If you are contemplating traveling the Silk Road with kids, Uzbekistan should be the first destination on your list.
21.07.2023 - 08:38 / roughguides.com
Taiwan remains largely undiscovered and seriously underrated by Western travellers, but those that make it here are in for a real treat. Modern Taiwan – an eclectic mix of Chinese, Western, Japanese and indigenous cultural influences. Keeping the diversity of this country in mind, we have compiled a list of the best things to do in Taiwan.
This article is inspired by our Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for travelling the world.
Hemmed in by lush tiers of mountains in the heart of Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is the island’s largest freshwater body. Its calm, emerald-green waters create one of the best things to do in Taiwan for enjoying mesmerizing landscapes. The lake’s name was inspired by its distinctive shape, with a rounded main section likened to the sun and a narrow western fringe compared to a crescent moon.
Encircling it all is a 33km road, dotted with fascinating temples and picturesque pavilions, each offering a unique perspective on the waters below, while the cable car provides a stupendous panorama of the whole lake. The lake is also the ancestral home of the Thao (pronounced “Shao”, meaning “people”), Taiwan’s smallest officially recognized aboriginal tribe.
Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan © CHEN HSI FU/Shutterstock
Kinmen Island is shaped like a dumbbell, spanning only 3km from north to south at its centre. Most visitors make the main commercial hub of Jincheng their first base, but there are plenty of enticing homestays across the island. By renting a scooter, car or bicycle, you could probably take in most of the main attractions in four or five days: double that if you’re relying on public buses.
In 1995, much of the island became Taiwan’s sixth national park, the only one dedicated to the preservation of historic monuments and battlefield memorials. Many once important military sites have been decommissioned and are now open to the public. For the most part, Kinmen’s beaches remain underdeveloped, but there are some attractive stretches of sand in the south of the island.
Find more accommodation options to stay on Kinmen island
Sunset at Cih lake, Kinmen, Taiwan © Philos Chen/Shutterstock
With over 150 locations scattered all over the island, Taiwan has the world’s second-highest concentration of hot springs after Japan. Many were developed commercially during the Japanese occupation and offer the same quality, scenery and therapeutic effects at a fraction of the cost.
Several of the most famous springs are piped directly into hotel rooms and spa pools, where you can sample the waters via public baths or private tubs. Also, there are still places, usually in the mountains, where springs gush naturally from rocks or rivers and can be experienced for free.
Looking for a compact Taiwan
If you are contemplating traveling the Silk Road with kids, Uzbekistan should be the first destination on your list.
Drammen is the seventh most populous municipality in Norway but most international tourists only know the city’s name because it’s the terminus of the Oslo Airport express train.
Northern Ireland's second city and Ireland's northern-most county sit rather snug together in the corner of the island of Ireland. But many are yet to discover the two make a fantastic combination for a twin break. Blending thought-provoking history, striking landmarks and an incredible natural world, Derry~Londonderry and County Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula offer everything you could wish for in a short, action-packed getaway.
The Peninsula Tokyo is synonymous with impeccable service, spacious rooms and tasteful luxury, however in addition to this elegant guest experience, there are also many one-of-a-kind amenities and experiences that might surprise you. You’ll turn the corner in your hallway to see something unexpected or find a nook in your room that offers more than the eye perceives at first glance. For gourmets, there’s also a room service experience that gets a modern update for the discerning culinary traveler. Here are five things to experience at The Peninsula Tokyo that you won’t find elsewhere.
Taiwan’s capital Taipei is one of East Asia’s most vibrant metropolises. It's is famous for its night markets; Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest buildings; and the National Palace Museum, which holds a vast collection of imperial Chinese treasures. But beyond that, there are many more things to do in Taipei including urban hikes, historic neighbourhoods, hot springs, and a volcanic mountain park on the outskirts.
Prepare for some serious stomach growls as we reveal 20 of our favourite foodie experiences around the world. These picks, taken from the pages of Make The Most Of Your Time On Earth , are some of the finest ways to truly eat authentic dishes in the countries that do them best. If you're looking for the best food in the world, look no further.
Taiwan’s small but creative movie industry has been experiencing something of a renaissance in recent years. This selection – mostly recent films – should help you get under the skin of the island’s dynamic and complex culture. Aficionados should also check out the movies of two Taiwan legends: Hou Hsaio-Hsien and Tsai Ming-liang.
The Chinese obsess about food: the Mandarin for “how are you?” – ni chi fan ma – literally translates as “have you eaten yet?” Accordingly, they have created one of the world’s great cuisines. Each region boasts its own delicious specialities, which you’ll be able to find somewhere in Shanghai – but don’t overlook city’s own distinctive style.
Kaohsiung, Taiwan ’s second largest city, is a tropical gateway to one of the region’s main surfing areas, Kenting. But it's also well worth a visit in its own right. Jamie Fullerton finds some of the top things to do in Kaohsiung .
Jutting northwards into the Persian Gulf, Qatar is one of the world’s smaller nations (about the size of Yorkshire, England), but it is also the world’s richest country per capita. Many will only see Doha’s skyline from afar during an airport transfer, and football fans will know Qatar as the controversial location of the 2022 World Cup, but its labyrinthine souks, intergalactic architecture and beautiful sand dunes are well worth a closer look.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Japan , your essential guide for visiting Japan .
Taiwan, the place the Portuguese once called the “beautiful island”, has long been Asia’s forgotten country. And yet it is home to a trove of national parks, historic cities and far-flung islands. Mike MacEacheran travels cross-country to find out what we’re missing out on.