Toddling in Taipei
With an efficient public transportation system and a multitude of accessible, pedestrian-friendly spots, Taipei city invites families to explore its charm with ease. In this article, we delve into five top locations that cater specifically to young families, offering a blend of fun, learning, and convenience.
When is the Best Time to Visit Taiwan?
Discovering the ideal travel time in Taiwan can feel like a puzzle, especially when balancing work constraints and the competitive vacation booking season. However, Taiwan presents a unique travel opportunity during November and March. And here's what else you need to know.
18-year-old high school student develops Taiwan's most popular earthquake app
An app called Taiwan Earthquake Alert accumulated over 300,000 downloads within a week following a major earthquake. The app is the product of one high school student’s self-taught efforts. How did he do it?
The Taiwan of Hou Hsiao-Hsien and Edward Yang
Taiwan's cinema is not merely entertainment; it is an evocative portal to the island's poignant past, sculpted by the virtuosic hands of directors Hou Hsiao-Hsien and Edward Yang. In the heart of Taiwan's bustling modernity lie the cinematic masterpieces like "A City of Sadness" and "A Brighter Summer Day," which delve deep into historical wounds and cultural shifts post-Chinese Civil War.
Chi Pang-yuan: Emissary of Taiwanese literature, daughter of the Republic of China
Chi Pang-yuan, a literary pioneer renowned for her depictions of the Chinese people’s hardships, diaspora, and determination in the 20th century, has passed away at the age of 101. Now is a good time to look back at the cultural legacy she left for Taiwan.
Discovering the multiple facets of Kaoliang: a journey to Kinmen
On a journey filled with anticipation and curiosity, a group of travelers, embarked from Taipei to the Kinmen Islands to uncover the enigmatic allure of Kaoliang, the island's famed sorghum liquor. In a world rushing towards the future, how do we preserve the delicate balance between honoring our past and embracing progress?
Jug band millionaires: An Interview with David Chen of the Muddy Basin Ramblers
The Muddy Basin Ramblers, Taiwan’s best-loved jug band, released their fifth album in January this year. Taiwan Scene.com caught up with band leader David Chen to learn more about the history of the band, their musical philosophy, and their favorite venues to play in Taiwan.
6 Must-Experience Bikeway Outings in 2024
Taiwan, once celebrated as the "Kingdom of Bicycles" for its prolific bike manufacturing, has evolved into a "Cycling Kingdom." And here are six must-experience bikeways in 2024.
Exploring Taipei’s vibrant indoor markets: A flavorful journey through history and culture
Taipei's vibrant indoor markets are a testament to the city's rich tapestry of history and culture, offering an immersive journey for visitors keen to explore the essence of local life. Join us on a flavorful journey through Taipei's indoor markets, where every stall and alleyway tells a story of Taipei's vibrant heart and soul.
A day of sustainability: Exploring the eco-friendly wonders of Sun Moon Lake
Join an immersive exploration of the eco-friendly wonders of Sun Moon Lake, learning from the lake's natural beauty and cultural significance to the Thao people living there through eco-friendly travel choices.
Your guide to Chinese New Year shopping at Nanmen Market
During the Chinese New Year, Taipei becomes a hub of activity, with locals flocking to markets for traditional shopping sprees, notably at Nanmen Market. As the Year of the Dragon approaches, Nanmen Market emerges as a focal point for those seeking the festive fervor of niánhuò, offering an array of dried snacks, decorative couplets, and other auspicious items.
6 Taboos for Chinese New Year & greetings you need to know
With the approach of the 2024 Lunar New Year, Commonwealth summarizes some taboos and New Year blessings that play a crucial role in the festival's observance. These traditional beliefs and practices ensure good luck, prosperity, and the avoidance of misfortune.
Celebrating Lunar New Year with Sweet and Savory
Taiwan welcomes the end of the year and ushers in a delightful array of sweet and savory rice cakes, integral to the Lunar New Year's celebrations. These dishes are not just treats to the palate; they are laden with hopes of prosperity and abundance for the year ahead.
Keeping Traditional Taiwanese Puppetry Art Alive with Robin Ruizendaal
In an era where traditional art forms are rapidly vanishing, Taiwanese glove puppetry stands as a vibrant testament to cultural resilience and evolution. At the forefront of this cultural preservation is Robin Ruizendaal, a Dutch scholar and puppetry enthusiast whose passion for Taiwanese puppetry extends beyond mere appreciation to active preservation and innovation.
Zhuilu Old Road in Taroko National Park – Not for the Faint of Heart
In the heart of Taiwan's majestic Taroko National Park, the Zhuilu Old Road weaves a tale of natural beauty and historical intrigue. This iconic trail, balancing on the edge of a sheer marble cliff, offers more than just a hike; it's an adventure steeped in cultural heritage and exhilarating challenges.
Lunar New Year's Eve Taiwanese Style: A Table of Lucky Dishes
Lunar New Year's Eve in Taiwan, where families gather to prepare a feast symbolizing luck, wealth, and prosperity. Key dishes include fish, representing surplus and luck; sycee-shaped dumplings for wealth; rice cakes for rising fortunes; and the central hot pot symbolizing family reunion.
