When talking about East Asia, we immediately mention South Korea and Japan. However, there is another incredible East Asian country nearly untouched by tourism. Taiwan sits off the coast of China. It is a small island country keeping breathtaking natural scenery and mindblowing innovation. A ‘somehow’ hidden gem in Asia, Taiwan offers everything a traveler needs. So, why travel to Taiwan? These 11 reasons would make you want to book a ticket.
Why Travel to Taiwan – Summary
- Taiwan’s Landscapes Will Take Your Breath Away
- Fascinating and Distinctive Culture
- Festivals are on Another Level
- A Paradise for Foodies
- Home to an Incredible Night Market
- Futuristic Cities to Explore
- Friendly Faces Everywhere
- See Cherry Blossoms
- Relax in Hot Springs
- It is the Third Safest Country in the World
- More Affordable Alternative to Japan
1. Taiwan’s Landscapes Will Take Your Breath Away
An island fringed with a powdery coastline, dotted with forest-coated mountains, and is home to sparkling lakes. Once you lay your eyes on Taiwan, you will be stunned by its astonishing beauty. The scenario also happened to Portuguese sailors thousands of years ago. They gave Taiwan the nickname Ilha Formosa or Beautiful Island after seeing it for the first time.
Thus, it is no surprise that Taiwan has an outstanding nature. Sitting on tectonic plates, numerous volcanic activities have occurred on the island. Now, you can enjoy a series of towering mountains, like Alishan and Yushan, due to the natural phenomenon. Moreover, Taiwan boasts the charms of the East China Sea. Golden sand beaches and aquamarine waters can easily be found in the country.
2. Fascinating and Distinctive Culture
Traveling to Taiwan would not be complete without cultural immersion. Taiwan’s culture showcases a heavy Chinese influence, represented by the art and language. Also, it adapts cultural influences from the Japanese and aboriginal. The tapestry of different cultures creates Taiwan’s unmissable one.
You can immerse yourself in Taiwanese culture by visiting local villages and historical towns. For example, the lantern-adorned Jiufen mountain town. The Chinese-styled architecture, lanterns, and oriental tea houses take you to a different dimension. Additionally, visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, which depicts the culture of Taiwan’s indigenous communities. Therefore, cultural immersion is the reason why travel to Taiwan.
3. Festivals are on Another Level
Taiwanese are proud of their culture so they celebrate it through festivals. Then, festivals in Taiwan are far from ordinary. The streets are pouring with crowds. Fireworks and lanterns light up the city. People dance in traditional clothes and follow the beats of cheerful music. In a nutshell, Taiwan’s festivals are extravagant.
Some of the biggest festivals in Taiwan take place during holidays like the Lunar New Year. Cities like Taipei and Taichung become twice as bustling with jubilant carnivals, fantastic markets, and celebratory events. Then, another notable festival to see is the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival. You need to wear a fireproof suit to stay safe during the feisty fire festival! So, why travel to Taiwan? Of course, we would not miss the crazy festivals!
A Paradise for Foodies
Witness the collaboration of traditional Chinese flavors and aboriginal spices in a bowl of Taiwanese food. The traditional dishes feature noodles and rice delicacies. Everything is spiced with green onions, basil, and garlic. Find dishes like pork buns, noodle soups, mooncakes, and misoa – all with a twist that spoils your taste buds.
Taiwan offers a fantastic culinary scene, ranging from 24-hour restaurants to bustling street markets. A local’s favorite would be beef noodle soup which is heavily influenced by China’s Sichuan region. Enjoy the hearty bowl of noodles or even join the annual Beef Noodle Festival – yes, it’s a real thing! Also, make sure to hunt for Taiwanese traditional bites like scallion pancakes and taro balls.
Home to an Incredible Night Market
Do you know that Taiwan houses one of the world’s best street markets? Then, catch yourself in Shilin Night Market’s hustle and bustle. Located in the heart of Taipei City, the market features 539 tenants. It fits the word ‘legendary’ perfectly as it dates back to 1899. Nowadays, you can find various items in the night market, including clothing and electronics. However, the main deal of Shihlin Night Market is the street food.
