Taif｜This "Hanging Garden" of Saudi Arabia Is So Beautiful You'll Want to Elope to the Clouds!

👋 Today, I'd like to recommend a hidden gem in Saudi Arabia—**Taif**!🌟 Located in the Makkah Province of western Saudi Arabia, Taif may not be as famous as Riyadh, but this plateau city, known as the "Switzerland of Saudi Arabia," is a treasure trove of stunning natural scenery, rich culture, and long history. It's a place that will make you feel like you've stepped into a fairy-tale world, and you'll never want to leave!😍 🌟 **Where is Taif?** Taif is located in the Makkah Province of western Saudi Arabia, about 100 km from the holy city of Mecca, at an altitude of about 1,700 meters.🚗 With its cool climate and distinct seasons, it's the perfect summer escape from the scorching desert heat of Saudi Arabia!🌿 🏞️ **Must-See Attractions:** 1. **Al Hada Mountain**: This mountain is Taif's iconic natural landmark.⛰️ With spectacular viewing platforms overlooking Taif and the surrounding mountains, it's the perfect spot to watch the sunrise and sunset. 2. **Shafa Mountain**: This mountain is known for its fresh air and beautiful natural scenery.🌲 With hiking trails and picnic areas, it's a great place to get close to nature and relax. 3. **Taif Rose Valley**: This beautiful valley is Taif's famous rose-growing area.🌹 Every spring, a grand rose festival is held here, where visitors can admire the endless fields of roses. 4. **Taif Museum**: This museum showcases the history and culture of Taif and its surrounding areas.🏺 The museum has a rich collection of exhibits, including traditional handicrafts, historical relics, and archaeological discoveries. 5. **Old Town Taif**: This well-preserved old town is full of traditional Saudi Arabian architecture and cultural heritage.🏘️ Stroll through the old town and experience the rich history and local lifestyle. 🍽️ **Food Recommendations:** When you come to Taif, you can't miss the authentic Saudi Arabian cuisine!🍽️ I recommend trying local specialties such as **Kabsa** and **Mansaf**, as well as various delicious **Grilled Meat** and **Saudi Coffee**. In addition, Taif's restaurants offer a variety of international cuisines to satisfy different tastes. 🎨 **Cultural Experiences:** Taif is a city full of cultural charm, hosting various traditional festivals and celebrations throughout the year.🎭 For example, the Taif Rose Festival and the Taif Cultural Festival allow you to fully experience the local traditional culture and artistic atmosphere. In addition, Taif has many handicraft shops where you can buy exquisite Saudi traditional crafts, such as **Spices** and **Textiles**. 🛍️ **Shopping Guide:** Taif's city center has many boutiques and traditional markets where you can find a variety of fashion items and souvenirs.🎁 In addition, the local spice markets and handicraft shops are also worth visiting, where you can buy fresh spices and exquisite handicrafts. 📌 **Tips:** 1. Taif has a relatively cool climate, but the sun is strong during the day, so remember to take sun protection measures!☀️ 2. Public transportation here is not well-developed, so it is recommended to rent a car or hire a driver.🚗 3. Respect local culture and customs, and it's best to ask for permission before taking photos. 4. The cost of living in Taif is relatively reasonable, but it is recommended to budget in advance.