6 days in Taiwan

I arrived at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) Via AirAsia Immigration at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): ✈️Smooth process; present your passport and fill out a form. Money Exchange: 💸Exchange money at airport booths; check if your ATM works. 💸No money exchange shops in Taipei; only at banks. 💸You can withdraw cash from their ATM machines at the airport SIM Card Purchase: 📳Look for SIM card booths in terminals. 📳Carry your passport; purchased mine at KLOOK booth. 📳Option to pre-order from KLOOK; various carriers available. 💸Prices range from 230 NTD to 3999 NTD for tourist SIM cards. Airport Lounge: 📳Lounge area available where you can browse the internet for free or charge your phone MRT (Metro) Usage: 🚆Opens at 6 am, closes at 12 mn. 🚆Buy an Easy Card at the metro station or 7eleven/family mart. (100NTD) 🚆Load money on the Easy Card for cheaper travel. Can be used for buses, taxis, and shops. ✨Note on Easy Card: Essential for attractions; some don't accept cash. So make sure to carry your easy card all the time especially if you go sightseeing. 🚆Metro Experience: Easy to navigate; avoids traffic for faster and cheaper travel.

Accommodation in Ximen Area: 🛏️Stayed at ColorMix Hotel & Hostel. 🛏️Booked through booking.com; around 800 NTD for a single room. 💸Prices may vary; check on booking.com for current rates. The single room with a shared bathroom is really small, so it’s better to book the one with a private bathroom if you have luggage with you. However, it’s sufficient for a single person. I like the place. It’s clean and quiet. The bathrooms are also really clean and safe, as you have to use your keycard to enter the bathroom/toilet. The men's and women's bathrooms are separate. They have coin-operated laundry on the rooftop. Walking distance to restaurants, shops, the metro station and Ximen/Ximending Night Market. 📍How to get there: Take the airport MRT to Taipei Main Station. Transfer to the Blue Line (Bannan Line) heading to Ximen Station. The hostel is a short walk from Ximen Station.

🕚Opens at 11am 🕚 Closes at 9pm I roamed around the area and discovered a nearby tourist attraction within walking distance. Unfortunately, I didn't get to go inside 😅. The Red House is just a short walk from ColorMix. I'm a bit annoyed with myself for not checking out what's inside. However, within, you can find shops selling unique crafts, gifts, and artworks. ✨ Another thing I noticed while walking around is that Taipei has a lot of toy vending machines. And really cool alley ways!!

How to get there: 🚆Board the MRT: ✅Start at Ximen Metro Station. ✅Board the Blue Line (Bannan Line) heading towards Nangang Exhibition Center. ✅Transit at Zhongxiao Fuxing Station: ✅Transfer to the Brown Line (Wenhu Line) at Zhongxiao Fuxing Station. ✅Arrive at Taipei 101 Metro Station: ✅Continue on the Brown Line (Wenhu Line) towards Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Alight at Taipei 101 / World Trade Center Station. Ensure to follow the MRT signs, and the whole journey should take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on waiting and transfer times. Things to do: Observation Deck: 420NTD 🔭Visit the Taipei 101 Observation Deck for panoramic views. 🌤️Check the weather for clearer visibility. 🕚Timing and Tickets: Consider visiting during non-peak hours for shorter queues. 🕚Purchase tickets online to save time. 🛍️Shopping: Explore the shopping mall inside Taipei 101 for luxury and local brands. 🗼Skyscraper Dynamics: Learn about the engineering and design of Taipei 101 at the exhibition hall. 🌃Nighttime Visit: Experience Taipei 101 illuminated at night for a stunning view.

🥟Din Tai Fung Experience: Try the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant located in Taipei 101. It’s a traditional Chinese restaurant with a lot of food options, they also have vegan options. You have to queue to get your ticket. The wait is about an hour, so you can roam around the mall while waiting. On your ticket, you can find your queue number as well as a link/qr code where you can place your order in advance as well as check the current queue numbers. I like their food! Especially the fish and chocolate dumplings!

📍 25°01'32.1"N 121°34'09.3"E I found a picture of this place on instagram but the exact location is unknown so I had to walk around Xinyi District to find this exact spot. It’s a small alley way about 1.3km from Taipei 101. The picture speaks for itself! Just type in the coordinates on google maps for the exact location!

