This small, sub-tropical nation packs a real punch. From Michelin-star food stalls in overflowing night markets and thriving arts scenes to bubbling thermal springs and 286 peaks above 3000 meters, Taiwan has something for everyone. The below posts are packed with information on planning a round-island trip, so come find out why I’ve made Taiwan my adopted home!
Keelung Night Market (also called Miaokou Night Market) is one of the most famous night markets in Taiwan and by far the most popular of Keelung’s attractions. Many visitors, including myself, say it is their favorite night market in the whole country. Even Anthony Bourdain ate here when he visited Taiwan in 2013! It’s easy …
Chishang (池上) is a rural township in northern Taitung, a remote but highly scenic county in the southeastern corner of Taiwan. Chishang features quintessential East Rift Valley scenery, with picturesque rice paddies between the inland and coastal mountain ranges, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Taitung. In the last decade, …
One of Taiwan’s hidden gems is Taroko Gorge‘s Wenshan Hot Spring (文山溫泉, also sometimes spelled Wunshan Hot Spring or Taroko National Park Hot Springs), located in Xiulin township of visually stunning Hualien County. The awe-inspiring scenery, hidden location within a famous national park, and relative inaccessibility of this Hualien hot spring make it, in my …
Where should you go if only visiting Taiwan for 1-2 weeks? Most say that if you like history and culture, stick to the west coast. If you like scenery and nature, head to the east coast of Taiwan. While this is a simplistic breakdown of Taiwan’s diverse and abundant attractions, but there’s no denying that …
Taroko Gorge, named after the Truku or Taroko aboriginal tribe, is arguably Taiwan’s top scenic attractions. Few people visit without being blown away by its sheer magnificence and raw natural beauty. It is the star attraction of Hualien, Taiwan’s largest county (see my Hualien guide and other places to visit in Hualien), on the wild …
Alishan (阿里山 or Mt. Ali) in Chiayi county is one of Taiwan’s top attractions and one of its most famous mountain resorts, along with Qingjing Farm. Many visitors try to include Alishan on their Taiwan itinerary, but it usually turns out to be the most complicated part of their trip, especially getting there. That’s why …
My son and daughter were born in Taipei in 2014 and 2015. Together with my wife Emily, who is Taiwanese, we have been exploring Taipei ever since they were born (and well before that, too!) This list of things to do in Taipei with kids is based on the things we love doing in Taipei …
Wulai (烏來, Tayal language: Ulay, which means ‘hot spring’) is the largest district of New Taipei City, but only has around 6000 residents, by far the lowest population density. Officially the only “mountain indigenous district” of New Taipei City, it is home to the closest aboriginal Taiwanese village to Taipei City. There are many reasons …
Penghu (澎湖) is a collection of islands in the Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and China. It is also called the Penghu Islands, Penghu Archipelago, and Pescadores Islands. Penghu County is one of Taiwan’s 13 counties and is made up of around 90 islands. Penghu is an incredibly special place. Consider this list of fun things …
Xiaoliuqiu is one of the gems of southern Taiwan. This small island off the coast of Pingtung and Kaohsiung tempts visitors with its fine beaches, coral caves, island vibes, guaranteed opportunity to see giant sea turtles, and all kinds of water-based outdoor activities. Taiwan’s “Little Okinawa” lies a mere 12.5 km (7.8 mi) off the …
