Why travel to
Taiwan is a fascinating country full of culture and history. It has incredible natural beauty that ranges from stunning coastlines to breathtaking mountain scenery. Taiwan is also home to world-class food, boasting delicious street snacks, night markets and traditional dishes like beef noodle soup. But most importantly, Taiwan is home to some of the most hospitable and friendly people in the world, making it an amazing place to visit.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Taiwan can vary greatly depending on lifestyle and city. Generally, the cost of rent and utilities is generally quite low, while food and transportation costs are among the most affordable in the world. is generally quite affordable.
Safety
Yes, it is safe to travel to Taiwan. The World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of State have not issued any warnings or advisories against travel to Taiwan, and there are no reports of civil unrest or any major safety or security concerns as of October 2020.
Places to visit
- Taipei 101 - This iconic landmark is located in the heart of the city and is the eighth tallest building in the world. Visitors can take the elevator to the observatory for a view of Taipei's cityscape.
- National Palace Museum - Located in the Shilin district, the collection of over 700,000 Chinese cultural artefacts provides a glimpse into the past and a look at some of the most extraordinary art in the world.
- Yehliu Geopark - A unique geological park located on the northernmost tip of Taiwan's coast. This park is home to unique rock formations and unique species of flora and fauna.
- Sun Moon Lake - An iconic lake in the centre of Taiwan, it is surrounded by mountains and rolling hills, making this area an idyllic spot for relaxation.
- Taroko National Park - Located in eastern Taiwan, this national park is known for its dramatic marble gorges, lush mountain forests and crystal clear waters.
- Jiufen Old Street - Originally an old gold rush village, Jiufen Old Street has been transformed into a tourist haven and is a popular place to visit for those who want to immerse themselves in traditional Taiwanese culture.
- Taiwan High Speed Rail - A must-do for those who want to experience fast, efficient public transportation. This high-speed rail system links all major cities in Taiwan and has speeds up to 300 km/h.
- Kenting National Park - Situated at the southern tip of Taiwan, this national park is known for its tropical forests, diverse wildlife and stunning coral reefs.
Food to try
- Stinky Tofu (Chou Doufu): A type of fermented tofu that has earned the name “Stinky Tofu” due to its strong odour. The flavour can range from mildly sour to intensely pungent and is served fried or stewed with a variety of sauces and condiments.
- Bubble Tea (Zhen Zhu Nai Cha): A beverage usually made with a mix of black or green tea and milk with added tapioca pearls to give it a chewy texture. It’s available in many flavours and variations such as fruity teas, slushes and even smoothies.
- Oyster Omelette (O-A-Jian): A popular dish commonly found in street food stands featuring an omelette with chunks of oyster inside, served with a spicy seasoning and sweet & sour sauce.
- Beef Noodle Soup (Niurou Mian): A popular local dish consisting of noodles, slices of braised beef, a variety of vegetables, garlic and a savoury broth.
- Candied Fruit (Feng Li Su): A traditional Taiwanese treat made from pieces of fruit that are boiled or baked in a variety of syrups and spices to create a tangy, sweet snack.
Souvenirs
- Baozhong Tea – Baozhong tea is a lightly oxidized delicate oolong tea from northern Taiwan.
- Acer Aspire laptops – Acer is a Taiwanese brand whose powerful laptops and desktops are packed with great features.
- Calligraphy Sets – Calligraphy sets come with a brush, ink stone, and ink stick. They are perfect souvenirs for those interested in traditional writing.
- Hand-Crafted lanterns – these colourful handcrafted paper lanterns come in a variety of shapes and sizes and make unique decorations.
- Wulong Tea – Wulong tea is an aromatic and lightly oxidized oolong tea from Taiwan.
- Traditional Musical Instruments – traditional musical instruments such as moon lutes or Taiwanese hand drums are popular souvenirs.
- Jade Jewelry – made with Jade, mainland Chinese and Taiwanese jewellery makers have been crafting beautiful pieces of jewellery for centuries.
- Painting Scrolls – traditional Chinese painting scrolls, framed with silk or cotton, make a beautiful souvenir.
- Porcelain Figurines – Hand-crafted porcelain figurines are made in Taiwan and make thoughtful souvenirs.
- Lunar New Year Products – Products related to Lunar New Year such as decorated paper lanterns, festive decorations, and red packets are common souvenirs and represent a symbol of luck and prosperity.