# data[].attributes.location_name
Chiayi Station, No. 528號, Zhongshan Rd, West District, Chiayi City, Taiwan 600

# data[].attributes.body
Chiayi is the gateway to Alishan, yes, but it is also a confident little city with a lot of hidden gems.

I always say that Douliu wishes it was somewhere else, but Chiayi is happy to do Chiayi.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Yuw07SrBZY8

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 370號, Gonghe Rd, East District, Chiayi City, Taiwan 600

# data[].attributes.body
Lovely little historical village, using Japanese-Era wooden buildings to create a nifty tourism precinct.

More shops than displays, but that works for me.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KfknawYi1hM

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 102號, Chengren St, East District, Chiayi City, Taiwan 600

# data[].attributes.body
Top notch American BBQ spot, not far from what's going on in Chiayi.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EuysxfTXMyQ

# data[].attributes.location_name
Yehliu, Wanli District, New Taipei City, Taiwan

# data[].attributes.body
On the loop around from Keelung to Tamsui, or from Tamsui to Keelung, this spot is worth a break to enjoy the geology.

If geology is actually your thing, this is a go to destination.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GqkX11Iihds

# data[].attributes.location_name
Shimendong, Shimen District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 253

# data[].attributes.body
One of the reasons you cruise this coast.

Probably not THE reason you cruise this coast, but it is very nice.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ojrQOGElBiI

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ctVIeIC5evY

# data[].attributes.location_name
Queen's Head, No. 167-1號港東路 Wanli District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 207

# data[].attributes.body
As an icon for, not only New Taipei, but Taiwan as a whole, this Queen's Head is quite small, but it is one of the more obvious formations in the geopark.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BfXUBNUxFQY

# data[].attributes.location_name
253, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Shimen District, 58之53

# data[].attributes.body
We visited in the middle of winter, and this place was still gorgeous. I can't imagine it would be easy to get an empty room in the summer.

Roof. Top. Paddle-pool.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wLGowqkU4lU

# data[].attributes.location_name
47VM+QG Hehuanjianshan, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 546

# data[].attributes.body
Halfway across the island, and at the highest point of the cross-island "highway", this scenic spot is unlike anything you could expect while living along the west coast plains.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Uh_W4ucpZk0

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6o6S4YPb6Zs

# data[].attributes.location_name
Lukang, Lukang Township, Changhua County, Taiwan 505

# data[].attributes.body
The red brick, old street is a lovely stroll, & the surrounding district is in full support. This whole city/town seems to be catered towards tourists who arrive in the morning & leave in the afternoon. It's bustling for brunch, but the vendors shut up shop pretty early in the afternoon.

Buy one of the local specialties first, give it a try, & then buy a pack of them if it hits your spots.

The fried flour drink & the "cow's tongue" sugar pancakes are probably better if you had them growing up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2px0dN1LeU&list=PLKFH3WHofmU_YvVnInk1xmAFZikV1QCnh&index=38

# data[].attributes.location_name
600, Taiwan, Chiayi City, West District, 嘉義市七彩噴水圓環

# data[].attributes.body
Taiwan loves baseball and some of the best public art in Chiayi is themed around baseball.

This roundabout turns endlessly, so don't be confused about which road you came from.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 200號, Wenhua Rd, East District, Chiayi City, Taiwan 600

# data[].attributes.body
From Beirong Road to Zhongshan Road, this little section has five or six boba spots. Not to say that the rest of Wenhua Road doesn't also have bubble tea, but this appears to be the epicentre of Chiayi boba.

# data[].attributes.location_name
555, Taiwan, Nantou County, Yuchi Township, Zhongxing Rd, 139號12樓

# data[].attributes.body
This hotel was under renovation when we visited, but the lovely builders allowed me to take photos of the lake from their impressive outdoor stage.

I assume that it is used for wedding ceremonies as well, which would be a venue to remember.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555

# data[].attributes.body
There are nine frog statues in this stack, and, depending on how many of them you can see, they give you some idea of how much water is in the reservoir.

