Below is the transcript from the podcast recorded by Risto Marttinen, the secretary general of AIESEP. Risto is joined by Alicia Liu a current masters student at NTNU in Taipei. The discussion covers things to do in Taiwan. Future blogs will discuss other parts of the AIESEP 2026 conference.
Here is a link to the podcast. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DOfuDgWZvuGVe3CCvSzjS?si=4ZH7nX_UR6iIXUqxtXzmBQ (episode 384 in Playing with Research in Health and Physical Education Podcast)
️ Opening / Introduction
Risto:
I am here today with Alicia Liu who is a master’s student at National Taiwan Normal University and we’re here to talk about AIESEP 2026! I figured, as we’ve done with past conferences, that we would get someone from the place to give us their perspective on what to expect!
Alicia, could you start by introducing yourself—what are you studying and where are you based in Taiwan?
Alicia:
Hi Risto, thank you so much for having me! I’m Alicia, currently a PE teacher in Taipei City and pursuing my master’s degree at NTNU. I’m super excited that AIESEP is coming to Taiwan — I can’t wait to welcome everyone here!
Risto: For those who’ve never been to Taiwan — how would you describe it in just a few words?
Alicia: We could talk about so many things, but…I’d say —it’s a “food paradise.” Given our complex history, including our Colonial History with the Dutch, Spanish, and 50 years of Japanese rule, we have a variety of cultural foods. And each kind of them tastes delicious. We have incredible diversity in what we eat — from traditional street snacks to creative fusion dishes. You can find everything here!
And the best part? You can eat well anytime. Taiwan is a 24/7 food country — there’s always something open!.
Risto: So, no matter when you arrive, there’s always food waiting for you.
Alicia: Exactly. If you visit Taiwan, it’s going to be a treat for your taste buds. And that’s why I say Taiwan is not just a place to visit — it’s a place to taste.
Risto: From your point of view, what makes Taiwan unique compared to other places in Asia?
Alicia: Well, Taiwan has so much variety in both its nature and culture.
Taiwan is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Personally, I’m not a nature lover. But the views in Taiwan will definitely surprise you. Imagine yourself experiencing views of spectacular mountains stretching along the horizon or enjoying the sea breeze; these are among the most wonderful things in our lives. In Taiwan, a pretty small island, you can literally go from the mountains to the ocean in a short amount of time — sometimes even within one hour! From beaches and hot springs to tropical forests and modern cities — everywhere is buzzing with life. It’s pretty worthwhile for visitors to travel and explore diverse natural landscapes.
And beyond nature, we also have a rich blend of history — from traditional temples and indigenous heritage to creative, modern art scenes. Taiwan is full of contrasts, but everything is in remarkable harmony.
Risto: And as I understand the public transportation is pretty good also
Alicia: Yes, absolutely! Taiwan is one of the most convenient places in Asia. Public transportation is everywhere — buses, metro, high-speed rails, and even shared bikes and scooters. You can easily explore the entire city as you wish to.
Risto: Would you consider Taiwan a safe place where you’re safely able to walk around at night?
Alicia: That is true. Taiwan is incredibly safe.
Even in small streets, you can be walking alone at night and still feel totally comfortable.
Here, honesty and kindness aren’t just words — they’re part of who we are, and part of fundamental values.
Generally speaking, Taiwanese people are incredibly warm and willing to help — even if their English isn’t perfect, they’ll try their best to communicate using gestures, translation apps, or even drawings on paper! We like to make people feel comfortable, like they’re at home.
️ Things to Do in Taipei
Risto: Some people only have a few days to explore Taipei, After all they are coming here to attend a conference…I’ve heard about Taipei 101, the night markets, and the temples — so,
If you had to plan the perfect short trip, what would you recommend?
Alicia:
That’s a great question!
If you only have a few days in Taipei, I’d definitely suggest spending one full day around Taipei 101. It’s not just our tallest building — it’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and something we’re really proud of.
Although it’s a modern business tower, the lower floors are filled with shops, restaurants, and food courts. But what really makes it special is the observatory. You can take a high-speed elevator all the way up to the 89th floor, where you’ll get a breathtaking 360-degree view of Taipei. It’s a must-do, especially for visitors who only have a short time in the city.
Right beside Taipei 101 is the Elephant Mountain, an easy hiking trail that rewards you with the best view of Taipei’s skyline, especially at sunset — it’s magical up there.
