THERE are many quiet historical scenic spots in Taipei, Taiwan. Among them are Dadaocheng and Beitou which are great leisure places for roaming and strolling.
Dadaocheng is situated at the city center not far away from Taipei Main Station, which was an important trade harbor of northern Taiwan in the early times. It was a prosperous area of northern Taiwan a century ago. All groceries and dry food, medical materials and tea were imported and exported from the port of Dadaocheng back then. Dadaocheng offers a rich history and is one of the best ways to begin learing about Taiwan. Dihua Street, on the other hand, is the must go place to enjoy traditional delicacies. In addition, there are many pottery and tea art places, as well as cultural shops and coffee shops which make Dadaocheng a cultural and traditional place. People can spend more than half a day strolling around exploring history and appreciating the sunset of Tamshuei River at the Dadaocheng Wharf.
The delicacies of Dadaocheng are scattered around Dihua Street Yonglo Market like stinky Tofu, pig’s blood pastry, thick rice noodles, milkfish thick soup. There are also many old restaurants with traditional delicacies in northern Taiwan which can satisfy the appetites of gourmands.
Different from the atmosphere of Dadaocheng, the downtown Beitou hot spring area situated in Yangmingshan National Park was the place where rich businessmen would visit during vacation to bathe in the hot spring back in the old times.
It was called Taiwan hot spring town and there are still many spring houses and scenic spots inherited from the Japanese colonial period.
Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Beitou Library and Beitou Museum all feature the styles of thee Japanese colonial period. Beitou Park even has Japanese relics from that old period.
A one-day trip around Beitou is very convenient. It takes less than half an hour via MRT from Taipei to Beitou. And you will be able to find hot spring areas everywhere.
Beitou Library is also a highly recommended destination. The wooden building is very quiet inside, and is surrounded by green bamboos and a trail full of green ivory giving you a similar feel of being in a forest. Tourists will love taking a rest here because of its very relaxing atmosphere.
You can plan spending a day each at Dadaocheng and Beitou hot spring; or spend half a day at Dadaocheng to bathe at the hot spring by taking MRT to Beitou in the morning, then heading to Dadaocheng in the afternoon to appreciate the night view of Dadaocheng Wharf after dusk. The trip may even be extended to Ximending at night.
Ice creams and more
Taichung is an energetic and creative city. It is where pearl milk tea, KTV and Hotstar Fried Chicken Breast originated. This place features ruins that have been restored. “4th Credit Union” is a very popular tourist spot. At “4th Credit Union” you can enjoy ice cream, pancake, and more. It is so good that this place has become a famous destination in Taichung.
The old “4th Credit Union” area is now a new landmark that young people in central Taichung regularly visit. The entire building features the original reinforced concrete wall on purpose. The area looks like an incomplete cement construction site at first glance, but the building was deliberately kept that way and is a delicate design that keeps the original feature of the bank.
“4th Credit Union” is the creative work innovated by Sunrise Group after creating the popular tourist spot “Miyahara”. The old appearance and look of the old building remains the same outside, however the interior decoration will delightfully surprise you. One of the main showcases is the magnificent crystal chandelier which hangs on the ceiling. The place sells ice cream, souvenirs, and pancake just like in “Miyahara” nearby. Taichung people love eating ice cream. The famous Fengjen ice, and pancake are all available here. Unlike the usual pancakes, various salty pancakes are also offered here, and features more than 10 flavors to choose from.
You will love the stunning display inside the store. The cabinet and souvenir packaging showcase an old nostalgic feel. The wall and ceiling make up a collage of a New Taiwan Dollar. They are actually made up of ordinary money.
If you have time, you may also walk to “Miyahara” to check out the Sunrise Pineapple Cake which is famous all over Taiwan. “Miyahara” also happens to be a really famous tourist attraction for visitors wanting to buy souvenirs.
International travelers may take a train to Taichung Railway Station and walk along the Luchuan W. Street to the destination. Address of 4th Credit Union is No. 72, Zhongshan Rd., Central Dist., Taichung City.