As a student studying in Taipei, Taiwan, much like in D.C., the city can wear you down. Sometimes you need an escape––some fresh air, new scenery, and best of all, quiet. Throughout my time in Taiwan so far, I have found that the island has much to offer for not only those who love to get out of the big city but also those who are up for adventure and nature buffs. The following have been my experiences with getting out of the big city.
- Jiufen: If you were to look up “Things to do in Taiwan”, visiting Jiufen would surely be in the top five. Located in the northeastern part of Taiwan, its likeness to the scenes in Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away has gained it much popularity. The Old Street is filled with great photo opportunities, and places to try traditional Chinese desserts and tea, as well as find cute souvenirs for the family. However, it is what surrounds Jiufen Old Street that is most impressive. Outside of Jiufen, there are many hiking trails to view the entire land and the connecting sea of the mountain town. Two famous hikes include Teapot Mountain and Mt. Jilong Mountain. I hiked Mt. Jilong, the easiest of the two, which consisted of roughly 1-1.5 hours of numerous sets of steep, narrow stairs to the very top. It was the type of hike where you question your existence and is truly a battle of the mind. Yet, at every resting point, just when I was about to give up, one look at the sea, mountains, and tiny dots of people at the bottom of the mountain would remind me how far I’d come and the view that would be rewarding at the end. I remember making it to the top and feeling relieved but also calm. Not only the view but also the stillness and silence that was at the peak made for the perfect environment to meditate and rest, reflecting on all that I had experienced in Taiwan thus far.
- Hualien: Located on the east coast of Taiwan, Hualien is truly like no other. From watching the sunset at Qixingtan Beach and late-night eats at Dongdamen Night Market, my favorite experience was spending a day at Taroko National Park. At Taroko, I along with a friend, hiked several trails from the Shakadong trail to Lushui trail, and Tunnel of Nine Turns. Hualien was special as it was my first time riding on the back of a motorbike and my first time seeing mountains so beautiful. It comes close to my time visiting the sand dunes and geysers at San Pedro de Atacama while studying in Chile. I remember sitting on the back of my friend’s motorbike with the wind racing past us and seeing all of the mountains, rivers, temples, and markets at the base and peaks of the mountains. It was mesmerizing. Although the hikes that I went on weren’t too taxing or challenging, it was nice to breathe fresh air and to walk mindlessly with the sound of waves, birds, and other creatures in the jungle in the background. Only a two-hour train ride from Taipei, it is well worth making Hualien a weekend trip.
- Yilan: Out of the two trips listed, I spent the shortest amount of time in Yilan. My time was spent with other exchange students, hiking past waterfalls and exploring the Aboriginal handicrafts from the area. While tucked away on the mountainside, I was able to learn about traditional jewelry making by some of the local tribes in the area as well as make my own bracelet. I learned about the different meanings and symbolism of the jewelry as well as the spiritual practices of many aborigines. Yilan allowed me to get out of the city and explore the arts and culture scene of Taiwan from Aboriginals to independent artists while still being able to pursue the well-preserved and respected trails and natural bodies of water.
Alura Winfrey
Fall 2023
GW Exchange – National Chengchi University
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major
Global Bachelor’s Program Student (Asia-Pacific Cohort, SP 22)