Department of Cultural Affairs

By Yali Chen
STAFF REPORTER

A native of Michigan in the US who has lived in Taiwan since 1986 has finished a new book centering on Taipei from sunrise to sunset. The publication hit bookstore shelves in Taiwan in mid-July.

Jeff Miller is one of co-authors of the book, which is written in both English and Chinese and was published by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Taipei City Government.

Miller’s publication titled “Taipei Day and Night: A Round-the-Clock Guide to Taipei’s Nature, Cuisine, Healthy Living, Culture, Entertainment, Adventure and Fun” is divided into six chapters: Taipei in the Early Morning, Taipei in the Morning, Taipei at Noon, Taipei in the Afternoon, Taipei in the Evening, and Taipei into the Night.

“Early morning is my favorite time in Taipei,” Miller said. “Because just before everybody gets up, the city is still very quiet and it’s a nice time to walk around.”

“Morning in Taipei is truly a magical time. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the early morning swirls of incense rising from temple censers, the contrasts of light and shadow playing off temple walls and monks’ shaven heads. This is the best time to capture Taiwanese just being themselves – before the busy day begins and responsibilities set in. Parks in the morning are natural extensions of life,” he writes in the book.

What makes Taipei so unique to him? Miller says: “My answer is, everything. Taipei has Yangmingshan National Park, hot springs in Wulai and Beitou, plus a lot of hiking and biking trails.”

One of his favorite paths is the Ridgeline Trail from Qingtiangang to Fengguikou in the national park.

“It is a beautiful hiking route,” he notes, adding that this moderately challenging walk can be accomplished one way in 2 to 3 hours.

Like many large and modern cities in the world, Taipei is very crowded, but is getting better and more organized. Tourists have easy access to gorgeous mountain and ocean views within a one-hour drive from downtown, he says.

Miller first arrived in Taipei in 1986 and one year later martial law in Taiwan was lifted.

He adds that he is very impressed by the island’s beauty, history and culture.

“I don’t think there would be a second place like Taiwan, whose culture is deeply influenced by Japan, China, the US and Europe.”

The Chinese-language section of the book, written by the other author Yang Li-ling, presents Taiwan’s capital through the eyes of seven local celebrities including a gourmet, four writers, a filmmaker and a songwriter.