🌸 Cherry Blossoms
We woke up on Day 3 eager to see more of Taiwan’s beauty, and this time, we were on a mission to find cherry blossoms. Our search led us to Beitou District, a lovely area known for its natural hot springs, and surprisingly, a great spot for cherry blossoms. While Beitou is famous for its hot spring resorts, the public parks in the area also offer scenic views and serene spots, and during spring, the cherry blossoms add a stunning touch to the landscape.
We explored the lush parks of Beitou, where trees with soft pink and white blossoms lined the pathways. The picturesque scene made for the perfect backdrop for some beautiful photos. The tranquil ambiance of Beitou, coupled with the occasional sight of hot spring steam rising from nearby resorts, was incredibly peaceful. After spending time admiring the cherry blossoms, we decided to head over to one of the most popular markets in Taipei—Raohe Night Market.
🌃Raohe Night Market
Getting to Raohe Night Market was easy thanks to the Taipei MRT system. We took the MRT to Songshan Station, and from there, it was just a short walk to the entrance of the market. Raohe Night Market is one of the oldest in Taipei, and it’s known for its bustling atmosphere and variety of street food. The market is lined with shops selling everything from clothing to trinkets and souvenirs, but the real highlight here is the food. You can’t visit without trying a few Taiwanese street food classics.
One of the foods that Taiwan is most famous for is stinky tofu—and yes, I decided to give it a try. Despite the infamous smell, which is actually stronger than I anticipated, the tofu itself was surprisingly delicious. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with a variety of pickled vegetables, adding a tangy contrast to the savory flavor. It was definitely an experience I’ll never forget!
Aside from stinky tofu, we tried a number of other snacks including bubble tea, grilled squid, and pepper buns. The market was buzzing with energy, and we wandered around, taking in the sights and sounds, and picking up some pasalubong (souvenirs) for family and friends back home. After a fun evening exploring the market and savoring Taiwan’s culinary delights, we returned to our accommodation to rest up for the next day’s adventure.
Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, and Shifen — A Scenic Escape from the City
After a few packed DIY days, we finally gave ourselves a break and booked a guided day tour through Klook—a great decision, especially if you’re short on time or just want to sit back and enjoy the ride. The tour covered Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen Old Street, and Shifen Waterfall, three picturesque spots north of Taipei.
🚐 Comfortable Transport:
The air-conditioned van picked us up early from a central location. It was a smooth ride, and our friendly tour guide provided interesting tidbits and history along the way. Definitely a relief compared to figuring out Taiwan’s intercity bus/train routes on our own.
🌊 Yehliu Geopark
Our first stop was Yehliu, a fascinating coastal park famous for its unique rock formations sculpted by wind and waves. The standout was the “Queen’s Head,” but the park also had many other intriguing formations that looked like mushrooms, candles, and sea creatures.
The ocean breeze was refreshing, and we took tons of photos as we walked the rocky trails.
🌧️ Jiufen Old Street
Next was Jiufen, a mountain town that inspired scenes in Spirited Away. Nestled on a slope, Jiufen is a maze of narrow alleys lined with lantern-lit tea houses, quirky souvenir shops, and food stalls selling everything from taro balls to herbal cakes.
The vibe was nostalgic and cinematic — mist, red lanterns, tiled rooftops — like stepping into an old Taiwanese movie. Don’t miss the local peanut ice cream rolls and bubble tea!
💡 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Jiufen’s alleys are charming but steep and often slippery.
💦 Shifen Waterfall and Sky Lantern Wishes
The final stop was Shifen, where we walked to the thunderous Shifen Waterfall — known as the “Little Niagara of Taiwan.” It’s surrounded by greenery and has photo spots on viewing decks and bridges.
We also experienced the popular activity of releasing a sky lantern along Shifen Old Street. We each wrote our wishes and messages on different sides of the lantern, then released it together on the railway tracks as a train passed nearby. It felt symbolic, hopeful, and peaceful all at once.
✨ It was a day of nature, culture, and a bit of magic — all without the stress of commuting or planning.
Day 5: Elephant Mountain and Ice Cream at the Underground Mall
On my final day in Taiwan, I wanted to end my trip with a bang. I set my sights on Elephant Mountain, which offers one of the best views of Taipei 101 and the entire Taipei skyline. The hike up Elephant Mountain is not too long, but it’s steep in some parts, which means you’ll definitely get your steps in. Check out the details of my full mountain hike here: https://mjtravels.blog/elephant-mountain-taiwan/
After the hike, I made my way to the underground mall near Taipei 101 for a sweet treat. The mall, which is connected to the Taipei 101 building, is full of shops and food stalls, making it a popular stop for both locals and tourists. I indulged in some ice cream to cool down after the hike, and it was the perfect way to wrap up our trip. The underground mall’s cozy atmosphere and wide variety of food options made it a great spot to relax before heading back to our accommodation to pack for our flight home.
Final Thoughts: A Memorable Taiwan Adventure
Our trip to Taiwan was an incredible journey filled with unforgettable experiences. If you’re looking for a mix of culture, nature, and delicious food, Taiwan is definitely worth adding to your travel bucket list.
Check-out my part 1 of Taiwan travel here: https://mjtravels.blog/taiwan-part-1/
