There’s something exciting about traveling with friends—no fixed tours, no strict schedules, just shared laughs, unexpected turns, and the freedom to explore. That’s exactly how our Holy Week 2024 Taiwan trip began. We were supposed to be four, but due to work conflicts, only three of us pushed through. And even with one missing, the adventure was very much alive.
✈️ March 26: Touchdown in Taiwan
It’s been more than a year since our trip, but I’m finally writing about it today, just in time after Holy Week. We arrived in Taiwan on March 26 at around 2 AM. Upon landing, we were greeted by a clean, quiet airport and—surprise—a tourist raffle booth! Taiwan had a limited-time promotion where arriving tourists could scan their passports and try their luck in a digital raffle. Some visitors won cash vouchers or EasyCards with loaded credits. We tried it, fingers crossed… but sadly, luck wasn’t on our side that day. Still, it was a fun welcome gesture, and definitely a unique way to kick off the trip.
After that, we purchased EasyCards at 7-Eleven (super handy for trains, buses, and even purchases at convenience stores), then hopped on a train and bus combo to reach our accommodation in Wenyuan Village, Zhonghe District. Though check-in wasn’t until the afternoon, our host allowed us to pay extra for early check-in. That meant we could rest, organize our bags, freshen up, and get ready to explore—despite running on zero sleep.
🌸 Stop 1: ZhongShe Flower Market
Our first destination: ZhongShe Flower Market in Taichung. This meant our first taste of navigating Taiwan’s public transport: a local bus, the high-speed bullet train (THSR), and then another train. We did get a little lost looking for the train platform, but it wasn’t stressful at all—Taiwan’s transportation system is impressively tourist-friendly, with clear signage in English.
When we arrived at the flower market, we were immediately swept into a sea of colors. Imagine a wide open space filled with neatly arranged flower beds—tulips, sunflowers, lavender, lilies, and more, depending on the season. It was like stepping into a painting.
Despite the scorching sun and growing crowd, I couldn’t stop taking photos. Every corner was picture-perfect. The market also features props like swings, bicycles, and rustic benches nestled among the flowers, designed for Instagram-perfect shots. It’s a paradise for content creators and nature lovers alike.
🎫 Entrance Fee: ~NT$150 (subject to season)
🕒 Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
📍 Location: Houli District, Taichung
🌅 Stop 2: Gaomei Wetlands
After Flower Market, we had a choice between visiting Rainbow Village or watching the sunset at Gaomei Wetlands. We chose the latter—and it did not disappoint.
Located along the coast of Qingshui District, Gaomei Wetlands is a scenic conservation area known for its iconic wind turbines, wooden boardwalks, and dreamy sunsets. The moment we stepped out, we were welcomed by strong, salty sea winds that seemed to cleanse the exhaustion from our bodies.
The long boardwalk stretched into the wetlands, allowing visitors to walk out toward the coast without disturbing the ecosystem. The sky gradually turned golden, casting beautiful reflections on the shallow water—one of the most peaceful, stunning scenes we saw on the whole trip.
The only challenge? Getting there and back. The bus stops were quite a walk, and public transport going out wasn’t very frequent, especially at night. Still, it was worth every step.
Along the way, we found a vendor selling Taiwanese-style squid balls with a spicy seasoning that surprised us in the best way. It was a simple snack, but absolutely delicious—perfect after all the walking.
🚍 Travel Tip: Expect long walks to/from the bus stops; check bus schedules ahead
💨 Bring: A light jacket and comfy walking shoes
📸 Don’t Miss: That iconic shot of the windmills at sunset!
🍨 Final Stop: Miyahara
We wrapped up our Taichung trip with a visit to the famous Miyahara, a building that looks like it belongs in a fantasy novel. Originally an eye clinic from the Japanese era, Miyahara was transformed by Dawncake into a dessert wonderland—famous for its ice cream, chocolates, and pineapple cakes.
Walking in felt like entering Hogwarts. The interior was grand and dimly lit, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, dark wood, arched doorways, and elegant chandeliers. Even if you’re not buying anything, the aesthetic alone makes it worth visiting.
