Travel Inspiration
Taiwan is a treasure trove of diverse experiences, from bustling cities to serene natural landscapes. I recently had an amazing week’s adventure in Taiwan, traveling from Taipei to Kaohsiung on the High-Speed Rail (HSR) and then working my way back north through Tainan, Taichung, and the serene Sun Moon Lake.
Here’s what I got up to…
The HSR itself is an experience: smooth, fast, and incredibly efficient. In just under two hours, I found myself in Kaohsiung, ready to explore the less travelled roads of Taiwan.
First stop once off was Maolin Natural Scenic Area – a nature lover’s paradise. Located in the southern part of the island, it’s famous for its lush forests, vibrant indigenous culture, and the seasonal migration of purple crow butterflies.
In Maolin, you can explore stunning gorges, majestic waterfalls, and picturesque rivers. The area is home to the indigenous Rukai people, and visitors can experience their unique culture and traditional crafts.
If you love waterfront vibes, this city is for you. The Love River is super scenic, perfect for a bike ride or just chilling by the cafes.
The Pier-2 Art Centre is a must-see, with all its quirky art installations and old shipping warehouses transformed into shops, cafes, artist studios, music venues, bars, and more.
The western railway line, which previously brought goods to the docks, has now become Kaohsiung’s busiest cycling trail, and amazing works of art await discovery in the District’s public spaces. I tried the Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup which originated here – delicious!
Then I made my way to Tainan via Ten Drum Cultural Village.
Ten Drum Cultural village spans over 5 hectares and occupies old warehouses built during the Japanese Colonial Period. It is now converted to promote the traditional drumming art to the world and also has a variety of activities that can be enjoyed, including rock climbing, slides, shops, restaurants. Definitely worth exploring if you are in Tainan.
Tainan is like stepping back in time, with so many historical sites to explore. The Anping Tree House, Chihkan Tower and Anping Fort are just the start. The street food scene here is fantastic. And the night markets are so lively, with vendors selling everything you could imagine.
Next on the list was The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum near Chiayi, which has an incredible collection of Chinese artefacts & textiles. The building itself is architecturally impressive as well. Another great little stop was The Museum of Old Taiwan Tiles, Chiayi. Located in an old wooden house, this museum sheds light on the history and preservation of Taiwan’s ancient tiles. You can take home a nice gift for someone too!
Sun Moon Lake: This place is pure magic. The lake is shaped like a sun and a moon – how cool is that? You can take a boat ride across the lake and rent a bike to explore the paths around it. The bikeway has been selected as one of the world’s ten most beautiful bicycle paths by CNNGO, USA. The views were just breath-taking. The cable car ride offers such a stunning aerial perspective. And don’t miss Wenwu Temple, perched on a hillside overlooking the lake – so peaceful and picturesque.
Taichung was next on my list. This city has a bit of everything. The Ling Family Garden Residence, GuonFu Village, the Rainbow Village & 921 Earthquake Museum.
A visit to the 921 Earthquake museum was really interesting. It has conserved the damage caused by the JI-JI earthquake such as collapsed school buildings and a raised running track along the fault line.
Taichung is also the location of the Original Pearl Milk Tea, for all those Bubble Tea fans.
We also stopped at The Old Mountain Railroad, Taiwan’s first rail biking system that is more than 100 years old. A pretty and fun spot to spend some time.
We drove into Taipei as dusk settled in. This city is a perfect blend of modern and traditional with beautiful greenery surrounding the city. Skyscrapers like Taipei 101 towering above while you stroll through bustling night markets like Shilin and Daxi Street.
Experience i-ride Taipei for a birds eye view over the countryside of Taiwan and you must have a meal at Din Tai Fung, well known to serve some mighty tasty handmade-in-front-of-you dumplings. Ensure to book a table though, especially at the one located at Taipei 101 because you can wait a few hours for a table!
If you have time you can’t miss a hike through Elephant Mountain for a view over this great city.
All in all, Taiwan is just amazing. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Taipei, chilling by the waterfront in Kaohsiung, diving into history in Tainan, or soaking up nature’s beauty at Sun Moon Lake, there’s something for everyone. Can’t wait for you to experience it!
Happy Travels!
Talia
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