Travel : Taiwan - Best spots to visit & other details

 

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), is an island nation in East Asia, located off the southeastern coast of China. Known for its dynamic economy, advanced technology sector, and vibrant democratic system, Taiwan plays a significant role in global trade and politics. Despite its contentious relationship with the People's Republic of China, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan, the island maintains its own government, military, and constitution. Taiwan is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and bustling cities, with Taipei, its capital, being a hub of culture, commerce, and innovation.

Best travelling spots 

Taiwan is a treasure trove of diverse attractions, blending natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern marvels. Here are some of the best places to visit in Taiwan in detail:

### 1. Taipei

**Highlights:**

- **Taipei 101:** Once the world's tallest building, this iconic skyscraper offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.

- **National Palace Museum:** Home to one of the largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts in the world.

- **Shilin Night Market:** Famous for its street food, shopping, and vibrant atmosphere.

- **Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall:** A historical landmark dedicated to the former President of the Republic of China.

### 2. Taroko National Park

**Highlights:**

- **Taroko Gorge:** Known for its stunning marble cliffs, winding tunnels, and the Liwu River.

- **Eternal Spring Shrine:** A picturesque shrine built to honor the memory of those who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway.

- **Swallow Grotto:** A trail that offers close-up views of the gorge’s natural beauty and the swallows that nest in the cliffs.

### 3. Sun Moon Lake

**Highlights:**

- **Scenic Cycling Route:** One of the best ways to explore the lake’s surroundings is by bike, enjoying the lush landscapes and serene water views.

- **Xuanzang Temple:** A temple dedicated to the famous Buddhist monk and traveler.

- **Ita Thao Village:** Offers a glimpse into the culture of the Thao people, one of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes.

### 4. Alishan National Scenic Area

**Highlights:**

- **Alishan Forest Railway:** A historic railway that winds through the lush forest, offering breathtaking views.

- **Sunrise Viewing:** Watching the sunrise from the Alishan mountaintops is a must-do experience.

- **Sacred Tree:** A 3,000-year-old giant cypress tree, a testament to the area’s ancient natural heritage.

### 5. Kaohsiung

**Highlights:**

- **Lotus Pond:** Famous for its temples and pavilions, such as the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas.

- **Pier-2 Art Center:** A cultural and creative park with art installations, galleries, and exhibitions.

- **Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum:** One of the largest Buddhist complexes in Taiwan, featuring a massive Buddha statue.

### 6. Tainan

**Highlights:**

- **Anping Old Fort:** A historical site that dates back to the Dutch colonial period.

- **Confucius Temple:** The oldest Confucian temple in Taiwan, providing insight into the country’s historical reverence for Confucianism.

- **Chihkan Tower:** Another historic site, originally built by the Dutch in the 17th century.

### 7. Kenting National Park

**Highlights:**

- **White Sand Bay:** Famous for its white sandy beaches and clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

- **Eluanbi Lighthouse:** Known as the "Light of East Asia," this lighthouse is a key landmark.

- **Kenting Night Market:** A vibrant market offering a variety of local snacks, souvenirs, and entertainment.

### 8. Jiufen

**Highlights:**

- **Old Street:** A bustling street lined with tea houses, shops, and food stalls, offering stunning views of the mountains and the sea.

- **Gold Museum:** Showcases the history of gold mining in the area.

- **Shifen Waterfall:** Known as Taiwan’s Niagara Falls, it’s a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.

### 9. Hualien

**Highlights:**

- **Qixingtan Beach:** A crescent-shaped pebble beach offering beautiful coastal views.

- **Hualien Cultural Creative Industries Park:** A hub for art, culture, and creativity.

- **Dongdamen Night Market:** One of the largest night markets in Taiwan, featuring a wide range of local delicacies.

These destinations showcase the unique blend of natural wonders, historical sites, and modern attractions that make Taiwan a fascinating place to visit.

Best seasons 

The best seasons to visit Taiwan are generally in the fall (September to November) and spring (March to May). Here’s why these seasons are ideal:

### Fall (September to November)

**Weather:**

- **Comfortable Temperatures:** The weather is pleasantly warm but not too hot, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F).

- **Lower Humidity:** Fall brings lower humidity levels compared to the summer months, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.

**Benefits:**

- **Clear Skies:** The fall season typically has clear skies and less rainfall, providing excellent conditions for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.

- **Festivals:** You can experience cultural events such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated with mooncakes and lanterns.

### Spring (March to May)

**Weather:**

- **Mild Temperatures:** Spring temperatures are mild, ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), perfect for exploring Taiwan's natural beauty.

- **Blooming Flowers:** The season is marked by the blooming of cherry blossoms and other flowers, creating picturesque landscapes.

**Benefits:**

- **Scenic Beauty:** Taiwan’s parks and gardens are particularly beautiful during spring, with vibrant flowers and lush greenery.

- **Festivals:** The Lantern Festival, usually held in February or early March, features elaborate lantern displays and cultural performances.

### Other Considerations:

- **Summer (June to August):** While summer brings vibrant festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival, it also comes with high temperatures, heavy humidity, and occasional typhoons.

