< Visited in Jul 2019 >Originally a plan to check out Taichung Fifth Market 台中第五市场 and Painted Animation Lane 动漫彩绘巷 for their proximity to each other, Taichung Literature Park 台中文学公园 was a by-the-way as I walked past this interesting cluster even before reaching the market. (The merit of exploring cities on foot...) Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(137)
< Visited in Jul 2019 >Taichung Third Market 台中第三市场 was one of the marketplaces in my Jul 2019 itinerary, made all the more enticing as it was a mere 15-minute walk from my accommodation Petrichor Hotel 朗舍行馆 (though I usually cater more time for getting distracted enroute). Cultural Heritage Park 文化创意产业园区, on the other hand, was an inclusion by chance passing by it at the end of my marketplace stroll - though highly recommended if you have time for both. Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(1) 人氣(619)
< Visited in Jul 2019 >Traditional markets are a disappearing act in modern cities. Many get an overhaul and lose their original charm, becoming nothing more than homogenous, functional places. On this note, Taiwan makes an effort to inject creativity and character into some of their modern markets - making tradition accessible and attractive to the younger generation. I love visiting marketplaces on my travels, especially traditional ones which are almost non-existent where I come from; and find revamped ones in Taiwan quite an attraction on their own. Both types are worth exploring, for the local cuisine, infectious peak hour energy and modest neighbourhood charm. Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(556)
< Visited in Jul 2019 > In many progressively urbanized countries, forests, green spaces and nature have made way for concrete dwellings, which takes priority in land scarce and increasingly populated places. Those that pay attention to (restoring some) greenery, make an effort to include pockets of nature (albeit man-made) or cater for neighbourhood parks in urban planning. I feel blessed that Taiwan maintains a good mix of city-scape and breathtaking nature - allowing me varied travel experiences - and feel aghast when seeing reports of people (both locals and tourists) misbehaving at attractions. Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(18)
< Visited in Jul 2019 >The Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR 高铁) came into service in January 2007, and provided a fast and comfortable alternative to the older Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA 台铁) system for inter-city travel. If there is any downside to HSR, it is that it only covers the "left side" of Taiwan, versus TRA's much more extensive and intricate railway lines through the whole of Taiwan. If you ask me, both are equally functional for me, although I have another favoured mode of public transport - bus/coach (公车/客运). Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(100)
< Stayed in Jul 2019 >Launched in May 2018, Petrichor Hotel 朗舍行馆 derived its name from 'the pleasant smell produced after rainfall on dry ground'. Sandwiched along a quiet stretch of low-rise shops and offices, it is a convenient 5-minutes ride or 15-minutes stroll from the bustling Taichung Railway Station zone (passing Miyahara 宫原眼科 in the middle). From the handful of room types suitable for solo travellers, couples and families, I decided to experience two of them over my six-night stay. Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(119)
< Visited from 2017 - 2019 > Eslite 诚品 bookstore is unlikely an unfamiliar name to Taiwan visitors, though more accurately, the brand has evolved into a cultural, lifestyle and retail icon, with malls operating as Eslite Spectrum 诚品生活. Place one of my favourite Taiwanese icons at one of my favourite cultural parks - and Eslite Spectrum Songyan Store 诚品生活松烟店 does not disappoint as a must-go destination. Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(171)
< Visited from 2017 - 2019 >Songshan Cultural & Creative Park 松山文创园区, or Songyan 松烟 in short, is one of my favourite haunts in Taipei. In case you are wondering why it's called Songyan 松烟, the premises were originally a Japanese tobacco factory - named Songshan Tobacco Plant 松山烟草工厂 - in the 1930s. The city government converted the space into a cultural and retail zone in early 2000s, marrying modern use with the historic site, old structures and architecture. Excellent for a few leisurely hours, I can hardly get tired of this place which keeps my wen qing 文青 soul meaningfully engaged. Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(529)
< Stayed in Jul 2019 & Nov 2018 > In my other blog on iTaipei Service Apartment 京站酒店式公寓, I shared the pros of staying at this location. This post shares another service apartment in the same building - Taipei Beautiful Apartment 京站美丽住宿. I had come across this option when iTaipei was fully booked on my desired dates, and was glad I did - I could enjoy the same good location, in addition to another variety of rooms. Taipei Beautiful Apartment 京站美丽住宿's room rates may be lower, depending on travel season, so no harm making a comparison. Lynda Lim 發表在 痞客邦 留言(0) 人氣(38)
< Visited in Jul 2019 >
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