When traveling in Taiwan, I have a particular fondness for small rural villages near major towns—places that are peaceful yet rich in local life. Puxin, located next to Yuanlin, is exactly that kind of place. In Puxin, you can explore historic houses, taste freshly harvested grapes, and soak in the warm afternoon sun. These simple yet fulfilling moments are what I cherish the most.
On Saturday, September 6, the annual religious event “Hengchun Chiang Ku Festival” will take place. This year, 17 teams will compete for the championship banner!
When people think of Hengchun, the first things that come to mind are usually the overpriced stalls of Kenting Night Market, the iconic Eluanbi Lighthouse, or the breathtaking Kenting National Park. But beyond its tourist-heavy reputation, Hengchun has a hidden side—one that many have never witnessed firsthand: The “Chiang Ku” (Pole-Climbing) Competition—a jaw-dropping, high-stakes event that blends faith, courage, and ancient techniques, only performed once a year during the Ghost Festival.
The Taiwan International Balloon Festival is set to kick off on July 5! While the festival mainly offers tethered balloon rides—where the balloon is secured with ropes for controlled ascents and descents—I was craving something more thrilling and free. So this time, I challenged myself to paragliding, and let me tell you—it was totally worth it!
Although it's not a typical tourist attraction and is somewhat remote, Shinyuan Township has a charm that keeps drawing me back. On one side, there’s the local legend of a mischievous carp spirit; on the other, the divine miracle of Mazu controlling the waters. These captivating stories, quietly brewing in the depths of this land, have become my reason for returning time and time again.
Every summer, I find myself drawn to the mountains. When the city becomes hot and stuffy, the cool, refreshing air of mountain towns instantly revitalizes me. Among them, Puli is my top choice for a summer retreat. But Puli is more than just a beautiful town with a stable climate—it’s also a place where locals are dedicated to preserving traditional crafts and culture. Its richness and depth always make me want to stay a few extra days.
While taking a stroll around Lover’s Lake Park, I stumbled upon a cozy-looking multi-purpose art and culture space. Inside, a few wooden tables and chairs with a warm, natural texture caught my eye. As I admired the space, the founder started sharing her journey—how she return to her hometown and used cross-industry collaboration to drive local revitalization.
“She must really love this place.”
Her passion for Keelung was evident in the way she spoke, and it made me see this land in a whole new light.
如果到彰化的時間只夠玩一個鄉鎮，我肯定毫不猶豫大推鹿港！
這座曾經繁華一時的港口小鎮，像是一座活生生的歷史博物館，光是走進老街，就像穿越過去。
Penghu International Fireworks Festival is back this May! This year marks the 75th anniversary of Peanuts, and Snoopy, along with his beloved comic strip friends, will light up the night sky over Magong! With dazzling fireworks and a spectacular drone show, get ready for a brand-new surprise! But beyond the breathtaking display, what keeps me coming back to Penghu is the gentle sea breeze, the tranquil harbor, and the rich local culture.
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?
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.