To get to Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) in Taipei: If you’re already at Taipei 101, you can just walk and follow google maps just type in elephant mountain. Or Take a taxi. In my case, I had to take the metro since I went back to my place for a nap 😴 Take the MRT: Start at any MRT station, depending on your location. Here’s mine from ColorMix Hostel: 🚆Head to Ximen MRT Station: 💃🏻Walk to reach Ximen MRT Station. 🚆Take the MRT to Xiangshan Station: 🚆Board the Blue Line (Bannan Line) towards Nangang Exhibition Center. 🚆Alight at Xiangshan Station. 🚆Exit Xiangshan Station: 🚆Use Exit 2 and follow signs toward the Xiangshan Trail entrance. 🚆Begin the Hike to Elephant Mountain: 🚆Start your hike up Elephant Mountain by following the marked trail. ✨Remember to check the trail conditions, and enjoy the hike and the breathtaking views from the summit! The trail leads to several viewpoints with stunning views of Taipei, including Taipei 101. Enjoy the View: Once at the summit, take in the panoramic scenery. The trail is well-marked, and the hike takes about 20-30 minutes. Ensure you have comfortable shoes and some water for the climb. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists due to its excellent view of the Taipei skyline. Perfect time: Sunrise, Sunset and Night time

Coffee at Starbucks Ximen Night Market 📍 I started my day at Starbucks in Ximen Night Market. ☕ Enjoyed coffee on the 2nd floor, while watching people below.

Stroll around Ximen Night Market 🌇 Took a walk to see the market in the morning. 🚶‍♂️ Streets were empty but pretty, and the place was clean.

📍 2GV4+6F2 西門里 Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District 2nd floor, Xining road I had lunch at a Hong Kong Style Tea Restaurant 🍽️ tried their slippery egg and shrimp rice for 170NTD 🦐 It’s a simple dish, loved it because I like shrimp!

How to Get There from Ximen Station: 🚶‍♂️ Walk to Ximen MRT Station. 🚆 Take the Blue Line (Bannan Line) towards Nangang Exhibition Center. 🚇 Alight at CKS Memorial Hall Station. Cost using Easy Card: 🚆 The fare varies but is approximately 20 NTD using the Easy Card. Chang Kai Shek Memorial in Taipei is a large, impressive structure dedicated to the memory of Chiang Kai-shek, a former leader of the Republic of China. The memorial complex houses a grand hall with a giant bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek. ⏰ Make sure to arrive on time for the changing of the guard ceremony. (Typically occurs every hour, on the hour, from 9 AM to 5 PM.) 🌳 Explored the hall with a bronze statue, serene gardens. 🌸There are a lot of Cherry blossoms in this area! 🕰️ Witnessed the cultural richness and paid respects to history.

Exploring the memorial, you'll find beautifully landscaped gardens and two large ponds, Guanghua Pond and Yunhan Pond. These areas are adorned with cherry blossom trees, creating a serene atmosphere. 🐟 Checked out ponds nearby with colorful koi fish and different aquatic birds 🐟 You can come here to feed fish and turtles; some birds might join in for the fish food, quite interesting! 🌸 It’s nice to see lots of cherry blossom trees and cute older couples enjoying the view 🪑 There are tables and chairs by the pond for a relaxing break; suitable for all ages. 🌳 On a hot day, it was nice to chill under a tree, watching the fish and birdlife or strolling around the cherry blossoms.

How to get there: 🚶‍♂️ Walk to CKS Memorial Hall MRT Station. 🚆 Take the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) towards Tamsui. 🚇 Alight at NTU Hospital Station. 🚶‍♂️ Exit the station and walk to 228 Memorial Park. Historical Background: 🏯 The park used to be a temple. Japanese people made it. Now, it's a calm park with a historical past and a former radio station. 🌳 The park is stunning with beautiful trees, ponds, and charming bridges. 🐦🐿️🐢 I saw birds, black squirrels, turtles, and big snails. 🌿 Nature lovers will really like it! 🍽️ There are many benches to sit and relax. Perfect for a picnic. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kids can play at the playground. Families will like it. Cultural Elements: 🚂 There are also 2 old train engines at the back of the museum. Great for train fans! 🏰 A tall tower and a place to watch shows outside add culture. 🏃‍♂️🌅 Good for running in the morning or after sunset. 🌳📸 Feels like history, nature, and fun together.

