分類: Taiwan Travel Tips

Taiwan: The Best Destination For LGBT Travelers In Asia

Taiwan: The Best Destination For LGBT Travelers In Asia

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Are you curious about why Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage? Do you want to hang out with your friends in a totally gay-friendly destination? If you want to say yes to these questions, come visiting Taiwan and get ready to be surprised by how gay Taiwan is! It’s totally fine if you are not familiar with Taiwan, below are the reasons why Taiwan should be your next destination!

 

1. Gay-Friendly Environment

The gaybourhood of Ximending is the place you can’t miss. You can find many gay bars around the Red House (西門紅樓). Enjoy hot spring or sauna to melt away your stress of travel and urban living. Staying at the first gay accommodation “Gs Gay Hotel” in Taiwan can be an interesting experience as well. This hotel is within 10 mins walking from Raohe night market. If you are interested in praying for soul mates, you can pay visit to “Wei-Ming Temple (Rabbit Temple),” where the deity has watched over homosexuals for centuries. People in Taiwan can feel safe not only in entertainment space, but also in workplace. Discrimination based on sex orientation in workplace is banned by Taiwanese government.

♦ Gay bar in Taipei: Café Dalida

Add: No. 51, Ln. 10, Chengdu Rd., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City
Tel: +886 2 2370 7833
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 19:00-03:00 / Friday to Saturday 18:00-04:00

 

♦ ABRAZO Bistro

Add: No. 198, Sec. 1, Dunhua S. Rd., Da’an Dist., Taipei City
Tel: +886 2 2731 8282
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday 11:30-02:00 / Friday and Saturday 11:30-04:00 / Closed on Monday

 

♦ Kawayu SPA & Sauna

Website: http://www.kawayu-spa.com.tw/m/home.php?Lang=en
Add: No. 10, Lane 300, Xing-Yi Road, Beitou District, Taipei
Tel: +886 2 2874 7979
Opening hours: 06:00-01:00 AM (April to October) / 06:00-03:00 AM (November to March)

 

♦ Gs Gay Hotel

Website: http://www.gshome.co/
Add: No. 322, Sec. 5, Nanjing E. Rd., Songshan Dist., Taipei City
Tel: +886 2 2766 1116

 

♦ Wei-Ming Temple (Rabbit Temple)

Add: 8F, No. 50, Jinan Road, Zhonghe District, New Taipei City
Tel: +886 2 2242 1197
Opening hours: 13:00-21:00 PM (Closed on Tuesday)
* Tips for visiting Wei-Ming Temple: bring unpacked food or cosmetics as offerings to the deity “Da Ya.(大爺)” Do not call the deity “god of rabbit.”

 

2. Taiwan legalizes same-sex marriage

Although Taiwan has a large gay community, the issue of same-sex marriage is a longtime struggle. In 2017, the Constitutional court ruled that the existing law stating marriage should between one man and one woman was unconstitutional. Two years later, lawmakers finally pass the bill to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019. Almost 2,000 couples recorded same-sex marriages from May to the end of August, 2019.

 

3. Taiwan LGBT Pride

Taiwan LGBT Pride is the biggest pride parade in Asia. The first Taiwan Pride parade was held in 2003 with only one thousand participants. More than 200,000 massive crowd participated in 2019’s Taiwan LGBT Pride to celebrate the country’s victory in legalizing same-sex marriage. Come join Taiwan Pride parade on the last Saturday in October each year to cheer madly for gender equality! In 2020, Taiwan LGBT Pride will be held on 31 October. As it is one of the biggest parades in Taiwan, do remember to book your hotel in Taipei in advance and prepare some rainbow-themed accessories to decorate yourself 🙂
Website: https://www.taiwanpride.lgbt/eng

 

4. Taipei LGBT Private Walking Tour


If you would like to learn more about the history, struggles and achievements of LGBT community in Taiwan, come join our Taipei LGBT Private Walking Tour!
Website: https://www.klook.com/activity/15062-lgbt-private-walking-tour-taipei/
The tour is available from 13:00-16:00 PM, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Meeting point: NTU Hospital MRT station exit 1

 

What You Need to Know About the Novel Coronavirus in Taiwan and Travel to Taiwan (updated on 12 Mar)

What You Need to Know About the Novel Coronavirus in Taiwan and Travel to Taiwan (updated on 12 Mar)

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We have had a number of questions from our global customers who are concerned about coronavirus in Taiwan. Due to Taiwan’s closeness to China, we understand that you may feel worried and unsure whether it is safe to visit Taiwan at this moment. As a lot of fake news makes travelers confused and scared, here we collect some information to deliver the correct details regarding the situation in Taiwan and help you decide whether or not you should proceed your travel plan to Taiwan during this period of time.

What is the Coronavirus?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=55&v=mOV1aBVYKGA&feature=emb_logo

The name of coronavirus comes from its shape as it resembles a crown. According to the World Health Organization (WHO): “Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).” The current outbreak from Wuhan is known as a novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which means it is a strain of the virus that has previously never been identified in humans.

On 31 January, 2020, WHO has declared the virus (2019-nCoV) a “public-health emergency of international concern.”

What are the Symptoms of Novel Coronavirus?

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Is Coronavirus an Issue in Taiwan? 

The virus is from Wuhan, Hubei province, China. It is 943km from Taipei.

PHOTO BY DANIEL WOOD NPR

There are 49 confirmed cases in Taiwan to date (12 March, 2020) . It includs 26 indigenous cases and 23 imported cases.

0312

What Does Taiwan Government Do against the Virus?

Honestly, Taiwan’s epidemic prevention measures are likely to be the fastest and most transparent in the world. All requisite measures are in place to protect the people of Taiwan from the coronavirus.

  1. Chinese nationals are temporarily prohibited from entering Taiwan from 6 February and all China tourism groups have already departed from Taiwan.
  2. Entry into Taiwan to be Suspended for Hong Kong and Macao Residents starting from Midnight on February 11 as Disease Control Takes Priority.
  3. Foreign nationals who have visited or resided in China, Hong Kong and Macau in the previous 14 days are temporarily prohibited from entering Taiwan from February 7.
  4. 14-day home quarantine to be required for travelers transiting through China, Hong Kong and Macau and granted entry into Taiwan from February 10.
  5. Travelers who have traveled to Korea Italy, Iran in the past 14 days (transits not included) are required to follow a 14-day home quarantine after entering Taiwan.
  6. All international cruise ships will be prohibited from entering Taiwanese ports from 6 February.
  7.  Travelers entering Taiwan to be required to complete health declaration before entering form February 11.
  8. During this period of time, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) in Taiwan will have press conference everyday to announce the updated news about the epidemic, making sure everything is transparent. Clink to check the press releases


Should I Visit Taiwan Now?

At this moment, the risk of traveling to Taiwan is relatively low compared to other Aisa countries and we have confidence in our epidemic prevention system.

All the attractions, public transportations, restaurants, shops and public places such as hospital are operating as usual but some shortened their opening hours. The biggest difference is that many places/businesses are taking extra precautions such as below to protect visitors.

  1. Check your temperature before you enter the places/shops/hotels…etc.
  2. Prepare hand sanitizer for visitors.
  3. Encourage their staffs to wear face (surgical) masks.

We hope to inform you the true situation in Taiwan, but we also would like to let you know: if you don’t feel assured to travel during this period, it is fine to postpone your plan.

