With work starting to ramp up soon, I decided to head to Taiwan for one last trip before I’m tied to my laptop and desk. To be precise, Taipei and Taichung. With me, I brought my trusty iPhone 14 to capture memories and document my time in the humid summer in Taiwan.
If you don’t already know about the iPhone 14, let me do a quick recap. The iPhone 14 features a durable design with water- and dust-resistance, featuring a Super Retina XDR display and the longest battery life of any iPhone. Its camera system includes a pro-level Main camera, Ultra Wide camera, and front TrueDepth camera, enhanced by the Photonic Engine for improved low-light performance. Video features like Action mode and Cinematic mode enable creative capturing.
As I was using the iPhone 14 the whole day, it was a mix of surprise and relief that the iPhone could last so long without a portable charger on hand. There were even days that I didn’t even need to charge the phone. Based on the Apple website, the iPhone 14 can last up to 20 hours on video playback.
Let’s get this article started with some highlights – scenery and food of my week in Taiwan:
Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake, located in the heart of Taiwan, is the largest and most renowned alpine lake in the country. Nestled amidst breathtaking mountain scenery, this picturesque destination offers a tranquil retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The lake derives its name from its unique shape, with the eastern side resembling a sun and the western side resembling a moon. Visitors can embark on boat tours to explore the serene waters, soak in the natural hot springs, and indulge in various water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Surrounding the lake, lush forests, cycling trails, and hiking paths provide opportunities for immersive adventures. Cultural attractions like the Ci’en Pagoda and Wenwu Temple showcase the rich heritage and spirituality of the region.
With the help of an Ultra Wide Camera, I was able to capture Longfeng Temple in its full glory. In addition, special to the iPhone 14 range, the Photonic Engine is able to maintain subtle textures, provide better colour, and present more information in a photo. This allowed for the Longfeng Temple’s authentic shine through realistically and vividly.
After cycling around Sun Moon Lake, I went to the town centre to get some lunch and located a Tzi-char-like store selling local delicacies. We ordered 3 Cup Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork and Fried Rice and I must say the local 3 Cup Chicken was amazing!
Beitou & Tamsui District
Tamsui and Beitou are two popular day trip destinations from Taipei. Tamsui, also known as Danshui, is a seaside district with a rich history as a former Spanish settlement and major trade port. It offers attractions such as riverside parks, the fisherman’s wharf, and vibrant open-air markets known for delicious street food.
Situated right beside Mount Yinghanling, I was able to capture the stunning evening views of the mountain while standing within Tamsui District. The best part is with the panorama feature on the iPhone 14, I was able to capture the grandness of the views with ease.
Before exploring Tamsui, visitors can also easily take the MRT’s Red Line to reach Beitou, the northernmost district of Taipei. Beitou is renowned for its hot springs, with a variety of inns and resorts offering mineral baths filled with thermal spring water. Its proximity to downtown Taipei makes it an ideal place to relax in the hot springs before returning to the city. The name “Beitou” is derived from the aboriginal word “partial,” meaning “witch,” due to the area’s distinctive smell of sulfur and the sight of rising steam.
Here I had one of the best bubble teas so far, it was each priced less than $3sgd and was sized at 1 litre. Pretty huge. I personally had the Wintermelon Tea while my partner scored the Honey Tea. If you are ever in the vicinity, I would totally recommend heading there after enjoying the Beitou hot springs.
Jiu Fen
Inspiring films like Spirited Away, JiuFen is a captivating mountain town that was once a bustling gold mining centre. Originally established during the Qing Dynasty, it experienced rapid development when gold was discovered during the Japanese occupation. The town’s architecture and culture still bear the imprint of Japanese influence. JiuFen also played a role in World War II, housing a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp where Allied soldiers were forced to work in the gold mines.
While gold mining declined after the war, JiuFen has transformed into a nostalgic tourist destination that commemorates and embraces Taiwanese history and culture. Its maze-like lanes and alleyways offer a glimpse into the town’s rich past, making it a must-visit for those seeking an enchanting experience.
With the Photonic Engine, despite the rain and the setting sun, the iPhone 14 was able to grasp the magnitude of the scenery of JiuFen looking over Mount Keelung. With the ease of a phone that is able to capture photos that can rival some digital cameras, the convenience of pulling the iPhone 14 out from your pocket or bag beats using cameras.
Raohe Night Market
Night markets in Taipei have a rich history and are an integral part of the city’s culture. Starting as small gatherings near temples, they provided an affordable dining and socializing option for migrant workers. Over the years, these markets expanded and evolved, attracting a diverse range of visitors, including the city’s elite. Today, Taipei’s night markets offer a sensory experience with a wide variety of street food, bustling streets, and lively atmospheres.
Beyond food, visitors can explore shops selling clothing and trinkets, play games reminiscent of old carnivals, and enjoy various entertainment options. Taipei’s night markets are social hubs that embody the city’s vibrant nightlife and are a must-visit for anyone travelling to Taiwan.
With the help of the Photonic Engine which has improved mid to low-light performance for photos across all cameras compared to the previous generation, it is now easier to capture sharp contrast of bright lights with dim locations. Like as shown with the Raohe Night Market entrance.
Speaking about Night Market food, here are some of my highlights during the trip. Firstly, Shan Nay Chicken from Nan Ji Chang Night Market. Nanjichang Night Market, formerly known as “Nanjichang” during the Japanese occupation, was originally built around a military airstrip. Today, it remains a bustling night market that also operates during the day, offering a variety of affordable food options in the Wanhua district of Taipei. Shan Nay Chicken is known for its springy mountain chicken and has been listed as one of the must-eats in the Michelin Guide.
Next is the Yu Pin Yuan Iced and Hot Tangyuan dish that had freshly boiled peanut or sesame tangyuan on top of a mountain of ice topped with fragrant honey osmanthus syrup. This was simply amazing and a must-try if you are ever in the vicinity. It is located at Linjiang Street Night Market, located in Da-an District. With nearly 200 stalls offering a diverse range of snack foods, it is a popular choice among local office workers seeking affordable and delicious bites.
So good that I even took a selfie with it. With the inclusion of the new TrueDepth front camera, the camera can automatically focus on multiple subjects at different distances for sharper close-ups.
Honourable mention would be one of the most accessible dishes in Taiwan – Luroufan or Braised Pork Rice. From Night Markets to Lunch Restaurants, this dish is a staple for locals. With the iPhone 14’s dual cameras, it is as though the picture came to life. Not sure about you but you can clearly see how moist the braise is and how it glistens in light.
To end it all, here’s a video relay of some of the key highlights in Taiwan.
For those keen to purchase the new iPhone 14, it is currently available for $1,311.10 based on the storage you wish to purchase at authorised retailers or Apple online store here.
