What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about Taiwan? I guess you would say Taipei 101. But aside from being famous for its super tall skyscraper, Taiwan offers a lot of natural scenery, world-class theme parks, interesting heritage sites and great weather.
In our recent famtrip in Taiwan, we visited some of the must-see destinations. Here are the places that you should include in your itinerary.
1. Chung-she Flower Garden
Also known as the Chungshe Tourist Flower Market, the Chungshe Flower garden is a beautiful flower farm located in the Houli District of Taichung. It features numerous major flowers covering more than six hectares of radiating flowerbeds with stunning landscapes that change throughout the four seasons.
You can find here myriads of flowers from tulips, and sunflowers to lavender and Calla Lily. We felt we were in Holland. Don't forget to take pictures with replicas of the piano, drums and harp.
2. Rainbow Military Housing
One of the famous spots in Taichung, the Rainbow Village offers a vibrant and colorful housing complex where you can find bright colors and unique drawings on the walls.
The Rainbow Village was originally a housing complex for military families that immigrated to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War in mainland China. The village is now one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist destinations.
3. Sun Moon Lake
Located in the mountainous area of Nantou, Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan's top attractions. You can find here the most gorgeous lake in Taiwan which is surrounded by forested peaks and has bike/foot trails. The lake takes its name from the unique terrain that looked like a round sun on one side and a crescent moon on the other.
This romantic destination is the home of Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village amusement park where you can find Taiwan's first suspended roller coaster and tallest free-fall ride.
4. Houfeng Bikeway
Biking is one of the most popular sports in Taiwan. If you are looking for a biking destination, Houfeng Bikeway features a 4.5Km bike trail along the old mountain railway line.
Riding along this bikeway you can enjoy countryside scenes and natural scenery and you can also experience the unique feeling of cycling across an iron bridge and through a tunnel.
Riding along this bikeway you can enjoy countryside scenes and natural scenery and you can also experience the unique feeling of cycling across an iron bridge and through a tunnel.
5. Ximending
Ximending is a shopping district that is called the "Harajuku of Taipei" and the "Shibuya of Taipei". The road is full of lights and the atmosphere is crowded and busy. You can find here a collection of stalls selling grilled seafood, fresh vegetables and fruits, snacks, toys, clothes, eyewear, accessories, bags and shoes at reasonable prices.
It is also a platform for young and old musicians and artists to showcase their talent.
6. Fengjia Night Market
One of the famous night markets in Taichung is Fengjia Night Market. You can find here several authentic dishes, unique clothing, fashionable mobile phones and a lot more. We walked around and we found a lot of street food. Everything smells good except for the 'stinky tofu.
There are many hawkers inviting tourists to go to their stores. The must-eat food in Fengjia Night Market includes da chang bao xiao chang" (literally translated as "big sausage wrapped around small sausage"), minglun egg pancake roll, aniki potato, non-battered and massage fried chicken, da jia yutou cheng, pig blood cake, overload taichung, cuttlefish, lazy people prawns and di jun charcoal grilled peppery bun.
7. Lihpao Land
Taiwan's biggest resort park, covering an area of 200 hectares, combines the country's biggest dual land and water theme parks, the Fullon Hotel Liphao Land five-star resort hotel, the flagship escape room, the Lihpao Outlet Mall, Liphao Road Station, the Liphao Racing Park and Sky Dream, Taiwan's biggest Ferris wheel.
The main attractions in the Liphao Land are live performances, gift shops, restaurants, food stalls, gourmet alleys, and rides. The Resort is planned to become similar to international amusement resorts such as Tokyo Disneyland, the Miazaki Sea Gaia in Japan, Hongkong Ocean Park and Korea's Ever land.
8. Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park is located in northern Taipei City and is famous for cherry blossoms, numerous parks, hiking trails, mountainous scenery and beautiful weather. It is the only park in Taiwan that has volcanic geography and hot springs. It's the home of Taiwan's tallest dormant volcano, Seven Star Mountain.
In Xiaoyoukeng, you can find some active fumaroles and witness the spectacular 'landslide terrain' formed by post-volcanic activity. Please be advised that you can smell around the place.
Yangmingshan Flower Clock
One of the best attractions in Yangmingshan National Park is Yangming Park. You can find here a big Flower Clock. The park is also surrounded by Cherry blossoms which start to bloom around March or April.
9. Dadaocheng
In Dadaocheng, you can find here extravagant Baroque architecture, traditional Hokkien bungalows and brilliant red-brick western houses. Be amazed as well by these historical buildings, traditional folklore centers, tea houses, fabric stores, Chinese pharmacies and local eateries alike which are rich in history.
