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!
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. …
When I first moved to Taiwan in 2008, the most recent edition of Lonely Planet Taiwan described Taichung as “hardly a must-see for the short-term visitor.” A lot has changed since then, and in recent years more and more travelers consider Taichung an absolute must in their Taiwan itinerary! Taichung (台中 or Taizhong, literally “Taiwan …
Few people visit Hualien without falling completely in love with it. The vast east coast county is beloved for its wild scenery and adventure activities like these. It is the largest county in Taiwan, though one of the least populated, and homeland of the Amis, the country’s largest Indigenous group. In the past, most visitors …
Wondering what to eat in Ximending, one of the coolest neighborhoods in Taipei? You’ve come to the right place! Ximending is considered one of the best night markets in Taipei, even though it’s not actually a night market – it’s more like a pedestrian shopping district that happens to have a lot of good food …
If you’ve never used an eSIM before, I’ll be honest: I was initially skeptical of them. I’ve now used eSIMs on multiple trips in Asia and beyond. They have some clear advantages, especially if you don’t want to line up at an airport counter or swap SIM cards every time you cross a border. But …
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 …
Step foot in Ximending (西門町) and you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve been teleported to Japan. That’s why people call Ximending the “Harajuku of Taipei“, referring to the trend-setting Tokyo neighborhood. Ximen is a daytime and evening pedestrian shopping area (perfect for shopping and souvenirs!) with a high concentration of hip, funky, and downright …
Jiufen (九份 or Jioufen), a mountaintop former gold mining town in New Taipei City on the northeast coast of Taiwan, is the single most popular day trip from Taipei. Visitors and people who live in Taipei flock to Jiufen Old Street because it encapsulates the best of Taiwan in one small package: rich history, atmospheric …
Yilan (宜蘭, sometimes spelled Ilan or I-lan) is often overlooked by visitors to Taiwan, who tend to ride the train right through it when traveling from Taipei to Taroko Gorge in Hualien County. But for locals, especially the 7 million people who live in Taipei and New Taipei City, Yilan is a favorite weekend getaway, …
Orchid Island (Lanyu or 蘭嶼) is a small volcanic island located 64km off the southeast corner of Taiwan, directly east of Kenting. It is a volcanic island of breathtaking natural beauty and is home to the country’s most isolated Indigenous group, the Tao, who are famous for their annual Flying Fish Festival. Planning a trip …
