Travels

Taipei 🏯

Posted by markhadland on
A scenic view of Jiufen, Taiwan, featuring traditional buildings with colorful lanterns, set against a backdrop of blue skies and distant mountains.
Jiufan

Carter and I were at the Morgans’ house watching football, and fresh off our trip to Europe, we were itching to travel again. Carter’s friend Sky was in Taiwan meeting a girl en route to China, and my friend Brian Marcinek connected me with one of his good friends, Andy Liu, who spent part of his time in Taipei. Delta was running a ridiculous mileage deal to Taipei at the time, as it was competing for the direct route between Seattle and Taipei. Sam was free and wanted to visit Asia. The day before, Carter found a great deal at the Mandarin Oriental, and soon we were off to Taipei. We conducted some research, consulted with a few friends, and planned a rough itinerary of things to do and see. Restaurants, shopping, and bars were top of mind. After our 13-hour flight (Carter and I were fortunate to be in Delta One), we landed and waited for Sam to deboard. He had a rather angry, tired look on his face. Apparently, I mixed up my Omeprazole with Alprazolam, and one did not have the desired sleep effects.

Signage of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Taipei, featuring a gold fan design and text in both English and Chinese.
Our home for the trip.
A transparent display representing the intricate inner workings of a Richard Mille watch, showcasing gears and mechanisms, set against a stylish backdrop.
A group of four friends posing for a photo while sitting at a table in a restaurant, with drinks in front of them and a decorative wall in the background.
We caught up with Sky the first night.
Weather forecast display for Taipei City showing sunny conditions with a current temperature of 100°F.

We planned our trip with such haste, giving us only a day’s notice, that I forgot how hot and humid Asia can get in the summer. September was no exception. This is why Taipei’s markets are open at night. It was shorts and polos the entire trip. Please remind me to avoid visiting Asia between April and October.

Night Markets

Given Taipei’s exceptional heat, the markets are open at night and play a significant role in Taiwan’s culture. A wide variety of foods is available at the many stalls. Michelin even recognizes some of them.

A street vendor in a night market in Taipei serves various skewered snacks, including sausages and tofu, while a customer watches.
Grilled sausages being prepared on a flat griddle, with omelettes and tortillas. Various ingredients are visible, including green onions and sauces.
A street food stall in a night market in Taipei, featuring vendors preparing various snacks. The woman on the left is interacting with customers while handling food, and the man on the right is working with dough. Both are wearing masks. Price signs in Chinese are visible above the stall.
A Michelin-recommended food stall.
A bowl of ramen with slices of meat, green onions, and red seasoning, accompanied by a glass of iced tea and a cup of water on a table.
Entrance to a busy night market in Taipei, featuring bright yellow signs and crowds of people walking through the stalls.
A vendor grilling various cuts of meat at a night market in Taipei, with raw steaks displayed on a tray in the foreground.
A busy night market stall in Taipei, with people gathered around ordering food. The stall features bright signage in Chinese and various food items on display.

Taipei 101

View of Taipei 101, a tall skyscraper in Taipei, illuminated during dusk with a clear sky.
Taipei 101

We consider Taipei 101 to be one of the world’s coolest buildings. We enjoy traveling to countries with the tallest buildings in the world to experience and appreciate their architecture. At over 1600 feet tall, when completed in 2004, it was the tallest building in the world and had the fastest elevators as well. Its towering pagoda-like structure can be seen from anywhere in the city. Upon completion, it became the world’s first skyscraper to exceed half a kilometer. It is the tallest building in Taiwan and the eleventh-tallest building in the world. It features six stories of malls, numerous restaurants and bars, office space, a massive food court, and a rooftop observatory. It was time for shopping and food.

Watch Shopping

The Taipei 101 offers an excellent world-class shopping experience, featuring high-end shops. We decided to hit a few watch stores to see what they stocked and compare prices.

