Taipei Travel

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.

DREAMING OF A CLEAN, GREEN NEW YEAR Once the serenity of fall starts to fade, winter sets in. In Taipei and around the world, 2020 has given us a lot to think about. With all we’ve been through as a global community these past 12 months, one of those things we’re left to ponder is how we can treat ourselves, each other, and our planet better than we have before. When the world does start to open up again, one of those ways we might help ourselves and the world at large is to practice sustainable travel, as well as adopting an eco- friendlier lifestyle. Taipei is one of the global leaders aiming to become both sustainable and eco-friendly, promoting tours, sites, and shopping that promote an earth-first mentality. But what exactly is sustainable travel? Find out in our cover story, which maps out in detail three routes travelers can take through the capital while partaking in eco- conscious transportation, accommodation, and consumerism all the way. Tackle the Four Beasts Mountains on foot, get a sense of local culture by bike, and reduce your carbon footprint by taking the MRT to an all-natural hot spring area. It might surprise you, but Taipei City has its very own “farm country” — more than one, actually. From the tea plantations of Maokong to the tourist farms of Baishihu, growers know that as vital as it is to keep the tourists coming, we’ve only got one planet, and they are dead set on protecting it. And of course, we can’t forget the fabulous New Year’s celebrations in our beloved capital. From the fireworks at Taipei 101 to an invigorating New Year’s Day stroll through the city streets, let us guide you on a tour of the best of the best for ringing in the new annum. Sustainability flows into the Taipei art scene as well, and we’ll take you through some of the city’s finest secondhand clothing shops, filled with fabulous finds, as well as introducing you to some fine options for green Christmas gifts. Also, meet some of the excellent people behind some of the city’s leading environmental initiatives, from the Taiwan SPCA, the founder of a sustainable paper business to a person dedicated to ending unnecessary food waste. Of course, we’ll never forget Taipei’s food. Join us on a journey through the growing vegan and vegetarian sector of the local grub scene. All this and more as we wave goodbye to 2020 in the pages of TAIPEI, and look forward to a prosperous and safe 2021.