#1) The Scenery
Taiwan's natural beauty is the main reason travellers visit! When Portuguese sailors first saw Taiwan in the 1500s, they dubbed it “Ilha Formosa” which means the beautiful island. To this day visitors describe Taiwan as a "gift of nature" because there are so many different landscapes to explore. It doesn't matter where you are in Taiwan there is always a lush tropical forest, breathtaking national park or a spectacular mountain just around the corner.
Taiwanese people take great pride in their natural beauty and are known for their green thumbs and adventurous spirit. The best way to explore Taiwan's natural beauty is through its national parks. There are over a dozen of them complete with hiking trails, campsites and beautiful scenery perfect for a relaxing break from city life. Boasting the most popular hikes in all of Asia, Taroko National Park is an absolute must see when visiting Taiwan! Hike or ride on your own electric bike along the top of the cliffs and enjoy serene views of the Pacific Ocean. There are also plenty of green spaces where you can stop to enjoy a relaxing picnic. Be sure to look out for the endangered Taiwan Giant Flying Squirrel which can only be found in this region.
The Shei-Pa National Park is another popular tourist attraction. With its rugged terrain, evergreen forests and over 30 waterfalls, this park offers the ultimate peace of mind. Experience the changing Taiwanese seasons and the power of the falls by embarking on one of the many hiking trails in and around the park.
For a jungle filled experience head to Yangmingshan National Park where there are bamboo groves, lakes and volcanic craters waiting for exploration. With so many natural wonders to visit the only question left to ask is: which one first?
#2) The Food
Taiwan's cuisine is a magical melting pot of many other cultures. From the country's indigenous people to Japanese and Chinese settlers, Taiwan has been influenced by a myriad of foods from over the years which can be seen in its cuisine today. The never-ending Taiwanese quest for new tastes and flavours means that there are always new dishes to try and the local passion for street food means that eating out is a fun and affordable option.
If you’re an avid foodie, you'll love Taiwan's night markets where you'll find endless options of authentic Taiwanese dishes. You can't go wrong with traditional favourites like beef noodle soup, oyster omelettes and deep-fried chicken cutlet sandwiches but for something really different try some tofu skin noodles or a cupcake made from sweet potatoes.
Taiwan is also home to many Michelin starred restaurants, with some of the most famous located in Taipei. A meal at any one of these will see you tasting Taiwanese cuisine at its finest, as well as learning about traditional ingredients and cooking styles that come from all over Taiwan. For those interested in learning even more about Taiwanese food, an authentic homestyle cooking class is a fantastic activity. Join a local Taiwanese family in their home and learn the secrets of how to cook the food that they eat every day. This is a great way for you or your family to gain insight into authentic Taiwanese life and also provides an opportunity for local families.
#3) The Temples
The temples in Taiwan are some of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the world. They are rich and meaningful and exude a sense of tranquillity and spirituality like no other. The intricate architecture and fascinating statues are a delicate mix of different styles- some are classic and elegant while others exude an Asian flair.
A guided tour is a great way to connect with the heart of Buddhism and explore the temples in more depth. As you tour the breathtaking grounds, you will learn more about the history of these temples and their cultural significance. You are also welcomed to join in on one of the many worship services or prayer ceremonies. These experiences are both moving and magical and will leave you with a sense of peace and contentment. A traditional tea ceremony is another great way to gain a true understanding of Buddhism. These ceremonies include chanting with sipping from small cups and offer the opportunity to experience the ancient customs of Taiwan in a tranquil setting.
For those that are less spiritual, there are a variety of other tours you can take around the temple sites- including hiking trails with beautiful waterfalls along scenic rivers where Buddhist monks spend time meditating on life's mysteries and city tours that take you to explore the vibrant city of Taipei.
#4) History
Taiwan's history is one of the most fascinating in all Asia. Rich with a diverse mix of cultures, Taiwan has been through colonial rule by various countries - including Spain and Japan - before becoming an independent democracy in 1949.
The island may have only been recognized as its own country for 70 years, but it also historically played host to many different tribes from China, Korea and Malaysia who introduced their unique customs that contributed greatly to Taiwanese culture today. The Taoist temples at Beitou are a great way to experience Taiwanese culture and learn about their Taoist roots. These historic temples have been converted into museums and art galleries that showcase incredible Taiwanese artefacts and artworks created by talented local artists.
Another historic highlight is Anping Fort- built by the Spanish in 1629 when Taiwan was under control by them for 50 years. It's now one of Taipei’s most popular tourist attractions because it tells an important piece of history about Taiwan that many people may not know about otherwise. The fort has been restored beautifully and features picturesque views as well as being surrounded by lush gardens with blossoming cherry trees in springtime! You will want to make sure you leave time to explore all that this site has to offer before exiting through its backdoor that leads into some traditional market stalls where you can find unique souvenirs that are the perfect memento of your visit to Taiwan.
#5) Arts, Crafts and Shopping
Taiwan is a paradise for those who love arts, crafts and shopping. It's not hard to find hand-made products in Taiwan, whether they are pottery or paintings by local artists. You will be amazed at the variety of handicrafts available here! What’s more, you can purchase many items from these shops that come with certification, so you know what quality to expect when purchasing an item.
Avid art lovers must check out Taipei- Taiwan's art district. Here you will find the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of Contemporary Arts and also the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. There is also a fantastic range of shops and souvenir stores selling unique items like tea sets, traditional clothing, paintings, hand-made crafts so you can take a little piece of Taiwan home.
#6) Hot Springs
Taiwan is home to the largest hot springs area in Asia. There are over 30 hot spring areas across Taiwan, and people who visit for a long time often find themselves coming back again and again because of how relaxing it can be. These hot springs offer an abundance of health benefits. They can help improve circulation, ease stress levels and just relax muscles that may otherwise remain tense after an active day out exploring this beautiful country. A soak in Taiwan's hot springs is a must-do Taiwanese experience. You can't leave without it! You don't have to spend your entire day at one place - you can go from spot A to spot B while still soaking up all the benefits!
The Yangmingshan hot springs, located in Yangmingshan National Park, are some of the most famous springs in Taiwan and open all year round. The springs are so hot that you'll be able to feel the heat come out of the ground and revitalise your body. Yangmingshan is great for an invigorating soak and relaxing break from the city. Along with the springs, there are also waterfalls, hiking trails and beautiful scenery to explore at Yangmingshan National Park. With so much to see and do, this is perfect for a day trip.
Taiwan is full of surprises waiting to be discovered by travellers who are willing to venture off the beaten path and explore new cultures. From delicious food to stunning natural landscapes, there's no shortage of things worth seeing while visiting this country. If you or someone you know is planning a trip to Taiwan, help them make the most of their experience by giving them a Gifting Owl gift experience. Gifting Owl offers a variety of experiences to choose from with options to suit every interest and personality. A Gifting Owl gift is the perfect way to experience Taiwan. So, what are you waiting for? Check out Gifting Owl's Taiwan experiences today!