It’s just a walking distance from ColorMix Hotel and Hostel so you can end your day here 😴 🌐 Crafted by the government for tourism, this isn't your typical night market—it's more like a bustling district in Tokyo or Singapore. 🌆 It kinda feels like a busy urban hub, breaking away from the regular market vibe. You've got big-name shops like Adidas, H&M & Uniqlo 🛍️ Despite being more of a shopping area technically, it's alive with energy and activity. 🎭 Street performers spice up the scene; it's like a mini festival every night! 🌈 It’s a hotspot for tourists, offering a variety of stuff to check out. You can also buy cute souvenirs! 🍜 The market is a colorful, buzzing hub of different foods and treats. You can find a lot of bubble tea shops in the area! And also try out different street foods! 🌙 Nighttime brings out its charm, but if you're not a fan of crowds, come a bit earlier.

Taipei Main Station is too big so anyone can get lost easily. Once at Taipei Main Station, locate the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) area responsible for train services. Catch any northbound train (TRA) to Ruifang. Purchase Your Ticket: If you haven't already, purchase a ticket for the Ruifang-bound train from the TRA ticket counters or self-service machines. (Less than 80NTD) If you have an Easy Card, there’s no need to buy a ticket as you can just tap it in. Check Departure Information: Look for departure information displays, which show train numbers, departure times, and platform numbers. In my case, my train to Ruifang is on Platform 4A. Security Check and Platform Access: Be prepared to show your ticket to access the platform. Or your easy card. Head to Platform 4A for Ruifang: Follow signs directing you to Platform 4A for the Ruifang-bound train. Or any northbound train just not on a train to Keelung as these won’t stop in Ruifang. Waiting Area: Once on Platform 4A, find a suitable waiting area. Pay attention to designated zones for different train cars if applicable. Note: There’s only vending machine for drinks. No food at the TRA platforms Boarding the Train: Board the Ruifang-bound train when it arrives. Ensure you are in the correct car. Make sure to check the stops on google map or check the screen inside the train. Remember to check the schedule for real-time updates, and enjoy your scenic journey to Ruifang!

🚉 Arrival at Ruifang Station: The station's old layout and architecture are quite evident, but it doesn't impact the efficiency of the trains sticking to their schedule. The historical vibe adds character to the experience. 🗺️ Tourist Assistance at Ruifang Station: They have a tourist kiosk which was really helpful in providing assistance on which platform to head to for the next journey. Great for navigating the station, especially if you're exploring other tourist locations afterward. 🌍 Exploring Beyond Ruifang Station: Use Ruifang Station as a central hub to access other tourist locations. 🍜 Bustling Food Lanes: Outside Ruifang Train Station, explore the bustling food lanes for a snack or meal. A great opportunity to try local treats and experience the vibrant food scene. 🔌 Platform 3 Convenience: Tip: Platform 3 features a mobile phone charging station with USB ports.

⏳ Roamed around Ruifang Station to make the most of my time. 🧋Enjoyed my first Coco bubble (boba) tea! I’m not really a fan of pearls but there are definitely lots of pearls. There are different flavours you can choose from. (Around 50NTD) please see picture for price reference 🌭And personally, I love the juicy hotdog at FamilyMart. 🥹

How to get to Shifen Old Street 🚇 Transfer to Pingxi Line: Upon arrival at Ruifang Station, Transfer to the Pingxi Line towards Shifen. Cross the underground walkway to platform 3. Alight at Shifen Station. The train ride from Ruifang takes about 30 minutes and costs NT$20. Check the uploaded train schedule in advance; If you miss the first train, be aware that Shifen train schedules operate hourly, requiring a wait for the next one. 🛍️ Shifen Old Street Exploration: Wander through the bustling streets filled with souvenir shops offering local delicacies and unique items. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings filled with snack vendors and souvenir shops. 🏮 Lantern Experience and Wishing Lanterns: Participate in the lantern experience, the highlight of Shifen Old Street. Lanterns are priced at 200 NTD each, with an additional cost for multiple colors, symbolizing specific categories or wishes. 🚂 Shifen Train Station and Hanging Bridge: Explore Shi Fen Train Station, known for its hanging bridge that traverses both sides of the small traditional village.

