Things to Do in Taipei

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The introduction tour of Taipei, Taiwan. Follow the captivating stories in the old town from the past to the present and witness how history has shaped our identity into what Taiwan is today.

Have you ever wondered which foreign powers once ruled Taiwan? Are you familiar with the poignant stories behind the 228 tragedy? Do you know the remarkable journey that has transformed Taiwan into what it is today? Our tour will provide all the answers, offering deep insights into Taiwan's history, politics, and culture.

This free walking tour leads you through Taipei's old town, including prominent sites such as 228 Peace Memorial Park, the Presidential Office, Inner City Market, Zhongshan Hall, Ximending, and the Red House. With our enthusiastic guides, you'll explore both well-known landmarks and hidden gems, ensuring an engaging, informative, and unforgettable experience!"

Major Stops:

228 Peace Memorial Park

Presidential Office

Inner City Market

Zhongshan Hall

Red House Theater

Ximending

Please consider our other tours to complete your Taipei experience:
Free Taipei's Origin Tour:
https://tourmeaway.com/tours/temple
Classic Taipei Pub Crawl: https://tourmeaway.com/tours/pubcrawl
Taipei Food Tour: Historic Night Market
https://tourmeaway.com/tours/foodtour

Use promo code "GURU2024" to receive 15% OFF when checkout!

 
Uncover the essence of Taiwanese culture at Taipei's ancient Longshan Temple, a 300-year-old treasure nestled in the heart of the city's oldest district. Dive deep into the beginning of Taipei, the true Taiwanese way of life, the captivating tales of our folk gods, and their role in shaping the lives of Taiwanese believers.

Dive into the rich fabric of Taiwanese culture and history. Discover how our ancestors thrived in Taiwan and how they treated illnesses without doctors. Looking for a bit of extra luck? Longshan Temple, filled with colorful dragons, is home to over 100 folk gods who oversee everything from the sea to battles. Share your wishes with gods like Wenchang Dijun, known for helping with learning, and the Old Man Under the Moon, who brings couples together. Our guide will show you how to throw 'moonstones' and interpret messages from the heavens. Get your fortune read and learn about the temple's long history and the traditions of Buddhism and Taoism that have made it a beloved place for centuries.

Join us for an unforgettable journey as we discover the authentic spirit of Taiwan.

Major Stops:

Mengxia Park

Bopiliao Historical Block

Herbal Alley

Longshan Temple

Experience the best of Taiwan on our Vintage Taipei Tour. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich traditions, from ancient Chinese medicine and herbal teas to vintage architecture and bustling dockside food markets. Explore carefully selected vintage shops, each brimming with stories and treasures from the past. This tour showcases the very best elements of Taiwan, offering an authentic and immersive glimpse into Taipei’s storied heritage and vibrant cultural legacy.

Major Stops:

1. Fa Zho Gong Temple and Taipei Xia Hai City God Temple - Experience two of Taiwan’s most iconic temples. Fa Zho Gong Temple, dating back to 1869, uniquely blends tradition with modernity as the only temple in the country with an elevator. Meanwhile, Taipei Xia Hai City God Temple, built in 1856, is renowned for its powerful 月老 (Chinese Cupid) and is a must-visit for its cultural significance and vibrant atmosphere.

2. Secret District - Da Dao Cheng: Explore the hidden gem of Da Dao Cheng, a district known only to locals. Wander through the most colorful and well-preserved traditional neighborhoods in Taipei, filled with historical charm and vibrant culture. This picturesque area has also been the backdrop for many movies, adding a cinematic touch to your experience.

3. Chinese Herbal and Dry Products Market: Discover the secrets of traditional Chinese medicine and browse through numerous herbal shops and dry product vendors. Learn about various herbs and remedies that have been used for centuries to promote health and well-being, and explore stalls selling everything from fruits to seafood.

4. Vibrant Food Market: End your tour at a lively food market by the dock, where you can indulge in an array of delicious local foods. Enjoy the stunning view of the sunset while sipping on a discounted glass of Taiwanese award-winning honey lager. 

Join us on a journey through Longshan Temple and its surroundings on this free night tour, showcasing one of Taipei's most beautiful Buddhist sanctuaries.

Picture this: Gaining a basic but comprehensive understanding of Taiwanese history and culture in one walk sounds interesting, right? Taipei's west end was once the center of the city's political and economic activities and where modern development began. This tour takes you through Taiwanese history, from traditional beliefs in the Qing Dynasty to cultural changes under Japanese rule, and then to the political landscape after the arrival of the Nationalist government in 1949. The history tour covers all the attractions essential. in western Taipei, as well as the stories and legends behind them. Walking from the past to the present, you will see how Taipei is made up of multiple cultures and historical events and get a clear picture of this amazing city. Duration: 3 hours.

