Welcome to the start of an unforgettable journey through Taiwan! In this blog post, I’ll explore the vibrant heart of Taipei and uncover the serene beauty of Wulai, a hidden gem just outside the bustling city.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first adventure, understanding the rich culture, flavorful cuisine, and stunning landscapes of Taiwan is a must. Join me as we recount our first two days in this dynamic destination, filled with iconic sights, local experiences, and tips that will inspire your future travels.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Taiwan, starting from our touchdown in Taipei!
Day 1 – Touch Down in Taipei
We landed at Tao Yuan Airport around 7 PM and headed straight for our hotel in the vibrant Ximending district. Checking into the amba Taipei Ximending was a breeze, and we were quite pleased with our room—spacious and spotlessly clean, it was the perfect start to our trip.
After settling in, we wandered around Ximending, soaking in the lively atmosphere of the area. It had been about seven years since my last visit, back before the COVID era, and it was thrilling to see how the place had evolved. For dinner, we chose Xing Fu Tang Xiao Long Bao, a favorite spot of mine from past visits.
We indulged in their braised pork rice and signature xiao long bao, and couldn’t resist trying their brown sugar boba xiao long bao—my daughter’s absolute favorite.
Not to be outdone, my wife ordered her perennial favorite, Ah Zhong Mian Xian.
Full and satisfied, we wrapped up our night around 10:30 PM and headed back to the hotel to rest up, eagerly anticipating our adventure in Wulai the next day.
Day 2 in Taipei: A Scenic Escape to Wulai
Our second day kicked off bright and early with breakfast at Fong Da Cafe, conveniently located near Ximending. Tip: If you’re not into waiting, aim to arrive early; the cafe fills up quickly, especially around 10-11 AM.
Post-breakfast, we hopped on the MRT to Xindian Station on the Green Line, which took about 30 minutes. From there, we caught Bus 849 for a 40-minute ride to Wulai. The journey was quite smooth, but just so you know, you could also grab a cab from Xindian if waiting for the bus isn’t your thing—buses can take up to 30 minutes to arrive.
Arriving in Wulai, we were greeted by the typical heat of a sunny June day—one of Taiwan’s hottest months.
Despite the heat, Wulai felt peaceful and serene, quite the contrast to the bustling city vibes. Many local seniors were also enjoying morning walks, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
Our first adventure in Wulai was supposed to be a simple tram ride to see the waterfall. However, we accidentally took a wrong turn after crossing the green bridge and ended up hiking up the slope for about an hour to reach the waterfall area. The path was straightforward, thankfully just one way, leading us directly to our destination.
Next, we headed to the cable car station and took a ride up to Yun Hsien Resort. The views from the cable car were stunningly clear, showcasing the lush beauty of Wulai. After some time exploring the resort, we took the cable car back down.
This time, we made sure to catch the quaint little tram for the return journey, which is about a 10-15 minute ride. It’s quite charming and a must-try while in Wulai.
Eventually, we meandered back through the local streets and houses to the bus terminal, where we caught Bus 849 back to Xindian Station.
Day 2 – Shilin Night Market To End The Day
After our lovely outing in Wulai, we headed back to the city to indulge in some shopping before making our way to the Shilin Night Market. We stopped by the Zhongshan area, where I was thrilled to find my favorite brand, Cote & Ciel, known for their extensive collection of backpacks and more.
As evening set in, we hopped on the MRT, taking the Red Line straight to Shilin Night Market. The place was buzzing just as I remembered—huge crowds and an electric atmosphere that I had missed since my last trip to Taipei. We dove into the array of food stalls, picking up some local snacks, and enjoyed the vibrant night scene.
We wrapped up our night market adventure and headed back to our hotel before 10 p.m., aiming for a good night’s rest to recharge for another day of exploration.
