Destinations

This is your gateway to discovering China’s beauty! Whether it’s your first visit or a deeper exploration, we’ve got you covered.

Taiwan

Taiwan, an island that blends natural wonders, cultural heritage, and modern energy, offers a captivating mix of experiences. Whether you want to immerse yourself in stunning nature, explore deep cultural roots, or dive into unique local life, Taiwan has something for everyone.

1. Where Nature and Ecology Live in Harmony

With over 70% forest cover and diverse climate zones ranging from tropical rainforests to alpine snow lines, Taiwan boasts an incredibly rich landscape. Think thousand-year-old cypress trees in Alishan (阿里山), the dramatic, steep gorges of Taroko (太鲁阁), and the beautiful coral reefs along Kenting’s (垦丁) coastline – it’s truly a “symphony of mountains and sea.” It’s not just a biodiversity hotspot; strict ecological policies mean you can genuinely feel the purity of a “natural oxygen bar,” whether you’re gazing at the clear waters of Sun Moon Lake (日月潭) or soaking in the hot springs of Yangmingshan (阳明山). Cycling the coastal highway around the island, with the Pacific wind in your hair and the mist-shrouded Central Mountain Range beside you, is nature at its most breathtaking.

2. A Vibrant Tapestry of Cultures

Taiwan’s culture is like a kaleidoscope. Indigenous tribes keep ancient traditions alive through their totems, songs, and dances. Intricately decorated Minnan-style temples (闽南式庙宇) stand alongside architecture from the Japanese colonial era on the same streets. Meanwhile, modern art galleries and independent bookstores showcase a new wave of creativity. The famous night markets are more than just food hubs; they’re stages for everyday culture – you’ll see sky lanterns released for wishes (天灯祈福 – Tiāndēng Qífú), traditional puppet shows (布袋戏 – Bùdài Xì), and snippets of Taiwanese opera (歌仔戏 – Gēzǎi Xì) all mingling together. While the National Palace Museum (台北故宫博物院) in Taipei connects you to the vast history of Chinese civilization with its nearly 700,000 artifacts, the red-lantern-lit old streets of Jiufen (九份) offer a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era.

3. A Mini United Nations on Your Taste Buds

From Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street stalls, Taiwan is famous for its snacks – it’s practically built on them! The savory aroma of oyster omelets (蚵仔煎 – Ézǐ Jiān), the rich, comforting flavor of braised pork rice (卤肉饭 – Lǔròu Fàn), and the chewy fun of bubble tea (珍珠奶茶 – Zhēnzhū Nǎichá) form the core of Taiwan’s food memories. Fusion dishes like Jyuancun beef noodles (眷村牛肉面 – reflecting military village history), Japanese-style donburi bowls, and refreshing Southeast Asian-inspired shaved ice desserts tell stories of migration and history. Night market culture isn’t just about feasting; it’s social. You’ll find locals and travelers sharing benches, swapping stories, while vendors offer a warm greeting like “Jiǎ bǎ wèi?” (呷饱未? – Have you eaten yet?), adding a touch of human warmth.

4. Where Tradition Meets Modern Ingenuity

Taiwan cleverly blends innovation with tradition. Century-old farmers’ associations now promote high-quality agriculture and leisure farms where visitors can pick tea or try pottery, experiencing a sustainable “farm-to-table” journey. Abandoned sugar factories have been transformed into vibrant cultural and creative parks. Old houses find new life as cozy cafes serving aromatic Alishan coffee. Even convenience stores have evolved into multi-functional hubs offering printing, ticketing, and sometimes even mini-library services. This knack for putting “new wine in old bottles” creates a unique spark where old and new collide.

5. Friendly and Easy Travel

Getting around is a breeze thanks to an excellent public transport network (the High-Speed Rail zips you from north to south in just 2 hours!), widespread free Wi-Fi, and multilingual tourist information centers, making independent travel easy. The renowned friendliness and politeness of the locals shine through in small details: scooter riders readily give directions, guesthouse owners share self-made maps highlighting hidden gems, and returning lost items is common practice. Well-regulated tourism ensures fair entrance fees and professional guide services, so you don’t have to worry about tourist traps.

