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!
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 …
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 …
Anping Old Street (安平老街) in Anping District of Tainan City is sometimes called “Taiwan’s First Street”, as it is the center one of the oldest merchant areas in the country. It is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Tainan for foodies and those interested in the early history of Taiwan. Today, tourists …
Lukang (鹿港 or lugang) is one of the best places to visit in Taiwan to experience the old way of life. This historic city has over 200 temples (from ancient ones to the ultra-modern Glass Temple), a thriving handicraft industry, some unbelievably narrow lanes, and numerous traditional foods on offer. A typical visit revolves around …
While you won’t find any Disneyland in Taiwan, the country has some surprisingly good amusement parks, theme parks, and waterparks. Whether you are living in Taiwan, traveling around the country with kids, or just happen to love amusement parks, you’ll find a dozen or so worthwhile ones spread across the country. Some are connected to …
Taichung is located on the central west coast of Taiwan and is the country’s second largest city. Most travelers used to give it a miss, but nowadays it is an increasingly popular stop on everyone’s Taiwan travel itinerary. While I was compiling my list of top things to do in Taichung, my article quickly became …
When doing a Google search for Tsaiwan’s most famous landmarks, I was rather disappointed to find articles mentioning things like fireflies and hot springs. Clearly, the authors don’t know what the word “landmark” means. By definition, a landmark should be something very large, monumental, and visible from afar (that must be a very large firefly!) …
Gaomei Wetlands (高美溼地 or Gaomei Shidi) is a large mud tidal flat on the coast of Taichung City in central Taiwan. It is one of my family’s favorite things to do in Taichung, especially with our kids. The main reason we like to visit Gaomei is to stroll along the 800-meter dock and out onto …
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 …
