This blog is part of my 2018 Taiwan It That Way series.
When I first set foot on Taiwan’s land, I didn’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
🌅 Yehliu, Shifen, Jiufen & A Night at the Markets
Our second day in Taiwan was all about natural wonders, nostalgic streets, and vibrant night markets. With a pre-booked tour to Yehliu Geopark, Shifen, and Jiufen Old Street on the itinerary, we met at Taipei Main Station – East Exit 1. A quick breakfast from the ever-reliable 7-Eleven, and we were ready to roll.
🪨 Yehliu Geopark: Sculpted by Time and Sea
Located in the Wanli District of New Taipei, Yehliu Geopark was our first stop—and what a way to begin the day. The natural rock formations were like sculptures crafted by wind and water over thousands of years.
Queen’s Head was truly iconic, but the fairy shoes and Sea Candle had a quiet charm that stayed with me.
We explored formations like the following:
- 👠 Fairy Shoes
- 🍄 Mushroom Rocks
- 🧈 Tofu Rocks
- 🫚 Ginger Rocks
🎟️ Entrance Fee: NT$80 (as of June 2018)
🚂 Shifen: Sky Lanterns and Nostalgia
Next stop: Shifen Old Street in Pingxi District—a charming town with a nostalgic, rustic vibe. The railway runs through the middle of the street, a remnant of its coal-mining past. Now, it’s where visitors release sky lanterns filled with wishes and dreams.
This gesture is thought to usher in fortune. It is believed to make aspirations come true.
Aside from sky lanterns, Shifen has:
- 🛤️ Shifen Railway Station (Pingxi Line)
- 💧 Shifen Waterfall
- 🍡 Street food and souvenir shops
✨ Don’t Miss: Launching your own lantern—it’s both beautiful and meaningful.
🏮 Jiufen Old Street: A Spirited Detour
Often compared to the world of Spirited Away, Jiufen is a charming mountain town in the Ruifang District. Although our tour bus couldn’t go all the way (weekend re-routing), we hopped on a local bus for NT$15—a quick 15–20 minute ride that dropped us right by the gate.
Once a gold-mining village with just nine families, Jiufen is now a vibrant maze of:
- 🍵 Traditional Tea Houses (like the iconic Amei Tea House)
- 🎨 Art, calligraphy & stationery shops
- 🍧 Famous taro balls
- 🏮 Chinese lantern-lit alleys
The mountain air was crisp, the alleys dreamy, and every corner seemed to whisper stories from another time.
🍢 Shilin Night Market: Food Trip Mode On
We returned to Taipei by evening and made a quick stop at the hostel to freshen up. Then it was straight to Shilin Night Market—a must-visit for food lovers!
🚇 MRT Route: From Ximen Station (Blue/Bannan Line) → Transfer to Jiantan Station on the Red Line (closer than Shilin Station)
What we tried:
- 🍗 Hot Star Fried Chicken
- 🌭 Taiwanese sausage
- 🧋 3 PM Milk Tea
- 🍢 Assorted street food delicacies
Every stall was a temptation. Every bite—an explosion of flavor. Taiwan knows how to feed the soul.
In Taiwan, it really is like every stall whispers, “Psst… try me. Just one bite won’t hurt.” 😋🍢🍠🍡🧋. That’s the Taiwan night market spell—you go from “I’m full” to “Omg, I need that grilled squid… and that scallion pancake… Oh wait, is that stinky tofu? Okay, maybe just one bite.” 🤭🦑🥟🧄
Honestly, it’s not even about hunger anymore. It’s the thrill of discovering new flavors with every few steps. Taiwan doesn’t just feed our stomachs—it feeds our curiosity, our cravings, and our inner foodie adventurer. 🧋🍢🔥
🛍️ Ximending: The Night’s Not Over
Just when we thought the adventure was done, we hit up Ximending Shopping District—Taipei’s youth culture hub. Giant department stores, bubble tea stands, live entertainers, and neon-lit vibes kept the energy alive.
💡 Travel Tip: Ximending is perfect for late-night shopping and people-watching. Great place to grab last-minute souvenirs or unwind with a cup of bubble tea.
We had dinner just an hour ago, but the sizzling sounds, smoky aroma, and colorful stalls pulled us right back into foodie mode. In Taiwan, ‘already full’ is just a suggestion.
✨ Highlights of the Day
- Witnessed the Queen’s Head rock and other rock formations at Yehliu
- Launched sky lanterns in Shifen
- Explored Spirited Away-style alleys in Jiufen
- Feasted at Shilin Night Market
- Nightcap stroll at Ximending
From sea-sculpted rocks to mountain villages and street food paradise, Day 2 was a whirlwind of wonder.