And when the night falls, the Xinyi District transforms into one of the most vibrant areas in Taipei. Locals and travelers alike gather to eat and shop. You could grab dinner at the world-famous Din Tai Fung, which originated right here in Taipei! Their soup dumplings, xiao long bao, are legendary. After that, maybe catch a movie, or have a drink at one of the rooftop bars nearby — the city really comes alive after dark.
Then, I’d recommend visiting Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
It’s a beautiful historical site with grand architecture. Right beside it, you’ll find the National Concert Hall and National Theater — which are perfect for art lovers who want to enjoy a concert or show. A common experience of every Taiwanese is that there is a big pond where you can feed the fish. At least, people around me all have the memory of feeding fish in their childhood.
Risto: What about something more local, like where young people hang out?
Alicia: Definitely Ximending! It’s one of the most energetic shopping areas — full of street performers, fashion stores, and bubble tea shops. It’s like a mix of culture and fun — you’ll see both traditional and modern life blending there.
Risto: And for something more historic?
Alicia: We also have many historic spots, such as Lungshan Temple, one of the oldest temples in Taipei, or the National Palace Museum, which holds thousands of ancient Chinese treasures. Both places really show our cultural roots.
Risto: If someone wants to go beyond the usual tourist spots, what are some of your favorite landmarks or experiences?
Alicia: Oh, here comes my favorite one. Night markets. For all of our participants, I strongly suggest SHIDA night markets. It’s right next to NTNU. Perfect for grabbing a bite after the sessions! As an NTNU student, I would get food from the Shida Night Market. There are so many tasty snacks, like the pineapple butter bun and the famous Shiyuan fried chicken.
There’s Raohe, Ningxia, Nanjichang, and Shilin Night Market. Honestly, Raohe has become one of the best — you can taste almost every Taiwanese specialty there, like pepper buns and sweet potato balls.
Risto: What about for visitors who want to take a break from the city and see some nature, where would you recommend they go?
Alicia: For people who want to escape the city center, I recommend Yangmingshan National Park. It is located in the Shilin District. You can hike the Lengshuikeng trail and experience foot hot springs. And if you go further down the trail, you’ll reach Qingtiangang Grassland. You can also see volcanic craters, and after the hike, there are many hillside restaurants where you can enjoy dinner with a city night view.
And for a relaxing afternoon, you can take a bike ride to Tamsui, by the river. It’s known for beautiful sunsets, street snacks, and an old street full of local shops. It’s calm, romantic, and perfect for ending your trip.
Risto: Alright, Alicia, I’ve heard that Taipei has one of the best transportation systems in Asia — clean, safe, and super organized. For visitors who don’t speak Chinese, is it easy to get around?
Alicia: Yes, it’s super easy! The best thing to do is buy an EasyCard — you can use it on the MRT, buses, and YouBikes. Just tap and go anywhere!
Risto: That’s amazing! And how about the language — are there English signs or announcements?
Alicia: Yes, absolutely. All the public transportation systems — MRT and buses — have both Chinese and English announcements. You’ll see English on all signs and maps too, so it’s very easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.
Risto: Alicia, I know many of our listeners are active people. When they come to Taiwan, what kind of outdoor or physical activities can they enjoy?
Alicia: Oh, there are so many options! Two of the most popular sports in Taiwan would be baseball and basketball. We have a great number of baseball fans since it is a popular game for people to follow and even attend games.
Baseball games are exciting because there are various aspects such as cheerleaders and celebrity performances. Also, players have their own theme songs when they step on the field, and a real fan would know the melody and every single word of the lyrics. The best part is that fans would sing along, and the cheerleaders would lead them to make gestures and dance moves to the songs. It is such a great atmosphere, and would be something special for foreigners to experience.
Basketball is popular amongst students of all ages. From elementary school, all the way to university students. During break time or after school, the courts would always be full of basketball lovers. We also have parks with basketball courts, which you would find even a wider range of players competing and having fun there. People are really friendly if you wish to join them, so don’t be shy to ask if you want to play together!
As for travelers that are only interested in watching a game and experiencing the vibe, we also have professional league games in different cities in Taiwan. Since the fan base for basketball here has been growing rapidly, the game-day experience just keeps getting better. Most of the time players would give autographs on their way to the locker room and even outside the arena after games, so fans can definitely enjoy a wonderful full game-experience if they wish to.
Risto: Other than the sport aspect, what would you recommend to travelers who enjoy simply outdoor activities such as hiking and enjoying beautiful views?
Alicia: Taiwan is really a dream place for people who love the outdoors.