How to get there: The waterfall is within walking distance from Shifen Old Street. Follow the signs or check google maps for directions. Opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and cross a slightly swaying metal bridge. While not a massive waterfall, it requires moderate mobility due to several flights of stairs. Numerous viewing platforms provide beautiful perspectives. Each platform seems more enchanting than the last, offering diverse angles. Local shops nearby offering souvenirs and local snacks. Practical Tip: Check the train schedule upon arrival to time your visit and ensure a timely return, as trains operate only once an hour.

🚂 Starting at Taipei Main Station: Head to the MRT station within Taipei Main Station. 🔴 Board the MRT Red Line (Line 2) toward Tamsui: Look for signs indicating the direction of the Red Line (Line 2) toward Tamsui. 🚉 Ride to Jiantan Station: Board the train 📍 Arrive at Jiantan Station: The stop closest to Shilin Night Market. 🚶 Exit from Exit 1: Follow signs to Exit 1 as you leave the station. 🌃 Walk to Shilin Night Market: It’s a short walk from Jiantan Station to Shilin Night Market. Make sure to check google maps for directions. 🌃 Exploring Shilin Night Market: Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of Shilin Night Market, a place full of excitement and variety. 🍜 Savoring Street Foods: Join the buzz with long lines for popular street foods, showcasing the market's favorites. My personal favorites include the crispy fried shrimp(I forgot the actual name😅) it’s bursting with flavor, the strawberry candy and the fried milk that left me craving more! (50-100NTD) They also have eateries where you can try out different local foods Wander through different areas where you can catch a whiff of the distinctive scent of stinky tofu. 🎮 Carnival-like Games: Explore the vibrant section offering a carnival-like atmosphere with a variety of games to play. Test your skills and luck at different game stalls, creating a lively and entertaining ambiance. There are also a lot of claw machines (which is somehow common in Taipei) 🛍️ Discovering Shopping Zones: Stroll through sections offering a variety of shops for clothes, catering to different styles and budgets. Find both affordable options and boutiques for those seeking high-end fashion. 🏰 Exploring Noteworthy Spots: There’s also a temple at the heart of the market, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling surroundings.

Getting to Taipei Zoo Station from Ximen Station: 🚆Boarded the Taipei Metro at Ximen Station, taking the Blue Line (Line 5) towards Nangang Exhibition Center. 🚆Transferred to the Brown Line (Line 1) at Daan Station and arrived at Taipei Zoo Station. (This is the last stop) Upon exiting the Taipei zoo station, go straight and just follow the signs for the Taipei zoo Running hours: 9:00-5:00pm Last entry: 4:00pm Ticket Price: 60NTD *Make sure to carry the map with you* What to Do: Dive into your experience by meeting the charming giant pandas at the Panda House – a definite highlight! I especially enjoyed this one. Then, explore the Koala House, Penguin House, and the Formosan Animal Area to encounter native Taiwanese wildlife. Animal Expeditions: They have a lot of different animals other than mentioned above. Hippos 🦛, elephants 🐘, turtles 🐢, giraffes 🦒, wolves 🐺, different birds, black bear, red pandas, and many more! The zoo is incredibly vast, and I absolutely loved it! Wandering around, searching for animals was a delightful experience. Some were nestled in bushes, taking a nap, while others rested higher than eye level – it's a fun adventure discovering them all! The layout and design of the zoo are fantastic. Animals' "homes" are thoughtfully created. If you can't spot a particular animal from the front, don't worry – just stroll to the sides for a different view. There are snack bars, McDonald’s, 7/11 and other stores inside the zoo so don’t worry about being hungry 😅 They also have a lot of souvenir shops that you can buy inside the panda house and the other shops. To exit, just follow the signs and make sure to bring your easy card with you. Shuttle trains will take you to the cable car which will directly bring you to the maokong gondola station

