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Buns, Buns, and More Buns: A Review of Bu Yi Yang Mantou

While we were strolling down the Luchuan (Green River) towards Painted Animation Lane, we came across Bu Yi Yang Mantou (不一樣饅頭), which had a long line of customers, mostly locals. I read that this shop had been handed down from the original Shandong master chefs, over 50 years ago. The current proprietor is the third […]

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Taichung’s Art and Culture Scene: A Guide to Must-See Attractions

Come along with me on an enchanting artistic journey through the lively streets of Taichung, nestled in the heart of central Taiwan. This captivating city effortlessly blends traditional allure with modern creativity, making it an absolute haven for enthusiasts of art and culture, just like yourself. Brace yourself for an exploration of captivating attractions that […]

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Painted Animation Lane – Colourful Street Art in Taichung

Taichung is a city that’s full of surprises. From its stunning natural scenery to its thriving food scene, there’s always something interesting to discover in this central Taiwanese metropolis. One of Taichung’s most unique attractions is the Painted Animation Lane (動漫彩繪巷), situated in the West District. This alleyway has been transformed into a vibrant outdoor […]

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Sun Moon Lake 日月潭

To make the most of our day, we booked a day trip to Sun Moon Lake through Klook. The package is priced at around S$81 per person. It included lunch, round-trip transportation from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake, boat ride tickets, and a Mandarin-speaking tour guide. Note that the itinerary may differ from what’s on […]

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Rainbow Village

Exploring the Bright, Colourful Rainbow Village of Taichung

After eating lunch at Chun Shui Tang, we went to Park Lane by CMP, which was the designated place for us to board the coach for the afternoon tour we had booked with Klook. The tour, which lasted half a day, was roughly S$35 per person and covered the Rainbow Village and Gaomei Wetlands. Price […]

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Chun Shui Tang 春水堂 – The Inventor of Bubble Tea

We took a 10-minute walk to Chun Shui Tang, the creator of bubble tea, after exploring Shenji New Village. The story of Chun Shui Tang 春水堂 Chun Shui Tang is a teahouse chain originating from Taichung. It has outlets all over Taiwan, as well as in Hong Kong and Japan. They also own TP Tea, […]

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Taiwan Sun Cake Museum – A Glimpse into the History & Making of Tai Yang Bing

The Taiwan Sun Cake Museum (全安堂太阳饼博物馆) is dedicated to showcasing the history of sun cake, also known as tai yang bing, a classic Taiwanese pastry originating from Taichung. The sun cake is a sweet pastry that is filled with maltose and has a distinctive round shape and a flaky exterior. The history of sun cake […]

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A Review of Hommie Inn in Taichung City

For our stay in Taichung, we reserved a room at Hommie Inn (荷米旅居), a 3-star hotel in the central district with easy access to local attractions and sights. Best of all, their room rates are competitive when compared to other hotels in the city. What really appeals to me is that Hommie Inn is just […]

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Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) from Taipei to Taichung

I was sad to leave Hualien because I had grown attached to it after only a few days. But we had to continue on our journey, this time to Taichung. The night before, I texted the local taxi company via LINE to arrange for a taxi pickup to the Hualien train station the next morning. […]

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Dexin Chishang Fanbao – Come here for their tasty bentos!

We came across Dexin Chishang Fanbao (德欣池上飯包) on our way back to Angel Wings Inn after the coach dropped us off at the end of our Taroko Gorge day tour. Decided to get takeout from here to eat at our inn because we were exhausted from our day out. Menu They have eight different bento […]

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Visiting Taroko Gorge: A Must-Do Day Trip in Taiwan

We began our third day early because we had booked a Taroko Gorge Day Tour through Klook. The tour package cost approximately S$50+ per person and included coach pick-up and drop-off at A-Zone (Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park), a Mandarin-speaking tour guide, and lunch. Book the tour via Klook If you want to book […]

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Relax and Unwind at Nanbin Park – A Breath of Fresh Air in Hualien

Nanbin Park, also known as Pacific Ocean Park, is a coastal park in Hualien that offers mesmerising views of the Pacific Ocean and awe-inspiring sunsets. It’s the perfect place to escape and rejuvenate. Pacific Ocean Park 太平洋公園 The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with a range of activities to enjoy. We spotted cyclists […]

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Dongdamen Night Market in Hualien 東大門夜市

Dongdamen Night Market (aka East Gate Night Market 東大門夜市), which opened in July 2015, is Hualien County’s largest night market. Hualien is Taiwan’s largest gateway to the Pacific Ocean, hence the name East Gate Night Market. The current location of the night market (between Beibin Park and Nanbin Park) was once the grounds of the […]

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Tzen-Mochi 曾記麻糬 – Best Mochi Shop in Taiwan!

If you want to buy food gifts in Hualien, the first thing that many people think of is probably mochi, because mochi is a snack suitable for all ages, and the most famous mochi in Hualien has to be Tzen-Mochi. Tzen-Mochi only has outlets in Hualien and Yilan County’s Suao Town. If you live in […]

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Angel Wings Inn Homestay in Hualien 花蓮天使之翼民宿

We took a taxi from Hualien Station to Angel Wings Inn, which was only a 6-7 minute drive away. The trip cost NT$130. We booked this inn through booking.com after reading glowing reviews about it. Angel Wings Inn is located in the heart of Hualien, and the best part is that it is within walking […]

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Taking The Train From Taipei To Hualien And Savouring The Railway Bentos

We went to Hualien after spending a week in Taipei. We decided to take the train from Taipei to Hualien because it would be the quickest and most convenient mode of transportation. However, as the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) does not operate on Taiwan’s east coast, we can only rely on Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), […]

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