We visited on a good year, when only three of the frogs were visible.

Lucky us, lucky Taiwan.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4KuOnWAJTBc

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
位於大竹湖及伊達邵之間，入口處有青蛙雕像及小客車停車場，步道長600公尺，落差約60公尺，為高架棧道鋪設而成，行走於竹林幽徑上，終點為水濱的環狀動線。 (2)

# data[].attributes.location_name
Yidashao Wharf, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555

# data[].attributes.body
While it is less accessible, this is probably the more interesting side of the lake.

The market street leading down to the ferry wharf is more lively and the ferry touts are cheekier.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/L2haBh8qxRE

# data[].attributes.location_name
Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555

# data[].attributes.body
There are three legs to the Sun Moon Lake ferry service: Shuishe to Xuanguang Temple, Xuanguang Temple to Ita Thao, and Ita Thao back to Shuishe.

We took the bus from Shuishe to Ita Thao, then the ferry back to Shuishe.

I may be biased, but that seems like the best plan for the short amount of time that we had.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zKEyw1e2wd0

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 142, Zhongxing Rd, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555

# data[].attributes.body
Hidden behind a hotel near the top of the hill, this historic building, in a historic style, remembers historic visits from historic dignitaries.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Xiangshan Visitor Center, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555

# data[].attributes.body
Some visitor centres just put all other visitor centres to shame.

This is a destination in itself rather than simply a place to rest after a long drive.

If you have been riding around the lake, this is a lovely place to rest after a long drive, but it's much more than that.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

# data[].attributes.body
Nobody talks about what is under the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, but we had a lovely time viewing the exhibits here.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7sNSCkNltR8

# data[].attributes.location_name
Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 262

# data[].attributes.body
Apparently, there is a night rustic, rural night market held out on this quaint country road unless there is a typhoon passing through.

The fields are beautiful regardless.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/o0j-Gqq96dI

# data[].attributes.location_name
Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946

# data[].attributes.body
A nice place to start your walk around the old city walls. This is the nicest gate.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 301號, Zhongshan Rd, East District, Chiayi City, Taiwan 600

# data[].attributes.body
This place sells an amazing range of flavoured baozi and mantou, that you can take home to reheat or have reheated for you in the shop.

That price is less than $2AUD for each baozi!

Bargain!

I want to bring this franchise to Australia.

https://www.bossmanto.com.tw/01

# data[].attributes.location_name
Democracy Blvd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

# data[].attributes.body
National memorials are meant to be this impressive, so it is well worth a visit.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5Xw90FwE90Y

# data[].attributes.location_name
Taipei 101, No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

# data[].attributes.body
We chose the northern route up and the southern route down, and we only made it to the Six Boulders Observation Area, but the view was delightful regardless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C4EQtIjRqc

# data[].attributes.location_name
之10 Thermal Valley, No. 30號, Zhongshan Rd, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan 112

# data[].attributes.body
We visited in the winter, when the boiling water and steam were quite pleasant. I don't imagine that this would be that nice in the full heat of summer.

And it smells of sulphur.

But it is nice to see if you haven't seen it before.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-GL4s4CD4Fc

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zpjsr8bmQaI

# data[].attributes.location_name
Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan 112

# data[].attributes.body
Museum? Yes.

Japanese colonial culture? Yes.

Actual hot spring? No.

Beautiful architecture? Yes.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ROqN7MjQZoA

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 1, Section 1, Dihua St, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103

# data[].attributes.body
(One of) Taiwan's best "Old Streets", lined with heritage buildings and full of delightful little shops selling all sorts of interesting things.

We got some top boba at the south end and some top lanterns at the north end.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/db1K2rU0ZHc

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Jrh_ov4_0O0

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/COgNwRUq0SQ

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QkMBYcPIhuk

# data[].attributes.location_name
Zhishan Station (Fuhua), Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111

# data[].attributes.body
Although the suburb opens up into unbelievably deep green forested streets, lanes and parklands, the area directly outside of the Zhishan Station is exactly what I was looking for when I thought of dense, urban Asia.

