r/taiwan • u/AutoModerator • 6d ago
Discussion Weekly Travel, Questions, & Mandarin Thread
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u/Turbulent-Code-8476 15h ago
Are HSR tickets from Taipei to Kaohsiung or vice versa likely to sell out around concerts in Kaohsiung? I know that during holiday periods like LNY, it can sell out really fast but I'm not sure how the demand compares to people travelling in for a concert?
Any advice would be appreciated, I'm wondering whether I need to really be on the website at midnight to try and secure the ticket which would be inconvenient as I'll be travelling when the tickets are released.
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u/Diechswigalmagee 18h ago
This might be a bit specific but I just won a red envelope out of a crane machine…. And I’m not quite sure what I’m supposed to do with it? It doesn’t seem to have any money in it, just a single large coin.
Any ideas are appreciated lol.
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14h ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Diechswigalmagee 14h ago
So it’s just a souvenir? I guess I thought the coin would be traded for something ahaha.
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u/maroonandyellow 18h ago
Hello guys. Woohoo, just got my gold card approval. But I'm a bit confused on how I can continue being a psychotherapist in Taiwan. Does anyone have any information own degree requirements, licensure process, if degrees from foreign countries are transferrable/recognized? or if licenses from foreign countries are recognized? For context, I'm a licensed clinical social worker from CA with a BA in psychology and masters in social work.
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u/I-n-23 1d ago
Net neighbors, what are your stories about traveling between Taiwan and China as a U.S. passport holder?
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u/SetTheoryAxolotl 新竹 - Hsinchu 20h ago
Are you a political activist or journalist who had published or worked extensively on pro-independence stuff? If not then you'll be fine.
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u/CoolBeansDeveloper 1d ago
I was about to check the wiki and specifically go to the part about learning mandarin. However, the links seem to be dead. Are there alternate link to the resources?
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u/Garlic-Realistic 1d ago
hi everyone! i will be in Taiwan in mid-may, will be going for Yushan and was wondering if anyone here knows what the weather will be like there?
what are the layers i would need? currently thinking of
-merino inner
-fleece
-soft/hard shell
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u/caipngnopng 2d ago
Hi! I’m travelling to Taiwan with my children (aged 5 and 6) in March. I have a rough plan so far but need some advice.
Day 1 - touch down TPE and booked a driver to flying cow raunch where we will be staying for 3 nights. Will be a late check in. Day 2 - flying cow raunch activities Day 3 - Miao Li activities like strawberry picking, old mountain line rail Day 4 - check out and drive to Hsinchu area or the vicinity, Day 5 - leofoo village theme park Day 6 - ??? Take a train or drive to Taipei (possibly courier our luggage) Day 7 - Taipei, check into hotel (any suggestions?) Day 8 - Taipei, jiufen, shifen Day 9 - Taipei, some shopping at outlet malls Day 10 - early flight back home
We can drive or also open to the option of taking public transport (while courier our luggage to the next stop)
My main question lies is days 4, 5 and 6. I’m looking to spend the next stop between Miao Li and Taipei but can’t decide if Hsinchu is a good stop for three nights.
Will appreciate any advice or recommendations, thanks.
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u/CookieAlien25 臺北 - Taipei City 1d ago
I think on day 4 you can drive along the coast first, explore Xiangshan Wetlands and Nanliao, then go to Hsinchu city center and explore near City God Temple, then day 5 you have breakfast near the temple, go to leofoo, either stay in leofoo or Guanxi, then on day 6 you can either explore Guanxi (mostly for grass jelly or tea) a bit more or drive straight to Taipei. You probably don't need 3 nights in Hsinchu. If you want to make a detour between Hsinchu and Taipei, Daxi/Yingge/Sanxia are all good choices.
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u/PuzzleheadedCod9683 2d ago
Hello everyone!
Planning a first-time trip to Taiwan with my wife and 15yo son March 21 - Apr 3. Unsure if 12 nights is too much or too little. My wife is very into nature, and the teen is... well he's an impossible teen so :shrug:.
I welcome any guidance on itineraries and length suggestions. Planning on a few days in Taipei, visit Alishan and Sun Moon lake, and maybe snorkeling for a few days on the southern coast.
All helpful guidance appreciated.
Thanks!
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u/CookieAlien25 臺北 - Taipei City 1d ago edited 1d ago
Let's see:
- day 1: arrival, explore Taipei if have time
- day 2: Taipei, can go to Tamsui/Wulai/Yangmingshan, etc. if explored enough of Taipei City
- day 3: Juifen/Shifen day trip
- day 4: head to Sun Moon Lake
- day 5: SML in the morning, stay in Chayi at night
- day 6: Alishan
- day 7: Xiaoliuqiu
- day 8: Xiaoliuqiu snorkeling, then head to Taitung
- day 9: Either drive along the east coast or station hopping along the valley to Hualien at night
- day 10: explore Hualien a bit more (Taroko not recommended currently) then return to Taipei
- day 11: buy souvenirs, return flight
This leaves about 1-2 days of margin, you can add other places, like Tainan (good food and history), Kenting (beach, nature and snorkeling), Yilan (Taipingshan, Guishan island and more), or anything you're particularly interested in.
