The many surprises of Taipei and Taichung

LiveMint
Date: 15 Sep 2019
By: Sejal Mehta

Taiwan’s second largest city embraces design with themed cafes, a painted village, and ultra-modern national theater

From glittering skyscraper to a temple that holds the answers to all questions, essentials for a Taipei itinerary

Night had settled in by the time the cab reached my hotel in Taichung’s Xitun district. But the markets and music clubs were buzzing.

As I tried to count the money, the currency still unfamiliar after just two days in Taiwan, the cabbie reached out, offering to help. That’s when I noticed his long nails—painted a sparkling gold with blue and white waves. For 20 minutes, he had driven me in silence, his outfit staid and ordinary. And then came this funky curveball out of nowhere.

Taiwan serves up many such surprises. For those who like the outdoors, there are treks and cycling tracks in its national parks and along the coastline. The cities have historical monuments, storied temples and busy night markets with affordable shopping. This list contains suggestions for the capital, Taipei, and Taichung, the country’s second largest city.    [FULL  STORY]