A close-up of a person's wrist wearing an Omega Seamaster Ultra Deep watch, showcasing its intricate dial and stainless steel band against a red backdrop.
A Panerai watch featuring a blue camouflage strap and a detailed watch face.
Close-up of a wrist wearing a watch with a blue strap and a dark dial featuring multiple chronograph sub-dials, displayed on a textured surface.
Two Omega watches displayed on a black velvet surface, showcasing a black diving watch on the left and a white chronograph watch on the right.
Close-up of a wrist wearing an Omega Seamaster Ultra Deep watch, showcasing its black dial and stainless steel band.
Black background with white embossed text featuring the word 'MONCLER' and various phrases related to fashion, exploration, and heritage.
A blue camouflage watch with a round face and multiple dials, displayed on a textured surface featuring the brand name Panerai.
Close-up of a Panerai watch featuring a blue camouflage strap and a black dial placed on a textured surface.
Two Omega watches displayed on a light-colored surface, one with a dark blue face and the other with a white face.
Two turquoise watch straps displayed on a beige surface with the Omega logo visible underneath.
Close-up of an Omega logo on a red background, representing a luxury watch brand.
Three glasses of beer raised in a celebratory toast, with a bar setting in the background that features dim lighting and colorful reflections.

I ended up picking up the teal watch strap for my Omega Seamaster, which I had bought in Copenhagen, and we celebrated my restraint with some beers. Sam again was minding my spending.

A close-up view of a Casio calculator displaying the number 19859.
A close-up view of a calculator displaying the number 1580, with a hand partially visible in the background.
Exterior view of a clothing store named 'Seoul Mate', featuring stylish mannequins in the display window and promotional screens showcasing outfits.

After some serious window licking, we were famished.

A table laid out with a hot pot featuring various ingredients including vegetables, seafood, and slices of meat, alongside condiments and garnishes.
A person using a spoon to stir cabbage in a hot pot at a dining table, with a bowl and a side dish visible.
A pot of Taiwanese hot pot filled with various ingredients including tofu, vegetables, mushrooms, and fish balls, presented on a table with a cup and plates.
A close-up shot of a mixed hot pot, featuring various ingredients such as tofu, mushrooms, cabbage, corn, fish balls, and vegetables, all arranged in a steaming broth.

Now off for some more sightseeing and touring of the city.

Night view of Taipei 101, a towering skyscraper illuminated against a dark blue sky, visible above neighboring buildings.
A view of Taipei 101 at twilight, showcasing its iconic pagoda-like structure against a deep blue sky, with illuminated details and greenery in the foreground.
A nighttime view of Taipei 101, illuminated and towering above the surrounding buildings, with a clear blue sky in the background.
A bustling urban street scene at dusk in Taipei, featuring traffic, pedestrians, and towering buildings including a partially constructed skyscraper and the illuminated Taipei 101 in the background.
A bustling street in Taipei during twilight, showcasing a line of cars and a tall, modern building illuminated against the evening sky.
A busy street scene in Taipei at dusk, featuring cars and scooters navigating through an intersection. In the background, modern buildings are illuminated by the fading sunlight, while a restaurant named 'Meat Love' is visible on the left.
A building facade illuminated at night, featuring a large watch graphic overlay and bright lights along the top.
Colorful glass panels illuminated at dusk, featuring artistic designs and engraved text, with people walking nearby.
Innovative design was on display everywhere.

We met up with our new friend Andy Liu (Unkle Andy), who is from Seattle. He took us to a local restaurant, which served interesting seafood. He was amazed at our ability to consume copious amounts of beer. We visited several cocktail bars – Taiwan has a fantastic cocktail scene – and some ramen shops later in the evening.

