If a change is as good as a holiday, then a change of scenery on your holiday must be the answer to all the world’s problems. You’ll join your local Taipei host on a day trip to the beautiful mountain towns of Jiufen and Pingxi, just north of Taipei.

Jiufen, a former mining town, is stunning in its opulence and cobbled stone street curiosities. Stop off at a historic tea house and discover for yourself why it became the inspiration for Miyazaki’s film, Spirited Away.

Enjoy some lunch at an authentic local eatery, or, as is the custom in Taiwan, dig into some delicious street food and enjoy it on a park bench with your host.

Next, you’ll travel to Pingxi - home of the famous Sky Lantern Festival. After taking in the wonders of its beautiful natural surroundings, why not make your own lantern and release it into the sky? There’s something liberating about this process, and you’ll feel your spirits soar as you watch it disappear into the heavens.

After your little jaunt into the country, you’ll feel ready to tackle Taipei all over again!