Taiwan Is Cool

Taiwan is cool - that is the impression I get even before arriving to this island. I maybe influenced by the background of picturesque Taipei or Taiwan via its TV series... and its not just the cooler weather especially when it rains. :)

And having recently been to Taiwan, I really wasn't disappointed when I arrived here as in a way, it was like walking into a TV scene.

These are the cool facts about Taiwan:

1. Cool Streets
The bustling roads are filled with so many colours with many outlets providing a good time for Taiwan shopping!



And apart from the main roads, a cooler view are the small cramp streets & lanes that have an atmosphere that is rather homely.





2. Cool Food Outlets
Along these streets are located the many local cafes & small food outlets. The more modern outlets & cafes do have good designs & are rather trendy!



And the nice part about Taiwan is where traditional outlets run side by side these modern shops, giving a sense of contrast of old & new.


The traditional shop plus the scooter in front... Even the scooter makes Taiwan look cool! (there are many of them in Taiwan)

3. Billboards & Signboards
Another distinct character of Taiwan is just like the many other Chinese cities with a huge dose of signboards & billboards, all trying to get the attention of the passersby. From small signboards in front of the shops up to the huge billboards which seem to pop out of nowhere, no building wall seem to be untouched!




Supermodel Chin Ling is a big hit in Taiwan


The cinema - all the pillars are covered with posters of advertisement

4. Xi Men Ding
Talking bout billboards, Xi Men Ding is a must mention & must visit as well. A hip place for both local Taiwanese & tourists alike, this place is filled with huge billboards & lights.

And the roads or lanes are closed to allow pedestrians to walk & shop along the many trendy boutiques & eat the many street food.







This place is the love of the TV shows and now I know why. Walking at Xi Men Ding just gives one a modern impression of Taipei... and where one can just loosen up and soak in the cool atmosphere.

5. Taiwan Cool Greenery
Though not boasting as a green city, but the trees planted at some corners of Taipei city gives a cool view, especially when it rains and the roads are wet.


Going green just seems cool!


Pedestrian walkway in between the trees

6. Taipei's Landmark
And finally, the unmistakable new landmark of Taipei & Taiwan... the tallest tower of Taipei 101 which can be seen at nearly every corner of the city.


The Taipei 101 is like a star on its own - can you see it? (looks tiny here)

What makes this tower majestic is its undisturbed view of the tower - where the tower is not clustered or surrounded by any other tall buildings, hence one can zoom & focus directly on it.

These cool images of Taipei, Taiwan, just makes me fall in love with this contrasting city of old & new... and its nice to know that it truly lives up to its TV image :)

More on Taipei 101 up next!