7 must-try foods in Hualien, Taiwan

Surely you’re familiar with the usual Taiwanese must-eats like stinky tofu and papaya milk, but in this article, we cover some unique local eats travellers to Hualien simply can’t miss out on.

Steamed goose at Mr. Goose

Goose is typically served in most Asian establishments roasted, with a slightly crispy brown skin. At the aptly named Mr. Goose in Hualien, goose is served poached and sliced into thin slices, with a side of salty dipping sauce and raw julienned ginger.

Akin to Hainanese steamed chicken, the goose is tender and with a lighter, less gamey taste. Paired with the fragrant dipping sauce and raw ginger to balance out the oiliness, this is a unique dish you can be sure is on the list of every traveller coming to Hualien. Also worth trying are the deep-fried fish roe with Japanese mayonnaise and noodles in clear goose broth.

Fresh mochi at Tzen Chi Mochi

Don’t worry sweet tooths, we didn’t forget about you! Soft, sticky and sweet, the mochi at Tzen Mochi is perpetually raved about and is not to be missed when in Hualien. Choose from flavours like green bean, red bean, sesame, green tea, yam and sweet potato – all ingredients commonplace in Taiwanese desserts.

Make sure you buy as many as you can finish before they go bad (roughly 2 days)! In fact, there’s a well-shared stor of a Taiwanese F-16 fighter jet pilot who nearly got into trouble for carrying this infamous mochi in his aircraft proves just how popular this dessert is!

Juicy pork buns at Gong Zheng Bao Zi

A list of top things to eat in Hualien simply can’t be written without mentioning Gong Zheng Bao Zi. Their thicker and fluffier take on xiao long bao promises a unique experience of biting into what looks like a pillowy bun, only have it explode into juicy, meaty goodness.

Apart from their thick-skinned take on xiao long bao, make sure you try out all the other variations available as well such as the boiled dumplings (shui jiao) and steamed dumplings (zheng jiao).

Oyster omelette at Hai-Pu

Are you familiar with Or Chien? It’s an oyster omelette popular in Taiwan, made with oysters, eggs and starch. The addition of starch adds a slightly crispy, chewy texture to the dish. This stall is easily identifiable by the crazy long queues, but don’t let that deter you from giving it a try!

What makes this oyster omelette stand out from the rest in Taiwan is the generous slather of Hai-Pu’s signature sweet, tangy brown sauce on top. So make sure you don’t leave Hualien without trying it!

Pork Rib Noodles

For something a little more hearty, the pork rib noodles at Jing Xiang Pork Rib Noodles are something close to legendary, though you can expect shorter queues compared to places like Mr. Goose and Gong Zheng Bao Zi. Choose from the dry or soup version, but expect both to consist of ribs so tender they melt in your mouth, and chewy noodles swimming in a fragrant savory sauce/broth.

Another worthwhile mention would be Lai Cheng Pork Rib Noodles, who aside from their trademark noodles, also serve a terrific side dish of “golden eggs”. Perfectly boiled eggs braised in soy and with an impossibly creamy yolk!

Scallion pancakes at Lao Pai

Scallion pancakes are everywhere in Taiwan, and the Taiwanese love them especially for breakfast as a great way to start the day. In Hualien, no one makes these crispy treats as well as Lao Pai, where you also have the option of adding a runny sunny side up egg in the middle!

Operating out of an old van and with nothing more than a small banner as a sign, the complete Hualien experience is only fulfilled when you bite into the crispy, deep-fried pancake and savour the oozing yolk.

Coffin Toast at Chiang Family’s Coffin Toast

The Taiwanese food scene consists of night markets galore. And as you meander through the streets of Dongdamen Night Market, you’re bound to come across this popular stall selling Coffin Toast! Unique to Taiwan, these are thick slabs of white bread, deep fried and hollowed out, then filled with yummy fillings (mostly savoury) from the likes of seafood chowder to black pepper pork.

While you’re in Dongdamen Night Market, make sure you also sample the grilled BBQ corn, which is brushed with BBQ sauce and charred. The fruit juices are worth trying as well, as Taiwan is home to many local fruits such as sweet pineapples and tangy custard apples.

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Top attractions in Tainan, Taiwan

Tainan is a small city located in southern Taiwan and also the oldest city, is the old capital of Taiwan with a rich and long-standing culture, cool climate and excellent cuisine. Read this article to know about Tainan's best attractions for first timers.

