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Get to know Taiwan

Get to know Taiwan

What's it all about?

It’s been at the centre of a diplomatic storm between China and the USA recently, but what isn’t disputed is this island’s beauty. Taiwan is often dubbed a microcosm of China, home to mega cities, marble gorges, dense forest, mystic mountains and electric green paddy fields – in one island.

This is a feature from Issue 12 of Charitable Traveller. Click to read more from this issue.

Mega Metropolis

Surrounded by mountains but dominated by glittering skyscrapers – including one of the world’s tallest – Taipei is a mega metropolis that blends cultures, eras, and traditions. You’ll find Chinese culture, of course, but its also sprinkled with influences from Japan, the US and other places in Southeast Asia. It has a banging nightlife scene, omnipresent wifi, and a booming technology industry, set alongside incense-infused temples and serene tea houses. It’s also a city with plenty of quirks – from a toilet-themed restaurant to a museum dedicated to fish ball. Above all, Taipei is a friendly city, and the locals want to share it.

And relax...

Taiwan offers plenty of chances to chill out. Try one of its many hot springs, like the ones at the aboriginal village of Wulai, or head to the glass-still Sun Moon Lake for gentle strolls and blissful boat rides. For a seaside session, head to the tropical archipelago of Penghu, famed for its pale sand beaches and clear seas.

Temple fever

If you love exploring temples, you’ll love Taiwan. Enjoy the wacky but ornate rood of Baoan Temple in Taipei. Admire the Eternal Spring Shrine in Taroko Gorge, which perches precariously on a mountain with a waterfall gushing below. And don’t miss the kitsch pagodas around Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung – you enter via a dragon’s mouth and leave out of a tiger’s jaws.

WIld Places

Sitting along the Tropic of Cancer, Taiwan has both tropical beaches and snow-capped jade mountains. Experience its raw beauty by getting out into its wilder reaches. Taroko National Park is home to the soaring marble-walled Taroko Gorge, rising above the blue ribbon of the Liwu River and home to half the island’s flora and fauna. Also a hiker’s dream is Yushan National Park. Home to over thirty peaks more than 3,000 meters in height, including one of the island’s highest Yushan (or Jade Mountain). The Alishan National Forest Area, once home to the Tsoi aboriginal tribe, is famous for its deep green forest and sacred tree, its tea, the highest temple in Taiwain and the chance to look down on a sea of clouds. And Kenting National Park combines beautiful dandy beaches with rugged forest-covered mountains, gushing waterfalls and hidden caves. You don’t have to go far to find nature in Taiwan.

Visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hallto find out more about Taiwan's fascinating history

Taste of Asia and Beyond

This cultural melting pot is, unsurprisingly, an exciting food destination where you can eat almost any cuisine. To dine like a local, head to a market like Shilin Night Market in Taipei. Amongst this maze of aromatic alleys you can try everything from the famous stinky tofu to fried chicken. Other famous Taiwanese dishes include oyster omelette, Taiwanese sausage, and ice cream runbing, a sort of cold spring roll with peanuts.

Unmissable spots...

JUIFEN
This old gold town in the mountains is famous for its narrow alleyways, crowded with old-fashioned teahouses and street-food shacks. At night, the lanterns come on and the atmosphere increases. 

FO GUAN SHAN BUDDHA MUSEUM
Located in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan’s largest Buddhist temple area is astounding. You’ll find a grand avenue lined with towering pagodas, leading to a giant gold Buddha.

Taipei 101
The world’s tallest building until 2009, this mega tower has distinctly Asian architectural features. Go to the observation deck for a view to die for.

This is a feature from Issue 12 of Charitable Traveller.