So many little eateries and tea stores waiting to fulfill your dreams.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Tianmu Baseball Stadium (Shidong), Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111

# data[].attributes.body
What a fantastic venue for baseball!

I'm not acquainted with what bigger stadiums can provide, but this seems to be the perfect size and feel for an exciting game and a wonderful crowd experience.

# data[].attributes.location_name
111, Taiwan, Taipei City, Shilin District, Alley 40, Lane 91, Shidong Rd, 2號1樓

# data[].attributes.body
Without wishing to sound hyperbolic, this was the best burger of my life.

I had the triple cheese, and I only wish I had had the time to dine in and enjoy it in the full diner experience.

10/10.

Would recommend.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 205, Datong Road, Douliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan

# data[].attributes.body
Here's the school

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 10號, Chengdu Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

# data[].attributes.body
Good spot for photos. Apparently, it is also a theatre. I wouldn't know.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 7, Section 5, Jiaoxi Rd, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 262

# data[].attributes.body
Tasty, local & just professional enough to not worry about street-food-tummy issues.

# data[].attributes.body
"Nature Education Centre" is a lovely name for this elevated altitude forest in Nantou County.

There are shuttle buses around the park, but the temperature is mild here even in the summer and the varied walks are a lovely way to spend some time in this idyllic landscape.

The promise of gingko groves makes me excited for autumn visits as well.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/O8vXPi1Hd6M

# data[].attributes.body
Home of the Weichuan Dragons Reserves team.

Entry is free, but you will need to give back any foul balls that land near you.

It's a wonderful stadium, but the upkeep of the facilities is in line with the amount of money collected from tickets.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lUWayqbo5x0

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 99號, Bangqiu 11th St, Douliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan 640

# data[].attributes.body
There were many music teachers in Douliu, but none that offered the experience, range and standing in the community.

We were looking for traditional Chinese instruments, and we were not disappointed, choosing to learn guzheng for the 6 months we were there.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZQY7VFkt9kM

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0bwiMP29scQ

# data[].attributes.location_name
Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

# data[].attributes.body
What a lovely little gate that now functions as a decorative roundabout.

Lots of angles for photos if you can avoid being hit by a car.

# data[].attributes.headline
House of Citizen-Memorial Hall of Attendance

# data[].attributes.subject
House of Citizen-Memorial Hall of Attendance

# data[].attributes.body
I don't know much about this place yet, other than the heritage buildings look lovely.

I can say that this is where the local cool kids skate on weekend evenings.

I will investigate further.

# data[].attributes.body
I don't yet have an extensive knowledge of night markets in Taiwan, but of the four I have visited so far, this is the most efficient.

Everything we were looking for in one compact location.

Maybe not as many local specialties, but still a lot of replay value.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YFybti_kFsI

# data[].attributes.body
It's a bit of work to climb in a rainforest, from the northern or western routes, but it is a lovely place from which to view Taipei 101 and the rest of the city.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-C4EQtIjRqc

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 69, Zhengzhou Rd, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103

# data[].attributes.body
This fabulous airsoft market in Taipei is a wonderful place to dream about what fun could be had if you were allowed to take these home. Racks of the most realistic toy guns you can find, and lovely helpful staff to explain how you can't buy them.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oXNvcw3Hf40

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 297, Section 2, Yunlin Rd, Douliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan 640

# data[].attributes.body
Fun ordering. Delicious Noodles. Good prices.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 158號, Beiping Rd, Douliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan 640

# data[].attributes.body
Apart from a cruel policy of making patrons wait outside for their tables, this is a brilliant spot for delicious, quality Malaysian food.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 201號, Beiping Rd, Douliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan 640

# data[].attributes.body
Tasty brunch from staff who clearly take pride in their work. We liked the chicken and French toast, but whoever ordered the baked-cheese-pot really lucked out.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 3號, Wenhua Rd, Douliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan 640

# data[].attributes.body
Shaved ice is already the perfect way to make it through a Taiwanese summer, but then make it into a little table-top buffet and you have elevated your escapism to another level.