- **Winter (December to February):** Winters in Taiwan are generally mild, but can be quite chilly in the mountains. This season is suitable for hot springs and lower crowds, but not ideal for beach activities.

Overall, visiting Taiwan in fall or spring offers the most comfortable weather and the best conditions for enjoying the island’s attractions and natural beauty.

Cuisines 

Taiwan is renowned for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, blending Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous influences. Here are some of the best cuisines and dishes to try in Taiwan:

### 1. **Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)**

- **Description:** A savory soup made with tender beef chunks, hearty noodles, and a rich broth flavored with soy sauce, Chinese spices, and sometimes tomatoes.

- **Where to Try:** Found at both high-end restaurants and street vendors, with notable spots like Yongkang Beef Noodle in Taipei.

### 2. **Xiao Long Bao (小籠包)**

- **Description:** Steamed dumplings filled with juicy pork and hot broth, traditionally served in a bamboo basket.

- **Where to Try:** Din Tai Fung, an internationally renowned chain, offers some of the best xiao long bao in Taiwan.

### 3. **Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎)**

- **Description:** A popular street food dish made with fresh oysters, eggs, starch, and sometimes vegetables, topped with a sweet and savory sauce.

- **Where to Try:** Night markets such as Shilin Night Market in Taipei and Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung.

### 4. **Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)**

- **Description:** Fermented tofu with a strong smell but a delicious, crispy exterior and soft interior, usually served with pickled cabbage and a spicy sauce.

- **Where to Try:** Shenkeng Old Street in New Taipei is famous for its stinky tofu.

### 5. **Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥)**

- **Description:** A sweet pastry filled with a tangy pineapple jam, often enjoyed as a souvenir or gift.

- **Where to Try:** Chia Te Bakery and SunnyHills are well-known for their high-quality pineapple cakes.

### 6. **Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶)**

- **Description:** A tea-based drink mixed with milk or fruit flavors and chewy tapioca pearls, invented in Taiwan.

- **Where to Try:** Chun Shui Tang and Tiger Sugar are famous for their authentic bubble tea.

### 7. **Lu Rou Fan (滷肉飯)**

- **Description:** Braised pork rice bowl with minced pork belly cooked in soy sauce and served over steamed rice, often accompanied by pickles or vegetables.

- **Where to Try:** Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice in Taipei is a popular spot for this comforting dish.

### 8. **Gua Bao (割包)**

- **Description:** Also known as Taiwanese hamburgers, these are steamed buns filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, crushed peanuts, and cilantro.

- **Where to Try:** Lan Jia Gua Bao in Taipei is a highly recommended place to taste authentic gua bao.

### 9. **Dan Zai Noodles (擔仔麵)**

- **Description:** A small bowl of noodles topped with minced pork, shrimp, cilantro, and a savory broth.

- **Where to Try:** Tainan, the dish’s place of origin, is the best city to try Dan Zai Noodles, with Du Hsiao Yueh being a famous restaurant.

### 10. **Shaved Ice (刨冰)**

- **Description:** A refreshing dessert made with finely shaved ice, topped with various ingredients such as fresh mango, condensed milk, red beans, and tapioca pearls.

- **Where to Try:** Ice Monster and Smoothie House in Taipei are popular for their luxurious shaved ice creations.

These dishes represent just a slice of Taiwan's rich culinary landscape, offering a delightful experience for any food enthusiast.

Contactibility

Taiwan is served by several airlines that operate both domestically and internationally. Here are the major airlines based in Taiwan:

### 1. **China Airlines (華航)**

- **Overview:** The largest airline in Taiwan and the flag carrier, China Airlines operates a vast network of international and domestic flights.

- **Hub:** Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

- **Key Destinations:** Covers Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.

### 2. **EVA Air (長榮航空)**

- **Overview:** Known for its high service quality and safety standards, EVA Air is a major international carrier from Taiwan.

- **Hub:** Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

- **Key Destinations:** Serves numerous destinations in Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania.

### 3. **UNI Air (立榮航空)**

- **Overview:** A subsidiary of EVA Air, UNI Air primarily focuses on domestic flights and some regional international routes.

- **Hub:** Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) and Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH)

- **Key Destinations:** Major cities and islands within Taiwan, and a few regional destinations in East Asia.

### 4. **Tigerair Taiwan (台灣虎航)**

- **Overview:** A low-cost carrier jointly owned by China Airlines, specializing in budget-friendly regional flights.

- **Hub:** Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

- **Key Destinations:** Covers several destinations in East and Southeast Asia.

### 5. **Starlux Airlines (星宇航空)**

- **Overview:** A relatively new luxury airline that started operations in 2020, Starlux aims to provide premium service.

- **Hub:** Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

- **Key Destinations:** Expanding network with a focus on high-end service to various Asian destinations, with plans for further expansion to North America and Europe.

### 6. **Mandarin Airlines (華信航空)**

- **Overview:** A subsidiary of China Airlines, Mandarin Airlines offers domestic and regional international flights.

- **Hub:** Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) and Taichung International Airport (RMQ)

- **Key Destinations:** Domestic destinations within Taiwan and some regional routes in East Asia.

These airlines provide a range of options from budget to premium services, catering to different travel needs within Taiwan and internationally.