Taipei and Kaohsiung trip

Arriving in the afternoon at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, we hopped on the super convenient express train from the airport, switched to the city MRT, and soon found ourselves at Orange Hotel Ximen - our cozy home base in the heart of Ximending district. The hotel’s location is unbeatable - just a 2-minute walk from Ximen MRT station exit 1. The rooms are compact but well-equipped. The highlight for me? The basement lounge is available and offers free drinks, fruits and snacks all day! As the evening rolled in, we wandered through the vibrant Ximending walking streets, soaking up the buzz of neon lights, street performers, and the lively crowd. The vibe was electric! Shopping stalls and quirky finds kept us busy all night, whilst the incredible street food scene fueled our adventure. Every corner in Ximending had something delicious to offer. It was the perfect intro to our Taipei journey.

On our second day, we took a ride on the Maokong Gondola - a cable car journey that soars above lush green hills and tea plantations. To make it extra special, we chose the glass-bottom “crystal cabins," adding a thrilling twist as we glided over treetops with stunning views of the countryside. Reaching the top, we were welcomed by breathtaking views stretching across the Taipei Basin. The vibe was laid-back, the air was so cool, and the scenery was nothing short of magical. Maokong is famous for its traditional tea houses, so we couldn’t miss the chance to sip freshly brewed Taiwanese tea whilst gazing out at the mountains. It was the perfect way to unwind and soak in the tranquility of the moment. The Maokong Gondola is conveniently close to Taipei Zoo, but we decided to skip the zoo and fully immerse ourselves in the sky-high adventure. The gondola ride and the serene atmosphere at the top were more than enough to fill our day. After soaking in the views and the peaceful vibes, we headed back to the city and returned to the hotel for some rest. Later in the evening, we discovered the perfect spot to capture that iconic alleyway photo of Taipei 101, one of the city's must-see landmarks. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Taipei 101 MRT station, but trust us, it’s really worth every step for the picture-perfect view! On our way back to the MRT, we stumbled upon a magical art installation called the Moon Bus near Taipei 101. Inspired by the children’s book ‘The Moon Forgets’, the art design of the bus was like stepping into a fairytale. It was a day of contrasts - tranquility in the mountains and urban magic in the evening.

On our third day, we went to the Graffiti Alley, which is not far from our hotel area. This socalled American street is a must-visit for street art enthusiasts and photographers alike. You can admire loads of bold and colourful murals, intricate designs, and graffiti tags. The art here ranges from thought-provoking pieces to fun and playful designs. The alley perfectly captures the youthful and creative spirit of Ximending. After exploring Graffiti Alley, we made our way to Longshan Temple, one of Taipei’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1738, this historic temple is a beautiful mix of traditional Chinese architecture, intricate carvings, and vibrant decorations. The courtyard is full with activity as devotees light incense, make offerings, and say their prayers. Tip: Don’t forget to look up at the ceiling to see the stunning coiled dragon carvings - absolutely mesmerising! After that, we headed to Shilin Night Market, said to be the largest and most popular night market in Taipei. The lively streets were packed with food stalls and shops, offering everything from grilled squid to bubble tea. Despite the crowds, it was the perfect way to end the night, diving into the local food scene and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

On our fourth day, we chose to explore a lovely, quiet spot in Neihu - the Bishanyan Kaizhang Shengwang Temple, which is often missed by tourists visiting Taipei. The temple sits over 300 metres above sea level and offers amazing views of Taipei 101 on a clear day. We went there in the early afternoon when it was a crisp 12-Celsius temperature, but the strong winds and the mist made it feel closer to 9-Celsius. Then we made our way to Jiufen Old Street, which is nestled in the hills of northern Taiwan. It’s a charming maze of narrow alleys filled with a nostalgic vibe, vibrant shops, and great street food scenes. This iconic market is a must-visit for anyone exploring Taipei’s outskirts. What’s redder than the lanterns on Jiufen’s old street? Their warm glow brightens the narrow alleys of this little village, made even better by the 14-Celsius chill. It’s packed with tourists but the scenery is incredibly beautiful, although the rain is a bit of a spoiler when we were there.

Southern Taiwan had been calling, so we hopped on a bullet train from Taipei to Kaohsiung. Kaohsiung is a vibrant port city known for its mix of urban energy and cultural gems. The journey was a breeze, taking less than two hours on the ultra-fast train. Super convenient! Once we checked into Kindness Hotel Kaohsiung Main Station, we headed straight to one of the region's most iconic spots: Fo Guang Shan Monastery. Just an hour's bus ride from the city centre, Fo Guang Shan is an awe-inspiring haven of Buddhist culture and architecture. The monastery is massive, featuring a grand 4-hall main building and smaller halls dedicated to Buddha that stretch along the lush hillside. But the centrepiece? The towering Great Buddha Statue, standing an impressive 108 metres tall. After returning to the city centre, we headed to Sunfong (Sanfeng) Temple at night. This was definitely one of my trip highlights, and for me, no visit to Kaohsiung is complete without stopping by this temple. The magic happens after dark when the red lanterns cast a warm, inviting glow, making the atmosphere both tranquil and festive.

In the morning, we went to the Totoro Tunnel - the most magical stretch of the Kaohsiung Light Rail Transit in Kaohsiung. This section is formed by towering Madagascar almond trees arching over the train tracks, creating an incredibly amazing scene that feels straight out of a fairytale. Kaohsiung isn’t just a city of historical temples - it’s also a canvas for some of the most impressive street art in Taiwan. One of the best places to experience this urban art is the Pier-2 Art District, a former industrial area transformed into a creative hub. Walking through its warehouses and alleys, we found an eclectic mix of large-scale murals, interactive installations, and graffiti, all reflecting the city’s culture, history, and modern vibe. In the evening, we went to the Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard station. This place is inside an MRT station, and is a stunning fusion of art and architecture. I read somewhere that this colourful glass dome is the largest of its kind in the world. Its vibrant design represents the themes of light, water, and the cosmos. To end our day, we headed to Ruifeng Night Market to explore the local street food scenes in Kaohsiung.