Taiwan had always been on our travel bucket list because of its beautiful city views, efficient transportation, delicious food, and unique mix of modern and traditional culture.
We have been to Taiwan before for a 22-hour layover from Manila to O’Hare. We were able to see some parts of Taiwan when we joined a free half-day transit tour. Back then, we already knew that we would come back with our family.
Spending five days and four nights in Taipei gave us the chance to experience some of its popular activities firsthand. From scenic mountains and hot springs to lively night markets and iconic landmarks, every day brought a new adventure.
Day 1
Our journey began with a flight from Manila to Taipei via Philippine Airlines. The flight was smooth, and excitement quickly built as we landed at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. One of the things we immediately appreciated about Taiwan was how organized and convenient the transportation system was. From the airport, we took the train to the Taipei Main Station. From there, we transfer to the Blue Line (Bannan Line) to Ximending, one of Taipei’s most vibrant districts known for shopping, food, and nightlife. If you have been to Harajuku in Tokyo, you’ll probably think that they have the same vibe.
After arriving at Ximending Station, we walked to Liho Hotel Ximending to check in and rest for a while. The area instantly felt energetic and youthful, with colorful signs, busy streets, and countless food stalls everywhere. Around 4 PM, we headed to the iconic Taipei 101, one of the tallest and most recognizable skyscrapers in the world. Seeing the tower up close was incredible; however, it was very cloudy, so the view was not that great. How we wished to see the city lights slowly illuminate the skyline during sunset!
For dinner, we ate at BHC Chicken. The crispy Korean-style chicken was flavorful and satisfying after a long travel day. Walking around Taipei at night afterward was equally enjoyable because the city felt safe, clean, and alive even late into the evening.
Day 2
On the second day, we explored some of Taiwan’s most famous scenic destinations: Yehliu Geopark, Shifen Old Street, and Jiufen. This was one of the highlights of the trip because it allowed us to see a completely different side of Taiwan beyond the busy city atmosphere.
Yehliu Geopark amazed us with its unusual rock formations shaped by natural erosion over thousands of years. The famous Queen’s Head rock formation was especially fascinating. The sea breeze and dramatic coastal scenery made the place feel peaceful and refreshing.
Next, we visited Shifen, a charming old street famous for releasing sky lanterns. Watching colorful lanterns rise into the sky was both magical and emotional. It felt like a meaningful tradition that allowed travelers to leave wishes and hopes behind. The train tracks running through the center of the street also gave the town a nostalgic charm.
Our final stop for the day was Jiufen, a mountain town known for its narrow alleyways, lantern-lit streets, and teahouses. The atmosphere there felt straight out of a movie scene. You might have an idea of which movie it is! While exploring the area, we enjoyed comforting Taiwanese dishes like beef noodle soup and braised pork rice. The rich flavors and warm broth perfectly matched the cool mountain weather. Jiufen is really pretty, but it’s very busyyy!
Day 3
Day three was packed with nature, history, and culture. We first went to Xiaoyoukeng Recreation Area, located within Yangmingshan National Park. The area featured steaming vents, sulfur deposits, and volcanic landscapes that looked almost surreal. Taiwan’s natural beauty truly stood out here. The weather was not great. It was raining a lot and very cold.
Afterward, we explored Beitou Park and the nearby Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch, which is known for its beautiful eco-friendly wooden architecture. The calm atmosphere of the library made it one of the most relaxing places we visited.
Our Beitou experience continued at the Beitou Hot Spring Museum and Thermal Valley. Seeing the steaming hot spring waters and learning about Taiwan’s hot spring culture was both educational and fascinating. The sulfuric steam rising from Thermal Valley created an almost mystical atmosphere.
Later that day, we visited Chiang Kai-shek Shilin Residence, a peaceful garden and historical residence surrounded by beautiful landscapes and flowers. The elegant grounds reflected Taiwan’s blend of history and nature.
Day 4
Day four was more relaxed but equally enjoyable. We started our day with Xi Fu Tang milk tea. Yup, that was our breakfast!
While walking to the Ximending train station, we realized that we haven’t taken any photos yet at the popular rainbow row. Good thing it was still early, so there was less of a crowd.
We took trains to Taipei Zoo, but before going to the zoo itself, we rode the Maokong Gondola, which offered breathtaking aerial views of Taipei’s mountains and greenery. We spent around two and a half hours around Maokong Village, where we had local Taiwanese food.
Always bring cash!!! We were short of a couple of dollars, and my sister had to run to the station to withdraw money.
After lunch, we had a very good ice cream and took a gondola to the zoo entrance. Taipei Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Asia. The zoo was clean, spacious, and family-friendly, making it a pleasant destination for both tourists and locals. You need a whole day for just the zoo alone. We had a little time to explore the zoo but are still thankful that we were able to see their pandas.
For dinner, we returned to Ximending and ate at Tomato Steak House. The meal was satisfying! It’s very affordable for its price especially it comes with a and spending our last night walking around Ximending felt like the perfect ending to our Taipei adventure.
Day 5
On our final day, we enjoyed breakfast at Taiwan Xiao Long Bao before taking the train back to the airport. As we boarded our flight from Taipei to Manila via Philippine Airlines, we couldn’t help but reflect on how memorable the trip had been.
Taiwan exceeded our expectations in so many ways. The country offered a perfect combination of modern city life, natural beauty, rich culture, and amazing food. What stood out the most was how convenient, clean, and welcoming everything felt. Whether wandering through night markets or enjoying scenic mountain views, every moment felt special.
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