Taiwan: A Vibrant Guide to Culture, Cuisine, and Scenic Escapes

Taiwan

🗣️ Language

Mandarin Chinese is recognized as the official language across Taiwan. Additionally, Taiwanese Hokkien is also widely spoken, particularly in various regional communities.

📄 Visa

Tourist visas, business visas, and transit visas are common types available for entry into Taiwan. Other categories include student visas, work visas, and resident visas, each with specific application requirements.

💰 Currency

New Taiwan Dollar

The New Taiwan Dollar’s exchange rate fluctuates, but it generally trades around 30 TWD per 1 USD. Rates against other major currencies will vary, and it is advisable to check current exchange rates before travel.

Introduction

Taiwan’s urban centers pulse with a dynamic energy, seamlessly blending modern skyscrapers and bustling commercial districts with the serene calm of ancient temples and the lively aromas of night markets. Beyond the city lights, the island’s smaller towns reveal a charm rooted in local life and traditional crafts, while expansive natural areas invite tranquil escapes, offering stunning landscapes and refreshing outdoor activities.

Climate

Taiwan experiences distinct seasons; spring brings mild weather with increasing humidity, while summers are hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms. Autumn offers warm, sunny days with lower humidity, marking the end of typhoon season. Winters are generally mild and dry in the north, becoming cooler and wetter in mountainous regions, with occasional cold fronts.

Attractions

Taroko Gorge

This majestic marble gorge captivates visitors with its dramatic cliffs, intricate hiking trails, and ancient temples, offering breathtaking scenic viewpoints and a profound connection to nature’s grandeur.

Sun Moon Lake

Taiwan’s largest and most enchanting lake, nestled amidst verdant mountains and lush forests, provides opportunities for serene boat tours, scenic cycling paths, and immersive cultural experiences that blend natural beauty with local heritage.

Yehliu Geopark

A truly unique coastal landscape, this geopark showcases an array of fascinating rock formations, meticulously sculpted by natural erosion over millennia, creating an otherworldly and captivating environment that feels like a natural art gallery.

Activities & Attractions

Ju Ming Museum Ticket in New Taipei

– Explore the outdoor museum that occupies over 110,000 square meters – Appreciate the art that was arranged to blend in with the mountains range and the coastline – Embrace the art in the museum and its natural surroundings – Learn about the famous artist, his vision, and how he designed the park’s architecture

⭐ 4.9/5 (105 reviews)

Wulai Scenic Train Ticket

– Go on a picturesque ride on the last remaining light railway in Taiwan: the Wulai Scenic Train – Get to know the country’s transportation history before the highway era and watch it unfold – Feel the cool breeze of the forest and see the stunning river valley views – Experience the nostalgic atmosphere of Wulai as you navigate through nature and old structures

⭐ 4.9/5 (461 reviews)

Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket

* The outdoor observation deck on the 91st floor is the sky grassland picnic site, and you can enjoy a relaxing “Sky Tour” at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level * Formerly the world’s tallest architecture, a visit to Taipei 101 is quite simply a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the capital of Taiwan, Taipei. * What’s more, you can get to the top in one of the world’s fastest elevators, which were the fastest elevators according to the Guinness World Records in 2004, arriving all the way to the top in a mere 37 seconds!

⭐ 4.8/5 (3134 reviews)

Tainan Zuozhen Fossil Museum Ticket

Enjoy a 10% Off% discount on tickets to Zuozhen Fossil Park on KKday. Buy online and Purchase and Use Immediately, and avoid queuing on site.
Tainan Zuozhen Fossil Museum is the first fossil museum in Taiwan and a must-visit indoor attraction for families.
Zuozhen Fossil Park consists of five major theme pavilions, including the Jurassic Dinosaur Pavilion and the Ecological Evolution Pavilion.
Recommended attractions near Tainan: Must-visit Shanshang Garden Waterway Museum
Click now to purchase Taiwan High Speed Rail tickets together with your checkout, with discounts starting from 30% off!
For details on the limited-time offer for Tainan accommodation + high-speed rail tickets, please visit the High-Speed Rail Holiday Event Website and book now!

⭐ 4.8/5 (644 reviews)

Experiences

Kuo Yuan Ye Pastry Museum Tour & Pastry DIY – Taipei

Try your hand at baking pineapple shortcakes and various pastries. Visit Kuo Yuan Ye Museum, a one-of-a-kind museum devoted to local pastry culture for over a century.

Join a hands-on baking class taught by experts
Enjoy Taiwanese tea and your very own freshly made pastries
Take a trip through the past 100 years of Taiwan’s pastry culture
Bring home a pineapple shortcake gift box as a souvenir

⭐ 4.8/5 (2006 reviews)

Jinshan Hot Springs｜Governor’s Hot Springs in San Francisco｜Open-air Bath・Seaview Hot Spring House (On-site registration)

The rare underwater hot spring water also contains sulfur and mineral components unique to the Datun Mountains.
Unique rooftop outdoor hot spring with views of the bay or mountains
KKday offers a variety of discount options, where you can enjoy food in addition to hot springs
Close to San Francisco Beach, you can enjoy the eight scenic spots of Jinshan, including sunrise on Turtle Island, moon at the end of the water, and mist at Bamboo Peak.