You know it's good options when you have to leave off some things you wanted from the 9 topping platter.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KgGXdMCbAvE

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 116-二樓, Douliu 6th Rd, Douliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan 640

# data[].attributes.body
When you want some coffee & pastries & you want to look like you make significant artistic decisions in state dance companies or art galleries, this is the best spot in Douliu.

A lot better than the other Douliu Donutes.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 300號, Zhongjian W Rd, Douliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan 640

# data[].attributes.body
Some nice flavours and milkshake combinations.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 129號, Section 1, Dihua St, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103

# data[].attributes.body
There are delightful shops all along Dihua Street, but not all of them are as explorable as the multiple floors and levels here. I don't know why they are an astral bookshop, but that is not my focus.

And they have a cafe.

And they have a children's book zone.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1UEesVlCJ1s

# data[].attributes.location_name
Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103

# data[].attributes.body
If you are looking for matcha that you don't need to pretend to like, get some delicious powdered-green-tea options here.

We can recommend the matcha soft serve parfait deluxe.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7sNSCkNltR8

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 131號, Section 2, Zhongshan Rd, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 262

# data[].attributes.body
Noodles and side dishes are the top things here.

They tried to say that their pork and shiitake soup was the special but give it a miss unless you like gluey soup.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 38, Huaining St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

# data[].attributes.body
These canteens are everywhere, but this one looks particularly well-run.

Pro-tip is to look for lines of locals to see which ones have the best rep.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Pec6ItuzeIE

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 251, Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105

# data[].attributes.body
If you like your night markets linear and packed, then this is the place for you. All of your special snack food staples are here

# data[].attributes.body
Some beautiful sights on the way down the track, and you can jump the rails to access the rocks along the shoreline, but we were fighting heatstroke to get back on our feet.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oCdS2gd8-9g

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 223號, Nanwan Rd, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946

# data[].attributes.body
The easiest beach to reach from Hengchun if you can overlook the nearby nuclear power plant.

# data[].attributes.body
Steep beach with rocks for swimming around but limited visibility.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Fangliao Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 940

# data[].attributes.body
The transfer station from the bus out of Kenting onto the train line east across the island.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 131, Kending Rd, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946

# data[].attributes.body
The main street is blocked off at night and the outside car lanes are populated with food stalls and games.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sK2hZPPtjVc

# data[].attributes.location_name
Yushan Theological Seminary, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 974

# data[].attributes.body
Lovely views up the lake & electric boat hire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCSuXCyUWus

# data[].attributes.location_name
Hongchaikeng, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan

# data[].attributes.body
A pretty little harbour on the west coast of the western peninsula in Pingtung County; worth it for the sunsets.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pBcgDESSIPQ

# data[].attributes.body
Summer festival with two giant inflatable muscovy ducks with water show & plenty of lovely, smaller ducks to admire.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 547-2, Zhongshan Rd, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970

# data[].attributes.body
Dream stationery store on the second floor with a third-floor bookstore.

# data[].attributes.location_name
Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970

# data[].attributes.body
Big night market set-up with specific lanes for indigenous cuisine.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 144, Zhonghua Rd, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970

# data[].attributes.headline
Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park

# data[].attributes.subject
Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park

# data[].attributes.body
What a strange name, but the vintage buildings are now home to restaurants & fun stuff. The neighbourhood is also full of tasty little spots.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 449, Heping Rd, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970

# data[].attributes.body
Home to Hualien's only Pokemon Gaole.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 71號, Zhongshan Rd, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970

# data[].attributes.body
Lovely looking building with railway themed displays, plus a mini cinema that (hopefully) shows train-themed movies.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 549之1號, Zhongshan Rd, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970

# data[].attributes.body
It's not fast, but it's unique and tasty.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 60, Jiankang Rd, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 262

# data[].attributes.body
Clean, new hotel with rooftop wading pools & in-room hot-spring hot-tubs.

7.7

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 105, Minguo Rd, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970

# data[].attributes.body
So crisp! So fine!

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 82號, Zhongshan Rd, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946

# data[].attributes.body
Noodles with the local flavour

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 66號, Zhonghua Rd, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970

# data[].attributes.body
Mango shaved ice was delicious, but I wanted to try the traditional beans and boba version after I saw it on someone else's table.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 105號, Guolian 5th Rd, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970

# data[].attributes.body
Whimsical lobby, old-school on every other floor. Like a time capsule, but at a fabulously low price.

