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If you are a Batang ‘90s, you lived through the Meteor Garden craze. Every 4:30 PM, Philippine households tuned in to their TV to watch Shan Cai get bullied (and later loved) by the F4 boys. We memorised every line, every kilig moment, and yes—even that unforgettable Oh Baby Baby intro song.
With the recent heartbreaking news of Barbie Hsu’s passing, nostalgia for Meteor Garden has hit us harder than ever. The original Shan Cai wasn’t just a TV character—she was a symbol of resilience, charm, and every Pinay’s secret dream of catching the heart of a rich, arrogant, but ultimately devoted Dao Ming Si.
Meteor Garden | Wikimedia Commons
Also read: Meteor Garden Star Barbie Hsu a.k.a Shansai Dies at 48 While Traveling in Japan
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the world of Meteor Garden, now’s your chance! Taiwan is just a short flight away, and these iconic filming locations will transport you back to the early 2000s, when life was simpler, and love stories were larger than life.
National Chung Cheng University | Zilupe via Wikimedia Commons
📍 Address: No. 168, Section 1, Daxue Rd, Minxiong Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan 62102
Remember the grand university where F4 ruled over their classmates? That was actually National Chung Cheng University in Chiayi, Taiwan! The iconic rooftop where Hua Ze Lei found solace, the school cafeteria where Shan Cai faced endless torment, and even locker #150—they’re all real places you can visit. Walking around the campus, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Shan Cai’s world, dodging red cards and waiting for your own Hua Ze Lei moment.
Tamkang University | Foxy1219 via Wikimedia Commons
📍 Address: No. 151, Yingzhuan Rd, Tamsui District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 251
Some exterior shots of Ying De University were filmed at Tamkang University in Tamsui. The open sports field and monkey bars were witness to the F4’s power and dominance over the school. Meanwhile, the Carrie Chang Fine Arts Center, with its striking glass façade, was where many of Dao Ming Si and Shan Cai’s arguments (and heartfelt moments) took place. This is the perfect place to relive their fiery exchanges or maybe even pose dramatically like an F4 member in deep thought.
P.S. Bubu Café | PS Bubu Restaurant Official Website
📍 Address: No. 1, Lane 140, Section 7, Zhongshan N Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Who could forget Shan Cai and Dao Ming Si’s quirky date at the car-themed café? P.S. Bubu Café is still standing today, serving nostalgic fans with delicious meals inside vintage Volkswagen Beetles. Want the full Meteor Garden experience? Sit where Shan Cai and Dao Ming Si sat, and order a banana split, just like in the show! The best part? The café is pet-friendly, so you can even bring your own fur baby along for the experience.
Leofoo Village Theme Park| Taiwan Waves of Wonder Official Website
📍 Address: 306, Taiwan, Hsinchu County, Guanxi Township, 60號
Remember that hilariously awkward double date episode featuring Shan Cai, Dao Ming Si, Xiao You, and Zhong Ze? It was filmed at Leofoo Village Theme Park, one of Taiwan’s most popular amusement parks. While their date was full of misunderstandings and tensions, your visit doesn’t have to be! Enjoy heart-stopping roller coasters, water rides, and live performances as you recreate the scene—hopefully without the awkward drama.
Taipei Zoo | Yu tptw via Wikimedia Commons
📍 Address: No. 30, Section 2, Xinguang Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
In Episode 8, Shan Cai, Dao Ming Si, and Wang Xiao Long visited Taipei Zoo, where an argument ensued after Dao Ming Si got jealous. This famous Southeast Asian zoo is a must-visit not just for nostalgia, but also for its impressive animal exhibits and lush landscapes. If you’re visiting, make sure to check out the panda house and the interactive exhibits for a fun-filled day. Just don’t pick a fight with your travel buddies like Dao Ming Si did!
Tamsui Old Street & Lover’s Bridge | New Taipei Travel Official Website
📍 Address: No. 1, Zhongzheng Rd, Tamsui District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 251
A Meteor Garden trip isn’t complete without visiting Tamsui Old Street, a lively market where you can snack on Taiwanese street food like a-gei (stuffed fried bean curd) and castella cakes. Just nearby, Lover’s Bridge at Fisherman’s Wharf was the backdrop for one of the most unforgettable romantic moments between Shan Cai and Dao Ming Si. Whether you’re a couple or a solo traveller, take a stroll here during sunset and soak in the dreamy atmosphere.
Also read: 10 Things to Do in Taipei for Your First Time in Taiwan, According to This Solo Traveller
For many Filipinos, Meteor Garden was more than just a show—it was a phenomenon. It sparked the Asianovela craze in the Philippines, made F4 a household name, and set impossible boyfriend standards (let’s be honest!).
Now, two decades later, Meteor Garden’s magic still lives on. Whether you were Team Hua Ze Lei or Team Dao Ming Si, visiting these filming locations in Taiwan is your chance to relive your teenage dreams and pay tribute to the drama that shaped an era.
So, book that flight, cue the Qing Fei De Yi playlist, and get ready for the ultimate Meteor Garden nostalgia trip!
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