Taipei Trippin

WHERE TO FIND YOUR INNER PEACE IN

Taipei

Meditation and yoga galore, epic hikes and world-class vegan cuisine, Taiwan’s capital is a surprisingly accessible escape for anyone in need of a little R&R. By Erin Hale.

Just a short hop from Hong Kong, slow-moving Taipei offers a relaxing weekend escape and a chance to practice your Mandarin while munching on street food at its world-famous night markets. When you get tired of grazing on fried treats and are ready to re-up your health, stop by some of Taipei’s most famous meditation centres and outstanding vegan eateries for a restorative cure for that Hong Kong burnout.

Where to recharge Whether you follow the Ayurvedic traditions of yoga, are keen to learn more about Taiwanese philosophy or enjoy the simplicity of Zen Buddhism, Taipei has something for everyone when it comes to meditation, yoga and detox retreats. Kadampa Meditation Center: This meditation centre with views of the Tamsui River in New Taipei City also follows the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and offers by-donation meditation classes in Mandarin and English as well as residential-style retreats if you’re looking to extend your stay in Taipei a few days. No. 2-1, Lane 77, Sec. 1 Hangzhou South Road, Taipei Manjughosha Buddhist Center: Stop by here for by-donation English-language meditation classes targeted at beginners every Tuesday night at 7pm close to Shandao Temple. No. 2-1, Lane 77, Sec. 1 Hangzhou South Road, Taipei

None Zen Center in Taipei: One of two Taiwanese branches of the international Zen Buddhist centre - the second is in Tainan - the None Zen Center offers a range of classes from beginner to advanced as well as online courses in Zen Buddhism in English and Mandarin. The centre also hosts regular intensive meditation retreats each month. No. 241-2 (Floor 2), Jinhua Street, Daan Dist., Taipei 106, Taiwan

Where to get away Origin Yoga & Wellness: A scenic yoga retreat with stunning sea views and beach yoga on the outskirts of Taipei, Origin offers one-, three- and six-day yoga and detox retreats as well as an option to design your own retreat. 18 Haiwan Xincheng, Shimen District, New Taipei City Ananda Marga Yoga & Meditation Center: While this centre is as far away from Taipei as you can get without leaving the country, it’s still well worth a visit if you’ve got time to spare in Taiwan. Situated on the scenic southern coast – a popular spot for diving and water sports – Ananda is a one-stop shop for meditation, philosophy and yoga classes in English and Mandarin. The centre also offers longer detox yoga and meditation retreats that range from four to seven days and serve vegetarian food and fresh juice on the side. 56-4 Sha Tien, Yu jing District, Tainan County

Where to get your dose of nature There are more than a dozen hiking options immediately near Taipei and accessible by public transport or taxi, with more far flung and challenging hikes accessible by train service. Zhinanchalu Hiking Trail: The perfect half day excursion if you need to burn off some of Taipei’s intense carbo-loading, these three small paved trails cover a wide range of terrain through the Erge Mountain System, from tea fields to bamboo forest with temples along the way. The Taipei City Government website helpfully reminds visitors this fourhour journey burns off the equivalent of 16 slices of white bread. If the hike proves too tiring, you can take a gondola back to the nearest MRT station. The Junjianyan Trail: Hike this short trail close to northern Taipei’s Beitou district before you head to famous nearby hot spring onsens on your return. The Junjianyan trail winds through scenic mountains with a stop at the famous Battleship Rock for photos. This trail lasts 2.5 hours and burns off 11 slices! Jinmianshan Hiking Trail: Take in panoramic views of Taipei and shots of the city’s most famous building, Taipei 101, and other iconic buildings from this three-hour northeastern hiking trail on the edge of the city.

Where to eat Taiwan is a traditional centre of Mahayana Buddhism, which you’ll quickly notice from some of its astounding temples and traditional neighbourhood shrines where the bodhisattva Guayin often reigns supreme. But Buddhism has had more than just an impact on the architecture - it’s also shaped the way people eat. Taipei is home to scores of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, from the hole-in-the-wall to Michelin-grade. Here are some of the best to try: Rice Revolution: Just around the corner from Taipei’s famous 228 Peace Memorial Park and the Taiwan National Museum, Rice Revolution serves vegetarian and vegan-friendly farm-totable Asian-fusion fare and a variety of teas and coffees. Open Monday-Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday 11am-9pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. Address: No. 9 Hengyang Road, Zhongzheng District. Serenity: You’ll probably spot some monks and nuns from nearby Shandao Temple at this Michelin-recommended restaurant that serves Sichuan-style cuisine. Serenity is a great opportunity for vegans and vegetarians to try some of Sichuan’s most famous dishes without the obligatory traditional meat. Open MondaySunday, 11am-2pm, 5pm-9pm. No.1, Ln. 1, Zhenjiang St., Zhongzheng District.

Plants: This plant-based restaurant serves a variety of options from snacks like “milk tea" and cake, “small plates” like hummus, and full meals including teriyaki tempeh and vegan shepherd’s pie, all in an Instagram-worthy setting. Open: Tuesday-Thursday 11:30 am-9:30 pm, Friday-Sunday 10am-9:30pm. No. 10, Lane 253, Section 1, Fuxing South Road, Da’an District. Ooh Cha Cha: This vegetarian staple has not one but two locations in Taipei serving slightly different menus of vegan and vegetarian Westernstyle food. Its larger branch is a great spot for scrambled tofu, OmniPork banh mi, and vegan mushroom tacos. The smaller Nanchang locale is a great place to grab a quick sandwich, salad or bowl while shopping nearby. Ooh Cha Cha Da An: Open Monday-Sunday, 10am-10pm. No. 4-1, Lane 118, Section 2, Heping East Road, Da’an District Ooh Cha Cha Nanchang: Open Monday-Sunday 10am- 9pm, No. 207, Section 2, Nanchang Road, Zhongzheng District.

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Yiihotang Bakery: Taipei can sometimes feel like it’s awash in bakeries and cake shops but Yiihotang Bakery gives vegans a chance to try all the best treats from classic Taiwanese pineapple cakes to savoury buns and other baked goods. Open: Monday-Sunday 10:30 am9:30 pm. No. 34, Lane 233, Section 1, Dunhua S Rd, Da’an District. Yuli Your Home 仁里居: Situated next to Da’an Forest Park, Yuli Your Home offers inexpensive Taiwanese and Asian fusion fare including dumplings, hot pot, fried mushrooms, kimchi and braised bean curd. Open: Tuesday-Sunday 11:30 am-7:30 pm. No. 16, Lane 151, Section 2, Jianguo South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City