YeinJee's Asian Journal

Interesting culture and places in Taipei, Taiwan; as featured in the 4th and 5th episode of The Amazing Race Asia (TARA) season 3.

Ximending, Taipei

Ximending is one of the most bustling areas in Taipei with a mixture of new and old culture.

You can find the latest trends and hype in Ximending… fashion, books, entertainment, cosplay, games etc; and on contrary also home to some of the oldest shops and restaurants in Taipei.

Ximending is also a popular place for celebrities to hold fans meeting or small concerts.

Miniatures Museum of Taiwan

The Miniatures Museum of Taiwan is the first museum of its kind in Asia. As the name indicates, it’s a museum that displayed miniature artwork.

Was longing to visit the place during my Taiwan trip in May 2008, but couldn’t fit the place into my tight schedule.

Raohe Street Night Market

Raohe Night Market is a popular night market in Taipei, famous for its snake delicacies and exotic food. I got to visit this place last time, but I was pretty late when I got there… most of the food stalls were already closed.

Shenkeng’s tofu

Shenkeng is a rural township in southern Taipei county, and is famous for its tofu restaurants. The contestants were challenged to eat a large pot of stinky tofu, which is just one of the many tofu delicacies available in the small town.

Pingsi

Pingsi is a small town in eastern Taipei County which used to be an important coal mining area. The town is a popular weekend getaway these days, famous for its nostalgic old streets and sky-lanterns.

A bit about the race

Taipei City Hall Square was the pitstop of the 4th leg of the race. Malaysian team Ida and Tania was the first to arrive, while Indian father-son team Kapil and Niroo was eliminated for coming last.

The pitstop of the 5th leg was at Taiwan Astronomical Museum. Hong Kong team Sam and Vince came first, while Thai team Mai and Oliver eliminated.