✧ Series Note – Taiwanderlust 2019 ✧
A year has passed since my first trip to Taiwan. I’ve grown, but my heart still belongs here. This series is a continuation of a story I wasn’t done telling—a return to the places, flavors, and feelings that made me fall in love with this island in the first place.
Travel Dates: Feb. 14–17, 2019
My second day in Taiwan was all about reliving some of my most heart-fluttering memories. I joined a pre-booked group tour that took us on a full-day adventure through the stunning sights and cultural landmarks of New Taipei City—from Yehliu Geo-Park to Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfalls, and the dreamy, lantern-lit lanes of Jiufen Old Street.
After breakfast at McDonald’s, I headed to our meeting point at Taipei Main Station Exit 4 South. Our bus arrived shortly after, and with a mix of excitement and nostalgia, I boarded, ready to return to the places that once captured my heart.
🌊 Fascinating Yehliu Geo-Park
Our first stop was Yehliu Geo-Park, a place sculpted by nature and kissed by the sea breeze. With the tour guide sharing fascinating insights, the visit became more than just sightseeing—it was storytelling through stones and sea spray.
Yehliu is famous for its iconic Queen’s Head, a naturally shaped rock that resembles the profile of a queen. But there’s more to this coastal wonderland: Candle’s Light, Mushroom Rocks, Sea Candle, and Fairy Shoe—each formation seemed like a character in a mythical tale.
Set against the backdrop of the ocean, the rocky coastline and strange, beautiful formations reminded me how effortlessly Taiwan blends science, mystery, and magic.
🎈 Make a Wish at Shifen Railway Track
Next, we arrived at Shifen Old Street—a personal favorite. The energy here was warm and nostalgic, with narrow alleys lined with shops, food stalls, and the ever-charming railway that still runs through the heart of the town.
I bought a sky lantern, wrote my wishes on each side, and watched it rise into the sky. It’s a tradition I never get tired of—watching your hopes float gently upward, like whispering your dreams into the universe.
This time around, the vibe felt even more special. Maybe it was the memory of my first visit, or maybe it was the way the street buzzed with life that made everything feel so alive and cinematic.
🌿 Shifen Waterfalls—Taiwan’s Rainbow Pond
After Shifen Old Street, we headed to Shifen Waterfalls, often referred to as Taiwan’s Rainbow Pond. I didn’t get to visit this spot the first time, so I was eager to finally see it.
The falls didn’t disappoint. Cascading water surrounded by lush greenery created a scene straight out of a painting. The area also had quaint souvenir shops, local snacks, and small cafés. It was a peaceful break in the day, a chance to breathe and just be still.
🍵 Got Spirited Away at Jiufen Old Street
As the sun dipped lower, we made our final scenic stop at Jiufen Old Street. With red lanterns hanging overhead and mist rising between the mountains, it felt like stepping into a Studio Ghibli film—Spirited Away, to be exact.
The alleyways were alive with old-world charm: narrow lanes, traditional tea houses, and nostalgic corners that whispered of Taiwan’s mining history. I browsed through local crafts, nibbled on sweet snacks, and soaked in the views of the ocean blending into the mountain sky.
Jiufen is a place that lingers with you long after you leave. It’s both magical and melancholic in the best possible way.
🍜 Dinner, Shilin Night Market & a Ximending Nightcap
After the tour bus brought us back to Taipei Main Station, I grabbed dinner at a local noodle shop near my hostel. Though the menu was entirely in Chinese, a kind lady at the next table helped me out. When the bowl of thick noodles arrived, I knew I had made the right choice. It was rich, comforting, and worth the wait.
Still not done exploring, I took the MRT to Jiantan Station (Red Line) to visit Shilin Night Market. Pro tip: Jiantan Station is actually closer to the market than Shilin Station!
Shilin was bustling as always—tourists, locals, sizzling food, and colorful finds. I wandered through the lanes, tried a few snacks, and then made one last stop before calling it a night: Ximending.
Ximending was alive with street performers, music, and that familiar youthful energy. It was the perfect end to a long but fulfilling day.
Day 2 closed with tired feet and a full heart.
I had revisited old places, discovered new favorites, and watched my wishes float into the Taiwanese sky once again. If Day 1 was a reunion, Day 2 was a reminder: some places don’t just stay in your heart—they keep writing themselves into your story.