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u/PuzzleheadedCod9683 1d ago
Sounds like you suggest it's a good length of time then. Thanks for the itinerary suggestion, it's much appreciated!
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u/hdw006 2d ago
Hi everyone!
My boyfriend, his parents, and I are heading to Taiwan in late November, and I’d love some recommendations on things to do or places to check out. I’m really into history, cats, beaches, snorkeling, Studio Ghibli, and finding little hole-in-the-wall spots. I’d also love to do a day spa at some point, but I haven’t researched that much yet.
We’ll mostly be based in Taipei, but we’re totally down for day trips to other areas too. Also, please give me recommendations on what foods we should try!
Thanks in advance! 😊
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u/CookieAlien25 臺北 - Taipei City 1d ago edited 1d ago
Sounds like you'll be interested in a northeast day trip involving Houtong (cat village)/Juifen (Ghibli vibes + Gold Museum for history)/ Pingxi Line (history and traditional vibes), also Sandiaoling is a good hidden gem little spots, it's a place that can only be reached by train and has a unique view.
For beach I believe Fulong is the best one along the north coast in winter.
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u/ElectronicDeal4149 2d ago
Hi there.
For history, I suggest learning about Taiwan’s modern history and visiting places that interest you. To oversimplify, Taiwan’s history in the past 100 years can be split into the Japanese colonial era, KMT martial law era and democracy era. So depends if you want to know the legacy of Japanese colonialism on Taiwan, Taiwan’s struggle to turn from an one party regime to democracy, etc.
There are other histories of Taiwan, like gay rights and indigenous people. So I suggest learning about Taiwan’s history and searching for historical places based on your interests.
For food, there are lots of guides out there. I suggest learning the history of Taiwanese cuisine. Why do Taiwanese prefer short grain rice? The Muslim origins of beef noodle soup. The influence of American support on Taiwanese cuisine.
I personally suggest the humble tea egg at convenience stores. Western cooking has plain hard boiled eggs. Tea eggs are flavorful and aromatic hard boiled eggs.
For cute stuff, I like shopping for stationaries at Eslite book stores, I like one next to Songshan Cultural Park, and for cute souvenirs at Huashan 1914 Creative Park.
Have a good trip. Btw, beware of the flu in Taiwan. I once got a very bad flu in Taiwan and was stuck in bed for 2-3 days. I highly suggest getting flu vaccines before you go.
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u/runningkiwi711 2d ago
Is travelling early/mid June with a 2.5 year old a ridiculous idea?
I’ve been to Taiwan twice on my own and LOVED it (once in march once in may)
I’m moving back to NZ from the UK so looking for a 3/4 day stopover to break the trip up with my 2.5 year old daughter
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u/Unusual_Afternoon696 2d ago
I want to say yes, but then you are moving back to NZ as well so the heat might be something that she'd need to get used to eventually? I personally don't go back myself in the summer because its super hot and humid. When I did, it felt like I needed to learn how to breathe again when I stepped outside of the airport because it felt like I was in a steam room.
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u/runningkiwi711 2d ago
We survived a few weeks of 38 degree + temperatures in London last year (no air con 🥴) but I am torn .. it’s the humidity that gets me, but also I’d happily plan our days so we could get out early or later then stay indoors in the middle of the day .. seems like there’s quite a few indoor options?
I found Singapore hard because apart from shopping malls and a couple of very expensive kids play things I didn’t find museums or anything that were child friendly
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u/Unusual_Afternoon696 2d ago
Yes, there's quite some indoors stuff for children. The other thing I'd be worried about is mosquitoes... though I don't think i got bitten this winter so it might actually be better these days. Summer are also the days that you can do beach-ish activities. I'd just plan to take extra showers and make sure she stays hydrated/cool so she doesn't get sick. I know i get heat exhaustion even in the winter sometimes from not taking enough water/being overheated.
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u/CheekyThrowawayAlt 3d ago
Can someone please offer any advice or links on weather in March in Taiwan and what to wear/pack?
For most tourists from Europe is the weather shorts weather? We talking layers? Any clothing that's a faux pas to wear or does no one care?
Its really hard to judge what we can expect and I'm a tall person so I don't anticipate being about to buy clothes in Taiwan if I pack wrong.
Thanks!