What Should I Notice if I Visit Taiwan at This Moment?

1. Do not transfer from China, Hong Kong, Macau as 14-day home quarantine is required.

2. Make sure you will not travel to Korea Italy, Iran in the past 14 days (transits not included)

3. Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

4. Prepare 75% alcohol and face (surgical) masks in advance.

5. Wear a (surgical) face mask if you visit enclosed public spaces.

6. Cover mouth and nose with tissue when coughing and sneezing – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands.

7. The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

8. When visiting live markets, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals.

9. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel and exposure history with your doctor.

Contact Us

If you have any worries or questions about upcoming trips to Taiwan, or need to clarify any rumors, please feel free to contact your tour consultant or email us: topology.travel@gmail.com.

Is Indigenous Tribe the Same as What You Imagine? The Best Way to Learn about the Indigenous Culture in Taiwan

Is Indigenous Tribe the Same as What You Imagine? The Best Way to Learn about the Indigenous Culture in Taiwan

coretopology

As there are 16 officially recognized indigenous groups in Taiwan, indigenous culture is one of the most charming highlights of Taiwan. Many travelers wish to visit a “REAL” indigenous/aboriginal village and get cultural experience there. But what is a REAL indigenous village like? Is it the same as the one you imagine? Today we would like to give you a guideline about how to get the best indigenous cultural experiences in Taiwan.

What does a REAL Taiwanese indigenous tribe look like?

Most of the indigenous tribes are close to green mountains or sapphire blue ocean. They are all good places to enjoy rich natural beauty. Although in Chinese, we still call the indigenous communities “tribes (Chinese: 部落 bù luò) ”, they don’t really look like the primitive villages in the cartoon – The Flintstones (中譯：摩登原始人/石頭族樂園). They are just like other normal villages that composed with modern bungalows. The biggest difference is that most of the residents there are local indigenous people.

The tribe you may imagine v.s. the real tribe

Many tribes are decorated with indigenous painting, patterns or sculptures that show their different characteristics.

Some of them still preserve one or two traditional assembly center in the community, such as Tsao people’s Kuba (邵族的會所，庫巴) or Peinan people’s Takuvan and Balaguan (卑南族的會所，達古範和巴拉冠), where they hold traditional ceremonies on particular festivals.

Peinan people’s assembly center, Takuvan (卑南族的少年聚會所，達古範)

Taiwan does have a few more primitive aboriginal tribes, such as the Smangus tribe (司馬庫斯) in Hsinchu or the Vedai tribe (霧台) in Pingtung. These tribes are usually located in distant or inaccessible mountains, so if you would like to explore these beaten places, you must spend more time on traffic.

What is the best way to get and experience indigenous culture?

Travelers may hope to get authentic indigenous cultural immersion by just visiting and browsing a tribe. However, the special rituals or events are only performed during traditional ceremonies or festivals. Beyond these times, most indigenous people live like us: work during the daytime and enjoy family time at night. You will get the feel of the real tribal life only if you stay with the tribe for a couple of weeks. This may be an option for long-day travelers with more time on their hands, but less suitable for travelers who only have s short trip in Taiwan.

Travelers make mochi with local indigenous people.

Therefore, the best way to get and experience indigenous culture is participating in the indigenous cultural tours designed by the local indigenous people or organizations. The trips come with various lengths. The shortest one could be finished within half a day while the longer one could be 1 to 5 days. You will have a taste of the essence of the indigenous culture, including exploring the tribe to know the hidden stories, understanding how they survive in the mountains or by the ocean, learning to make indigenous crafts, enjoying tasty indigenous meals with local families, and staying overnight in family-run guesthouses.

Will the indigenous tour be too touristy?

If you just visit replicated indigenous houses and greeted with poor indigenous singing and dance show, we will say it is really touristy and can’t express the cultural spirit to the travelers. To make sure our clients get the authentic adventure, the tours and activities we recommend are all held in the tribe. You will experience their living areas in person and learn the traditional wisdom about how to live by taking advantage of the local materials. These activities are also designed and led by local people according to their real life experience. The tribe could also be run permanently and keep their culture alive this way.

The indigenous experience we recommend:

After having a rough idea about the indigenous tours, you might be interested in an indigenous cultural immersion. Here are some experiences that we recommend:

Cidal Hunter School in Hualien (Amis People) 吉籟獵人學校

Cidal Hunter School was established by local Amis people not only to preserve their traditions and knowledge, but to pass them on to the younger generation. However, as more and more travelers expressed their interests in learning about traditional culture and lifestyles, the school started to develop a series of cultural and ecotourism activities, such as learning how to start a fire, create a container for holding water from natural plant materials, and hunting shrimp and crab.

Luan Shan Forest Museum in Taitung (Bunun People) 鸞山森林博物館

Photo Credit: East Rift Valley National Area

It used to be a tribal site remains and was turned into an open-air forest museum like a scene from the film Avatar. Museum director Aliman and his tribal friends have been systematically protecting the forests, especially the precious giant Banyan trees. They hold environment protection and culture reconstruction educational activities, cross-tribal events, tribal stays, outdoor spiritual workshops and ecological tours, so as to connect more with the public and bring their attention to forest conservation.

Kbanun Tribe in Yilan (Atayal People) 樂水部落

Kbanun Tribe is also called the forgotten tribe. BY spending a day with this remaining native tribes, you will learn to make souvenirs with unique leaves, cook sticky rice using bamboo, hunt in the mountains, practice archery and make fresh mochi balls with your hands!  

If I don’t have time to partivipate in an indigenous tour, what can I do?

1. Visit to a great indigenous museum
Here are 2 indigenous-theme museums that you cannot miss.

Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines

Add: No. 282, Sec. 2, Zhishan Road, Shilin Dist., Taipei City
TEL：+886-2-2841-2611
Open Hours: 09:00 am-17:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays)

National Museum of Prehistory

Add: No.1 Museum Road, Taitung County
Tel: 886-89-381-166
Open Hours: 09:00 am to 17:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays)

2. Have a meal at indigenous restaurant

Hasila Food 
Add: No. 19, Lane 77, Sec. 2, Zhongshan North Road, Zhongshan Dist., Taipei
Tel: +886-2-2563-4992
Open Hours: 18:00 pm to 02:00 am Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays)

3. Stay one night at indigenous-theme hotel/B&B

Taroko Village Hotel

Located in Taroko Gorge, Taroko Village Hotel is surrounded by forests and all the staffs there are local indigenous people (Taroko People). The atmosphere is really relaxing!

Where can I buy indigenous souvenirs with good quality?

Of course, the best place is the craft studios in the tribe that you visit. You will know who make these crafts and could interact with local artists. In Taipei, below are 2 recommended shops that select worth buying indigenous souvenirs from many tribes.

Lovely Taiwan Shop 台灣好，店
Add: N0. 18-2, Lane 25, Nanjing West Road, Taipei City
TEL: +886-2-2558-2616
Open hours: 12:00 pm – 21:00 pm Tuesday – Sunday (Closed on Mondays and on public holidays)

Ayoi Taipei 阿優依
Add: B2, No.88, Yanchang Road, Xinyi Dist., Taipei City (in the Eslite Spectrum Songyan Store)
TEL: +886-2-6636-5888#1906
Open hours: 11: 00 am – 22:00 pm Everyday

Book an indigenous tour with us!

