Taiwan is undoubtedly Asia’s best-kept secret. While most outsiders perceive the nation to be an endless sprawl of manufacturing plants and overcrowded cities, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Visitors are typically astonished to discover a fascinating and eclectic combination of cosmopolitan cities, a rich heritage and cutting-edge popular culture. What is perhaps most surprising of all are the vast areas of magnificent wilderness brimming with glorious beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, towering mountains, eight extensive national parks and a selection of alluring offshore islands. With its wonderful hot spring resorts, its innumerable temples, a remarkably varied culinary scene, and a night market culture that has become a central tenet of their national identity, this small island packs in a continent-sized list of fascinating attractions into one small, green and extraordinarily diverse little island.
Taiwan’s dynamic and bustling capital city is modern and highly cosmopolitan while retaining much of its native Taiwanese, Chinese, and Japanese cultural elements. This intriguing combination of old-world, Asian charm and contemporary sophistication, pleasantly surprises the majority of its visitors. With its excellent public transport, its reasonable prices, and its remarkably friendly locals, Taipei is a pleasure to explore. Popular sights include the impressive National Palace Museum, home to more than 696,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks; the large, vibrant Shilin Night Market where you can sample some outstanding Taiwanese food, and of course the iconic Taipei 101 building which, as the world's second-tallest building, offers remarkable panoramic views of this glorious city and its lush surrounding mountains. A quick train ride to the areas surrounding the city will reveal some breathtaking waterfalls, relaxing hot springs, lovely river parks, and quaint little rural villages backed by an impressive mountainous national park.
Idyllically set in western Taiwan, Taichung- officially known as Taichung City, is the third largest city on the island. It serves as a transport hub and as an excellent gateway to explore the surrounding mountainous region. This bustling industrial city features incredible natural scenery, a rich history, sacred temples, fascinating museums, and Japanese colonial architecture. It is the birthplace of the iconic 'Made in Taiwan' emblem - Taichung conjures up visions of cheap toys, shoes and electrical goods. Visitors can look forward to hiking and boating in the lush surrounding landscapes, sample local Taiwanese street fair at the famous Fengjia Night Market, and enjoy excellent shopping along Yizhong Street. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the many traditional teahouses where the famed ‘bubble tea’ was invented. Other highlights include: Taichung Park, National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Dajia Jenn Lann Temple and the Dakang walking trails.
The country’s third-most populous city and its largest port, Kaohsiung is located on the southern coast of Taiwan and offers a great mix of sights and activities. Don’t miss the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, with its incredible collection of plastic arts, before visiting the surreal Tianliao Stone Temple and learning about the interesting history of its construction. The Pier-2 Art District is a wonderful area of the city near Central Park: a series of converted warehouses offering exhibition spaces, public sculptures, restaurants and boutique stores. Active travellers will enjoy jogging or cycling around Lotus Lake, while there is excellent hiking available on nearby Shoushan (Monkey Mountain). Finally, the Cijin District - a slender island within Kaohsiung Harbor - boasts swimming beaches and fantastic seafood.
Meeting the ocean on one side and flanked by the Beinen River mouth on the other, beautiful Taitung is known as the ‘Garden of Taiwan’ for its gorgeous vegetation, which includes naturally growing lilies and hibiscus blooms. Popular activities include cycling along the area’s beautiful bike trails, or catching a live gig at the Tiehua Music Village; however the highlight of the town’s social calendar is the Lunar New Year Festival, when the town is illuminated with floating lanterns and vivid pyrotechnic displays. At Jhihben, a small satellite town just beyond Taitung’s borders, visitors can soak in steaming hot springs renowned for their restorative properties.
Hualien City is situated on the east coast of Taiwan. This city offers a number of scenic outdoor attractions, historically significant sights and some unique cultural excursions. Besides a number of beaches to enjoy – and Beibin and Nanbin Parks to explore in town – Hualien City is a perfect base for nature lovers wanting to explore the Taroko National Park, which boasts an array of wildlife and a network of hiking trails. Art lovers should visit the Hualien County Stone Sculpture Museum and Fogstand Gallery, which showcases local art, while Martyrs Shrine, Manor House and Pine Garden (where kamikaze pilots would spend their last days) offer interesting insights into local history. Finally, be sure to check out Hualien City’s famous night markets, such as Dongdamen and Fu Ting Guanguang, to sample some fantastic street food.
