- \n
- \u00a1Solo quiero correr! Ll\u00e9vame a CORRE<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tengo 1 minuto. Ll\u00e9vame a INFORMACI\u00d3N \u00daTIL<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Correr es mi excusa para viajar. Ll\u00e9vame a VIAJE<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Correr es mi excusa para comer. Ll\u00e9vame a CARBOLOADING<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Quiero saber qu\u00e9 leer en el avi\u00f3n. Ll\u00e9vame a UN LIBRO<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udf0dEl viaje \ud83d\udcf7<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Legacy of Resilience<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The history of this Pacific island is a fascinating story of indigenous roots and many layers of colonial influence. \ud83d\udcd6 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can feel the unique spirit of a society that has successfully transitioned into a vibrant and modern democracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f This deep heritage provides a stunning backdrop for runners who want to explore the intersection of tradition and progress. Taiwan is now a land of incredible warmth where the local people welcome every visitor with genuine and open kindness, and we did experience it first hand!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Navigating these safe and clean streets offers a unique perspective on a culture that truly values its own liberty. \ud83d\uddfd<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Llegar all\u00ed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
We arrived in an AirAsia 3 hours flight from Kota Kinabalu and found a hot climate (28 celsius in April) and cloudy skies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The views from the plane were amazing. The Central Mountain Range<\/strong> (the Zh\u014dngy\u0101ng Sh\u0101nm\u00e0i<\/em> in Chinese), the backbone of Taiwan. This is the famous mountain range that occupies basically half of the island, was clearly visible. Later, we would also see it from Taipei.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Beagle](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BeaglePatrol-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIn the airport, Roger paid attention to the \u201cBeagle brigade\u201d: the Beagle dogs who smell drugs and food that cannot be imported to Taiwan. Pictures and cartoons depicting them were everywhere!<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Beagle](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Beagle2-576x1024.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWe were also surprised because both in the excellent train to MRT (Taipei\u2019s Main Railway Station, in the centre of Taipei), you could only pay cash in the machines. Also later, in a hamburger place, we asked to pay in cash. Very different from China!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The train was only 36 minutes and it had wifi!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Neon Pulse of Taipei<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Running through the neon streets of Taipei offers a thrilling mix of massive skyscrapers and hidden mountain trail escapes. \ud83c\udfd9\ufe0f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here you can feel the fast paced energy that is perfectly balanced by the quiet of local temples. \u26a1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From Tainan to Taipei in HST (High Speed Train)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Despu\u00e9s de nuestro first run in Taipei<\/a>, we then went to the south of the island, to Tainan, the ancient capital.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"HST,](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BlogTurismeTainan-5-1024x577.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe journey was fast and smooth, using the High Speed Train that, from Taipei\u2019s main station, took us to Tainan in less than two hours! Reserved seats and on time schedule. Really nice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We reached Tainan at midday and walked to Anping, the historical neighbourhood where we were staying, as the taxis refused to take us. Probably the ride was not worth the money\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Historic Soul of Tainan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tainan is the oldest city on the island where every corner reveals a piece of the deep imperial past. \u26e9\ufe0f <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Temples](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Tainan1-1024x684.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nRunning past the ancient Dutch forts and colorful temples allows you to feel the slow and steady heartbeat of history. \ud83e\uddf1 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The blend of traditional street food smells and narrow historic alleys creates a vibrant atmosphere that rewards every curious step. \ud83c\udf5c<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udfc3\u200d\u2640\ufe0f Run along River Tamsui in Taipei \ud83c\udfc3\u200d\u2642\ufe0f<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We woke up at 7am to start running before the sun was too high; it was mid april but the temperatures in Taipei are high enough so as to not be able to go much later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The route we had picked was along the Tamsui River<\/a> (\u6de1\u6c34\u6cb3), which serves as the city’s primary waterway.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTaipei-7-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWe left our hotel and we found almost empty streets. This surprised us but later we realised that life unfolded underground, in the busy corridors of the subway, and the connections between the bus station and the train stations.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTaipei-1-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWe headed to Yanping Riverside Park, where we saw many, many scooters! We stopped at a traffic light and taped the scooters passing by when one traffic light turned green… the footage was 3 minutes of a non stop flow of scooters! Crazy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yanping Riverside Park<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Tamsui River felt like a massive lung for the city, providing a wide-open escape from the dense urban grid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we moved along the bank, the scale of the waterway was impressive; it\u2019s a wide, tidal river that reflects the skyline in a way that makes the whole city feel much more expansive.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTaipei-2-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nEl Yanping Riverside Park<\/strong> itself was a runner\u2019s dream, with perfectly paved, dedicated paths that stretched out far ahead of us, separated from the noise of the traffic by high floodwalls and lush green belts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We noticed that the park wasn’t just a place for exercise, but a vibrant community hub where the city\u2019s natural geography met its social life.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTaipei-5-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAlso, we saw many groups of elderly people doing taichi to the sound of surprisingly cheerful music. It was a workday at 8am so it made sense we did not encounter many young people.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTaipei-8-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nA group of elderly ladies were doing taichi with sticks and blades\u2026 like we had seen in Xi\u2019an. It was so cool, we stopped to watch for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zhongzheng District<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
