things to do in taiwan
Taiwan is a vibrant island nation with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions. Here are some things to do in Taiwan:
Nature and Scenic Spots
- Taroko National Park: A stunning park with marble-walled cliffs, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
- Sun Moon Lake: The largest freshwater lake in Taiwan, perfect for boating, fishing, or simply taking in the views.
- Yehliu Geopark: A scenic park with unique geological formations, including the famous "Queen’s Head" and "Fairy’s Shoe" rocks.
- Jiufen Old Street: A historic mining town turned into a charming tourist destination with traditional architecture and stunning ocean views.
- Kenting National Park: A tropical paradise with beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and scenic hiking trails.
Culture and History
- Taipei 101 Observation Deck: For panoramic views of the city from the tallest building in Taiwan.
- National Palace Museum: Home to the largest collection of Chinese art and artifacts in the world, including the famous Jadeite Cabbage sculpture.
- Longshan Temple: A historic temple in Taipei’s Wanhua district, known for its beautiful architecture and traditional festivals.
- Shilin Night Market: One of the largest and most famous night markets in Taiwan, offering a wide range of street food, souvenirs, and local products.
- Tainan City: The oldest city in Taiwan, with a rich history and cultural heritage, including the Anping Fort and the Tainan City God Temple.
Food and Drink
- Try traditional Taiwanese cuisine, such as beef noodle soup, stinky tofu, and oyster omelets.
- Visit a night market to sample street food and local snacks.
- Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Taiwanese dishes.
- Visit a tea house to sample Taiwan’s famous tea varieties, such as oolong and green tea.
- Go on a wine tour to sample Taiwan’s growing wine industry.
Adventure and Activities
- Hike to the top of Elephant Mountain for stunning views of Taipei.
- Take a hot spring bath at one of Taiwan’s many natural hot springs.
- Go skydiving or bungee jumping for an adrenaline rush.
- Visit the Taipei Zoo, which is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world.
- Take a scenic bike ride along the coast or through the countryside.
Festivals and Events
- Lantern Festival: A colorful festival celebrating the end of Chinese New Year.
- Taipei International Book Fair: A major book fair featuring authors, publishers, and literary events.
- Taipei Music Festival: A festival showcasing traditional and modern music from around the world.
- Taiwan International Film Festival: A festival featuring films from Taiwan and around the world.
- Dragon Boat Festival: A traditional festival celebrating the legend of the dragon boat.
Other Attractions
- Taipei 86: A shopping mall with a rooftop garden and stunning views of the city.
- Taipei Zoo’s Night Safari: A unique experience where visitors can see animals in a naturalistic setting at night.
- The Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei: A modern art museum featuring works by local and international artists.
- The Taipei City Hall: A stunning building with a beautiful garden and a great view of the city.
- The Taipei Botanical Garden: A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring a wide range of plants and flowers.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Taiwan. Whether you’re interested in nature, culture, food, or adventure, Taiwan has something for everyone.