Confucius Temple

Welcome to Taiwan’s oldest Confucian Shrine! Of all the Confucius temples around the island, this one is my favorite. The halls are set in front of a vast park filled with huge banyan trees where people chat, fly kites, paint or just walk around. There’s no better place to be on a sunny day when the temple’s pink walls contrast against a deep blue sky.

Great South Gate of Tainan

Remain of Tainan’s old defences. From the Confucius Temple, it’s only a short walk along Nanmen Rd. to get to the Great South Gate. The massive double gate was completed in 1835. Set in yet another pleasant park, the giant structure is a reminder of Tainan’s military past as well as one of the most photogenic attraction in town.

Koxinga’s Shrine

Extremely popular with Chinese tourists from the mainland, this memorial is dedicated to Koxinga – the Ming Dynasty general who kicked the Dutch out of Taiwan in 1662. You can see a statue of the man in the main hall as well as tablets commemorating his army along the side corridors. A small museum by the shrine has traditional Taiwanese puppets on display.

National Museum of Taiwanese Literature

Set in an attractive neoclassical building that used to be Tainan’s City Hall, this museum showcases exhibitions that detail the progression of Taiwanese literature since the Japanese occupation. For most, the building’s architecture is the main interest. It was built by the Japanese in 1916. Most displays have English descriptions. It’s just a short walk north of Confucius Temple.

Chihkan Towers

Due to its central location and its proximity to lots of good restaurants, this popular landmark seems to attract more tourists than any other attraction in town. Even if you don’t like crowds, you should still put Chihkan Towers on your travel itinerary.

When you enter the site, take a right to make your way to the pavilions. You’ll see a statue of a helpless Dutch bowing his head in front of a powerful Koxinga.

Climb up the two Fujianese-style pavilions to get good views over the city. The nine tablets lined up on the back of stone turtles at the base of the first pavilion date back as far as 1786. They were sent by the Chinese Emperor of that era.

Anping Fort

Also called Fort Zeelandia, this impressive bastion was originally built by the Dutch in 1653. All that remains from the original structure are a few crumbling walls that used to make up the foundation. The streets around the fort turn into a lively market on weekends and the entire area enjoys a carnival atmosphere as hundreds of Taiwanese tourists show up to buy snacks and play games.

Eternal Golden Castle

The fortress is set in the biggest and most beautiful park I’ve seen in Taiwan. Unsurprisingly, tons of Taiwanese flock here on weekends to stroll around the fortifications.

It used to be an important piece of Taiwan’s defense against the Japanese. Military buffs will enjoy the cannons on top of the citadel. Photographers will want to shoot the front gate early morning. I highly recommend to walk between this site and Anping Fort.

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Where to visit in Nantou, Taiwan in one day

During your stay in Nantou, you can visit the historical and cultural sites around the lake or take a stroll along the many hiking trails there. Nantou County is rich in history and its background is every bit as charming as its locals.

Bamboo Rock Garden

Sun Moon Lake offers many scenic spots, but the Bamboo Rock Garden is one place you have to visit. The garden’s many trees offer a shady respite from the sun and a place to rest. Ardent photographers can attempt to capture the beauty of the towering bamboo plants.

There are a butterfly garden and a hotel within the grounds. The Tea Research and Extension Station is a short stroll away, too, so be sure to visit it if you have a thirst and time to spare.

Carp Lake

Carp Lake is a very scenic tourist spot, and although it may be located near the outskirts of the township, there’s plenty to see and do here. It’s an especially good spot if you like outdoors activities since you can go boating, camping, picnicking and hiking. The shoreline is fairly well developed, so don't go expecting beautiful natural scenery. However, that development means that there's a good choice of restaurants and hotels immediately around the water.

Wenwu Temple

Wenwu Temple is the result of 2 post-Japanese-era temples being combined as a single entity. The locals here had Wenwu Temple built in place of two temples when rising lake waters threatened to submerge the buildings.

At first glance, the temple looks every bit like a traditional Confucius temple reminiscent to those found in Northern China. The structure is majestic and a sight to behold. With so many travelers visiting each day, officials thought it would be wiser to leave the main gates open for tourists’ convenience, so it is accessible throughout the day.

Batongguan Historic Trail

The Batongguan Historic Trail was established by soldiers in 1875, during the rule of the Qing dynasty. Along the trail, you will find numerous stone inscriptions that act as milestones in the history on the area as well as distance. These include the “Wan Nian Heng Cyu” stone inscription made on a gargantuan boulder. When translated, it reads: “The opening of the roads expedites trade and travel to the benefit of future generations”.

