To say that Taiwan is a good place for great food would be a massive understatement. From the hawker stalls at the Shilin Night Market to the many dedicated restaurants in the cities, Taiwan is home to its fair share of places where you can sample authentic and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine.

​The fact that there are so many authentic places for Vietnamese cuisine in Taiwan is not surprising either. Although separated by oceans, there’s a relatively short distance between the two countries. And in terms of food culture, there are many similarities between them as well. In a guide to Vietnam by Expatbets, the site discusses how the country is very welcoming of not just foreigners but their respective cultures as well. Much like Taiwan, Vietnam is home to many expats and the culinary ingredients and recipes that they take with them abroad. And both countries are home to many places for sampling foreign cuisine.

​Mu Viet restaurant in Taipei is one such location. In a guide to Mu Viet by TPEats, the restaurant review site notes how the place is home to moderately priced classic Vietnamese fare, including fresh spring rolls, sugarcane shrimp, fried soft-shell crab in tamarind sauce, and classic ice-drip coffee. Complimented by its vintage Indochinese decor, you might be surprised to find out that this authentic Vietnamese restaurant is actually not a mom-and-pop operation but part of a corporate restaurant chain. It’s arguably proof that even when it comes to ‘fast food,’ chefs that specialize in Vietnamese cuisine always mean business.

​If you’re more a fan of classic Vietnamese pho, look no futher than Hong Gong Gong Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup. With their seven types of broth, obsession for the freshest ingredients, and penchant for contemporary experimentation, Hong Gong Gong is a casual dining experience whose authentic pho is far from casual. From refreshing clear broths to more flavorful, ramen-like contemporary takes on pho soups, this place is a must-visit for lovers of fresh vegetables, tender meats, al dente noodles, and Asian herbs and spices. A similar experience can be found in the über trendy Corner 21, a trendier pho restaurant with a focus on modern fusion.

Meanwhile, if your interests in Vietnamese food are centered around its iconic banh mi sandwich, you’re going to want to visit Lò Bánh Mì Pasteur. Ran by Vietnamese baker and chef Nuong, Lò Bánh Mì Pasteur’s mission is to recreate the perfect banh mi with local Taiwanese ingredients, leading to both subtle and overt differences in flavor. Using ancestral recipes for Vietnamese sandwich bread, pickles, and even ham – but recreated using locally sourced ingredients – Nuong’s banh mi represents the truest fusion of Vietnamese and Taiwanese cuisine.

This is just a handful of the many places in Taiwan where you can experience authentic Vietnamese fare. Whether you’re a local or a foreigner who’s curious about what Taiwan has to offer, any of these restaurants can offer you a taste of the best Vietnamese food in the East Asian region.

Taiwan's northern coast is an amazing, beautiful area with unique geology and rocks, lots of sandy beaches, amazing mountain views and hikes, old streets, night markets, historical sites, and much more to discover. Don't not come here.

Here is a map of the locations we will cover in this blog:

The Wanli UFO Houses (aka Futuros) are a neighborhood of abandoned futuristic houses near Wanli Beach (aka Emerald Bay, Green Bay, or Feicuiwan) in Wanli District of New Taipei, and are some of the most popular urban exploration and Instagram destinations in northern Taiwan. 

If you are looking for the Sanzhi UFO houses (三芝飛碟屋), stop looking; the Sanzhi UFO houses were destroyed in 2010. There are UFO houses all around Taiwan, but Wanli has the largest group of these houses. Go see them soon before they are demolished too!

Background:
The UFO house village was created in the 1970s by a Taiwan construction company. At the time during martial law, Wanli beach (Feitsui Bay) was one of the few places that American servicemen could enjoy a beach vacation, as most beaches were closed off at the time. These UFO houses had these servicemen in mind. However, a slowing economy and the severing of official diplomatic ties with the USA prevented the area from taking off, and the UFO resort town fell into decay.
For a more complete historical background on this area, check out this blog by Josh Ellis. 

Common Courtesy When Visiting:

• Some of the houses are not abandoned and still have people living in them. Do not walk near these houses, try to walk in, or invade these people's privacy in any other way.
• Do not disturb the houses and items at the scene. Leave everything the way you found it. The most important rule of urban exploration is that you take only pictures and leave nothing but footsteps. 

Hours:
24/7

Price:
Free

How to get there:
​By Bus: There are many buses that pass the area. You'll want to get off at Green Bay (翡翠灣).
By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial highway 2 west out of Keelung, and keep going until you reach the Howard Green Bay Resort.

