Taiwan Travel Guide
Taiwan, a small island nation off the east coast of China, may not be widely known, but it quickly captures the hearts of many travelers. Its friendly culture, adventurous night markets, modern cities, fantastic hiking trails, beautiful temples, and affordable prices make it a delightful destination to explore. Despite its size, Taiwan offers a wealth of experiences to ensure a long and fulfilling trip. Once you set foot on this enchanting island, you’ll find it hard to leave.
Taiwan Stats
Official Language: Mandarin
Population: 24 million
Capital City: Taipei
Currency: New Taiwan dollar
Power Outlet: Type A and B
Taiwan Travel
From the deep canyons at Taroko Gorge to the vistas of northern Taiwan from the Teapot Mountain hike to the stunning east coast of Taiwan, we were wowed over and over again. In many ways, Taiwan resembles Hawaii. Crystal clear aquamarine water, palm trees, huge waves crashing on the beach, and the most delicious pineapple we have had yet.
Ten Interesting Facts About Taiwan You Probably Didn’t Know
Taipei
Taipei, Taiwan in Photos
Our introduction to Taiwan was its largest city, Taipei. We spent five awesome days here. There is so much to do, with night markets to explore, Taipei 101 to climb, so many wonderful restaurants to choose from, and tons of day trips to take. This was yet another city that we all really liked. National […]
Taiwan Food Tour
Stinky tofu, pig’s blood soup, and chicken feet, oh my!! We ate some weird things while in Taiwan and believe it or not, we even ate out of a toilet. Our two weeks in Taiwan was a culinary adventure and tons of fun. We wandered through night markets, ate at delicious Japanese restaurants, and feasted […]
Taroko National Park
You Can’t Visit Taiwan Without Exploring Taroko National Park
Add Taroko National Park to the list of beautiful places in Taiwan. This national park, located on the eastern coast of Taiwan very close to the city of Hualien, is a huge draw for visitors to Taiwan. It was a huge draw for us as well, as our family can’t resist hiking trails, rock scrambles, and beautiful vistas, things Taroko Gorge offered quite a bit of.
Teapot Mountain
Hiking Teapot Mountain was a fantastic experience. This hike would end up being our favorite in Taiwan as it had all of our favorite elements: stunning scenery, rock scrambles, steep ascents that required basic rock climbing skills, and an almost deserted trail. We saw hardly anyone else on this hike leaving us to wonder where everyone was.
Hiking Teapot Mountain in Taiwan
Top Experiences in Taiwan
Taipei: Taipei, Taiwan’s largest city, is a place we thoroughly enjoyed exploring. It offers a plethora of activities, from wandering through vibrant night markets to ascending Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest buildings. With an abundance of delightful restaurants to choose from and numerous day trip options available, Taipei promises endless excitement and discovery for visitors.
Teapot Mountain: Hiking Teapot Mountain was a fantastic experience. This hike would end up being our favorite in Taiwan as it had all of our favorite elements: stunning scenery, rock scrambles, steep ascents that required basic rock climbing skills, and an almost deserted trail.
Taroko National Park: Taroko National Park, located on the eastern coast of Taiwan very close to the city of Hualien, is a huge draw for visitors to Taiwan. It was a huge draw for us as well, as our family can’t resist hiking trails, rock scrambles, and beautiful vistas, things Taroko Gorge offered quite a bit of. (Taroko is currently closed for an estimated one year due to the April 3, 2024 earthquake, but here are things you can still do in Hualien).
Kaohsiung: Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan’s largest city and a beloved destination for many travelers, is an absolute must-visit. This vibrant city boasts grand temples, picturesque pagodas, and ancient ruins nestled around Lotus Lake. You’ll be captivated by the colorful Weiwung Street Art Village and delighted by the city’s direct access to Taiwan’s stunning islands.
Taichung: Taichung boasts the birthplace of bubble tea, ancient temples, and Taiwan’s largest night market. Just outside the city, explore the serene beauty of Sun Moon Lake, the lush landscapes of Cingjing Farm, and the breathtaking heights of Hehuanshan in Taiwan’s high mountain area. Taichung offers a myriad of experiences for every traveler.
Tainan: Tainan is one of the best places in Taiwan to experience traditional culture and cuisine. This ancient city is adorned with ornate temples, verdant parks, quaint old streets, and bustling food markets, offering visitors a rich tapestry of experiences to enjoy.
Penghu Archipelago: This cluster of islands off the west coast of Taiwan is home to Taiwan’s finest beaches, the country’s highest concentration of temples, traditional coral houses, and stunning snorkeling spots.
Best Time to Visit Taiwan
September through November offers ideal weather conditions with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it the best time to visit Taiwan. Similarly, February through April is another great period, characterized by cherry blossom season and pleasant weather.
For beach enthusiasts, May through August is a prime time to visit, but be prepared for hot temperatures and the possibility of typhoons during this period.