Taiwan’s magic lies in its ability to fulfill your imagination of Eastern charm while constantly surprising you. Sipping a unique tea-infused cocktail at a rooftop bar atop Taipei 101, watching the traditional temple eaves share the skyline with modern neon lights – that’s when you truly grasp the complex, welcoming spirit of this incredible island.

Recommended Attractions and Activities：

I. Natural Attractions

• Sun Moon Lake (日月潭): The largest freshwater lake in Taiwan, famous for its beautiful scenery year-round. You can take a boat to Lalu Island (拉鲁岛), visit Xuanguang Temple (玄光寺), and experience the culture of the Thao people (邵族). Recommended: watch the morning mist, cycle around the lake, or join the annual mass swim event.
• Alishan (阿里山): Known for sunrise views, sea of clouds, forest railway, sacred giant trees, and Tsou culture (邹族). Recommended: take the small train to see cherry blossoms in spring, watch the sunrise at Zhushan (祝山), and visit tea plantations for high mountain oolong tea.
• Taroko Gorge (太鲁阁): Famous for its marble canyons and steep cliffs, one of Taiwan’s top eight scenic spots. Recommended: hike the Shakadang Trail (砂卡礑步道), challenge the Zhuilu Cliff (锥麓断崖), and visit the Eternal Spring Shrine (长春祠).
• Kenting (垦丁): Taiwan’s southernmost tropical beach area, with Baisha Bay (白沙湾), Eluanbi Lighthouse (鹅銮鼻灯塔), and rich coral reefs. Recommended: snorkeling/diving, visiting the night market, or riding a scooter around the peninsula.
• Yangmingshan (阳明山): Volcanic landscapes, sulfur hot springs, and flower seasons. Recommended: see the fumaroles at Xiaoyoukeng (小油坑), soak in hot springs, and enjoy spring flower hikes.

II. Culture & History

• National Palace Museum (台北故宫博物院): Home to 700,000 Chinese artifacts, including the Jadeite Cabbage (翠玉白菜) and Mao Gong Ding (毛公鼎). Recommended: join a guided tour or try a restoration workshop.
• Jiufen Old Street (九份老街): A hillside old street with Japanese-era buildings and nostalgic vibes. Recommended: try taro balls (芋圆), visit the old Shengping Theater (升平戏院), and enjoy the sea view from Jishan Street (基山街).
• Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf (淡水渔人码头): Famous for sunsets, Lover’s Bridge (情人桥), and Fort San Domingo (红毛城). Recommended: cycle along the Golden Riverside (金色水岸), take a ferry to Bali (八里), and try A-gei fish ball soup (阿给鱼丸汤).
• Lukang Old Town (鹿港小镇): Once a bustling port in the Qing Dynasty, with Longshan Temple (龙山寺) and the narrow “Breast-Touching Alley” (摸乳巷). Recommended: explore traditional crafts like wood carving and lantern making, and taste oyster omelet (蚵仔煎) and Fengyan cake (凤眼糕).

III. Special Experiences

• Night Market Food Tour: Shilin Night Market (士林夜市, famous for oyster omelet), Liuhe Night Market (六合夜市, papaya milk), Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市, takoyaki).
• Pingxi Sky Lanterns (平溪放天灯): Write your wishes on a lantern and release it in Pingxi Old Street (平溪老街), especially spectacular during the Lantern Festival when thousands of lanterns fill the sky.
• Hot Spring Experience: Beitou (北投, Japanese-style bathhouses), Yangmingshan (阳明山, sulfur springs), Guanziling (关子岭, mud hot springs).
• Cycling Around the Island/Coastal Routes: Popular routes include cycling around Sun Moon Lake, along the Kenting coast, or on the Brown Boulevard (伯朗大道) in Chishang, Taitung (台东池上).