Of course, we didn’t leave empty-handed—we queued up for their famous ice cream, choosing from flavors like Salted Cheese Caramel, Lychee Rose, Black Tea, and Matcha. You can choose up to three scoops with unique toppings like cheesecake chunks, mochi, or almond brittle. It was hands down the best ice cream I’ve had in a long time.
🛍️ Souvenir Tip: Their gift boxes (for chocolates, teas, and pastries) make excellent pasalubong!
📍 Location: Central Taichung, near the train station
⏳ Plan Ahead: There might be long lines, especially in the late afternoon
For dinner, we ate at the nearby KFC—a comforting choice, though the flavor had a twist. The Taiwanese spice blend wasn’t quite what we expected, but it was still an interesting way to compare familiar food in a new culture.
By the time we made it back to our Airbnb, it was well past midnight. We were beyond exhausted—blisters forming, bodies sore—but every second of that first day was worth it.
From flowers and sunsets to wizard-themed ice cream shops, our DIY Taichung trip gave us a beautiful introduction to Taiwan. Tired as we were, we couldn’t wait to see what Day 2 had in store.
After a jam-packed adventure in Taichung on our first day, we gave ourselves a break from long-distance travel and stayed within the vibrant city of Taipei. From cuddly pandas to towering skyscrapers and neon-drenched night markets, this was a city day done right.
Oh, and instead of the MRT, we challenged ourselves to explore Taipei mostly by bus—slower, yes, but it let us really see the city from the window.
🦁 Taipei Zoo + Maokong Gondola Ride
We started our second day at Taipei Zoo, one of Asia’s largest and most well-maintained zoological parks. Entrance was just NT$60, making it a budget-friendly yet enriching destination.
Some highlights:
- 🐼 Giant Panda House – They were either munching bamboo or sleeping like royalty.
- 🦘 Koalas, penguins, reptiles, birds—they had it all.
- Clean rest areas, shaded walkways, and well-organized maps.
After exploring for a while, we took the Maokong Gondola, a scenic cable car that connects Taipei Zoo to Maokong mountain.The views were gorgeous—green hills, cityscapes, and temples scattered across the slopes.
🎢 Maokong Gondola Quick Info:
- NT$120 one way (cheaper with EasyCard)
- About 20-30 minutes per ride
- Several stops including Zhinan Temple and Maokong tea area
Even though we didn’t have time to explore Maokong itself, the gondola ride was already an experience worth doing.
🏙️ Taipei 101
Next, we headed to the iconic Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world. We didn’t go up to the observatory deck due to budget constraints, but the view from below and inside the mall was enough.
The tower’s unique design (inspired by bamboo) was fascinating, and inside were both luxury shops and a food court with affordable options. It was the perfect spot to cool down and grab a quick bite. We tried the thin crust squid ink pizza, it is delicious.
📸 Fun Fact: The elevators inside Taipei 101 are among the fastest in the world—just 37 seconds to the top!
🏛️ Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
From the future to the past, we then took a bus to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a large, majestic space honoring Taiwan’s former president. The complex is massive—with traditional Chinese architecture, peaceful gardens, and a wide-open plaza.
It was a solemn and reflective stop, perfect for balancing out the thrill of our earlier stops.
🌃 Ximending
We ended our city day with a trip to Ximending, a youth-centric shopping and nightlife district often compared to Harajuku in Tokyo. Here, the energy was different—lively, loud, and full of color.
What we loved most?
- 🛍️ Shops upon shops— clothing, toys, souvenirs—you name it.
- 🎤 Street performers, dancers, and musicians around every corner.
Famous for its milk tea and pearl creations, we indulged in some of the best bubble tea in Taiwan. The creamy, sweet concoctions were perfection! We also had the chance to try the renowned Xiao Long Bao—delicate, flavorful dumplings that are a must-try in Taiwan. And, of course, there were countless shops offering free samples that made me almost full just from tasting all the delicious snacks!
We didn’t buy a lot, but just walking around, people-watching, and eating made Ximending one of the most memorable parts of the day.