Navigating to the Maokong Gondola Entrance: Exiting Taipei Zoo Station, followed clear directional signs leading to the Maokong Gondola entrance, making navigation straightforward. If you came from the Taipei zoo, don’t worry as you’ll arrive at the maokong gondola station upon exiting Taipei zoo with the cable cars. 🕚 One-way travel time on the gondola is about 30mins. 🎟️Ticket: Purchased mine through Klook for 260 NTD (2trips+ Taipei Zoo) Regular Fare: 70 NTD (one way) 🕚Operating Hours: Monday: Closed Tue-Thu: 09:00-21:00 Fri & Day Before Holiday: 09:00-22:00 Weekends & Holidays: 08:30-22:00 Sunday & Last Day of Holidays: Until 21:00 Note: Hours may vary due to events, weather, or special conditions Four Stations in Total: 1. Taipei Zoo 2. Taipei Zoo South 3. Zhinan Temple 4. Maokong Station. Queueing at Taipei Zoo Station: 💃🏻Joined the queue at Taipei Zoo Station, where, due to popularity, a wait is expected. The gondola is mostly crowded, and patience is key for an enjoyable experience. 🚡Two Cable Car Options: Crystal Clear and Regular: Opted for the Crystal Cabin, offering a transparent floor for an immersive view. Queued in the special Crystal Cabins line, where departures occur every 3 minutes. Note that only 31 crystal cabins are available, and during peak times, the wait may extend beyond 30 minutes. Gondola Highlights: Glide over gentle hills, witnessing Metro trains, the Jingmei River park, and a distinctive "giraffe" incinerator, providing a unique visual experience. Arrive at the second stop for a breathtaking panoramic view, capturing the landscape and the freeway below in one stunning vista. Experience the excitement of a thrilling ride through a steep V-shaped gully after Zhinan Temple Station, creating a memorable highlight of your journey. You can disembark at Zhinan Temple, a beautiful mountainside temple. But I just went straight to Maokong, which is the final stop. - It is renowned for its tea plantations and shops. Explored the area, ordered the famous “Muzha Tieguanyin” or “Wenshan Pouchong tea,”. You can consider a walk or ride a bus to explore the area. They have a lot of tea shops and restaurants where you can enjoy the Mountain View. 🚍Bus Options for Further Exploration: Utilized the bus service from Maokong Gondola Station to explore nearby areas. You can tap your Easycard when getting on and off. Maokong Gondola Bus Route: Maokong Gondola Station Tianliao Bridge North Entrance of Camphor Tree Trail Zhangshan Temple Telescopic Deck Apricot Grove South Entrance of Camphor Tree Trail Zhanghu Walkway Bus Frequency: Weekdays: 10 – 15 minutes (off peak 15 – 20 minutes) Weekends and holidays: 7 – 10 minutes (off peak 10 – 15 minutes) Running Hours: Weekdays: 09:00 – 22:30 Weekends and Holidays: 08:30 – 22:30 Taipei Tea Promotion Centre Bus Route: Tea Promotion Center Parking Lot Maokong Pothole Mini Skywalk Pavilion Yuanshan Caonan Zhinan Gondola Station Bus Frequency: Regular Intervals Running Hours: Weekdays: 09:00 – 20:00 Weekends and Holidays: 08:00 – 20:20

🚇 Getting There from Taipei Zoo Station: Start your journey by taking the Taipei Metro. Board the Brown Line (Line 1) towards Danshui. Transfer at Dongmen Station to the Red Line (Line 2) heading towards Tamsui. Disembark at Beitou Station 💼 Running Hours: 5:30-22:00 note that they closes the facility every 2hours for 30mins 💰 Price and Mode of Payment: Entrance fee: 60NTD Locker: 20NTD Make sure to bring your easy card with you as they may require you to only tap your easy card to get in. 🌺 What to Expect: Beitou Hot Springs offer a serene escape, surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil ambiance. Three water types include Green sulfur for skin conditions, White sulfur for smoother skin and improved circulation, and Iron sulfur, believed to Mosarm to hot. There are about 4 pools. Each pool has a unique mineral composition for distinct therapeutic benefits. Be aware of prohibitions: no phones inside the hot springs area. Use lockers for belongings. Showers are available before entering the pools. Swimwear and Accessories: Wear swimwear; you can bring your own or purchase for 290 NTD. Remove your accessories 👴 Demographic Note: There are mostly Taiwanese elderly people here which for me, was fun to watch Caution: Pregnant individuals and those with pre-existing health issues such as high blood pressure or heart conditions are advised against using hot springs for safety. If you have contagious ailments like skin rashes or respiratory infections, it's recommended to avoid hot springs. When uncertain, consult with your doctor.

It’s one of the best hot pots I've ever tasted. There are numerous choices to enhance your hot pot, and the servings are substantial. Plus, you get unlimited juice. You need to wait in line for your turn, but fortunately for me, the wait was only around 30 minutes.

