When friends back home picture Taiwan, they imagine temples, scooters, night markets, and bubble tea on every corner โ which, fair enough, all exist. But whenever I visit and sip my morning coffee, I inevitably hear the same comment: โIt must be weird drinking coffee after spending so much time in Asia. Donโt people mostly… Continue reading Taiwan: The Unexpected Coffee Paradise You Probably Didnโt Know About
I just came back from a spiritual afternoonโhopping from temple to temple, incense smoke in my hair, desperately trying to pray all my problems awayโand thought: why not turn this into a blog post? After all, if my worries arenโt going to disappear, I might as well turn them into content. So, letโs talk about… Continue reading Heaven Just Got 5G: A Friendly Dive into Taiwanese Religious Life
When I first moved to Taiwan, my local friends welcomed me with open arms and a list of cultural taboos designed to save me from embarrassing myselfโor accidentally summoning ghosts. They warned me about the classics: โ Donโt stick your chopsticks straight into a bowl of rice. โ Donโt point at the moon. โ Donโt… Continue reading Never Pick Up a Red Envelope in Taiwan: A Fascinating Dive Into Spirit Marriages
Curious about Taiwan? Youโre not alone. This small island packs a big storyโone filled with layers of history, vibrant culture, political twists, and unforgettable personal journeys. Whether you're planning a trip, diving into East Asian studies, or simply want to understand what makes Taiwan so unique, books are one of the best ways to explore… Continue reading 10 Essential Books to Understand Taiwan
If you're looking for a cultural spot in Taipei that blends history, serenity, and meaningful philosophy, the Taipei Confucius Temple (ๅฐๅๅญๅญๅป) is one of the most peaceful and enriching places to explore. Located in Datong District, just across from the more flamboyant Bao'an Temple, this Confucian shrine offers a totally different vibe โ one of… Continue reading Taipei Confucius Temple: A Journey into Wisdom and Tradition
Tainan, Taiwanโs oldest city, is known for its rich cultural heritage and impressive temples. Among them stands Zhuxi Temple (็ซนๆบชๅฏบ)โa site often believed to be Taiwanโs oldest Buddhist temple. Though it has been rebuilt multiple times over the centuries, its historical significance and newly reconstructed architecture make it one of Tainanโs most interesting spiritual landmarks.… Continue reading Zhuxi Temple (็ซนๆบชๅฏบ): Taiwanโs Oldest Buddhist Temple
Naming conventions in Taiwan are deeply rooted in culture and tradition, reflecting both Chinese heritage and the unique identity of the island. While the majority of Taiwanese people of Han Chinese descent follow traditional Chinese naming practices, there are also modern influences and occasional quirks that make these customs fascinating. Structure of Taiwanese Names Taiwanese… Continue reading All About Taiwanese Naming Customs
Every year on September 28th, Taiwan celebrates the birthday of Confucius (ๅญๅญ), one of the most revered philosophers and educators in Chinese history. Known as "Teachers' Day" (ๆๅธซ็ฏ) in Taiwan, this special day is dedicated not only to the memory of Confucius but also to honor the role of teachers in society. The celebrations are… Continue reading Confuciusโ Birthday Celebrations in Taiwan
Taiwanese cinema has a rich history, blending unique cultural narratives with universal themes. Here, we explore the top 10 Taiwanese movies of all time, showcasing the best of Taiwanese storytelling, direction, and performance. 10. Eat Drink Man Woman (้ฃฒ้ฃ็ทๅฅณ, 1994) Director: Ang Lee Main Actors: Sihung Lung, Kuei-Mei Yang, Chien-Lien Wu Synopsis: This film tells… Continue reading Top 10 Best Taiwanese Movies of All Time
Matsu, also known as Mazu, holds a revered place in Taiwanese culture as the guardian deity of fishermen, sailors, and seafarers. The celebration of her birthday, occurring on the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month (April 20th in 2025), is a significant event across Taiwan, marked by vibrant festivities and religious observances. A Brief… Continue reading Matsuโs Birthday Celebrations in Taiwan
Bubble Tea Island 