Ultra-Detailed Taiwan Travel Guide for Type J Personalities – Come Copy the Homework!

1. Taipei Metropolitan Area Must-Visit Attractions Taipei 101: Ascend to the observatory for a panoramic city view, with the 89th-floor deck featuring the world’s fastest elevator. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: White architecture with guard-changing ceremonies, surrounded by Liberty Square and National Theater. Shilin Official Residence: Former home of Chiang Kai-shek, blending Japanese and Western styles in its gardens and buildings. Raohe Street Night Market: Must-tries include pepper cakes, herbal pork ribs, and okonomiyaki. Maokong Gondola: Overlook the Tamsui River and Taipei Basin, with tea-tasting and scenic views at the mountaintop. Deep Experiences Eslite Bookstore: The 24-hour Xinyi flagship store combines reading with art spaces. Beitou Hot Springs: Relax in thermal baths; recommend the historic Longnaitang public hot spring. Huashan 1914 Creative Park: Art exhibitions and hands-on workshops for culture lovers. 2. Hualien & Taroko Natural Wonders Taroko Gorge: Sandstone canyon landscapes, ideal for hikes like Shakadang Trail and Swallow Grotto Trail. Qixingtan Beach: Pebble beach perfect for cycling or capturing Pacific sunsets. Qingshui Cliffs: Dramatic coastal cliffs along the Suhua Highway. Cultural Immersion Fengbin Shitiping: Amis tribe village offering traditional dance performances. Ruisui Ranch: Horseback riding, fresh milk, and signature ranch curry rice. 3. Tainan & Historic Towns Heritage & Cuisine Anping Fort: Dutch colonial ruins with lush Anping Tree House. Chihkan Tower: Commemorates Koxinga’s landing, blending Dutch and Chinese architecture. Garden Night Market (Fengjia Night Market): Try "small sausage in large sausage," coffin bread, and Guan Zhilin’s version. Lukang Township Mazu Temple: Center of Mazu worship; touch the dragon pillars for blessings. Momon Lane: Narrow alley turned viral photo spot. Local specialties: Grandma’s braised noodles and stir-fried squid. 4. Taitung & Zhiben Hot Springs Nature & Leisure Mr. Brown Avenue: Scenic cycling route featured in Jin Chengwu’s ads. Sanxiantai: Volcanic island with stunning sunset views. Beinan Cultural Park: Prehistoric museum showcasing indigenous history. Zhiben Hot Springs Soak in natural riverside hot springs; opt for a cozy B&B experience. 5. Kaohsiung & Harbor Vibes City Highlights Pier-2 Art Center: Warehouse-turned-art district with graffiti and creative markets. British Consulate at Takao: Taiwan’s first Western-style building overlooking Kaohsiung Port. Liuhe Night Market: Must-eats include papaya milk, diced beef, and harbor-style fried chicken. Qijin Peninsula Visit Qijin Lighthouse and Shawei Beach, accessible via ferry from Gushan Pier. II. Taiwan Food Map Night Market Must-Eats Shilin Night Market: Giant crispy chicken, "small sausage in large sausage," pan-fried buns. Ningxia Night Market: Liu’s taro balls, Lai’s oyster omelet. Fengjia Night Market: Guan Zhilin’s "sausage wrap," bear paw buns. Classic Snacks Beef Noodles: Lin Dong Fang, Lin Family Dry Noodles. Oyster Omelet: Chen’s version at Ningxia Night Market. Bubble Tea: Chun Shui Tang (originator) or Hanlin Teahouse. Desserts & Shaved Ice Gongguan Longtan Tofu Pudding: Traditional tofu with red bean soup. Yongkang Beef Noodles: Innovative beef noodle variations. Mango Ice: Smoothie House at Yongkang Street, Ice Monster. III. Transport Guide MRT & Buses Taipei MRT covers major attractions; EasyCard works for MRT, buses, and some stores. THSR connects Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung; TRA (local trains) suit short trips. Car Rentals Requires an international license; drive on the left. Caution needed on winding Suhua Highway. TRA & Taiwan Tourist Shuttles Tourist shuttles (e.g., Alishan, Taroko routes) are ideal for independent travelers. IV. Culture & Festivals Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival (Lunar Jan. 15): Thousands release "wish postcards." Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage (Lunar March): 2-million-devotee religious event. Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival (Summer): Sky lit by hundreds of balloons. V. Practical Info Visa: Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan + endorsement required. Currency: TWD (NT$); ~4.3 TWD to 1 CNY. Language: Mandarin widely spoken; some elders use dialects (Hokkien, Hakka). Sockets: Flat two-pin (same as mainland); some hotels provide adapters. VI. Tips Respect local customs; dress modestly in temples. Monitor typhoon alerts in summer. Strong eco-awareness: No littering in public. Hope this guide helps plan your immersive Taiwan trip! For further needs, feel free to ask.