Take a trip through Taipei in Gloria Chao’s Ex Marks the Spot, a swoony, second chance romance about two exes on a treasure hunt.

Scroll down for the author’s guide to your visit.

Shilin Night Market: There’s a reason Shilin Night Market is featured on the cover—this is the perfect date spot with over 500 stalls and everything from carnival games to shopping to some of the best street food on the planet. And what’s an overseas summer program without banter, flirting, and perhaps even a first kiss over carnival games? And making an ex jealous in the process is just an unexpected perk. Don’t leave without getting a chicken cutlet the size of your head, sausage in a sausage, pork belly bun, candied strawberries, boba, or shaved ice!

Yehliu Geopark: This is one of my favorite places in the world. Covered in towering honeycomb rocks eroded by the sea into beautiful formations like the famous Queen’s Head, this landscape looks like it’s out of this world. Like Xander, my parents told me about Yehliu as a kid, and getting to see it with my own eyes felt like magic. And for Gemma, who has always seen patterns where others saw none, Yehliu is where she first starts feeling connected to her roots.

National Palace Museum: With over 700,000 pieces including the famous carved jade cabbage, this museum is a must-see. And it’s also the perfect place for an art heist! Because what treasure hunt would be complete without a heist? And of course Gemma has to work with her super annoying ex to complete it.

Taipei 101: This skyscraper with 101 floors reminds me of Chinese takeout boxes stacked on top of each other. From the observatory deck on the 89^th floor, you can see all the stunning parts of the island, from the city to the mountains to the ocean. Try to go at sunset like Gemma if you want to make it a romantic moment!

Yangmingshan National Park: With hot springs, cherry blossoms, hiking trails, and a dormant volcano, there is so much beauty to see here. This is where Gemma first begins learning about her family, which is something she’s wanted her whole life.

The original Din Tai Fung: Din Tai Fung has spread globally, but the original is in Taipei. Their soup dumplings are so good that Gemma might have had an accidental I’ll-have-what-she’s-having moment.

Bonus—Pingxi Lantern Festival on Chinese New Year’s: This isn’t in Ex Marks the Spot, but this Lantern Festival inspired When You Wish Upon a Lantern. At midnight, thousands of glowing lanterns with wishes written on the sides are sent into the air at the same moment, illuminating the dark night sky with hopes and dreams. Make a wish, maybe for your childhood best friend to finally see you in a different (romantic) light!

Taiwan was a magical place for me growing up, and I wanted to share a piece of that with you. This book is my love letter to my culture and to my family’s home of Taiwan. I have never been so nostalgic or hungry while writing before! I hope you enjoy exploring one of my favorite places in the world with Gemma and Xander.

EX MARKS THE SPOT is on shelves now!

Happy travels,

Gloria