Two men smiling for a selfie at a restaurant with people in the background.
Mark and Andy
A dimly lit bar scene featuring a bartender preparing drinks, with a stylish reflective ceiling showcasing bottles of liquor and patrons enjoying their time.
A group of people sitting at a counter in a restaurant, enjoying their meals. The wall behind them features large red menus with text. The atmosphere appears casual and cozy.
A seating chart displaying the availability of booths at a restaurant, with green indicators for available seats and orange for occupied ones.
In many ramen shops, seating is managed by a ticketing machine, where you buy your ticket for your order and sit at an assigned booth.
A bowl of ramen noodles with slices of meat and green vegetables, chopsticks resting on the edge of the bowl, on a wooden table.
A menu displayed at a ramen shop in Taiwan, featuring a variety of dishes in Chinese characters on a red background.

After a fun evening, we returned to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, our amazing home away from home.

A view of a luxurious hotel pool featuring tropical plants, sun loungers, and a decorative gazebo surrounded by modern buildings.
A large circular sculpture with a reflective center, positioned above a still water surface, surrounded by greenery and a clear blue sky.
A close-up image of a dragonfly against a soft blue background.
A pair of luxurious beige hotel slippers with a golden emblem, placed on a white towel with a decorative pattern.
A low-angle view of a pink building adorned with large windows, surrounded by lush green foliage under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
A dragonfly resting against a soft blue background with faint floral shapes.

The next morning, we returned to Taipei 101 for more shopping and this time to tour the observation deck.

A beautifully decorated observatory space at Taipei 101, featuring a swing surrounded by flowers and soft clouds, with a view of the horizon in the background.
Neon sign of Taipei 101, outlined in bright blue light against a gray background.
A large, cartoonish, bee-like mascot with orange and black stripes stands inside Taipei 101, facing a panoramic window that shows a view of the green mountains and the city below.
Three individuals posing for a photo in front of a colorful floral background.
A detailed model of a high-speed elevator displayed in a glass case, showcasing its internal mechanisms and design.
Aerial view of Taipei showcasing Taipei 101, adjacent modern buildings, and green spaces.
Aerial view of a cityscape featuring modern buildings, including a prominent Apple store structure, landscaped streets, and lush green areas.
A panoramic view of Taipei from atop Taipei 101, showcasing the bustling cityscape, with modern buildings and lush green parks, under a clear blue sky.
A panoramic view of Taipei from the observation deck of Taipei 101, showcasing the city's skyline, lush green spaces, and distant mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A panoramic view of Taipei from the observation deck of Taipei 101, showcasing the sprawling cityscape with various buildings and green areas under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.
A panoramic view of Taipei from the top of Taipei 101, showcasing a mixture of modern skyscrapers, residential buildings, and green hills in the background under a clear blue sky.
Aerial view of Taipei with modern buildings, including the distinctive Apple Store with a unique roof design, surrounded by green trees and streets.
The roof of the Apple store was designed to resemble a MacBook
A colorful mosaic wall made up of various tiles displaying a mix of patterns in shades of green, yellow, orange, purple, blue, and brown.
A low-angle view of Taipei 101, showcasing its tall, sleek, and glass-clad facade against a clear blue sky.
A colorful mosaic made up of various glass tiles in vibrant hues, showcasing intricate patterns and reflections.
A view of Taipei 101, showcasing its towering structure and modern architectural design at twilight. People are gathered in front, highlighting its status as a popular attraction.
Night view of a modern architectural building with distinct curves and greenery on balconies, surrounded by city traffic and streetlights.
A nighttime view of a modern building's spiral staircase and part of its facade illuminated against the dark sky.
The architecture of the city is truly amazing