You can stroll on Dihua Street where you can find several shops selling a variety of traditional goods such as Chinese medicines and her, temple icons and incense, spices and dried food, colorful bolts of cloth, and bamboo, and wooden crafts.
10. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a famous landmark and tourist attraction erected in memory of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, former President of the Republic of China. It is located in in the heart of Taipei City.
The architecture of Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is inspired by Tiantan in Beijing. The four sides of the structure are similar to those of the pyramids in Egypt. The material is white marble. The roofs are decorated with deep-blue glass as part of the reflection of the blue sky and bright sun. It adds a touch of grandeur.
Below the hall is a museum featuring Chiang's life and career, as well as exhibits about Taiwan's history and culture. It's also a place for international performances. World famous musicians performed here include great cello performer Yo yo Ma and the great violinist Shao Lian Lin.
11. Taipei 101
Taipei 101, formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center- is the most famous landmark in Taiwan. The building was officially classified as the world's tallest from its opening in 2004 until the 2010 completion of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Would you believe that its elevators can transport passengers from the 5th to the 89th floor in 37 seconds?
This supertall skyscraper features offices and restaurants inlcuding indoor and outdoor observatories. The tower is adjoined by a multi-level shopping mall that claims the world's largest ruyi symbol as an exterior feature.
12. Shifen Old Street Walk and Pingxi Sky Lanterns
Learn about Taiwan’s heritage and culture with a visit to the historic coal-mining town in Shifen Old Street You can also experience flying a sky lantern, an age-old tradition said to bring good luck. Don't forget to visit the souvenir shops, grocery stores, and restaurants in the area.
13. Yehliu Geopark
Explore the moon-like landscape and unusual rock formations in Yehliu Geopark. A number of rock formations have been given imaginative names based on their shapes. The best known is the "Queen's Head", an iconic image in Taiwan and an unofficial emblem for the town of Wanli. Other formations include the "Fairy Shoe", the "Beehive", the "Ginger Rocks", and the "Sea Candles".
14. Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village features aboriginal culture, combining tourism, culture and educational function. It has five theme parks: the European Gardens, the Alladin Plaza, the Aboriginal Villages, Amusement Isle and Ti Ka Er Rainforest.
15. The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway is a scenic gondola cable car service that connects Sun Moon Lake with the Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village theme park. The ropeway's cars are painted red, yellow, blue and green. Operating hours are from 10AM to 4PM.
The view from the top was really spectacular. We tried the glass cable car with a glass bottom. It offers a jaw-dropping view of the Sun Moon Lake rainforest below. It's truly a thrilling experience.
16. Elephant Mountain
If you want to see the best view of Taipei City, go to the top of Elephant Mountain. You can also see here the best view of Taipei 101 and sunset during the afternoon. It will take around 15-20 minutes to the top. by the way, the hiking trail is located close to the Xinyi Shopping District and Taipei 101.
16. Taipei Rapid Transit- Taoyuan Metro
The fourth airport transit line in Asia, MRT Taoyuan Airport Line links up Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and its surrounding cities. The line starts at Taipei Main Station, passes through the airport and finally arrives at Zhongli Railway Station, across three cities- Taipei City, New Taipei City, and Taoyuan City. The MRT Taoyuan Airport Line provides comprehensive and convenient services to visitors from home and abroad.
Note: Filipinos/Philippine Passport Holders can enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan for a duration of up to 14 days until July 31, 2019. Please be advised that your passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity from the date of entry.
One of the famous night markets in Taichung is Fengjia Night Market. You can find here several authentic dishes, unique clothing, fashionable mobile phones and a lot more. We walked around and we found a lot of street food. Everything smells good except for the 'stinky tofu.
There are many hawkers inviting tourists to go to their stores. The must-eat food in Fengjia Night Market includes da chang bao xiao chang" (literally translated as "big sausage wrapped around small sausage"), minglun egg pancake roll, aniki potato, non-battered and massage fried chicken, da jia yutou cheng, pig blood cake, overload taichung, cuttlefish, lazy people prawns and di jun charcoal grilled peppery bun.
7. Lihpao Land
Taiwan's biggest resort park, covering an area of 200 hectares, combines the country's biggest dual land and water theme parks, the Fullon Hotel Liphao Land five-star resort hotel, the flagship escape room, the Lihpao Outlet Mall, Liphao Road Station, the Liphao Racing Park and Sky Dream, Taiwan's biggest Ferris wheel.