Besides learning about the deep-rooted history of Nantou, you can also bask in the beauty of the Central Mountain Range.

See more: Explore top attractions in Shilin, Taiwan

Source: Internet

The best budget hotels in Taipei, Taiwan

As one of the more expensive cities to visit in Asia, Taipei is not always at the top of the list for the budget traveler, but this lively city full of culture has a lot to offer the thrifty tourist. And far from being a city full of boutique hotels and five-star establishments, there are more than a few budget-friendly hotels right here in the city. Here are five of the best.

Beauty Hotels Taipei

Beauty Hotels Taipei (Hotel Bchic) is a boutique hotel in a modern tower. With a simple, luxurious design and a fancy vibe, the hotel tries its best to live up to the chic ideal. However, it is still a budget hotel, so you get good value for money still.

It is an eight-minute walk from Songjiang Nanjing MRT Station. The MRT is an interchange, which allows you to easily switch to other train lines. Breakfast is included when you stay at this hotel, but it is not well-reviewed, so you might want to get some street food instead. The rooms are clean and nicely decorated, with art pieces in rooms and cozy wooden flooring. Some people might find the rooms a bit small, but if you do not mind a bit of a squeeze or have lots of luggage, then you will not have an issue. Some rooms come with a whirlpool tub too.

Dandy Hotel Daan

Hotels near Daan Park are usually in a much higher price bracket than this unusually named Dandy Hotel. Here, the focus is on providing as clean and modern a living space as is possible without overcharging guests. The décor is incredible, and the fact that you are in Daan where there are great public transport connections and so many things to do just makes the place an ideal find. Rooms from around TWD2000 (US$65).

Via Hotel

Located right smack in Ximending, a location does not get any more prime than the Via Hotel’s. It is a great location for shopping and exploring all that Ximending has to offer. It is also located near to Ximen MRT Station, so you can explore the rest of Taipei easily from there.

The rooms are cheery, with colorful wallpaper livening up the atmosphere. However, do not that the amenities in the Via Hotel are extremely basic. The wardrobe is just a bar fastened to the ceiling, and the Wi-Fi connection is weak. You might trade in a bit of convenience for the accessibility of the hotel.

CityInn Plus Ximending

This new hotel is right in the heart of one of Taipei’s coolest neighborhoods, Ximending. The entire building is super modern and very well maintained. Some of the rooms feature murals and modern art touches that give CityInn Plus a very chic and stylish feel that often makes guests wonder if the rates they are paying are actually correct. Rooms from around TWD2150 (US$70).

Goodmore Hotel

Located in one of the most trendy neighborhoods in Taipei, Goodmore Hotel is found close to the Shida Night Market which boasts a plethora of street food and retail options. No trip to Taiwan would be complete without a visit to one of its bustling night markets, and Goodmore Hotel is conveniently located 400 meters away from one. On top of that, the Taipei Songshan Airport is also easily accessible from the hotel as it is only 5 kilometers away, not to mention that the hotel offers surcharged shuttle service from the airport.

See more: The most impressive buildings in Taipei, Taiwan

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What to do in Hualien, Taiwan

Hualien city is a place of incredible natural wonders and home to one of Taiwan’s most beautiful National Parks, Taroko. While the county’s unrivalled scenery is an understandable attraction for tour groups and travellers, the city of Hualien itself also has a lot to offer. So next time, if you visit Taiwan’s East Coast, take some time to enjoy the delights of this relaxed coastal city.

Visit Taroko Gorge National Park

The undisputed king of Taiwan’s National Parks, Taroko Gorge is the quintessential destination on Taiwan’s east coast. Towering marble valleys, thundering waterfalls, forest hikes and mountain to mountain suspension bridges are just a few of the spectacular features of this grand park. Carved by the Liwu river over millions of years, the spectacular Gorge is the largest marble canyon in the world and boasts a wide variety of trails, temples and landscapes.

Sample street food at Dongdamen Night Market

You simply cannot visit any city in Taiwan without checking out the local night market. In Hualien that means heading to Dongdamen. The market is a hive of activity once the sun goes down. Take a browse around the stalls and be sure to sample some of the region’s most famous street foods. It does get busy at the weekends but half the fun of a night market is navigating the crowds while eating food on a stick.

