Taiwan: The Most Underrated Destination in Asia
Taiwan is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s one of those destinations that’s filled with surprises. The small island off the coast of China consists of verdant mountain ranges, bubbling hot springs and some of the best food you’ll eat in Asia. Launch yourself into a totally new culture, gorge on steaming soup-filled dumplings and hike through mountainous national parks. If you get lost, there will always be a friendly local to help you on your way as the Taiwanese are a smiley and helpful bunch. If you’re not convinced already, here are 6 reasons to add Taiwan to your travels.
Be charmed by Juifen
Ever since I first saw a photo of this historic gold mining town I’d been wanting to visit. Nestled up in the mountains, the mazelike town boasts beautiful views over the landscape. Go hungry because there are countless market stands selling Taiwanese street food.
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Wish on a lantern
Shifen Old Streets is a scattering of laneways and market stands located along the train track. It’s fondly visited for its tradition of releasing lanterns into the sky for good luck. The annual Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival sees people come from far and wide to write their wishes on paper lanterns and release them to the heavens above.
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Hike through Yangmingshan National Park
Located just outside of downtown Taipei, this national park is a must-do daytrip for anyone visiting the bustling city. The national park is home to natural hot springs, steaming vents and the iconic Qixing Mountain which offers spectacular views over Taipei.
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Gorge on Xiao Long Bao
These soup filled dumplings will burn your mouth if you don’t eat them the way the locals do – pierce a little hole with your teeth in the soft dough and wait for a minute for the steaming soup to cool down before inhaling the rest. Incredibly moreish and dangerously un-filling, it would be easy to eat your body weight in these bite-sized dumplings, and when in Taiwan I would encourage you to do so.
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Marvel at the grand palace
Set among landscaped gardens, the sapphire-roofed Memorial Hall is Taipei’s most impressive building. It’s not just pretty to look at, but it’s steeped in history and cultural symbolism. The octagonal shape was chosen because the number eight is associated with fortune and wealth and the roof was constructed with blue and red tiles to mirror the Chinese flag.
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Bathe in hot springs
Most people associate onsen pools with Japan, but Taiwan is a hub for geothermal activity and steaming hot springs. One of the country’s most popular onsen regions, Beitou is located just outside of Taipei and is known for its mineral-rich waters. Make sure to save a day to indulge in this age-old tradition and relax with the locals in 40-degree waters.
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