Taipei is the buzzword for Filipino travelers these days. After the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines announced that it would be more lenient when it comes to visa holders from other countries, a new wave of wanderlust sparked millennials to book flights there.
Taipei is a bustling city that combines old-world charm through its night markets and parks, and a cosmopolitan vibe through its futuristic architecture and advances in public transportation and technology. Because of this, a visit to Taiwan’s capital is an enriching cultural experience, one that affects all senses. As a result, Taipei is an Instagrammable city.
For millennials who want to achieve #feedgoals while visiting Taiwan, below are 10 places we recommend:
1. Taipei 101
The most recognizable figure in the Taipei skyline is the Taipei 101, the tallest and largest green building in the world. Its distinct pagoda shape cuts a nice figure against the sunset, with the caption #nofilter.
2. Shilin Night Market
Taiwan has many night markets, but Shilin is the biggest and most popular. It’s known for its food (there are roughly 500 stalls selling different kinds of dishes), but it also has other establishments like cinemas, karaoke, and arcades. Businesses are open past midnight, which makes for stunning photography with all the neon lights.
3. National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-shek, the former leader of the Republic of China, was so popular among Taiwanese that locals kept portraits of him in their homes, and they erected the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. It’s a sprawling property with a park, a museum, and a library, and makes for a beautiful shot set against the sky.
4. Eslite Bookstore
Bookworms will fall in love with Eslite, the local bookstore chain that’s known to be open for 24 hours a day. Its warm and cozy interiors matched with thousands of books makes for a good Instagram shot. Or better yet, a selfie.
5. Taroko Gorge
Taroko National Park is technically outside Taipei, but this beautiful park is only two hours from the city by train. The park is home to marble and rock that were formed 2,000 years ago as sediment from the ocean. Taroko Gorge is perfect if you want to embrace nature and make your friends green with envy.
6. National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum is proud to hold more than 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artifacts owned by emperors, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world. The collection spans comprises 10,000 years in Chinese history, which means you’ll need plenty of time to take pictures.
7. Ximending
Ximending is Taiwan’s version of Japan’s Shibuya, and is home to pop culture and subcultures. It is also home to Taipei’s first pedestrian zone. There’s plenty to see here: fashion, shopping, clubbing, food, and drinks.
8. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Another well-loved figure in Taiwan is Sun Yat-sen, the first president and founding father of the Republic of China. Like Chiang Kai-shek, he has his own memorial hall in Taipei, and is a popular spot for social, cultural, and educational affairs. The hourly changing of the guards is a tourist attraction, so make sure to catch that on your camera!
9. Beitou
Beitou is known for its hot springs and greenery, and is perfect for Instagram. The district is also known for the Yangmingshan National Park, a popular hiking spot with cherry blossoms and unbeatable views of the city. And yes, it’s in Taipei!
10. Gongguan
Millennials will surely enjoy the Gongguan district, which is home to two universities: the National Taiwan Normal University and the National Taiwan University. Because of the young demographic, the district is vibrant with young brands and independent stores. If you have time, make sure to visit the Gongguan Night Market!
Taiwan has a little something for everyone: for fashionistas, foodies, nature-lovers, and shoppers. Its blend of east and west, old and new, makes Taipei an exciting visit, and one that Filipinos will surely love to experience, and of course, take pictures of.
Starting November 2016, AirAsia will operate direct flights to Taipei from Manila and Cebu. The daily Manila-Taipei service will commence on November 21 while the three times weekly Cebu-Taipei service will start from November 25. For more details, visit www.airasia.com.
AirAsia is also giving away two roundtrip tickets to Taipei! Find out more here.
Have you been to Taipei? Share your travel tips below!