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

At the insistence of Unkle Sean, who urged us to experience the cultural elements of the country and city, we set off to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall viewed from the front, showcasing its grand architecture and surrounding landscape under a clear blue sky.
A traditional Chinese building with ornate roofing featuring red and gold colors, set against a clear blue sky.
Three individuals pose in front of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taiwan on a sunny day, with green grass and blue sky in the background.
A bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek sitting on a throne, with Chinese characters on the wall behind him.
Three people standing on the steps of a traditional structure with colorful architectural details in Taiwan, under a clear blue sky.
The ornate exterior of the National Concert Hall in Taipei features a striking roof with orange tiles and intricate decorations, set against a clear blue sky.
View looking up at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall's ornate roof and entrance, with visitors gathered below.
Interior view of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall featuring a statue of Chiang Kai-shek surrounded by decorative columns and the national flags of Taiwan.
Two soldiers in ceremonial uniforms marching indoors with a banner in the background.
Interior view of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, featuring a large seated statue of Chiang Kai-shek, flanked by Taiwanese flags and decorated with ornate wooden ceiling and stone walls.
The exterior view of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, featuring its grand stairway, intricate architectural details, and bright blue sky.

With our civic duty complete, we hired a private guide for the remainder of the day and headed to Jiufen. Actually, the memorial was impressive. The grounds were expansive, and it was interesting to learn more about the history of China and Taiwan, as well as the democratic struggles and conflicts that led to the Democratic Party regaining control of Taiwan from Japan. The museum contains many cars belonging to Chiang Kai-shek.

Jiufen

Jiufen is a mountain town in northeastern Taiwan, an hour’s drive east of Taipei. It’s known for its narrow alleyways in the old town, which are packed with teahouses, street food stalls, and souvenir shops. We hired our guide, Vincent Lee, for the day, who not only drove us around but also cleared the crowded alleys of Jiufen and protected us from the souvenir merchants. He was great!

Scenic view of the ocean from a hilltop, showcasing lush green mountains and seaside islands under a clear blue sky.
Interior of a vibrant temple featuring ornate decorations, colorful lanterns, and statues. A person is seen engaging with the altar.
A signpost with multiple directional arrows indicating various attractions and distances, overlooking a lush green landscape and the ocean under a bright blue sky.
A panoramic view of a lush green landscape with hills leading to a coastline and the ocean, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A bustling narrow alley in a night market, decorated with red lanterns and filled with people, shops, and food stalls.
Stairs leading down to a street with traditional architecture and colorful lanterns, surrounded by a mountain backdrop and blue sky.
A bustling alleyway in a night market, adorned with red paper lanterns hanging from above, showcasing a mix of food stalls and shops with various signs and vendors amidst a crowd of people.
A busy kitchen scene in Taiwan, with a male chef in an apron serving food from a pot. Workers in colorful aprons and bandanas prepare meals in the background, surrounded by various ingredients and cooking utensils.

Magnet Paradise

Colorful souvenirs and magnets representing landmarks in Taiwan, including Taipei 101, displayed on a yellow stand in a market setting.
A display of various bottles of alcohol, including Formosa beer, alongside cartoon illustrations of different dog breeds arranged above the bottles.
A display of Mahjong tiles, featuring various Chinese characters and symbols, arranged in neat rows on a wooden shelf.

The streets were filled with many shops selling souvenirs and food.

A vibrant night market food stall showcasing a variety of snacks, including fried items, skewers, and colorful packaging.
Mushrooms
A variety of packaged meats and snacks displayed in trays, labeled with prices.
Squid and other weird things I would not want to eat.
A bustling street in Jiufen, Taiwan, lined with red lanterns and filled with tourists exploring the area, overlooking a view of the ocean in the background.
A view of Jiufen Old Street in Taiwan, featuring traditional buildings adorned with red lanterns and greenery. A person is taking a photo while others explore the area under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic view of a narrow street in Jiufen, Taiwan, lined with red lanterns and bustling with visitors. In the background, the sky is bright with fluffy clouds and a glimpse of the sea can be seen.

We eventually made our way to the famous A-Mei Teahouse at Jiufen Old Street, which served as the inspiration for Spirited Away, arguably Hayao Miyazaki’s most popular movie.