Let’s start with hiking. Taiwan has over one hundred mountains above 3,000 meters, collectively known as the “Hundred Peaks.”
In Taipei, you don’t have to go far — you can hike the Four Beasts Mountain which has many trails to choose from, (Jinmianshan trail, Jiantanshan, Qixing mountain trail). That’s where you’ll catch the most beautiful skyline views, especially during sunset.
And for something more adventurous, people could try rock climbing. We have some indoor places for rock climbing, such as the Younghe Sports Center.
And also a great outdoor spot in Beitou Rehai (Hot Sea) — perfect for experienced climbers. The natural rock formations make it challenging.
And if you’re into water sports, there are even more options.
In Longdong, which means “Dragon Cave,” you can go cliff diving or snorkeling — the water is crystal clear. And for surfing, go to Baishawan (White Sand Bay). It’s only about an hour from Taipei and has great waves for beginners and pros.
Risto: Do you have any recommendations for visitors who want to explore beyond the city? What are some of the best places for a short trip or weekend getaway?
Alicia: I’d definitely say Jiufen, in New Taipei City. It’s a beautiful mountain town that used to be a gold mining area, and now it’s full of narrow alleys, red lanterns, and old teahouses overlooking the sea.
People often say it looks like something out of a movie — actually, many believe Jiufen inspired the film:Spirited Away! When you go, you must try their famous taro balls dessert — it’s chewy, colorful, and sweet. And if you want a bit of exercise, there’s Teapot Mountain nearby, with amazing views of the coast.
Risto: Awesome- any other spots you recommend?
Alicia: you can visit Yilan, which is just a short train ride east of Taipei.
It’s famous for its hot springs, especially in Jiaoxi, where you can even try a “fish spa” — little fish gently nibble your feet while you soak them in the tiny pool! (laughs)
Yilan is also great for surfing and hiking. One of the most beautiful hikes is Matcha Mountain, named for its green hills that resemble powdered tea.
It’s perfect for a weekend trip — you can hike, surf, and relax all in one place.
Risto: What about trips that go a bit further down south, where should they go?
Alicia: Then I’d recommend Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan. It’s one of the country’s most famous landmarks — a vast, peaceful lake surrounded by mountains. You can rent a bike to ride around the lake, take a boat cruise, or visit the Wenwu Temple overlooking the water. The view at sunrise and sunset is just breathtaking — it’s calm, quiet, and very romantic.
Another example, Tainan offers rich history and fantastic food, Taitung and Hualien are known for their dramatic gorges, ocean cliffs, and mountain views, and Green Island is perfect for diving in crystal-clear water.
Each place has its own rhythm and energy — and together they show how diverse this island truly is. For travelers, Taiwan isn’t just one destination — it’s many worlds to explore.
Risto: So, Alicia, if people want to travel between cities in Taiwan — maybe from Taipei to other areas — how easy is it to get around using trains or buses?
Alicia:
It’s actually very easy and convenient! Taiwan has a sound public transportation system.
For long-distance travel between cities, most people use either the High-Speed Rail or the regular train. You can buy tickets for both right at Taipei Main Station, which connects almost every part of the island.
Practical Tips for Travelers
Risto: So, if people plan to visit Taiwan in June, what kind of weather should they expect?
Alicia: It is summer in Taiwan during June. The temperature usually goes above 30°C, and it’s also humid at the same time. Which is a tropical type of weather.
Risto: Alicia, one question a lot of travelers have is whether English is widely spoken in Taiwan. And are there any useful Chinese or Taiwanese phrases visitors should know?
Alicia:
It’s always nice to learn a few local phrases. For example, you can say “nǐ hǎo” (你好) to say hello, and “xiè xiè” (謝謝) to say thank you.
These two alone will make locals smile — they really appreciate it when visitors try to speak even a little Chinese.
Risto: So, Alicia, when people visit a new country, it’s always good to know a few cultural tips. Are there any etiquette rules or norms visitors should keep in mind while in Taiwan?
Alicia: First of all, Taiwan does not have a tipping culture.
In formal restaurants or cafés, a 10% service charge is usually included in your bill automatically, so there’s no need to tip extra.
But street food, night markets, or smaller local stands, you pay the listed price and that’s it.
Even for services like taxis or massages, tipping isn’t expected.
Risto: That’s good to know! So for visitors, what kind of public etiquette or behaviors should they be aware of when they’re in Taiwan?
Alicia: And when it comes to public behavior, there are a few unspoken rules.
