Tourist guides call this 100-year-old landmark a "historical gem" and, yes, it's true. The very beautifully maintained and restored mansion can be reached from Taipei in many ways - by MRT, bus, vehicle or bicycle. You will be rewarded with an abundance of interesting old photos and a compelling story of the mansion's original inhabitants, in addition to exploring the historic interior of the vast building including its original furnishings. The extensive garden is an added benefit, which will be especially appreciated by children. It is worth a visit in any weather. There is an entrance fee.
The legendary waterfall near Taipei, where a few years ago daredevils still jumped from the top of the waterfall into the water and people enjoyed picnics on inflatable boats! Today, the waterfall is guarded by CCTV and entry into the water is prohibited under heavy fines. However, you can refresh yourself in the cool water a little further downstream - information boards clearly mark the restricted area. An advantage is the nearby train station, which directly encourages you to use the railway on the way from Taipei. There are several small rooms carved into the rock opposite the waterfall. Nice place.
Probably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Taiwan with a small temple "hanging" on a rock right next to the falling water. A special place you will never forget! Even with children you can walk to the waterfall from the top station of the Maokong Gondola. The route is well marked and can only be problematic in rainy weather. Just make sure in advance that the temple is open at the time of your trip. ( It was only open on weekends during the Covid-19 pandemic.) We recommend making your way back to the cable car again. The other option is to follow the trail steadily down to the tarmac road and onwards until you hit the bus stop. However, this route is not very engaging. Definitely take snacks with you!
The almost two-kilometre-long spur into the sea where the Yehliu Geopark is located is one of the "must-see" places. The surface, sculpted by erosion and weathering, offers unusual formations "carved" into the sandstone for viewing. Expect to stand in a pretty long line if you take a proper look at the legendary Queens Head and take a photo at it. There's never a shortage of visitors. To be honest, we didn't even feel like walking the whole area. We definitely recommend sturdy shoes for a visit. There is an entrance fee, ample parking and a wide variety of refreshment options are at the entrance to Yehliu Geopark. You can definitely do the tour in an hour or two. So you can combine the trip with lunch at one of the many fish restaurants in nearby Guihou Harbor and a swim at the sandy Wanli Beach just a short distance south. If the weather is chilly, head north the other way and warm up at the many nearby spas. Like the Jin Yong Quan Spa, which also has a children's pool with a water castle and about eight pools with an herbal spa. Outdoor areas are shared, indoor areas are separate.
Go to this place when you want to meet a lot of people. The 80-metre waterfall, cable car ride, pleasant walk and Yun Hsien Resort with entertainment for the whole family and a bunch of places to eat are all worth it. More on weekdays of course. If you're driving, you'll go through parking hell at first, but if you immediately take the cable car up to the waterfall and start walking around the large area with a pond, bridges, replica wood carts and a small amusement park, you'll feel better right away. If the weather is hot, you can cool off a bit on the nearby XinXian Trail, which runs along the river.
Vast market offers not only a bunch of fruit and vegetable stalls every Saturday and Sunday morning, but mainly dozens, maybe even lower hundreds, of stalls with all kinds of junk - ceramics, crockery, sporting goods, electronics, antiques, tools, toys, clothes, books etc. Probably the largest market of its kind in Taipei and New Taipei City (along with the Chongxin Bridge Flea Market, but where you'll find rather cheap new household goods). Find your treasure at: Fuhe Bridge, Yonghe District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 234 (234新北市永和區福和橋).
This district of New Taipei City is the place to go if you're looking for a new piece of pottery to take home, looking for gifts for relatives overseas or just need a new teapot. Yingge Old Street is full of shops selling ceramics and tea of all price levels. There are dozens of shops here, and it's no wonder some offer exactly the same items - but the price can vary by up to 30 percent! There's a lot to browse and an hour won't be enough time. Needless to say, if you have the option of heading here at 11am on a weekday, you'll do best. There are also nice exhibitions at the nearby Yingge Ceramic Museum. (In the DIY workshop in the basement of the back part of the museum, kids can create their own pottery and the staff will send it home after firing and glazing. Ours arrived safely and perfectly packaged).
