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!
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 …
Alishan is one of Taiwan’s most popular attractions, along with Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge. It is famous for its 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! So it’s something you should plan …
Beitou Hot Spring area is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Taipei City – 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! While hot springs are the focus, meaning you’ll definitely want to visit Beitou if you’re …
After living in Taiwan for over 10 years and exploring the country inside and out, I finally decided to visit Cingjing Farm (清境農場 or Qingjing Nongchang) in the high mountains of Nantou county. It is one of the country’s most famous family-oriented tourist attractions. Honestly, my expectations were quite low. I’d already researched the hell …
The island of Taiwan sits on a collision zone between two tectonic plates. As a result, it has one of the highest concentrations of thermal hot springs in the world. In fact, there are at least 100 major hot springs in Taiwan and many smaller ones! While Taiwanese aboriginals had been aware of the springs, …
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 …
Taiwan’s oolong teas are so good that they have been described as the “champagne of tea.” In recent decades, Alishan High Mountain tea has stood out from the crowd as the most sought after of Taiwan’s impressive array of teas. In fact, my (Taiwanese) father-in-law, an avid tea drinker, turns his nose up at anything …
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 …
Welcome to the ultimate Taiwan bucket list! Taiwan is a small country that packs in a seemingly unlimited number of awe-inspiring attractions, from the towering skyscrapers of Taipei to isolated aboriginal tribes on offshore islands. Here I’ve compiled my favorite things to do in Taiwan, all things I’ve personally done (most of them several times) …
Summer in Taiwan is a season that I deeply loathe yet still look forward to every year when living in Taiwan. The summer weather in Taiwan is at its most extreme, with crushing heat, humidity, and a sprinkling of typhoons that wreak death and destruction on the island nation. Yet enduring a summer in Taiwan, …