Map:
Please see below:

Qishan Old Street is a large a popular historical street in Qishan District of Kaohsiung City. Originally a major industrial hub for sugar cane during the Japanese era, now it is a quite agricultural town in rural Kaohsiung. It is one of the best old streets in Taiwan for its many agricultural products and snacks, as well as the many well preserved historical buildings in the area. 

Background:
The original name of Qishan was Taburian, a name given by the Makatao Siraya Aboriginal Tribe that had inhabited the area for thousands of years.
During the Qing Dynasty, the local Han farmers who began to cultivate the area first planted sweet potatoes (Fanshu 蕃薯) so the area was named Fanshu Village.
During the Japanese Era in 1920, the name was changed again to Qishan. They re-planned the city streets, making them look like a chess board. Also they created what is now Zhongshan Road, or Qishan Old Street, and many western baroque style houses were built along the street at the time.
​Qishan station was completed in 1910 for the Taiwan sugar company, to ship sugar cane from Qishan to Jiuqutang Station in Dashu. The railway line included many stations in between.
After World War 2, the railway line was still in use and began accepting passengers in 1973, as the sugar cane industry died down. By 1979, passengers were banned on the line and the line was dismantled. 
Qishan is still mostly a rural area, with the main agricultural products being bananas, rice, beans, gourds, and other fruits and vegetables. On the old street some popular local delicacies are Rouyuan, Mantou Buns, Tangyuan, and Zongzi.
Now Qishan station and many of the western style houses has been registered as historical monuments. Qishan Old street is also a popular spot for tourists on weekends, and is usually closed to vehicle traffic during the day on weekends and holidays.

Delicacies:
Qishan is still mostly a rural area, with the main agricultural products being bananas, rice, beans, gourds, and other fruits and vegetables. On the old street some popular local delicacies are Rouyuan, Mantou Buns, Tangyuan, and Zongzi.
​
Hours:
Every Day from about 9 AM to 10 PM, with more shops opening later in the day.

Price:
Qishan Old Street: Free
Qishan Station: 30 NT

When to go:
If you go during weekends or holidays, it can get really crowded but that is also the time when most all of the shops and stalls are open. If you want to avoid the crowds you can try going early in the afternoon when it is not as busy, 

How to get there:
By Scooter/Car: From central Kaohsiung, take provincial highway 29 north (scooters) or national freeway 10 (cars) until you reach Zhongshan Road in downtown Qishan. This is the old street.
By Bus: From Zuoying HSR station or Kaohsiung main station there are many intercity busses that can take you to Qishan Station in about an hour.
​
Map:
​Please see below:

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a bustling city with vibrant street life, delicious food, amazing temples, and the grand palace. Here in this blog I will take you on our four day three night journey to Bangkok.

Before the Pandemic began, I had planned a trip to Thailand for the summer of 2020. Obviously that didn't happen, and to console myself here is a blog detailing our trip to Bangkok and Ayutthaya. 

Background:
Bangkok is the most populous city in Thailand with over 10 million residents, and is also the nation's capitol. During the Ayutthaya Kingdom, it was merely a small trading post. In the late 1700s, it was named the capital of Siam (as Thonburi and Rattanakosin). The city has been the center of modernization in the country, and the heart of the government, which is ruled by constitution but also includes monarchy and has undergone numerous military coups. Currently, democratic rights are being contested by young people who feel they do not have a voice in the government.
Ayutthaya Historical Park is an old capital of Thailand (Ayutthaya Kingdom), and was the capital of Thailand for the longest period of time from around 1351 to 1767 when it was destroyed by the Burmese, ending the empire. 

Here is a map of Bangkok Below:

Fisherman's Wharf is a popular leisure fishing port in Tamsui. The area features a pedestrian bridge with great views, and a long pier with tons of food options, especially  seafood. Popular activities here include watching the sunset, enjoying the scenery, and enjoying local snacks. 

Background:
Fisherman's Wharf is officially known as  Tamsui Fishing Harbor No. 2 (淡水第二魚港). It was an important harbor for fisherman, along with Tamsui port for the past 200 years due to its geographic location on the westernmost end of the Tamsui River. In 2001, it was changed into it's current form as a tourist destination. However, it still continues to be used as a fishing harbor.  
There are two other official Fisherman's Wharf's in Taiwan, one Kaohsiung and one in Chiayi. 
The fisherman's wharf station on Tamsui's Danhai light rail line (LRT) opened November 15th, 2020.

