Taipei, Taiwan: “Good Feng Shui Rotates,”

Taipei, Taiwan is the city of change. There is a Chinese proverb that says:”Good Feng Shui Rotates.” This is true of Taipei, as the best of the city seems to change each time you arrive. There is so much to do in and around Taipei! It is good to plan several days and then you will just scratch the service.

Almost a constant for first place is the Lungshan Temple. It is located near the Danshui River  west of the city. The building is over three centuries old and accommodates several Buddhist gods, including the goddess of mercy. Rich and poor come here to pray for protection and wellbeing. The temple is seldom empty, but on the 1st and 15th of every lunar month it is extremely busy. Be sure and notice the intricate hand carved details on this building. The temple has been restored and is a historical building in Taiwan. Fill your plate with Taiwanese history at the Lungshan Temple.

Be sure to take a walk along the underground shopping street in the Lungshan Temple MRT station. There are many quaint shops on this lower level shopping area. You will also see many fortune-tellers along the street. Temples and fortune tellers play a large role in Taiwan. Both the temples and the fortune tellers shape the culture of this island nation. In Taipei you will notice that every district has its own temple on the coroner.

In the same area is Snake Alley. You will find it on Huaxi Street. This is one of the strangest of the night markets. It is a very unique market with lots of living history. Snake meat, snake soup, and shots of snake blood are sold here. You might want to be careful what you buy! Years ago it was the location of the famous red light district and a place for gangsters. Now it is a modern night market and a tourist destination.

The Taipei 101 is always a top tourist location. Taipei 101 has 101 floors above ground and 5 floors underground. The architecture of the building is modern and has much symbolism. It has one of the best views in the city. It is in the Xinyi District of Taiwan. There is an awesome restaurant in the building. It has the best desert bar and it is so good. Taipei 101 is a tourist’s delight! Check out an earlier article on Taipei 101. http://explore1.wpengine.com/taipei-101-taiwan/

Eat local while in Taiwan. A personal favorite is the Beef Noodle Soup. You will find it all over Taiwan in every night market. There is also many variations of a Vegetable Soup. It is delicious! Another awesome dish is the Hot Pot! You can choose what you want in it and it is cooked at your table.  Many people seem to like the bowls of  Vermicelli Noodle Soup with oysters or braised pork intestines. It is topped with black vinegar, garlic and coriander. It also can be found in any night market. I personally did not try this local delicacy, but from the looks of the lines, it is a favorite.

Here is an earlier article on the Hot pot. http://explore1.wpengine.com/hotpot-taiwanese-style/?doing_wp_cron=1421945819.0956850051879882812500

For a look at the Night Market:  http://explore1.wpengine.com/taiwan-night-markets/?doing_wp_cron=1421946505.9046499729156494140625

For ease of movement in Taipei, there are bikes for rent all over the city. Check out the website for more information. www.youbike.com.tw  The MRT Train will get you most places you need to go and there are also city buses. https://guidetotaipei.com/article/taipei-mrt-rapid-transit-subway-%E5%8F%B0%E5%8C%97%E6%8D%B7%E9%81%8B

That is todays top five things to do in Taipei. But things rotate in Taipei and tomorrows list would be different. There is so much to see and do in Taipei. Make this the year you discover Taipei. Pack your bags and grab your passport. There is excitement waiting in Taipei, Taiwan.

Exploretraveler.com