Finding Innocent Taipei Moments in the Animal World

Day 1: For the first stop in Taipei, I chose the Taipei Zoo, full of childlike wonder and natural vibes. Early in the morning, I took the MRT to Muzha Station and walked to the zoo following the signs. Fresh air and children's laughter greeted me. The zoo is well-divided into different areas. I first visited the 'Asian Tropical Rainforest Area,' where I saw the elegant Bengal tiger and the adorable Malayan bear. Then, I strolled to the 'Australian Area,' where the lazy kangaroos and koalas brought a smile to my face. Of course, a visit to Taipei Zoo wouldn't be complete without seeing the 'Giant Panda House.' The chubby pandas leisurely munching on bamboo attracted countless visitors. I spent my midday here, buying an animal-shaped dessert to add some fun to this animal journey. In the afternoon, I took the Maokong Gondola, overlooking the entire zoo and the Taipei Basin from above. The lush greenery was refreshing. Upon arriving at Maokong, I chose a teahouse to enjoy some tea. The mountain breeze and tea aroma were relaxing. In the evening, I returned to the city and went to the Xiangshan Hiking Trail. Climbing up the steps, I watched the sunset cast a golden glow on the glass exterior of Taipei 101, as if gilding the city. Day 2: A new day began with exploring Taipei's cultural landmarks. Early in the morning, I visited the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. The grand architecture and solemn atmosphere showcased Taipei's rich history. After watching the flag-raising ceremony, I strolled through the surrounding park, enjoying the view of Taipei 101, making the cultural journey complete. Next, I went to Huashan 1914 Creative Park to see a photography exhibition themed around nature and animals. Each piece in the exhibition made me rethink our relationship with nature. In the afternoon, I chose to relax in Daan Forest Park, an urban oasis. Walking through the park, listening to birdsong, and watching children run on the grass echoed the innocence of the zoo. In the evening, I headed to Tonghua Night Market, ending my trip with some salt and pepper chicken and bubble tea. In these two days, I saw Taipei's vibrant yet nature-friendly side. Taipei Zoo is not just a place to see animals but a window to innocence and nature, making one fall in love with the gentle soul of this city.