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Your ultimate Taiwan travel guide

The best things to do in Taiwan, a country that is part modern-day wonder and part ancient tradition, from natural wonders to experiences.
Pu Ji Temple Lunar New Year painted lanterns hand over a street in Taiwan.
Pu Ji Temple Lantern Festival

I will admit, when the offer of a trip to Taiwan came across my desk, I had no idea what to expect. But it turns out this tiny island has more diverse experiences and adventures than you’d think.

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Skyline of Xinyi District in downtown Taipei, Taiwan.
Skyline of Xinyi District in downtown Taipei, Taiwan.

At various stages it has been under Dutch, Chinese and Japanese rule and as a result there is a rich tapestry of influences to be seen in everything from architecture to cuisine and beyond. From its wild coastline to its soaring mountain highlands, every destination I visited peeled back another layer that only added to the allure Taiwan has to offer.

Must-see sights of Taiwan

Queen's head Stone in Yehliu Geopark, New Taipei, Taiwan
Queen’s Head stone in Yehliu Geopark, New Taipei, Taiwan

An hour from the capital city, Taipei, Yehliu Geopark is home to spectacular sandstone formations carved by the ocean. One can wander the ocean trail to see dragons, candles, fairy slippers, and more. All of Mother Nature’s stunning creations. Don’t miss the remarkable Queen’s Head which, sadly, may not last the elements for much longer.

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Pink flowers bloom in Yuyupas Cultural Park in Taiwan
Yuyupas Cultural Park

High in the Alishan mountains is Yuyupas Cultural Park. Owned by the indigenous Tsou people, breathtaking views and lush gardens provide the background for cultural performances. I recommend you partake in a tea ceremony as unique to Taiwan as the locals who live here. And furthermore, for a place to stay, try Hotel Indigo Alishan. Its rooftop terrace offers 360° views to take in sunrise and sunset above the clouds.

See historic Jiufen Old Street

Once the homes of gold miners, the sloping, twisty lanes of Jiufen Old Street are today filled with tea houses, a retro theatre, a multitude of food vendors (local tip: If there’s a queue, join it), modern artists, souvenir vendors and more. Give yourself a whole day and get lost in the smells, sights and sounds. And go with an empty stomach.

Tea house with red lanterns. Jiufen, Taiwan.
Tea house with lanterns on Jiufen (Chiufen) old street.
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It’s a crime not to try Taiwanese boba — or bubble tea as we know it Down Under. The original was allegedly conceived at Chun Shui Tang tea house. Today it is a chain where you can get a multitude of flavours, hot or cold. I was never a fan. That is until I tried the classic pearl milk tea — a blend of black tea, milk, sugar and tapioca pearls. Not too sweet and incredibly refreshing.

Take a dip in a hot spring

There are more than 10 0 hot springs across Taiwan. In Guanziling — set between Chiayi and Tainan — the heavy concentration of clay soil sees the thermal hot spring water come out with a high concentration of silt. The mineral-rich mud is fabulous for the skin. Try the public bathhouse or else many hotels offer a personal experience.

Experience a Taiwan lantern festival

Painted lanterns hand over a street in Taiwan.
Lunar New Year Painted Lantern Festival.

In February, parks across Taiwan display a sea of lanterns. Seen as a symbol of hope, peace and new beginnings to usher in good fortune, the official annual Lantern Festival will be held in Taoyuan in 2025. Stunning displays come from around the globe with thousands packing in to see it — a moment not to be missed.

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This article originally appeared in the November 2024 issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly. Pick up the latest issue at your local newsagent or subscribe so you never miss a new issue.

The writer travelled as a guest of Taiwan Tourism.

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