I booked a day tour from klook Hualien Day Tour from Taipei (Guided in English) Departure from Taipei Main Station Su Ao Service Area (15 mins) Taiwan Cement DAKA Park (30 mins) Taroko National Park Visitor Center & Xiaozhuilu Trail (35 mins) Tianxiang (60 mins) 「Tunnel of Nine Turns - Jiuqudong」 or 「Yanzikou - Swallow Grotto Trail」(60 mins) Eternal Spring Shrine (10 mins) Taroko Qingshui Cliff (30 mins) Su Ao Service Area (20 mins) Back to Taipei Main Station

This place is a good stop. Our bus stopped here for anyone who needs to use the bathroom. The toilets are clean. They have a special Starbucks building and a big 7/11. There's also a shop where you can buy a bunch of souvenirs and local stuff .

You can see both the gorges and the big Pacific Ocean here. Be ready for a lot of stairs! There's a fun suspension bridge, but if you're nervous, there's also a wooden one. The trail connects the visitor center to Shakadong and is a good choice if you don't like tunnels. **Check the weather before you go—it's more enjoyable when it's not raining.

Tianxiang Recreation Area is an ideal spot for lunch and a break, it also has 7-11, a lot of eateries and food stalls. As you enjoy your meal, savor the beautiful scenery of the gorge and catch sight of Xiangde Temple just across the bridge, accessible via a steep set of stairs. There’s also a nearby river view. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the freely roaming monkeys in the vicinity!

The view is amazing! The tunnels and the pretty river views that look like paintings are really stunning! It's a great place to take lots of pictures. This is my favorite spot in Taroko! You should definitely check it out.

Eternal Spring Shrine in Taroko: Access: Easily reachable by car, bus, or scooters; ample parking available. Route: Cross the distinctive red bridge, pass through a tunnel, and discover the temple at the tunnel's end. The small temple was built to honor those who lost their lives during highway construction. Experience the serenity and sacred ambiance of the shrine. Capture a snapshot from a distance, showcasing the shrine against the backdrop of the nearby river. While you can walk up close, the true magnificence of the Eternal Spring Shrine is best appreciated from a distance. no admission fee required.

Scenic Beauty and Photo Opportunity: A must-visit in Hualien, Taroko Qingshui Cliff offers a stunning view throughout the year. A manmade metal structure provides an ideal spot for tourists to capture photos with the magnificent cliff as a backdrop. Conveniently, there's a nearby restroom facility. The turquoise blue color of the seawater is particularly striking on sunny days. This breathtaking view makes it worthwhile for a quick stop to capture pictures. Keep an eye out for monkeys during your visit; sightings are possible in the nearby forest.

It's my last day, so I decided to relax and walk around nearby districts. Firstly, I went to Zhunxiao Dunhua to check out the area since it seemed to have a lot of things going on nearby. They mentioned it used to be bustling before Taipei 101 was built. I really appreciate how Taipei is big yet so clean and peaceful.

Spotting a coffee shop, I decided to have a coffee there. It was good; I love their coffee, and it's nice that there aren't many people. I decided to do some work there for a little bit.

After my coffee, I stopped by Taipei City Hall and just roamed around the area. It looks so pretty and lovely! I found myself walking endlessly.

I then headed to Zhongzheng District and noticed a building with everything on different floors! I visited a mall there and decided to buy some chocolates and noodles that we don't have at home.

Next, I tried out a bbq duck restaurant, which is so good! They serve it with some veggie sides along with rice. There is also a large pot of pork soup at the back. The price is reasonable. It's small but usually packed. Luckily, I got a seat for myself. Bring your own water, though; I noticed they don't usually have water for sale or served in small places like this.

Returning to Ximen, I bought some souvenirs to bring home and found a shop selling women’s bags. The bags looked elegant and of high quality. Many people went in to buy, so I checked it out and found out how cheap they are! I had fun choosing bags. Another thing I noticed is how they seemed to have a lot of different things going on on different days! Love watching people singing on this famous rainbow lane right along ximen station.

I wrapped up my trip by having dinner at a small stall inside Ximen Night Market. I was initially concerned about how to eat my pork when Taipei doesn't seem to use forks. To my surprise, the pork was so tender and tasted so good!