4 Days in Taipei 🌿 Tamsui, Cat Village, Jiufen, Gardens & Local Food | Taiwan Travel Vlog

0:44 Hi everyone, today we’re leaving Japan for Taiwan.

0:50 We’ve been missing Taiwanese food and wanted to explore more of Taiwan.

0:57 Starting with 4 days in Taipei, then continuing on to Tainan.

1:08 This time, we’ll be using the 3-day Taipei Fun Pass.

1:14 Pick-up is available at Taoyuan Airport, Taipei Main Station,

1:18 Songshan Airport, or Taipei 101 (hours vary).

1:21 This counter at Taoyuan Airport is open from 4:30 to 23:00,

1:24 so we decided to get it here.

1:26 Got our passes successfully.

1:34 We’ll activate and start using them from tomorrow.

1:40 Heading to central Taipei It’s my second time back in Taipei,

1:50 and it already feels so familiar.

2:03 We’re staying at the same hostel as last time.

2:13 It was pretty late, so we ended up at a nearby night market for dinner.

2:23 This food stall looks busy… let’s give it a try.

2:32 The lu rou fan (braised pork rice) is really good.

2:37 But the ji rou fan (chicken rice) might be even better.

2:48 This restaurant seems worth checking out.

2:53 One more reason.

2:58 The soup is light, with a gentle herbal aroma.

3:03 The chicken is soft, though a little milder than I expected.

3:08 There’s a famous tofu dessert shop nearby.

3:18 We picked one of the items marked with a star— their recommendation.

3:27 And it turned out to be one of the best Tofu pudding we had on this trip.

3:32 So smooth, gently sweet… just perfect.

3:44 Heading back to the hostel, feeling full and happy.

3:51 Good night, see you tomorrow.

4:05 Breakfast at a nearby café using the hostel coupon.

4:15 Still just as good as we remembered.

4:26 Time to start exploring.

4:44 Today, we’re using the Taipei Fun Pass.

4:49 It activates as soon as you start using it.

4:55 It gives us unlimited rides on the Taipei MRT and buses.

5:01 This official pass from Taipei City also

5:05 includes free entry to over 30 attractions.

5:08 We planned this trip with the pass in mind.

5:15 So we could visit many of these places without extra cost.

5:26 We’re in Banqiao, a lively district in New Taipei City.

5:37 It’s easy to come across beautiful, ornate temples around Taiwan.

6:04 Just show the Fun Pass at the counter to enter.

6:09 One of the most beautiful preserved traditional Chinese gardens in Taiwan.

6:15 It’s also known as one of the Four Great Gardens of Taiwan.

6:20 Once a private residence of a wealthy family,

6:24 now a national historical monument.

6:26 The buildings were damaged several times during wars,

6:29 but carefully restored over the years.

6:31 The Mansion and Garden are spacious, with lots to see.

6:37 Fangjian Study was used for learning,

6:40 and also where poets and scholars once gathered.

6:47 A rectangular pond, small artificial mountains, and a bridge.

6:53 This pavilion once served as a small theater.

6:58 And across from it was where the audience would sit.

7:03 Everything feels elegant, with a hint of romance.

7:15 Laiching Hall is the tallest building in the garden.

7:21 It was once used to host guests.

7:27 The details and interiors are so delicate and refined.

7:38 You can collect memory stamps in some areas of the garden.

7:48 So beautiful.

7:58 The old banyan trees in front are especially stunning.

8:30 This is Yuebo Terrace.

8:41 The flower arrangements here are especially beautiful.

8:51 What a stunning tree!

8:57 Even its roots are so striking.

9:15 Dingjing Hall is a traditional four-sided courtyard.

9:21 It was once used by the Lin family to host their guests.

9:47 To enter the mansion, you need a guided tour.

9:52 Unfortunately, it’s only available in Mandarin.

9:58 We still joined… just to see it with our own eyes.

10:04 Filming inside isn’t allowed.

10:10 But the mansion is truly magnificent and refined.

10:15 Filled with intricate stone, wood,

10:18 and brick carvings, along with detailed paintings.

10:21 This could be one of our favorite spots in Taipei.

10:31 Arrived in Ximending for lunch.

10:42 And stopped by the Red House as well.

10:47 Inside, there are tea houses, creative spaces, and small shops.

10:52 You can also learn a bit about its history as you walk around.

10:57 The Red House was built in 1908, over a century ago.

11:03 It was Taiwan’s first public market, and one of the oldest preserved ones today.

11:08 It was designed by Japanese architect Juro Kondo, inspired by Western styles.

11:14 With an octagonal entrance and a cross-shaped main building.

