When my boyfriend pitched a trip to Taiwan for our vacation, it wasn’t a location I had thought about as one of my top destinations — especially with the 13-hour flight from Toronto.
But, after experiencing it for myself, I can confidently say that Taiwan is definitely a must-visit travel destination and a place I only want to explore further now.
Billed as a “Wave of Wonder,” Taiwan is a beautiful place filled with rich culture, diverse locales, incredible food, and unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
With so many Waves of Taiwan to discover, check out some Taiwan destinations that’ll have all your Instagram followers envious below.
Experience urban elegance
Taipei, Taiwan’s capital city, is an obvious stop on your Taiwanese adventure, as it’s the metropolitan hub that encompasses all Taiwan has to offer.
Taipei 101 is basically the city’s CN Tower — a towering landmark where you can get a 360 view of the city and a golden-hour photoshoot that’ll brighten up your Instagram grid. There’s also a lovely gift shop that’s stocked with great souvenirs.
Now, if you love shopping and culture, Ximending is a must, with Street Art Alleys of sprawling murals that are comparable to Toronto’s Graffiti Alley. Found inside a subway station in Kaohsiung, the stunning Dome of Light is flooded with vibrant colours and takes the crown as the world’s largest art installation made of glass.
As an incredible food destination, notable restaurants include Din Tai Fung for Xiaolong bao (soup dumpling) and the Michelin-recommended Yi Jia Zi (whose pork bao I think about all the time).
A popular dessert in Taiwan, mango shaved ice is a refreshing and tasty treat that uses traditional shaved ice, juicy mango chunks, condensed milk, and mango ice cream!
There are also amazing cafes and bites, including Xing Fu Tang — who call themselves Taiwan’s number-one bubble tea (and for good reason, trust me, the fresh boba makes such a difference).
Taiwan’s natural wonders
Nature lovers will have a great time in some of Taiwan’s more remote locations like Nantou County, which features the misty Sun Moon Lake, an idyllic lake perfect for a boat ride or as a cycling destination.
One of Taiwan’s most coveted attractions is in Chiayi County’s Alishan (#19 on The New York Times‘ 52-must-visit sights list!), featuring beautiful sunsets and the scenic Alishan Forest Railway.
And for those peaceful ocean views, the Qingshui Cliffs show off a stunning coastal view of the Pacific Ocean, making for an awe-inspiring photo opportunity.
Dive into the fun
Don’t forget your swim trunks when heading to Taiwan, because it’s full of vibrant water and sandy beaches that rival almost any tropical destination — especially in the south.
Kenting National Park’s White Sand Bay (or Baisha Bay) is known as one of Taiwan’s best beach destinations, filled with white sand, warm temperatures year-round, and picturesque sunsets no photo can do justice.
Kenting is also the perfect spot to dive into the crystal-clear water and go snorkeling to experience the diverse marine life and abundance of coral reefs. For an even more immersive ocean experience, Green Island, Xiaoliqiu Island and Orchid Island are unmissable.
Exceptional cultural richness
Taiwan isn’t all just sightseeing and shopping (though there will be plenty of time for that), it’s also a cultural hub like no other — with temples and historic sites that run the gamut of Chinese and Japanese influences.
Taiwan’s oldest temple is Tainan Confucius Temple, which encapsulates the island’s cultural and philosophical heritage. Built before the end of the Manchu Dynasty in 1666, the striking architecture and serene atmosphere make it a peaceful place for reflection.
Bursting with colour, Rainbow Village in Taichung boasts a kaleidoscope of painted houses which showcase the story of the late artist Huang Yung-fu, also known as Grandpa Rainbow.
Finally, one of the most quaint towns I personally visited, Jiufen, filled my camera rolls with both breathtaking coastal views and a bustling yet cozy old streets filled with lively shops and gorgeous lanterns. Rumour has it that this town is the inspiration for Spirited Away, but that hasn’t been confirmed.
Want to catch your own Wave of Taiwan? Get your picture-perfect moment with a unique and diverse adventure by booking your next visit to Taiwan today.
Taiwan Tourism Administration
