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Top things to do in Taiwan
See traditional Chinese art in Taipei, try local delicacies and explore the stunning Taroko National Park, dotted with waterfalls, mountains and gorges. Travel on the well-established rail system through picturesque landscapes and visit Taiwan's oldest city, with ancient relics galore.
Here are the top things to do on a Taiwan holiday, as chosen by our Far East specialists.
See Chinese art in Taipei
The National Palace Museum’s antique collection comprises almost 700,000 pieces spanning the entire 5,000 years of Chinese history. It is regarded as the best collection of Chinese art and antiques in the world, brought to Taiwan by the Kuomintang forces in 1949 when many ancient treasures in mainland China were destroyed in the ravages of the Cultural Revolution.
Travel by train
The history of rail travel in Taiwan dates back to 1887. Today, a modern rail system links most large towns and cities, and a new high-speed train operates from north to south between Taipei and Kaohsiung. In places, old stations and track sections remain. Of particular interest are the Neiwan line, which passes Hakka temples, the Pingsi line, with views of crashing waterfalls and idyllic countryside, and the Jiji line, passing spectacular mountains and quaint villages.
Try local delicacies
Influences from other countries, tropical climate and the abundance of fresh seafood have given Taiwan a unique and delectable food culture. Wander the markets in Taipei, taste xiaochi (snack foods) in Tainan, and experience a tea ceremony in Sun Moon Lake to uncover the local flavours for yourself.
Visit Taiwan’s oldest city
Taiwan’s long history involving the Dutch, Japanese and Chinese has left the city with many ancient relics to explore, including forts, temples and churches, some more than 300 years old. Tainan is home to some of the finest examples of Taiwanese architecture. Wander through the narrow lanes to discover courtyards, walled gardens, chic cafes and tranquil tea houses.
See Taroko National Park
Situated in the north-east of Taiwan, the Taroko National Park covers an area of more than 92,000 hectares of the Central Mountain Range. Visitors can enjoy scenery of high mountains and steep gorges, with many peaks towering above 3,000 metres. Highlights include the spectacular Taroko gorge and the Liwu river, which can be seen from the central cross-island highway. There is also a number of rewarding day hikes in the park.