11:29 It’s also a lovely place to look for souvenirs.

11:50 This shop sells one of my favorite foods—rice dumplings.

11:55 The menu is simple and easy to choose from.

12:00 I went for their specialty, the pork rice dumpling.

12:10 The fish ball soup with radish is light and comforting.

12:15 The staff suggested adding peanut powder for extra flavor.

12:20 And it turned out really good.

12:26 This fried milk donut shop always has a long line.

12:31 Luckily, we only had to wait about 5 minutes this time.

12:37 Crispy on the outside, soft inside, just the right sweetness.

12:42 But honestly, if the line is too long, it’s okay to skip.

12:48 I wanted brown sugar boba milk too, but the line was just too long.

12:53 So we decided to head to the next place instead.

12:59 We’ll also pick up a small gift here with the Fun Pass before leaving.

13:04 Tada!

13:20 It’s a bit of a travel day today, heading to another side of the city.

13:27 Arrived in the Shilin area.

13:33 Then, take a bus to the next destination.

13:50 No need to queue for tickets, just head straight to the entrance.

13:56 And that’s all you need to get in.

14:01 Time to explore one of the world’s

14:05 largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts.

14:13 The famous jadeite cabbage and meat-shaped stone weren’t on display

14:17 this time… We had come hoping to see the real ones.

14:24 But in the end, we only got to see them through photos.

14:30 Still, the jade pieces here are beautiful to see.

14:46 I didn’t come here to see everything.

14:51 The collection is just too vast and overwhelming.

14:56 Three hours were enough to wander and pause at what caught my eye.

15:02 Maybe next time, I’ll come back with an audio guide and spend a full day here.

15:08 And maybe… come alone if someone isn’t that into museums (haha).

15:14 The jade collection was definitely a highlight.

15:24 The ink stones have such a refined beauty.

15:30 I’ve always liked stationery, so I really enjoyed looking at these.

15:45 The scroll paintings feel both grand and incredibly delicate.

16:07 An experience of flying into a painting.

16:14 So beautiful.

16:33 I really enjoyed this.

16:44 The “Compassion and Wisdom” exhibition.

16:55 The bronze sculptures here are stunning.

17:01 Each piece reflects the spirit and beauty of its time.

17:06 Starting to feel a little tired… There’s just so

17:13 much to take in in such a short time.

17:22 So it’s best to give yourself enough time when visiting.

17:44 Zhishan Garden is a traditional Chinese-style garden.

17:50 A perfect place to slow down after exploring the museum.

17:56 So peaceful and calming.

18:24 Heading back to the city center by train.

18:47 Skipping the ticket counter.

18:53 We will exchange your ticket here with the Fun Pass.

19:06 I heard this is the fastest elevator in the world.

19:19 At 508 meters tall, Taipei 101

19:22 was once the world’s tallest building (2004–2010).

19:25 The main observation deck is on the 89th floor.

19:30 It offers a 360° view of the city.

19:35 We had hoped to catch the sunset and see the city lights at night.

19:40 But it was rainy and cloudy.

19:57 You can also see the famous wind damper inside Taipei 101.

20:02 The world’s largest, weighing 660 tons.

20:08 It gently sways to stabilize the building during wind and earthquakes.

20:44 Luckily, the line for the famous black pepper buns isn’t too long.

21:03 So good… that pepper aroma.

21:09 This stall looks busy too.

21:14 They serve herbal pork rib soup.

21:20 Warm, slightly sweet, and very comforting.

21:25 The pork rice is also delicious and fragrant with herbs.

21:30 Eating around the bones takes a bit of skill… but I’m used to it (haha).

21:41 I’ve been craving the shaved ice with dango here.

21:46 So I ordered the same as last time.

21:58 Hot dango with shaved ice and Osmanthus syrup.

22:08 I’d love to have this again next time.

22:13 Time to go back to the hotel.

22:19 Stopping by Taipei Main Station to grab a little gift.

22:24 The Fun Pass lets us pick a taro cake or a pineapple cake.

22:34 Ending the day with a quiet tea time at the hostel.

23:02 Taking bus 965 to Jiufen.

23:08 This tourist bus is also covered by the Fun Pass.

23:15 It’s raining heavily in Jiufen.

23:20 It felt warm in Taipei, but here it’s cold and windy.

23:26 Wish I had brought a jacket.

23:31 Jiufen Old Street is still quiet at 9 am.

23:57 It gets more crowded near A-Mei Teahouse.

24:20 We ordered a tea set, 350 TWD per person.

24:43 I had imagined watching the rain from here… but this is what we can see.

24:49 But it’s still nice to enjoy tea while listening to the rain.

