with its size slightly bigger than the US state of Maryland, offers a manageable, exhilarating, and fulfilling experience, regardless of the duration of your stay. Boasting a stunning landscape and diverse four-season climate that spans its shoreline and the central and coastal mountain ranges, Taiwan captivates discerning travelers, inspiring them to return for multiple visits.

 

Festivals present perfect opportunities to plan your visit to Taiwan. The Taiwanese calendar is brimming with vibrant celebrations, including the Lantern Festival during the Lunar New Year, typically in February, the Mazu Pilgrimage in April or May, and the Harvest Festival, a significant event for the indigenous Amis tribe, held in July or August. These cultural festivities offer a unique and immersive experience for travelers seeking to explore Taiwan’s rich and diverse heritage.

 

Taiwan’s varied landscape and abundant tourism offerings cater to a broad range of exceptional tourism opportunities. Visitors can opt for city stays in luxurious hotels or embark on rail journeys and road trips into the picturesque mountainous countryside for more active vacations. Gentle adventure treks along nature trails lead to traditional Hakka villages and quaint small towns while rejuvenating hot spring spas offer a tranquil retreat. Taiwan’s unique combination of experiences ensures that travelers can enjoy an unforgettable and
enriching journey.

 

Capital Attractions

The captivating capital city of Taipei masterfully blends contemporary architecture and rich heritage. Begin your exploration with Taipei 101, an architectural marvel that held the title of the world’s tallest building until 2010. Notably, Taipei 101 is a prime example of sustainable design, having received LEED Platinum certification for its energy efficiency and eco-friendly features, making it a true icon of green architecture.

 

Taipei’s must-see attractions extend far beyond its iconic skyscraper. The National Palace Museum is home to the world’s most extensive collection of invaluable Chinese art treasures. The majority of the museum’s more than 600,000 art pieces were once part of the Chinese imperial collection, with its origins dating back over 1,000 years to the early Song dynasty.

 

Step away from enclosed museums to visit the heart of the city: the temples, such as the Lungshan Temple, built in 1740, located in downtown Taipei. This temple is not only a place of worship and a sightseeing attraction but also a national heritage site. Numerous Chinese poems, verses, and lyrics adorn the signs throughout the temple, enhancing its literary appeal alongside its religious and touristic significance.

 

Next, immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere of Taipei’s bustling Shilin Night Market, one of the largest and most famous night markets in Taiwan. This market features numerous booths and stalls selling a diverse range of items, from clothing to food. The market serves as a food lover’s paradise where you can savor exotic dishes and people-watch in the lively surroundings. Alternatively, explore the Raohe Night Market, a popular destination with countless stalls offering a variety of products, such as jewelry and toys, as well as local delicacies like stinky tofu, black pepper buns, and oyster omelets.

 

Before leaving Taipei City, however, foodies will want to board the double-decker, glass-roofed dining car known as the Taipei Restaurant Bus. With a 26-seat dining area on the upper level, it offers an unusual view of the city and a unique dining experience.

 

Breathtaking Landscapes

Mountainous and with many small islands off its long coastline, Taiwan is rich in natural resources. Venturing beyond the bustling city, immerse yourself in Taiwan’s awe-inspiring natural wonders and hidden gems. Taiwan’s mountains are attracting the attention of hikers from all over the world for their height and their beautiful alpine scenery. Mt. Hehuan, despite its altitude of more than 3,000 meters, has a road that goes right across it, making access very convenient. It is the best place to see snow in the tropics, and escape from the summer heat. It is a wonderful place to visit for ecotourism lovers. Blooming from April to early June, the rhododendrons on the mountain are amazing. In autumn, the magnificent scenery and pleasant climate are suitable for hiking.

 

Eastern Taiwan is blessed with lots of natural resources, an old farming culture, and kind-hearted locals. It is home to various indigenous tribes. Known as the “back yard” of Taiwan, it is ideal for a slow trip. Taroko National Park’s awe-inspiring steep gorges and strange geological formations are worth appreciating. It is famous for its spectacular mountains and marble canyons. Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) and Tunnel of Nine Turns (Jiuqudong) has the most impressive natural scenery in Taroko and the canyons here are the narrowest. Tourists can appreciate the natural beauty along the tour track.

 

From Nature to Nurture

As Taiwan develops its tourism sector, it has done so with sensitivity and an eye toward a deeper understanding of its culture, history, and geography. By following the pioneering steps of ancestors, it highlights the rich natural landscape, multi-ethnic cultures, and the rise and fall of industries. This approach allows people to experience these destinations in a comprehensive manner.

 

At the stunning Sun Moon Lake, nestled in the central region of Taiwan, you’ll find more than just breathtaking views and gentle adventures. The Dharma Luan Cultural Troupe Theater in the scenic area showcases Taiwan’s ethnic diversity, featuring performances by the Tannan, Dili, and Shuanglong aboriginal groups on weekends.

 

The Songboling Visitor Center, located in the Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area of Nantou County, offers a unique experience with its Tea Culture Pavilion, where visitors can indulge in the “Six Senses of Tea Tasting” and unwind at the Tea Spa.

 

En route to the Alishan National Scenic Area, you’ll find the Tsou Veoveoana Cultural and Creative Park, which opened just last year. The park celebrates Tsou culture by showcasing daily music and dance performances at its Yokeoasu Theater.

 

In Tainan City, within the Southwest Coast National Scenic Area, you’ll find the Jingzaijiao Tile-Paved Salt Fields. As a recipient of the Gold Award in the Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards, these oldest surviving salt fields preserve the rich history of salt-drying methods and culture through environmental education courses.

 

In the Maolin National Scenic Area, Taiwan has cultivated a sanctuary for the Purple Spotted Butterfly, the world’s only overwintering species that thrive in the region’s unique geological terrain. Butterfly viewing is available from December to March.

 

From June to August each year, the Luye Plateau offers the perfect setting for hot-air balloon adventures. This highland region, situated in Taitung County, boasts an elevation of approximately 350 meters. The distinctive geographical features of the area create a prime location for paragliding activities in eastern Taiwan.

 

Guishan Island, one of Taiwan’s active volcanoes, boasts spectacular geological landscapes in the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area and was recently selected as one of the “Green Destinations Top 100 Stories” for 2022. In addition to its variegated marine life, its flora reflects those found in four climate zones: tropical, subtropical, warm temperate, and temperate. As a microcosm of Taiwan, the island provides a glimpse into the country’s diverse natural beauty.

 

Accommodations

Luxury hotel banners fly over Taipei: from numerous 5-star hotels to high quality local brands offering more options. For those traveling on more economical budgets, options include hostels and home-based hosting at private homes so travelers can experience life with the locals. For more information about where to stay during your trip in Taiwan, please visit https://taiwanstay.net.tw/ 

 

Getting There and Around

A dozen international carriers operate scheduled flights to Taipei, including direct flights operated by China Airlines, EVA Air, STARLUX Airlines, and United Airlines.

 

While in Taiwan, the country’s extensive public transportation system, including buses and trains, can take you anywhere you want to go. The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) can transport you from Taipei to Kaohsiung, the second-largest city 350km away, in about 90 minutes. THSR Passes, based on various lengths of stay, are an easy method of traveling the country for independent tourists. Taxis are also widely available throughout Taiwan, as well as car rental services.

 

Taiwan welcomes a diverse array of travelers in search of fun, relaxation, excitement, cultural immersion, and sustainable tourism. With so much to discover, it’s the perfect destination for any length of stay. It’s Time for Taiwan!

https://eng.taiwan.net.tw