Almost forgotten about this trip. Just want to note it down for future reference. Here's a scanned map of the MRT in Taipei. If you need directions to jiufen and shifen, you can actually refer to this map without having to book a taxi and bring you round. It is actually very near if you take the MRT and bus. The hotel we stayed in Taipei is Goodnight Stay hotel, please don't ever try it unless you are short on cash because the rooms are way too small and comfort level is non-existence. However, they did provide us with the useful maps. The map shows the Ximending area which is very good and gave us plenty of guidance on where to get food and stuff. The THSR (High Speed Rail) is comfortable and easy to travel on. We moved from Taichung to Taipei without much difficulty. You should try it. They sell food on the train too. Taichung is not much to speak about, I spent two days there but I think I'm better off at Taipei then Taichung. Till next time folk, bye!