Check out the beaches

Beaches in Hualien are uncrowded and fairly pristine. The water can be chilly, so if you want to go for a dip your best bet is to head to Jici (or Jiqi) beach airsouth of Hualien city as swimming is not allowed at the more famous Qixingtan beach.

Explore the East Rift Valley

As one heads south on Highway 9 or scenic Old Highway 193 from Hualien City, it becomes clear, quite quickly, what a spectacular day is in store for you. With the Coastal Mountain Range rising on your left, and the Central Mountain Range on your right, the green and fertile East Rift Valley stretches south, littered with glistening rice paddies, wild rivers, waterfalls, hot springs and more.

From the tranquil shores of Liyu Lake, to the tea fields and hot springs of Ruisui, there are tons of things to explore in this beautiful valley. Cool off under Fenghuang Waterfall, take a bike ride through Danong Dafu Forest Park, view countless orchids and critters in the Matai’an Wetlands, see many of Taiwan’s 450 butterfly species at the Fuyuan Forest Recreation Area and so much more.

Wander around Hualien Railway Culture Park

The Railway Culture Park is set in the restored grounds of an old railway depot. Originally built in 1932, this park is full of historical facts and information about the area’s industrial past. There is a fully restored machine yard which is something of a paradise for train lovers young and old, while the rest of the park features rustic buildings, great to take a wander around and the perfect photo backdrop.

See more: 7 must-try foods in Hualien, Taiwan

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Budget hotels to stay in Taipei

As one of the more expensive cities to visit in Asia, Taipei isn’t always at the top of the list for the budget traveler, but this lively city full of culture has a lot to offer the thrifty tourist. And far from being a city full of boutique hotels and five-star establishments, there are more than a few budget-friendly hotels right here in the city.

CityInn Plus Ximending

This new hotel is right in the heart of one of Taipei’s coolest neighborhoods, Ximending. The entire building is super modern and very well maintained. Some of the rooms feature murals and modern art touches that give CityInn Plus a very chic and stylish feel that often makes guests wonder if the rates they are paying are actually correct.

Meander Hostel Wanhua

Located in the lively district of Wanhua and just a short walk from Ximending, Meander Hostel offers a warm and friendly welcome, with the staff and owners taking pride in keeping the backpacker spirit alive and well in Taipei. The public areas and bathrooms are incredibly well maintained and everywhere is spotlessly clean. The added bonus of staying here is the likelihood of meeting and hanging out with other travelers.

Dandy Hotel Daan

Hotels near Daan Park are usually in a much higher price bracket than this unusually named Dandy Hotel. Here, the focus is on providing as clean and modern a living space as is possible without overcharging guests. The décor is incredible, and the fact that you are in Daan where there are great public transport connections and so many things to do just makes the place an ideal find.

Flip Flop Hostel Datong

This colorful hostel is an oasis of calm in the busy center of Taipei. Close to a variety of local sights and public transport links, Flip Flop Hostel is a favorite with backpackers or travelers who just want to save a few dollars and stay in a friendly and safe environment. The rooms are modern and serviced regularly, while the staff are happy to help with local tourist information.

Space Inn Hengyang

This futuristic hostel is like something from a sci-fi movie with space themed décor found throughout. Aptly named Space Inn, guests will find a huge kitchen with a variety of appliances as well as a gaming room. The beds are pretty cozy, too, but it’s the décor and location near Ximending that puts this hostel on our list.

See more: 7 amazing themed cafés and restaurants in Taipei

Source: Internet

All you need to know about Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan

Taiwan is brimming with incredible natural scenery yet few locations captivate the tourist masses quite like Sun Moon Lake. Regardless of the fact that it is a relatively new landscape there are many myths and legends relating to the mountains surrounding the lake.

The discovery of the lake

In Thao legend, hunters of the tribe one day spotted a white deer, followed it and the chase led them to the lake. The hunters were so impressed by the landscape with its lush greenery, fish-filled waters, and abundant wildlife that they decided to relocate to the lakeside. The countryside became theirs and they still live there to this day.

Lalu Island

At the heart of the lake lies Lalu Island. This is a sacred ground for the Thao tribe yet it is only in recent years that it has been recognized as such. During Japanese rule the island was renamed as Jade Island then again, later, as Guang Hua. The island originally split the lake into two distinct shapes, one resembled a sun while the other a crescent moon. This is believed to be how the lake got its name although there are other stories that claim it was due to the colors of the lake water.

The local government built a marriage pavilion on the island in 1978 and for many years, annual group ceremonies took place there. It may have seemed a touch insensitive to the local Thao tribe who believed that their most revered ancestral spirit resided on the island.