25:16 I’ll bring the leftover tea leaves home to enjoy later.

25:26 This is where you pick up the Jiufen Red Lantern Blessing Experience.

25:35 It’s right next to the staircase on the main

25:38 street by A-Mei Tea House With the Fun Pass,

25:47 you get a lantern and a small card to write your wish.

25:57 Then you hang your wish at a nearby temple.

26:45 We used the Fun Pass to get Lai A-Po taro balls.

27:14 Jiufen Old Street is getting crowded, so it’s time to move on.

27:20 Taking the bus to Ruifang Station.

27:47 Using the Fun Pass, we got a day ticket for the Pingxi Line.

27:58 Unlimited rides along the line for today!

28:03 Trains only run once an hour, so timing matters.

28:08 The Pingxi Line was built in 1921 to transport coal.

28:13 When mining declined, the railway was almost closed.

28:17 But it was preserved and became a scenic tourist line.

28:23 The train passes through mountains, rivers, and old mining towns.

28:34 Shifen Old Street—where the train runs incredibly close to shops and people.

28:55 The driver is holding a train token.

29:01 This token makes sure only one train is on the section at a time.

29:07 Lanterns… still drifting into the sky, even in this rain.

29:13 It feels beautiful to watch these wishes drift away…

29:19 but I can’t help thinking about where they end up.

29:26 The train is about to leave again.

29:36 Most passengers get off at Shifen Station.

29:42 We wanted to see some small local stations.

29:49 But with the rain, maybe just one or two stops.

29:56 Arrived at Jingtong, the final stop of the Pingxi Line.

30:06 Such a charming station.

30:11 I wondered what these bamboo tubes were for… Turns out,

30:18 they carry a little romantic meaning.

30:28 A cute souvenir shop filled with anime characters.

30:33 A little behind-the-scenes on a rainy day.

30:44 The place we wanted for lunch is closed… a familiar part of traveling.

30:50 A few spots are open here and there… but I’m not sure where to eat.

31:22 The owner was incredibly warm and kind.

31:28 He even made it easier for Yuki to film.

31:33 He recommended a dish for us… and it was really good.

31:43 He apparently adds a few kinds of flowers to the dumpling filling.

31:48 A simple meal to end a late lunch.

31:53 I wanted to explore more around here,...

31:58 but the next train was already on its way.

32:14 We were hoping to stop by that café… but there wasn’t enough time.

33:06 Arrived at the Houtong Cat Village.

33:17 Spotted one right away.

33:22 There’s so much to explore here.

33:27 It was even named one of the “6 Best Cat Spots in the World” by CNN.

33:43 The rain gets heavier, and the wind picks up.

33:49 (Sorry for the shaky footage…) The Coal Dressing

34:01 Plant Office has been turned into an information center.

34:05 So cozy inside, isn’t it?

34:10 You can pick up maps and collect stamps here.

34:16 Next is the Vision Hall, once a warehouse for the coal plant.

34:21 Now it displays the history of Houtong’s mining era.

34:26 This little one completely ignored me.

34:54 Houtongwas also once Taiwan’s most productive coal mining area.

35:16 It’s a surprisingly rich museum—especially for a free one.

35:21 Many parts are interactive, which makes it more engaging.

35:26 At its peak, over 500 miners worked here every day.

35:32 Ruizhen played a big role in Taiwan’s economic growth.

35:38 But over time, the industry declined and closed in 1990.

35:43 The site was left behind and slowly fell into disrepair.

35:49 Until its history was rediscovered… And it was brought back to life as a museum.

36:20 These little cat houses are so lovely.

36:31 If the weather were nicer, I would’ve loved to walk across that bridge.

36:49 Walking across the Cat Bridge to the other side of the station.

36:55 Oh, hi there.

37:12 This side is full of cute cafés and little shops.

37:15 But at this hour, most of them are already closed.

37:18 Cat-themed art is scattered everywhere.

37:24 The rainy atmosphere… isn’t so bad after all.

37:30 There’s even a cat over there.

37:48 I think Houtong Village deserves at least half a day to explore.

37:54 Everything here is so cute.

37:59 Up these stairs, there’s a row of cat cafés.

38:16 You know how happy I am to see this one still open.

38:27 This café is also home to three cats.

38:33 This one is a bit shy and quiet.

38:39 This one sleeps all the time.

38:45 And the one with the strongest presence… Its expression is so funny.

39:07 A space filled with love for cats.

39:12 The hazelnut coffee and cheesecake were really good too.

39:17 This must be what happiness feels like.

39:23 Good night.

39:30 I think I might have a cold.

39:42 Today, we're heading to Tamsui.

40:03 The red roof of Tamsui Station really stands out.

40:08 Dropped off my luggage at the hotel—time to start exploring.

40:13 Some locals are enjoying karaoke.

40:25 Tamsui is a laid-back riverside area known for sunsets,

40:28 history, and street food.

40:30 It’s been on my list for a while.

40:35 Across the river stands Guanyin Mountain,

40:38 once known as “Tamsui Fuji” for its shape.

40:51 Let’s grab some lunch.

41:13 The pork chop is so well seasoned.

41:23 Beef noodle soup with five different cuts of meat.

41:29 The soup is a bit spicy, but full of flavor.

41:40 The beef is tender and melts in your mouth.

41:46 These pickles were really good too.

41:51 All finished.

41:53 That was so satisfying.

41:57 Let’s start exploring—there are a few spots included in the Taipei Fun Pass.

42:11 Two famous castella cake shops right next to each other.

42:17 Little alleyways leading out to the riverside—so lovely.

42:28 From here, the scenery starts to shift.

42:34 From a lively old street to a quiet, elegant Western-style area.

43:14 Photos are allowed, but filming isn’t in this museum.

43:24 Chi Po-lin was a photographer who spent

43:26 over 20 years capturing Taiwan from above,

43:29 and the director of the aerial documentary “Beyond Beauty:

43:33 Taiwan from Above.” It’s incredible that he chose aerial filming,

43:38 despite his fear of heights.

43:40 His work revealed not only Taiwan’s beauty, but also environmental issues.

43:46 Sadly, he passed away in a helicopter crash while filming the sequel.

43:52 A story that feels both heartbreaking… and deeply inspiring.

44:16 A lovely area with many shops and cafes.

44:33 But let's head to the next destination for now.

44:50 Housed in a historic 1875 building, originally a missionaries’ residence.

44:55 The paintings are large-scale, and each piece feels detailed and impactful.

45:06 It feels like a museum, but also a gallery.

45:12 The art isn’t just for looking at… if you can afford it!

45:44 A row of red-brick, traditional houses catches the eye.

45:50 n the late Qing Dynasty,

45:52 only top officials could build homes with curved ridges.

45:56 There are so many red-brick buildings around here.

46:11 "Aletheia” means “truth” in Greek.

46:17 Originally founded in 1882 as “Oxford College”

46:29 It's the first Western-style school in Taiwan, founded by a Canadian missionary.

46:45 There’s a large church just across from it.

46:56 Fort San Domingo was first built by the Spanish,

46:59 later rebuilt by the Dutch, and modified by the British.

47:02 The flags of nine countries that were once in charge of this place.

47:24 The view overlooking the river is so picturesque.

47:35 Built in the late 19th century as housing for British consular staff.

47:45 Inside, the exhibits show British life in Taiwan.

47:56 These old teapots are so lovely.

48:07 I especially love these windows opening out to the greenery.

48:28 Needing a little cafe time.

48:39 It’s quite lively—probably because it’s the weekend.

48:45 I heard the tiramisu here is really good.

48:56 And it truly is.

49:06 The sky was gloomy, and I wasn’t sure if I should visit Fisherman’s Wharf.

49:16 But in the end, we took the bus here.

49:25 It’s a popular sunset spot.

49:30 The scenery feels so romantic.

49:41 It must be especially nice here on a summer evening.

50:10 It's "The Moon Represents My Hear" by Teresa Teng.

50:35 Found a place for dinner on Google Maps.

50:39 The picture menu makes ordering so much easier.

50:44 Braised pork with bamboo shoots felt like a safe choice.

50:54 And I’ve never had a bad meatball soup in Taiwan yet.

50:59 Fried tofu wrapped in glass noodles is a local specialty in Tamsui.

51:05 After dinner, I stopped by the shop next door for dessert.

51:22 Just followed the instructions on the paper.

51:33 It was kind of fun.

51:44 And delicious too.

51:56 One last dessert to end the day.

52:13 Simple, affordable, and tasty.

52:39 We’ll leave my luggage in a station locker and grab some breakfast.

52:45 Some time to spare before the train to Tainan.

52:56 This place sells Taiwanese rice rolls.

53:06 I have a spot in mind where I’d like to eat.

53:22 This is the place I wanted to visit the most in Tamsui.

53:28 A path with old trees by the riverside.

53:34 A little bit of sunlight appeared.

53:51 In ‘Secret’ (2007), they had ice cream here… but I went with an onigiri.

54:03 It’s packed with fillings and really delicious.

54:08 Sitting under these trees by the river, just as I wanted.

54:14 It’s time to say goodbye to Tamsui.

54:20 We’d love to come back again someday… hopefully on a sunny day.