Taiwan is a small country that packs in a seemingly unlimited number of awe-inspiring experiences, from the towering skyscrapers of Taipei to the isolated aboriginal tribe of Orchid Island. It’s no wonder that the once little known destination is seeing ever-increasing tourist numbers. But here are some of the best things you can do when visiting Taiwan.
Via a fast-moving elevator, zip up to the 88 th and 89 th floors of Taipei 101, the world’s second-tallest building (the tallest is Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, overtaking the 101-story skyscraper in 2010, only six years after its construction), where an observation deck complete with telescopes awaits. Formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, the tower’s LEED Platinum certification makes this the world’s tallest eco- friendly building.
This museum hosts the world’s largest collection of Chinese art, spanning 8,000 years of history. It numbers around 7,000 pieces, with a mix of carvings, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings. Must-sees are the hanging-scroll painting Early Spring by Guo Xi (1072) and Jadeite Cabbage (a jade carving). Open since 1965, the collection has only traveled five times—so art fans really do need to travel to Taipei in order to see it all.
Bubble tea (tea mixed with fruit or milk, plus chewy tapioca balls) was invented in 1983 at Chun Shui Tang, a café serving not only bubble tea but lunch dishes, too. A short class offered at 10 am, 3 pm, and 5 pm coaches students in how to make bubble tea at home—ending with a certificate and an informal “graduation ceremony.” Reservations are needed for the class; drop-in dining is fine.
Temples in Taiwan are extremely beautiful and ornate centers of prayer, worship, and gathering. Typically combining themes from Daoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and folk religion, they are open to all, and discreet photography is always permitted. The Old City of Taipei, Wanhua district, houses the city’s most important and historic temples. Longshan Temple is indisputably the most popular, while Qingshui Temple, Qingshan Temple, and Tianhou Temple are also important. Other top picks in Taipei are Bao An Temple, the Temple of Confucius, Xing Tian Temple, and Songshan Ciyou Temple. One of the most famous temple is Guandu Temple in the north of the city near Beitou, which features a tunnel through a mountain. Temples in Greater Taipei, such as Tian Yuan Gong, are also great places to see cherry blossoms in early spring.
See pandas at Taipei Zoo, which celebrates 114 years this year. The Giant Panda House is home to pandas Tuan Tuan, Yuan Zai, and Yuan Yuan. Entrances are at set times throughout the day, so be sure to pick up your ticket upon arrival at the zoo.
There are about half a dozen excellent beaches within 1-2 hours of the Taipei city center by bus or train. Qianshuiwan and Baishawan are a short bus ride from Danshui (#11 above) in New Taipei City, Dawulun is near Yehliu (#13 above) in Keelung City, while Fulong in New Taipei City is probably the most famous beach in Northern Taiwan and Wai Ao is the best surfing beach.
Taiwan as a whole is a paradise for hikers, and there are three hikes in the Greater Taipei area that stand out if you are looking for adventure. As scary as they may look, all of them are easy enough for anyone who is relatively fit. The first is the Pingxi Crags, a series of trails leading up a cluster of sheer vertical crags. All the ascents are fitted with ropes and ladders and it is very safe. Still, your heart will be in your throat.
The second is Huangdi Dian hike in Shiding District, which is a little tougher, as it involves a long uphill slog before the trail reaches the peak, which features a gorgeous and incredibly picturesque ridge walk. Third, and probably the pick of the bunch, is Wuliaojian trail in Sanxia district, a incredibly varied hike that includes rope ladders, cliffs, ridges, views, and pretty much everything that can make a hike awesome and fun. Again, it’s a little challenging (mentally, more than anything, if you dare to look down), but anyone who is in decent shape can do it.
Steamed dumplings are a Taiwanese specialty, but you wouldn’t expect them to be the star of a Michelin-starred restaurant. And yet they are, at Din Tai Fung, making it one of the most affordable Michelin-starred eateries in the world. One location is on the ground floor of the Taipei 101 building. Din Tai Fung now has locations all around the world, but it started in Taiwan.
Yingge is the undisputed pottery capital of Taiwan. There are more than 800 businesses specializing in ceramics around Yingge Old Street. Here you can find tea sets and all manner of pottery ranging from cheap and functional to pieces of art that belong in museums. In fact, there is a museum in town: the Yingge Ceramics Museum. Visitors to Yingge can also try DIY pottery, or you can walk right into a historic kiln.
One of the most exhilarating things to do in Taiwan is white water rafting on the east coast. The most popular route is on the Xiuguluan river, the only river in eastern Taiwan that cuts through the coastal mountain range. The 3 to 4 hour route includes over 20 rapids.
Need some fresh air? Head to Taroko National Park —a three- hour car or public-transportation ride south of Taipei and along the coast—for hiking among breathtaking scenery. This includes the colorful Changchun Shrine, where stairs also lead to Guanyin Cave and a suspension bridge takes you to Changuang Temple, a Zen monastery.
