Taiwan Winter Travel: My 'Oh Crap!' Moments & How to Dodge Them
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Haha, spot on! From November to February, Taipei, Keelung, Yilan, and northern Hualien see rainy days over 60% of the time. You're lucky if you catch a sunny day. When a cold snap hits, it's damp and cold, which is really uncomfortable, and unlike temperate regions, there's no indoor heating. I really don't recommend Jiufen; don't be fooled by those picture-perfect influencer shots. Sun Moon Lake and Kenting are great year-round and have relatively stable weather. Alishan is also recommended, but transportation isn't very convenient. It's fantastic if you can book the forest railway from Chiayi for a slow ascent. Renting a car is also an option; the real gem is driving the New Central Cross-Island Highway, as Tataka is the closest point to Yushan.
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So detailed! Actually, I think the sea at Sun Moon Lake and Kenting looks beautiful even on cloudy days.
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Quick question: if the weather forecast says no rain, is there still a chance it might rain?
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Yes, it's possible.
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As long as the 'Red Cliff Rhapsody' is on display, I'm good.
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It feels like what exhibits you get to see is down to luck. They probably rotate them.
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For the TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) journey from Taichung to Chiayi, is it true that you can't use your EasyCard if you're on the Tze-Chiang 3000 or other reserved-seat trains? Regular Tze-Chiang, Chu-Kuang, and local trains should be fine for tapping in with an EasyCard, right?
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I'll update my notes.
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Are there any tourist traps in Kenting?
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Kenting is generally fine, but I'd suggest not going recently. The wind is too strong, making it inconvenient for cycling around the island.
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Is the deck at Sun Moon Lake very slippery, with low railings and large gaps? I'll report this to the public works department.
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I think so, a bit. The day I was there, I actually saw someone slip and hit their head while disembarking. It's very dangerous. It would be great if they could find a way to improve it.
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Looking back now, I realize I fell into so many traps! I could cry.
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Sigh... there are probably even more that weren't recorded.
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For someone (lit. 'sisters,' a friendly term) traveling from Hong Kong, are there any specific things to be aware of?
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Just make sure you have your entry permit ready! Keep it safe, as you'll need it in many places in Taiwan, like for hotels and shopping.
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Actually, no. What's currently on display is Huang Gongwang's 'Nine Pearl Peaks in Verdure'.
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Ah, then it's probably been rotated out again.
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It's not just winter; it rains in Taipei for about half the year.
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Oh! So that's how it is.