My (Very) Subjective Take: Taiwan's Overrated for Tourists.
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I've always believed that travel is about living like a local, slowly experiencing and savoring the distinct warmth of human connections.
Unfortunately, my recent trip to Taipei was packed with a tight schedule, allowing me only one day for a “city walk” (that's walking through the city to explore it!). The weather gods, however, seemed uncooperative and a typhoon swept in.
So what happened? The streets were empty, with many small shops not open, and most locals probably hiding at home to avoid the storm.
To be honest, I wasn't really in the mood for snapping photos at first. I found myself thinking:
Hmm, Zhigu Street looks quite similar to the old alleyways in Fujian and Guangdong that I've visited before (to add, these places share architectural similarities: old buildings with an authentic flavor).
And Hongmachi Street, oh look, here’s a replica of Tokyo’s Nakameguro! (Well, there’s a bit of history behind this—Taiwan once had some Japanese influence.)But... (listen up, important part coming up!)
The tour guide, an experienced older man from Taipei (whose children have grown and moved out), took us to see the lively Wymesitore (the colorful path supporting LGBTQ+) and said very seriously, "It doesn’t matter who the person you love is; love itself is the most important thing." Wow, that’s such a warm-hearted statement!
Moreover, no matter where you go, almost everyone would greet you with a “thanks”, something so effortlessly courteous that it makes your visit all the more enjoyable.
Additionally, every household in this city has their yards or balconies filled with life; seeing all the plants everywhere uplifts one’s spirits.Therefore, I concluded that it was because of my hurried approach and the unfriendly weather that I didn’t get to appreciate the full charm of Taipei. This doesn’t mean it isn’t an enchanting destination!
Travel tips & Miscellaneous Thoughts:-
Mind the Weather!
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Like I did this time, encountering a typhoon can cause lots of disruptions to your plans.
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Solution: Before setting off, make sure to check the weather forecasts, especially during typhoon season (typically through summer to fall). If you do face unexpected bad weather, have a mental readiness for possible changes in plans or store closures; safety first above all!
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Savor Your Journey, Don’t Rush!
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If you really want to capture the essence of a city, a single day's “city walk” is simply insufficient.
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Solution: Try to set aside more time for exploration. Next time, I am planning to spare more days to delve into those alleys and hunt for treasures—otherwise you might end up like me, feeling “well, it’s just so-so.”
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To be honest, Taiwan might not be the first choice for spectacular natural scenery, as it can't quite match the grand landscapes of mainland China. But it's a great place to experience a unique atmosphere, one distinctly different from the mainland.
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Totally agree!
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Actually, every place has its own unique charm. Ten years ago, I visited Shanghai with my parents on a group tour. The city's rapid development, modern architecture, and overwhelming crowds... I didn't feel anything particularly special at first. Then, by chance, I stumbled upon a residential area. It was full of greenery, not a particularly fancy neighborhood, but I loved its human touch – the street vendors calling out, an old person playfully scolding a mischievous child, the steaming food stalls, the local dialect. That's the kind of authentic experience I crave and cherish most when traveling! Years later, I've mostly forgotten Shanghai's dazzling modernity, but that brief, chance encounter with that street corner, just for a few dozen minutes, has stayed with me ever since.
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Reading your comment is like reading a prose essay from a textbook, hahaha!
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The beauty of Taiwan isn't just its scenery, but its kind and free spirit.
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So well said!
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It's not so much for a short trip, but more suited for living. The convenience level is incredibly high.
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Agreed, that's definitely true.
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Is Taiwan fun? If so, I'm heading out right now!
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I'd love to visit Taiwan.
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Taiwan has tons and tons of delicious street food!! If you get the chance, come visit often~ I'll take you to try all the best night market delicacies ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ.