Taipei Travel

THINK GLOBALLY, DO LOCALLY Summer 2021 arrives as much of the world still lies in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the threat, life in Taipei carries on for the locals and for the city’s thriving expatriate population, and we here at TAIPEI strive to show you their side of this wonderful city in this issue — Taipei in the eyes of the expats. Why are a growing number of expats choosing to put down roots in Taipei? In our cover story, we head straight for the source and ask six foreign residents what they love most about the city and the lives they’ve built here. If you’re thinking about upping stakes for Taipei, you won’t want to miss “Settling in Taipei,” our guide to three city neighborhoods beloved by the expatriate community. Also see our feature articles on Little Philippines and Taipei’s Muslim community. In TAIPEI’s new section, “A City for Change,” a space for social justice and positive change, we take a look at the Asia Rainbow Ride and see how the event champions being out and proud for Taipei’s LGBTQ community. Taipei is also a place where residents and visitors can experience fusion cuisine that utilizes local ingredients to create widely-renowned flavors. Whether it’s “slow food” or chocolate produced by a local chocolatier, come along and discover the tastes that have taken the global food scene by storm. And finally, we welcome another new addition to our pages, “A Day in the Life,” where you can get to know what life in this metropolis is really like, through the eyes of the people who live and work here. In the inaugural article, we follow a Taipei hotel manager, resident here for 30 years, as he takes you through a typically atypical day in his busy, rewarding life. All this and more, as TAIPEI steps into the fun and festive summer season! ANNOUNCEMENT OF COVID-19 MEASURES • Please wear a mask and follow the epidemic prevention regulations imposed by the government when going out during the pandemic, and visit the attractions, restaurants and stores only after the restrictions are lifted. • There are many private profile pictures published in this issue, hence no masks are worn by the figures present. ▶ Join our lucky draw to win a prize by completing TAIPEI’s online questionnaire!  

REVEALING THE UNDISCOVERED TAIPEI Spring is a time of hope, renewal, and exploration. It’s an occasion for journeys that fulfill mind, body, and soul; in that spirit, we’re pleased to bring you our spring issue, in which we set out to discover “the secrets of Taipei.” In the pages ahead, the unknown, unheralded, and largely untrod places of Taipei, and the people who call those spots home, are finally given their due. Walking through the streets, many of the places brought to light in our cover story are indeed, as the title suggests, “Hidden in Plain Sight.” When meandering through the historic inner-city Bangka/Ximending area, it would be easy to pass by Qingshui Temple without knowing of its storied origins, dating back to the late 18th century. This and many others are spots easily overlooked by the casual eye, missed by most who visit the city as they make their way to more obvious landmarks. But it is precisely sites like these that color the city’s vibrant culture, and deepen one’s understanding of the city. From the unseen pieces of Taipei’s cultural fabric, we take you on a tour through the bastions of solitude and quiet found throughout the capital. From a former Japanese bathhouse to urban gardens that will make you forget you’re in a city at all, don’t miss our exposé on these “urban oases.” Meanwhile, if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, go on a hike along Taipei Grand Trail. The 92-kilometer journey will lead you to the secret wildness of the capital. For fans of art and traditional culture, go behind the scenes of the famous festival to learn about papier-mâché with a master with 40-plus years of experience, and follow the footprints of TAIPEI to discover where some popular films are filmed in this city. What would spring be without flowers? Step inside the Taipei Flowers Auction with Ching Flowers to find out where all the flowers are from. And if you are a foodie like Moira Turley, join our conversation with her to learn the secret life of a diplomat in Taipei. We did not forget about the food scenes either. From inconspicuous restaurants without names, to speakeasy bars hidden down lanes, check out more excellent features in this issue that explore the unknown mouth-watering tastes of Taipei. All this and more, as we put our best foot forward into the beautiful spring season in Taipei.