Soak in History: A Winter Journey to Taiwan's Timeless Hot Springs
Exploring the rich history and rejuvenating experience of Beitou's hot springs, a short metro ride from downtown Taipei. The area, part of the volcanic Datun Volcano Group, is known for its therapeutic hot springs, fumaroles, and sulfur pits. Visitors can explore Beitou Park, enjoy the scenic views, and learn about the area's unique geological features, such as the Thermal Valley and more.
Ximending: A Shopper's Heaven with a Dash of Tradition and Trendiness
Ximending, a vibrant shopping district in Taipei, is renowned for its fusion of trendy and traditional elements, drawing comparisons to Shibuya, Harajuku, and Times Square.
Guandu: the Natural Oasis of Taipei
Welcome to Taipei, the vibrant capital city of Taiwan, where towering skyscrapers and bustling streets make for an electrifying cityscape. Amidst this urban jungle, Guandu (關渡) is a tranquil sanctuary where you can truly breathe and connect with nature while immersing yourself in the local culture.
Feast Around the Clock: An All-Day Gourmet Expedition in Taipei
Dive into Taipei's exceptional culinary scene in this article. Lin Hanching, a local food expert, reveals the city's diverse and vibrant food culture, offering something for every palate, from street stalls to high-end dining.
The Autumn feast in Taipei: Three kinds of barbecue places and How to do It yourself
This article explores Taipei's autumn barbecue tradition, tracing its origins and introducing three distinct barbecue styles: Mongolian, Japanese, and Korean. What are the tips for a DIY Taiwanese barbecue?
East Rift Valley Festival: Showcasing Taiwan's indigenous heritage
Discover the magical convergence of Taiwan's indigenous cultures and Hualien's scenic beauty at the East Rift Valley Festival, just a stone's throw away from Taipei. This festival showcases the cultural richness of Hualien and Taitung, serving as a bridge between different races in Taiwan.
Tianmu: A tapestry of exotic charms
Tianmu (天母), a neighborhood located in Shilin District of northern Taipei, is known as one of the city’s earliest-expatriate enclaves. Home to the Taipei American School and the Taipei Japanese School, the neighborhood boasts an array of international cultures, unique shops, and exotic restaurants that contribute to its distinct community ambiance.
Taipei’s star coffee shops light up the international stage
Third-wave coffee is a marketing movement that prioritizes sourcing, quality, and unique flavors. Unlike the past focus on speed and convenience, it treats coffee seriously, akin to high-end products like wine or whiskey. This global phenomenon has led to the rise of distinctive cafes, including Taipei.
The hidden beauty of Taipei
Why does Taipei seem to be stuck in the 1950s? Compared to Hong Kong or Shanghai, Taipei is "not modern at all", but behind it lies the secret of Taiwan's competitiveness.
Strolling through the Taipei summer festival in Dadaocheng
Welcome to Taipei, a city that epitomizes the essence of a subtropical summer — hot, humid, and bursting with a festive atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Taipei offers a plethora of activities and delights to suit your preferences.
Four keys to better living: Enjoying the cozy life in Taipei
In its annual ranking, British magazine Monocle ranked Taipei as the 10th most livable city in the world for 2022. Several international media outlets, including the BBC, have also consistently ranked Taipei among the globe’s most comfortable cities. What is Taipei’s appeal? And what makes it a top city to live in?
Exploring Taipei’s Cool Modern Architecture
When describing Taipei’s architectural gems, the focus usually rests on ornate temples or Japanese-era buildings. What many don’t realize is that modern architecture also has a place in the city’s aesthetic landscape.
The young professor who discovered a dinosaur fossil in Taiwan
Professor Tsai Cheng-hsiu has a passion for paleontology. His discoveries of dinosaur and saber tooth tiger fossils have put Taiwanese research in the international spotlight. So why is he having such a hard time?
A tour of Taiwan’s most beautiful churches
CommonWealth Magazine visited three Taiwan church buildings that break with tradition. They were built to blend into their surroundings and, on top of being places of worship, they play an important part in bringing people together in everyday life and serving their communities.
Red Envelopes: How much red envelope money is right for the Chinese New Year?
How much is the right amount to give in a “red envelope” for New Year’s in Taiwan? What taboos and pitfalls are there to look out for? CommonWealth has a comprehensive guide for you.
Finding bliss in Taiwan with 7 girls and a simple lifestyle
A religious Taiwanese-American couple, who raise seven daughters in a rural part of Miaoli County, have forged a lifestyle that embraces the joys of family togetherness rather than the trappings of material comforts. How have they done it?
The Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taipei
The nights of Taipei will be ablaze with festive light from February 5th to the 19th, 2023, with the staging of the Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taipei (台灣燈會在台北). What will be the highlights of Taipei’s first major international tourism post-COVID?
Bunun hunters take visitors into realm
On a tour along hunting trails guided by the indigenous Bunun tribe hunters, the prize is not prey, but the entire magnificent Huadong Rift Valley. Travel is expanded beyond sightseeing.
Yuan Yung-cheng: Taiwan’s first soccer pro in Europe
Yuan Yung-cheng set a milestone as the first home-grown Taiwanese to become a pro soccer player in Europe when he signed with a Spanish club in 2021. What was behind this unprecedented feat and can Yuan overcome the challenges he still faces?
City of light: Six night scenes in Taipei
Every winter, Taipei decks itself in golden light for two separate yet equally spectacular celebrations: the Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival. Especially during the Lantern Festival, many stunning illuminations and alluring light installations can be spotted on the streets, adding a unique and lively atmosphere to Taipei's nights.