4.9

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 121-1, Hanzhong St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

# data[].attributes.body
Tasty! Get the mushrooms as well.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 6號, Section 6, Jiaoxi Rd, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 262

# data[].attributes.body
Lovely view across the tracks to the rice paddies with lots of on-sight activities for waiting out a typhoon.

7.2

# data[].attributes.location_name
Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

# data[].attributes.body
This hotel had no right to be so reasonable.

Great location. No fuss. Clean. Felt safe. Good price.

6.9

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 6-21, Lane 122, Section 1, Fuxing S Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106

# data[].attributes.body
If you are prepared well ahead of time, you can make up for the lack of towels and enjoy the affordability of this upmarket-hostel.

Unless of course, regular deep vibrations in the building make you nervous, in which case you may need to look somewhere else.

5.8

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 252, Shadao Rd, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946

# data[].attributes.body
Big rooms with a warehouse loft layout.

7.2

# data[].attributes.body
Dumplings and local comfort food. The spicy sauce is spicy.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 70, Xining Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City

# data[].attributes.body
Hovel.

1.3

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 16, Zhongzheng Rd, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946

# data[].attributes.body
Fabulous location.

Clean and swanky.

8.1

# data[].attributes.location_name
Checheng, Shuili Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 553

# data[].attributes.body
The train from Ershui to Checheng is currently under repair until sometime in 2025, but that just means you may need to make two trips to Taiwan!

The rail company are chartering buses to continue this service where there are gaps, and it is worth the transfers because this little mountain village has a lot of cute to go along with the history and the rail.

If you are a fan of cute historical railways!? You'll pass out!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aDo-0zB2vbU

# data[].attributes.location_name
Zhushan Station (Taisi Bus), Zhushan Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 557

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
(Not the bus station. This building is also just down the road.)

# data[].attributes.body
As far as I can tell, Zhushan is a pretty little half an hour on the way to somewhere else.

While you wait for your next bus, why not take a walk straight down the street from here and enjoy the quaintness of the street markets. We visited on a Saturday, so they may only be held on the weekend, but they were lovely.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BmNpbYs6HkI

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 18, Lane 95, Zhongshan Rd, Tamsui District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 251

# data[].attributes.body
Cheap, yes. Clean, probably. Convenient transportation, not so bad. Spooky at night, terrifying. Great location in the morning, fantastic.

Waking up in the alleyways of the local street market is wonderful, but it is not the sort of place you want to enter at night.

5.7

# data[].attributes.location_name
251, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Tamsui District, 台2乙線1號

# data[].attributes.body
If you were in Tamsui and you wanted to hire a bike to ride up to Fuguijiao Lighthouse, then continue around to Keelung, before taking the bus back to Taipei Main Bus Station, then ride to Zhongshan MRT Station to take the Red Line up to Hongshulin, and ride the last stage up to the Tamsui MRT Plaza, this is a great place to rent a bike for the day.

Although I recommend a speedy road bike, you can hire a Giant mountain bike for $NT350 for the day. In the summer, they open at 8:00am and close at 7:00pm, so you could easily make it around the loop with half an hour to spare, even if you almost die of heat exhaustion on the hill climb above Dawulun Beach.

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 161號, Section 2, Yunlin Rd, Douliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan 64041

# data[].attributes.body
Fabulous Don restaurant in Douliu.

It's not too far off saying that it's the best Don restaurant in Douliu.

I'll just say it; it's the best Don restaurant in Douliu.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1fjMha88U_c

# data[].attributes.location_name
No. 102, Zhongzheng Rd, Douliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan 640

# data[].attributes.body
This little spot prides itself on selling flavour-packed Taiwanese local dishes at a price that only requires coins to pay your bill.

