Taipei Travel

Bicycle Fun in Taipei



In subtropical Taiwan, many international visitors and expatriate residents find the winter season the most pleasant. Temps are cool but generally short of cold, making outdoor explorations in Taipei's urban districts and natural areas especially comfy. Time to get your exercise shoes on – we're taking you out on expeditions cycling along rivers, hiking up low mountains, and going for walks in two especially tourist-popular neighborhoods. 



Cycling is the theme in our Cover Story articles, where we introduce the breezy, tranquil rides awaiting along Taipei's extensive network of interconnected riverside bikeway. Next up is a piece on a trending new type of local venture, bicycle shops doubling as cafés, now hot gathering places for dedicated cycling enthusiasts. Bringing up the rear is a helpful file of tips and reminders that will ensure your Taipei cycling experience is both pleasant and safe.



We also have vetted two A Day in Taipei walking tours for you. In one, get to know Zhongshan, the "coolest neighborhood" praised by Time Out and a hip renaissance enclave home to ritzy department stores and iconoclastic shops, eateries, and cafés. The other tour takes us to Wanhua (Bangka), Taipei's oldest district, home to ornate temples and family-run heritage businesses dating back to imperial times.



In Out in Nature section, your big adventure is a hike up the "Four Beasts," a chain of four low mountains on modern Xinyi District's south side from which terrific views of Taipei 101 and across the Taipei Basin are your reward.



We also have indoor-fun recommendations in this issue. In our regular DIY Fun section, you will learn about crafting beautiful Japanese-style paper lanterns. In Fine Food, savor a taste of the iconic Taiwan hot-pot experience at two of the city's best hot-pot joints, and also find out about the new-in Michelin-starred restaurants renowned for their culinary excellence.

Enough cool things to fill up your cool-weather winter visit with warm cheer? Enjoy!