Stepping into Shihlin Night Market means signing up for a culinary galore. It is home to Taiwan’s top-rated snacks, such as fried chicken cutlets, scallion pancakes, and oyster omelets. You can also sample authentic bubble tea, a drink originating from Taiwan. Furthermore, try the bizarre-sounding stinky tofu. It is well-loved by the locals and you will be surprised by the taste! Simply put, night markets are the answer to ‘Why travel to Taiwan?’
Futuristic Cities to Explore
Cities in East Asia, like Tokyo and Seoul, sit at the top of the list when it comes to innovation. However, people often forget about Taiwanese cities. Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, impresses everyone who visits with its futuristic skyscrapers and architecturally innovative buildings. Taipei boasts Taipei 101, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. The pagoda-like design combined with sleek architecture will make architecture fans happy. Taiwan’s advancement in technology is also reflected in its public facilities. You can benefit from world-class public transportation and cutting-edge payment systems.
Friendly Faces Everywhere
Traveling to Taiwan means getting in touch with great hospitality. The locals in Taiwan are known to be very friendly and welcoming. You can find friendly faces everywhere you go, from the tourist attractions in Taipei to local villages like Shifen. Moreover, Taiwanese culture supports people to smile and keep a positive attitude. For example, Lunar New Year is believed to be the time to be happy. Engaging in arguments or fights is perceived to bring bad luck. Nonetheless, smiling faces will greet you all-year-round. It is one of the best reasons why travel to Taiwan.
See Cherry Blossoms
Wanting to see cherry blossoms but thinking the crowd in Tokyo is too much? Then, head to Taiwan! This country offers a charming cherry blossom scene as spring arrives. Moreover, the fact that Taiwan stays off the radar makes it comfortable for you to enjoy the pinkish scenery.
Generally, cherry blossom season runs from January to April. You can see them blooming in major cities like Taipei and Taichung. However, if you miss a bit of nature’s touch, head to the mountains. Alishan Mountain and Wuling Farm showcase a breathtaking cherry blossom scene you would not want to miss.
Relax in Hot Springs
Sitting on the tectonic plates, Taiwan not only houses mountains and limestone formations. It is also home to an abundance of thermal hot springs. Feel your muscle tensions melt as you dip into the sulphur-rich waters. Recognizing the thermal springs’ health benefits, bathhouses and spas can be found all over Taiwan. Then, some of the villages to visit for hot springs are Beitou, Wulai, Jiaoxi, Guguan, and Zhiben. If you are down for an adventure, you can head to Lisong Hot Spring which requires a short hike.
It is the Third Safest Country in the World
Taiwan has gained worldwide reputation for being safe. Global Peace Index scores Taiwan a 1.8, which reflects high level of safety. Our TripLeaders who have traveled to Taiwan also mentioned feeling safe and comfortable. In big cities like Taipei, walking around feels comfortable and harmless. Crime rates, especially violent crimes, are very low in the country. So, Taiwan’s notable safety makes it a great country to travel to.
More Affordable Alternative to Japan
Why travel to Taiwan? It is Japan’s budget-friendly sibling! Taiwan’s major cities, like Taipei, offers a scene resembling Tokyo. Bustling streets, futuristic architecture, and world-class public transportation can be found in those two cities. Moreover, Taiwan has attractions that you thought only Japan had. Instead of Hakone for onsen, you can visit the hot springs in Beitou. Instead of Mount Fuji, you can enjoy the scenery of Alishan.
Not to mention, Taiwan is relatively more affordable than Japan. Traveling to Japan requires you a budget around $170 a day for a comfortable trip. Meanwhile, securing a budget of $90 a day can give you a nice experience in Taiwan.
Taiwan is an amazing country to explore. With the perfect blend of natural beauty and manmade charms, the country will make you fall in love at the first sight. Moreover, Taiwan welcomes travelers with friendly faces and open arms from the locals. Whether you are a dedicated solo traveler or newbie explorer, Taiwan is a great place to visit.
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