Want to have an indigenous tour when you visit Taiwan? Contact us now and let us know your interest!

The only guide you’ll ever need for travel in Taiwan

The only guide you’ll ever need for travel in Taiwan

胖哥哥

What is the main airport in Taiwan?
* Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the biggest airport in Taiwan, and is an hour trip from Taipei.
* Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) is in the middle of Taipei and is convineinet to get to and from.
* Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) is an air transportation hub in southern Taiwan.

Do I need a visa for Taiwan?

If you are from one of the following countries, you are eligible for the visa exemption program.
* With a duration of stay of up to 90 days: Andorra, Australia (effective till December 31, 2020), Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Eswatini, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Island, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia (effective till March 31, 2020), Norway, Palau, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Vatican City State.
* With a duration of stay of up to 30 days: Belize, Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Nauru, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore.
* With a duration of stay of up to 14 days (effective till July 31, 2020): Thailand, Brunei, Philippine.
* With a duration of stay of up to 21 days: Russia (effective from Aug 1, 2019 to July 31, 2020)
Here are more VISA information about Taiwan.

What can I do on a layover in Taipei?

If your Taipei layover is less than 5 or 6 hours, it’s probably best to play it safe and stay in the airport. Here are some things you can do at the airport.
* Enjoy the food: Taipei is a haven for foodies, and the casual but delicious dining experience extends to the airport.
* Get a massage: Visit the Blind Friend Massage Center in Terminal 2 to get your bones professionally cracked and soothed. The airport works with the Taoyuan County professional trade union to provide jobs for blind residents in the Taoyuan area.
* Take a shower: You can enjoy a free shower any time at all in both terminals, but you’ll need to bring your own towels and toiletries.
* Go souvenir shopping: Stop by Formosan Aborigines to pick up some unique handmade crafts as souvenirs, and learn more about the country’s history in the process. Attractively-packaged local teas and pineapple cakes make great souvenirs as well.
* Explore the themed terminals: Several public waiting areas are themed, offering fun glimpses into Taiwanese culture. From Hello Kitty, to the history of Taiwanese music, to the Taiwanese film industry, it makes exploring the airport so fun.
* Watch a movie: A small theatre in Terminal 1 shows recent feature films.
If your layover is more than 7 hours, you can do a one-day Taipei sightseeing tour or join a free 4-hour tour offered by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau.
The morning tour departs at 8:15 AM and is for tourists on connecting flights that depart no earlier than 3 PM. It visits Sanxia and Yingge, famous for antiquity and pottery.
The afternoon tour departs at 2:00 PM and is for tourists on connecting flights that depart no earlier than 8:30 PM. It visits the sites in Taipei city such as Taipei 101, and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall & Memorial Park.
Click the link to see more information.

How do I get to Taipei from the airport?

From Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Taipei, we list some options here.
* Taxi: 40 mins, 1150 TWD (charge by meter)
* THSR (Taiwan high speed rail): 45 min 195 TWD (transition included). Take Airport MRT and transfer at THSR Taoyuan Station.
* Airport MRT: 35 – 45 mins, 160 TWD
* Bus: 55 mins, 125 TWD
From Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), you can simply take Taipei MRT Wenhu Line to Taipei or take a taxi.

How do I get to the airport from Taipei?

From Taipei to Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), we list some options here.
* Taxi: 40 mins, 1150 TWD (charge by meter)
* THSR (Taiwan high speed rail): 45 min 195 TWD (transition included). Take THSR and transfer Airport MRT at THSR Taoyuan Station.
* Airport MRT: 35 – 45 mins, 160 TWD
* Bus: 55 mins, 125 TWD
https://www.taoyuan-airport.com/english/public_transportation
From Taipei to Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), you can simply take Taipei MRT Wenhu Line to the airport or take a taxi.

When is the best time/season to visit Taiwan?

Taiwan can be visited any month of the year for sure and this depends on what kind of weather you prefer.
* Spring (March to May)
The temperatures are usually a nice and comfortable 19-26°C. It’s a great time to visit and many people come to see the cherry and plum blossoms. With temperatures at such comfortable levels, it’s a good time for hiking and visiting the island’s parks.
* Summer (June to August)
If you do not mind hot and humid weather, then the summer might be best for you. There are still dozens of exciting and relaxing things to do in Taiwan during this time of the year, like enjoying the beach and experiencing its summer festivals.
* Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is very often deemed as the best time to visit Taiwan. Compared to the summer months, there’s little to no rainfall and lots of sunshine during autumn, making it a very comfortable season for sightseeing.
* Winter (December to Feburary)
Winters in Taiwan is a bit chilly and foggy during these months, the temperature is fairly mild and tolerable. Temperatures rarely drop below 10°C. There are also plenty of highlights during this season, including hot springs and New Year’s celebrations.

When is the typhoon season in Taiwan?

Typhoon season is roughly from July to October.

When do Cherry blossoms bloom in Taiwan?

The Cherry blossom season in Taiwan is from February to Early April. There may be a few weeks of variation based on current temperatures. Here are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan
* Wuji Tianyuan Temple: Early February to Mid March
* Yangmingshan National Park: Mid February to Mid March
* Wuling Farm: Early to Late February
* Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village: Early February to Mid March
* Alishan National Scenic Area: Mid March to Early April

Is there snow in Taiwan?

There is snow in Taiwan but only in some specific high mountains from late December to February. In major cities where most people live, the elevation is too low to snow, and the temperature almost never gets below freezing.

What kind of clothes should I wear when visiting Taiwan?

*Spring

The temperatures usually vary from 19-26 °C. A light jacket or light sweater should be enough to keep you comfortable. Wearing layers is a good idea and it allows you to strip off layers if the temperature climbs.

*Summer

The temperatures usually vary from 27-34 °C. The weather gets hot and humind. We suggest wearing shorts, t-shirts, and prepare a hat and sunscreen for sun protection. Wearing quick dry clothing is also handy.

*Autumn

The temperatures usually vary from 21-30°C. September and October may have some summer-like heat, so be sure to pack some short sleeved clothes just in case. Light clothing still works best in autumn. You may need a light sweater or coat.

*Winter

The temperatures usually vary from 14-20°C. The weather will be cooler in the North, and warmer in the south. The cooler temperatures mean you should pack some warmer clothing including a wind-proof clothing, as the humid wind might still go straight through a wool sweater. Also note that there is rarely central heating in Taiwan, so dressing in layers is recommended even while indoors.

When can I buy Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) tickets?

THSR provides on-line reservation system for the train which departure date is no more than 28 days later. Nevertheless, on the travel day the on-line reservation is only applicable to the train which departure time is no less than 1 hours before train departure. For more details, please visit the official website of Taiwan High Speed Rail.
http://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/Home/Index

Is traveling around Taiwan by public transportation easy?

In Taipei, it is super convenient to travel around by Taipei Metro. You can reach almost all the famous attractions via Taipei Metro.
The train and high speed rail system connecting cities to cities are also comprehensive. However, it is not quite easy to use public transportation to move around in both urban and rural areas outside Taipei. Usually you have to wait a long time for the next bus if you miss one. It will be better if you rent a car and hire a driver.

How do I use a Youbike in Taiwan?

