Hey everyone, today I’m sharing how I spent last national holiday right here in Taipei. Woke up super early on the first day to beat the crowds, grabbed my backpack stuffed with sunscreen and an umbrella – you know how Taipei weather flips like a pancake!
Morning Exploration at Old Places
First stop was Longshan Temple just as morning prayers started. The smell of incense hit me hard walking through those red gates. Watched locals praying with fruit baskets while I snapped pics of those crazy detailed dragon carvings. Pro tip: get there before 8AM if you want breathing space.
- Chased down breakfast at nearby Xichang Street wet market
- Stuffed my face with fan tuan rice rolls dripping with pork floss
- Got scalded by soy milk because I got too excited sipping it hot
Afternoon Culture Dive
Hopped on the MRT to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall around noon. Big mistake – the main plaza was packed tighter than a tuna can with flag-waving tourists. Skedaddled sideways to National Theater’s free outdoor puppet show instead. Those glittery puppets doing backflips saved the afternoon honestly.
Surprise discovery: basement level of gift shop sells legit pineapple cakes that don’t taste like cardboard. Bought three boxes immediately.
Night Market Madness
When streetlights came on, I dove headfirst into Shilin Night Market chaos. Pushed through crowds to play dart games at stalls where you win awful plush toys. Got destroyed by middle schoolers who clearly practice daily. Stomach won though:
- Fried chicken cutlet bigger than my face
- Stinky tofu that made my eyes water (in a good way)
- Bubble tea with chewy pearls at half-price before closing
Bonus: Found an alley artist doing instant caricatures and now have cartoon version of me holding stinky tofu on my fridge.
Wrap-up Thoughts
My feet were dead meat after 12 hours but totally worth it. Learned that Taipei holidays work best when you zig when others zag – ditching crowded spots often leads to cooler finds. Also bringing blister bandages next time? Absolutely.
