Taipei's Most Hidden Gem

Thousand Island Lake is one of those places where people ask me where is this. Thousand Island Lake is approximately a 35-minute bus ride from the end of the green line MRT, Xindian 新店. It is a huge lake with many trails to walk along. Thousand Island Lake also holds a tea plantation where people can get a tour and learn about Taiwanese delicacies, history and much more.

Thousand Island Lake View

The first time I went to Thousand Island Lake was in November. It rained the night before so it was hard to see the mountains. The clouds touched the top of the mountains. I went with my friend, who I worked with at the time. We walked along the road to see multiple views of the lake and up the hill.

The beginning of a long and winding road

I went back a second time at the end of March. This time I went was much more of a success for numerous reasons. I took my friend's friend who was visiting her to Thousand Island Lake. It was 28 degrees Celcius that day and clear. Second, we discovered that there was a shuttle that takes you all the way back up the hill and to the bus stop going back to Taipei for $100 TWD a person.

This is one of those hidden gems outside of Taipei. Every local I knew, said they never heard of the place, even when I said the name in Chinese. I felt proud of going somewhere the locals don't know. Both times I went, there were not many people walking along the trail, which I find surprising. It looks like a mini Ha Long Bay!

Palm trees and tea plantations

Views of tea fields and endless mountains

Have you ever been to a place that was so beautiful yet, not touristy? Tell me in the comments below! I want to know!