House of Travel logo
Taiwan

Taiwan

Often overlooked, Taiwan is a small island with big things to offer. Diverse, charming and always authentic, this little hub of Asian splendour is just as alluring as its lofty next door neighbour, China.

Over the centuries many diverse cultures have inhabited Taiwan, including the Indigenous Taiwanese, Dutch, Spanish, Japanese, and Han Chinese. Take a closer look at historic influences such as Fort Santo Domingo in in Xinbei, built in 1629 by the Spanish and a beautiful spot for an afternoon picnic. Fort Zeelandia was built in the 17th century by the Dutch and The Chimei Museum offers a clear example of European-influenced architecture. In Taipei, the National Palace Museum is home to an extensive collection of Chinese imperial artefacts.



SOME THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN TAIWAN




Taiwanese Food EAT TAIWANESE FOOD

Night markets are hugely popular but Shilin Night Market is by far one of the most famous, and you won’t get a better selection. We have Taiwan to thank for gua bao (steamed pork belly sandwich), bubble tea and xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings). Din Tai Fung is a chain restaurant arguably serving the world’s best xiaolongbao. Find the original eatery on XinYi Road, Taipei.

Sun Moon Lake SUN MOON LAKE
 

Sun Moon Lake is a beautiful destination for a short getaway. A huge body of water fringed by hotels, its sedentary atmosphere makes for a relaxing city escape.

Jiufen JIUFEN
 
For fans of Hayao Miyazaki anime (and who isn’t?) the Taiwanese town of Jiufen inspired the labyrinth town in Miyazaki's cult-movie, Spirited Away. The narrow streets, stairs and red lanterns are all found in the animation, with the town’s Grand Tea House supposedly influencing the film’s focal bathhouse.
Kenting National Park KENTING NATIONAL PARK
 
If you’ve ever watched The Life of Pi, the deserted white-sand beach of tropical Mexico is actually Kenting Beach. Just 500m in length, you can visit the bay on the park’s west side. Enjoy fine swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. It’s an exotic paradise and quite possibly Taiwan’s best-kept secret.
Rainbow Village RAINBOW VILLAGE

Rainbow Village is a former ex-military village, built hastily and cheaply decades prior. It is also the artist’s palette of local man, Huang Yung-Fu. He felt the village was too drab and has spent years painting hundreds of animals, dolls, airplanes and manga characters across the walls and alleys. It’s free to visit and there’s even a small souvenir shop run by Rainbow Grandpa’s (as he’s now affectionately known) grandson.




INSPIRE ME
Taiwan holiday planning articles



Are you planning your next trip to the Taiwan ? Want to learn more about this destination? Or looking for ideas and inspiration for your next holiday? Here is where you can find our featured articles on the Taiwan.

 


 

 

 

 





WE'RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU ALONG THE WAY




This is just a taste of the information and advice we have available through our House of Travel consultants.
Enquire below or pop in-store and talk to one of our travel experts today.

The best holidays are created together.