You can rent a YouBike bike either as a Member or as a Single rental user. If you need to rent a bike for many times, you can choose to become a YouBike member. You can authorize as a YouBike member with your electronic card such as Easy card (悠游卡) or iPass card (一卡通) and your Taiwan mobile phone SIM card. Single Rental users can use Kiosks at each station to rent a bike and use credit cards to pay usage fees.
Easy card (悠游卡) or iPass card (一卡通) first. These cards can be purchased at all Taipei Metro information counters, convenience stores (i.e. 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Hi-Life and OK mart) and EasyCard Service Centers.
After you have a card you should:
(1) Swipe the card next to an open bike.
(2) Wait for the bike to unlock.
(3) Ride to your next destination.
(4) Place you bike in the Youbike stand and swipe your card to see how much money was deducted.
Where can I buy an easy card?
Easy cards are available at all Taipei Metro information counters, convenience stores (i.e. 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Hi-Life and OK mart) and EasyCard Service Centers.
The standard fare cards cost NT$100 each, exclusive of a deposit and balance. After buying the card, you can top up the value (at least NT$100 per time) at all Taipei Metro information counters, convenience stores and EasyCard Service. You can use the card to take the metro, buses, rent a youbike and even buy thing at designated stores. For more details, please visit the official website of the EasyCard Corporation. https://www.easycard.com.tw/en/

What is the best place/area to stay in Taipei? Where should I stay in Taipei?


Basically, stay at a hostel/hotel near metro station, night market or shopping district is always the best.
We suggest you pick a place located at
1. Ximending
Landmarks or Shopping areas: Ximending Walking District and The Red House
2. Xinyi District
Landmarks or Shopping areas: Taipei 101, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Xinyi Place, Breeze center, National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
3. Daan District
Landmarks or Shopping areas: Tonghua Night Market, Da’an Forest Park, Yongkang Street, Jian Guo Weekend Flower and Jade Market
4. Zhongshan District
Landmarks or Shopping areas: Nanxi shopping area, Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei and Xingtian Temple
5. Near Taipei Main Station
Landmarks or Shopping areas: Q Square, Guanghua Electronic Plaza, Taipei City Mall, The North Gate, National Taiwan Museum and 228 Peace Park
6. Near Songshan Train Station
Landmarks or Shopping areas: Raohe Nught Market, Wufenpu Garment Wholesale Area, Taipei Arena
What is the average cost for the hotels in Taiwan?
Hostel: 20~30 USD per bed per night or 40~65 USD per room per night
3-Star Hotel: 90 USD to 115 USD per room per night
4-Star Hotel: 115 USD to 185 USD per room per night
5-Star Hotel: 200 USD to 335 USD per room per night
Some luxury hotel, for example, hot spring hotel or hotels with stunning view, may be over 350 USD per room per night
Please note these prices also vary by location. (The rate is around 1 USD = 30 TWD)

Where is the center of Taipei?


Taipei Main Station and Ximending is the center of old Taipei. Xinyi District (The area around Taipei 101) is the central business district. Besides these three places, both Daan district and Zhongshan district are shopping district center as well and are popular for travelers to stay.

How much time should I plan for my Taiwan trip?


The best way is that you arrange the appropriate itinerary according to the time you have.
One week – We recommend these 3 options: Taipei + outskirts (Jiufen, Shifen, Yehliu, Yangmingshan, Yilan) / Taipei + Sun Moon Lake / Taipei + Taroko Gorge.
Two weeks – This is the bare minimum if you want to get a good feel of exploring the whole island.
Three weeks – It allows you to know Taiwan deeper and you could visit more remote destinations in the Central Mountain Range or take trips to one of the outlying islands.
Four weeks – You could admire the beauty of whole Taiwan without having rush.

Is one week enough to visit Taiwan?


One week is not enough to see all of Taiwan. Although Taiwan looks small, if you would like to explore the whole island, you must spend at least 3 weeks!
We think travel slowly is best here in Taiwan. If one week is all you had, we recommend you visiting Taipei + Sun Moon Lake or Taipei + Taroko Gorge.
https://topologytravel.com/taiwan-package-tours/#2days

How many days should I plan to spend in Taipei?


In general, 3 to 4 full days is sufficient to visit the main attractions in the citys incliuding Taipei 101, CKS memorial Hall, National Palace Museum, famous temples, night markets, Ximending, Beitou hot spring, Tamsui and Maokong…etc.
If posiible, we suggest that you extend 2 to 3 days to explore the beautiful outskirts of Taipei such as Yangmingshan, Jiufen, Yehliu, Shifen, Northeast Coast and Yilan.
https://topologytravel.com/taiwan-package-tours/#1Day

Is it suitable to visit Taiwan during Chinese New Year?


During the Chinese New Year, most Taiwanese will return to their home town and gather with their family (it’s like Christmas in western countries, but a longer version). Some sites or shops will close during this period, which might influence your travel. The price for everything in this period will be also very expensive, so it is better tovisit Taiwan after Chinese New Year.

What are the main cities in Taiwan?


Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung are the 3 main cities in Taiwan.

Where are must-visit places in Taiwan?


The places that most tourist won’t miss are: Taipei 101, Jiufen, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Taroko(Hualien).

What is the most beautiful place in Taiwan?


It is hard to say which one is the best, there are different beauty in each place, you could see the volcanic terrain at Yangminshan, beautiful cloud sea at Alishan, peaceful lake view at Sun Moon Lake, marvellous groge at Taroko, special coastal terrain at East coast, or the warm people in Taiwan is also one of the best view in Taiwan.

Which is the best night market in Taipei/Taiwan?


There are over hundred different night markets in Taiwan, the most famous night market in Taipei is Shilin night market, and the most famous night market in central Taiwan is Fengcha night market which locate at Taichung, and the Liouhe night market in Kaohsiung.

What times do night markets open/close in Taiwan?


Usually starts at around 17:00 pm, close at around 0:00 am.

Is it safe to doing self-drive in Taiwan?


Do not recommend to self-drive in Taiwan, because most road sign are not friendly for foreigners, might get lost very easily. But if you like to have an adventure journey, please remember to bring your international driver’s permit, and watch out the speed camera .

Can I visit Sun Moon Lake from Taipei during 1 day?


Yes, you will meet our guide at Taipei Main station in the morning, take the High speed rail to Taichung, drive for about an hour to reach Sun Moon Lake, you will have about 4 hours to visit there, and return to Taipei in the evening.

What is there to do at Sun Moon Lake?


You could see the beauty of Sun Moon Lake from different angle, could take a boat ride, or to have a nice and easy bike ride around the lake, or have a better look of Sun Moon Lake from top by taking the ropeway. If you are interested in Aboriginal culture, you could visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. One more thing that you must try is the local aboriginal dishes.

Can I swim in Sun Moon Lake?


You have only one chance to swim in Sun Moon Lake, which is the Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival, this event is only held once a year, usually held in the summer.

How can I get from Sun Moon Lake to Taipei?


