Tamsui District of New Taipei is famous for its delicious food and historical atmosphere. It is one of the most popular and well known areas in all of Taiwan. Some local delicacies here include A-gei, iron eggs, fried squid, and other seafood. Historical places near here include Fort San Domingo, Hobe Fort, Tamsui Old Street, Bali Old Street, and the Shihsanhang archaeological site. There is plenty here to see and do for almost every kind of traveler. 

Historical Background of Tamsui:
Tamsui Harbor was opened in 1860 during the Qing Dynasty as part of the Treaty of Tientsin which ended the Second Opium War. It was one of only eight ports in the entire Qing empire that was open to trade with the West. As a result, it became a focal point for trade in Taiwan. It was also the western terminus of the Danlan Old Trail, which was a network of roads and trails that sent tea and other goods from Yilan to Tamsui. It remained an important port until it started to silt in during the 1900s, and after the construction of Keelung Harbor. 
There are also a number of important historical buildings in Tamsui such as Fort San Domingo, Hobe Fort, and others. 
Recently there have been projects from the local government to improve tourism, such as widening roads and making a riverside walkway. 
With the completion of the Red Line MRT with its terminus in 1997 right at the edge of Tamsui Old Street, Tamsui became an extremely popular destination for residents in greater Taipei and remains to be so today. 

When should you visit Tamsui?
In my opinion, the best weather in Tamsui is from March-May, and October - November, when the temperatures stay around 26 degrees Celsius and there is not as much rain.
Summers are also nice, with the most sunny weather, but also hot and rainy. 
Winters can be cold (but not below freezing) and usually wet. 
Overall, there is no wrong answer as to what time of year you should visit Tamsui. You will have a great time here at any time of year. 

Hotels in Tamsui:
We have stayed at and recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, Klook here, Trip.com, Kayak here, or Hotels.com here). 
We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, Trip.com here, or Kayak here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

Tours:
You can book a tour of Tamsui on KKday here, or Klook here.
You can book a tour of Taiwan's North Coast on KKday here or Klook here.

Activities:
There are many activities available around Tamsui such as SUPing, Sand Bar Digging, Lover's Tower, Sailing, Yachting, Horseback Riding, Happy Island Parent Child Gymnasium, and more on KKday here or Klook here.

How to get around in Tamsui:
Taipei's transportation system is convenient and safe. There are many options you can consider to get around in Taipei below:
By MRT/Danhai Light Rail: (Mass Rapid Transit, Metro train, subway) – Easily gets you around Taimsui. New stations will be added to the Danhai Rail line soon.  You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from KKday here or Klook here. ​You can also book an MRT travel pass on KKday here or Klook here. 
By Bus: Buses can be tricky. Long-range buses such as Ubus and King Bus are easier to understand and cheaper than the local train. They can take you to the city center of every city throughout Taiwan and to remote tourist destinations. A long-range bus from Taipei to Kaohsiung is about 500 NT. You can also book tickets to travel to Shifen via inter-city bus on Kkday here. You can also book a Taipei Sightseeing: Hop On, Hop Off Open Top Bus on TripAdvisor here. 
By Taxi: You can take short rides for about 150 NT, or hire a Taxi for a day for around 150 USD. You can also get a private charted car on KKday here or Klook here. 
By Car: If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search KKday here or Klook here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Scooter: Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on KKday here or Klook here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. ​
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on KKday here or Klook here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Below we have created a list of what we think are the best places to see near Tamsui.

Map:
Please see a map below of the places we will visit in this blog:

​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. Websites that are no longer online will be deleted. If you feel that you should be on this list, please let us know.

Blogs:

In an effort to treat foreign residents equally, Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior responded to complaints of foreign residents by changing the ARC Uniform ID numbering system to match the format used by Taiwan citizens. Because of this, every foreigner must change their ARC number the next time they change or update their ARC card starting Jan. 1 2021. So what do you need to do after your ARC number has changed?

An APRC (short for Alien Permanent Resident Certificate, aka PR) is perhaps the most desirable immigration status for most foreigners in Taiwan. By simply living in Taiwan for five years or more in a row and meeting a few other requirements, you can enjoy permanent residency in Taiwan and an open work permit. However the process and requirements are not so straight forward depending on your situation, therefore we have created this guide to help answer some common questions.

Foreword: Please note that this guide is for reference only. The ultimate authority on what documents are required and whether or not your application will be accepted is the immigration bureau. Some of the information in the blog may be inaccurate for your specific situation. For clarifications, please call the foreigner hotline directly (toll free): 0800-024-111.
This information for this blog was taken from the NIA website and personal experience such as from calls to the immigration office, and in person visits to the immigration office. Personally I applied for an APRC as the spouse of a Taiwan national.

My personal experience getting my APRC was a confusing and difficult process. I made many mistakes along the way. I have listed some of the key takeaways from this process as follows. 

• I thought the five years for the APRC could be calculated using different ARC types. That is not true, you have to be on one ARC type for the whole five years.
• I thought the five years were calendar years, starting Jan. 1. But no, the count starts on the first day you were issued an ARC of the type you are still using. Because of this, my first application was rejected and I had to wait another year to apply.
• Double check when offices are open, and make sure you bring your passport everywhere with you just in case. Double and triple check you have all the required documents before you leave the door. 
• I forgot to write my middle name when applying for a Criminal Record Certificate. Luckily I was able to go back and fix it for free.
• I thought I did not have to apply for an open work permit because I have a Taiwanese spouse. That is not the case, even people with dependent ARCs must apply for a work permit after they receive their APRC. 

Need help obtaining a visa to Taiwan? We recommend using Ivisa.com. 
​
Now let's start the Q+A.

Hengchun Airport (also known as Kenting Airport or HCN) has had no commercial flights in the past 10 years due to strong katabatic crosswinds coming down from the mountains. Now it just sits there in the middle of Hengchun (near Kenting), a giant waste of taxpayer money. Do not go there. 

