When most people think of souvenirs, they think of keychains, postcards, or local snacks. Well, I do too. But, during my recent trip to Taipei, I discovered a different, more personal way to capture my memories: collecting souvenir stamps. This small, simple activity quickly became my favourite part of exploring the city. It turned every metro ride into an adventure and every visit to a landmark into a treasure hunt.
What's Special About These Stamps?
For those who haven't been to Taiwan, the idea of souvenir stamps might be new. You can find these unique, often beautifully designed rubber stamps at nearly every metro station, tourist attraction, and even some government buildings. Each one features a design that represents the specific location – from the iconic architecture of Taipei 101 to the local character of a particular neighbourhood.
The quest for stamps often led me to places I might not have visited otherwise. It encouraged me to explore every corner of a museum and to stop at metro stations just to see what design they had. Then, when I flip through my notebook with the souvenir stamps in it, it is like taking a walk down memory lane. Each stamp tells a story and brings back a flood of memories from that day. This impromptu hobby gave my trip a fun, underlying mission. It made me pay more attention to the details of the city.
How to Start Your Own Taipei Stamp Collection
If you are heading to Taipei and want to start your own collection, get a notebook. Any small notebook will do! I used a simple, pocket-sized one that was easy to carry around. You can also find special stamp-collecting notebooks in many gift shops around the city.
Where to Look for These Souvenir Stamps?
Metro stations are perhaps, the easiest and most straightforward place to start. Most stations have a small table near the information counter with the stamp and an ink pad. Just have to look for them.
Tourist attractions like Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and various temples all have their own unique stamps, often at the information or ticket counters. Or if you chance upon visitor information centre, you might be able to get special edition or city-themed stamps. Anyway, if you can't find a stamp, just ask the staff at these places! Most are happy to help and will point you in the right direction.
My Collection
Let me share some of my favourite stamps from my trip!
More souvenir stamps that I have collected on my Facebook page's album (MRT Stations & Impression Stamps in Taipei).
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