View of A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen, featuring traditional architecture, red lanterns, and a cloudy sky in the background.
A traditional building covered in green vines and adorned with red lanterns, featuring wooden stairs and decorative statues in the foreground.
A decorative mask with a painted face featuring closed eyes and an open mouth, hanging in a restaurant. Below the mask, there are menus displayed on a table, surrounded by green foliage and rustic decor.
A scenic view of Jiufen Old Street with traditional shops and red lanterns, featuring tourists walking down stone steps under a partly cloudy blue sky.

We stopped in for a spot of tea and a bit of respite from the sweltering heat.

Three men sitting at a table in a tea house, holding cups and enjoying tea, with tea pots and snacks on the table.
A traditional Chinese tea set featuring a teapot with a floral design and a small tea cup filled with light-colored tea, placed on a woven mat.
A variety of traditional Taiwanese sweets displayed on plates, including green floral-shaped cakes, powdered mochi balls, and crispy snacks.
Interior of a teahouse with red lanterns, overlooking a scenic view of green hills and the ocean, filled with people enjoying their refreshments.
Three people posing for a photo at a scenic outdoor restaurant with a view of the mountains and ocean in the background.
I don’t think I’ll try to walk to the island in the distance.
Three individuals standing at the entrance of a traditional tea house in Jiufen, Taiwan, with red lanterns hanging above and a scenic view in the background.
A bustling street in Jiufen, Taiwan, with colorful signs and decorations, showing visitors walking down the stairs towards the ocean in the background and a clear blue sky.
A man in a pink shirt and sunglasses stands on a circular stone path, surrounded by red lanterns hanging above and wooden shops in the background.
Three friends posing on a hillside with a panoramic view of the ocean and green hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Information sign for A-Mei Teahouse, detailing its history and significance as an inspiration for the film Spirited Away, featuring artistic illustrations and a description in multiple languages.
A decorative mask positioned among lush green ivy leaves, with a scenic view visible in the background.
Illustration of Amei Teahouse in Jiufen, Taiwan, featuring a multi-level building design with traditional architecture, decorative lanterns, and various plants.
Three whole yellow chickens hanging on a rack in a restaurant kitchen, with diners visible in the background.
Three people enjoying dessert at a restaurant with a colorful mural in the background.
Mango ice cream
A panoramic view of Taipei city featuring Taipei 101 towering above the skyline under a clear blue sky.
Taipei 101 towers over everything in the city.

We next made our way back to the city to visit The Grand Hotel. The Grand Hotel in Taipei is one of the city’s most famous and historic hotels, established in 1952 and renowned for its classic Chinese architecture, opulent design, and role as a host to international dignitaries. It is considered a national landmark and a living museum, built on a site that was formerly a Japanese Shinto shrine.

A view of The Grand Hotel in Taipei, showcasing its iconic vermilion and gold architecture, surrounded by lush greenery and a blue sky.

The hotel’s main building features vermilion columns and gilded tiles and is one of the world’s tallest Chinese classical buildings. It has a vintage feel, with many classic design elements, and is adorned with good luck symbols and ancient Chinese script.

Three individuals posing for a photo with a cityscape in the background, showcasing a bright blue sky and greenery in the foreground.
Three people standing in front of a traditional Asian-style building with red and intricate architectural details under a clear blue sky.
A young man stands in front of a traditional Chinese building with ornate red and blue decorations. The sky is clear and bright, creating a vibrant backdrop to the scene.
Three individuals standing in front of a vividly colored traditional Chinese building with a red roof and intricate decorations.
Three individuals standing on the steps of a grand hotel lobby with red columns and plush carpeting, showcasing a luxurious and traditional architectural style.
The interior of The Grand Hotel in Taipei showcasing its iconic red columns, intricate wooden ceiling, and ornate decorations.
Three individuals seated on red steps in front of a decorative mural, featuring traditional Chinese artwork.
A shiny black Yamaha grand piano displayed in a luxurious setting, accompanied by a black cushioned bench and ornate red carpet steps in the background.
A beautifully crafted glossy red dessert with decorative ribbons and a small pearl accent, displayed elegantly on a gold-colored base.
A green dessert resembling a small cake topped with a leaf decoration and a small ball, displayed in a glass case, with a label indicating it contains basil mango.

