A Treasure Hunt in Formosa

Due to its prime location along trading routes, Taiwan was dubbed as “Ilha Formosa” in the eyes of the Europeans since the 15th century. Countless treasures have been buried in this “beautiful island” and we obsess with tracking them down, step by step, from town to town.

Beitou District, Taipei City

To escape from the hustle and bustle, a less than 30-minute ride brings you to this lovely neighborhood. The district is located at the foot of Yangming Mountain and the water stemming mainly from the Thermal Valley provides visitors with the best urban retreat. Hot spring in Xinbeitou will fully recharge your body and soul.

Tamsui District, New Taipei City

Featuring a sailboat shape, the Lover's Bridge in Tamsui attracts thousands of couples when the dusk lights up the riverside. Surrounded by rivers and mountains, the Old Street offers a different sentiment, which is divided into two: the golden anchor walkway near the coast; and the traditional vibe packed with fried fish crackers.

Jioufen, New Taipei City

Jiufen shares a Spirited-Away vibe when one walks along the alley. This Japanese-influenced village is packed with souvenir shops and street food shacks. Meanwhile the Gold Museum showcases its history. The discovery of gold during the Japanese occupation in 1893 turned this isolated village into a gold mining town.

Shifen, New Taipei City

Shifen Waterfall is well-known for its natural beauty. How the mists painting the rainbows attracts us to visit this Rainbow Pond. Due to the blockbuster “You Are the Apple of My Eye”, sending sky lanterns up in Shifen is a ritualistic way to light up your trip. The Pingxi small railway reflected its past as an old coal mining town.

Yehliu Geopark, New Taipei City

This natural park stands in the cape of the north coast in Taiwan. During the 60s, the split top concretion of the honeycomb and mushroom rocks gave birth to their graceful form. When one witnesses the landscape in the distance, the Queen’s Head resembles Queen Elizabeth, with a long slender neck and a beautiful facial line.

Houtong, New Taipei City

Located in the Ruifang District, the Coal-Mine Ecological Park indicated its history as a coal-mining town during the Japanese Occupation. Later on, the hundred stray cats conquered and rejuvenated this abandoned town. They hide in different corners, from the souvenir shops to the cafes. Savor your little happiness in the evening.

Beiguan Tidal Park, Yilan County

It is located in Toucheng on the Northeast Coast. Take a stroll along the trail and immerse yourself into the magical nature work, including the astonishing Single-faced Mountain and the Tofu Rock. Watch out for the freak waves while reaching the highest point. Who could take their eyes off the panoramic view of Guishan Island?

Jimmy Park, Yilan County

The local illustrator Jimmy Liao once mentioned that the slightest inspirations may give birth to a good book, and asked the readers to preserve it. As his hometown, Yilan was where he built the first square featuring his illustrations. Dive in to experience how he perceived the world with the theme of “in memory of the transient scenery”.

Look at this trove. Treasures untold. How many wonders can one cavern hold? Taipei is just one of the starting points. Strolling around the Shenji New Village and Park Lane by CMP, while eating an “eyescream” of Miyahara in Taichung also provides an ideal alternative for hipsters. I bet you just can’t wait for the next treasure hunt.