A major throwback to phenomenal Meteor Garden (Taiwanese version)

 

6 things I adore about Taiwan: 

Transportations are always on time
Amiable Taiwanese people
Inexpensive food yet delightful
Wondrous place
A "filming location of Meteor Garden" 
Netizens strictly obey traffic rules.

Let us again relive the romance of Meteor Garden for the second or maybe the 10^th times around. This time let me tour you around Taipei.

By the way, you can book a guided tour in Klook. Click here.

However, when I was there the sightseeing tour was not yet available, so I had to do my research. That said, let us start our tour at Taipei Expo Hall (Zhongshan). 

Fine Arts Park in Taipei Expo Hall

This is where Dao Ming Si and Shan Cai had their first official break up. Shan Cai returned the meteor necklace he gave her, but he threw it in the water and left. She searched for it after, then Lei turned up and helped her. Luckily, Lei was able to find it and gave it to Shan Cai. 

The location of the exact scene is in Fine Arts Park beside Pavilion of Aroma (see Google maps). Look for the 2 blue pyramids and a bridge. It can be noticed on the scene a water under the bridge, however in real life there is none. Most probably a CGI or this place has been renovated. 

Anyways, let’s go to Taipei City Hall Plaza. (see Google maps)

This is where Dao Ming Si waited for Shan Cai for their "supposed date". He waited for hours until he got caught in the rain. Shan Cai finally arrived but Dao Ming Si wasn’t feeling well anymore. The exact location is on the left facing Taipei city hall. 

Next, let's go to one of the famous temples in Taiwan. A Chinese folk religious temple with a rich history and many tales to tell- Longshan Temple.

Longshan Temple

This is the first place Dao Ming Si and Yesha visited after he lost his memory back in Barcelona. The amulet given by Shan Cai's mother was their clue.

Once you're there, be sure to buy this exact amulet. 

Longshan temple amulet

Before Shan Cai and Dao Ming Si had their official break-up at Taipei Expo Hall, of course, they had their formal date first at PS Bubu (see Google maps)

PS Bubu

Be sure to order the same ice cream they ate and have a photo in the pink car!

From PS Bubu take a bus and alight at Tianmu Baseball Stadium (Zhongzheng). Walk back and cross Zhongzheng road. From a few steps you will see this.

Tianmu Sports Park

Remember the basketball bet game? Whoever loses will be expelled. It was all Dao Ming Zhuang’s idea – sister of Asi. This is where Lei, Shan Cai and Xing Hua practiced for their basketball game against Mei Zuo, Xi Men and Dao Ming Si. 

During the game, Dao Ming Si's team led the score. But right before the game ended, he conceded. He realized one thing - he really loved Shan Cai. (Yeha!) Right after the match, he walked on this park with a heavy heart. The exact location is in the pathway in front of a fountain.

There are 2 more scenes taken here – an upsetting one while other is comforting. Let’s start with the distressing one. This is where Dao Ming Si slapped Shan Cai in the face. (aw!). It started when Shan Cai felt jealous about Xiaozi. The 2 had an argument which ended up hurting each other’s feeling. 

When Shan Cai was thrown out by her landlord, she stayed here. Shortly after, Dao Ming Si arrived looking for her. Confused, she asked him how he found her. Dao Ming Si just simply replied “The last time we were here, I hit you, and I've regretted it ever since” (Ayiee!)

Alright, now let’s go to 1st MacArthur bridge. (see Google maps)

1st Mac Arthur bridge

You can actually drop by at Raohe night market and grab some food. Pretty sure your stomach would be starving and your feet are exhausted. Good thing, Taiwan has a variety of affordable yet appetizing foods that you can splurge yourself from. Anyways, after indulging yourself with their delectable foods time to reminisce again. Haha!

We have two more scenes- one delightful and one heartbreaking. Let’s start with the good one.

Remember the scene where in Shan Cai was asked to play the piano on Dao Ming Si’s birthday? It was a request from Dao Ming Si’s mom. However, the wicked mom got insulted with the piece Shan Cai played. Our lovers then escaped the party and stopped over here. Under 1^st MacArthur bridge, is a basketball court where she gave her birthday present to him. It was cookies shaped like pineapple hair of Dao Ming Si. (Ayiee!) 

*Correction: 1st MacArthur bridge

From 1^st MacArthur Bridge continue to 2^nd MacArthur bridge. 

2nd MacArthur bridge

Season 2 - Dao Ming Si lost his memory. When he and Yesha went back from Barcelona to Taipei, he asked Shan Cai whether he has a past lover. She admitted to him that it was her. Appalled, he left her and went to find Yesha. Under this bridge is where Shan Cai screamed and shed a tear. (Sad face here) Then goes the broken vow song - “Tell me her name I want to know. The way she looks and where you go. I need to see her face. I need to understand. Why you and I came to an end?”….

"Never forget you own me one strawberry. You have to make it up to me" - Shan Cai

There you have it guys. I'll leave you with one of the heartbreaking scenes of Meteor Garden. I must admit, I always feel a heavy heart whenever I hear that song. Reminds me of the memories Dao Ming Si and I shared together. Haha! Be sure to check out my vlog Meteor Garden part 3 | Shooting location | Taipei. Next stop Barcelona! (Cross fingers)