Bharti Sharma
A Love Letter to Taipei’s Many Wonders
Some cities dazzle, some cities inspire, and then there’s Taipei- a city that effortlessly does both while making you question why you ever thought you had self-control over shopping, eating, or gawking at history. From the moment I arrived, I was swept into a whirlwind of culture, cuisine, and consumerism, leaving me simultaneously enriched and lighter (both spiritually and financially). If you ask me to name a single thing Taipei doesn’t have, I’d probably just change the subject.
Where Time Stands Still, But My Heart Raced: The National Palace Museum
For a history lover like me, walking into the National Palace Museum was akin to stepping into a time machine. The past wasn’t just on display, it was alive. My heart raced as I encountered the masterpieces of the Ming dynasty, their delicate blue-and-white porcelain whispering stories of emperors, artisans, and a civilisation that shaped the world. But what truly left me breathless was an unexpected treasure: the Van Cleef & Arpels collection. Rare gems, so exquisite they seemed stolen from the dreams of royalty, were dazzling under the museum lights. Taiwan, you had me at history-but now you’ve got me at jewellery, too.
The Echo of Footsteps: Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
If there’s one place that anchors Taipei’s historical identity, it’s the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. Standing in its grand courtyard, I soaked in the solemnity of its architecture, the weight of history palpable in the air. The changing of the guards was a spectacle of precision and honour, reminding me that history isn’t just about what was-it’s about how we choose to remember it.
Reaching for the Sky: Taipei 101
What’s better than seeing a city? Seeing it from the top of a record-breaking skyscraper, of course. Taipei 101 isn’t just an engineering marvel, it’s an experience. Watching the city wake up at sunrise, bask in golden hues at sunset, and then glitter like a cosmic masterpiece at night? I could do it all day (I wish). The mall at the base was a whole other adventure- where self-restraint went to die. Let’s just say Taipei’s shopping scene won, and my wallet lost. But when in Taiwan, right?
Rongjin Time Life Park: A Postcard from the Heart
If Taipei 101 is the city’s crown, Rongjin Time Life Park, Daan District is its heart, a charming neighbourhood with leafy streets, stylish boutiques, and a quiet kind of vibrance. I wandered through its nooks and crannies, sipping bubble tea and wondering if I could just move in. If a city can have a ‘cute’ district, this is it.
Dancing with the Neon Lights: The Night Market Chronicles
No trip to Taipei is complete without surrendering to its street food scene. Raohe Street Night Market was an assault on the senses in the best way possible- aromas, neon lights, and a cacophony of excitement. Every bite was a revelation, but my heart (and stomach) belonged to the famous black pepper buns.
Flavours That Follow You Home
Even now, long after my return, I find myself dreaming of the meals I had. The Indian food at Three idiots Indian Vegetarian Restaurant was unexpectedly delightful, bringing flavours of home with a Taiwanese twist. And of course, Din Tai Fung- because no rational human being leaves Taipei without consuming unreasonable amounts of xiaolongbao.
Shop ‘Til You Drop– And Then Shop Some More
If shopping were an Olympic sport, Taipei would take gold. The city’s electronic stores were a tech-lover’s paradise, and the pottery? Let’s just say my suitcase barely made it home intact. I shopped like it was my life’s mission, and I regret nothing.
Some places you visit; some places stay with you. Taipei is firmly in the latter category. It’s a city that gives you history, food, culture, and skyline views that rewrite your definition of breathtaking. It’s where self-control in shopping is futile, food is unforgettable, and every moment feels like a scene from an epic travelogue. Taipei, you have my heart.