Background:
Hengchun Airport was completed in 2004 to provide greater access to the Hengchun Peninsula especially from population centers like Taipei and Taichung. 
Commercial flights ran regularly until 2007 when Taiwan's high-speed rail was completed. In 2014, the last airport mostly stopped passenger flights. 
In 2019 the last passenger flight route to the airport was cancelled. 
Talks have been ongoing on what to do with the airport. It has been considered to give the military control of the airport, although there are not yet concrete plans to do so. 
​
Hours:
Permanently closed 

Tours and Activities in Pingtung:
There are many activities available in Pingtung, such as snorkeling, diving, SUPing, surfing, submarine riding, and river tracing. 
You can find more tours of Kenting on Klook here or KKday here. 

Accommodation:
Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
I have stayed at many hostels and hotels in Kenting, and even almost bought a house here. Some places that I have stayed at and can recommend are Nanwan Kiki (book on Agoda here, Booking.com here), a B&B next to Nanwan Bay, Kenting's most popular Beach. There are also a few decent hotels near Kenting Street Night Market like Kenting Star Inn 888 (book on Agoda here, Klook here, Hotels.com here, Expedia here, or Booking.com here), or Kenting Dajianshan Hotel (book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, or Expedia here). You will notice that none of these hotels are five star resorts (I do not come to Kenting to waste my time at a resort, but you can still search Agoda, Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Expedia for those) but they are in my opinion the above have the best value for the money. 

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 1 south to the bottom of Taiwan until you reach Hengchun. The airport is on the right just before you enter the city. 
Looking for scooter rental in Pingtung? Click here or here to search for options.
You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  ​
By Bus: You can reach Mudan from Pingtung Bus 1773, but it will take over three hours. You can book tickets to Kaohsiung via high speed rail (HSR)  on Klook here or KKDay here, or book tickets via the normal train (TRA)  on Klook here. You can book tickets to travel to Pingtung via inter-city bus on Klook here. 
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. 

Map:
Please see below:

Mudan Reservoir is an important water source for the Hengchun Peninsula. It includes a large spillway, and the aboriginal village of Mudan lies at the bottom of its dam. It is a beautiful part of Kenting that is definitely worth a visit. 

Background:
Mudan Reservoir was completed in 1995 to provide more water to the residents of the Hengchun Peninsula which was desperately needed at the time. 
The Dam is 65 meters high and 445 meters long and includes a large spillway. There is also a hydroelectric plant as part of the facilities which became operational in 2020. 

The area around the Hengchun Peninsula was once coral that has been uplifted over millions of years. The first people to live here were Taiwan aboriginals, from the Paiwan and Puyuma tribes (who caused the Rover Incident as portrayed in Seqalu: Formosa 1867). 
Kenting was first settled by Han farmers and fishermen during the Qing Dynasty. The word Kenting comes from two words that mean cultivate (ken3 墾) and strong man (丁 ding1). During that time, a group of strong men (or Zhuang Ding 壯丁) came from Guangdong, who were basically Chinese pioneers of the area to cultivate the land, hence the area was named Kenting for them. The aboriginal people were mostly assimilated with the local Chinese population. 
​
Hours:
24/7

Price:
Free

Tours and Activities in Pingtung:
There are many activities available in Pingtung, such as snorkeling, diving, SUPing, surfing, submarine riding, and river tracing. 
You can find more tours of Kenting on Klook here or KKday here. 

Accommodation:
Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
I have stayed at many hostels and hotels in Kenting, and even almost bought a house here. Some places that I have stayed at and can recommend are Nanwan Kiki (book on Agoda here, Booking.com here), a B&B next to Nanwan Bay, Kenting's most popular Beach. There are also a few decent hotels near Kenting Street Night Market like Kenting Star Inn 888 (book on Agoda here, Klook here, Hotels.com here, Expedia here, or Booking.com here), or Kenting Dajianshan Hotel (book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, or Expedia here). You will notice that none of these hotels are five star resorts (I do not come to Kenting to waste my time at a resort, but you can still search Agoda, Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Expedia for those) but they are in my opinion the above have the best value for the money. 

How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: TTake Provincial Highway 1 south to the bottom of Taiwan until it Checheng. Then travel east to Mudan Township until you reach the reservior.
Looking for scooter rental in Pingtung? Click here or here to search for options.
You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  ​
By Bus: You can reach Mudan from Pingtung Bus 1773 or 302, but it will take over three hours. You can book tickets to Kaohsiung via high speed rail (HSR)  on Klook here or KKDay here, or book tickets via the normal train (TRA)  on Klook here. You can book tickets to travel to Pingtung via inter-city bus on Klook here. 
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. 

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. 

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. 

Tours:
You can book multiple tours such as snorkeling, scuba diving, SUP experience, Kayak Sailing, submarine ride, and more through Klook or KKday, such as the Xiaoliuqiu Experience Pass. 

Booking a hotel:
Booking accommodation on the island can be difficult in summer months and on weekends, when rooms can be fully booked for months in advance.
Some places we have stayed at that I recommend are Yujing 6.8, which is a four story house near Dafu Harbor (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here), Boliu B&B (柏琉民宿) which is also a nice newly renovated hostel right on the main street near lots of restaurants (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here), Haichan Hostel  which is a traditional three-sided Taiwanese mansion near the beach (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here), and Baisha Bay B&B which is a great place near the main harbor that is only one story so there are no stairs (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). All of the owners of these places were very helpful, and even helped me to move my luggage and rent scooters. 
Some hostels require that you pay for my room in advance via bank wire transfer (this may not be an option if you are a foreign traveler, so make sure they accept credit cards if you do not have a Taiwan bank account), but you should not have to do this if you book through Agoda or another hotel booking site.
Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.
You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here.  
Need travel insurance? Compare prices on Insubuy here. 

Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. 
You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. 

How to get there:
The only way to get there is via ferry from Donggang or Yanpu Ferry Terminal in Pingtung. The ferry ride takes about 25 minutes. There is a ferry leaving from Donggang roughly every half hour from 7 AM to 5 PM.

