[5-Day Journey Across Taiwan, Part 5] The red palace on the hill that I admired in my 20s.

There is a place I have been looking forward to visiting throughout this 5-day trip across Taiwan.

It is the highlight of my stay in Taipei.

I could see a building towering on the hill like a massive Chinese palace.

The absolute symbol of Taipei, The Grand Hotel.

Stepping into this lobby and staying here is, for me, a reunion with memories from 30 years ago and a place I admired when I was still young.

The lobby I walked through with my father 30 years ago after his first surgery

Actually, when I was in my 20s and still living at home, I visited The Grand Hotel during a trip to Taipei with my father, mother, and younger brother.

Back then, we didn't stay here; we visited to have a dim sum lunch at their famous restaurant.

At the time, my father had just finished his first major surgery. We planned this Taiwan trip to celebrate his recovery. However, as it turned out, it became our family's last overseas trip together as a group of four.

Still in my 20s, I looked up at the palace-like gorgeous vermilion pillars and the breathtakingly ornate decorations of the hotel, and I was completely captivated by its overwhelming beauty, wishing in my heart:

Wow, this is amazing... I want to become an adult who can stay in such a wonderful hotel someday!

30 years have passed since then.

My father passed away shortly after that, and my brother and I have each walked our own paths in life, and before I knew it, I was in my 50s.

After 30 years, the moment for my wish to come true has finally arrived!

A luxurious balcony with a panoramic view of the Taipei nightscape

After checking in and heading to my room, another wonderful surprise was waiting for me.

To my surprise, the room came with a spacious private balcony where I could overlook the cityscape of Taipei.

This hotel was founded in 1952 by Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling as Taiwan's first five-star hotel.
Because it is built on the mountain where the 'Taiwan Shrine' (later Taiwan Grand Shrine) stood during the Japanese colonial period, it enjoys a prime location with nothing to obstruct the view.

When I stepped out onto the balcony, feeling the night breeze, the night view of Taipei spread out before my eyes.

The power of the 'Golden Dragon' that overcame two disasters

Now, since I'm here, I'll go explore the building.
I decided to go see the 'Golden Dragon,' which is famous as a power spot in Taiwan.

This dragon is not just luxurious.
It was originally a copper fountain donated in 1919 (Taisho 8) by a Japanese businessman to the 'Taiwan Shrine' that stood on this site.
A living witness to history that has watched over this place ever since the Japanese colonial era.

What is surprising is the incredible 'good luck' episode this dragon possesses.

Once, during the war, when a plane crashed near the shrine, this dragon alone miraculously survived unscathed.
Furthermore, in the more recent incident in 2023, when it was buried under the building due to a ceiling collapse, it was beautifully restored despite some damage, and it has regained its magnificent appearance once again.

The figure of the dragon, shining brilliantly in gold while holding water, having overcome two major disasters: war and collapse.

I feel as though I have received a share of its divine and immense power.

From a palace breakfast to an unforgettable memory

Now, the next morning! It's time for the breakfast I was looking forward to.

The restaurant I was guided to had high ceilings and a gorgeous, magnificent interior that felt like I had stepped into a movie about a Chinese dynasty.

A wide array of traditional Taiwanese breakfasts and sophisticated dishes lined up.

During my stay in Taiwan, my absolute favorite breakfast was Xian Dou Jiang.
It is a soup made by adding warm soy milk to vinegar, causing it to set loosely like soft tofu. You top it with dried shrimp, pickled mustard greens, chili oil, and fried dough sticks. The combination of the creamy tofu and the crispy fried dough sticks provides a great accent, making it very satisfying!
The mellow and gentle flavor spreads in your mouth, making you feel warm and cozy from the morning.

My stay at The Grand Hotel became an unforgettable memory for a lifetime.

4. Conclusion

Visiting Taiwan for the first time in 30 years, I found it had evolved into a major metropolis lined with modern buildings.
However, the heat drifting through the back alleys and the warmth of the people I passed still live on in this land today.

In this final installment, I will share the current state of a changing Taiwan.

>> Continues to [Part 6: Day 5 Final Installment - The Changing Taiwan Edition]. Please stay with me until the end!