Many say that travel broadens the mind and changes a person, unseen by the eyes but felt by the heart. Sleep, however, is the most important thing. For many, the chance to travel is to explore new environments, let go of responsibilities briefly, and reconnect with nature.
If you’ve been confined to your home for the past year or two and are eager to travel again, consider visiting and exploring Taiwan’s diverse cultural landscape.
Taiwan is a Southeast Asian island in the Pacific Ocean. It has enough tourist attractions to occupy your senses for however long you decide to vacation there. Taiwan is a cultural mixture of Chinese and Japanese influences combined with a topography that has given it impressive waterfalls and rivers. The country also offers a variety of delectable cuisine and engaging outdoor activities that are sure to excite your heart.
Furthermore, having one of the best COVID-19 responses during the pandemic has shown how well Taiwan protects its people and those who want to visit their niche. If you’re thinking of booking a plane ride to Taiwan for a change of scenery, consider the following activities to do during your visit:
Explore Temples and Museums
One can see a rich history and influence of Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, and folk religions in the many temples in Taiwan. Centres of prayer and meditation allow visitors to immerse themselves in these buildings’ ornate architecture and history.
One of the most interesting to visit is the famous Longshan Temple in the Old City of Taipei. At the same time, other temples in Greater Taipei are good sites to see cherry blossoms.
If you’re an avid history buff or want to learn more about Taiwan’s past, spend a day exploring the country’s plethora of museums on various topics. The National Palace Museum holds a permanent collection of 700,000 Chinese artefacts from over 8,000 years of Chinese history. The Taipei Fine Arts Museum is a must-see for contemporary art lovers.
Experience Gastronomic Delights
Taiwan can satisfy the foodie always looking for the next food trip. Taiwan offers a diverse range of flavours and dishes that will leave you in awe. If you’re after a posh night out, book a seat in advance at Taipei’s only three-starred Michelin restaurant, Le Palais.
They specialise in Cantonese cuisine, and the recommended dishes worth pre-ordering are the crispy roast duck and the white gourd stuffed with shrimp and crab meat.
Le Palais isn’t the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Taiwan, which shows how highly the Taiwanese respect their food. Taiwanese, Japanese, Indian, and modern French cuisine may be found in Taiwanese areas.
To learn more about local cuisine, visit Taipei’s night markets, beginning with the largest, Shilin Night Market. Tours of Taipei’s top 30+ night markets are available. Choose one to optimise your Taipei time.
Immerse Yourself in Nature
Taiwan’s unique topography offers a variety of outdoor activities to keep you entertained if you’re seeking an adrenaline rush. Marvel at the broadest waterfall in the county, Shifen Waterfall, also called the Niagara Falls of Taiwan.
Get your heartbeat up by hiking along the vertical trail of Pingxi Crags or rock climbing in Longdong’s Dragon Caves. Go whitewater rafting in the country’s adventure sports centre, Hualien County.
However, this doesn’t limit itself to rafting but offers opportunities for river trekking, paragliding, and whale watching. And at the end of the day, you can enjoy a relaxing dip for your body and mind in a hot spring or two. Two popular destinations include the Jiaoxi Hot Spring in Yilan County, which features colourful hot spring tubs and herbal steam rooms.
Appreciate Architecture
Taiwan’s charming buildings will delight art and architecture enthusiasts. Taipei boasts enough temples and museums to keep your camera busy. Jiufen is a must-see for its breathtaking views. This former gold-mining mountain village, said to have inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film “Spirited Away,” has teahouses, souvenir stores, and street-food shacks, all perfect for drawing.
Consider booking a Jiufen day tour package to get the most out of this town—from architecture to local cuisine to a waterfall and ecological park.
Whatever it is that gives you a reason to travel to, experience new cultures, marvel at architectural feats, immerse yourself in nature, and taste different cuisines, there is no doubt that Taiwan will satisfy all these wants and more.