Taking the Ferry:
Ferry from Donggang Harbor (東港漁港) to Baishawei Harbor (白沙尾漁港) on Xiaoliuqiu:

• Price: 450 NT
• Total travel time: 25 minute trip
• Boats leave about every 30 minutes
• The first boat leaves at about 7:00 AM and the last boat leaves at about 4:30 PM.

Ferry from Yanpu Harbor (鹽埔漁港) in Pingtung to Dafu Harbor (大福漁港) on Xiaoliuqiu:

• Price: 450 NT
• Total travel time: 25 minutes
• Boats leave about every two hours
• The first boat leaves at about 8:00 AM and the last boat leaves at about 4:50 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 Donggang fishing harbor can cost up to 180 NT per day, but parking at Yanpu Harbor is usually free.
Public transport: There are many shuttles to and from Zuoying HSR station that leave hourly. The cost is about 200-300 NT per trip. 
You can book tickets to Kaohsiung via high speed rail (HSR)  on Klook here or KKDay here, and then take a shuttle bus.
You can book a shuttle bus from Zuoying HSR Station to Donggang on  Klook here or KKday here. The ride takes about an hour. 

For more detailed information regarding transportation and ferry schedules, please check out our Xialiuqiu Ferry Guide here. 

Scooter Rental:
Gas Scooters:Price: expect 300-400 NT per day. ​
You can book a scooter for a discount through Klook here. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
In general you will need a local scooter license or international driving permit (IDP), however if you don't have these it may still be possible to rent a gas scooter from a friendly scooter rental shop.
Be sure to book your rental in advance, especially during summer weekends. Ask for help from your hostel owner if needed.
Helmet wearing is not very much enforced, but it's still the law, and you should definitely wear one for your own safety.
Electric Scooters:If you do not have a local scooter license or international driving permit (IDP), then you can still rent an electric scooter to get yourself around the island. Electric scooters do not require a license in Taiwan.
You can book an electric scooter on Klook here or KKday here and here.

Bicycle Rental:
Riding a bike can be a great way to circle Xiaoliuqiu. You can circle the entire island is less than an hour.
You can ship a bicycle to Xiaoliuqiu for about 100 NT per round trip on the ferry.
There are not many bicycle rental options on Xiaoliuqiu besides electric scooters, so it may be easier to rent a bike in Donggang and ship it over. Usually bicycle rentals are only about 100-200 NT per day. You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. 
You can book an electric scooter on Klook here or KKday here and here.
You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. 

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
SUP experience: About 1000 NT for half a day.
Kayak Sailing experience: about 2000 NT for 2 hours. 
Submarine adventure: about 2000 NT. 
You can purchase a tickets at Donggang Fishing Harbor (東港漁港), or through a tour agency such as Klook here or here, or KKday. 

Map: Please see below:

Taipei Expo Park is a huge area in northern Taipei that encompasses three separate parks: Yuanshan Park, Fine Arts Park, and Xinsheng Park. Near the Fine Arts Park, you can visit the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taipei Expo Dome, Lin Ai-tai Historic House, and the Yuanshan Villa (former Taipei Story House). Within Xinsheng Park, one can also find the Taipei Collectible Botanical Garden, Garden Maze, and the Taipei Rose Garden. It is a great place to spend an afternoon and a must-stop in Taipei.

Background:
The Taipei Expo Park was created in 2010 for the Taipei International Flora Exhibition which ran from November 2010 to April 2011. It used land from Yuanshan Park, Fine Arts Park, and Xinsheng Park, and Dajia Riverside Park. Before the three parks were built, it was home to the former Taipei Children's Park and former Taipei Yuanshan Zoo, old military housing and military complexes, farmland, and a driver's education course. The park includes the following:

• Taipei Children's Recreation Center
• Yuanshan Marketplace
• Yuanshan Plaza
• Expo Dome
• Taipei Story House
• Taipei Fine Arts Museum
• Taiwan Excellence Pavilion
• Pavilion of Aroma of Flowers
• Expo Hall
• Rose Garden
• Lin Ai-tai Historic House
• Pavilion of Future
• Pavilion of Taipei Robot
• Pavilion of Angel Life

​Hours:
8:30 AM to 9 PM, closed Mondays

Price:
Free

Tours:
You can book a tour of Taipei on Tripadvisor here, KKday here or Klook here.

Hotels in Taipei:
We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). 
We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By MRT: The closest MRT station is Yuanshan Station, and is about a 10 minute walk. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car/Scooter: Driving or taking a scooter there can be hard because there is limited paid parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy, however bikes are no allowed in the park. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:
See below:

Guandu Temple (關渡宮, aka Lingshan Temple) is a popular temple in Beitou District of Taipei dedicated to the goddess Mazu, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. The temple is said to be the most important Mazu Temple in northern Taiwan. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Taipei. 

​Historical Background:
Guandu Temple was completed in 1712 during the Qing Dynasty, built by early Fujian settlers in Taiwan to the Goddess Mazu.
The Goddess Mazu was originally a young lady named Lin Moniang from Meizhou island in Fujian who lived in the 900s AD. She jumped into the sea to save her father and unfortunately drowned. Since then, she has been revered in Fujian and Taiwan as a goddess who protects fishermen especially those at sea. Now there are many Mazu temples around Taiwan and around the world. For more information on the Goddess Mazu, check out this wiki article here. 
Deities worshipped at the temple besides Mazu include Guanyin Bodhisattva, the Three Generals of the Prince of Yanping, the Wenchang Emporer, Jade Emperor, and others. 
In the Ancient Buddha Cave, there are statues of Thousand-Armed Guanyin, Arhats, the Four Heavenly Kings, the Eight Divisions of Heavenly Dragons, and more. 

