Asia is without a doubt my favorite corner of the world. Below is a blog roll of all my posts related to traveling in Asia. You’ll find that Taiwan features the most prominently, as I’ve called it home for over 10 years, but you’ll also find articles about Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and more!
Psychedelically colorful Rainbow Village Taichung (彩虹眷村) has in recent years worked its way up to become one of the hottest things to do on a visit to Taiwan. While the painted walls of this small collection of dilapidated houses are truly a paradise for selfie seekers, Taiwan’s Rainbow Village actually has some interesting history behind …
If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan during Chinese New Year, or you are living in Taiwan and starting to prepare for your upcoming holiday, there are some things you should know to help you have a smoother trip. Some people feel strongly that Lunar New Year is NOT the best time to visit Taiwan. …
For some 338 years (1664 to 2002), large quantities of salt were produced in the coastal regions of Tainan and Chiayi in southern Taiwan. Today, Cigu Salt Mountain (七股鹽山) stands as a testament to Taiwan’s salt-producing past. Visitors can climb to the top of it, then head to nearby Qigu Salt Museum (臺灣鹽博物館) to learn …
Read moreThe Stunning Qigu Salt Mountain and Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields in Tainan
Like any season, winter in Taiwan comes with some ups and downs. The winter weather in Taipei and the north of Taiwan is not ideal, but it’s the perfect time to soak in Taiwan’s incredible array of thermal hot springs. In the tropical south, however, it can still be warm enough to hit the beach. …
Read moreA Guide to Winter in Taiwan (& where to see snow in Taiwan!)
The east coast of Taiwan is a remote region of unparalleled beauty and the perfect place for a Taiwan road trip. In Part 1 of this guide, I covered the popular Yilan County and Hualien City regions, including Taroko Gorge, the east coast’s most famous attraction. In this post, we will continue our road trip …
Read moreThe Stunning East Coast of Taiwan Part 2: Hualien to Taitung and Kenting
Most people visit remote Hualien on the wild and stunning east coast of Taiwan to visit Taroko Gorge. But Hualien has so much more to offer! If you’ve already had a look at my 40 recommended things to do in Hualien, you may be overwhelmed with choices. That’s why I’ve taken the best of the …
The Beitou Hot Spring (or Xinbeitou Hot Spring) area is my favorite neighborhood in Taipei City, and I’ve probably been there over 20 times. In fact, my wife and I went on our first date there after we met in Taipei in 2009! And while hot springs are the focus, meaning you’ll definitely want to …
Read moreBeitou Hot Spring & Thermal Valley: A Detailed 2021 Guide
Few people visit Hualien without falling completely in love with it. The vast east coast county is beloved for its wild scenery (including the star attraction, Taroko Gorge) and adventure activities. It is the largest county in Taiwan, though one of the least populated, and homeland of the Amis, the country’s largest aboriginal tribe. Spend …
There is a lot of confusion out there when it comes to the languages of Taiwan. Is Taiwanese the same as Mandarin? Or is Taiwanese a dialect of Chinese? What does Taiwanese sound like? Does the Taiwanese language have writing? How many people speak Taiwanese? And is this language worth learning? In this article, I’ll …
Read moreTaiwanese Language: History, Examples and More About Taiwan’s Languages
Taroko Gorge, named after the Truku or Taroko aboriginal tribe, is one of Taiwan’s premier scenic attractions. Few visit without being blown away by its sheer magnificence and raw natural beauty. It is the star attraction of Hualien, Taiwan’s largest county, on the wild visually stunning east coast. For many visitors to Taiwan with little …
