Pastoral beauty right outside of Taipei
Considering how crowded, hectic, and polluted as Tapei is, it's amazing that you can find such serene, almost pastoral beauty a short bus ride away! In the summer time, it can also be a great escape from the heat of the city. I definitely recommend taking some hikes and visiting the sulfur hot springs. When I went, I saw dozens of amazing colorful butterflies! Also, I recommend finding a tea house up in the hills (there are lots of these) to take a view, sip some tea, and try some of the local yangmingshan delicacies (including the bamboo shoots and local chicken).