170 Taiwan Travel Guide

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Country Overview

Taiwan is an island nation located in East Asia, situated off the southeastern coast of China. To the north, it is close to Okinawa, Japan, and to the south, it faces the Philippines. With an area of approximately 36,000 km², it is about one-third the size of South Korea, and it has a population of approximately 23.6 million, making it one of the most densely populated places in the world.

Taiwan is a travel destination that blends modern cities with beautiful natural landscapes. Visitors can enjoy vibrant city culture as well as various natural attractions such as hot springs, mountain areas, and beaches.

Language and Culture

The official language is Mandarin Chinese (Traditional Chinese), with Taiwanese Mandarin (臺灣華語) being the common dialect. In some regions, other languages like Minnan (commonly known as Taiwanese) and Hakka are also spoken. English is commonly understood in tourist areas and among younger generations, but learning a few local greetings can make your travel experience much smoother.

Culturally, Taiwan is a mix of traditional Chinese culture, the influence of the Japanese colonial era, and modern global culture. Buddhism and Taoism are widely practiced, with many temples and religious festivals being an integral part of local life. The street food culture, especially at night markets, and traditional celebrations are also vibrant aspects of Taiwanese culture.

Major Tourist Destinations

• Taipei 101
  Taipei 101 is the symbol of Taipei and one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, once holding the title as the tallest building. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of northern Taiwan from the observation deck, and the underground shopping mall and restaurants offer plenty to explore.

• Strolling Through Jiufen Streets
  Jiufen is a former mining town located in the mountains. It served as the inspiration for the anime "Spirited Away." The narrow streets are filled with traditional teahouses, shops, and snack stalls, with the sunset offering particularly picturesque views. The town offers a fascinating blend of old and new.

• Into Nature at Taroko Gorge
  Taroko Gorge is a national park located in Hualien, featuring marble cliffs, deep ravines, and flowing streams. Visitors can explore the Shakadang Trail, visit waterfalls, and enjoy the tranquility at Tianxiang, among many other natural experiences.

• Visiting Traditional Temples
  Taiwan is home to numerous traditional Buddhist and Taoist temples. Longshan Temple in Taipei is one of the most famous, with its intricate architecture and deep spiritual significance. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals who come to offer incense and pray.

• Sun Moon Lake
  Located in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is a serene, clear lake with the eastern side resembling the sun and the western side resembling the moon. Visitors can enjoy cycling, boat rides, and visit nearby temples while surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

• Fo Guang Shan
  Located in Kaohsiung, the Fo Guang Shan monastery is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Asia. Its impressive 108-meter-high Buddha statue, expansive temple complex, and museum provide a peaceful space for meditation and exploring religious art.

• Scenic Train Ride Across Taiwan
  Taiwan's extensive rail network connects the entire island. The scenic train ride along the eastern coastline between Hualien and Taitung, and the Alishan Railway, offers travelers the chance to enjoy breathtaking landscapes while traveling slowly across the island.

• Exploring Taipei Night Markets
  The Shilin Night Market in Taipei is one of the most famous in Taiwan, offering a wide variety of street foods such as fried squid, Lu Rou Fan (braised pork rice), and giant sausages at affordable prices. Visitors can also shop and enjoy games as the market comes alive at night.

• Experiencing Taiwanese Desserts
  Taiwan is a dessert lover’s paradise, with many sweet treats to enjoy. Mango Shaved Ice, Taro Ball Ice, and Soybean Pudding are perfect for hot weather, while Egg Tarts and Pineapple Cakes are popular among tourists.

Taiwanese Cuisine

• Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)
  A signature Taiwanese dish, beef noodle soup features rich beef broth, tender beef, and chewy noodles.

Ingredients: Beef, Soy Sauce, Star Anise, Ginger, Garlic, Green Onion, Chili, Noodles
Method:

1. Blanch the beef to remove impurities.

2. Simmer beef in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and star anise to create a flavorful broth.

3. Cook noodles separately and serve with the beef and broth. Garnish with cilantro or pickled vegetables.

• Lu Rou Fan (滷肉飯)
  Minced pork is simmered in a savory soy sauce broth and served over rice.

Ingredients: Minced Pork, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Five-Spice Powder
Method:

1. Brown the minced pork.

2. Add soy sauce, sugar, and five-spice powder, and simmer until the pork is tender.

3. Serve over rice.

• Dim Sum (點心)
  Originating from Cantonese cuisine, dim sum includes various steamed buns, dumplings, and pastries.

Ingredients: Flour, Pork, Shrimp, Vegetables
Method:

1. Prepare fillings and stuff into dough.

2. Steam to cook.

• Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎)
  A savory dish made with oysters, eggs, and sweet potato starch.

Ingredients: Oyster, Egg, Sweet Potato Starch
Method:

1. Mix oysters, egg, and starch, then fry until crispy.

• Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶)
  The famous Taiwanese milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls.

Ingredients: Black Tea, Milk, Tapioca Pearls, Sugar
Method:

1. Brew black tea and mix with milk and sugar.

2. Add tapioca pearls and serve cold.

Travel Tips

• Transportation:
  In cities, you can use the MRT (subway), buses, and taxis. The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle connects key tourist destinations. An EasyCard makes public transportation convenient for tourists.

• Weather:
  Taiwan has a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers (June to August) and mild winters (December to February). The best times to visit are from May to June and September to October.

• Wi-Fi and Communication:
  Most urban areas offer public Wi-Fi, and you can purchase a local SIM card at the airport or convenience stores to stay connected.

• Currency Exchange:
  The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD), and you can exchange money at airports, banks, or certain hotels.

• Cultural Etiquette:
  In Taiwan, it’s customary to remove shoes when entering indoor spaces. In religious sites, be respectful and maintain silence. Small gestures such as saying thank you or bowing are appreciated.

Visa and Time Zone Information

• Visa:
  Most countries can enter Taiwan without a visa for up to 90 days. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months, and fill out an entry declaration form upon arrival.

• Time Zone:
  Taiwan operates on UTC+8 and does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). The time zone is the same as that of China and Singapore.