Hours:
Food stalls are open from roughly 11 AM to 8 PM. 

Price:
Free

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: Take provincial highway 2 as far west as possible and you will reach the wharf. There is paid parking inside. 
By bus: Take Red Bus 26 from Tamsui MRT station west to Fisherman's Wharf station.
By light rail: The fisherman's wharf station on Tamsui's Danhai light rail line (LRT) is expected to open November 15th, 2020. The walk from the LRT station takes about 10 minutes. ​

Map:
Please see below:

Ever want to see an active volcano up close? You can at the mud Volcanos in Wushanding Nature Preserve, Yanchao District of Kaohsiung. These spew out mud all day, which piles up and then gets washed away by rain. It is a unique and beautiful geological oddity worth visiting. These are the largest and most concentrated mud volcanoes in Taiwan. 

Geological History:

Wushanding Mud Volcanoes are part of a stretch of badlands that cover a large swath of southern Taiwan near the central mountain range in rural Tainan and Kaohsiung. Typical badlands are found in dryer climates, are composed of sedimentary rocks, typically have very little vegetation, and have deep valleys or ravines. The badlands in Taiwan are unique in that they are in a tropical rain forest. How is this possible? 
The soil at Wushanding is composed of mudstone, sandstone, shale, and chalk. Because of high alkaline levels due to chalk in the soil, trees and grass cannot grow very well. The lack of vegetation as well as high rainfall gives way to quick eroding hills, or badlands. The local Rivers also helped to carve out the landscape and bare hills.
Due to vents in the earth's crust as well as deep pressures, water is pushed up to form these mud volcanoes. Nearby are also some natural gas vents, such as the ones at Guanziling Fire and Water Cave. The area around Yanchao is full of badlands and mud volcanoes, but the volcanoes at Wushanding are the most concentrated and pronounced in all of Taiwan. 
Wushanding was declared a protected area in 1992.
Because of limited public transportation, normally there are not too many visitors but the weekends can be busy.

Hours:
9 AM to 4:30 PM every day

Price:
Free! But you have to register in order to enter the park.

How to Get There:
By Bus: From Eda World, take bus 7A to Kaohsiung Normal University. It is about a 20 minute walk from the university. 
By Car/Scooter:
Take National Freeway 10 East out of Kaohsiung and get off at the Yanchao exit (or travel by scooter under the freeway). Then travel east on provincial highway 22 passed National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology. You will have to use google Maps to turn left onto a one lane country back road to find the mud volcanoes. 
​
Map:
Please refer to the map below:

Buying a car as a foreigner in Taiwan can be a confusing and stressful experience. If you do not live near a train station, chances are that you have thought about at least buying a car for long trips. Taiwan is a place that should be explored not just with public transportation, but by car or scooter. If you only take public transportation everywhere you go, you are missing out on a huge part of Taiwan. To make you buying experience smoother, we have created this guide to let you know what to expect and answer any questions.

The Caoling Old Trail (aka Caoling Historic Trail) is a section of the Danlan Old Trail connecting Gongliao District of New Taipei to Dali District of Toucheng Township in Yilan. In the past it was an important shipping route for goods from Yilan to Tamsui. Now it is a popular and family friendly hiking route due to its convenient public transportation, slow elevation gain, grassy mountain hills, and great views of the surrounding area. 

Background:
The name Caoling comes from the mang grass (silver Miscanthus flowers 芒草) that grows on the top of the ridge on the east border of Yilan and New Taipei where there are almost no trees. 
The trail is said to first be made by the Plains Aboriginies to connect their tribes in the mountains of New Taipei. 
During the Qing Dynasty, the Caoling Old trail was an important part of the Danlan Old Trail (淡蘭古道 which means the road between Tamsui and Yilan), which was split into three paths, and the Caoling Old Trail was on the Northern Path. The Northern Path was the first path created between Yilan and Tamsui, and winded from Mengjia Old Street to Nuannuan, then to Ruifang, and onto Jiufen and Houtong. From Houtong, the road then went to Mudan and then Shuangxi, then went over the Caoling pass to Yilan. During this time, most of the things traded were tea leaves and agricultural goods. 
Also, it was the main route for Han Chinese immigrants to come to Yilan. 
In 1867 Liu Mingdeng, the commander general of Taiwan at the time, walked along the Caoling Old Trail and ran into thick fog and evil spirits. Therefore he made two stone tablets: the "tiger" tablet and the Xiongzhenbianyan Tablet to ward off evil sprits and bring good luck.
Before the old Caoling Railway tunnel was completed, the last train along the Yilan Railway line stopped at Fulong, and people then walked along the Caoling Old Trail to Yilan. This is part of the reason why the trail is still preserved today. However after the tunnel was completed, people were able to travel to Yilan by train and the trail lost its importance. Later on, provincial highway 2.
Now the trail see a fair amount of tourists, especially during mang grass season (from September to November).

