Gabrielle Estel

<p>I will always miss calling Taiwan home. When people ask where of all the places I've traveled I'd return, Taiwan is always my answer.</p>
<p>Taiwan is an island of gorgeous mountains that drop into ocean waves. It makes you stop, buy a bubble tea, and smell the Yellow Plumeria flowers. Plus, the clean rails and metros make exploring new places a breeze.</p>
<p>What more could one ask for?</p>
<p>Taiwan is a unique mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Taiwanese culture. The island has changed hands, and each hand has left its mark. I've combed my journals, notes, and photos to put together my top memories from each area of Taiwan.</p>
<p><strong>My Heart - Taichung</strong></p>
<p>I lived near the mountains in Taichung for years. This city will always hold my heart. Taichung has the biggest street market: Feng Chia. There are hundreds of restaurants, carnival games, and hidden bars! </p>
<p>Bubble tea originates in Taichung! Pay a visit to the oldest bubble tea store and learn more about the creation process. I love brown sugar bubble tea, taro bubble tea, and warm ginger tea.</p>
<p>For hikes, check out the Dakeng Trails. The main entrance has a traditional market, and you will find little shops on the trail! My favorite trail is Dakeng #3. It runs along the spine of the mountain.</p>
<p>Not far from Taichung is Sun Moon Lake, a pristine lake is looped by a biking trail. Not feeling the walk? Take the boat taxis to one of the market hubs around the lake.</p>
<p><strong>City Meets Mountain - Taipei</strong></p>
<p>Photos of Taipei usually show the majestic Taipei 101. A ride to the top is a great way to familiarize yourself with the city. I recommend reserving your ticket for an early afternoon time, and then going to the tea shop on the second level or the duck restaurant in the basement.</p>
<p>The National Palace Museum is a jewel. The artifacts date back to the Neolithic Age and include pieces such as porcelain from the Ming Dynasty and jade carved to look like a cabbage.</p>
<p>Take a gondola ride to MaoKong and walk along the tea fields, brew traditional tea, and gaze at the mountain and city views from a tea house. My favorite tea house gives visitors a brewing instruction manual and offers "snow" tea.</p>
<p>Not far north of Taipei is Jiufen, my second favorite place in Taiwan. Jiufen inspired the famous Ghibli movie "Spirited Away." Jiufen is an old mining town perched high in the mountains. It's known for temples and Old Street (a street of traditional food stops). Stay a night to see the village change as the shops close and the faraway lights blink on.</p>
<p><strong>Scootering to the Sky - Taroko National Park</strong></p>
<p>Traveling by scooter is an essential part of Taiwanese culture. It's common to see a family of four all scrunched together on one set of wheels! Try out this slice of life culture on a ride to Taroko Gorge. The Liwu River cuts through the mountains and creates a marble gorge. Drive your scooter up the passes and look out for temples snuggled in the mountains. At the top, find restaurants with delicious food. My favorite is an unassuming, simple food stall with delectable dumplings and spicy mapo tofu.</p>
<p>Not far from the park - just a short train ride north - is the famous Kavalan Distillery. The whiskey from this distillery is award-winning and utilizes the island's unique levels of humidity.</p>
<p><strong>Temples Old and New - Kaohsiung</strong></p>
<p>For awe-inspiring temple photos, Kaohsiung is a must. There are two top stops: Fo Guang Shan and Lotus Lake. I recommend starting the morning at Fo Guang Shan, an active monastery. After walking through the entrance, your eyes will be greeted by eight pagodas leading up to one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Meander around the lovely gardens and pagodas before entering the far building to see smaller bejeweled statues. Some pagodas may be entered; my favorite has an exhibit about calligraphy. Enjoy a scrumptious vegetarian spread and check out the tourist shops (some of the best in Taiwan - I got a tea set there) before returning to the city.</p>
<p>Back in the city center, find your way to Lotus Lake (also called Lotus Pond). This lake has numerous temples to traditional gods. Perhaps the most famous temple is the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. It is good luck to walk through the dragon's mouth, to the top of it's pagoda, over to the top of the tiger's pagoda, and then out through the tiger's mouth. Consider walking around the lake at night as well to see the figures lit against the dark sky.</p>
<p>South of Kaohsiung is Kenting, the relaxed beach vacation side of Taiwan. Kenting is known for unique night market options, clean beaches, and being a short scooter ride from the southernmost tip of Taiwan. If you choose to journey to the most southern tip, take an hour to drive on the other side of the island as well. You'll be surprised at how the winds from the unending Pacific Ocean suddenly swell!</p>
<p><strong>Ilha Formosa</strong></p>
<p>It’s easy to see why Portuguese sailors called Taiwan “Ilha Formosa” - the beautiful island. I wish this article had a high word count so I could share more! </p>