18 Pictures & 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Taiwan Soon

Taiwan, the tiny island off the Southeast coast of China, is a bit off the beaten path and not commonly talked about as a travel destination.

But there must be a reason why Taiwan topped the global ranking for expats to live last year according to Forbes.

Known as the “heart of Asia”, Taiwan is packed with exciting things to do, places to see, festivals to enjoy all year round and friendly people to meet. 

On top of that, traveling to and in Taiwan is quite cheap.

But let’s go back to the reasons why you should visit Taiwan. Without further ado, here are some of the things Taiwan is well-known for.

Here are 10 Reasons Why You Will Travel To Taiwan Next

1. Hike some of the most beautiful mountains

Taiwan is home to some of the most beautiful mountains with very friendly paved trails for hikers. They are so stunning, that this one needed to top our list of reasons to visit Taiwan.

It’s home to Yushan (Jade Mountain), the tallest peak in Taiwan sitting at almost 13,000 ft above sea level and Taichung, the second-highest mountain in Taiwan (an all-time favorite snowy destination in Asia for mountain and all things winter lovers). 

There’s also the Four Beasts, which has the most famous Elephant Mountain that rewards its visitors with beautiful panoramic views of Taipei. Teapot Mountain and Snow Mountain also give gorgeous views of the island’s seaside.

2. Relax in natural or private hot springs

Taiwan is home to many natural and private hot springs all in the beitou and xinbeitou district. The water temperature is perfect for a soothing and rejuvenating time for your body. Public springs are just 30NT (about $1 USD) and private springs start at around 400NT (about $12).

3. See and experience Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is the second tallest building in the world. But it’s known not only for the views atop but everything else in between. Hundreds of famous shops and store brands attract millions of visitors each year. Right outside, you’ll find the popular sculptures of large block letters spelling “Love” and “Heart” describing what Taiwan is known for.

4. Visit the famous night markets

At night, dozens of night markets are packed with visitors and locals hungry to eat some of the best local dishes in Taiwan. Night markets also are filled with fun games for both kids and visitors alike. And there’s plenty of shopping for inexpensive clothes, toys, and gadgets.

5. Set off a sky lantern in the famous old lantern town

Pingxi is known as the place in Asia to set off a sky lantern with friends, family, or loved ones. As you walk through the old city, you’ll find hundreds of street vendors selling snacks and sky lanterns for you to set one off into the sky. It’s a Taiwan must-see and sky lanterns start at just 100NT (or $3 USD).

6. Eat amazing local food

Taiwan is known for some of the best food in the world. There’s a wide variety of snacks, hot foods, and interesting things to try.

Some of the common local dishes include Beef Noodle Soup, Oyster Pancake, Wontons, Hot Pot, Mango Shaved Ice, Boba tea, Stinky Tofu, and really good/cheap breakfast. Popular breakfast items like Soy Milk, Soup Dumplings, and egg pancake are must try’s in Taiwan.

7. Meet some Taiwanese people

In Taiwan, you’ll meet some of the friendliest people on earth. If you’re taking public transportation, most people give up gladly give up seats if they see a need. Locals are very eager to help and talk with visitors.

If you meet some of the younger generations, a lot of them can understand English. And if you stay in hostels, it will be really easy to meet a lot of other travelers from around the world. You just need to go and see for yourself!

Bonus points if your visit takes place at the same time as Taipei Pride, one of the greatest LGBT Pride parades in the world. This event is usually on the last Saturday of October and the city will be full of friendly people looking for socializing and having a good time.

8. Go biking on incredible trails

All over Taiwan, you’ll find bike rentals everywhere. And in most places, you’ll find bike-friendly trails that stretch all the way from one side of the City to the other. Biking is very popular in Taiwan.

Along some of the popular trails, you’ll see friendly neighborhoods, popular hotspots in Taipei, and locals enjoying all kinds of outdoor activities.

9. Try afternoon tea

A must-try, while you’re in Taiwan, is afternoon tea. It’s like an afternoon brunch except its light food, desserts, and tea. Afternoon tea is designed for people to relax, catch up, and spend quality time with someone you love. And what’s better than spending quality time talking while eating delicious food and desserts for hours?

10. Enjoy the sunset

The last on the list is perhaps the simplest and most underrated pleasure that the locals get to experience every day. Sunsets in Taiwan are beautiful. Since Taiwan is very mountainous, if you’re in a region where the elevation is high, you’ll get an even better view of the beautiful sun ending your day.

If you’re on the beach, relax in the soft sand and watch the sun dim its lights.

Taiwan is an underrated destination many people tend to overlook. But the tiny little island is packed with friendly people, beautiful sights to see, amazing food to try, and plenty of things to do. The best part is it’s inexpensive to go and once you’re there, everything is also budget-friendly!

Do you have any pictures of Taiwan you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!.