Island Charm: A Two-Day Tour of Cijin Island and Taipei

Day 1: For this trip, I specifically planned a day to visit Cijin Island to experience the island charm of Kaohsiung, a harbor city. Early in the morning, I took the high-speed rail from Taipei to Kaohsiung, then transferred to the light rail to Gushan Ferry Station, and finally took a ferry to Cijin Island. The short ferry ride brought fresh sea breeze and the leisurely atmosphere of the fishing port. Upon arrival, I rented a bicycle and leisurely rode along the Cijin coastline. The first stop was the famous Cijin Lighthouse, a white lighthouse standing on a hill. From the top of the lighthouse, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the entire bay and the bustling Kaohsiung Port. Next, I visited the Cihou Fort, an ancient relic that witnessed Taiwan's history. The arches and stone walls of the ruins added a sense of historical depth. At noon, I tasted the famous local seafood delicacies on Cijin Old Street, such as tender grilled squid and crispy fried milkfish cakes, and also had a bowl of delicious seafood porridge, thoroughly satisfying my taste buds. In the afternoon, I went to the Cijin Shell Museum, which showcases various shells and marine specimens. The colorful shells were truly amazing. In the evening, I strolled along Cijin Beach, watching the sunset slowly sink into the horizon. The sound of waves hitting the shore was like a symphony of nature, mesmerizing me. At night, I returned to Kaohsiung city, stayed in a cozy hotel, and recharged for the next day's Taipei itinerary. Day 2: Back in Taipei, I decided to continue exploring the blend of nature and urban life. In the morning, I went to the Maokong Gondola, took the gondola up, and enjoyed the view of the lush mountains and Taipei's skyline, which was refreshing. In the tea gardens of Maokong, I savored a pot of fragrant Pouchong tea and enjoyed a meal featuring tea-infused dishes, experiencing the perfect combination of tea aroma and cuisine. In the afternoon, I visited the Beitou Hot Spring Museum to learn about the history and culture of Beitou Hot Springs and took a break at the nearby hot spring foot bath area, relieving the day's fatigue. Then, I went to Yangmingshan National Park, walked among the bamboo forests and trails, and admired the hot spring streams and natural scenery in the mountains. At night, I headed to Shilin Night Market to enjoy the lively atmosphere and culinary delights of Taiwan's night markets. From fried chicken to bubble tea, every bite was an authentic taste of Taiwan. The natural and marine charm of Cijin Island contrasts sharply with the mountain and urban life of Taipei. These two days of travel, accompanied by sunshine and sea breeze, as well as tea aroma and cultural immersion, made me deeply appreciate the diversity and beauty of Taiwan.