​According to the temple, Zen master Shi Xing brought a statue of Mazu from the Tianhou Temple in Meizhou, Putian County, Xinghua Prefecture, Fujian Province, and built a thatched house to worship her in the hills of Guandu. This temple was known as Gantoumen Tianhou Temple and was built in 1712. It was renovated in 1715 with materials shipped from Xiamen, and was named "Ling Shan Temple 靈山廟."
The temple was then relocated to the foot of the mountain in 1719 due to improper orientation, and further renovations were made in 1823 following damage from Typhoons.
During the Japanese colonial period, in 1897, a wealthy businessman named Lin Dachun, interested in feng shui purchased the temple land and converted it into his residence. Lin later donated 280 silver dollars and funds to relocate the "Ling Shan Tianfei Temple" to its current site, and renamed it "Guandu Ancestral Temple." The temple was renamed "Guandu Temple" in 1922  and was renovated further. 
When I visited in 2024, the temple was going under another renovation. 

Price:
Free

Hours:
7 AM to 5 PM

Tours:
You can book a 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide, or Taipei at Night: Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour on KKday here, or Klook here . ​

Where to stay:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By MRT:
Take the MRT red line to Guandu Station. The temple is about a ten minute walk to the west. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car:
If you travel there by car, there is lots of paid parking near the temple. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. ​
By Scooter:
There is free parking next to the temple. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
By Bicycle: 
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy, and there are many bike paths nearby. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:

Xingtian Temple (行天宮) is a Taiwanese Folk Religion temple dedicated to the deity Guan Di. With millions of visitors a year, it is one of the most popular religious centers in Taipei, sitting right next to Xingtiangong MRT Station. In 2014 it also became the first temple to ban incense to improve air pollution. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Taipei. 

​Historical Background:
Xingtian Temple was constructed in 1967 and completed in 1968, but its roots started in 1943, when Daoist Priest Master Kong Zhenzi and his fellow disciples worshipped established "Xingtian Temple" on Dihua Street in Taipei, with Guan Di as the primary deity. Guan Di (關帝), also known as Lord Guan, Emporer Guan, Guan Yu, or Guan Gong, is a prominent figure in Chinese history and mythology. He was a general serving under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period of China. Over time, Guan Yu became deified and is worshipped as a god of war, loyalty, righteousness, and justice, and is the patron saint of businessmen, soldiers, and policemen. Before Xingtian Temple, ​​there was once an official worship Taipei Guan Di Temple (Taipei Prefecture Martial Temple) during the Qing Dynasty within Taipei City, which was demolished during the Japanese colonial period due to urban planning.
Later, a Daoist Master named Xuan Kong became converted after his father and many others contracted Malaria in the coal mines of Sanxia. Master Kongzhenzi created a small temple next to the coal mine, and soon everyone was cured, which helped to spread the fame of Xingtian Temple. 
In 1949, Master Xuan Kong, using money he had made from coal mining, purchased a small private faith-based Luantan temple and an attached Earth God temple at Jiutai Street (now the intersection of Linsen North Road and Minquan East Road) in Taipei City. This was where the original Taipei Xingtian Temple was created, located at the current site of Taipei Municipal Xinxing Junior High School.
He also built two other temples in Beitou and Sanxia. The new temple built in the center of Taipei City was called the Main Temple, with the other two known as branches. 
In 1958, Daoist Master Kong Zhenzi passed away before the main temple could be completed. Master Xuan Kong was then elected as the second leader of Xingtian Temple.
In the early 1960s, Master Xuan Kong planned to expand the Taipei Xingtian Temple. However, the land was designated for a national middle school (now Taipei Municipal Xinxing Junior High School). After a negotiation, the Taipei City Government exchanged the land with public wetlands. Master Xuan Kong then purchased land at the northeast corner of Minquan East Road and Songjiang Road and invited the experienced temple builder Liao Shicheng to design and construct the temple, successfully completing Xingtian Temple Taipei Main Hall in 1968.

Price:
Free

Hours:
7 AM to 5 PM

Tours:
You can book a 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide, or Taipei at Night: Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour on KKday here, or Klook here . ​

Where to stay:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By MRT:
Take the MRT yellow line to Xingtian Temple Station. The temple is literally right on top of the MRT station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car:
If you travel there by car, there is very limited paid parking nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. ​
By Scooter:
There is limited paid scooter parking nearby. Do not park on areas with a red line; this place is a hot spot for parking tickets, so beware. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
By Bicycle: 
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:

Bangka Qingshan Temple (艋舺清山宮) is a religious center of the area, dedicated to the deity Qingshan King, brought from Fujian, China, and dating back to the Qing Dynasty. It is one of the most historically important temples in Taipei and is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Taipei. 

​Historical Background:
In 1854, Mengjia experienced a plague. Fishermen from Hui'an County, Quanzhou, Fujian, China brought a statue of Qingshan King, the local guardian deity of Hui'an Qingshan Temple, to Bangka setting up a small shrine to help stop the epidemic. Due to the miracles that followed, the number of followers grew, which led to the construction of Bangka Qingshui Temple.
Bangka Qingshui Temple was established in 1856 and completed in 1859 during the Qing Dynasty and is located in Bangka (Mengjia), Wanhua District, Taipei City.
Since the Qing Dynasty, this Taiwan Folk Religion temple has been one of the centers of belief for the local people in the Bangka area.

The rear hall, originally a traditional structure, was rebuilt in 1979 into a three-story reinforced concrete pavilion with a basement.
Due to its historical, cultural, and artistic value, the temple was designated as a national third-class monument by the Ministry of the Interior in 1985 and is now a designated monument of a directly governed city. In 2003 underwent restoration by the Taipei City Government's Cultural Affairs Bureau which was completed in 2006.
On November 19, 2013, an electrical fire caused surface damage to the wooden components including the robes of the the Qingshan King and over ten other gods. After the fire, the temple underwent another restoration that was completed in 2014.
Besides the Qingshan King, other deities such as the Jade Emperor, the Three Great Emperors, Buddha and Guanyin are also worshipped here. 