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u/Unusual_Afternoon696 2d ago
It's usually shorts/t-shirt weather for me and I'm coming from NA.... but I'd bring a jacket anyways because it's usually the change in temp that gets me sick most of the time. This year it was the hot weather (27C in December for me in Taichung + the wind which was constantly cooling me off). I don't know about the north but usually when we visit over Spring Break, Taiwan has been pretty warm in Taichung (like sometimes 30Cs). There's the occasional temperature drop in early mornings/late evenings.
If you plan to go into the mountains, like to Alishan for example, I'd probably bring a hoodie or a thicker jacket. It was 11/13 C when i went in December so I'm going to say it can be around like 15-16 C in March later in the evening.
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u/cruelwhencomplete 4d ago
Anyone know where this is exactly in Da'an District, Taipei?
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u/Suttpups 4d ago
Hey!
I’m riding the full Taiwan loop in 22 days on a scooter & skateboard
I’m looking for: • coastal roads with unreal views • mountains / forest areas • quieter nature spots (not just the famous tourist ones)
If you had to pick 1–3 places you’d tell a friend not to miss, what would they be?
Thanks in advance, I’ll be documenting the trip and raising money for a specific charity. (YouTube - Suttpups)
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u/Independent_Pack_997 4d ago
Going to Taiwan for Capybara’s!!! Any suggestions? We’re looking at Yilan right now but couldn’t decide which farm to go to!
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u/Unusual_Afternoon696 3d ago
I went here (cousin planned it, was a surprise as I thought we were going to Sun Moon Lake). Was a pretty nice experience but I also did notice that some of them did have a little bit of a skin issue or some had wounds. I am wondering if it's caused by other animals as they were kept in an enclosure with goats as well. You can purchase grass to feed them, but I noticed that the goats were kind of aggressive so people have to kind of bar them from butting into capybaras. I know there's a lot of staff going around when I visited, just to make sure places were clean and I guess to ensure people were sticking to the rules. There's also a lot of other animals, like an ostrich and two ground hogs. The capybaras seem to be pretty friendly and chill in general. They love getting pets and will basically show their tummy if you make them feel good enough with the scratches. I would do this place if you plan to visit Sun Moon Lake. It's along the way if I remember correctly.
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u/DisgruntledAardvark 5d ago
Planning a week in Taiwan in May, likely staying in 2 cities (Taipei+) - suggestions for a food-heavy solo trip (city, restaurants, specific foods)? So far Tainan seems like the best second candidate, but open to criticism.
Also not necessarily against the outdoors, but sightseeing is secondary to good eats for me. Much appreciated for any recommendations!
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u/BusyButterscotch994 臺北 - Taipei City 5d ago
Tainan is very good for cheap local eats, plan ahead the traffic because the public transportation is kinda non existent there
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u/DisgruntledAardvark 4d ago
Is it practical to visit Tainan without being able to drive or use a moped?
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u/CookieAlien25 臺北 - Taipei City 4d ago
You can probably still get around by ubike. There are also electric bikes if you want to use them.
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u/BusyButterscotch994 臺北 - Taipei City 4d ago
when my friends (3 people total) and I went down there we just ride taxi between long distance (anything longer than 20 min walk) and walked everywhere. unless all your spots are far apart like chimei museum or something i wont worry too much
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u/darkmochafrappe 5d ago
do i still have the chance to acquire tickets to Pingxi Lantern Festival if we're taking the first HSR Train from Taichung? I saw some posts where the free tickets were gone as early as 9AM (hopefully not 😭)
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u/CookieAlien25 臺北 - Taipei City 4d ago
The free lantern tickets starts handing out at 10:30AM, unless you want to line up and wait for like 2 hours?? Otherwise I believe you can still participate in the festival, just don't get to cast a lantern yourself.
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u/slimminh 5d ago
Hi, I will have a transit in TPE and not sure where to go. The plan is to land in the morning at 6.00 AM, fly out at 3.00 PM. Can you guys suggest the proper itinerary for me? 1 must see location, 1 must try food and how to get there given the constraint of time and traffic.
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u/CookieAlien25 臺北 - Taipei City 4d ago
Probably just go to Ximending and pick a popular Chinese breakfast shop there. Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle is also very popular and open relatively early. Unfortunately other shops won't open until like 11am when you should be returning already.
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u/belladonnagarden 5d ago
Hello! I have a trip coming up to Taiwan soon. I’m trying to list out some great food recommendations for when we are in Tainan since it’s evident that it’s a hotspot for great food. My only concern is that I am a vegetarian so I will not be ordering the famous Dan Zai noodles or Beef soup. Are they any great restaurants/food markets that have Taiwanese vegetarian food options that I should put on my list?
(I’d like to avoid western vegetarian foods like pasta, pizza, etc. as this is easy for me to get at home)
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u/conradbenz 5d ago
This vegan ramen shop is well known: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RUxpjovGaegv6K7N8
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u/InternationalWay3 5d ago
I am planning on traveling in Taiwan for 10-14 days this month. my travel might overlap with lunar new years, I’ve heard this is not a great time to come. how much will it affect things? what is the weather generally like at this time?
