Free tour

Taiwan History in a Nutshell - Free English Walking Tour

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Taipei

Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes

Languages:

Guru: Shiheng

Registered on 9 May 2018

Hi/Hola/Xin chào!😀 I am Shiheng from Taipei...a data programmer (SQL/Python geek), an amateur triathlete, a hobby violinist, and your English/Spanish/Chinese tour guide in Taipei! Having studied, lived, and worked in 7 countries in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, I am now back to the lovely island state where I call home...Taiwan!😊 I started the journey as a part-time tour guide outside regular office hours since 2017. Right after studying in Spain, Denmark, and Slovenia for my master's degree and joining free walking tours in 20 European countries myself, I felt that walking tour is a great way to share my knowledge about the history, nature, and culture of Taiwan with foreign travelers like you, and also for me to learn more about your own culture. This is exactly why although I do NOT make a living out of walking tours - unlike most tour guides you meet in touristy countries - I still obtained the official tour guide license and spend my weekends with travelers from all around the world. It's simply my passion! I speak native Chinese (Mandarin) and Taiwanese, kind of master English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and also know a bit of German and Catalan. As I have worked and studied in several European and Asian countries, my friends are mostly from Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. So, if you happen to be from these regions, I am pretty sure that you will understand the Taiwanese culture more easily from the stories I prepare for you. So far, I have accompanied 2,000+ international travelers from 40+ countries to explore Taipei/New Taipei/Keelung, and I look forward to seeing you as well 😀 Are you a foodie, nature lover, or culture explorer? If so, I am exactly your ideal go-to person! Book a tour with me or send me a private message to personalize your itinerary (especially if you are passionate about hiking, cycling, and food)! 🚴🏻‍♂️

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Is this your first time traveling to Taiwan? Are you the type of traveler that always want to learn more about the history and cultural fun facts of cities you visit? If so, this is the walking tour for you! 😉

By joining this tour, you will understand some fun facts including:

Dutch, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and many other cultures have either ruled this island or left their footprints in Taiwan
In 2021, The Economist considered Taiwan the "most dangerous place on earth"
Besides being famous for producing semiconductors/chips, Taiwan is actually where the modern and the antique live together harmoniously in everyday life
Taiwan is one of the few countries in the world not being a member of the United Nations

Who is recommended to join this tour? 🚩

First-timers in Taiwan hoping to gain fundamental knowledge primarily related to the history, lifestyle, politics, and cultural fun facts of this country
People having traveled to Taipei City already but are eager to know more about the interesting stories and little details behind those touristy spots and not just take pictures

This tour includes the following spots, which are mainly the must-visits of Taipei City:

Longshan Temple
Bopiliao Historical Block
Ximending
Presidential Office Building
228 Peace Park
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Insider Tips:

Wear shoes suitable for walking since it will be a 3-hour walk, but don't worry, we will have break time!
Bring your umbrella or raincoat! ☔ Because this tour is going to take place for sure, rain or shine😎
Remember to bring your masks, since so far visitors to indoor attractions (e.g. temples) are still required to wear masks at all times

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

No. 153號, Section 1, Xiyuan Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

Right outside Exit 1 of MRT Longshan Temple Station (Blue Line), you will find me wearing a camouflage hat and holding a red sign "GuruWalk"

Free entry

Longshan Temple

Built in 1738, Longshan Temple is the oldest and one of the biggest temples in Taipei City. Here, you will understand the general "SOPs" regarding how most Taiwanese worship the gods!

Free entry

Bopiliao Historical Block

With a history of more than 200 years, Bopiliao is one of the only 2 streets preserved with original architectural styles dating back to the Qing Dynasty time in Taipei City.

Outside visit

Ximen Red House Outdoor Bar Area

A business and residential area built by the Japanese in the early 20th century, and also a place that means a lot to the LGBTQ community in Taiwan.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).