Greetings from Taipei, Taiwan!
I have now been in Taipei for a little over three weeks, and I am learning to balance my studies with time to explore all the exciting places this city has to offer. As a junior studying international relations, the city presents a familiar metropolitan appearance, while mixing unfamiliar but curious elements.
Here in Taipei, I’m studying at National Taiwan University’s International Chinese Language Program, an amazing but challenging program that has been supporting my language learning and cultural awareness, and aiding in my navigation of this new and exciting journey.
Xiang Shan (Elephant Mountain): A Reminder to Take Things Slow
The amazing thing about Taipei is its proximity to nature. One moment you are surrounded by the bustling city life, and the next you are immersed among the trees.
The weekend before my program started, some classmates I met at orientation invited me to go on a small hike. One of the most popular trails is known as 象山（Xiang Shan), which directly translates to Elephant Mountain.
The mountain itself lies in Eastern Taipei, right off a busy street. It almost appears unassuming, but after trudging up a path of narrow steps, you’ll be greeted with one of the best views imaginable of Taipei, with a clear shot of the tallest building, Taipei 101.
The trail does not simply end but branches off into three other paths. These combined trails are known as “The Four Beast Trails.” Alongside Elephant Mountain, there are the Leopard, Lion, and Tiger trails. These intricate paths lead to scattered temples and other beautiful sites for those seeking further travels.
Unfortunately, due to Taiwan’s monsoon season, it was rainy, so I only managed to make it to the peak of Elephant Mountain. But this small moment of peace outside the city reminded me to remember to take breaks and enjoy the slow moments in my travels. These comforting conclusions helped my confidence with the new semester ahead.
Fragrant Rice Paddy House: A Taste of Culture and History
There were rumors of a campus cow. Yes, a cow that lived on campus! We later learned that there were no cows on campus, but that they were handled by the Animal Science Department at a different location.
Still, this scavenger hunt around the school led us to some interesting discoveries, including a large greenhouse and on-site rice paddies. Just off the corner, we spotted a quaint building selling succulents for approximately one United States dollar.
The name plastered on the front was 香稻馆 Xiang Dao Guan or Fragrant Rice Paddy House. The workers told us that this small museum was opened by the university’s agricultural department to celebrate 90 years of agricultural history in Taiwan. We received a lovely tour of farming tools used in university farms and other traditionally cultivated crops and practices.
Alongside their collections, the museum acts as a store where visitors can purchase items developed from the school’s own agricultural department. Anyone is free to purchase rice cultivated from the campus rice paddies, plus succulents, soaps, and perfumes.
The museum workers were also eager to tell us of the ylang ylang plant, which was used in their perfumes, and also one of the main ingredients in Chanel No. 5. This spontaneous visit introduced me to a hidden gem, and I’ll definitely be back once I’ve run out of rice.
Jiufen: A Passage Back in Time
Jiufen (九份) Village almost feels like stepping into a magical world. The small mountain village, about one hour outside of Taipei, is known for its beautiful mountain scenery and historical feel. The main attraction is known as Old Street, a small, narrow, winding road full of bustling shops, handmade goods, and food stalls. It’s a great spot for a day trip, and a place to grab some beautiful souvenirs.
A-Mei Teahouse, which is famously compared to the scenery of Hayao Miyazaki’s film “Spirited Away,” is a must-stop location. What made this visit very special was getting a moment to travel down an almost-empty Old Street. Experiencing the once-busy street with only the sound of rain and wind was such a rarity that I’ll never forget it.
Reflecting on My First Few Weeks
After three weeks here in Taipei, I’ve already experienced some unforgettable moments that I’ll take back with me. Every day I’m meeting new people, learning new things, and having new experiences.
You can learn something new everywhere you go in Taiwan. I will have some more exciting adventures to share in the next one. Until then, I will be studying for my next exam, remembering to take a deep breath, and enjoying the little things!
This blog was contributed by Gabrielle Tatum, Global Ambassador for Spring 2026. Gabrielle is a College of Liberal Arts Junior participating in an exchange program at the National Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan.
