Ultra-Detailed Taiwan Travel Guide for Type J Personalities – Come Copy the Homework!

1. Taipei Metropolitan Area

Must-Visit Attractions

Taipei 101: Ascend to the observatory for a panoramic city view, with the 89th-floor deck featuring the world’s fastest elevator.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: White architecture with guard-changing ceremonies, surrounded by Liberty Square and National Theater.

Shilin Official Residence: Former home of Chiang Kai-shek, blending Japanese and Western styles in its gardens and buildings.

Raohe Street Night Market: Must-tries include pepper cakes, herbal pork ribs, and okonomiyaki.

Maokong Gondola: Overlook the Tamsui River and Taipei Basin, with tea-tasting and scenic views at the mountaintop.

Deep Experiences

Eslite Bookstore: The 24-hour Xinyi flagship store combines reading with art spaces.

Beitou Hot Springs: Relax in thermal baths; recommend the historic Longnaitang public hot spring.

Huashan 1914 Creative Park: Art exhibitions and hands-on workshops for culture lovers.

2. Hualien & Taroko

Natural Wonders

Taroko Gorge: Sandstone canyon landscapes, ideal for hikes like Shakadang Trail and Swallow Grotto Trail.

Qixingtan Beach: Pebble beach perfect for cycling or capturing Pacific sunsets.

Qingshui Cliffs: Dramatic coastal cliffs along the Suhua Highway.

Cultural Immersion

Fengbin Shitiping: Amis tribe village offering traditional dance performances.

Ruisui Ranch: Horseback riding, fresh milk, and signature ranch curry rice.

3. Tainan & Historic Towns

Heritage & Cuisine

Anping Fort: Dutch colonial ruins with lush Anping Tree House.

Chihkan Tower: Commemorates Koxinga’s landing, blending Dutch and Chinese architecture.

Garden Night Market (Fengjia Night Market): Try "small sausage in large sausage," coffin bread, and Guan Zhilin’s version.

Lukang Township

Mazu Temple: Center of Mazu worship; touch the dragon pillars for blessings.

Momon Lane: Narrow alley turned viral photo spot.

Local specialties: Grandma’s braised noodles and stir-fried squid.

4. Taitung & Zhiben Hot Springs

Nature & Leisure

Mr. Brown Avenue: Scenic cycling route featured in Jin Chengwu’s ads.

Sanxiantai: Volcanic island with stunning sunset views.

Beinan Cultural Park: Prehistoric museum showcasing indigenous history.

Zhiben Hot Springs

Soak in natural riverside hot springs; opt for a cozy B&B experience.

5. Kaohsiung & Harbor Vibes

City Highlights

Pier-2 Art Center: Warehouse-turned-art district with graffiti and creative markets.

British Consulate at Takao: Taiwan’s first Western-style building overlooking Kaohsiung Port.

Liuhe Night Market: Must-eats include papaya milk, diced beef, and harbor-style fried chicken.

Qijin Peninsula

Visit Qijin Lighthouse and Shawei Beach, accessible via ferry from Gushan Pier.

II. Taiwan Food Map

Night Market Must-Eats

Shilin Night Market: Giant crispy chicken, "small sausage in large sausage," pan-fried buns.

Ningxia Night Market: Liu’s taro balls, Lai’s oyster omelet.

Fengjia Night Market: Guan Zhilin’s "sausage wrap," bear paw buns.

Classic Snacks

Beef Noodles: Lin Dong Fang, Lin Family Dry Noodles.

Oyster Omelet: Chen’s version at Ningxia Night Market.

Bubble Tea: Chun Shui Tang (originator) or Hanlin Teahouse.

Desserts & Shaved Ice

Gongguan Longtan Tofu Pudding: Traditional tofu with red bean soup.

Yongkang Beef Noodles: Innovative beef noodle variations.

Mango Ice: Smoothie House at Yongkang Street, Ice Monster.

III. Transport Guide

MRT & Buses

Taipei MRT covers major attractions; EasyCard works for MRT, buses, and some stores.

THSR connects Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung; TRA (local trains) suit short trips.

Car Rentals

Requires an international license; drive on the left. Caution needed on winding Suhua Highway.

TRA & Taiwan Tourist Shuttles

Tourist shuttles (e.g., Alishan, Taroko routes) are ideal for independent travelers.

IV. Culture & Festivals

Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival (Lunar Jan. 15): Thousands release "wish postcards."

Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage (Lunar March): 2-million-devotee religious event.

Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival (Summer): Sky lit by hundreds of balloons.

V. Practical Info

Visa: Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan + endorsement required.

Currency: TWD (NT$); ~4.3 TWD to 1 CNY.

Language: Mandarin widely spoken; some elders use dialects (Hokkien, Hakka).

Sockets: Flat two-pin (same as mainland); some hotels provide adapters.

VI. Tips

Respect local customs; dress modestly in temples.

Monitor typhoon alerts in summer.

Strong eco-awareness: No littering in public.

Hope this guide helps plan your immersive Taiwan trip! For further needs, feel free to ask.