Hours:
24/7

Price:
Free

Difficulty:
Easy but long.

Length:
9.5 KM 

Elevation Gain:
500 meters
​
Time Needed:
Roughly 4-6 hour round trip

When to go:
If you don't mind the crowds, the best time to go is in Autumn during the Mang Grass season from September to November. Spring will also have nice temperatures but fewer people and no Mang Grass.
Other than that, in the summer it can get really hot because there is little shade on the grassy mountain top, and in the winter it can get really cold and windy. 


How to get there:
By Train: Take the TRA to Fulong Station (or Dali Station), the old trail starts from each station. 
By Car/Scooter: From Taipei, on provincial highway 5 until you reach Keelung, then take provincial highway 2B to Gongliao. If you want to shorten the hike, you can park at Yuanwangkeng Park (遠望坑親水公園), but you will have to turn around once you reach the top. If you start from either of the train stations, you can walk the full 9.5 KM loop and get back to where you started by train. 

Map:
​Please see below (the trail is the path on the left):

The Kaohsiung Confucius Temple (aka Qishan Confucius Temple) is the largest Confucius Temple in Taiwan. It was built over the former Qishan Shinto Shrine. Today it is an important place for Confucian learning and a popular tourist attraction in former Kaohsiung County. 

Historical Background:
The Kaohsiung Confucius Temple was completed in 1985 over the ruins of the former Qishan Shinto Shrine.  Covering an area over 4 hectares, it is the largest Confucius Temple in Southeast Asia, if you count Taiwan as Southeast Asia.
The Qishan Shinto Shrine was built in Gushan Park in 1936. It was later destroyed by the KMT after the Japanese left Taiwan after WWII. Parts of the original Shinto Shrine can be found around the park.
Qishan's Confucius Temple is not the only Confucius temple in Taiwan. There is another one in Zuoying, so the temples trade years for annual Kaohsiung Confucius ceremonies. 

Hours:
9 AM to 5 PM (closed on Mondays)

Price:
Free

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: Kaohsiung, take National Highway 10 or provincial highway 28 to Qishan. The temple is on the top of the hill near the center of town. 
By Bus: From Zuyping HSR station, you can take the E01A bus to Qishan. It's about a 20 minute walk from the Qishan Bus Station. 

Map:
Please see below:

(Please note that the following questions and answers are for reference only and are not a comprehensive list of regulations. Local laws and regulations are constantly changing, and different cities, counties, and private property owners have differing droning rules. Please double check with Taiwan's Civil Aviation Bureau, local authorities, national parks, or property owners if you have any doubts about flying your drone in a certain area.

​Flying a drone (quadcopter, RC helicopter, remote UAV etc.) in Taiwan can be fun, safe, and positively impact the community if you do it right. For some of our own drone videos in Taiwan, check out the video below, as well as my drone playlist on Youtube, and don't forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel here.

Kuolai Old Trail was a major intersection along the Danlan Old Trail that connects Keelung to Yilan through the mountains of New Taipei. There are three pedestrian bridges, multiple camping locations, lots of swimming spots, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Also, there are some great hiking trails along multiple sections of the original Danlan Old Trail to discover. 

Background:
Kuolai was originally a small village create in the late Qing Dynasty. In the early days during the Qing Dynasty, the Han Chinese settlers here mainly grew tea and leeks. During the Qing Dynasty, Kuolai was an important stop along the Danlan Old Trail (淡蘭古道 which means the road between Tamsui and Yilan), which was split into three paths, and Kuolai was on the middle path. The middle path winded from Nuannuan to Shifen, then to Kuolai, and then finally over the mountains to Wai'ao in Yilan. Part of section connecting Kuolai to Wai'ao through Wantan is known as the Wantan Old Trail.
Kuolai also intersects with the Beishi River Old Trail which connects Shuangxi to Pinglin. 
During the Japanese Era until the 1980s, the major industry in the area besides tea growing was coal mining, The coal mining industry winded down in the 1980s and 90s in Taiwan.
Currently Kuolai is a popular stop near National Highway 5 in northern Pinglin. Besides the  history, there is also some great hiking trails and scenery nearby.

