Taiwan Province | Next Trip: Oh, for *The* Return!

[Morris Schneider]

Sure thing! Here’s my recount of the one-week flash trip to Taiwan province (or "Taiwan area", as you prefer to call it). I’ll be sharing what I observed and some important pointers for those planning a visit, with a few grievances included!

My Real Feelings and Hard-Won Experience from a Week in Taiwan

• My Overall Impression:

  • Generally speaking, the locals were polite, and social order was well-maintained.
  • The elderly people I encountered were particularly friendly towards us mainlanders, often称呼我们为“同胞”，听起来很亲切。
  • Cash is king! WeChat, Alipay, credit cards, and debit cards are not accepted everywhere. On average, daily expenses amounted to around NT$1,000 (approximately RMB 200).
    • New Taiwan Dollar (NTD): This is the local currency, commonly abbreviated.
  • It feels like women receive more consideration here. For example, in subways (which they call the MRT), there are "anti-vandalism" buttons in carriages, and female restrooms seem more numerous than male ones.
    • Rant: Men's urinals are positioned right next to the passage, providing little privacy! Initially, I thought it was coincidental, but then I realized this was actually the case!
  • Generally speaking, transportation could be quite convenient by getting one of their ubiquitous EasyCards.
    • EasyCard (悠游卡): Similar to the bus cards used here, it can be used on buses, MRTs, and even some convenience stores, making life really easy!
  • Prices may not be too steep, at least they're more affordable compared with some big cities.
  • There are few language barriers as both mainland Chinese and traditional Chinese are understandable. However, some words sound different.

• A Trip Through Taipei University:

  • Students ride bicycles throughout the school area at the Taiwan University, as opposed to electric vehicles we commonly witness on the mainland campuses, thus presenting a striking contrast!
  • Quietness abounds inside the classroom buildings with students showing consideration towards each other.

• Shopping and Snacking in Taipei City?

  • What you might call 'X Street' or 'XX Night Market', is essentially commercial street. I followed through some popular stores recommended by Little Red Book, but frankly speaking, it left little impact on me.
    • Little Red Book: An App where many young people share lifestyle, shopping, and travel tips.
  • Sulk: The crispy fried chicken strips I was expecting didn't happen to appear!

• Ali Mountain Adventure (or Misadventure?):

  • ️ Be cautious! Bus ride up the mountain can be quite winding! Highly recommend riding the scenic train to those who may suffer from motion sickness.
  • What tourists have mostly enjoyed at Ali Mountain are sunrise, sunset, stars and fireflies, plus these colossal ancient trees. But all these heavily depend on good weather conditions.
  • One night's accommodation costs around NT$4,000 (approximately RMB 800), with poor sound insulation. The choice of food mainly boiled down to 7-Eleven products.
  • ✓ Unexpected perk: At the firefly-watching area near some locals' tea plantation, boiled eggs that cost just NT$20 are great-tasting!
  • ️ Dress warmly! It can get chilly there! Must bring a jacket along!
  • (Gone undercover): I've already witnessed sunsets at Huangshan and sunrise at Mount Tai. Thus I feel it is rather... mediocre for my taste.

• Feeling the Breeze at Jumping Rock Coast:

  • It’s a nice breeze and scenery to take a walk beside the sea.
  • ✓ Foodies highly recommend: There is a seafood restaurant called "Shunfa" sitting across from the station. Although its storefront might look oldish, food there is fresh delicious and reasonable in price!

• Ten Thousand Old Street & Ten Thousand Waterfall:

  • Numerous Korean visitors can be spotted around the market.
  • The waterfall is not particularly majestic. More water runs during rainy seasons, but dirtiness comes as well.

• National Palace Museum in Taipei:

  • The treasures usually come in small packages, yet they are exceptionally fine.
  • As for the audio guides provided by the museum, I personally feel they may fail to provide deep insights. Checking online resources via mobile phones seems more ideal.

• Potential FAQs Asked by You:

  • Currency Exchange: Where Can One Swap Their Currency To New Taiwan Dollar Most Advantageously?
    • Foreign currency exchange counters can be found all over the airport. At every single 7-Eleven corner, you can find ATMs where you can withdraw money (7-Elevens are ubiquitous. Even atop Ali Mountain you can find one!).
    • ️ Money-saving trick: Based on personal experience, rates from banks off the streets are generally better than those offered by airport exchangers. Keep in mind there will be NT$100 service fee by ATM in 7-Eleven and commercial areas.
  • Any Discount for Students at Attractions?
    • Yes! Student tickets are offered at half of the regular price among many tourist spots. For instance, the entrance fee for Ali Mountain was 150 New Taiwan Dollars. That includes students and adults at the same price.

I'll continue with my additions…（完）