Is Sicao Green Tunnel in Tainan Worth the Trip?

Sicao Green Tunnel in Tainan City, Taiwan

The Sicao Green Tunnel (四草綠隧) in Tainan city is one of several “green tunnels” across Taiwan. These are roadways or cycling paths that pass under a canopy formed by tree branches or other vegetation – I’ve been to ones in Taichung and Luye, Taitung. But Sicao Green Tunnel is unique in that it is the only …

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Shenkeng Old Street: A Food Tour of Taipei’s Stinky Tofu Village

Shenkeng Old Street in Taipei, Taiwan

Shenkeng (深坑區) is a district of New Taipei City, adjacent to Nangang and Muzha districts of southeastern Taipei City. Shenkeng means “deep pit”, after the coal mines once active in the area. Today, Shenkeng is practically synonymous with tofu, and it is considered the tofu capital of Taiwan. It is especially famous for stinky tofu, …

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A Guide to Guanziling Mud Hot Spring in Tainan, Taiwan

The famous mud hot spring of Guanziling in Tainan, Taiwan

Of the many appealing hot springs in Taiwan (here are my 20 favorites), Guanziling Hot Spring is one of the most unique. Due to the clay soil in the area, the thermal hot spring water seeps out of the ground with a high concentration of silt, making it muddy in appearance, earning it the name …

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Taiwan Street Food Bucket List: 101 Taiwanese Foods To Try

Taiwan is a country that never stops eating, and a big part of this eating takes place on the streets. With its legendary night markets and festivals, round-the-clock breakfast shops, recipes honed for generations, and celebrity-status food vendors, there’s always something steaming, sizzling, or stewing on Taiwan’s streets to tempt passersby. As a nod to …

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Lovely Tai’an Hot Spring in Miaoli, Taiwan

King's Resort Hot Spring in Miaoli, Taiwan in January

Of the many hot spring villages in Taiwan, laid-back Tai’an Hot Spring (泰安溫泉) is one of our favorites. Located in the hills of Miaoli, a Central Taiwanese county known for slow-living, Hakka culture, and off-the-beaten-track attractions like these, Tai’an has a remote, natural vibe yet is easy enough to get to by car. Sure, you …

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Thailand vs. Taiwan: What’s the Difference?

Thailand or Taiwan: which should you visit? And what's the difference between them?

Having lived, worked, and traveled extensively in both Taiwan and Thailand, I’m writing this article to make some subjective and objective comparisons between them. My wife is Taiwanese, I’ve lived in Taiwan for over a decade, and our kids have been born and raised there. But whenever we travel to my home in Canada or …

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Strawberry Picking at a Strawberry Farm in Dahu, Taiwan

Little girl picking strawberries in Dahu, Miaoli, Taiwan

All across Taiwan, Dahu (大湖) is practically synonymous with strawberries. Every winter, plump, juicy, bright red strawberries from Dahu township in Miaoli County make their appearance in fruit markets around the country, with the best ones fetching high prices. But for the best Taiwanese strawberry experience, nothing beats going right to the heartland of strawberry …

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The Stunning Qigu Salt Mountain and Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields in Tainan

Taiwan Jingzijiao Salt Field and Cigu Salt Mountain Tainan

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 …

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