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!
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 …
Fo Guang Shan (佛光山 or Foguangshan) is one of the four large Buddhist organizations in Taiwan. The order’s headquarters, Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Kaohsiung, Southern Taiwan, is one of Taiwan’s top attractions. The enormous, sprawling Fo Guang Shan Temple complex more than doubled in size with the 2011 addition of the Fo Guang Shan …
Read moreFo Guang Shan, Kaohsiung: How to Visit and Stay at Taiwan’s Largest Monastery
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 …
Read more17 Best Night Markets in Taipei (+ What To Eat at Each One!)
