Do you have any plans to travel to Taiwan this year? Has it always been on your bucket list and roster of dream destinations? If you said yes to both questions, then look no further. We’ve gathered a handful of events and activities that’ll guarantee an unforgettable trip for you and your loved ones.
Photo: When In Manila
Though some might still deem it an underrated vacation spot, Taiwan offers a diverse range of must-visit attractions, tourist-friendly experiences, and hidden gems that don’t break the bank. From historical landmarks to annual traditions and festivities, there’s a special endeavor in Taiwan fit for anyone who’s drawn to its history, culture, and specialties.
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Are you ready to embark on an epic adventure in Taiwan? Here are 12 exciting activities you should try that’ll spruce up your next trip there:
1. Make a wish with the lanterns at Shifen
Shifen has become a renowned district in Taipei City for its dynamic tourist attractions, vibrant establishments, and most notably, its Old Street along the train tracks. Here, you can paint your own traditional lantern and make a wish as you release it to the sky.
2. Visit the natural hot springs in Beitou
Also accessible within Taipei, the Beitou hot springs are a refreshing haven where you can momentarily relax, reflect, and unwind away from the bustling city life.
3. Make new furry friends at the Houtong Cat Village
@klook 📍Houtong Cat Village A hidden gem 💎 in Taiwan, you cat lovers wouldn’t want to miss this out! 🐈 You have to visit the Houtong Cat Village located at Shifen Old Street if you’re heading to Taipei 😉 #taiwantrip #shifenoldstreet #catsoftiktok
If you’re a fur parent or a certified animal lover, you’ll certainly have a blast at the Houtong Cat Village in Ruifang District. This former mining town-turned-feline paradise has become a colorful lounge for Taipei’s friendly cats, whom you might even encounter inside the train station.
4. Spend a day in the Hillsides of Jioufen
Charming and quaint hideaways await you at Jioufen. Here, you can wander lantern-lit alleys, take snack breaks by the Old Street, and catch epic ocean views of this misty mountain town. You can also visit the village’s traditional tea houses, which inspired the iconic backdrops of Spirited Away.
5. Ride a Maokong Gondola
If you’re coming from the Taipei Zoo, you can take a glass-bottom cable car, Taiwan’s very own Gondola, up to Maokong for more tea houses, mountain air, and breathtaking city views.
6. Explore Taipei 101
As one of Taiwan’s most famous landmarks, Taipei 101 offers a wide range of must-see views and activities on each floor. You can even drop by the giant wind damper that stabilizes the whole tower.
7. Take a hike around Taipei
Get ready to hit your daily step goals and channel your inner adventurer with a hike around Taipei. There are many routes to choose from, but we especially recommend the hiking trail along Elephant Mountain. It’s a short climb, with a stunning view of Taipei 101.
8. Stroll around Taiwan’s night markets
You can never go wrong with trying new things in a new country, and Taiwan’s night markets can attest to that. They’re chaotic, crowded, and teeming with diverse food options and local goods for you to take home.
9. Try some homemade boba tea
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We can’t talk about exploring Taiwan to the fullest without a taste of the country’s homemade boba. As the beverage’s “birthplace,” you’ll find boba tea shops on every corner in Taiwan—including the ones in Taichung City, which people commonly credit for the drink’s origin.
10. Catch a wave in Taichung
Most tourists might not be familiar with Taiwan’s beginner-friendly surfing spots. That changes now. Taichung is home to captivatingly mellow Pacific waves, which are just a train ride away from the city.
11. Eat to your heart’s content
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“Food trips” make every overseas vacation extra special, and Taiwan is no exception. There are countless restaurants, markets, and hole-in-the-wall eateries in Taiwan with amazing delicacies that’ll make you come back for seconds. Your cameras (and stomachs) will be filled with dishes of all colors, shapes, and sizes in no time.
12. Go out and get in line
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No one likes long lines and even longer waiting times. But you’ll never know what stories and conversations you’ll find yourself in until you make a habit of lining up with the locals in Taiwan. A year from now, you probably won’t remember all that time you spent in line, but the experience will stay with you for the rest of your life. So embrace the outdoor thrill, get in line, and make those lifelong memories.
ALSO READ: Discovering Tainan: Taiwan’s Oldest City is Perhaps Also its Loveliest
Have you already tried any of these activities in Taiwan? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!
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