We turned away from the river and headed back toward the city center, quickly finding ourselves running through the busy streets of the Zhongzheng District<\/strong>, the neighborhood surrounding Taipei Main Station. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTaipei-9-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe quiet of the park was instantly replaced by an incredible energy; this area is the city\u2019s literal heart, where every major train line and bus route converges. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTaipei-10-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe architecture was a wild mix of old and new, with grand, colonial-style stone buildings sitting right next to sleek, modern glass towers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nanyang Street<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
We navigated the sidewalks of Nanyang Street, famously known as “Scholar Street,” where thousands of students grab quick meals between classes. It felt like we were running through a giant, organized maze. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTaipei-11-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nEven with the humidity rising, the sheer movement of the neighborhood kept us going; it was the perfect contrast to our peaceful river run, showing us the two very different speeds at which Taipei lives.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTaipei-12-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\ud83c\udfc3\u200d\u2640\ufe0f Run in Tainan\ud83c\udfc3\u200d\u2642\ufe0f<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For our first run in Tainan, we headed to one of the most iconic places in this fascinating city: the Anping Fort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Anping Fort <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Anping Fort was originally built by the Dutch in the 17th century as Fort Zeelandia, serving as their international business hub and defensive stronghold. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTainan-11-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIts weathered red brick walls and historic watchtower stand as enduring symbols of the city\u2019s complex colonial past and its transition to Chinese rule under Koxinga.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Touristic](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/TainanBlogRun-9-576x1024.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWe entered at 9am and it was completely empty, which I loved because it made me feel transported to other, ancient times\u2026 like it had just been abandoned.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Touristic](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/TainanBlogRun-11-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe fort, with its banyan trees (everywhere in the city, and so big, and so wild, that are one of the city\u2019s own landmarks), dominates the surrounding landscape with a tangled canopy of aerial roots that seem to be slowly reclaiming the ancient stone structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We went up the tower and got amazing views of the city too. Then we ran around the fort, went up and down its stairs and enjoyed the possibility of running in such a formidable place.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Touristic](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/TainanBlogRun-8-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nSquirrels crossed in our path, and, like the day before, we saw all kinds of military planes flying by very low. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tainan Air Force Base<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is because the Tainan Air Force Base is located nearby, serving as a critical hub for Taiwan’s defense and pilot training. The thunderous roar of the fighter jets provides a constant, modern contrast to the silent, centuries-old history of the Anping district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anping<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Then we continued running along the streets of Anping. In particular, we enjoyed the famous Anping Old Street. This historical neighbourhood claims the title of the first established merchant street in Taiwan, maintaining a layout that dates back over 300 years. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTainan-1-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIts narrow alleys are lined with traditional houses decorated with “Sword Lions,” unique clay charms meant to protect the residents from evil spirits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We discovered colorful and extraordinary temples everywhere, next to street stalls selling all kinds of goods, like pineapples or Anping\u2019s \u201cchicken popcorn\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTainan-2-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe streets were still not as busy as during the night, which made them manageable for running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyi Bridge and Lin Mo-niang Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We then went up the Anyi Bridge towards the Eternal Golden Park. Then came a nice surprise!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We entered Lin Mo-niang Park, which is a spacious waterfront green space dedicated to the goddess Mazu, featuring a towering white statue that gazes out toward the sea to protect local fishermen. It is a favorite spot for locals to fly kites and enjoy the cooling breeze coming off the Anping Harbor.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Touristic](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/TainanBlogRun-10-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAnd we found all kinds of military aircraft, like statues! We enjoyed this massively! We saw a collection of decommissioned fighter jets and transport planes parked proudly on the grass, looking like they were ready to take flight at any moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTainan-3-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnd we ran past signs warning us\u2026 \u201cBeware of snakes!\u201d. Wow, that was unexpected!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eternal Golden Park and Fort<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting to the Park was a relief, as the big trees gave us a very nice shade which helped in this tropical climate. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Touristic](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/TainanBlogRun-2-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIt was already 10:30am (we had decided to take all morning for a long run) and although not impossible to run in, the climate made it slightly difficult to run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Golden Park Fort is a massive coastal fortress and was the first in Taiwan to be equipped with modern British Armstrong cannons to defend against a potential Japanese invasion in the late 19th century.