Taiwan Travel Tips from a True Local

[Stacey Kulas]

Hello, fellow travelers! I am your local guide from Taiwan. Today, I’ll share with you my heart about the places worth visiting and those that might require some thought in Taiwan.

• South (hotter weather in southern Taiwan!):

  • Highly recommended:
    • Yitah World: It is a large amusement park and shopping center. Both adults and children will have fun here.
    • The Pier-2 Art Center: In Kaohsiung, this place used to be an old warehouse but is now an artsy cultural park, with many artistic installations and characteristic shops worth snapping photos of.
    • Anping Old Street: Located in Tainan, this is one of the first regions developed in Taiwan. Visitors can walk around the old buildings, eat traditional snacks, and immerse themselves in the nostalgic atmosphere.
    • Hsi-Ku Salt Mountain: Formerly a salt curing site, it is now a huge salt mountain resembling a snow mountain, which offers unique scenery for exceptional landscape photographs.
  • Consideration required:
    • Nantzu Green Tunnel: This sounds dreamy, but according to some people (including myself), the sightseeing by boat may seem monotonous and not as impressive as expected.
      • Little tip: If you don't have much time, prioritize other more distinctive attractions.

• Center (the heartland of Taiwan, with high mountains and big lakes!):

  • Highly recommended:
    • Alishan: The views are spectacular! Visitors can enjoy the sunrise, clouds, and even forest trails to absorb the healing fragrance. The famous highland tea is also something to taste.
    • Sun Moon Lake: This is Taiwan’s largest high mountain lake, known for its beautiful scenery which includes cycling or boat tours to enjoy the serenity of the place.
    • South投 "Instant Noodle Land God Temple": Unbelievable! People bring instant noodles to worship the land god, the protector, and you'll even get the chance to eat it there, truly a distinctive feature of Taiwanese life!
    • Chiayi "Re-Heng Finance God Temple": People praying for good fortune may visit this temple to worship the goddess of wealth, and enjoy the blessing!
  • Consideration required:
    • Qiu Hong Valley (in Taichung City): It is actually a downtown sunken park. Although it has good greenery, if tourists travel specifically for this spot, it will likely only be suitable for locals to take their dogs for walks or relaxing. Tourists don’t have to rush to see this place specifically.
      • Little tip: If you’re staying in Taichung, you can visit it for relaxation, but don't expect too much.

• North (Taiwan’s political and economic center, with many bustling cityscapes!):

  • Highly recommended:
    • Dasi Old Street: Located near Taoyuan, this place is famous for its Baroque-style buildings, with dried tofu snacks. Very popular!
    • LiChiang Street Night Market (also known as TongHua Street Night Market): A must-visit night market loved by locals, with diverse and authentic local delicacies.
    • Ningxia Night Market: One of Taipei’s famous night markets, with many small street vendors offering classic Taiwanese dishes.
    • Jiufen: Formerly a mining town, it is now a charming hillside old street, known for its tea houses and sweet potato pastries. Its charm increases as the evening comes, said to resemble "Spirited Away."
    • Taipei 101: a landmark that all must-see! Especially at night when looking down from above, take photos non-stop!
  • Consideration required:
    • Raohe Night Market: Another popular night market; However, I believe the prices have risen and it can be quite crowded, making it not as pleasant as before.
      • Little tip: For a better taste of the night market culture, Lichiáng or Ningsi may offer a better experience and a higher value.

All of these, purely personal opinions! Traveling should mainly be about having fun! I hope these little snippets will help you, fellow traveler! #TaiwanTrip #FollowTheLocalTouristPlan #TaiwanIndependentTravel