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!
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 …
Kaohsiung is the largest city in Southern Taiwan. It is known for its street art, impressive temples, and port city vibes. It can also be a base for trips to Xiaoliuqiu Island and the beaches of Kenting National Park. Make sure to budget at least 2-3 days of your trip in Kaohsiung. Overall, you’ll find …
If you are going to Sun Moon Lake in gorgeous Nantou county, one of the best places to visit in Taiwan, you can save a little money by getting a Sun Moon Lake Pass. The official Sun Moon Lake pass website has changed several times since I first wrote this article. The pass prices and …
Luye is a gorgeous, rural town in Taitung county, in the southeast corner of Taiwan. It is one of my favorite places to stay in Taitung county (see my Taitung guide and other things to do in Taitung). Luye is famous for the International Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival, one of the most visually impressive …
Alishan (阿里山 or Mt. Ali) in Chiayi county is one of Taiwan’s top attractions and most famous mountain resort. 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 I’ve also written these separate guides to …
Alishan is one of Taiwan’s most popular attractions, along with Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge. It is famous for its iconic red Alishan Forest Railway trains, sunrises over seas of clouds, cherry blossoms, misty forests, and high mountain teas. However, getting to Alishan, and getting around the park once you get there, IS COMPLICATED! …
Every year on the 15th day of the first lunar calendar month, the same day as the Lantern Festival, a sleepy town in Tainan City in southern Taiwan called Yanshui (鹽水) lights up from what has been called “the world’s most dangerous festival.” It is without a doubt the most exciting (or rather, terrifying) or …
