Hi there! I am Grace, and I am so glad you are here.
I was born in Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, and lived there until my teenage years. After that, I moved to the United States and later lived in China for several years before returning to the U.S. Even though I have lived abroad for decades, I always make time to go back to Taiwan to reconnect with family and friends. Now that I have a school-aged child, I spend my summers in Taipei every year.
These experiences are the source of my unique perspective. I have a deep connection to my roots in Taiwan, but I also see the city of Taipei through the eyes of someone who lives across the world.
Why I started Graceful Chimes
Whenever I talk about my hometown with friends in the U.S., I realize how much people want to see the real side of the city. They want to go beyond just the famous tourist spots in Taipei. I created this blog because I want to share my local knowledge and help travelers feel like they have a friend in Taipei.
Because I left Taiwan when I was young, I did not always appreciate my home as much as I should have. As I’ve matured, I’ve started to truly cherish every chance I have to go back. Each visit is a new opportunity for me to learn more about Taiwan’s history and culture. I love discovering new things that I never noticed before.
Starting this blog gives me a great opportunity to organize my thoughts and record my impressions of Taiwan. It is a way for me to keep my memories alive while helping you at the same time.
My Unique Perspective: Local Heart, Tourist Eyes
Every time I return to Taiwan, I experience Taipei in two different ways.
On one hand, I am a local. I get to enjoy the warmth of home and the familiar comfort of my favorite childhood spots. On the other hand, I am also a tourist. I am always curious about the small changes in the city. I love exploring new shops and trying out the latest restaurants that everyone is talking about.
This “Local + Tourist” perspective is what I want to share with you.
What makes this blog different?
Unlike many travel blogs written by people who visited Taiwan once for a few days, I regularly return to Taipei. This is important for you as a reader:
- Always Updated: I continue to visit new spots in Taipei while checking on old favorites. If a shop closes or a new trend pops up, I will be the first to update my posts.
- A Local’s Perspective: I do not just show you where to go. I show you how we locals live, eat, and enjoy life in Taipei.
- Family-Friendly Advice: As a parent, I know exactly what it is like to travel with a child. I can help you find spots in the city that are fun for kids but also relaxing for parents. I know which places are stroller-friendly and where you can find the best services for your family.
- Practical and Real: My tips come from real-life experience, like finding the best comfort food or navigating the Taipei MRT.
Let’s Plan Your Trip Together
I know that planning a trip to Taipei can be overwhelming. This is why I started offering an Itinerary Review service. If you have a plan for Taipei but are not sure if it is too crowded or if the locations make sense, I would love to take a look. I will give you my honest feedback to make your trip better. Please Click Here to learn more.
Taipei is a wonderful city, and I cannot wait to help you discover it!