The main attractions in the Liphao Land are live performances, gift shops, restaurants, food stalls, gourmet alleys, and rides. The Resort is planned to become similar to international amusement resorts such as Tokyo Disneyland, the Miazaki Sea Gaia in Japan, Hongkong Ocean Park and Korea's Ever land.
8. Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park is located in northern Taipei City and is famous for cherry blossoms, numerous parks, hiking trails, mountainous scenery and beautiful weather. It is the only park in Taiwan that has volcanic geography and hot springs. It's the home of Taiwan's tallest dormant volcano, Seven Star Mountain.
In Xiaoyoukeng, you can find some active fumaroles and witness the spectacular 'landslide terrain' formed by post-volcanic activity. Please be advised that you can smell around the place.
Yangmingshan Flower Clock
One of the best attractions in Yangmingshan National Park is Yangming Park. You can find here a big Flower Clock. The park is also surrounded by Cherry blossoms which start to bloom around March or April.
9. Dadaocheng
In Dadaocheng, you can find here extravagant Baroque architecture, traditional Hokkien bungalows and brilliant red-brick western houses. Be amazed as well by these historical buildings, traditional folklore centers, tea houses, fabric stores, Chinese pharmacies and local eateries alike which are rich in history.
You can stroll on Dihua Street where you can find several shops selling a variety of traditional goods such as Chinese medicines and her, temple icons and incense, spices and dried food, colorful bolts of cloth, and bamboo, and wooden crafts.
10. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a famous landmark and tourist attraction erected in memory of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, former President of the Republic of China. It is located in in the heart of Taipei City.
The architecture of Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is inspired by Tiantan in Beijing. The four sides of the structure are similar to those of the pyramids in Egypt. The material is white marble. The roofs are decorated with deep-blue glass as part of the reflection of the blue sky and bright sun. It adds a touch of grandeur.
Below the hall is a museum featuring Chiang's life and career, as well as exhibits about Taiwan's history and culture. It's also a place for international performances. World famous musicians performed here include great cello performer Yo yo Ma and the great violinist Shao Lian Lin.
11. Taipei 101
Taipei 101, formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center- is the most famous landmark in Taiwan. The building was officially classified as the world's tallest from its opening in 2004 until the 2010 completion of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Would you believe that its elevators can transport passengers from the 5th to the 89th floor in 37 seconds?
This supertall skyscraper features offices and restaurants inlcuding indoor and outdoor observatories. The tower is adjoined by a multi-level shopping mall that claims the world's largest ruyi symbol as an exterior feature.
12. Shifen Old Street Walk and Pingxi Sky Lanterns
Learn about Taiwan’s heritage and culture with a visit to the historic coal-mining town in Shifen Old Street You can also experience flying a sky lantern, an age-old tradition said to bring good luck. Don't forget to visit the souvenir shops, grocery stores, and restaurants in the area.
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| (C) northguan-nsa.gov.tw |
13. Yehliu Geopark
Explore the moon-like landscape and unusual rock formations in Yehliu Geopark. A number of rock formations have been given imaginative names based on their shapes. The best known is the "Queen's Head", an iconic image in Taiwan and an unofficial emblem for the town of Wanli. Other formations include the "Fairy Shoe", the "Beehive", the "Ginger Rocks", and the "Sea Candles".
14. Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village features aboriginal culture, combining tourism, culture and educational function. It has five theme parks: the European Gardens, the Alladin Plaza, the Aboriginal Villages, Amusement Isle and Ti Ka Er Rainforest.
15. The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway is a scenic gondola cable car service that connects Sun Moon Lake with the Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village theme park. The ropeway's cars are painted red, yellow, blue and green. Operating hours are from 10AM to 4PM.
The view from the top was really spectacular. We tried the glass cable car with a glass bottom. It offers a jaw-dropping view of the Sun Moon Lake rainforest below. It's truly a thrilling experience.
16. Elephant Mountain
If you want to see the best view of Taipei City, go to the top of Elephant Mountain. You can also see here the best view of Taipei 101 and sunset during the afternoon. It will take around 15-20 minutes to the top. by the way, the hiking trail is located close to the Xinyi Shopping District and Taipei 101.
16. Taipei Rapid Transit- Taoyuan Metro
The fourth airport transit line in Asia, MRT Taoyuan Airport Line links up Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and its surrounding cities. The line starts at Taipei Main Station, passes through the airport and finally arrives at Zhongli Railway Station, across three cities- Taipei City, New Taipei City, and Taoyuan City. The MRT Taoyuan Airport Line provides comprehensive and convenient services to visitors from home and abroad.
Note: Filipinos/Philippine Passport Holders can enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan for a duration of up to 14 days until July 31, 2019. Please be advised that your passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity from the date of entry.
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