Raohe St. Night Market

Entrance to Raohe Street Night Market illuminated at night with decorative arch and signage.
Close-up of a food stall in a night market showcasing a sign with Michelin awards for the dish served, indicating the price and recognition from 2018 to 2021.
A variety of Taiwanese street food dishes displayed in large metal trays at a night market, featuring colorful ingredients and vibrant sauces.
Two whole roasted chickens hanging behind a glass display in a restaurant, with a decorative mural in the background.
Signage for the Beluga Whale Language Institute featuring a whale logo and contact information.
A colorful food stall sign showcasing grilled squid with prices displayed for small and large portions.
A close-up view of cooked miniature octopuses on a bed of what appears to be omelet or egg dish.
A street vendor preparing quail eggs at a night market, with trays of eggs in the foreground and another worker in the background.
Two squid skewers prepared for grilling on a metal tray.
A variety of dried seafood displayed in a market, including fish heads and other seafood items.
Grilled black pork sausages on a rack at a night market stall in Taiwan, with a sign displaying the prices.

let’s just say that the night markets are full of all manner of interesting things.

A humorous advertisement featuring a cartoon character licking an oversized chocolate dessert shaped like a phallic object, with text in Mandarin Chinese promoting it as a must-try snack in Taiwan.
A bustling night market scene in Taiwan, with a vendor standing beside a table filled with food and kitchen supplies, illuminated by colorful lights.
A display board at Raohe Night Market featuring two photographs of women eating large sausages, showcasing street food culture in Taiwan.
Night market scene in Taipei, featuring colorful signage, traditional lanterns, and bustling stalls with food vendors.
A close-up view of skewers of glossy, candied fruits including red grapes, green grapes, and strawberries displayed under a glowing light.
Colorful temple entrance illuminated at night with yellow taxis parked in front.

We wrapped our night back near the Taipei 101

Taipei 101 illuminated at night, surrounded by city lights.
Interior of a stylish bar featuring purple lighting, large reflective panels, and decorative digital images of eyes.
A nighttime view of Taipei 101, illuminated in bright colors, amidst a cityscape filled with twinkling lights and modern buildings.

The next day, it was raining, exceptionally hard with 90+ degree weather.

A home audio setup featuring a large flat-screen television, two tall speakers in white and black, a central audio component, and various audio accessories including remote controls and a pet figurine. The wall behind is decorated with numerous music albums and artistic images.
Sam and I found a local HiFi shop.

National Museum

A group of people walking under an ornate white stone archway, with colorful umbrellas in a rainy setting.

We decided to get some more local culture and visit the National Museum. It was a beautiful museum.

A traditional Chinese landscape painting depicting mountains, trees, and a serene scene with a bridge and buildings, complemented by calligraphic text.
A decorative blue and white porcelain vase illuminated against a light backdrop, featuring intricate dragon designs and calligraphy on the side.
A traditional Chinese landscape painting featuring mountains, trees, and a serene scene with buildings and a garden.
A vibrant traditional Chinese painting depicting two adults and two children near a river, surrounded by lush greenery and flowers.
A carved jade sculpture resembling a Chinese cabbage, displayed on a wooden stand, highlighting intricate details and variations in color.
Two stones on display, one tall and jagged and the other smaller and rounded, showcased in a museum setting.
A small, irregularly shaped brown stone resting on an ornate golden base, set against a textured gray surface.

Taiwan is famous for its jade. By far the most popular exhibit is the Taiwan jade cabbage carved from a single piece of jadeite into the shape of a bok choy. The artifact is carved from a single piece of jadeite, a type of jade that features both green and white colors, and depicts a katydid crawling on bok choi. The second most famous artifact is a carved and dyed piece of banded jasper that resembles a piece of braised pork belly, known as the Meat-Shaped Stone.

