The National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum in Taipei is a classic museum. Do you know that this building house the world’s largest collection of Chinese Imperial artifacts? Majority of the pieces on display were brought to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War. If you are love Chinese history, this is the place to go.
Jiufen Has Gold
If you’re a fan of gold, look no further. Jiufen, once a gold mining town, lies just a short bus or train ride from the city center. It’s a great place for hikers who likes some nature but the town is fun too. Remember to check out the old gold mine and the golden waterfall.
Shilin Night Market
Your trip isn’t complete with a visit to night markets. In Taipei City you’ll find that there are plenty to choose from but one of the most famous is Shilin Night Market. The place really comes alive once the sun goes down. My favorite is the fresh fruit stall – it’s truly a spectacular display of best Taiwanese produce and they are so sweet. Of course, save your tummy for other delicacies like oyster omelette, big fried chicken and remember to buy your pair of 小人socks. Its for good luck.
Ubikes: Real-Life Taipei
Ubikes are the treasure of Taipei City – clean, highly functional with 3-speed shift and adjustable cushion seats, and you can rent them almost everywhere in the city with an MRT card or credit card. Easy “A point pick-up B point drop-off” system that allows you to roam around town admiring the real Taipei life without hassle. Best thing is – first 30 minutes are free!
Taipei’s Central Park
Gorgeous, romantic, chillaxing – The Daan Forest Park is all of those things. The bride grew up riding her bike to school through this park, and has hosted birthday picnics, taken midnight strolls, and taken her wedding registration photos inside this natural beauty. When she was 17, she performed on the stage of the outdoor theater, located in the center of the park. If you get a chance, go check it out and make your own memories!
Eslite Songyan
Where do you get historical culture, world-renowned bakery, indie movies, and weekend market all at the same time? The answer is most definitely Eslite Songyan, which is why we picked it as our wedding venue. Songyan Cultural Zone used to be an old tobacco factory now turned into a fabulous market that features the latest artistic creations. Besides the beautiful bookstore and local fashion/art/jewelry brands, Eslite Songyan also hosts the best of Taipei’s cafe’s, bakery, and an eclectic collection of restaurants. Inside Eslite Songyan, you can either spend an afternoon painting while sipping on wine at Escape Artist, or make your own jewelry at Grass Hill Jewelry (by appointment), or just roam amongst the exciting Taiwanese brands to buy yourself some nice clothes, snacks, or candles.
Bride’s tip: If you get a few hours free, make sure to sit in the amazing movie theater for an indie film that just costs you about $8 USD. You can chill at VVG Action with a glass of red while waiting 😉
Bride’s tip 2: If you’re a music enthusiast, check out the music section inside the bookstore on top floor – so much to listen to and explore (the vinyl section especially).
Huashan 1914
Can’t even begin to describe how cool Huashan 1914 is. It is a retro hipster park outlined by vine-covered red-brick barn houses that hosts Legacy concert hall (ahh great memories rocking on and off stage), Spot movie theater and exhibition hall, and allegedly coolest bistros in town. It is just as beautiful under daylight as at night, lots of people do picnics and run with their puppies at the huge grass field on Saturday afternoons. If you’re looking for date night material, book a dinner at VVG Bistro where you can admire photography masterpieces of rockers on the vintage walls while eating fusion cuisine.
Must Do: Try Trio for their innovative cocktails and creative shots. Personal favorite: Earl Grey shot. If you can’t get a seat inside, they serve to you at the stone chair area next to the door as well. Perfect December chill session.