You can explore Sun Moon Lake by taking the public transportation and bus. And of course, it will take huge time to travel to Sun Moon Lake.
*From Taoyuan International Airport, I will suggest you take high speed train and then take the bus. It might take about 4-5 hours for transport.
The nearest HSR station to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TTIA) is Taoyuan HSR Station. From airport, you can take United bus (bus no.705). The bus will come every half hour.
Fare: NT$30 Traffic time: About 15-20 mins
United Bus: http://www.ubus.com.tw/onlineservice/LINEserach.asp
THSR: http://www.thsrc.com.tw
Transfer to Nantou bus 南投客運 at Taichung HSR Station (高鐵台中站1樓第5出入口第3月台) direct to Sun Moon Lake. You can ask for the bus stop, they are very willing to help.
Fare: NT$175 Trffic time: About 1 hr 30 mins ~ 2 hr
Nantou Bus plan and schedule: http://www.ntbus.com.tw/032.htm
Nantou bus rates: http://www.ntbus.com.tw/989tk.htm

*From Taipei, there is a direct bus you can take and you need go to the Taipei main station.
From Taipei Main Station Bus Terminal, take a Kuo-Kuang Bus (國光客運) to Sun moon lake 日月潭 . You can ask for the bus stop, they are very willing to help. This is an express bus have only one stop at Puli Bus Station (埔里客運站) for around 3.5-4 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Fare NT$385 each way or NT$690 roundtrip.
I’ll recommend buy a round trip ticket to avoid waiting.
*From Taichung: I will suggest you go to the Taichung HSR Station (高鐵台中站1樓第5出入口第3月台) direct to Sun Moon Lake. No transfer required at Puli. Fare: NT$175 Travel time: About 1 hr 20 mins ~ 1 hr 30 mins.

Can I visit Taroko Gorge from Taipei during 1 day?


It is doable, but I personally will not suggest my friends traveling Taroko Gorge from Taipei during 1 day, because this is too rushed and you spend most of the time sit on the train and bus.
From Taipei to Taroko Gorge, it looks very close on the map but in between are mountainous areas; it will take approximately 5-6 hours of driving. You can check out our article discussing driving distances by clicking on the website link below.
https://topologytravel.com/%E3%80%90useful-info%E3%80%91-tour-around-taiwan-in-24-hours/
If you want to do it in one day, I will suggest you take the morning train go to Taroko Gorge. It is about 2.5-3hours. And arrive there about 10-11 AM have a quick lunch then go to Taroko Gorge. You might spend 4-5 hours there and then back to the train station about 5-6 pm. You might back to Taipei train station about 9-10pm.

Can I visit Jiufen and Shifen in one day?


It is doable, if you did not visit other places. If you visit other places and want to visit these 2 places at one day and it is a little bit rushed.
As you might know, Jiufen and Shifen are both mining town in the past. And one is for gold and one is for coal. They both have the old street. And Jiufen old street have a lot of great local food and dessert. Shifen old street is well-known for the sky lantern.
Each place will worth you spend 3-4 hours to walk around.

Does Taiwan have nice beaches? Where are they?


Taiwan is a really amazing place, there is a lot of types of beach. If you are boring for the golden sand, you must come to Taiwan. As Taiwan is small enough to travel and easily visit them all.
Here are just a few of Topology favor Taiwan beaches.
Baishawan Beach
Baishawan is one of the most popular beaches in Taiwan, because this is very close to Taipei. Only 1 hour driving you can reach this place. And the fine white sand and crystal clear blue water are waiting for you.
How to get there: Take the Taiwan Metro (MRT) from Taipei to Danshui and catch a bus from there. You can ask for the bus stop, they are very willing to help. The journey should take no more than 45-65 minutes.
Fulong Beach
Fulong have beautiful golden sands, it also hold the annual Sand Sculpture Festival.
Every summer have large and wonderful sculptures that are built along the beach.
Part of beach is belonged to the hotel but the entrance fee is NT 100. If you want to avoid the crowd, we will recommend you can pay and use the park and beach facilities.
How to get there: From Taipei Main Station you can take a train straight to Fulong. We will recommend you try the local express train, it take time but you can have more time for the view while you take ride. Oh, we will also recommend you visit Fulong during the week day to avoid the crowd.
Laomei Green Reef
Unlike other beach, Laomei beach do not have the sand at all. This beach is overshadowed by the deep troughs and trenches carved into the volcanic rock and trailing down into the ocean.
During Spring, it is covered in thick green algae, a striking natural sight. There are a lot of photographers love to take pictures around sunset or sun rise.
How to get there: Take the Taiwan Metro (MRT) from Taipei to Danshui and catch a 863 bus from there. You can ask for the bus stop, they are very willing to help. The journey should take no more than 2.5 hours.
Chihsingtan Beach
This beach with the spectacular landscapes. Facing the Pacific Ocean, if you have good eyesight, you can see California in USA. This is a marble stony beach.
When you walk or cycle along the beach, you are surrounded by cloud-shrouded mountains
How to get there: Take train from Taipei and stop at the Xincheng Taroko Train Station (新城太魯閣火車站). The train will take 2.5-3hours. Then you can take taxi, it should only take about 5-7 mins.
Kenting
Kenting National Park coastline Taiwan
This beach is in the national park and it is famous for the tropical climate combined with a unstop sea breeze means its beaches are kept comfortable warm all year round. It have the tropical plant and wild life in the Kenting National Park.
With the rich coral reefs and meet the colourful marine life, so Kenting is a great spot for sunbathing and swimming.
So no matter you want to get wet or keep dry, you can find something to do in Kenting.
How to get there: The nearest city is Kaohsiung, and Kenting express buses will take you directly to Kenting.

Is Taiwan a good destination for outdoor activities?


Taiwan consists from two very different parts: a flat plains region and the gentry rolling hills of west coast where most of people live, and the eastern two-thirds dominated by a mountain range. The mountains extend 330 kilometers from north to the south. And it is an island facing the Pacific Ocean with the warm tide from the equator. So the temperature of sea close to Taiwan never rich the freezing point
So no matter you want to get wet or keep dry, you always can find some outdoor activity to do in Taiwan.
For more on hiking and trekking, visit the Forestry Bureau’s website: http://www.forest.gov.tw.
For more detail on the trekking trails that will make up the system, visit trail.forest.gov.tw.
Is Taiwan a good place for cycling/biking?
Giant is made in Taiwan. Over 70% population will have bike in there house. It make Taiwan became a great place for ridding the bike, no matter you want to have a cycle touring or mountain biking.
Taiwan has vigorously promoted bicycle tourism for many years. Its efforts include an extensive network of bicycle routes. Riding a bike with scenic beauty and tasty cuisine along the way, these routes are attracting growing ranks of cyclists from around the world.
For the cycle touring
Taiwan have round island road which is considered flat and it might take about 10-12 days to finish. If you like more adventure, you can try ride into the mountain area. There are 3 Cross-Island Highway and you will see much of the island’s best mountain and coastal scenery in one long ride.
For Mountain biking
TopologyTravel will recommend you can find the bike club in Taipei or Taichung. You can join their weekly activity. Because different route will change a lot depend on the weather.
Here is the bike guide map for whole Taiwan.
https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/att/files/Cycling%20Taiwan%20-%20Great%20Rides%20in%20the%20Bicycle%20Kingdom.pdf
Here is the map for the GIS bike map in Taiwan
https://www.trailforks.com/region/taiwan/

Is Taiwan a good destination for honeymoon?


A lot of Chinese choose Taiwan for their honeymoon destinations. Because the price is very reasonable and Taiwanese is very hospitality. This famous hospitality may spring from the strong Buddhism or Taoism faith of most Taiwanese. Taiwan is also the safest places to visit.
Here is the report about the Taiwan safety from Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ralphjennings/2014/07/19/what-taiwans-world-class-safety-ranking-ignored/#79694ac65b22
Here are some stories why we design honey moon tour.
https://topologytravel.com/pre-wedding-photo-shoot-and-mini-honeymoon/

Is Taiwan a good destination for family? Is it easy to travel with kids in Taiwan?


