Taiwan Travel Guide: An Integrated Tour of the Island’s Top Attractions, Culture, and Cuisine:

However, this small island off the southeastern coast of China does not often appear as being in the consciousness of most travellers. It should be because of its perfectly mixed modernity, rich history, and stunning landscapes, as well as a food scene famous around the world. Whether you are into adventure, history, or food, or just someone looking to experience new culture, Taiwan has it all.

From travelling guides to sightseeing spots and must-do activities, get a travel guide on what’s best for you in this Taiwan travel guide to really make the most out of your visit in this lively island.

Overview of Taiwan:

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a small island country off the southeastern coast of China, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its friendly citizens, excellent public transportation, and the ease with which its urban and natural wonders can be roamed about within this place, remaining an utterly beautiful destination. Its capital, Taipei, presents a modern metropolis with a cutting-edge skyline, while the island’s national parks and mountain ranges and its scenic coastal areas showcase all of Taiwan’s natural beauty.

The island has a unique blend of indigenous cultures, traditional Chinese influences, and cosmopolitan modernism influenced by its globalised economy.

Best Time to Visit Taiwan:

The climate in Taiwan is subtropical to tropical, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit the islands is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is perfect. The temperatures would be warm, ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), which is suitable for any outdoor adventure, like hiking or cycling.

Note: Summer (June to August) may be quite hot and humid, whereas winters from December through February are generally mild but can be cold in mountainous regions.

Top Destinations in Taiwan:

1. Taipei, The Bustling Capital:

Taipei, Taiwan’s vibrant capital, forms the heart of this island nation—culture, politics, and economy are all here. This city is an epic blend of old and new—the quintessential setting for history, modernity, and chutzpah.

Museums in Taipei:

• Taipei 101: Once the tallest building in the world, this architectural wonder also offers breathtaking city views from its observation deck.
• National Palace Museum: Home to one of the biggest collections of Chinese imperial artefacts, the National Palace Museum takes one on a journey into Taiwan’s cultural past.
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: An iconic monument to the former head of the Republic of China, the gardens surrounding this hall are also a masterpiece.
• Longshan Temple: Taipei’s oldest Buddhist temple, Longshan is a window into Taiwan’s spiritual life.
• Shilin Night Market: If there’s one thing Taiwan is known for, it’s night markets, and Shilin is the best of the best.
• Read: crazy street food, shopping bonanza, and high energy all around.
  Taipei also has plenty to offer for the cafe culture enthusiast, boutique shopper, and any night market junkie looking to taste a pinch of Taiwan’s world-famous night market snacks.
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2.Taiwan Taroko Gorge—A Wonder of Nature:

Taroko Gorge is probably Taiwan’s most breathtaking natural view, as it is on the eastern side of the island. The canyon carved by the river Liwu is a UNESCO Global Geopark boasting a huge landscape of high cliffs and lush forests and clear turquoise waters.

Things to do in Taroko:

Shakadang Trail: It’s a very scenic and easy hike along the river. You’ll have spectacular views of the gorge.
Swallow Grotto: It is a narrow, winding path leading to the cliffs where swallows nest. The view from there is one of the most iconic in the park.
Spring Shrine:Etern This is a little shrine built into the cliffs, dedicated to the workers who lost their lives while the Central Cross-Island Highway was under construction.
This place is one of the biggest adventures for the outside people, as they are happy to do hiking, biking, and photography here in Taroko Gorge.

 

3. Taiwan Alishan Scenic Mountain Panorama:

Alishan is a mountain range in the central Taiwan area, highly known for its sunrise, tea plantations, and tall cypress trees. One of the very best ways to reach this spectacular part of the island is to ride on the old narrow-gauge railway built over a century ago—the Alishan Railway.

Top Attractions in Alishan:

• Sunrise Watching: Alishan is among the best places to witness a really beautiful sunrise in Taiwan. The platform on which you watch the sunrise offers views of some of the surrounding mountains.
  Riding by Train: An experience of Taiwan’s train heritage, up over misty forests with great views at so many points.
• Alishan National Scenic Area: Trek along the trails that go deep into the dense forest, giant trees, and numerous scenic spots like the Sacred Tree and Sisters Ponds.
  In addition to its specialty tea, Alishan also boasts world-class tea. You can stop at a local tea plantation to learn the old-fashioned process of making tea and sample some newly harvested, locally grown tea.

4. Sun Moon Lake—Scenic Beauty:

Sun Moon Lake is a large freshwater lake in the heart of Taiwan and one of its most impressive and well-known natural attractions. The name “Sun Moon” comes from the division of the lake into two halves-one round (like the sun) and the other a crescent moon.

What to do at Sun Moon Lake:

• Lake Tour: Look at the beauty of the lake with a boat tour around the lake.
• Ci’en Pagoda: It is a beautiful pagoda on the mountain side through which panoramic views of the lake and the countryside are enjoyed.
• Cycle Ride: Cycle around the lake along the bike path, which gives lovely vistas of water and the surrounding mountains.
  Another reason Sun Moon Lake is famous is because of its aboriginal culture. There, inhabited by one of the indigenous tribes of Taiwan, called Thao, you may visit their cultural villages to learn a lot about the traditions there.

5. Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s Bustling Seaport City:

Kaohsiung, in southern Taiwan, is the country’s second-largest city and also known as the port city. It is popular for its modern art life and waterfront park scenery coupled with laid-back people who are ever-friendly. It is an excellent destination for all those in need of a perfect blend of urban delights and nature.

Top Attractions in Kaohsiung:

• Liuhe Night Market: Experience one of the best street food in town.
• Pier-2 Art District: The old warehouse site, designated to be a space for the creators of art and design. It is perfect for taking a walk and getting to know the Taiwanese contemporary art space.
• Love River: Take a boat cruise up the river that goes through the city. Beautiful and exciting, especially at night when colourful lights adorn the lights along the river.
  Kaohsiung is also a wonderful departure point for an exploration of southern Taiwan. There are stunning views of Kenting National Park and practically all of the beaches along the southern coast of Taiwan.
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Taiwanese Cuisine:

A Gourmet’s Paradise
There is always much to indulge in on Taiwan. From traditional Chinese flavours to indigenous influences and international tastes, Taiwanese cuisine stands out as one of the most thrilling around the world. Be sure to try:

• Beef Noodle Soup: A staple bowl of noodles in savoury broth full of tender bits of beef. It’s Taiwan.
  Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings): These are dumplings filled with meat and broth and explode with flavour in the mouth.
• Bubble Tea: The nation called it boba, but the drink of chewy tapioca pearls originated here and seems omnipresent on this island.
• Oyster Omelette: Delicate and unique; it’s made up of fresh oysters, eggs, and a starchy batter. It’s usually served with a sweet and spicy sauce.
• Stinky Tofu: It is another controversy-ridden dish, so stereotypical regarding its pungent smell, but irresistibly tasty. Deep-fried tofu is served with pickled cabbage.
  Night markets and street food have also been included in Taiwan. The lively, open-air markets take up much space across the island, and it’s a great place to sample many of the local specialties.
• Practical Travel Tips Taiwan Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, though many Taiwanese can speak English, at least in cities and tourist areas.
• Currency: The New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, but it is always a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting more remote locations.
• Transportation: Good public transportation, including high-speed trains (THSR), local trains, buses, and the Taipei Metro (MRT). Easy to get around; very inexpensive.
• Wi-Fi: Actually, Wi-Fi is widely available in the public areas of Taiwan. Most cafes and restaurants also offer it. If you plan to travel around the island, you can also rent a pocket Wi-Fi device.