A handwritten note that says, 'I Love you.... my little cabbage' printed in an elegant font on textured paper.

Din Tai Fung

With our obligatory daily dose of culture behind us, we set off to visit the original Din Tai Fung.

Signboard displaying the name 'Din Tai Fung' in Chinese and Japanese characters.
A smiling cartoon dumpling character wearing a chef's outfit, standing on a red pedestal with Chinese characters for "Din Tai Fung."
A queue ticket from Din Tai Fung restaurant, detailing the estimated wait time and reservation information for a table at the Xinsheng branch.
Group photo in front of Din Tai Fung restaurant, featuring a welcoming mascot and a menu display.
A polaroid photo of three people posing together with a cartoon dumpling character in a restaurant setting, with a menu display in the background.
We met some lovely ladies who took a Polaroid of us
Sliced cucumber arranged in a neat stack, covered with a light sauce, served on a white plate.
Close-up of a menu cover featuring a bamboo steamer filled with dumplings and graphic illustrations of famous landmarks.
A plate of sliced purple eggplant cooked with minced meat and herbs, drizzled with a savory sauce.
A crowded indoor market in Taipei filled with vendors selling various products, with shoppers browsing the stalls.

After lunch, we visited the famous jade market. There were hundreds of stalls selling everything imaginable made of jae. It was located under the highway – an effective use of space.

For dinner, we did manage to find a Michelin-starred steakhouse.

A beautifully set dining table featuring a glass of red wine, a decanter with more wine, a dish of what appears to be gourmet steak served on a bed of herbs, and a menu peeking from the side.
A cast iron skillet with a variety of meats, including steak and roasted garlic, on a dining table with a glass of whiskey and a partially eaten plate in the background.
A dish featuring caviar on a bed of greenery, presented in a bowl with water, accompanied by butter and a slice of dark bread on a white tablecloth.

Next, we visited Fridge Bar. A speakeasy that you access through a metal refrigerator door at the back of a sandwich shop. This was probably our favorite bar, and their cornflake-breaded chicken bites were to die for. They also specialized in tea cocktails and others that took over a month to make the base ingredients. We then visited more food stops and bars, meeting up with Andy again for more cocktails.

Close-up of a black equipment panel featuring yellow gauges labeled 'Handmade SWISS' and 'Swiss Matterhorn', along with silver knobs and a green power button.
A modern interior of a small café, featuring a minimalist design with gray walls, wooden counters, and tall black stools. A person is sitting at the counter, engaged with a digital device, while a metallic door is visible in the background.
A bottle of Japanese gin with a minimalist label featuring a red torii gate and the words 'Japanese GIN' and 'Aka Torii Original'.
A green menu cover for The Fridge Bar, resting on a dark tabletop.
A bar entrance concealed as a refrigerator door with a 'Mind Your Head' sign above it, located in a dimly lit interior.
Menu with 'House Rules' detailing dining time limits, minimum charges, and policies on outside food and beverages at a restaurant.
A cocktail glass filled with a yellow drink sits on a bar counter next to a pair of black eyeglasses.
Bright neon sign that reads 'GUM GUM LOVE YOU' with the characters for 'double happiness' in the center, set against a textured wall and surrounded by greenery.
A humorous sign featuring a silhouette of a man urinating, with the word 'GUMGUM' displayed beneath.
A neon sign reading 'SPICY' in English and Chinese characters, displayed on a brick wall.
A pair of chopsticks resting on a cute panda-shaped chopstick holder on a textured gray surface.
A divided hot pot featuring two contrasting broths: a spicy red broth with herbs and chilies on one side and a clear, mild broth on the other, surrounded by ingredients like mushrooms and goji berries.
A bottle of Macallan M Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, displayed against a backdrop of geometric metallic shapes.
A stylish bar scene featuring a bartender preparing a drink, with a polished wooden bar, shelves filled with liquor bottles, and modern geometric decorations in the foreground.
Three individuals posing for a photo in a restaurant setting, smiling with arms around each other.
Group photo of four friends smiling at a stylish indoor venue with warm lighting.
A group of three men seated at a table in a restaurant, each making a gesture with their middle fingers raised, with a lively background of other diners.
A group of four friends poses for a cheerful photo in a dimly lit setting, all smiling and looking happy.

