to do, modern architecture, and beautiful parks.  Kaohsiung is located in southern Taiwan, just south of the city of Tainan. Kaohsiung has its own international airport and is well connected to Taiwan’s high speed rail.  Flying to Kaohsiung City and Public Transportation Kaohsiung International Airport is where the majority of visitors will fly into. There are international flights to and from Kaohsiung from several cities throughout Asia.  Kaohsiung International Airport is easy to navigate, customs is stress free, and baggage claim is reliable. Exiting the airport is easy and the MRT is within walking distance.  Kaohsiung International Airport is on the MRT Red Line, so you can take the subway directly to any station along the Red Line or connecting Orange Line.  I found public transportation in Kaohsiung to be incredibly easy and efficient.  The Kaohsiung Metro or MRT has two lines, a Red Line that runs north and south from Gangshan Station to Siaogang Station, just past the airport.  The Orange Line basically runs east to west from Daliao Station to Hamasen Station.  There is also a convenient light rail circular line, the Light Green Line. The light rail is convenient for accessing places like Shoushan National Nature Park  or the Love Pier.  In my opinion, the MRT is very clean, safe, and affordable. I recommend getting a reloadable EasyCard. This is Taiwan’s transit cards where you can load money on them and use them throughout the country to access buses, trains, subways, and even bikes.  Mikan, Kaohsiung’s Adorable yet Busy Stationmaster If you happen to stop at one of the MRT stations in Kaohsiung City, you’ll most likely notice an adorable mascot plastered all over. From having its own store in the HSR Zuoying Station to being seen on signs in just about every station. The famous mascot is Mikan, an orange cat who is the “Station Master” of Kaohsiung’s metro stations.  According to the station, Mikan is a stray cat that was eventually adopted by the Kaohsiung Metro. Born April 4th of 2020. In Japanese, Mikan is a mandarin orange. When the kitty was found, he was curled up in a ball, people thought he looked like a cute orange, hence the name, Mikan.  In order to become Station Master, Mikan passed his interview and completed all his necessary trainings. He mostly works at the Ciaotou Sugar Refinery Station.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Where to Stay in Kaohsiung City Kaohsiung has a wide variety of places to stay and many affordable options. I generally don’t seek out luxurious accommodations. When booking hotels, I generally pay attention to location, price, and accommodations.  Now a days, I book most of my hotels through Agoda. Agoda allows for flexibility and many hotels give guests options to pay now or later.  Based on accommodation, breakfast, price, and easy access to Formosa Boulevard Station, we decided to stay at Kung Shang Design Hotel.  For starters, Kung Shand Design Hotel  had massive rooms. By far the largest I’ve seen in a hotel anywhere in Asia. The room designs were unique and comfortable. This hotel was less then a ten minute walk from Formosa Boulevard Station. The breakfast was fantastic as well, it had a nice mix of Taiwanese and Western dishes. When staying in Kaohsiung, I highly recommend booking or at least looking into the Kung Shang Design Hotel.   Best Things to do in Kaohsiung City This Kaohsiung travel guide is built around a two day Kaohsiung itinerary. There is just to much to see and many things to do where I feel two days is a good amount of time to see the main attractions within Kaohsiung and even take a half day trip outside the city. The attractions below, in no particular order are my recommended things to see and do in Kaohsiung City.  Visit Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum Located about 30km from the Kaohsiung City is the impressive temple complex of Fo Guang Shan.  Fo Guang Shan is an easy bus ride from Kaohsiung City, I have outlined getting here in my post: How to Visit Fo Guang Shan from Kaohsiung City. You can easily spend a day here, but I recommend spending a half day here just to maximize your time in Kaohsiung.  When visiting Fo Guang Shan, don’t miss out on the Pagodas, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Big Buddha, Main Shrine, and Buddha Land.  Walk the Lotus Pond and See the Pagodas Any Kaohsiung travel guide will recommend paying a visit to the Lotus Pond area. There is an abundance of things to do here.  We walked to the Lotus Pond from HSR Zuoying Station. Some of the sites we saw include the Zuying Yuandi Temple, Spring and Autumn Pavilions, and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas.  There is a trail that goes around Lotus Pond and there are multiple parks throughout the area. Eat at the Night Markets One of my favorite things to do in Taiwan is to visit the night markets. It all started with night markets in Taipei, now when visiting, that is all I do for dinner.  Night markets in Kaohsiung is a cheap way to try a nice variety of both Taiwanese and international dishes.  While in Kaohsiung, I visited Ruifeng Night Market and Liouhe Tourist Night Market. If you could only pick one night market in Kaohsiung, I’d have to recommend Ruifeng Night Market. Ruifeng Night Market just had such a great variety of food and drinks to sample. There were so many vendors here it was a tad overwhelming. I ended up trying chicken feet, grain pancakes, fried chicken, squid on a stick, and steamed buns.  Night markets in Taiwan are generally cash only.  Hike Shoushan National Nature Park Just my opinion, but not Kaohsiung itinerary is complete without a visit to the beautiful Shoushan National Nature Park.  Shoushan National Nature Park is easily accessible from anywhere in Kaohsiung City.  We stayed near Formosa Boulevard Station and ended up taking the KMRT Orange Line to Hamasen Station and hopped on the Green Light Rail to Gushan Station. From there we walked directly to the trail head.  I recommend Shoushan National Nature Park because it offers visitors a great chance to see local wildlife and beautiful nature.  We hiked for about 3 hours here and saw many Taiwanese Macaques, got great views of Kaohsiung City, and met a lot of friendly people both locals and tourists.  Interested in reading more? I have a dedicated post on Hiking Shoushan National Nature Park.  Sanfong Temple In my opinion, one of the prettiest temples in Taiwan is the Sanfong Temple. This Taoist temple is known for its photogenic lanterns in the courtyard and beautiful architecture. To take some of the best photos of Sanfong Temple, feel free to walk inside and up the stairs. Here you will see hundreds of lanterns strung across the center of the temple. The temple is free to explore.  Formosa Boulevard Station Not exactly a must do when visiting Kaohsiung City, but if you are transiting through or staying near Formosa Boulevard Station, it’s worth wandering around.  The main attraction at Formosa Boulevard Station is the Dome of Light. It’s a giant stained glass piece of art in the center of the station. At certain times there is even a light show on the ground of the station.  Otherwise, there are some decent restaurants in Formosa Boulevard Station, convenience stores, and plenty of places to sit down and relax.  Love and Glory Pier I visited the Lover and Glory Pier on a rainy day in hopes of seeing the giant rubber ducks floating around. Apparently the ducks are seasonal, so I didn’t see any. Nonetheless, we took the Light Green Line to the Love Pier Station, got off, and walked around the pier for a bit. From here, you get great views of the skyline to include the dominating 85 Sky Tower.  Conclusion My Kaohsiung Travel Guide is perfect for visitors that are exploring Kaohsiung for their first time. Any Kaohsiung City itinerary should include a half day at Fo Guang Shan, a morning hike at Shoushan National Nature Park, a walk around Lotus Pond, and a night of exploring the night markets. Kaohsiung City has plenty of sites and attractions to keep anyone busy for a few days. One of the best things about Kaohsiung is that it doesn’t feel overrun by tourists yet!  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇹🇼    Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖 🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars.