Taipei, Taiwan, Province of China
Museums
If you are in Taipei and want to visit museums, I would suggest you visit the National Palace Museum, which features one of the world's largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts. Other museums you might enjoy in the area include the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, the Taiwan National Museum, and the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.
Food
Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Taipei, Taiwan include:
1. Beef Noodle Soup: A hearty soup made with slow-cooked beef, noodles, and flavorful broth.
2. Xiaolongbao: These are small steamed buns filled with pork or other meats and a savory broth. They are usually served with soy sauce and vinegar.
3. Oyster Omelette: A popular street food in Taiwan made with eggs, oysters, sweet potato starch, and a savory sauce.
4. Bubble Tea: A Taiwanese invention, bubble tea is a sweet and refreshing drink made with tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls.
5. Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan): A classic Taiwanese dish made with tender braised pork belly served over rice.
6. Scallion Pancakes: Thin and crispy pancakes made with scallions and dough, often eaten as a breakfast item.
7. Gua Bao: Soft, steamed buns filled with tender pork belly, pickled vegetables, and sweet peanut powder.
8. Stinky Tofu: A pungent and fermented tofu that is deep-fried and served with spicy sauce.
9. Danzai Noodles: A traditional Taiwanese noodle soup made with braised pork, shrimp, and other seafood, served with a boiled egg and green onion.
10. Pineapple Cake: A sweet and buttery pastry filled with pineapple paste, a popular Taiwanese souvenir.
Activities
Sure! Here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Taipei:
1. Visit a night market such as Shilin Night Market or Raohe Street Night Market.
2. Hike the popular Elephant Mountain (象山) for stunning views of Taipei's skyline.
3. Enjoy hot springs and natural scenery at Beitou Hot Springs.
4. Explore the trendy neighborhood of Ximending, known for its shopping and food scene.
5. Attend a traditional Chinese tea ceremony or try bubble tea, which originated in Taiwan.
6. Visit Tamsui Old Street, a historical district with a variety of shops and street food.
7. Check out the street art scene in the Ximending pedestrian area.
8. Experience Taiwanese culture at the National Palace Museum or the Taipei Fine Arts Museum.
9. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the observation deck of Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest buildings.
10. Relax and people-watch in one of Taipei's many parks, such as Daan Forest Park or Taipei Botanical Garden.