With our last night in the books, we were off back home the next day. While at the airport, which had disappointing lounges and a few bars, I was impressed to discover that Taiwan is a very mountainous country with over 100 peaks above 3000 meters! I found a great website below that describes all the mountain routes. It is very similar to my http://www.hikingwithhadland site.

Taiwan’s Top 100 Mountains – The Bai Yue (百岳)
Hiking with Hadland
A framed painting of Mabolasi Mountain, depicting its mountainous terrain under a clear sky, with a description in both Mandarin and English detailing its significance and features.
An Emirates Airbus A380 aircraft parked at the airport with a control tower and terminal building visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Taipei Blues

A stunning view of the ocean with vibrant blue skies and dramatic cloud formations at sunset, showcasing a ship sailing in the distance.

As we departed Taiwan, we were greeted by some of the most breathtaking skies and cloud formations imaginable. The shifting hues of blue—from the sea below to the heavens above—created a surreal beauty as we crossed the East China Sea. In the distance, the faint glow of fishing boats flickered like stars on the water, as night gently began to fall.

A panoramic view of blue skies with fluffy clouds reflecting on calm ocean waters, suggesting a serene and beautiful departure from Taiwan.
A scenic view of the sky with vibrant clouds over a calm blue sea during sunset.
A breathtaking view of clouds above a calm sea at sunset, showcasing vibrant hues of blue and hints of orange in the sky.
A picturesque aerial view of the ocean with dramatic cloud formations and a vibrant blue sky at sunset.
The lower clouds resembled icebergs.
Aerial view of clouds during sunset with hues of orange and blue in the sky over the ocean.
Aerial view of fluffy clouds over the ocean during sunset, with vibrant colors in the sky and distant fishing boats visible on the water.
Aerial view of colorful clouds and a vibrant sunset over the ocean, with distant islands visible on the horizon.
Breathtaking aerial view of colorful skies and cloud formations over the East China Sea at sunset.
Aerial view of vibrant clouds and a colorful sunset over the ocean, showcasing the beautiful sky departing Taiwan.
Looks like alien spaceships.
Breathtaking sky and cloud formations viewed from above, showcasing a gradient of blue and orange as night falls over the East China Sea.
Aerial view of expansive clouds over the ocean at sunset, displaying a gradient of blue and orange hues in the sky.
Cloud monsters in the distance – something that would inspire folklore
A stunning view of the sky and cloud formations at sunset as seen from an airplane window, featuring vibrant hues of blue and orange, with faint silhouettes of clouds and distant fishing boats in the East China Sea.
Aerial view of colorful skies at sunset, with cloud formations illuminated by soft light and distant lights resembling stars on the water.
Fishing boat lights
Aerial view of colorful skies above the East China Sea at dusk, featuring clouds and shimmering lights from fishing boats below.
A breathtaking view of the sky during twilight, showcasing hues of blue and orange, with clouds illuminated by the fading sun.

Another trip was in the books. We were amazed at how much fun Taipei proved to be. We would all highly recommend a visit.

A collage of aerial views showcasing stunning skies and cloud formations over the ocean, highlighting various hues from sunset colors and reflections on the water.
A neon sign reading 'I Love You Beer & Wings' set against a wall.
Colorful abstract background with scattered light reflections.
The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, featuring a grand entrance and a blue sky.
A nighttime view of Taipei 101, illuminated against the dark sky.

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