A lot of Chinese choose Taiwan for their family trip destinations.
Here are the reasons:
When you take public transportation like subway, they always have priority seats. Taiwanese are very kind, they will give the seats to whom need.
Almost all restaurant have the baby seats.
Taiwan is also the safest places to visit.
The price is very reasonable.
Hotel can prepare the baby bed.
Taiwanese is very hospitality. This famous hospitality may spring from the strong Buddhism or Taoism faith of most Taiwanese.
Here is the report about the Taiwan safety from Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ralphjennings/2014/07/19/what-taiwans-world-class-safety-ranking-ignored/#79694ac65b22
Here are some stories why we design the family tour in Taiwan.
https://topologytravel.com/family/

What is the currency in Taiwan?


It is New Taiwan Dollar with international currency code TWD and its abbreviation is NT$.
Taiwan have the money change control, so you only can change money with the bank. Many banks in Taiwan allow you to exchange into TWD, many hotels and department stores do as well, but in a bad rate. You’ll probably get a better exchange rate in banks than at airports. Private money changer is not allow rare in Taiwan.

But most of places take credit card, you can use VISA, Master, JCB, UnionPay. However, American express or Discovery are rarely in Taiwan.
https://topologytravel.com/taiwan-travel-guide-read-before-you-go/


But most of places take credit card, you can use VISA, Master, JCB, UnionPay. However, American express or Discovery are rarely in Taiwan.
https://topologytravel.com/taiwan-travel-guide-read-before-you-go/

Where is the best place to exchange money in Taiwan?
In Taiwan the banks are generally the best places to exchange currency, with reasonable exchange rates and the lowest fees.
You better change it in the Airport: Bank of Taiwan (government own) or Mega Bank, for the current exchange rate you can check this link:
http://rate.bot.com.tw/xrt?Lang=en-US

Currency exchange service in Taiwan is strictly regulated by the government. You can only exchange money at banks or authorised businesses. There is no independent money changer on the streets like in other Asian cities.
The New Taiwan Dollar banknotes are issued in NT$100, NT$ 200, NT$500, NT$1000, and NT$2000. Coins come in denominations of NT$50, NT$10, NT$5, and NT$1.

Are there ATMs in Taiwan?


Taiwan’s ATM density is the highest in the world, ATMs in Taiwan are ubiquitous. You’ll find 24-hour ATMs in most convenience stores and banks, and there are also plenty of ATMs scattered throughout department stores, MRT and train stations, airports, etc.

If you withdraw money at an ATM from a local bank, most of them will charge you 300 NTD. The ATM located in the MRT stations are Cathay United Bank and charge 100 NTD as convenience fee. You can also find ATM in most of the convenience stores. China trust’s ATM in 7 ELEVEN will charge you 100 NTD to use the machine while the Taishin’s ATM machines in FamilyMart are free.

Is credit card widely accepted?


Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, and most vendors will only accept cash. Payment types that can easily be used in Taiwan include Apple Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay, Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express (less common), and Unionpay.
The credit card acceptance is good in large restaurants/shops but cash is still very important. ATM are easy to find in cities.
For instance, for night market visits and public transportation like Taipei MRT, cash is king. If you want to enjoy some bubble/pearl tea, you need cash. At supermarkets and dept stores, charge is fine.

What should be my daily budget? How much money should I bring?


Taiwan has a myriad of medium budget food places, with prices ranging from 100-300NTD/dish, Food prices in Taiwan are pretty reasonable in most places, and the quality is quite high on average. Some people like eating the local food and doing so on the streets.
Night Market Food the general prices for one item are between NT$30 – $120
Meals – Decent meals in restaurants will be between NT$200- $350
Bubble Tea / Coffee – The average price of a bubble tea or coffee from a tea or coffee shop is NT$60-$80

What do Taiwanese people eat for breakfast?


Breakfast foods in Taiwan can be roughly put into two categories: traditional, and western fusion. Traditional style breakfast includes Fried bread and Oven Baked Cake, Egg Pancakes, Steamed Bread with Eggs, Rice Balls, and porridge with different side dishes.
If you don’t like traditional breakfast, you can choose the western fusion. The most famous brand is possibly Mei&Mei, a small shop you could find on almost at every corner. With them, one can easily find burgers, sandwiches, and pancakes starting from 5 am.

What is the must-eat food in Taiwan?

We have food tour for you in Taipei, you can check this link.

Top 10 must-eat food Taiwanese
Beef Noodle Soup
Hot Pot
Taiwanese Fried Chicken
Xiao Long Bao
Stinky Tofu
Shaved Ice
Pineapple cakes
Oyster omelet
Gua bao
Minced Pork Rice

Is the water safe in Taiwan?


In Taiwan, you can drink bottled water, regarding drinking water is that it should only be drunk if it has been boiled (and preferably filtered).The main problem with Taiwan water really needs to be filtered.
Bottle of Water – Most hostels will offer re-fillable water but a bottle of water in a supermarket like 7/11 is around NT$25

Is Taiwan a safe place to travel?


Taiwan is relatively safe to visit. Though the rates of violent crime are super low by world standards, you are recommended to remain vigilant at all times. Petty crime rates are low as well, but pickpocketing and bag-snatching do occur, especially in locations frequented by tourists.
Here is the report about the Taiwan safety from Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/ralphjennings/2014/07/19/what-taiwans-world-class-safety-ranking-ignored/#79694ac65b22

What kind of electricity is used in Taiwan? Do I need an adapter?


Taiwan has the same electrical standard as the US and Canada: 110V, 60Hz AC. Electrical sockets have two vertical slots. If you bring appliances from Europe, Australia or Southeast Asia, you’ll need an adaptor or transformer.
https://topologytravel.com/taiwan-travel-guide-read-before-you-go/
Electricity in Taiwan

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT TAIWAN? WE SUM UP 8 HIGHLIGHTS THAT MAKE TAIWAN WORTH VISITING

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT TAIWAN? WE SUM UP 8 HIGHLIGHTS THAT MAKE TAIWAN WORTH VISITING

coretopology

TAIWAN IS DEFINITELY A HIDDEN GEN IN ASIA!

Taiwan seems a much underrated tourist destination in Asia, especially for western travelers. Based on the travelers’ feedback, Taiwan exceeds their expectations a lot and is very worth visiting. The tremendous diversity in a small island is amazing – rich nature wonders, interesting night market, fantastic food, fabulous hiking trails and outdoor sports, cultural experiences, aboriginal village, and very friendly people. We sum up 8 highlights to tell you why Taiwan is worth visiting!

FOOD

GOURMETS COME TO TAIWAN FOR ONLY ONE REASON: FOOD!
GOURMETS COME TO TAIWAN FOR ONLY ONE REASON: FOOD!

Taiwan is one of the best food destinations in the world where you could try from Michelin star-awarded restaurants to local street “small eats”. Veggie and halal food are also easy to get in Taiwan.

