According to Taiwan’s United Daily News, Hong Kong natives Tsai Wanting and Chao Ya’en had planned their island-wide cycling trip in Taiwan three months ago. Arriving on Monday, they were struck not only by the hot weather but also by how “incredibly friendly” everyone was.
The 22-year-old Tsai Wanting and 20-year-old Chao Ya’en, both sporting short hair and sun-kissed bronze skin, are often mistaken for teenagers of around 15. Tsai Wanting said she had visited Taiwan before, which sparked the idea of cycling around the island. She invited her cycling enthusiast friend Chao Ya’en to join her, kicking off this memorable journey.
Tsai Wanting said that Taiwan’s vast pastoral landscapes moved and deeply impressed them, as Hong Kong is filled with high-rises where rice fields are nowhere to be seen.
The pair set off from Guandu in New Taipei City and cycled along the coast. Originally planning to stay in Hsinchu, they ended up lodging in Guanyin Township after taking a wrong turn. The hotel owner, learning that they were from Hong Kong and cycling around the island, not only offered them a discount but also provided breakfast and even gave them three steamed buns to take along for energy along the way—leaving them deeply touched by the thoughtfulness and kindness of “the Taiwanese people.”
Tsai Wanting said that before setting off, her family was worried about their safety. To reassure them, Chao Ya’en filmed videos at each stop and uploaded them to Facebook, leaving a record and easing her family’s concerns while also promoting Taiwan.