Be sure to visit Yangmingshan National Park when you come to Taipei.

📍Yangmingshan is a must-see in Taipei. Here are three must-visit spots in Yangmingshan: Xiaoyoukeng, Menghuan Pond, and Qingtiangang. 📍At Xiaoyoukeng, you can witness the unique sight of the earth "smoking" due to volcanic gas leaks. The air is filled with a distinct and strong sulfurous smell, which can be both refreshing and dizzying. It's a very unique landscape, a favorite among local off-the-beaten-path enthusiasts. There are some hiking trails nearby, including a two-hour round trip to the main peak of Qixing Mountain and a ten-minute round trip to the small dirt slope and bamboo forest next to it. 📍Within Yangmingshan, there's a small bus, the 108, that runs every 20 minutes. You can use an EasyCard or pay with cash (no change given). The bus bumps along a loop route, hitting all the major attractions in Yangmingshan. After visiting Xiaoyoukeng, take the 108 to Menghuan Pond. 📍The sign says it's about a kilometer walk from the Menghuan Pond bus stop to the pond itself. For seasoned hikers and walkers, this might seem like a negligible distance, but it's a steep, uphill climb on a stone-paved path! It's also quite slippery due to moss. But the moment you reach Menghuan Pond and see it for yourself, it's all worth it. It truly is dreamlike and ethereal. 📍Next, take the 108 from Menghuan Pond to Qingtiangang. The fog at Qingtiangang can be so thick it feels like another world. Many water buffalo leisurely enjoy their vacation there, watching the silly humans come and go, taking pictures of themselves. Brave buffalo are not afraid of difficulties. The heavy fog has its own unique beauty. 📍In summary: When you come to Taipei, you must visit Yangmingshan to see what the earth looks like on this side of the sea. I recommend it 90%, minus 10% because there are a lot of mosquitoes! Remember to bring mosquito repellent.