Located north of the Philippines, Taiwan is gaining a reputation as one of Asia’s must-visit destinations. It’s capital Taipei is home to skyscrapers, an excellent transportation system and a bustling business district, thanks to its ever-evolving economy, but that’s not all. This bustling city also boasts a unique and fascinating culture informed by a mix of Chinese, Japanese and Western influences. So, from stinky tofus to toilet-themed restaurants to the dizzying views from the famed Taipei 101, there is an abundance of things to hear, see, smell, taste and touch. Here are some of our favourite things to experience in this incredible metropolis using all five senses.
See
No doubt, there are tons of picturesque places to see in Taipei, but we guess nothing can top the views that meet you when you visit the super-tall Taipei 101 building. Literally. Not only is this landmark an architectural marvel in itself, but its observation decks, located on the 88th, 89th and 91st floors, offer some of the most breathtaking city views you’ll lay your eyes on in Asia, or even the world. While entrance to the observatories is free of charge for children under 115 centimeters, admission is NT$500 for adults and NT$450 for students. Tickets can be purchased online or at a ticket office located on the building’s 5th floor.
Taste
No trip to Taipei is ever complete without tasting the city’s mouthwatering street food. The Taiwanese call it xiǎochī, which means “small snacks,” and you’ll be able to get the best street eats by heading into the city’s night markets, which are scattered all around town. The most notable night markets are Tonghua (located near the Taipei 101 tower), Shilin and Raohe. Among the items that will get your taste buds tingling are the black pepper buns, Japanese cakes called Dorayaki, pork blood cake and boiled squid. The country is also known for its chòu dòufu, commonly known as “stinky tofu,” which is a form of fermented tofu that possesses a distinctly strong odor you can smell from a distance. While in Taipei, you’ll also want to experience the Modern Toilet restaurant known for serving food in toilet-shaped plates and drinks in urinal-like cups. We say, don’t knock it ‘til you try it!
Hear
Taiwanese are lovers of the arts, most specifically music. And it shows in the myriad of venues, record stores and music-related events in and around town. Hohaiyan Rock Festival is an annual Taiwan rock music festival that takes place every July in New Taipei, a coastal municipality outside the capital, wherein some of the country’s biggest acts have performed amid the sounds of the nearby beach waves. If you’re not able to catch the festival, don’t worry, there are numerous clubs and bars in town always hosting cool, live performances. Meanwhile, vinyl collectors will also be delighted to know that a significant number of record stores such as Hsiao Song and Species Records are based in the city.
Touch
Like Japan, Taiwan is another country blessed with volcanically activated hot springs. And from Taipei’s city centre, you only need to travel 30 to 40 minutes via MRT or taxi to reach some of the best spas outside of town. In the northern district of Beitou geothermal activities abound. While bathing in the jade-hued waters of Thermal Valley (also aptly nicknamed “Hell Valley”) is restricted as temperatures can reach 90 degrees Celsius, visitors can still enjoy the soothing warmth of the waters in public outdoor hot-spring pools of spas such as Spring City and Millennium Hot Spring.
Smell
Breathe in some fresh air by taking a bus from the city centre or Beitou to Yangmingshan National Park, where rolling hills, hiking trails, bathhouses and the country’s largest dormant volcano await. If you visit during springtime, the relaxing floral scent of cherry blossoms will reward you, as well as rhododendrons and azaleas spread across the park, hills and even the roadsides. Another popular attraction in the park is the calla lily farm by Bamboo Lake, which you’ll find in full bloom if you visit from March to May.
If you enjoy travelling by the senses, find out what you can see, touch, hear, smell and taste in Ipoh, Malaysia.
Main image: itstockphoto/elwynn1130
