The 20 Best Hot Springs in Taiwan for a Blissful Winter Soak

20 of the best hot springs in Taiwan

The island of Taiwan sits on a collision zone between two tectonic plates. As a result, it has one of the highest concentrations of thermal hot springs in the world. In fact, there are at least 100 major hot springs in Taiwan and many smaller ones! While Taiwanese aboriginals had been aware of the springs, …

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50+ Fun Things to Do in Yilan, Taiwan

Find 40 things to do in Yilan in this detailed guide to Yilan Taiwan

Yilan County is the 5th largest of Taiwan’s 13 counties and home to about half a million people. It is located in the northeast of Taiwan. Most of the things to do in Yilan are located on the rice-paddy-covered Yilan (Lanyang) Plain, where the main towns of Jiaoxi, Yilan City, and Luodong are located. South …

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20 Best Night Markets in Taipei (+ What To Eat at Each One!)

Best Taipei night markets

Taipei’s night markets offer the quintessential eating experience in Taiwan. In many ways, they are the embodiment of Taiwanese popular culture. Snacking and walking is truly a national pastime in this food-obsessed country! What mostly started as small collections of food stalls in front of temples or at street corners around 100 years ago have …

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Visiting Taipei & Taiwan in September 2023

September is the final month of summer in Taiwan, but with average temperatures a few degrees lower than July and August, it is definitely more bearable. By the end of September, I would even call it pleasantly warm, and one of the best times to visit Taiwan of the whole year. The Mid-Autumn Festival (popularly …

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Alishan High Mountain Tea: The Champagne of Taiwan Oolongs

A worker on a field where Alishan tea is grown

Taiwan’s oolong teas are so good that they have been described as the “champagne of tea.” In recent decades, Alishan High Mountain tea has stood out from the crowd as the most sought after of Taiwan’s impressive array of teas. In fact, my (Taiwanese) father-in-law, an avid tea drinker, turns his nose up at anything …

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Visiting Taipei & Taiwan in August 2023

A guide for traveling to Taipei in August or things to do in Taiwan in August

August in Taiwan is characterized by hot & sweaty days. Along with July, it is the peak of summer in Taiwan, but if you’ve been in the county for the months leading up to August, you may feel more used to it by then. By the end of August, the temperatures finally start to drop …

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Where to Stay in Taipei in 2023 (by area & budget)

Wondering where to stay in Taipei? Here's a guide to the best Taipei hotels

One of the hardest parts of planning a trip to a huge city like Taipei is choosing a hotel. This is certainly the case when trying to decide where to stay in Taipei! Unlike some major Asian cities, Taipei doesn’t really have a backpacker’s street or district. Taipei’s top sights are spread out, but thankfully …

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Visiting Taipei & Taiwan in July 2023

Ready for some serious heat? July in Taiwan is the hottest and sunniest month of the year. Be prepared to sweat, and to duck into every 7-Eleven you pass for an air-conditioned moment of respite. Although most Taiwanese fear the sun (“fear” is the word they really use), the Taiwanese summer is still the time …

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The Ultimate Beitou Hot Spring Guide (2023 Info!)

Beitou Hot Spring Taipei

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! While hot springs are the focus, meaning you’ll definitely want to visit …

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70 Things to Do in Tainan, Taiwan’s Ancient Capital

Fun things to do in Tainan, Taiwan

Tainan is the original capital of Taiwan and one of the country’s most culturally rewarding destinations. Nicknamed “Phoenix City” after its shape and its phoenix trees, Tainan is famous for its historic sights and considered the food capital of Taiwan. Some of the top things to do in Tainan city center including touring the city’s …

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