Qingshan Temple faces south, covering an area of 184 pings (about 609 square meters), and follows the street house style of Quanzhou Hui'an's Xiadi craftsmen, featuring three openings, three sections, and two corridors. The front hall has a double-eaved roof with the inscription "Conferred as a Great God by the Song Dynasty" between the eaves. The entrance, originally a timber structure, was renovated in 1938 with granite and green stone, featuring stone lions in a typical Japanese style and dragon pillars by Xie Wanlai. The main hall's grandeur is accentuated by its raised platform and connected rooftops.
Every year, on the eve of Qingshan King's birthday, a grand festival is held, with the main day being the most magnificent deity-welcoming event in Wanhua District, commonly known as the Bangka Grand Festival, one of the three major temple festivals in Taipei City. Today, Mengjia Qingshan Temple, Mengjia Longshan Temple, Mengjia Qingshui Temple, and Ximending Tianhou Temple are collectively known as the Four Major Temples of Bangka.

Price:
Free

Hours:
7 AM to 5 PM

Tours:
You can book a 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide, or Taipei at Night: Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour on KKday here, or Klook here . ​

Where to stay:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By MRT:
Take the MRT green line to Ximen Station or Longshan Temple Station. The temple is about a ten minute walk to the east. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car:
If you travel there by car, there is very limited paid parking nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. ​
By Scooter:
There is limited paid scooter parking nearby. Do not park on areas with a red line; this place is a hot spot for parking tickets, so beware. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
By Bicycle: 
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:

Liaoning Street Night Market (遼寧街夜市) is a large restaurant and eating area in Zhongshan District of Taipei known for its variety of seafood restaurants and stalls. The night market sits next to Nanjing Fuxing MRT Station, meaning there are always crowds of hungry people looking for cheap snacks here. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei. 

Background:
​The market on Liaoning Street started with Fuju Temple (福聚宮), which dates back to 1882 during the Qing Dynasty when many stalls and restaurants began to be established around the temple to feed the crowds of hungry worshippers who visited. 
Liaoning Street Night Market started in roughly 1970 and many of the stalls and restaurants on the street have continued since that time. 
Popular delicacies here include Boiled Squid, Seafood Rechao, Oyster Omelet, Goose, Mochi, Tapioca Pearls, and more. 

Hours:
Roughly 4 PM to 12 Midnight every day. 

Price:
Free

Where to Stay:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Taipei Marriot (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

Activities in Taipei:
You can look for more activities in Taipei such as Rock Climbing, Surfing, Speedboat Surfing, Diving, Snorkeling, Cooking Class, Glamping, Motorcycling, and more on Klook here or KKday here. 
​
How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: The night Market is on Liaoning Street, just a block away from the intersection of Nanjing East Road and Fuxing North Road. There is limited paid parking nearby. 
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bus/MRT: Take the MRT to Nanjing Fuxing. The night market is about a five minute walk. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:
Please see below:

As some of you loyal fans may know, recently I have started a new website (my old website was Foreigners in Taiwan. Originally this blog started out as three friends visiting Taiwan in 2014. Since then, I, Larry, am the only one left to carry the flame. I ran the Foreigners in Taiwan Blog on using Weebly…Read More

Bangka Qingshui Temple 艋舺清水嚴 (also known as Zushi Temple 祖師廟) is a religious center of the area, dedicated to the deity Master Qingshui, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. The temple is said to be one of the best examples of Qing Dynasty temple architecture in Taiwan. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Taipei. 

​Historical Background:
Bangka Qingshui Temple was established in 1787 and completed in 1790 during the Qing Dynasty.
Master Qingshui was a Buddhist Monk born in 1047 from the Northern Song Dynasty who is honored for saving a town during a drought as well as other miraculous deeds. Currently there are numerous temples dedicated Qingshui throughout Asia.
Besides Qingshui, the temple also enshrines deities such as Mazu, Guan Sheng Dijun, Wenchang Dijun, Ksitigarbha, Confucius, Kuixing Xingjun, and Fude Zhengshen. 
Mengjia Qingshui Temple is a national monument in the Republic of China and is considered one of the three most important temples in Taipei, along with Mengjia Longshan Temple and Dalongdong Baoan Temple. 
Early settlements around the Taipei Basin were primarily developed by immigrants from Anxi, China, for whom Qingshui Ancestor serves as the guardian deity. This led to the establishment of numerous ancestral temples in the Greater Taipei area including Sanxia Qingshui Temple, Tamsui Qingshui Temple, and Ruifang Qingshui.
They raised 30,000 silver coins to build a temple with the incense of Qingshui brought from Qingshui Temple in Anxi, Quanzhou.
Several temples in the surrounding area were established from the incense transferred from Mengjia Qingshui Temple.
In 1817, a typhoon damaged the temple, prompting local residents to raise 5,000 silver coins for repairs. 
In 1853, a brawl took place known as the "Ding-Xia Feud" between early Quanzhou immigrants and Xiamen immigrants, over the rights to sell near the temple, leading to the partial destruction of the temple. 25,000 silver coins were raised for reconstruction, which was completed in 1867. The original three-hall layout of the temple was reduced to the front hall and main hall.
During the Sino-French War, the temple was believed to have helped repel French forces. 
In the early Japanese colonial period, the temple served as an affiliated school of the Governor-General's National Language School. The rear hall was destroyed by fire in 1940 and has not been rebuilt. In 1985, construction of a parking lot unearthed buried stone materials from the rear hall.
Restoration plans began in 1997 and the main and front halls have since been restored.
The temple was featured in the 2010 Taiwanese film "Monga," with many scenes shot within the temple premises.

Price:
Free

Hours:
7 AM to 5 PM

Tours:
You can book a 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide, or Taipei at Night: Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour on KKday here, or Klook here . ​

Where to stay:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By MRT:
Take the MRT green line to Ximen Station or Longshan Temple Station. The temple is about a ten minute walk to the east. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car:
If you travel there by car, there is very limited paid parking nearby. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. ​
By Scooter:
There is limited paid scooter parking nearby. Do not park on areas with a red line; this place is a hot spot for parking tickets, so beware. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
By Bicycle: 
Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:

Shezi Night Market (社子夜市) is a long eating and shopping area on the Shezi Peninsula in Shilin District of Taipei. The night market is small and also doubles as a wet market during the day. You will not find many tourists here, making it an authentic local night market experience. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei. 