However, after an earthquake in 1999 (known locally as the 921 earthquake) the landscape shifted resulting in much of the island sinking and the destruction of the pavilion. The island has since been recognized by the government as sacred ground and locals insist that only members of the Thao tribe can now set foot on it.

The Sun Moon Lake legend

While the deer hunting legend is told by many tribes (not just the Thao) there is another legend that is especially popular among tourists. This legend tells of how the Thao were one day working their land when they heard a massive boom before the sky went dark. The sun had disappeared but they took comfort in the fact that the moon would soon come to offer them light. However, when the moon came out that night the same thing happened and the world was left in utter darkness.

A young couple took it upon themselves to search for the sun and the moon and after a long hard trek they came to the lake. There they saw two dragons playing with the sun and the moon. Before they could do anything they noticed smoke coming from under a rock. They moved the rock and followed a passage to find an old lady that claimed the dragons had forced her to live there cooking their meals.

After hearing this the couple were worried that they could not defeat the dragons but the old lady had an idea. She told them of the golden axe and scissors under Ali Mountain which when thrown in the lake would kill the dragons instantly.

They found the axe and scissors, threw them at the dragons and won back the sun and moon but unfortunately they didn’t have the strength to put either back into the sky. The old lady then informed them of the powers of a dragon’s eyeball. Apparently once consumed, you would have the strength of that dragon and so the couple ate an eyeball from each dragon. They soon became giants and with their now superhuman strength, the couple lifted the sun into the sky using a palm tree. When the sun began to work properly they did the same with the moon.

It’s easy to see why this legend persists and why tourists love it so much.

Things to do

There are many things to keep you occupied during your time at Sun Moon Lake. Take a boat trip across the lake or a cable car trip up to the aboriginal theme park. For many though, the chance to rent a bike and ride around the many cycle paths is the best way to see and appreciate the local scenery.

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Source: Internet

Visit the best neighborhoods of Taipei

Visitors to Taipei often find themselves confined to their hotel’s neighborhood or the city’s most famous attractions. But Taipei is so much more than amazing temples, museums, and the one-time tallest building in the world. Here are five of the coolest neighborhoods to spend an afternoon away from the tourist masses.

Tianmu

Formerly home to United States Armed Forces personnel, Tianmu is one of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods and has the largest expatriate population in the region. It’s in this neighborhood that Taipei’s most famous international schools have their campuses and despite the high rents and house prices, it remains one of the most sought-after addresses in the city. Close to Beitou and Yangmingshan National Park, the area is also a melting pot of both local and foreign cultures.

Ximending

The weekend haunt of many of the city’s teenagers, Ximending is a shopping area and an interesting cultural experience rolled into one. Home to a huge number of shops catering to the fashion requirements of Taiwan’s younger generation, it’s not uncommon to see outfits that look like something from a cosplay convention on the neighborhood’s many pedestrianized streets.The area is full of restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, cinemas, and even Karaoke clubs. There’s so much to do and see in Ximending that it’s a neighborhood well worth visiting.

Shida

Once home to one of the city’s busiest and most famous night markets, Shida neighborhood has quietened down in recent years due to complaints from the locals that live there. It is still a great place to find something to eat or take a walk through, visiting the small boutiques and stores that line the narrow alleyways.The proximity of the university and student halls of residence mean it’s a predominantly student crowd that visits the neighborhood and gives the area a multicultural vibe.

Gongguan

Just a short walk from Shida lies the neighborhood of Gongguan. It’s another student area but is much more vibrant than its quieter neighbor. Countless food stalls and hole-in-the-wall restaurants line the network of tiny streets and lanes in the local nightmarket. Like Xinmending, there are also plenty of places to eat out, a few bars (there’s even an Irish bar here), and two cinemas. Like Shida, the proximity of the main campus of NTU (National Taiwan University) lends the neighborhood a feeling of diversity.

Daan

Home to the city’s largest park, Daan is a district that has a reputation for housing some of Taipei’s best and most interesting restaurants. It’s here that the many locals and expats spend their Saturday and Sunday afternoons relaxing in one of the many cafés and restaurants on Yongkang Street.

The district is also home to a number of trendy bars serving the latest craft beers. But it’s quite possibly the many sights and sounds of Daan Park that makes this one of the most pleasant areas in the city.

See more: Things to do when traveling to Taipei, Taiwan

Source: Internet