This blog is part of my 2018 Taiwan It That Way Series. When I first stepped foot on Taiwan’s land, I don’t know if it was a spark, a pull, or something else entirely—but I felt it. That quiet, familiar feeling like I was exactly where I was meant to be. Not just a place I visited, but a place that felt like home.

📅 Trip Dates: June 30–July 3, 2018

🍗 Morning in Ximending: Breakfast Before Goodbye

On our final day in Taipei, we started in Ximending, the heart of youth culture. We looked forward to grabbing street breakfast, but most stalls hadn’t opened yet—so we ended up at KFC instead. Not exactly street food, but it did the job. 😅

🌸 Shilin Residence: A Peaceful Step into History

From Ximending, we headed to the Shilin Residence, once home to Chiang Kai-Shek, Taiwan’s former president. The residence grounds were beautiful—filled with Chinese gardens, a chapel, and a peaceful fountain.

It was more than just a former leader’s house—it was a tranquil escape that whispered stories from the past.

🚇 Nearest MRT: Shilin Station (Red Line)
🚶 Walk: About 10 minutes along Fulin Road. Shops, cafés, and a busy local vibe make the short walk feel like part of the experience.

🏮 Longshan Temple: Reverence in the City

Later in the day, we visited Longshan Temple—one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Taiwan.

The temple’s ornate architecture and the devotion of the locals created a sacred, soul-stirring vibe. Incense filled the air, and soft chants echoed as worshipers moved from altar to altar.

Amid Taipei’s energy, Longshan Temple felt like a pause button—like time bowed for tradition.

🚇 MRT Stop: Longshan Temple Station, Exit 1 (Blue/Bannan Line)

🚄 Airport Bound: Until Next Time, Taiwan

As the sun began to set, so did our short but beautiful journey. Our flight home was scheduled for 1:30 AM, so we made our way back to Taipei Main Station and took the Airport MRT to Taoyuan International Airport.

It was a smooth, quiet ride. The kind of ride where you reflect, exhale, and replay your favorite scenes from the past few days.

It wasn’t just a transfer to the airport. It was a moment of peace before the real goodbye.

💌 A Soft Spot in My Heart

My first visit to Taiwan will always be unforgettable. I fell in love with the vibrant culture, incredible food, and warm-hearted locals. I know in my heart that I’ll be back.

There’s still so much to explore—mountains, coasts, villages, temples, street stalls, and night markets. Taiwan is more than a destination. It’s a place that felt like it had been waiting for me.