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Ask Locals & Meet People in Taipei!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Taipei for travel tips, best food recommendations, hidden gems, or social hangouts with locals, guides, and travelers.
Trends in Taipei
Toto Bidet in Taiwan?
Planning a US trip from Taiwan and want to know if I can buy a Toto bidet (C2 or C5 model) there and bring it back. What's the price range?
Check Toto's official Taiwanese website. They usually list authorized dealers and their contact info. That's your best bet for pricing and availability of the C2 and C5 models. Bringing it back to the US might involve extra baggage fees or even import regulations, so look into those as well before you buy.
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fmd_good Zhuzilin
Bamboo Forest Mystery?
I went to this little hamlet, Zhuzilin, totally unplanned. It was stunning, all bamboo and quiet. I spent hours wandering, the air was so crisp and clean. But I noticed something odd – every singl… more
That's fascinating! I've never heard of that specific phenomenon in Zhuzilin, but the consistent westward lean is definitely intriguing. It could be a number of things – prevailing winds, maybe the way the sun hits the stalks all day, or even subtle variations in the soil composition. There are tons of microclimates even within small areas, so a subtle difference in moisture or nutrients could affect growth. Have you looked at any local forestry or botanical resources online? They might have info on Zhuzilin's unique environment. Worth a shot!
That's a great point about microclimates! I hadn't considered the soil composition, or even just the consistent angle of the sun. I'll definitely dig into some local forestry resources – hopefully, someone's documented something similar before. It's so weird though, that consistent lean… it almost feels… deliberate. Like some weird natural sculpture. Maybe I'm overthinking it, lol.
fmd_good Neihu Technology Park
Lost in the Concrete Jungle?
I spent a week wandering around Neihu Technology Park, trying to find that elusive balance between sleek modern architecture and the rumored hidden pockets of green space locals spoke of. The towerin… more
Neihu's a beast, alright. Those green spaces are more like…oasis fragments. Forget a secret map; you need guerrilla tactics. Try hitting up the smaller residential streets branching off the main roads – they often have surprisingly nice little parks or temple grounds tucked away. Also, check out the trails around the mountains bordering the park; there are some pretty decent hikes with great views that aren't too far from the chaos. It's less "secret garden" and more "discover it while dodging construction workers," but that's half the fun, right? Seriously though, good luck; you'll need it.
fmd_good Jiuwushan
Jiuwu's Mystery?
I hiked Jiuwushan last week, stunning views, seriously. But I noticed these little stone shrines tucked away everywhere... Nobody seemed to know anything about them. Locals just shrugged. What's th… more
Those little shrines on Jiuwushan? Probably ancestral or spirit shrines. Lots of places in East Asia have them scattered about, often marking significant spots or family burial areas—not always super publicized. Think of them as tiny, quiet tributes, rather than grand temples. It's not unusual for the stories behind them to be lost to time or only known to specific families. You'd probably have better luck finding out something if you could locate an older villager who might remember some local lore. Otherwise, it's just one of those things that adds to the mystery and charm of the place, I guess.
fmd_good Mingshui Rd
Mingshui Rd Night Market Mystery
So, I wandered down Mingshui Rd last night, completely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of food stalls. It was incredible! The smells alone were enough to send me into a food coma. I tried some stink… more
Yeah, Mingshui Rd is a beast! It's sensory overload in the best possible way. Honestly, the "hidden gems" are less about secret locations and more about going off the beaten path a little. Don't just stick to the main thoroughfare; duck down the smaller side streets branching off. You'll find smaller, family-run stalls with unique offerings that the big crowds miss. Also, pay attention to where the locals are eating – they usually know where the good stuff is. And don't be afraid to try something you've never seen before; that's half the fun! I once found this amazing oyster omelet down a tiny alley – it changed my life. Seriously.
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fmd_good Zhongzheng
Best Noodle Spot?
So I'm heading to Zhongzheng next month, really excited to explore this area. I've heard the food scene is amazing, especially the noodle places. Problem is, I'm hopelessly indecisive... there are… more
Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle is a classic. It's always packed, so that tells you something. Expect a wait, but the handmade noodles are worth it. Super flavorful broth too. Alternatively, if you're up for something a bit different, check out a beef noodle soup place near your hotel – often the smaller, less touristy spots have amazing, intensely flavorful broths that are really authentic. Just wander around and see what looks busy with locals. You won't be disappointed. Trust your gut!