Background:
Shezi is the part of Shilin District that makes a peninsula between the Keelung and Tamsui Rivers. With a history of floods, it is one of the most underdeveloped parts of Taipei City, however, an MRT station is planned for the future. 
There are still thousands of people who live in Shezi and need food. Shezi Market is open as a wet market during the day. At around 4 PM, the night market stalls begin to appear, and quite a few people will turn out for dinner or a snack. The night market runs for about one short block on both sides of the street and is not blocked off for pedestrians.
Popular snacks here include oil rice, dumplings, and sweet and sour soup. ​

Hours:
Roughly 4 PM to 10 PM every day. 

Price:
Free

Where to Stay:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Taipei Marriot (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

Activities in Taipei:
You can look for more activities in Taipei such as Rock Climbing, Surfing, Speedboat Surfing, Diving, Snorkeling, Cooking Class, Glamping, Motorcycling, and more on Klook here or KKday here. 
​
How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 2 north toward Shilin. The night market is just behind the intersection where Provincial Highway 2 crosses over the river to Shilin. There is limited paid parking near the night market.  
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bus/MRT: From Taipei Main Station, take bus 2 to Shezi Market. The ride takes about half an hour. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:
Please see below:

Shuangcheng Street Night Market is a large eating and shopping area near Zhongshan Elementary School MRT Station in Zhongshan District in Taipei. The night market includes an open "food court" stall area and a closed market area that sells clothes and other items. Even though it is a relatively small night market, it is one of the oldest and most well-established in Taipei. 

Background:
Shuangcheng Street Night Market is named after Shuangcheng Street (雙城街) on which it is located. The market spans from Lane 10 and Lane 13 of Shuang Cheng Street to Nong An Street (農安街) in Zhongshan District, Taipei City, filling what would have been the street with food stalls and shops.
The exact origins of Shuang Cheng Street Night Market are unclear, but according to the Taipei City Market Administration, it has a history dating back to at least 1971. 
Despite being called a night market, Shuangcheng Street Market also operates during the day. Additionally, there is a rotation of stalls between day and night (8 AM - 4 PM, and then 5 PM - Midnight) offering a different experience depending on the time of day, although some stalls operate continuously.
While Shuang Cheng Street Night Market mainly consists of food stalls, it is connected to the Qingguang Market (晴光市場) shopping area which is covered and sells mainly clothing items.
The night market is popular with both locals and foreigners and is especially busy on weekends and holidays.
​
Hours:
Roughly 4 PM to 11 PM every day. 

Price:
Free

Hotels in Taipei:
High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Taipei Marriot (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

Activities in Taipei:
You can look for more activities in Taipei such as Rock Climbing, Surfing, Speedboat Surfing, Diving, Snorkeling, Cooking Class, Glamping, Motorcycling, and more on Klook here or KKday here. 
​
How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Minquan East Road, the night market to the north of Zhongshan MRT Station. There is limited paid parking nearby. 
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bus/MRT: The market is about a 10-minute walk from either Minquan West Road MRT Station or Zhongshan Elementary School MRT Station. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:
Please see below:

The Puppetry Art Center of Taipei is a museum celebrating the art of puppetry in Taiwan (台北偶戲館 英文介紹). The museum is located in Songshan District of Taipei and is accessible via Nanjing Sanmin MRT station. Usually, there are not many people visiting, and there are many interactive displays for children who can even make their own puppet show here. 

History
In 1998, Lin Jing-fu, the chairman of the Taiyuan Art and Culture Foundation, donated his personal collection of puppets. The Taipei City Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs then decided to build the Taipei Puppet Theater Museum on land donated as part of Wei Ching Group’s community feedback plan for the Living Mall area. The site opened on August 7th, 2004.
The museum includes areas for glove puppetry, shadow puppetry, marionette theater, special exhibitions, backstage music, and a master workshop for national treasures.
The Taipei Puppet Theater Museum is located in the Songshan District of Taipei City, Taiwan. It is dedicated to the collection and exhibition of puppet culture. The now-demolished Living Mall shopping center used to be next door.

Hours:
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day

Price:
50 NT per person.
You can buy tickets for a discount on Klook here.

Tours: 
​You can buy discount tickets to the Taipei Puppetry Art Center for a discount on Klook here.
​
Where to Stay:
We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). 
We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.
 
How to get there:
By MRT/Bus: The building is within a 10 minute walking distance of Nanjing Sanmin MRT station or Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car/Scooter: The building is within a 10 minute walking distance of Nanjing Sanmin MRT station or Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station. There is limited parking nearby.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

​Map:
​Please see below:

Shilin Official Residence (aka Chiang Kai-shek Shilin Residence 士林官邸 英文介紹)  is a historic mansion surrounded by a beautiful park and other historical buildings. The building was the residence of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Meiling and housed many prominent guests. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei. 

Background:
The Shilin Official Residence was built in 1950 by the ROC for the president Chiang Kai-shek, as a two-story western style home. Before the ROC took Taiwan, the grounds where the residence was built was a Japanese Horticulture Experimental Station. While in use, the grounds were highly militarized and closed off to the public. After Chiang Kai-shek's death in 1976, Soong Meiling continued to use the residence until her last visit in 1991. In 1996, the grounds were opened to the public as a park and a museum. 
The grounds include the Chiang's old Cadillac limousine, the Victory Chapel which was the Chiang's personal chapel, and Xinlan Pavilion, among other structures. 
The park is now popular with the public, especially on weekends.
 
Hours:
​11 AM to 5 PM and closed Mondays

Price:
​100 NT per person
Free entrance to the park and other buildings. 
​
Tours:
You can book tickets to the Taipei Shilin Residence for a discount on Klook here or KKday here. 