Price:
​Free

Hours:
About 8 AM to 5 PM.

How to get there:
By Car: Go east on National Freeway 5, then get off at the Pinglin interchange. Continue north east on Pingshuang Road, which follows the Beishi River Old Trail. You can find the many suspension bridges on the side of the road.
By Scooter: From Taipei, take highway 106 east from Shenkeng toward Shiding, pass over the mountain to Pinglin, then once in Pinglin continue north east on Pingshuang Road, which follows the Beishi River Old Trail. You can find the many suspension bridges on the side of the road.
By Bus: From Taipei City Call MRT station, you can take bus 912 to Bafenliao Station, the switch to bus 923 to Pinglin Station. The ride should take about 2 hours. From Pinglin, you can take the F721 bus up along the Beishi River Old Trail. This will take up a lot of time.

Map:
​Please see below.

Xiaoliuqiu (aka Little Liuqiu, Lamay Island, or Lambai Island) is a small island paradise off the southwestern coast of Taiwan. The island is known for its clear water, amazing coral reefs, white sand beaches, and quiet laid back atmosphere. Only a short half hour boat ride from the Taiwan mainland, the island is easily accessible. In addition, the island is small enough that you can round the entire island by scooter in a matter of minutes.

Background:
In 1622, a Dutch ship crashed on the island, two years before the Dutch began to rule Taiwan, and all but one of the crew members were killed by the aboriginal tribe living on the island at the time.
In retaliation, the Dutch sent a force to massacre the natives on the island. 300 men, women, and children were suffocated alive in a large cave, and the rest of the people were put into slavery by the Dutch. This was known as the Lamey Island Massacre. Later Chinese people began inhabiting the island in 1645.
Later the island fell into Qing, Japanese, and ROC rule.
Currently the island is a township of Pingtung County with a population of over 10,000 people. Most of the people on the island rely on fishing and tourism for a living.
The island also has one of the largest concentrations of temples in Taiwan.
Xiaoliuqiu started to become a major tourist destination after 2004, reaching over 400,000 tourists per year.
Regulated Inter-tidal Zones:
in 2015 restrictions were placed on the inter-tidal zones in Xiaoliuqiu so that only those with a licensed guide could visit them and swimming is prohibited. These restrictions apply specifically to the Dafu Harbor inter-tidal zone (north of Dafu Harbor), Yanziping Beach, and the Shanfu Harbor Inter-tidal zone (north of Shanfu Harbor). Although there are other inter-tidal zones, these are not regulated. 

How to get there:
The only way to get there is via ferry from Donggang's Dongliu Ferry Terminal. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes. There is a ferry leaving from Donggang roughly every hour from 7 AM to 5 PM.
Parking: There is free scooter parking and paid car parking at the fishing harbor (30 NT per car), but the fishing harbor does not allow overnight parking. Overnight parking near the fishing harbor can cost up to 180 NT per day, so consider parking further away if you want to save money on parking.
Public transport: There are many shuttles to and from Zuoying HSR station that leave hourly. The cost is about 200-300 NT per trip. 

Price:
Ferry ride: about 410 NT per round trip, about 30 minutes. The public ferry goes to Dafu Fishing Harbor (大福漁港), and private ferries go to Baishawei Fishing Harbor (白沙尾漁港). There are ferries that leave at least hourly from about 8 AM to 5:00 PM. 
Scooter rental: about 300 NT per day. There is a gas station on the back side of the island.
Snorkeling: about 300 NT per hour
Scuba diving: around 2500 NT for 2-3 hours
You can purchase a tickets at Donggang Fishing Harbor (東港漁港), or through a tour agency such as My Taiwan Tour or a similar website.

When to go:
Anytime! Xiaoliuqiu is a tropical island that has warm water and temperatures (above 25 degrees Celsius) year round. However it is a little cooler and more windy during the winter, and you should be sure to avoid Typhoons during summer (ferries will be cancelled if there is a Typhoon).
However, it can get really crowded during summer break in July-August, so go during the off-season to avoid the crowds. 

Map: Please see below:

Taiwan is a tremendously exciting place to visit, with the many venues created to appease tourists perfectly complementing its beautiful natural scenery. There’s so much to see and do as a resident or visitor to Taiwan. To experience a fun night, excitement, or some natural splendor for relaxation and culture, these are the places to go.