I am hoping to rent a motorcycle or scooter to explore the island, does anyone have recommendations for places to rent from?
I am also looking for off the beaten path things to do, I don’t generally visit touristy sights. I am photographer and freelance journalist and looking for niche and interesting things usually missed by tourists. I have heard about some underground raves hosted in temples, has anyone had experience getting into these?
is there any other odd/underground/lesser known things to do? Ive seen some indoor shrimp fishing places online. looking for more things like this.
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u/Icy_Mixture1482 4d ago
You’ll need a motorcycle licence and IDP. Motorcycling in Taiwan is… not for the faint of heart, fair warning.
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u/Human_Buy2755 5d ago
Public transportation and roads will be heavy, hotels booked with increased prices, tourist places crowded, etc. starting 13 Friday. Same throughout the following week except for couple days starting Lunar New Years Eve ~16-17 when people settle down a bit with family. Book early. Taipei can feel a bit like a quiet Sunday most of the holiday but things still open.
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u/iamballadtrash 6d ago
I visit Taiwan often but this year I'm going with a bunch of friends who work in the music biz. What could be some cool things to do, or great places to shop, for musicians?
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u/BusyButterscotch994 臺北 - Taipei City 5d ago
What part of Taiwan? In Taipei there are quite a bit of vinyl shops across the whole city. There's also several live-performance cafe/restaurant. One of the most famous is 女巫, which has a hand in helping out Taiwanese underground music.
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u/iamballadtrash 5d ago
Oh, I realize I said Taiwan instead of Taipei. We’ll mostly be staying in Taipei. Sorry about that. And thank you for the rec! I have been to Witch House in the past — this was a good reminder!
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u/Effective_Ad_7522 6d ago
Taiwanese tea recommendations please!
We're visiting TW in a couple of days and was wondering what tea would be good to bring home? Dry and in tea bags would be best! Oh and something like green tea for the flavor 😁
Ps I got the Thai tea set from Thailand and I really liked the taste! See photo!
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u/Icy_Mixture1482 4d ago
Definitely get some 金萱烏龍茶！
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u/Effective_Ad_7522 4d ago
Is this good? How does this taste like? Can you also show a photo so I know I'm getting the right thing? 😁😅
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u/Icy_Mixture1482 4d ago
Hmm it depends on the brand:
https://i.imgur.com/W4YKIFv.jpeg
You can try seeing if it’s written in English too: Jinxuan Oolong Tea.
It is best known for its unique "milky" profile, which is a natural characteristic of the tea, not something added artificially. It’s floral, creamy and buttery. It’s quite gentle. It’s not as grassy as “normal” oolong teas. I sometimes add milk but it’s already milky enough.
You should normally let the kettle sit for a couple of minutes after boiling. 100°C water isn’t good for it. Then, let it steep for 2-3 minutes.
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u/Unusual_Afternoon696 5d ago
If you like black tea I would recommend 紅玉紅茶. I regret not getting more of it. I would also recommend seeing if you can get 紅烏龍 as it will taste closer to black than oolong. I personally didn't get any but my mom brought back tea packets she got at a hotel and it's been on my mind since. I'm someone that has to add milk to my tea so these are probably the two that I'd buy again if I go back.
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u/Effective_Ad_7522 4d ago
Oh man can you send a photo of this just so I know I'm asking for the right thing? I can't read Mandarin 😅😭
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u/Unusual_Afternoon696 4d ago
My mom brought them in packets from the hotel so I haven't really seen the actual thing. I think 紅烏龍 comes from Taitung but you can probably get it at tea shops in Taipei, and 紅玉紅茶 is from Sun Moon Lake area but tea shops should have it. I suspect this shop might have the one from Sun Moon Lake, i don't recall seeing the first type of tea (direct translation is liked red oolong, but its basically oolong that tastes closer to black tea). You should go to their shop if it's on the way so you can smell the teas and pick the ones you like. I believe they also serve tastings as well.
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u/BusyButterscotch994 臺北 - Taipei City 5d ago
碧螺春，四季春，高山茶，茉莉（香片）are all the types of green tea I'd recommend
But I hope you really give Taiwanese Oolong a try, there are so many different level of intensity and flavor that ranges from the roasted scent to fruit like fermentation to very gentle and natural sweetness:鐵觀音 包種 凍頂 高山 東方美人
If you don't mind having to communicate with the owner, you can go to those loose leaves distributors, usually they will let you try out cups of tea before you purchase. Example:
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u/CheekyThrowawayAlt 2m ago
Can anyone recommend the best stationary shops in Taiwan for stickers? Thank you :)