Taiwanese like to ask “jia ba buay (have you eaten already?) ” and we usually put having food on our priority list. Taiwan serves all kinds of cuisine from Taiwanese cuisine, Hakka cuisine, Chinese cuisine, aboriginal flavor, hot pot, BBQ and also exotic cuisine. In general, the most common local ingredients are seafood, chicken, pork, rice, soy and seasonal vegetable. Fresh fruits are also things you can’t miss! Instead of merely eating the food, you can also learn the interesting story behind some of the dishes.

NATURE WONDERS

TAIWAN IS CALLED “FORMOSA” WHICH MEANS THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND!
TAIWAN IS CALLED “FORMOSA” WHICH MEANS THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND!

You could go from lush mountain forests to lakes and tropical beaches in one or two hours, Taiwan’s landscape is extremely diverse.

Bisected by northeast Asia’s highest mountains and surrounded by 1566 km of shoreline, making Taiwan geographically unique. There are 9 national parks which offer a variety of distinct topographic landscapes. Taroko National Park, features its lofty gorge; Yangmingshan National Park is known for its volcanic landscape. Kenting National Park is the only tropical area in Taiwan which includes best beaches and rich marine ecology. There are also agricultural scenes such as rice fields and tea plantations. Taiwan is definitely paradise for travelers who loves nature.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

NUMEROUS CULTURAL EXPERIENCES THAT THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY TOGETHER!
NUMEROUS CULTURAL EXPERIENCES THAT THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY TOGETHER!

There are plenty of hands on activities that the whole family can join together such as tea processing or indigo dyeing. You will have lots of fun learning Taiwanese culture through these activities. There are also numerous cultural festivals during the whole year.

Due to the natural location and altitude of Taiwan, it’s an appropriate place for growing fruits, tea and all kinds of agriculture. In this way, you can experience how does it feel when being a farmer. We can also learn how to make Taiwanese cuisine. We will cherish the food we have after experiencing the process. Besides, we try very hard  to preserve traditional skills such as making sky lantern, handmade paper and indigo dyeing  art crafts.

OUTDOOR SPORTS

TAIWAN IS THE PARADISE FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS LOVERS.
TAIWAN IS THE PARADISE FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS LOVERS.

Taiwan abounds with venues for hiking, cycling and water sports: hundreds of well-maintained natural trails, popular cycling trails along the coastline or lake, ideal clean mountain streams for river-tracing and beautiful beaches for world-class snorkeling.

Over 50% of Taiwan is mountainous, so the island is a heaven for mountaineers! From low-altitude and flat trails to the highest mountain in northeast Asia, Jade Mountain (Yushan), no matter on which level you are, you could find a trail that delights you. Taiwan also offers excellent conditions for variety of activities. The highlights are cycling along Sun Moon Lake or the northeast coast , river tracing in Hualien, snorkeling or scuba diving in Kenting or offshore islands (such as Green Island and Lanyu). If you love surfing, Taiwan Open of Surfing is held in Taitung in every November.

NIGHT MARKET

THE HEAVEN OF SOUVENIRS & STREET FOOD!
THE HEAVEN OF SOUVENIRS & STREET FOOD!

There are over 300 night markets in Taiwan and they are full of energy! You can get everything such as clothes, shoes or souvenirs and have a chance to sit next locals and enjoy authentic street food such as famous stinky tofu.

There is at least one popular night market in each city of Taiwan, for example, Raohe, Ningxia and Shilin Night Market in Taipei, Fengjia Night Market in Taichung and Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung. Each one has its own characteristic and the abundant local snacks there gives you an insight in the people of the area. The most famous food are stinky tofu, oyster omelet, Taiwanese sausage with sticky rice, braised pork rice, bubble tea and shaved ice…etc. Besides authentic local snacks, shopping in the night market is interesting as well. The shops sell various things from fashionable clothing, accessories, shoes, toys to electronic products.

INDIGENOUS VILLAGE

THE TREASURE THAT GIVES AN EXTRA DIMENSION TO TAIWAN’S CULTURE.
THE TREASURE THAT GIVES AN EXTRA DIMENSION TO TAIWAN’S CULTURE.

Taiwan is home to groups of Austronesian indigenous people. The 16 officially recognized indigenous peoples, who each have their own native languages and lifestyles enrich the culture in Taiwan.

Most indigenous groups live around Central Mountain Range and east part of Taiwan. Apart from enjoying the scenery, learning and experiencing unique culture is the most beautiful part of each travel to indigenous village. The experienced hunter will teach you how to survive in the nature, tell you many charming local myths. It is also the best chance to taste authentic indigenous cuisine and admire their handicrafts such as weaving, carpentry and pottery.

CHINESE CULTURE

KEEPING TRADITIONAL CHINESE CULTURE ALIVE.

Many aspects of traditional Chinese arts, crafts and customs are better preserved in Taiwan than anywhere else. For example, National Palace Museum houses one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese artifacts in the world.

The links between Taiwan and the Chinese culture had begun as early as in the Song and Ming dynasties, when the ancestors crossed the ocean and came to Taiwan. Taiwan is quite an important place to preserve the Han heritage in the forms of antique, architecture, festival, religion and entertainment. For example, Taiwan is one of the few places still using traditional Chinese characters.

SWEET POTATO MAMA – OUR EXCLUSIVE VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

GIVE YOUR LOVE TO THE WORLD AND EXPERIENCE SOMETHING SPECIAL!

Sweet Potato Mama volunteer tour is an exclusive tour arranged by TOPOLOGY. The travelers will support the single mothers by helping them sell the sweet potatoes on the street and get to know them as they teach you how to roast sweet potatoes.

Sweet potato mama project helps single mothers live independently by allowing them to become vendors of the traditional Taiwanese sweet potatoes. No matter how tough life is, they never give up because there is always something that keeps them moving toward a better life—their lovely kids. This project contains 2 parts: first part we will introduce the whole sweet potato mama project, including the start of the foundation and the project. The second part you will experience what the mamas do everyday – sell the sweet potato with them! You can also take your time chatting with the mamas or other participants. Don’t forget to learn as much as you want to cook yams.
Book Sweet Potato Mama volunteer tour right night!
Report by CNN

【Secret Taiwan】Besides Taroko, what are the highlights you should not miss in Hualien?

【Secret Taiwan】Besides Taroko, what are the highlights you should not miss in Hualien?

胖哥哥

When it comes to Hualien, the first place people have in mind is usually Taroko National Park. In fact, there are still a lot of places that are worth visiting in Hualien. We will show you something different and interesting, so you can plan your another trip to Hualien right now!

「吉籟獵人學校」的圖片搜尋結果

1. First Stop: Learn how to become a Amis hunter

Go to Cidal Hunter School (吉籟獵人學校) to experience the lifestyle and traditional knowledge of Amis tribe.

After 30-minute drive south from Hualien City, you would get to this Amis community and start the hunter experience course. The hunter will teach you how to weave a headdress, symbolic of the unity of the Amis tribe, from coconut leaves. The next lesson is weaving rope and creating a container for holding water from natural plant materials. After this, you are taught how to start a fire without the use of matches or a lighter. It is quite hard but very interesting. All of these skills are needed for surviving and hunting in the mountains. These activities will brings to the fore the wonderful harmony relationship between the human race and mother earth.