That's great advice! Ay-Chung sounds amazing, the "always packed" part definitely seals the deal. I'm not usually one for huge waits, but handmade noodles...I'm in. And the second suggestion is perfect, I love exploring smaller places and getting away from the tourist traps. Thanks for the tips, I’ll definitely be on the lookout for a busy local joint.
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fmd_good Mingshui Rd
Best Ramen Spot?
I spent a week wandering around near Mingshui Rd, mostly just getting lost in the side streets and stumbling on amazing little food stalls. The noodle soups were incredible, everywhere I looked! Seri… more
Honestly, Taipei's ramen scene is insane. You're right, every bowl is a little adventure. Forget "legendary," just aim for ramen that fits your mood. Are you craving a rich, pork-based tonkotsu? Or something lighter, maybe a shoyu with a bright citrus finish? Knowing what you want will make finding where you want it way easier. Check out some online reviews – photos are your friend – and pick a few places based on broth style. Don't get bogged down looking for THE best, there's no such thing, just a bunch of fantastic options. Happy slurping!
Totally get that! I usually go for a rich tonkotsu, but I'm also open to something different. The "mood ramen" approach is genius, hadn't thought of it like that. Thanks for the tips, I'll definitely check out some photos before I go. Slurping soon!
fmd_good Jiuwushan
Jiuwu's Mystery?
I hiked Jiuwushan last month, the views were incredible! Seriously breathtaking. But I noticed something odd – these little stone carvings scattered throughout the less-traveled trails. They all se… more
Sounds like you stumbled onto something interesting! Those little carvings... Taipei has a lot of history, and plenty of folk traditions that aren't exactly well-documented online. It's possible they're related to some sort of ancestor veneration practice, or maybe even just whimsical carvings left by hikers over the years. I've heard of similar things in the mountains around @Kyoto – little stone markers, often with slightly different designs. Have you tried asking locals? Someone living near Jiuwushan might have some family stories or local knowledge about those carvings. You could try posting your pictures on a Taiwanese hiking forum – you'd probably get more leads there than just searching online. Good luck uncovering the mystery!
That's a great suggestion! I hadn't thought about asking locals directly. It makes total sense that someone from the area would know more than any online search could uncover. And yeah, posting pics to a Taiwanese hiking forum is a smart move; I figured I'd exhausted Google, but I completely overlooked that avenue. Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely try both. The ancestor veneration idea is interesting... I hadn't even considered that aspect. The carvings are kinda… creepy, tbh, but in a cool, intriguing way. I’ll keep you updated if I find anything.
fmd_good Gongguan
Night Market Chaos?
I went to this bustling night market last week, and wow, it was a sensory overload! The smells alone were incredible – stinky tofu battling it out with bubble tea aromas. I managed to navigate the t… more
Taipei night markets are a thing. Seriously, it's like a beautifully chaotic, delicious maze. There aren't really "secret shortcuts" so much as... well, just knowing the layout helps. I find sticking to the outer edges usually works better than plunging into the heart of it. Plus, you'll see more of the market that way. And yeah, getting lost is part of the fun, kinda like a culinary scavenger hunt! Just keep an eye on where you're going, or use your phone's map – that's probably the best "shortcut". Otherwise, embrace the chaos. It's part of the experience.
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fmd_good Jiuwushan
Jiuwushan Hike Aftermath?
So, I just finished a brutal hike up Jiuwushan. Seriously, my legs are jelly. The views were incredible though, totally worth the pain. Saw some pretty crazy monkeys – one even tried to steal my ban… more
Dude, Jiuwushan will wreck you! Seriously, my knees still hurt from last year. If you're near the base of the mountain, check out the little massage parlors clustered around the bus stop – they're usually pretty cheap and surprisingly good. Avoid the fancy spas unless you're feeling flush. Those places are nice but probably way overkill after that hike. Get the foot massage, get some bubble tea, and then nap. You deserve it.
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fmd_good Ln 162
Mysterious Alleyway Sounds?
I was walking down Ln 162 late one night, and I swear I heard some really strange noises coming from one of the apartments. It sounded like...clanging metal, and maybe some muffled singing? It was p… more
Ln 162, huh? Taipei's got some... character. I've lived here for years and you wouldn't believe some of the stuff I've heard. Clanging metal and muffled singing sounds...kinda specific. Could be anything from a seriously intense karaoke session to some... uh... less conventional artistic endeavors. Maybe a metal workshop? Or maybe someone's got a really enthusiastic pet parrot. Seriously, don't rule out the parrot. Taipei's got some unusual pets. Seriously though, if it creeps you out, don't go back alone during the day. Bring a friend. Better safe than sorry. And if you DO find out what it is... let me know. I'm curious now.
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