Annie Chen
15 articles
Annie, born in Tainan, raised in Kaohsiung, now in Taipei. I’ve explored Taiwan’s main island and plan to visit every offshore isle next.
Alishan Forest Railway: A Classical Train Adventure in Taiwan’s Highlands
The Alishan Forest Railway is one of Taiwan’s most iconic travel experiences, offering visitors a scenic journey through lush mountain forests, misty landscapes, and charming old stations. Built during the Japanese colonial era, this historic narrow-gauge railway has become a must-visit attraction for travelers from the United States, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Whether you’re here for cherry blossoms in spring, the sea of clouds in autumn, or Alishan’s famous sunrises, riding the Alishan Forest Train is both a nostalgic and breathtaking adventure. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to plan your trip—routes, schedules, ticket booking, transportation options, and local tips—so you can make the most of your visit to this world-class mountain railway in Chiayi County.
Annie Chen
Taiwan Weather: The Complete Year-Round Guide for Travelers
Planning a trip to Taiwan? When is the best time to visit Taiwan? Understanding Taiwan’s weather is essential for a smooth journey, whether you’re visiting Taipei’s bustling streets, Taroko Gorge’s marble canyons, or Kenting’s sunny beaches. Taiwan’s subtropical to tropical climate offers four distinct seasons, each with its own charm—and occasional challenges like typhoons or seasonal rains. In this guide, we’ll cover seasonal forecasts, regional climate differences, packing tips, and the best times to visit. From cherry blossom season in spring to the mild winters ideal for hot springs, we’ll help you plan around temperature, rainfall, and special weather events. You’ll also learn how to prepare for Taiwan’s humidity, dress for varying altitudes, and choose the right transportation options for each season.(Source: Unsplash｜Moralis Tsai)
Annie Chen
Din Tai Fung Taiwan: The Complete Traveler’s Guide to Taipei’s Most Famous Soup Dumplings
Planning a first bite of Din Tai Fung Taiwan—Taipei’s legendary home of xiao long bao (soup dumplings)? This all-in-one guide covers what to order (from pork xiao long bao and shrimp fried rice to spicy wontons), how the take-a-number queue works, the best branches for travelers (including Taipei 101 and the Xinyi Road original area in Da’an near Dongmen), budgets, vegetarian options, family tips, and the easiest ways to get there by MRT, taxi, or tripool private car. You’ll learn dumpling etiquette, the usual 10% service charge, when the lines are the shortest, and smart pairings with nearby attractions like the Taipei 101 Observatory and Yongkang Street. Whether you’re visiting from the United States, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, or Singapore, use this 2025 traveler’s playbook to eat like a local—without wasting time in line.
Annie Chen
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Grace Fang
4 articles
Grace here! Born in Taipei, based in Yilan, with love for Tainan/Taitung. I explore Taiwan's 368 townships, finding unique cultures for my next journey.
Maggie Ko
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Maggie, a Taipei local. Lived in Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, giving me a unique cross-city view. Sharing Taiwan's culture and experiences is where my enthusiasm lies.
RTR Authors
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The RTR Editorial Team shares Taiwan’s adventures, local experiences and hidden gems with expert, lively storytelling—bringing travelers closer to the island’s unique beauty.