Enjoying the nightlife of Taiwan

Source: Unsplash

Buying a scooter as a foreigner in Taiwan can be a confusing and stressful experience. If you do not live near the MRT in Taipei, chances are that you have thought about at least buying a scooter. Taiwan is a place that should be explored not just with public transportation, but by scooter. If you only take public transportation everywhere you go, you are missing out on a huge part of Taiwan. To make you buying experience smoother, we have created this guide to let you know what to expect and answer any questions.
​
Here is an easy checklist for buying a car or scooter in Taiwan:
Before buying the scooter:

• Get an ARC
• Get a local driver's license
• Test drive the scooter to see if there are any issues

Buying the scooter:

• Go to the local DMV (監理所) and transfer the owner
• Undergo vehicle check for scooters over ten years old
• Pay fuel tax and license plate tax if applicable (燃料稅, 牌照稅), see the tables below.
• Buy compulsory insurance (强制險)
• Buy extra third party liability insurance and/or driver's injury insurance (第三方責任險及駕駛傷害險)
• Activate the ETC account for heavy motorcycles (electronic highway toll system)

After buying the scooter:

• Complete annual emissions test (驗車)
• Change oil regularly (換機油)
• Repair regularly (定期保養)
• Renew insurance annually

Pinglin Old Street (also known as Pinglin Shopping District 坪林商圈) is a small street in the mountainous Pinglin District in New Taipei. There are some great tea shops here, a tea museum, Qing dynasty stone houses, and beautiful views of the Beishi River and surrounding mountains. Also, there are some great hiking trails and camp sites nearby. If you love tea, Pinglin is the place for you.  

Background:
The first documented Han Chinese settlers came to Pinglin in 1821, mainly for agriculture. In the early days during the Qing Dynasty, the Han Chinese settlers here mainly grew tea and leeks. The only road through Pinglin at the time was the Danlan Old Trail (淡蘭古道). During the Qing Dynasty, Pinglin was an important stop along Danlan Old Trail (which means the road between Tamsui and Yilan), which was split into three paths, and Pinglin was on the Southern Path. The Southern Path winded from Mengjia Old Street to Liuzhangli, then to Shengkeng, and onto Shiding and then Pinglin which was a major tea producer at the time. Pinglin, the trail went over the mountains to Yilan. The Southern path was the quickest way to Yilan. 
During the Japanese Era until the 1980s, the populations remained small and the main economic output came from tea. 
Pinglin is the largest producer of Paozhong Tea (包種茶) in Taiwan. 
When National Freeway 5 was completed in 1990, originally there was no access to Pinglin. After much protest, a referendum was brought to the people, and 97% of voters agreed to allow access to National Freeway 5. 
Currently the Pinglin Shopping District covers Pinglin Old Street, Pinglin Middle School, Pinglin Agricultural Association, Tea Museum, and many other small tea shops in the area. It is a popular stop along National Freeway 5.

Price:
​Free

Hours:
About 8 AM to 5 PM.

How to get there:
By Car: Go east on National Freeway 5, then get off at the Pinglin interchange. Continue east until you reach Pinglin Street.
By Scooter: From Taipei, take highway 106 east from Shenkeng toward Shiding, pass through Shiding Bao Tunnel, and continue over the mountain past Huafan University, over to Pinglin. The street is at the center of town.
By Bus: From Taipei City Call MRT station, you can take bus 912 to Bafenliao Station, the switch to bus 923 to Pinglin Station. The ride should take about 2 hours. 

Map:
​Please see below.

Kaohsiung Metropolitan Park in Nanzi District is my favorite city park in Taiwan. It features long green grass hills, lots of sidewalks and places to rest, and because it sits on a hill it has great views of the surrounding area, and of the sunrise and sunset. It's a great place to exercise and relax if you are in the area. 

Background:
Kaohsiung Metropolitan Park was completed in 1996 on top of a former landfill, which had been in use since 1977. The completion of the park cost 5,640,000,000 NT.
The park is 35 hectares, which includes forest and grasslands. Also there is a library, swimming pool, and exhibition room in the park.

Price:
Free

Hours:
6 AM to 9 PM. Indoor locations are closed on Mondays. 

How to get there:
By MRT: Take the red line MRT to Metropolitan Park Station. The park is just a short walk to the north, about one block.
By Car/Scooter: From central Kaohsiung, take provincial highway 1 north past central Nanzi, and turn left on Demin Road. The park will be on your right. There is free parking in parking lots to the northeast.  