2. Go Cycling at Danongdafu Forest Park (大農大富平地森林園區)

Danongdafu Forest Park is located in Guangfu Town of Hualien County, the southern area of Hualien. The mild bike trails are attractive to people who love cycling and people who’s not very good at cycling. It seem like you can temporarily throw all your worries away when cycling. What else you will ask for when cycling along the secretive trails and lush trees with wild sky above. Once you visit here, you will never want to leave (or never want to get back to work).

3. Kayak at Liyu Lake (鯉魚潭)

Liyu Lake is only 18 kilometers from Hualien City. To be frank, here is not a prosperous attraction, but it’s a nice place with peaceful atmosphere to relax you. Every year around March to May is the best time to spot fireflies and butterflies in the area. If you’d like to do some light outdoor activities, don’t miss Liyu Lake.

The bicycle path that circles the lake is around 5 kilometers long, and allows cyclists to experience the pleasant natural beauty of the lakes and mountains from their vehicles. Liyu Mountain has many forest footpaths which allow hikers to enjoy the birds, flowers, and scenery, making it one of the best exercise choices. Besides, here are also some water activities such as kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and paddle boat experiencing. If you are looking for a place which is suitable for the whole family, Liyu Lake would be a good choice.

【Flavor of Taiwan】What the locals eat in Taiwan? – Part 1

【Flavor of Taiwan】What the locals eat in Taiwan? – Part 1

胖哥哥

When looking for restaurant recommendations abroad, travelers always fantasize about a “local” who will guide them to the best and authentic meal. Today, as locals like us, would like to show you what we love to eat in our real lives.

台式熱炒

Stir-Fried Dishes Restaurant 台式熱炒

Stir-friend dishes restaurant is the right place for you if you don’t want to eat with the tourists and want to try something local. Having hands of beers and some stir-fried dishes with friends could be considered as the local night life for Taiwanese. The environment of the stir-fried dishes restaurant is noisy, but it also means you can be fully relaxed and laugh as loud as you want when having meals with your friends, colleagues or family.

Each dish in the restaurant costs only 100-300 TWD , which is a very reasonable price! Some stir-fried dishes restaurants provide fresh seafood and you can pick fish or shrimp which is still alive by yourselves before the chef cook the cuisine for you.

What’s more interesting, some dishes are dubbed with really fancy names such as Ants Climbing a Tree, Old Skin Soft Flesh or Flies’ Head.

Ants Climbing a Tree

Ground meat cooked with glass noodles with soy sauce. It looks like tiny little ants climbing up the branches.

Old Skin Soft Flesh

Fried egg tofu. It looks like old people’s wrinkled skin on the outside and new-born babies’s soft skin on the inside.

Flies’ Head

Cooked with minced meat, chopped chive and fermented black beans. The big black beans look like there are some visitors on your dish.

Hot Pot / Spicy Hot Pot / Twin-side Hot Pot 火鍋

I believe hot pot is definitely one of Taiwanese favorite cuisine since we have a variety of hot pot restaurants here in Taiwan from spicy hot pot, twin-side hot pot, all-you-can eat hot pot, sukiyaki, hot pot BBQ and shabu-shabu. Oh! We even have stinky tofu hot pot!

There will be a simmering pot of soup stock at the dining table, containing a variety of ingredients such as thinly sliced meat, leaf vegetables, mushrooms, wontons, egg dumplings, tofu, and seafood…etc. The cooked food is usually eaten with a dipping sauce.

Taiwanese also pay attention to the matching the temperature of foods to the body’s needs, so in the winter, ginger duck with rice wine, mutton hotpot and Taiwanese sesame oil chicken stew are the popular hot pot as well. They are SO aromatic that will make you can’t wait to taste them.

Braised Dishes 滷味

Taiwanese people love eating braised food as it’s quick, convenient and delicious. There are two kinds of braised dishes mainly, cold and heated braised dishes.

The ingredients of braised dishes is various from vegetables, mushrooms, eggs, dried tofu to tempura. If you like to weird food (locals like us feel tasty), you can also order some animal’s entrails such us pork liver, chicken heart or duck’s gizzard.

For cold braised dishes, the ingredients are braised with soy sauce. You can eat them directly after picking what you want to eat from the vendor. For heated braised dishes, the only different is that the vendor will cook your food in hot water with soy sauce or some Chinese herbal so that the food will be tasty. You can also order the noodles and the vendor will cook them with the ingredients you pick together. Choose whether to add pickle and chopped spring onion to add some flavor.

Suggestions for Traveling in Taiwan during Chinese New Year

Suggestions for Traveling in Taiwan during Chinese New Year

胖哥哥

Every year, many travelers plan to visit Taiwan during Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) to get a feeling of the atmosphere.

Is it a good idea? Let us share with you the suggestions for traveling to Taiwan in the Lunar New Year.

First, you should know the restrictions and situations you have to face if you would like to visit Taiwan during the Chinese New Year.

1. Some sites or shops will be closed during Chinese New Year

Every year, the vacation of Chinese New Year will be 5 to 9 days. During the Chinese New Year, most Taiwanese will return to their home town and gather with their family (it’s like Christmas in western countries). So, some sites or shops will be closed during this period, which might influence your travel.

2. Hard to find a restaurant to have your meal

The restaurants will be closed as well. For example, the famous Din Tai Fung is closed on Chinese New Year’s Eve and the first day of the lunar calendar. On the other hand, some restaurants only provide banquet set for a whole family over 10 people. So, please do call the restaurants you plan to go to check when they will take days off and make reservations in advance.

3. The traffic will be extremely busy

There will be traffic jam on most of the highways because people will visit their “families” (the husband’s family and the wife’s family and even friends’ families) to celebrate the New Year. The time you spend on traffic will be at least twice as normal.

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4. It will be VERY crowded at every tourist attraction

Taiwanese will grab this “rare” long holiday to travel with family. You will find it very strange that our capital Taipei will be almost empty and very quiet during this period, because most of people who work or live in Taipei are actually from other counties.

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5. The price of accommodation will be VERY expensive

It’s the peak tourism season for Taiwanese or Chinese. And the cost of a tour guide will also be higher because they will sacrifice their time with their family to provide services for the guests.

Seeing this, you may feel “Oh My God! Then should I not come to Taiwan for the Lunar New Year?”

We know that during this time, for some Chinese families living overseas, it may be the only chance to gather the whole family and travel together So we will give you the following suggestions:

1. If you haven’t buy the air tickets, we will suggest that you visit Taiwan AFTER the Chinese New Year if possible

After Chinese New Year, most the shops or markets will be opened as normal and people will return to their regular routine life. The decorations from Chinese New Year will remain, since we like to extend the feeling of happiness longer. You will find red couplets, firecrackers, and lanterns still hung on the wall or ceiling.

On the other hand, try to include famous Lantern Festival into your travel dates. There will be a decorative lantern fair in Taipei City, and the Sky Lantern Festival in Pingxi. It is worthwhile to visit!

2. Based in Taipei and travel to nearby towns only

As mentioned, Taipei will not be as crowed as other main attractions in Taiwan, and compared to other area, the cost of hotel in Taipei is more reasonable. So if you base in Taipei and only visit the nearby townships such as Shifen, Yehliu, Beitou, Danshui, Keelung…etc, the tour will be smoother.

3. Don’t waste too much time on traveling from one city to another

If your travel days are long and you would like to go the cities outside Taipei, it is recommended that you choose only one destination where you can explore deeper and then save the time you waste on traffic.

Have any other questions about traveling in Taiwan? Ask us for more information.