Taiwan On The Map Of The World: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
Taiwan is an island country located in East Asia that has become increasingly popular among tourists in recent years. From its bustling cities to its scenic countryside, Taiwan has something to offer every type of traveler. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that Taiwan has to offer.
Top Attractions
One of the most popular attractions in Taiwan is Taipei 101, a skyscraper that stands 508 meters tall and offers breathtaking views of the city. The National Palace Museum, which houses a vast collection of Chinese artifacts, is another popular destination. Sun Moon Lake, located in the center of Taiwan, is a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains that is perfect for boating and hiking.
Hidden Gems
For those looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, Taiwan has plenty to offer. Jiufen, a small mountain town outside of Taipei, is known for its narrow alleyways and beautiful views of the ocean. The Yehliu Geopark, located on the northern coast of Taiwan, features unique rock formations that have been shaped by the sea and wind.
Food Scene
Taiwan is known for its delicious street food, with night markets located throughout the country offering a wide variety of snacks and meals. Some popular dishes include stinky tofu, oyster omelets, and bubble tea. For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, Taiwan also has a number of highly-rated restaurants.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling in Taiwan can be very affordable, with many budget-friendly options available. Hostels and guesthouses offer cheap accommodation, while street food is a great way to save money on meals. Public transportation is also very affordable, with the Taipei Metro being one of the best and most convenient ways to get around the city.
Outdoor Adventures
Taiwan has a lot of outdoor activities to offer, including hiking, cycling, and surfing. Taroko National Park, located in eastern Taiwan, is a beautiful park filled with hiking trails and stunning views. Kenting National Park, located in the south of the island, is a popular destination for surfing and beach activities.
Historical Landmarks
Taiwan has a rich history that is reflected in its many historical landmarks. The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, located in Taipei, is a monument to the former president of the Republic of China. The Anping Old Fort, located in Tainan, is a historic fort that was built by the Dutch in the 17th century.
Family-Friendly Activities
Taiwan is a great destination for families, with many activities that are suitable for children. Taipei Zoo is a popular attraction, with a wide variety of animals on display. The National Museum of Natural Science, located in Taichung, is a great place for children to learn about science and nature.
Natural Wonders
Taiwan has a number of natural wonders that are worth seeing. The Taroko Gorge, located in Taroko National Park, is a stunning gorge that features marble cliffs and waterfalls. The Qingshui Cliffs, located on the east coast of Taiwan, are a dramatic cliff face that drops into the ocean.
Vibrant Nightlife
Taiwan has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs located throughout the country. Taipei’s Ximending district is a popular destination for nightlife, with many bars and clubs catering to a young, hip crowd. The ATT 4 Fun building, located in Taipei’s Xinyi district, is another popular destination for nightlife.
Local Markets
Taiwan is known for its bustling night markets, which offer a wide variety of food, clothing, and other goods. The Shilin Night Market, located in Taipei, is one of the most popular night markets in Taiwan, with hundreds of food stalls and vendors. The Liuhe Night Market, located in Kaohsiung, is another popular destination for food and shopping.
Beaches and Mountains
Taiwan has a diverse landscape that includes both beaches and mountains. Kenting National Park is a popular destination for beachgoers, with a number of beautiful beaches to choose from. The Alishan National Scenic Area, located in central Taiwan, is a popular destination for hiking and mountain climbing.
Cultural Immersion
Taiwan has a rich culture that is worth experiencing. The Pingxi Lantern Festival, held every year in February, is a traditional festival where lanterns are released into the sky. The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival, held every year in February or March, is another traditional festival that involves fireworks being shot at participants.
Art and Music Scene
Taiwan has a thriving art and music scene, with many galleries and music venues located throughout the country. The Huashan 1914 Creative Park, located in Taipei, is a popular destination for art lovers, with many galleries and exhibitions on display. The Legacy Taipei, located in Taipei’s Zhongshan district, is a popular music venue that hosts a wide variety of concerts.
Walking Tours
Taipei is a great city for walking tours, with many guided tours available that will take you through the city’s historic neighborhoods and landmarks. The Tamsui Old Street Walking Tour, located in New Taipei City, is another popular walking tour that will take you through a traditional Taiwanese neighborhood.
Architectural Marvels
Taiwan has a number of architectural marvels that are worth seeing. The Taipei 101 skyscraper, with its unique design and engineering, is one of the most impressive buildings in the world. The National Theater and Concert Hall, located in Taipei, is another impressive building that is worth visiting.
Historical Sites
Taiwan has a long and fascinating history, with many historical sites that are worth visiting. The Tainan Confucius Temple, located in Tainan, is a beautiful temple that was built in 1665. The Fort San Domingo, located in New Taipei City, is a historic fort that was built by the Spanish in the 17th century.
Biking Routes
Taiwan has a number of scenic biking routes that are perfect for cycling enthusiasts. The Sun Moon Lake Bike Trail is a popular route that will take you around the lake and through the surrounding countryside. The East Rift Valley Bike Trail is another popular route that will take you through some of Taiwan’s most beautiful scenery.
Wellness Retreats
Taiwan has a number of wellness retreats that are perfect for those looking to unwind and relax. The Wulai Hot Springs, located in New Taipei City, is a popular destination for those looking to soak in natural hot springs. The Gaia Hotel and Resort, located in Yilan County, is a luxury resort that offers a wide variety of wellness treatments.
Adventure Sports
Taiwan has a lot of adventure sports to offer, including rock climbing, bungee jumping, and paragliding. Long Dong, located on the northeast coast of Taiwan, is a popular destination for rock climbing. The Qingshui Cliffs, mentioned earlier, are also a popular destination for paragliding.
With so much to see and do, Taiwan is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, Taiwan has something for everyone.