Map:
​Please see below:

Buying a house in Taiwan can be confusing and stressful. It is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. To even consider buying a house in Taiwan, you have probably lived here for years, so many of the things I will mention in this blog may not be new to you.

​I have spent quite a few years looking for houses and saving money for a down payment, as well as figuring out all the costs and other factors involved in purchasing the right house. I have created this guide and FAQ to help people understand the buying process, finding the right house, and saving the right amount of money needed to make a move.

The following is my personal insight from looking for houses mainly near Taipei City. 

Shuangxi Old Street is a small old street in Shuangxi Village of Shuangxi District. The old street dates back to the Danlan Old Trail, one of the first Qing settlements in the area, and a church established by George Mackay. The street itself is mainly historical and does not attract many tourists. Now Shuangxi is a quiet town with some snacks and restaurants, lots of nature sights, mountain roads, camp sites, and hiking trails nearby.

Background:
The name Shuangxi comes from the name of the two rivers that converge inside the town,  the Mudan River (牡丹溪) and the Pinglin River (平林溪). 
During the Qing Dynasty, Shuangxi was an important stop along the Danlan Old Trail (淡蘭古道 which means the road between Tamsui and Yilan), which was split into three paths, and Shuangxi was on the Northern Path. The Northern Path winded from Mengjia Old Street to Nuannuan, then to Ruifang, and onto Jiufen and Houtong. From Houtong, the road then went to Mudan and then Shuangxi, then went along the coast to Yilan. During this time, most of the things traded were tea leaves and agricultural goods. 
There was once a ferry dock in Shuangxi to help ship goods out to sea along the Shuang River.
Historically Shuangxi and the areas nearby have been rural, and in the 1900s relied on coal, gold, and mercury mining to drive the economy. The mining industry died down in the late 1900s and is now defunct. 
Currently Shuangxi District has a population of only about 10,000 people, and is dropping every year. 
The Shuangxi Train Station is a second tier station, with Tze-Chiang class trains stopping here. There are about 1600 people coming and leaving the station every day. 
Now it is a quiet town with a fair amount of tourists, especially cyclists, and lots of nature sights, mountain roads, and hiking trails nearby.

Hours:
24/7

Price:
Free

How to get there:
By Train: Take the TRA to Shuangxi Station, the old street is a short walk south.
By Car/Scooter: From Taipei, on provincial highway 5 until you reach Keelung, then take provincial highway 2B to Shuangxi. You then need to take county raod 102 to Mudan. The old street is only one lane, so you can get stuck if driving a car.

Map:
​Please see below:

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and was the capital of Taiwan for over 200 years. It is also said to be the culinary capital of Taiwan, with many traditional Taiwanese snacks that originated here. Surrounded by historical sites, from the Dutch, Koxinga, and Qing Dynasty, it is a great place to enjoy Taiwan's interesting history and its delicious cuisine.

Below I will list out some of the best places in Miaoli that I have visited. I will be sure to update this blog as I visit more places later. 

How to get around in Tainan?
As always, we recommend renting a scooter as the best way to see Taiwan. Getting around in a car is also a convenient option as there is plenty of parking pretty much everywhere in this less crowded county. However, you can also a great deal of Tainan by taking the train, inter city bus, local bus, or bicycle (T-bike rental). 

When to go?
Tainan is great year round, but it can get a little hot in the summer, and Typhoon season and heavy rain season lasts from about May to October. If you are afraid of the heat and rain then you can visit during winter when the temperatures are mild and the climate is dryer. 

You can see a map of all the places that we will visit in this blog below:

​Taiwan is one of the best places for expats to live, due to its high standard of living, friendly environment for western foreigners, convenience, great food, and amazing sites. In this blog, I will give you the top ten reasons why you should live in Taiwan.

Paozilun Waterfall is a tall waterfall in Shenkeng District of New Taipei. The hike here is super easy, and there is a metal rack you can sit on to get massaged by the falling water. It is definitely a fun trip in the mountains that will not take too much time, and is part of a longer trail system through the tea fields in Shenkeng. 