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTainan-4-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIts square design and deep, water-filled moat make it one of the most impressive examples of late-Qing dynasty military architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Again, we were the only tourists and we ran around the perimeter. Really cool stuff. We passed by MASSIVE canyons and looked down the moat, with crystal waters. The centre of the fort was completely empty, which made it more special. Perfect to think about the past. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTainan-5-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAnd the banyan trees\u2026 wow! There was one which had destroyed some of the fort foundations, even.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here we also went up and down a few stairs, just to add some spice to our run \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Touristic](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/TainanBlogRun-3-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nYuguang Island<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Then we headed to\u2026 the beach! We wanted to see the China Sea, and we did, although we were getting tired and we had to stop in a surf shop with the Union Flag (quite weird, tbh) to buy and drink some water, green tea and an excellent strawberry soda drink (that even had a little strawberry pulp in it!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We had reached Yuguang Island. There was nobody on the beach and we enjoyed running, hearing the sound of the China Sea, along the shore with our footsteps being swallowed by the waves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although we could not swim. It was forbidden!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And by now we had realised that law enforcement is a very serious thing in Taiwan, so we abided by the law!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On our way back\u2026 another highlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Naval Destroyer Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We saw a naval ship in one of the canals, and we headed there. Turned out to be the Naval Destroyer Park, with a magnificent war beast that served until 2005. You can enter, and we did. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTainan-8-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAnd not only that\u2026 we ran in it! Running short sprints amongst the menacing guns, going up and down the tiny stairs (safe hazard, safe hazard) was one of the most unexpected and iconic mini runs we have ever done.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Touristic](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/TainanBlogRun-5-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe ROCS Te Yang (DDG-925) is a Fletcher-class destroyer that originally served in the United States Navy before being transferred to Taiwan’s fleet. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Touristic](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/TainanBlogRun-6-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nNow operating as a museum, it allows visitors to explore everything from the bridge to the engine rooms, preserved exactly as it was during its decades of active service.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Touristic](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/TainanBlogRun-7-576x1024.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWe had run 10 kilometers, and it was already midday, so we concluded our run, over the moon with everything we had done and seen in this fascinating city!<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunningTainan-7-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\ud83c\udf5c Carga de carbohidratos<\/strong> \ud83c\udf5d: What to eat in Taiwan if you are a runner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When we reached Anping, the historical neighbourhood in Tainan, at midday, the million restaurants and food stalls that live up the city from 5pm onwards were closed. The city looked like a ghost town under the sun, so we had to resort to buying snacks in one of the ubiquitous 7\/11 \ud83d\ude02!<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Food](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BlogTurismeTainan-1-1024x577.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nLuckily for us tourists, the 7\/11s in Taiwan are full of local choices!<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Food](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/BlogTurismeTainan-3-577x1024.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAt least we tried some snacks that seemed local to us, like beef jerky or Lays crisps\u2026 but Seaweed flavoured!<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Food](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Food-1-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAnd what about “real” food?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I recommend grabbing a large bowl of beef noodle soup in Taipei to power your next long urban training run. These thick wheat noodles offer the perfect complex carbohydrates needed for an afternoon of exploring the humid riverside park trails. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Recommended](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/TainanBlog-2-1024x1024.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nYou should also try the savory scallion pancakes found at street stalls in Tainan for a quick hit of energy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These flaky treats provide a steady fuel source that keeps your legs moving without causing any heavy or painful discomfort. \ud83c\udf5c<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>![\"Useful](\"http:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Medalles1-1-scaled.jpg\")
\nInformaci\u00f3n \u00fatil<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udfc3 5 to 10k run in Taipei; longer run, 10 to 15kms, in Tainan, in Taiwan.<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udc5f Urbano<\/strong>: trae zapatos para asfalto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2705 A fantastic way of discovering Taiwan’s hidden gems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2705 Parks perfect for running, both in Taipei and Taiwan, as well as good trails. A very safe city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u26a0\ufe0fThe tropical weather makes it difficult to run during the day. Also there are no hydration points, although many 7\/11s where you can buy local drinks…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Tengo 1 minuto. Ll\u00e9vame a INFORMACI\u00d3N \u00daTIL<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/MapBackground.png\")
![\"5](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/RunTaipei1-1024x956.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Recommended](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/TainanBlog-1-772x1024.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/the-running-ginger.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Books.jpeg\")
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