Some places are love at first sight. Taipei was that place for me. Four years ago I went on a long solo weekend trip to Taiwan and was immediately smitten by the city. It was modern yet tropical, the food was terrific, and the people were warm and friendly. I always longed to return. Thankfully, I recently had the opportunity to return and explore the capital of Taipei. The second trip just solidified the love that much more. Here are my five reasons why you should visit Taiwan.
Getting There
There are several hubs from the US that allow you to travel to Taiwan nonstop: New York, Los Angeles, and Houston. Unfortunately, Washington, DC does not offer a direct flight yet, but with one connection to New York or Los Angeles, you’re on your way. Flights average at $1k. The highest fare for a plane ticket is during summer from June to late August and Christmas season, which is about $1,300-$1,600.
Otherwise, the average fare is about $750-850. While in Taiwan, you can travel easily across the island by high-speed train. In the main cities, public transportation is abundant and efficient. Tip: I highly recommend taking EVA Air Premium Economy. With its small perks such as amenity kits, slippers, and plush blankets, it’s definitely one of the best premium economy class flights I’ve ever taken.
You Should Visit Taiwan For the Culture
You should visit Taiwan if you are a lover of culture. There are so much art and history woven into this island that it would take a lifetime to learn it all. The National Palace Museum located in Taipei is a cultural treasure with centuries-old Chinese and Asian art. The arts are not only focused on Taipei! Take a train down to Tainan to the Chimei Museum. The perfectly manicured grounds reminded me of Versailles. Once you enter the museum, you’re taken into this eclectic private collection with everything from samurai armor to Rodin sculptures. It makes the perfect day trip to Taipei as it will take you several hours to explore it all.
You Should Visit Taiwan For the Festivals
I visited Taiwan last during Lunar New Year, which is an extraordinary time to visit as there are festivals throughout the country. I had the opportunity to visit three distinct ones.
Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival
This unique festival takes place in the southern town of Tianan. This town hosts the Yanshui Annual Beehive festival. As the name implies, the festival’s main attraction is an over the top display of fireworks. This event is like nothing I’ve ever experienced in my life! Visitors can wear a fire-protectant suit and get close and personal with the source of the fireworks. I, however, opted to hang out at the top of the temple and catch the views that way. Beyond the fireworks, many local merchants are offering delicious Taiwanese food such as stinky tofu, soups, and desserts.
Pingxi Lantern Festival
If you’re looking for reasons for why you should travel to Taiwan, this can be added to your list. I’m biased because this was one of the highlights of my trip. This small town located just an hour away from Taipei has a unique vibe. Pingxi is lush and green, dotted with charming small wooden homes, and a picturesque river that runs across the small town. All the little details give it a cozy feel. Take the time to visit some of the tiny tea houses and sip on the local-made tea. As the sun sets, the magic begins. I found more details on how to get to the Pingxi Lantern Festival here.
When our tour guide was telling us about the festival, I assumed the lanterns would be dainty paper lanterns like the ones I’ve seen on tv. Not in this case: lanterns are around four feet tall, and it takes a few people to send it off. Visitors are encouraged to write down their wishes on the lantern before setting it ablaze so it can fly high in the sky. It’s a truly magical sight.
Taiwan Paper Lantern Festival
Every year, the Taiwan Paper Lantern Festival takes place in a different city in Taiwan. This year, it took place in the southern city of Pingtung. This festival has a colorful display of intricately made paper lanterns. There are rows and rows of intricate designs such as colorful dragons, festive Buddhas, and of course, plenty of pigs (2019 is the year of the Pig). These designs, along with intricate lighting, goes on for almost two kilometers. I highly recommend going with an empty stomach as there are so many delicious food stands throughout the festival grounds.
You Should Visit Taiwan for the Food
Yes, you should visit Taiwan for the food! When you see Taiwan on a map, you will notice the island is located in between China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and South East Asia. Its geographic location brings many influences from the neighboring Asian countries. Head to the night markets (my favorite is Rahoe Night Market) for spicy chili crab, fresh tropical fruit smoothies, and of course, the famous Taiwanese stinky tofu. Do not be fooled by the smell-the tofu is delicious!
From the night market street food to fine dining, you will not have a bad meal in Taiwan, especially if you have an adventurous palate. Indulge in a Michelin-Starred meal in Ya-Ge at the Mandarin Oriental Taipei or Le Palais de Chine Chinese Restaurant. The later is the only three-starred Michelin restaurant in Taiwan. For a more casual affair, head to Ding Tai Fung for delicious dumplings.
You Should Visit Taiwan for the People
My first trip to Taiwan was a solo trip. Although I am open to travel alone, I usually enjoy traveling with friends or my husband. However, I felt incredibly safe and welcomed in Taiwan. I received excellent service at every restaurant and shop I visited, and people were always accommodating when I asked them to take a photo. It’s one of those places that I genuinely wish I could return to very soon.
Taiwan: The Verdict
You should visit Taiwan because it’s such a dynamic and unique place in the heart of Asia. It has its own unique culture intertwined with the many different influences that it has received during its history. I am happy that I had the opportunity not only to return to explore beyond Taiwan.
