Diary: First glance at Taipei

By Zhou Liming

(Zhou is now an exchange student of Xiamen University in Taiwan.)

As the capital of Taiwan provence, Taipei is a luxurious international metropolis. In the daytime, cars and motorcycles hurry to and from their destinations. They are busy and really hate to waste too much time waiting.

People in Taipei hurrying to their destinations in day. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

My friend Xiao Ying invited me to visit Taipei. She had been my neighbor and later married a man from Taiwan. They have a great relationship and a beautiful baby.

One day, at sunset, the situation became totally different. The Badelu Night Market in Taipei, opens for business at four. When street vendors flock around, selling their food, toys and clothes, people show up quickly from all directions. Many shops keep busy everyday until midnight, for which Taipei is nicknamed "an ever-bright city".

Many Taipei people believe in Buddha and build lots of temples. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

Many Taipei residents are Buddhists and they enjoy lots of temples. I even found the joss of "Guan Gong" in my friend's home. In English, 'joss' is known as ghost money. "Guan Gong" was a hero in the old times but now he is respected by businessmen. The religion and customs of Taiwan are similar to that of Fujian provence on the other side of the Straits. They also offer sacrifices to the gods and ancestors during traditional festivals.