Did you know that Taiwan holds a trove of forgotten treasures, just waiting to be captured by your camera lens? If you’re a photography enthusiast, get ready to embark on a visual journey through the haunting beauty of abandoned places scattered across this island. From the chilling echoes of former prisons to the embrace of nature reclaiming mansions, these sites unveil the layers of history that have shaped Taiwan’s story.
Within the outskirts of bustling Taipei lies a plethora of locations brimming with tales of yore, now silent and still. The Beitou area, renowned for its therapeutic hot springs and lush landscapes, conceals abandoned hospitals and buildings that once buzzed with activity. As you wander through these spaces, you’ll sense the weight of their past and the stories they hold, including the rumored haunted hospital that raises hairs on the back of your neck.
Venture to the Northern Coast area for a different perspective of the capital city. Your exploration kicks off at the Agenna Shipyard in Keelung, its jagged remains a testament to a bygone era of shipbuilding. Stepping further back in history, you’ll encounter the 13-Layer Ruins, a once-thriving mining dressing plant that nature has reclaimed, casting an enchanting aura especially when illuminated at night.
Why not head to Jinshan, aptly named ‘Golden Mountain’. Here, the iconic UFO houses stand as peculiar landmarks, their circular forms resembling extraterrestrial crafts. These quirky dwellings, now abandoned, offer an eerie and fascinating atmosphere that photographers adore.
The Anping Treehouse stands as a mesmerizing blend of nature’s reclamation and human history. Nestled in Taiwan’s Tainan City, this captivating site was once an ancient warehouse engulfed by banyan trees. Now, its weathered walls and delicate branches weave a unique tapestry of coexistence. As you step into its shadowy corridors and gaze upon intertwining roots, you’re transported to a world where the passage of time merges with the whispers of nature, creating an enchanting, almost surreal, experience.
Taiwan’s abandoned places beckon photographers to capture the interplay between time, nature, and human history. Each click of your camera serves as a time capsule, preserving the intricate narratives that these sites hold. So, if you’re ready to document the whispers of the past and the march of time, Taiwan’s forgotten corners await your lens and creative eye. Embark on this visual odyssey and bring these hidden stories to life through your photographs.
Do you love abandoned places? Why not make this experience yours and check out our Abandoned Taiwan small group tour!
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
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