Taiwan 台湾 — Island of Contrasts

Updated: April 2026 | Suggested stay: 5-10 days

Taiwan is an island off the southeastern coast of mainland China, known for its vibrant culture, excellent food, dramatic mountain scenery, hot springs, and one of the world's best night market scenes. The island ranges from tropical beaches in the south to sub-alpine peaks over 3,000 meters in the center. Taipei is the modern capital; the countryside offers traditional villages and natural wonders.

⚠️ Important Note

Taiwan has its own immigration system separate from mainland China. Entry requirements differ significantly. Most visitors enter visa-free for 90 days, but check current policy with official sources. Travel between mainland China and Taiwan has specific procedures. This page provides general travel information; always verify entry requirements before planning your trip.

Taipei 台北

Taipei 101 台北101

Formerly the world's tallest building (508 meters, 2004-2010). The observation deck (88-91 floors) offers views of Taipei. The building's design resembles a bamboo stalk, symbolizing resilience and growth. A massive tuned mass damper (730 tons) inside stabilizes the structure against earthquakes and typhoons.

Observation deck: 600 TWD. Open: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM. Metro: Taipei 101 Station.

National Palace Museum 国立故宫博物院

Housing the world's largest collection of Chinese imperial artifacts — over 700,000 pieces moved from Beijing's Forbidden City during the Chinese Civil War. Famous exhibits: Jadeite Cabbage (翠玉白菜), Meat-Shaped Stone (肉形石). The collection spans 8,000 years of Chinese history.

Admission: 350 TWD. Open: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM. Metro: Shilin Station, then bus.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall 中正纪念堂

A massive memorial to the former president, featuring a 70-meter bronze statue and changing of the guard ceremony. The surrounding Liberty Square (自由广场) is used for gatherings and festivals.

Free. Open: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Metro: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station.

Night Markets 夜市

Taipei's night markets are legendary:

Jiufen 九份 — Mountain Village

A former gold mining town on a hillside overlooking the sea. Narrow lanes, lantern-lit teahouses, and views of the Pacific. The village inspired the setting in Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away." Best visited on weekdays to avoid crowds. Try taro balls (芋圆) at the teahouses.

Free to explore. Access: Train to Ruifang Station, then bus (30 min). Or bus direct from Taipei (1 hour).

Sun Moon Lake 日月潭

Taiwan's largest natural lake, surrounded by mountains in the center of the island. The east side resembles a sun; the west, a crescent moon. Boat tours, cycling around the lake (30 km), and tea from nearby mountains. Wenwu Temple and the Ci En Pagoda offer panoramic views.

Boat pass: 300 TWD. Access: Bus from Taipei (3 hours) or Taichung (1.5 hours).

Taroko Gorge 太鲁阁

One of Taiwan's most spectacular natural sites — a 19-km marble canyon carved by the Liwu River. The Eternal Spring Shrine (长春祠), Swallow Grotto (燕子口), and Shakadang Trail offer dramatic views. Hiking trails range from easy walks to multi-day treks.

Free entry. Access: Train to Xincheng/Taroko Station (2 hours from Taipei), then bus.

Tainan 台南 — Historic Capital

Taiwan's oldest city (capital 1683-1887). Dutch and Qing dynasty historic sites, traditional temples, and the best street food in Taiwan. Anping Tree House (安平树屋) — a warehouse swallowed by banyan roots — is a highlight.

Food Highlights

Practical Information

Transportation: Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) connects Taipei-Hsinchu-Taichung-Tainan-Kaohsiung (1.5 hours Taipei-Kaohsiung). Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) covers smaller stations.

Currency: Taiwan Dollar (TWD). Credit cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants; cash needed for markets.

Best Time: March-May and October-November. Summer (June-August) is hot and typhoon-prone. Winter is mild (15-20°C).

Language: Mandarin Chinese (official). Hokkien widely spoken. English understood in tourist areas.