Each culture always has some sprite related thinking, that is religious. There has many gods worldwide, when I was travel and study in Europe, I always confused with temples. I want to find the answer, however it is quite hard to understand what’s the different and how to appreciate its beautiful painting and design. 

As a Taiwanese, like others went to many temples and worship many gods, however that is always “temple and god” for me. I want to know and make it clear, therefore I work as a docent, visit temple everyday and also attend many seminars related to traditional building. Wow, amazing, that’s full of meaningful patterns and stories. 

--What does it consist of? Why is it different from the rest?  

As a first route on Guru, I would like to start with temples, “Miao-Miao-see bats” is the topic, it will include Buddhist, Taoist and Confucius. We start from Yuan-shan station, and walking via Japan, China and Taiwan culture. It is a unique route not only temples but also include culture. Miao means temple, Bats means Vampire, black and Halloween, however in Taiwan, Bats means blessing.

--Make a list of places and topics of interest and specify where the tour ends.

 
1. Linji Huoku Chan Temple, a beacon of Zen Buddhism.
2. Baoan Temple. Witness the bustling energy of this ancient temple dedicated to the city's guardian deity.
3. Taipei Confucius Temple, a testament to the enduring legacy of Confucianism. 

 🚩 Who is this tour recommended for?

• Nature lovers or first-timers in Taiwan who want to enjoy casual hiking and see panoramic views of the city 
• People who have already visited the main attractions in Taipei City and are eager to explore less touristy spots not well-known among international travelers 

Thinking about hiking in Taiwan but don’t want to exhaust yourself? Here’s the perfect itinerary for you! 😎

Although Taipei is often associated with the image of a modern city (think Taipei 101), it’s surprisingly home to more than 100 hiking trails! 🤔Within the capital city, there's even a 92km hiking path popular among local hikers called the Taipei Grand Trail. You can check out the YouTube clip by National Geographic Taiwan below (spoken in English) before booking this tour.

📷 TAIPEI GRAND TRAIL: Unveiling the Secrets (National Geographic - English)

• Learn more: https://youtu.be/JcqqrzU8gKg?si=lYTdZMTKMxU55UEK (YouTube)

On this tour, I’ll take you to Section 4 of the Taipei Grand Trail for a taste of this famous hiking route. We’ll explore some of the steepest paths in Neihu, a neighborhood with a unique blend of nature and culture, and visit one of the largest temples in Taipei. In addition to enjoying panoramic views of the city and connecting with nature, I’ll share historical and religious fun facts that only locals know, as I’ve been living in this neighborhood for more than 20 years. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the chance to shop for local agricultural products or savor Taiwanese oolong tea and traditional tofu pudding (douhua)! 🍵🍮

🌳This tour includes the following stops:

• Meet up at Exit 1 of MRT Dahu Park Station (Brown Line)
• A walk through the park along the Dagouxi River
• Yuanjue Waterfall, perhaps the most accessible waterfall in Taipei
• Yuanjue Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Neihu
• Bishan Temple, a Taoist temple and the largest in this neighborhood
• Baishihu Suspension Bridge
• Tea time at a local bakery (tea house)

We’ll take the local bus back to MRT Neihu Station (Brown Line).

❗Insider Tips:

• Although this is NOT a super challenging hike, if you rarely exercise or never go hiking, please reconsider your physical condition before making a reservation
• Wear suitable walking shoes; sneakers or trainers will be fine!
• Bring your EasyCard or coins for the local bus (a single trip costs TW$15)
• While offering walking tours is just my hobby (and yes, I am one of the few licensed Spanish tour guides in Taiwan), your tips will be highly appreciated! 😄 There’s no fixed amount for tipping, but for reference, the minimum hourly rate according to Taiwanese law is around €6/hour or TWD 183/hour (and 80% of Taiwanese earn much more than this)

🌊 Additional Information:

• This tour requires a minimum of 2 travelers for a confirmed departure. If the minimum is not met, I’ll provide information for you to explore Taipei on your own
• If the weather is bad and it’s unsafe to hike, I’ll recommend alternative tourist sites for you to explore. For me, the safety of travelers is always the top priority! 🫶

Welcome to Taipei, the dynamic capital of Taiwan!
Join me on an exciting journey through the old town.

Amid Taipei's modernity, my tour is your key to discovering the hidden historical gems waiting to be uncovered. We'll stroll through the charming streets and historic neighborhoods, where echoes of the past gracefully intertwine with the city's contemporary energy.

From the iconic Old Town to the bustling Ningxia Night Market, we'll peel back the layers of history that have contributed to Taipei's unique character.

During the tour, I'll be delighted to answer all your questions and curiosities. I'll also recommend some of the best places to savor local cuisine.

Don't miss out on this unique experience in Taipei!
NOTE FOR TRAVELERS: personal shopping and drinks are not included cost