Taiwan: Yeah, I'm Obsessed. Here's Why.
-
Wow, this trip to Taiwan sounds absolutely amazing! I have reorganized your journey and added some explanations to help anyone interested in visiting Taiwan, especially foreign friends, understand it better!
-
The Little Background Story
- I, a mainland Chinese "dinosaur from Chongqing and Sichuan," known for their straightforward and sometimes fiery temperaments, took an 11-day solo trip to Taiwan right before the abolition of the "freedom pass" (an individual travel permit for mainland residents to visit Taiwan).
- My itinerary consisted of starting from Taipei, heading south all the way to the famous beach resort of Kenting, then eastwards to Taitung and Hualien (both renowned for their natural beauty), before returning to Taipei, making a roughly semi-circular tour of the island.
- Honestly, Taiwan's gentleness truly stunned my rough nature from inland China. It was like a complete surprise that made me lose track of myself!
-
First Impressions of Taiwan: The Ultimate Gentleness!
- Upon landing at Taipei airport and booking a ride via telephone, I was set off to the hotel with a plan to watch my much-anticipated concert in the evening by Chen Sheng, a locally famous Taiwanese singer.
- As soon as the plane landed and got in touch with the driver, he answered with gentle tones, "There is heavy traffic, you don't need to worry. I will be there in less than ten minutes!"
- When the ride arrived, indeed a big guy opened the door and asked "Do you really need to rush?" I replied yes because it was a 7:30 pm concert in Legacy (a local well-known music performance venue).
- The driver was extremely supportive, offering an extra mileage to drop me off at the hotel first, then proceeded to Legacy where the venue was closer.
- I admitted my worries regarding the extra fare but the driver waved it off, saying it wouldn’t take up too much time.
- With such kindness, I ended up arriving at the concert earlier than expected!
-
Taipei’s Diversity and Inclusiveness
- On the second day, I happened to witness Taipei’s "
Party Day Out" (meaning a pride parade, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community). - The streets were dotted with rainbow couples singing and dancing together; particularly near the Ximending Red House (a famous historical landmark in Taipei known to be a significant location for LGBT culture now).
- At that moment, I realized how vast our world was and desired everyone living their life happily.
- Later that afternoon at the subway station, I saw an elegantly dressed gendry teenager carrying elegant high heels, but no one seemed to be staring at him with any odd looks – just a general acceptance.
- On the second day, I happened to witness Taipei’s "
-
Warmth Everywhere
- During my short stay in Chishang, the picturesque little county with its stunning rice paddies and bicycle paths, I couldn’t bring myself to ride the bike and chose to rent a tiny four-wheeled battery-powered vehicle instead.
- During the return process, since it was located far from the hotels, the owner offered to kindly drive the motorcycle over and dropped me off without any hesitation despite our communication being limited.
- From Chishang to Hualien, there was a train delay, which led me into panic mode and caused me to enter the wrong train car. Fortunately, several passengers helped me out as they called the attendants while others kindly assisted me with my belongings.
-
Travel Tips for Solo Female Travelers: Warm Reminders
- Transport Advice:
- If like me, you have urgent plans once arriving, reserving an airport pickup service can be a lifesaver (such as arriving just ahead of time for a concert!)
️Caution about train/public transportation: trains could be late or show less clear platform indications compared to in the mainland. Always ask staff or fellow passengers for instructions and make sure that you're boarding the correct train!- Cultural Experience:
- Taiwan’s LGBTQ+ community are very appreciated and embraced. For those intending to explore such an opening atmosphere, consider attending the Pride Parade or spending time around the Ximending Red House area where you can find various cultural elements of interest.
- Rental Trips:
- A power-assisted bicycle would be a practical choice if unsure of riding bicycles while enjoying the scenic views in Chishang.
Tip: Ask the shopkeeper if they can drop you off at a nearby place when returning the rentals as it can save you considerable distance and time (as in my case above, it turned out that the shop keeper was willing to give me a ride.)
️Safety Tips for Solo Females Travelers:
- Although every interaction I met within Taiwan showed kindness, remember, basic safety awareness still matters while traveling abroad.
- For instance, avoid walking to secluded areas alone after nightfall.
- Keep family or friends notified of your whereabouts and plan.
- Transport Advice:
-
Reflections on the Journey
- Each corner I visited, each person from the taxi drivers, cafe owners, motorcycle rental shopkeepers and homestay innkeepers all provided assistance during my single travel. There were truly numerous encounters that brightened my days!
- Reflecting on what life is truly about, isn't it to embrace the beauty of nature, the sound of a flowing stream, the sight of swaying farmland under the sunlight, and the goodwill of strangers?
- I hope we pay a bit more mind to the simple yet pure moments in this life, instead of getting lost in abstract "grand narratives".
-
-
There's a popular saying in Taiwan: 'The most beautiful scenery in Taiwan is its people.'
️ Always approach everyone with a peaceful and kind heart. -
Exactly
I couldn't agree more. -
Reading your article, I felt a genuine sense of goodwill and pure connection! That's how beautiful serendipity should be. Time seems to hang on the treetops, swaying gently with ease. As you've come to love Taiwan, Taiwan is loving you right back...
-
Thank you.
-
I wonder... are you, by any chance, exceptionally pretty?
-
Oh, not at all. I have very, very average looks.
-
A warm breeze from the Pacific.
-
Oh, your username is the title of Ying Ruocheng's book, isn't it?
-
It's a beautiful aspect of Chinese culture that one only truly appreciates with age and life experience. The three most beautiful things about Taiwan are its people, its human warmth, and its unique atmosphere. That's my takeaway from countless visits.
-
I'm tearing up 🥲 When can I finally visit Taiwan?
-
I took the same route last year, heading north and stopping by Yilan along the way. Of all the places I've traveled, Taiwan is where I've made the most warm memories connected to its people.
-
That last sentence was brilliant. Thank you!
-
I went in 2018 and followed the same route as you. I even had the Chishang bento! I really want to go back.
-
I had it too!
-
Exactly, I absolutely love Taiwan! Before they stopped independent travel, I was planning to visit at least once a year.