Background:
Paozilun Waterfall is about 20 meters high, and its name comes from the Paozilun River which it is a part of.
It lies on the Paozilun industrial road and can be a bit hard to find, and lies among agricultural land and tea fields.
During the Qing Dynasty, the town of Shenkeng was an important stop along the Danlan Old Trail (淡蘭古道 which means the road between Tamsui and Yilan), which was split into three paths, and Shenkeng was on the Southern Path. The Southern Path winded from Mengjia Old Street to Liuzhangli, then to Shengkeng which was a major business center at the time. From Shenkeng the road then went to Shiding, Pinglin, and then Yilan. The Southern path was the quickest way to Yilan. 
After World War 2, the train to Yilan replaced the need for a boat dock for shipping in Shenkeng, and the town slowly fell out of importance. 
National Highway 3 and National highway 5 were constructed near Shenkeng in 1993 and 2006 respectively, making Shenkeng again an important stop on the way to Yilan. 
Currently tea is still an important crop in the mountains of Shenkeng.
As for the Paozilun Trail, it is not super popular or well known and there is a good chance you will find yourself alone there on a weekend.

Hours:
24/7

Price:
Free

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Shenkeng Old Street, cross south across Highway 106 toward "Paozilun" and keep left on the road until you reach the point on the map below. There is no clear marker to the waterfall, so just follow the pictures below. There is plenty of parking on the side of the road. 
By Bus: Take bus F712 to Paozilun station, then walk a few hundred meters to the left up the hill until you reach the point on the map below. There is no clear marker to the waterfall, so just follow the pictures below.

Map:
Please see below:

The Chimei Museum in Rende District of Tainan is one of the largest museums in Taiwan. It sits in the middle of Tainan Metropolitan Park, and features western style architecture and a wonderful collection of art that would be the envy of any European city, including fine art, fossils, musical instruments, weapons, antiques, and other artifacts.

Background:
The Chimei Museum was originally created in 1992 by the Chimei Corporation founder Shi Wen-long. The museum includes fine art, fossils, musical instruments, weapons, antiques, and other artifacts. 
Before 2015 the museum collection was housed in the Chimei Corporate headquarters, and was later moved to the current location at Tainan Metropolitan Park in 2015.
The founder Shi Wen-long is a violin enthusiast, and the museum features the largest collection of antique violins in the world. 
The building itself was created by Tsai Yi-cheng to accentuate the best in western culture. 

Hours:
9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, closed Wednesdays.

Price:
200 NT per person

Website: https://www.chimeimuseum.org/ml/English/3 

How to get there:
By car/scooter: From downtown Tainan, take provincial highway 1 south to Rende. The museum sits right in front of Expressway No. 86. There is plenty of parking on site. 
By train: The museum is within walking distance of Bao'an TRA station.

Map:
​Please see below:

Mudan Old Street is a small old street in Mudan Neighborhood of Shuangxi District. The old street is almost totally a residential area. Now it is a quiet town with very little tourists, but with lots of nature sights, mountain roads, camp sites, and hiking trails nearby.

Background:
Mudan is named after the tree peonie flower. 
During the Qing Dynasty, Mudan was an important stop along the Danlan Old Trail (淡蘭古道 which means the road between Tamsui and Yilan), which was split into three paths, and Mudan was on the Northern Path. The Northern Path winded from Mengjia Old Street to Nuannuan, then to Ruifang, and onto Jiufen and Houtong. From Houtong, the road then went to Mudan and then Shuangxi, then went along the coast to Yilan. During this time, most of the things traded were tea leaves and agricultural goods. 
Historically Mudan and the areas nearby have been rural, and in the 1900s relied on coal, gold, and mercury mining to drive the economy. The mining industry died down in the late 1900s and is now defunct. 
Currently the neighborhood of Mudan has a population of only 1953 people, and is dropping every year. 
The Mudan Train Station was recently upgraded to a simple station, with a TRA employee stationed there to sell tickets. There are about 200 people coming and leaving the station every day. Only the shuttle train stops at the station. 
Now it is a quiet town with very little tourists, but with lots of nature sights, mountain roads, and hiking trails nearby.

Hours:
About 10 AM to 6 PM.

Price:
Free

How to get there:
By Train: Take the TRA to Mudan Station. Only the shuttle train stops at the station. 
By Car/Scooter: From Taipei, on provincial highway 5 until you reach Keelung, then take provincial highway 2B to Shuangxi. You then need to take county raod 102 to Mudan. The old street is only one lane, so you can get stuck if driving a car.

Map:
​Please see below:

​Here is a list of other Taiwan Blogs that we think are of note, as well as our list of blog lists (bloggoramma), and vlogs. We will keep this updated as best we can. If you feel that you should be on this list, please let us know.

Blogs: