Taipei • Ruifang • Jiufen (8 days)
We spent 8 days in Taiwan, mainly in Taipei, with 2 days in Ruifang and Jiufen, and absolutely loved it.
Jiufen
Despite seeing many posts calling Jiufen overrated (A-Mei Tea House itself definitely is), we really enjoyed the town. It’s a beautiful hilly area with the sea alongside, narrow lanes, cafés, and great views. We stayed at a cute hilltop place and explored at a relaxed pace.
It rained constantly while we were there, proper cats-and-dogs rain. But honestly, the rain added so much charm. The misty hills and lanterns made the place feel magical. We sat with locals, chatted using Google Translate, laughed about the rain, and shared food.
Taipei & Food
Taipei was a joy to explore. We loved walking around neighbourhoods and eating mostly at small, local eateries. The food was outstanding.
Highlights included:
• Shi Yum Crispy Salted Fried Chicken – amazing chicken fries, mushrooms, and string beans (we went twice).
• Crispy egg rolls with creamy fillings inside, something I’d never had before.
• Din Tai Fung – excellent Xiao Long Bao.
• All the classics like soy milk, bubble tea, scallion pancakes, beef noodles, Lu Rou Fan, mom-and-pop eateries and Japanese restaurants.
Missed & Next Time
Because of the weather, we skipped Yehliu Geopark and a few hikes. We also missed tasting salted soy milk, which I really wanted to try. Hopefully next time. Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung & Kenting – sometime in the future.
Final Thoughts
Taiwan felt incredibly warm, welcoming, and easy to love. Between the people, food, and atmosphere, it left a strong impression on us. Really hope to return and explore more someday.
by CharmingConfidence33
28 Comments
Agreed
I loved Taipei and Jiufen! Missed out on almost all the night markets because I tired myself out during the day. But I will absolutely be back. Food was outstanding and the people were nice. Loved riding the MRT.
That is an incredible picture of Taipei 101 all misty 🤩
Going in March, so excited!!
Great shots and observations. I will be landing there on April 18th.
Was the language barrier hard to work through?
Spent a week in Taiwan a few months back and I loved it
I’ll be there Tuesday for 2 hours on a stopover, one of many I’ve done there. I love the approach to the airport, it looks so beautiful.
I lived in Kaoshiung for 2 years and it was amazing, agree underrated, wish I could go back to those days.
We went a couple years ago and it’s easily a top 3 asian country for me. The country is beautiful and easy to navigate, food was exceptional. We rock climbed on the coast and also got SCUBA certified on a nearby island. The people also seemed very nice (I dont speak Taiwanese or Mandarin so no idea what they said about me). Either way I’d go back.
You post 20 photos for us! Thank you even before reading or trying to see any of them
It’s a very special place, can’t wait to go back.
Totally get this!
Facts I visited a bit on a whim and I loved the vibe country is great and prosperous.
I was in Taiwan late last year. Spent time mostly in Taipei, but did day trips out to Kaohsiung and Ruifang.
Lots of good food, friendly people, a fantastic night market scene, plus plenty of sights. I especially loved visiting the National Palace Museum; there was so much there, I had to visit twice because I could not cram everything in one day’s trip.
I still get fever dreams about those black pepper buns from Raohe market.
Definitely! Been there twice and would love to go back and explore more!
Absolutely agree!
I feel like it combines a lot of what make Japan, China and even South East Asia so great, while not taking almost any of their negative points.
But almost nobody goes! (From Europe, at least.) Whenever I’ve told people I was going, they kind of look like, but why though?
But that’s fine. I feel like it’s almost a secret cheat code for enjoying east Asia. You get almost all the good bits, very few of the bad bits, while still feeling a bit more unknown.
Love the place!
I want to go so bad. It surprises it’s not on people’s list more
It was interesting and picturesque but not that special. We preferred Pingxi where we could decorate and float a hot air lantern
My mom’s side is from Taiwan, and I agree, love it there! The food is incredible and so cheap. Definitely worth traveling for. Glad you enjoyed your time
How did you handle jetlag?
Great photos, OP. Taiwan is an amazing place to visit. Love to return and see more of the countryside.
Pictures are gorgeous ! What device did you use to capture them ? Would love to know .
amazing photos! really happy to hear how much y’all enjoyed it there. the people there are genuinely some of the nicest i’ve ever known
don’t forget about Hualien and Penghu! (island just off the coast of Taipei) and if you love seafood, theres a ton of fresh seafood markets where they’ll prepare it raw or cooked for you on site (all along the southern coast)
Absolutely loved Taiwan!! I just love the night markets, cheap good food. Lots of cultural sites to visit!
Agreed, I adore Taiwan!
My favorite place on earth I’ve visited.
Taiwan keeps coming up for me lately. One of the places within 10 hours flying time from Sydney so that’s considered an “easy” trip! Has some amazing number of mountains over 3000 metres too as I recall. Great pics, thanks. I will look into visiting there and South Korea next year.