Where to Stay:
We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). 
We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By MRT: The closest MRT station is Shilin Station, and is about a five minute walk. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 2 north to Shilin and continue right toward the National Palace Museum. There is plenty of paid parking near the park.
​Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 

Map:
See below:

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is a former tobacco plant in Taipei that has now been converted into a park, exhibition space, museum, and more. In this multifunctional park, you can enjoy the history of the old tobacco plant buildings, as well as ongoing exhibitions, art shows, restaurants, ​bookstores, and cafés. It is a great tourist stop in the heart of Taipei for both geeks and hipsters. 
 
History
​The buildings where the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park currently lies were constructed in 1937 as the Matsuyama Tobacco Plant of the Monopoly Bureau of the Taiwan Governor's Office during the Japanese rule of Taiwan.
After WWII, the ROC government took control of the plant and renamed it the Songshan Tobacco Plant of the Taiwan Tobacco and Wine Bureau. 
Due to declining demand for tobacco in Taiwan, the factory stopped producing cigarettes in 1998, and the area was converted into a park in 2001. 
In 2011, the old buildings here were renovated to accommodate exhibitions and performances on the site. 
The area includes old warehouses, inspection rooms, office buildings, a tobacco factory, an ecology pond, and more.
In 2024 Eslite began 24-hour operations of their bookstore here. 
The park is usually busy especially on weekends, due to many ongoing art exhibitions. ​

Hours:
8:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day

Price:
Free to visit
​
Hotels in Taipei:
We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). 
We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here).
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.
 
How to get there:
By MRT/Bus: The building is close to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall MRT station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here.
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. 
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 
By Car/Scooter: The building is just a few blocks west of Taipei City Hall Station on Zhongxiao East Road. There is limited parking nearby.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  

​Map:
​Please see below:

Fulong Beach is my favorite beach in greater Taipei. It is easily accessible by public transportation (TRA Gongliao Station) has beautiful golden sand, a large shallow swimming area, and tons of food options within walking distance. The paid part of the beach features sand sculptures and lifeguards, while the free part of the beach is less clean but there are no annoying lifeguards to whistle at you all the time, making it a foreigner's paradise. 

Background:
Fulong Beach lies next to Fulong Village in Gongliao District of New Taipei, at the mouth of the Shuang River. It is special in Taiwan for its rare golden color.
The beach has been a popular swimming destination since the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. In 1959, the TRA created public showers and bridge that goes to the other side of the sandbar that you see today. 
The Fullon hotel resort sits in front of the paid beach and is a popular destination for Taipei residents. 
Taiwan's fourth nuclear reactor lies in the background of the beach, but it has never been operational and likely never will be due to the anti-nuclear power movement in Taiwan. 
Near the beach one can go camping at Longmen campground or biking on the Caoling bicycle loop. 

Price:
Fullon Hotel / Sand Sculpture Beach: 220 NT per person. You can book tickets on Klook here or KKday here.
Public beach next to Dongxing Temple: Free

Hours:
Paid Fullon Hotel Beach: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (extended to 9 PM on Sat/Sun in summer). You can book tickets on Klook here or KKday here.
Public beach next to Dongxing Temple: 24/7

When to go:
May to October when the weather is nice and the water is warm.
Winter on the northeast coast is cold and windy. 
Fulong sand sculpture: Check out our full guide to the Fulong Sand Sculptures here. 
You can also book tickets to the International Sand Sculpture Art Festival on Klook here or KKday here.

Tours and Activities:
There are many activities available at Fulong such as Windsurfing, SUP /paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and more on Klook here or KKday here.

Hotels in Fulong:
We recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). 
We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan.
Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

How to get there:
By Train: Take the TRA train to Fulong Station. Walk straight from the station down to the beach! Book tickets via the normal train (TRA)  on Klook here.
By Car/Scooter: Take provincial higway 2 from Qidu in Keelung through the mountains past Shifen and Shuangxi until you reach Gongliao on the coast. The beach is right in front of the train station, and there is free parking in front of Dongxing Temple. 
Looking for scooter rental in Keelung? Search KKday here for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  ​
By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike bike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. ​
For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. 
​
Map:
​Please see below:

Health insurance for expats can provide access to quality medical care, regardless of their location. It can also provide financial assistance in the event of an emergency or medical issue. Additionally, health insurance can help expats find the best healthcare providers in their destination.
​
Understanding Taiwan’s Healthcare System
Taiwan boasts an efficient and accessible healthcare system, known as the National Health Insurance (NHI) program. The NHI provides comprehensive coverage to residents, including most medical treatments, doctor visits, and hospital stays. However, for expats, there are several factors to consider global health insurance in Taiwan.

Taiwan fruits are the best. They are one of the main reasons we love Taiwan and have decided to stay in Taiwan for the long term. Although the fruits in Taiwan are highly seasonal, you can always find delicious and sweet fruit here year-round. If you come from a non-tropical country, you have likely been missing out on the full sweet flavor that these fruits are meant to have. 

As an American coming to Taiwan for the first time, I was wary of the fruits. From my experience in the US, pineapples, mangos, and passion fruit had always been sour and nasty. Only when I tried the tropical fruit in Taiwan did I realize that the pineapples, mangos, passion fruit, and everything else were sweeter than candy. 

More Taipei Food Related Tours:
You can eat your way through Taipei through such tours and activities as Taiwanese Breakfast Cooking Class in Taipei, Taiwanese Gourmet Cooking Class in Taipei​, or Xiao Long Bao, Chicken vermicelli with mushroom and sesame oil, Tofu strips salad, Bubble milk tea. Taiwan Traditional Delicacies Cooking Class and more on TripAdvisor here. 
You can also search for tours on Klook here, or KKday here​. 

