Taiwan by train: Unique sights and hidden gems

Your fave fits are packed, you've got your travel guide and you're all set for your big adventure. Now it's time to go! As your plane glides over the endless expanses of the Asian mainland, you're already busy forging plans and thinking about all the incredible experiences that await. 'Taiwan, here I come!'

The moment has finally come; your plane is about to land! The sight of the sea of houses beneath you fills you with excitement beyond belief, and almost as soon as you collect your bags, you're off on your own to the railway station, where you catch a train to Taichung.
If you've never heard of this city before your trip, you're in for a treat! Taichung is filled with Insta spots, and Rainbow Village – a small village painted in vibrant colours by a former veteran entirely on his own – is definitely one of them. So, you head over, pick a nice corner and snap some pics in front of the colourful houses. All the brilliant hues put you in a fantastic mood, and your colourful adventure continues! You stroll through a sea of tulips, past a picturesque windmill and a bright pink piano set right in the middle of the flowery meadow. At the Zhongshe Flower Market, you feel like you've entered a world straight out of a Dutch fairytale. The sun is shining from the sky, the flowers are glowing in the most beautiful colours, your smile keeps getting bigger and bigger and you’re ready for even more!

You wake up, and the sun is shining! You already ticked off the first sights on your list yesterday, but don't worry; the fairytale continues. Xinshe Castle immediately reminds you of a Disney film and the castles in Europe. The picturesque bridges, green meadows and babbling fountains make it all perfect. Not really a fan of Disney? Taichung's got you covered! Whether it's Super Mario, the Minions or the Simpsons, you can marvel at many of your favourite animated characters portrayed life-size on Painted Animation Lane. Hungry from all the sightseeing, you set off in search of a tasty bite to eat. Hongrui Zhen Bakery is said to sell the best sandwiches in the city, so go see for yourself. And if you'd rather try something typically Taiwanese, you're sure to find something that slaps at the Fangja Night Market, the largest night market in the country.

Today's destination has you up and out of bed early. Where are you off to? Tainan! So, you hop on the train and off you go.
Once you make it to Taiwan's former capital, you kick off your self-led city tour in the best place possible, the West Central District. Did you know that Tainan is home to around 1,600 temples? The Confucius Temple, which boasts a gleaming red facade, is considered one of the most beautiful in the city, and you don't want to miss it. Next stop: Shennong Street! The historic alley is decorated with tons of lanterns that glow in the most beautiful colours after dark. You also find all kinds of souvenirs and treats here as well as a temple at the end of the street – just like you imagined. When it's time for a breather, you head to Tainan Park, the perfect place for a casual stroll. As you pass by its pavilion surrounded by lush greenery, you catch its reflection dancing amongst the lotuses in the lake, and it's hard to believe that you're in the heart of one of Taiwan's largest cities. There's hardly any sign of it here! Pretty soon, your stomach starts to growl, and luckily, you're in just the right city. Tainan is famous for its delicious eats, and here, you're spoilt for choice. Whether it's beef soup, eel noodles or the famous coffin bread, Tainan has it all!