Category: Taiwan

Every weekend, Taipei residents often head to Yilan for a getaway. However, Keelung, located not far from Taipei, offers more than just its well-known spots like Badouzi, Lover’s Lake, and Dawulun. In recent years, new attractions such as Alabao Bay on Heping Island, Zhongshan Pedestrian Bridge, Zhengbin Fishing Port, and Agenna Shipyard have become popular Instagram-worthy spots in Keelung.

The exclusive Eslite store in Keelung has officially opened! It has quickly become one of the hottest travel spots and Instagram check-in points in Keelung. Debuting on November 6, 2021, this limited-time Eslite store combines the century-old Showa-era Japanese architecture with the historical and cultural features of the Keelung Shawan Historical and Cultural Park.

The Wanghaixiang Cross-Sea Scenic Bridge, completed and opened in 2021, is the latest sea-viewing spot in the northeastern corner of Keelung and a new must-visit location for 2021! Standing on the bridge, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the stunning mountain and sea scenery, truly living up to the name “Wanghaixiang” (Sea Viewing Alley).

The cherry blossoms in Pingjing Street, Taipei’s Yangmingshan Pingdeng Village, have bloomed earlier this year, attracting a large number of visitors. The cherry blossoms are currently at 80% bloom and are expected to reach their peak this week. Many people have been taking photos of the cherry blossoms using wide-angle lenses to capture their beauty.

Taipei residents can easily enjoy maple leaves in the suburbs. Taipei Awanda Leisure Estate, located in Yangmingshan, turns red from March to April, providing a unique atmosphere for visitors. The estate offers various activities and dining options, allowing visitors to experience the feeling of autumn maple leaf viewing. The estate also offers desserts and beverages, with options for those who prefer less sweetness. The maple leaf viewing season lasts until late May, and visitors can enjoy a leisurely afternoon with family or friends. The estate is open daily, and ticket prices can be used towards food and beverage purchases.

The “Airplane Alley” in Taipei is a popular spot for watching planes land and take off from Songshan Airport. Due to its popularity, there have been rumors of the alley closing in 2019, leading to increased crowds of visitors. In addition to the alley, the rooftop of the nearby Binjiang Market also offers a close-up view of planes. However, visitors are reminded to prioritize their safety and not engage in any behavior that may pose a risk to the planes or themselves. The article also provides tips for photographing planes, including using high-speed continuous shooting and selecting appropriate lenses.

The Taipei Botanical Garden is the preferred location for viewing lotus flowers in Taipei. This year, the lotus flowers are particularly beautiful and spectacular, with many photographers capturing them early in the morning. It is recommended to arrive early to capture the fully bloomed flowers before they start closing in the afternoon. A focal length of 70mm or above is recommended for capturing the flowers in the middle of the pond. The Nikon D750 camera with a flip screen can be used for low-angle shots. The garden is open from 5:30 am to 10 pm and can be accessed by bus or subway.

The author describes their trip to Kinmen, the second largest island in Taiwan. They mention the island’s historical significance as a military stronghold and its development into a tourist destination. The itinerary includes visits to various landmarks and cultural sites, as well as trying local food. The author also includes photos of their trip.

The author had not taken a domestic flight for a long time since returning from Penghu. They chose to fly with Mandarin Airlines on an E190 aircraft for a trip to Kinmen. The E190 is known for its stability and comfort. The author had a good experience with Mandarin Airlines in the past. The flight took 40 minutes from Taipei to Kinmen. The return flight was also on an E190 aircraft. The author was impressed with the aircraft’s maintenance and the facilities at Kinmen Airport. The E190’s jet engine provided a smoother flight compared to propeller aircraft. The author was satisfied with Mandarin Airlines and would consider choosing them for future domestic flights.

The Miracle Coffee Shop near Taoyuan Airport offers a close-up view of planes taking off and landing, making it a popular spot for plane enthusiasts. The author visited the coffee shop to capture the last images of the local budget airline, V air, before it suspended operations for a year. They were able to capture various planes from different airlines, including China Airlines and EVA Air, as well as international carriers like Korean Air and Malaysia Airlines. The author enjoyed the experience and recommends others to visit the coffee shop for a relaxing afternoon of plane spotting.