When I discussed my travel plans with a friend who lives in Nanzih, his first reaction was, “What’s there to do in Nanzih?” After visiting, I found that Nanzih is a comfortable and laid-back town. It boasts wetlands where you can breathe fresh air, historic houses that evoke memories of the past, and vibrant evening and night markets full of delicious food and great finds. Honestly, what could be more important than living well?
YU-LING
As I stepped out of Yilan Station, a sense of freshness greeted me. The whimsical illustrations and giraffe motifs inspired by Jimmy Liao’s picture books on the station’s façade seemed to warmly welcome travelers. These charming details immediately lifted my spirits, filling me with excitement to embark on a journey to explore the Lanyang Plain. Yilan, the administrative hub of Yilan County, also radiates a strong cultural and educational vibe.
Annan District, located in the southwest of Taina, blends natural and cultural landscapes and boasts rich historical heritage. For nature lovers, the Sicao Mangrove Green Tunnel is an irresistible attraction. Known as the "mini Amazon of Taiwan," visitors can take a bamboo raft through the mangroves, getting up close with mudskippers and fiddler crabs.
Miaoli ◦ Gongguan | Pottery and Red Dates: The Past and Present of Gongguan | TAIWAN 368-35
Gongguan Township in Miaoli County is predominantly a Hakka community, with agriculture serving as its economic backbone. It is renowned for its specialty agricultural products, such as pickled mustard greens and red dates. Thanks to its high-quality clay, Gongguan emerged as a major hub for the ceramics industry during the Japanese colonial period. Numerous ceramic factories once lined the area, and its pottery products were celebrated throughout Taiwan. However, as industries shifted, traditional ceramics gradually declined. Today, Gongguan actively integrates traditional pottery into modern life, striving to showcase its innovative spirit and carry forward the cultural legacy rooted in its rich pottery heritage.
“Did you know that Yijhu is not only known for its corn but also for producing PhDs?”
“PhDs? What kind of PhDs?”
This was part of a casual conversation I had with a local resident upon arriving at Yijhu Station. At first, I was baffled, unable to process what he meant. All I could gather was the proud look on his face, clearly brimming with pride for his hometown.
Taichung ◦ Dongshi | The Season of Tung Blossoms and Firefly Spectacles has Arrived! | TAIWAN 368-33
From April to May each year, white tung blossoms light up treetops across Taiwan, creating a picturesque scene known as "May Snow." In mountain areas where ecological restoration has been successful, visitors can also enjoy the enchanting spectacle of fireflies dancing in the night. With its rich network of forest trails and diverse ecological landscapes, Dongshi Forest Garden is my top choice in Taichung for flower viewing and firefly watching.
Since I lived in Kaohsiung and spent my school years in southern Taiwan, I didn’t have much money or time to travel to the northern part of the island when I was a student. Whenever I had the chance to visit Taipei, I felt incredibly excited. My first stop in Taipei was always Taipei Main Station, located in the Zhongzheng District. Even though it’s still within the same country, arriving there gave me a sense of adventure, as if I was traveling far from home—a feeling I still find hard to forget.
Located in the northeastern part of Kaohsiung, Neimen is renowned for its religious culture and traditional folk arts. It is the birthplace of the famous Neimen Song Jiang Battle Ritual and a top destination for experiencing the culinary artistry of master chefs. As I traveled along Provincial Highway 3 toward Neimen, I noticed numerous temples along the way. It’s easy to see just how deeply religious faith is woven into the lives of the local residents.