region of Taiwan

This island nation off China’s east coast is a little paradise waiting to be discovered, from its modern Asian metropolises to stunning coastlines, luscious forests, and epic mountain peaks. Taiwan boasts a rich cultural heritage, blending indigenous cultures with Chinese and Japanese influences, much like the country’s incredible food scene, which extends itself to bustling street food markets and authentic local restaurants. GoTravelDaily highlights this journey, starting and ending in the capital, Taipei. You’ll visit Sun Moon Lake and the beaches of Qixingtan, explore the diverse cities of Tainan, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and Hualien, as well as embark on an unforgettable range of cultural, culinary, and adventurous activities—from releasing lanterns to cooking classes and lakeside cycles. Not bad for just one island, right?

In subtropical Taiwan, hiking is practically a national sport. Despite being less than half the size of Scotland, this island boasts a diverse topography with more than 260 peaks exceeding 3,000m (9,843ft).

Taiwan is a country with more facets than the 11-headed Guanyin you’ll see inside its temples.

You can definitely travel cheaply in Taiwan, and with some planning, it can be immensely enjoyable. Taiwan is not as budget-friendly as Vietnam, Malaysia, or Indonesia; however, it is more affordable than Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan.

With dynamic night markets jam-packed with delectable street food, gorgeous beaches, and soaring mountains, Taiwan offers an abundance of experiences in a compact space. Just 395km (245 miles) from top to bottom, travelers will find futuristic cities, historic temples, and stunning surf breaks, all easily accessible via affordable high-speed rail. Here are some of the must-visit locations.

Taiwan is a breeze to visit, with easy-to-navigate transport systems, handy convenience stores at every turn, and endless restaurants that just hit the spot. However, it doesn’t hurt to prepare a little before you go. Here are some tips from a Taipei resident of seven years.

Beaches may not be the first thing you think of for a vacation in Taiwan.

Tropical southern Taiwan is a land of turquoise waters and rocky coasts, night markets and beach bars, succulent seafood and fresh produce. As one of Southeast Asia’s unsung beach destinations, savvy regional travellers have been quietly arriving to relax in laid-back coastal towns and explore lush tropical parks.

There are compelling reasons to visit the East Asian island nation of Taiwan: super welcoming locals, the best night markets in Asia, excellent public transportation, alluring landscapes, and a commendable handling of the pandemic.