Keelung

Every year, thousands of hopeful souls descend upon the tiny mountain district of Pingxi to scribble their wishes-lofty dreams or desperate pleas-on fragile sheets of rice paper, set them ablaze, and watch their hopes float skyward. Welcome to the beautifully absurd spectacle known as the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, Taiwan's luminous, gravity-defying equivalent of shouting your secrets into a cosmic void. But beneath the twinkling chaos is a richly layered ritual dating back nearly two centuries, initially intended as a beacon signaling to villagers hiding from bandits. Nowadays, bandits are scarce, but in autumn the lantern-fueled frenzy persists, framed perfectly by Pingxi's lush emerald hills and postcard-worthy hikes. Arrive in the early evening, allowing enough time to explore quaint alleys and stake out your spot before dusk melts into night, especially if you visit during the Lunar New Year festivities-plan at least two months in advance. Budget about NT$300 to NT$500 (around $10 to $15 USD) per lantern, and bring a sharpie, an appetite, and the ability to dodge selfie sticks gracefully. Is it environmentally dubious and mildly chaotic? Probably, yes. But standing amid thousands of glowing lanterns drifting silently upwards into the darkness, one cannot deny the experience is pure, unforgettable magic-and, at the very least, one hell of a story to bring home.

At some point during a sweaty, overcrowded afternoon in Pingxi District, surrounded by selfie sticks and giggling teens releasing lanterns into the sky, you might briefly question your sanity. But trust me, once you catch sight of Shifen Waterfall-a dramatic, postcard-perfect cascade nicknamed (perhaps ambitiously) the "Niagara of Taiwan"-you'll forgive everything. At 20 meters tall and 40 meters wide, Shifen delivers thunderous charm and misty rainbows with the casual swagger of a local celebrity. Go early in the morning (ideally a weekday), when you're more likely to encounter tranquil butterflies drifting lazily through the lush surrounding greenery than a swarm of tour buses unloading hordes eager for Instagram notoriety. Bring comfortable shoes, insect repellent, and a willingness to squeeze aboard the creaky train from Ruifang Station; you'll thank me later. With a nominal budget (think about 100 NTD for snacks, entrance is free), planning ahead is minimal-just be prepared for sudden showers, curious locals, and the possibility of damp socks. Sure, Shifen Waterfall isn't the biggest or loudest waterfall you'll ever see, but the unique blend of Taiwanese hospitality, quirky local folklore, and the joy of watching your friends slip on mossy rocks guarantees at least one memorable anecdote that'll keep dinner conversations lively long after you return home.