For example, on the MRT, eating or drinking is strictly prohibited — not even water or snacks. The stations are super clean, and people follow the rules carefully.
There are also priority seats for the elderly, pregnant women, or people with disabilities — locals are very respectful about sharing with individuals in need.
And when you take the escalator, there’s a kind of “subculture rule”: people stand on the right side and walk on the left. It’s not written anywhere, but everyone does it!
Risto: What’s the best way to get from the International Airport to where the conference is?
Alicia: It’s actually really simple!
From Taoyuan International Airport, you can take the Airport MRT, which connects directly to Taipei Main Station. It takes about 35 to 40 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station.
Once you arrive at Taipei Main Station, you can buy a one-way ticket. Take the MRT Red Line first, then transfer to the Orange Line at Dongmen Station, and get off at Guting Station. From there, it’s just a short 5-minute walk to NTNU (National Taiwan Normal University).
The total cost is about 6 euros.
Risto: That sounds pretty straight forward — just one transfer and a short walk.
Alicia: Yes! And if you have heavy luggage or would like to save time, taking a taxi or Uber is also a simpler choice. But of course this would be a more costly option. The amount is around 1,200 (33Euros) to 1,500 (42 euros) NTD, and it usually takes about 50 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Risto: Perfect! Sounds like going from the airport to NTNU is smooth and stress-free.
Risto: Can I do a rapid-fire question that I know you are prepared for because I sent you these questions ahead of time but I’m going to give you an item and you’re going to tell me in euros how much that costs?
Metro ride (1 ride)
Yes, so for a single ride it could cost anywhere between 1-2 euros (20-65 NTD). I would say it’s around 1 euro (about 35NTD) on average. Of course, we’re talking about single rides here, but there’s also a monthly pass option available for riders, which is around 33 euros for unlimited rides.
Lunch at a normal good restaurant (nothing formal)
In Taipei, you could find yourself enjoying a good meal in a decent restaurant for 500 NTDs, that would be around 14 euros. Which means people could definitely find something good to eat for under 20 euros.
Street food dinner
For street food I’d say you could get a pretty good meal for under 6 euros because that’s under 200 NTDs. This includes food stands and night market foods. Personally, I enjoy walking around the night markets and feel the great vibes especially if you are with friends and family.
Your favorite Bubble tea
This is an amazing question, since we have so many drink shops in Taiwan. My personal favorite bubble tea is 60 dollars, that is 1.7 euros. A tiny tip here for the listeners is that: Usually the amount of sugar and ice are both adjustable, and we have a wide range to choose from, so no worries if you prefer less sugar.
A glass of beer or wine
People could get a can of beer which probably costs 40 NTD in convenience stores, and a bit higher in restaurants, but this price is around one euro. If you order a glass of wine in a restaurant, it could cost around 5.5 euros or higher depending on the quality of your selection.
Train ticket from Taipei to as far as the trains go in the south
Now I think this would be quite helpful for those who would like to go check out one of the best beaches in Taiwan, which is in Kenting. It is in the very south part of Taiwan, and there are several ways to travel there.
From Taipei, people could take the bus, train, or the high speed rail. The rail system only takes you as far as Kaoshing. That would cost 11.2 euros for a one way ticket, and 17 euros for a round trip. To continue the journey to Kenting, people would have to take the bus from Kaoshing train station and that costs another 10 euros. However, the trip is definitely worth it, as it is one of the most popular places to visit in Taiwan.
Risto: Alicia, one last question before we wrap up.
If you could show an AIESEP visitor just one thing that truly represents Taiwanese culture or spirit, what would it be?
Alicia: If I could show an AIESEP visitor one thing that represents Taiwanese culture, I would choose the plum blossom, Taiwan’s national flower. It stands for resilience and a united mind, because it blooms beautifully even in the cold winter. Just like the plum blossom, the people of Taiwan stay strong and hopeful through challenges.
Risto: That’s perfect. It really felt like a reflection of Taiwan itself — peaceful, determined, and full of quiet strength.
Closing
- The conference website is https://2026aiesep.org/
- Thanks Alicia for sharing all this wonderful information with our listeners, and we really hope to see you in Taiwan. The conference runs June 15-19th, the abstracts close November 4th. That is also the same time that applications close for the developing country scholar award as well as the early career researcher award.
- Thanks for listening, and see you in Taiwan!
Also: please take care when navigating and do your own research on what hikes, activities etc. you want to participate in. These are just suggestions but by no means should be relied on solely for trip planning!
