Taipei City Exploration: Temples, Markets & Mountain Views

My First Time in Taiwan – Taipei Vlog

Destination:ChinaCity:TaipeiPopulation:2.7 million
My First Time in Taiwan – Taipei Vlog
Cori Ander 2025-01-2323 min

For my first destination in 2025, I chose Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China. In this vlog, I will show you around the country’s capital, Taipei City, a tropical metropolis with almost 2.5 million inhabitants. Together, we will visit some of the city's main tourist sights, including temples, memorial halls, and street food markets. We’ll try different Taiwanese delicacies and explore what life is like in Taiwan. Additionally, visiting the popular Elephant Mountain, which offers scenic views over Taipei City, is another highlight on my itinerary. During my travels in Taiwan, I fell in love with Taipei City. Not only did I notice many similarities to mainland China (People's Republic of China), but also many differences. In the end, it was Taiwan’s incredibly friendly and welcoming people that made my trip so special. With this video, I'd like to show you what makes Taipei so unique and why visiting the city is definitely worth it.

--- Cori Ander
January 23, 2025, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Intro
  2. 01:15Local Market
  3. 03:23Taipei’s metro system
  4. 03:36Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
  5. 06:43Ximen
  6. 08:43Street food market
  7. 10:58Lungshan Temple
  8. 13:30Local Market
  9. 14:38Taiwanese noodles for breakfast
  10. 15:38Hiking Elephant Mountain
  11. 16:44Dihua Old Street
  12. 18:38Rahoe Night Market
  13. 19:46Trying Bettle Nut
  14. 22:43Personal Opinion about Taipei

Cori Ander's Taipei adventure: vibrant street food, serene temples, stunning city views from Elephant Mountain. A delicious and culturally rich experience!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1For foreigners, it's recommended not to buy meat from street vendors due to potential bacteria issues. (2:10)
  2. Tip 2Many affordable and authentic street food markets can be found in side streets across Taipei. (9:09)
  3. Tip 3In Taipei, people stand on the right side of escalators, leaving the left side for walking. (4:23)
  4. Tip 4At Longshan Temple, people throw moon blocks (shells) to seek divine guidance. (12:02)
  5. Tip 5Taiwan's unique ecological conditions result in a rich biodiversity, including many edible mushroom species. (17:08)
  6. Tip 6Betel nuts should be prepared carefully as improper preparation can hurt your mouth. Also, it may be illegal in some countries. (21:47)

Explore Taipei City with Cori Ander in this captivating vlog! From bustling street food markets to serene ancient temples, Cori's journey unveils the unique blend of modern and traditional Taiwan. Discover hidden culinary gems, experience the efficient public transport, and witness the breathtaking views from Elephant Mountain. A journey filled with cultural immersion, delicious food, and unforgettable moments awaits!

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My First Time in Taiwan – Taipei Vlog

This vlog follows Cori Ander's exploration of Taipei, Taiwan, revealing a city where modern skyscrapers seamlessly blend with ancient temples and traditional markets. Cori's journey showcases Taipei's unique charm, highlighting its efficient public transport system, the abundance of delicious and affordable street food, and the warmth of its people.

The video starts with Cori's arrival in Taipei, expressing her excitement to explore this city that has quickly become one of her favorites. She immediately dives into the vibrant street food scene, sharing her experiences with various dishes, while also offering practical advice for foreign visitors, particularly regarding the consumption of raw meats from street vendors.

She notes the cleanliness and organization of the city, contrasting it with her prior experiences in mainland China. The video then takes viewers on a journey through iconic landmarks such as the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, where Cori provides historical context about the building and its significance within the political landscape of Taiwan. The visit also includes a discussion of the White Terror period in Taiwan's history.

The exploration continues to the trendy Shimmen district, known for its lively nightlife and street food, where Cori tries stinky tofu, offering her candid opinion on the dish. The journey then takes a more local turn, visiting a neighborhood market and a vegetarian restaurant, showcasing the diversity of culinary options available in Taipei. The vegetarian dishes, especially the noodles, are praised for their unique flavors and textures.

Another highlight is the hike up Elephant Mountain, offering panoramic views of the city. Cori shares the experience of climbing the stairs and describes the scenic beauty from the summit. The exploration continues to Dihua Old Street, known for its traditional shops and sweet treats, where Cori samples mochi strawberries. The vlog concludes with a visit to Raohe Street Night Market, one of Taipei's largest, offering a final taste of the city's vibrant culinary scene and showcasing the diverse street food options available.

Throughout the vlog, Cori shares personal insights and observations, comparing her experience in Taipei with her previous experiences in mainland China, emphasizing the differences in cultural atmosphere, accessibility for foreigners, and the overall friendliness of the people. The inclusion of the betel nut experience adds a unique and unexpected element to the vlog, offering a glimpse into a local custom.

Taipei City Exploration: Temples, Markets & Mountain Views

For my first destination in 2025, I chose Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China. In this vlog, I will show you around the country’s capital, Taipei City, a tropical metropolis with almost 2.5 million inhabitants. Together, we will visit some of the city's main tourist sights, including...

Taipei City Exploration: Temples, Street Food & City Views

Cori Ander's Taipei vlog offers a captivating glimpse into Taiwan's vibrant capital. From exploring bustling local markets and navigating the efficient metro system to experiencing the serenity of Lungshan Temple and the grandeur of Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Cori's journey is filled with delicious street food, breathtaking views from Elephant Mountain, and the charm of historic Dihua Old Street. The video showcases the unique blend of similarities and differences between Taipei and mainland China, highlighting the warmth and hospitality of the Taiwanese people. A must-watch for anyone planning a trip to Taipei!

Attractions in this video: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, Elephant Mountain, Dihua Old Street, Raohe Street Night Market