Republic Of China Map

Introduction

Located in East Asia, the Republic of China, also known as Taiwan, is a small island nation filled with a rich culture, history, and natural wonders. From its bustling cities to its serene countryside, there is something for everyone in Taiwan. This comprehensive travel guide will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that Taiwan has to offer.

Top Attractions

Taipei 101

The Taipei 101 skyscraper is a must-visit landmark in Taiwan. Standing at 508 meters tall, it held the title of the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010. Visitors can take an elevator to the 89th-floor observation deck for stunning views of the city.

Shifen Waterfall

Located in New Taipei City, the Shifen Waterfall is a breathtaking sight to behold. With a height of 20 meters and a width of 40 meters, it is the widest waterfall in Taiwan. Visitors can also release sky lanterns in the nearby town of Shifen, a popular tourist activity.

Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is a picturesque lake located in the heart of Taiwan. Surrounded by lush mountains and dotted with temples and pagodas, it is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake or hike the surrounding trails.

Hidden Gems

Jiufen Old Street

Jiufen Old Street is a charming pedestrian alleyway filled with tea houses, souvenir shops, and street food. It is said to have inspired the setting of the award-winning animated film “Spirited Away” by Hayao Miyazaki. Visitors can also enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and ocean.

Yehliu Geopark

The Yehliu Geopark is a natural wonder located on the north coast of Taiwan. Its landscape is characterized by unique rock formations, including the famous “Queen’s Head” rock. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Wulai

Wulai is a small aboriginal village located in the mountains of New Taipei City. It is known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and traditional indigenous culture. Visitors can also take a scenic gondola ride to see the surrounding mountains and forests.

Food Scene

Taiwan is famous for its street food, which is a must-try for any foodie. Some popular dishes include beef noodle soup, stinky tofu, oyster omelets, and bubble tea. Night markets, such as Shilin Night Market in Taipei, are a great place to sample a variety of Taiwanese snacks.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Taiwan is a relatively affordable destination, with many budget-friendly options for transportation, accommodation, and food. Hostels and guesthouses are a popular choice for backpackers, while public transportation, such as the MRT and buses, are efficient and inexpensive. Street food is also a great way to save money while still experiencing local cuisine.

Outdoor Adventures

Taiwan’s natural beauty makes it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, cycling, and surfing are popular activities. Some must-visit outdoor destinations include Taroko National Park, Kenting National Park, and the East Coast Scenic Area.

Historical Landmarks

Taiwan has a rich history that is reflected in its numerous temples, shrines, and monuments. Some popular landmarks include Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and the National Palace Museum.

Family-Friendly Activities

Taiwan is a great destination for families, with many kid-friendly activities and attractions. Some popular options include the Taipei Zoo, the National Museum of Natural Science, and the Children’s Science Museum.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Taiwan has many hidden gems that are worth exploring. Some lesser-known destinations include the abandoned gold mining town of Jiufen, the artistic village of Jiaoxi, and the hot springs town of Beitou.

Natural Wonders

Taiwan’s natural beauty is truly awe-inspiring. From its mountains to its beaches, there is no shortage of stunning landscapes to explore. Some must-visit natural wonders include Taroko Gorge, Alishan National Scenic Area, and the Kenting Coral Reef.

Vibrant Nightlife

Taiwan’s cities are known for their vibrant nightlife scenes. There are many bars, nightclubs, and live music venues to choose from, especially in Taipei’s Xinyi and Zhongshan districts.

Local Markets

Taiwan’s markets are a great place to experience the local culture and sample a variety of food and goods. Some popular markets include Raohe Night Market, Ningxia Night Market, and the Shida Night Market.

Beaches and Mountains

Taiwan’s coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, while its interior is dominated by majestic mountains. Some must-visit beaches include Kenting Beach, Fulong Beach, and Baishawan Beach. Some must-visit mountains include Yushan, Jade Mountain, and Snow Mountain.

Cultural Immersion

Taiwan has a unique culture that is worth experiencing firsthand. Some popular cultural activities include tea ceremonies, calligraphy classes, and traditional crafts workshops. Visitors can also attend local festivals, such as the Lantern Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival.

Art and Music Scene

Taiwan has a vibrant art and music scene, with many galleries, museums, and music venues to explore. Some popular destinations include the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, and the National Theater and Concert Hall.

Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore Taiwan’s cities and learn about their history and culture. Some popular walking tours include the Taipei City Walking Tour, the Tainan Historic Sites Walking Tour, and the Kaohsiung Urban Exploration Walking Tour.

Architectural Marvels

Taiwan’s cities are home to many impressive buildings and structures. Some must-visit architectural marvels include the Taipei Grand Mosque, the Taipei Performing Arts Center, and the National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.

Historical Sites

Taiwan’s history is rich and complex, with many important historical sites to explore. Some popular destinations include the Fort San Domingo, the Tainan Confucian Temple, and the Jiufen Shinto Shrine.

Biking Routes

Taiwan is a great destination for cycling enthusiasts, with many scenic routes to choose from. Some popular biking routes include the Sun Moon Lake Bike Trail, the East Coast Cycling Path, and the Danlan Old Railway Bike Path.

Wellness Retreats

Taiwan is a great destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. There are many hot springs resorts and wellness retreats to choose from, including the Wulai Spring Resort, the Beitou Hot Spring Resort, and the Sun Moon Lake Hot Spring Resort.

Adventure Sports

Taiwan is a great destination for adrenaline junkies, with many adventure sports to choose from. Some popular activities include rock climbing, paragliding, and white-water rafting.