Speaking of coins...

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/a8V7rOS1wI4

# data[].attributes.body
This is a long way from anywhere, and you may want to visit when the wind is blowing from the south, but this is a lovely, historical, family garden, and a beautiful venue for a traditional Chinese music festival.

A descendent of the original owners was there when we were there, for a traditional Chinese music festival, and he looked super-proud of people enjoying the fruits of his ancestor's efforts.

My ancestral home, Tranby House, is sort of like this, but with fewer stately tombs and a less impressive garden.

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Ershui Station, No. 1號, Guangwen Rd, Ershui Township, Changhua County, Taiwan 530

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This little station with a big heart is the transfer station between the regular north-south train line and the mountain line to Checheng. The lovely lady at the information centre just outside of waiting room is very helpful, and there is a cute park with old trains and a jet for if your train times don't match perfectly.

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Alishan Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan 605

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What lovelier place could there be to taste Morinaga's Drops than this beautiful station above 2000 metres?

You can also try some other activities, most of which involve hiking and trees.

The trees here are very lovely.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Y6GDjIith-4

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Fenqihu is a rest stop on the way uphill to Alishan, famous for all of the snacks that call this hillside home. Get someone to queue up as soon as you arrive, so that you don't miss out on these before your next train pulls in.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cByDG6SsEY8

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This is the northernmost point of Taiwan and a lovely little lighthouse, and a lovely little hike, and a lovely little bit of military history.

Lovely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XykGB3ctyWQ

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If you like comics, this is the museum for you.

If you don't like comics, but you like colonial Japanese architecture, this is the museum for you.

If you don't like colonial Japanese architecture, but you like tropical plants that have taken on the forms of buildings that they have outlasted, this is the museum for you.

If you don't like tropical plants with long memories, then I don't know if we can be friends...

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This old train station is a gorgeous repurposing of a gorgeous building.

I loved the vintage printing press, but that wasn't all that was there.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ImoE52NRAMw

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Just one of the worst possible places to blow a tyre in Taiwan.

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As the administrative centre of Yunlin County and a central stop on the main North-south line, Douliu Train Station and its surrounds are "lacking polish".

The bus stops are on the south side.

The taxis and fast food are on the north side.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NX8wV82YrE8

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Xiluo Brg, Xizhou Township, Changhua County, Taiwan 524

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When the flowers are just right and the sky is clear and blue, this is a wonderfully picturesque bit of infrastructure. I rode across it on a cold and windy afternoon.

The experience was quite different.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBEGwZ2ySmQ

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954, Taiwan, Taitung County, Beinan Township, 116-3號

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Worth the drive up the hill to sit with a warm cuppa, overlooking the lights of Taidong.

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No. 39號, Sanmina Rd, Douliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan 640

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The juiciest, girthiest katsu cutlets in town.

I couldn't go past the cutlets/omelette/rice bowls.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po_jqSFQLtw

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Taiping Suspension Bridge, Meishan Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan 603

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If you can stomach the winding road up to hill, the views, variable weather, tea groves & old street are worth a half-day trip.

Chiayi in the afternoon, and you have a proper day out.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/04h_xm0d_NM

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Is it the biggest dam in Taiwan? No.

Is it the most spectacular? No.

Is it a destination to ride your e-bike out to on a warm Douliu afternoon? Yes.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gaDWt6bfDr4

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No. 108號, Section 1, Zhongxiao E Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

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There may be a perfect time to visit Fuhang at which there is no line at all.

As it was for us, we were waiting for an hour in an enormous line around two corners and up the stairs.

Sometimes these places become an underwhelming tourist trap, but the food here is legitimately worth it.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3vFiEMjL16o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx4bvu6W7FI

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No. 104號, Gubao St, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708

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These banyon trees don't mess around.

If you are looking for a physical metaphor for removing small issues from your life before they take over and destroy you, here it is.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UcQGEjCE6dk