Unveil the Magic of Taiwan: The Ultimate Adventure Guide to Asia’s Hidden Gem

Taiwan is a hidden gem situated in Eastern Asia. It is one of the best places that can make you fall in love; with a mixture of traditional and contemporary scenery, astonishing cities, and a culturally diverse environment with mouthwatering food. Whether you are a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or a foodie, Taiwan has what it takes. 

Taiwan is a place which no tourist can forget for its fusion of hustle and bustle of the streets to the peaceful shores and ancient beauty of the city. The warm hospitality, diverse attractions, and delicious cuisine make Taiwan a paradise for travelers waiting to be explored.

Check out this ultimate guide which can help you explore this beautiful island – 

1. Taipei

Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, offers an ideal mixture of old and new, where giant skyscrapers are situated in parallel with ancient temples. Here, you can begin your day with a visit to one of the most famous buildings, Taipei 101, which was once the tallest building in the world. Make sure you don’t forget to visit the observatory which provides an amazing panorama of the city which is simply breathtaking. 

After which you may visit the National Palace Museum that contains the biggest collection of Chinese artifacts and other artworks. If you’re seeking a spiritual experience, you should visit the Longshan Temple, which is a stunning example of classical Taiwanese architecture and has lasted since the 18th century. 

During the evening, visit Shilin Night Market, which is the largest night market in Taiwan and enjoy local street food such as stinky tofu, beef noodle soup, and bubble tea. The market also offers a great shopping experience especially on souvenirs and familiarizing the lively local culture. 

2. Taroko Gorge

Following your visit to Taipei, you can take a scenic train journey to Hualien which is the entry point to Taroko National Park. Taroko Gorge is a must-visit destination which is known for its beautiful marble cliffs, deep gorges, and dense vegetation. Here, you can enjoy spectacular views via Shakadang Trail or get through the challenging Zhuilu Old Trail. 

If you really want something special, you can consider a river tracing adventure, where you can hike, swim, and climb through the clean waters of the gorge. Make sure you visit the Eternal Spring Shrine and admire its scenic view as it is a memorial constructed to commemorate the death of the worker who lost their lives during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway construction. 

3. Sun Moon Lake 

Sun Moon Lake is the largest freshwater lake on the island which is situated in the heart of the country which exudes peaceful beauty. Here, you can rent a bicycle and ride around the lake, or take a boat tour to enjoy the scenic views from the water. The nearby village is inhabited by the Thao aboriginal tribe, and visiting here is an opportunity to see the unique culture and traditions of their tribe. 

There is a Wenwu Temple nearby, which will give beautiful views of the lake and is an ideal photography location, as it is perched on the hillsides. To add some luxury to it, most of the lakeside resorts offer quiet stay.

4. Tainan

The city of Tainan is the most ancient city in Taiwan that boasts of both culture and history. Being the ancient capital, it has a great number of temples, historic places and ancient markets. You can start with a visit to Anping Fort and Anping Tree House, where banyan trees have coiled around the roots and branches which occupied an old warehouse and formed a surrealistic natural structure.

Another historical site is the Chihkan Tower which may help you get an idea of colonial Taiwan. For a food escapade, go and try the Tainan Flower Night market that features delicious local food such as coffin bread and shrimp rolls.

5. Beaches of Kenting

The southern tip of the island in the form of Kenting National Park has been known to exhibit some of the most beautiful beaches, clear waters and rich night life. Here, you can have fun and surf or snorkel or just lie in the sun in famous places such as Baishawan and South Bay.

The night comes alive at the Kenting night market, which is full of restaurants, nightclubs, live music, and people and, thus, is the best place to experience the local atmosphere and conclude an excellent trip to Kenting on an even better note.