Some would say Ecuador is the banana capital of the world, and that is probably right, but I’m sure Taiwan bananas are just as good. One of the great things about living in Taiwan is you can buy fresh bananas on the street almost everywhere, so if you are a banana connoisseur like myself you will not have worry about bananas going bad (I eat bananas single every day).
有人會說厄瓜多爾是世界香蕉之基地，但我相信台灣的香蕉也一樣好。住在台灣的好處之一就是到處都可以在街上買到新鮮的香蕉，所以如果你像我一樣是個香蕉鑑賞家，你就不用擔心香蕉壞掉的沒香蕉吃（我每天吃香蕉）。

​Traveling during peak seasons, be it for holidays or major festivals, is thrilling but challenging. The high number of visitors often leads to crowded attractions and high prices, which affect your trip. However, you can navigate these issues and make the most of your trip with the right strategies.
 
Effective planning is key to successful trips during peak seasons. Researching and organizing your trip in advance helps avoid common pitfalls. You’ll also be sure to secure the best accommodations, transport options, and attractions. Below are a few tips to consider.

Traveling during busy seasons requires meticulous planning. You should begin by identifying peak periods for your destination. These could be school vacations, festivals, or major holidays in the destination. Knowing these patterns helps you make informed decisions about the best time and when to avoid them.
 
You can consult travel guides, forums, or tourism websites that highlight important events in your destination. If you want to travel to Orlando, see this calendar. With a clear idea of when to visit, you should then:

• Make early reservations: Hotels, flights, and other transport options are often overbooked during peak seasons. Booking in advance ensures better rates and gives you a wider selection.
  
  
• Create a detailed itinerary: A detailed schedule is important for navigating crowded destinations. Start with must-see attractions and you should visit them during off-peak hours.
  
  
• Explore alternative attractions: Most people prioritize iconic attractions and landmarks. However, you should consider alternative sites and lesser-known destinations. They provide equally enriching experiences without crowds.

 
Having a detailed plan for your entire visit is important during peak periods. Knowing the busiest hours ensures that you visit your preferred destinations when they aren’t crowded.

Technology and local knowledge are invaluable tools for travelers looking to avoid crowds. You can easily find hidden gems and uncover authentic experiences that you could easily miss out on. Modern technologies provide real-time information about the state of your destination. Websites and apps provide live updates of crowd levels, traffic conditions, and wait times, allowing you to plan effectively.
 
Similarly, social media platforms are great sources for real-time updates and local insights. Local influencers and travel bloggers frequently share insightful tips and recommendations. Most attractions upload updates on their pages, including information on special promotions, temporary closures, and crowd levels. Tech aside, locals have an intimate understanding of their region. You can gather insider tips from them by engaging with them or asking hotel staff for recommendations.

Traveling during peak season is a test, even for seasoned travelers. You should embrace flexibility and patience to enjoy your trip. Adapting a relaxed mindset helps you navigate crowded spaces and enjoy the trip, regardless of the presenting circumstances. Start by anticipating that some things won’t go as planned. Flights may be delayed, or attractions may be crowded.
 
Accepting that inconveniences are part of the experience helps in maintaining a positive attitude. You should also have extra time on your schedule to accommodate unexpected events and delays. This allows you to enjoy every moment instead of being in a hurry.

​Traveling during peak seasons shouldn’t necessarily be overwhelming. Travelers should plan carefully and embrace flexibility to navigate crowded destinations. Researching ahead and leveraging local insights can enhance your traveling experience.

Tax season is here. In Taiwan, taxes must be filed before May 31st. As a foreigner, you might be wondering how to file a tax return and what the regulations are. Luckily Taiwan has made it easy by creating an online tax filing system that you can complete from your computer, although you do still have to physically send some forms to the tax office. Let us answer some common questions about tax filing that might come up:

Forward: The following is Q+A for tax year 2023 only, based on information provided on Taiwan's Ministry of Finance website for your reference only. Personal income tax can be a complicated issue; for specific answers regarding your tax situation please contact the Taiwan tax office: +886-2-2311-3711. Press 7 for English service. The ultimate decision for tax payable is up to the discretion of the Taiwan tax office.
 
Q: When should I file Taxes?
A: Between May 1st to May 31st after the tax year (tax year is same as calendar year).
If you are leaving the country and do not plan to return to Taiwan, you must file an early tax return within 10 days before you leave. We recommend going to the tax office in person for an early filing.

Q: When are Taiwan tax payments due?
A: Tax payments are due by May 31st, after which there will be penalties for late payments. 
 
Q: What makes me eligible for paying Taiwan taxes (or what makes me a tax resident)?
A: You become a Taiwan tax resident if you stay in Taiwan longer than 183 days, or if you are a Taiwan national and have household registration (戶籍)  in Taiwan and visit for at least one day. The address in your ARC is not household registration, it's a registration process from the local administrative office (戶政事務所）.
If you stay less than 90 days in Taiwan, in general, you do not have to file taxes, and VAT or sales taxes are reimbursable.
If you worked in Taiwan and stayed over 90 days but less than 183 days, you need to pay taxes on your Taiwan-based salary even if your income came from overseas, and you will pay a fixed rate of 6% or 18% income tax (your company may have deducted this from your salary already).
If you have Taiwanese dual citizenship and Taiwanese house registration, then you need to pay taxes if you have stayed in Taiwan for over 31 days. Days are cumulative in a tax year, and it doesn't matter what you came for during these days.
​
Q: How do I count the days I stayed in Taiwan?
A: Please note that the day you come to Taiwan doesn't count, but the day you leave does. It's a good idea to keep track of the number of days you have been in Taiwan via the stamps on your passport.

​Q: What is the income tax rate?/ How much is Taiwan tax?
A: The income tax rate for non-residents who earn at least 1.5 the minimum wage per month (39,600 NT as of 2023) is 18% (you can get a tax refund if you pay 18% taxes and then become a tax resident). 18% usually is applicable to white-collar foreign workers. 
For non-residents who earn less than 1.5 the minimum wage per month (39,600 NT as of 2023), the income tax rate is 6% (you can get a tax refund if you pay 6% taxes and then become a tax resident). 6% is usually applicable to most blue-collar foreign workers. 
The 2023 tax rate for residents (staying over 183 days in Taiwan) is as follows (source: Taiwan Ministry of Finance):