⭐ 4.7/5 (196 reviews)

Taipei Beitou｜Phoenix Pavilion Hot Spring Hotel Hot Spring Ticket｜Online reservation is required after ticket purchase

Near Xinbeitou tourist attractions Provide free shuttle service to Xinbeitou MRT Station
Hidden in the tranquil paradise of Beitou, soak in 100% natural white sulphur hot springs
The quiet and spacious bathing space allows you to completely relax your body, mind and soul, and immerse yourself in an undisturbed leisure time
This is an open ticket, please make a reservation in advance by " online reservation "

⭐ 4.7/5 (153 reviews)

Volando Urai Resort & Spa｜Scenic Hot Spring House・Japanese-style Large Bath・Room Bath・SPA Experience

The first choice for five-star hot spring bathing in Wulai – Volando Wulai Resort Hotel
Own an independent bathhouse and enjoy a quiet and private bathing space
Enjoy a delicious set meal and afternoon tea after taking a bath
Check out now with high-speed rail tickets, with discounts starting from 30% and guaranteed seats! !

⭐ 4.6/5 (2135 reviews)

Food

Savoring Taiwan’s Culinary Delights

🍽️ Bubble Tea

A delightful, sweet milk-based tea, often enjoyed with chewy tapioca pearls, standing as a beloved and refreshing Taiwanese beverage that has gained global popularity for its unique texture and flavor combinations.

🍽️ Xiao Long Bao

These delicate soup dumplings, meticulously steamed in bamboo baskets, burst with flavorful broth and tender meat upon the first bite, offering a truly satisfying and iconic culinary experience.

🍽️ Beef Noodle Soup

A comforting and hearty staple of Taiwanese cuisine, this soup features tender braised beef, springy noodles, and fresh vegetables, creating a deeply savory and fulfilling meal that warms the soul.

Food & Drinks

Backstreet Food Tour: Food, Culture, and Fun

On our 4-hour walking food tour journey, you’ll sample over 10 tastings as you wander through the backstreets of the bustling XinYi District and take in the massive view of Taipei 101. You will enjoy some of Taipei’s best street food, including the famous “Taiwanese burger” and bubble tea. You’ll also visit the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park where you’ll sample soup dumplings and the best pineapple cake. If you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll also have the chance to taste the notorious “stinky tofu” that is beloved by the locals!

⭐ 4.9/5 (64 reviews)

Starbucks Electronic Dining Voucher | Taiwan

Experience premium coffee and service in a uniquely designed Starbucks in Taiwan. Get discounts on Starbucks e-dining coupons and earn KKday Points.

Use the e-tickets immediately upon purchase and earn KKday Points
Explore multiple branches across the entire Taiwan chain with a variety of locations to choose from, and enjoy the option of cross-branch exchanges
Redeem quickly by scanning the QR code to save time

⭐ 4.8/5 (450 reviews)

Purchase and Use Immediately ｜Taiwan｜FamilyMart Convenience Store｜Let’s Café． FamilyMart ice cream coupons

Electronic tickets Purchase and Use Immediately, and you can also accumulate KKday Points!
The chain has many branches across Taiwan, with many locations to choose from and can be redeemed across branches
Simply present the barcode at checkout to redeem, saving time and convenience

⭐ 4.8/5 (217 reviews)

[6% Off] Tim Ho Wan Meal Vouchers | Multiple Locations Across Taiwan

Enjoy freshly made dim sum at Tim Ho Wan, the Michelin-starred restaurant known for its signature baked pork buns and authentic Hong Kong-style cuisine.

Awarded one Michelin star for 12 consecutive years
Enjoy authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum, freshly made and steamed to order
Taste the signature crispy baked BBQ pork buns, a must-try dish at Tim Ho Wan
Conveniently located in major cities across Taiwan, it is easy to dine anywhere

⭐ 4.6/5 (125 reviews)

Tours

Full-Day Private Northern Taiwan Tour from Taipei with Pickup

Travel to northern Taiwan’s most popular tourist attractions, such as Jiufen Old Street, Yehliu Geopark or Yangmingshan National Park with your own private guide.

⭐ 4.9/5 (691 reviews)

Full-Day Private Custom Taipei City Tour

Create a custom 8-hour itinerary in and around Taipei! No matter if you are planning your own journey or a business trip, make it easier with this convenient and customized service. See the attractions that you want to see according to your own preferences with a local guide.

⭐ 4.9/5 (778 reviews)

Private Custom Taipei Airport Layover Tour

With just few hours to take in the treasures of Taipei, a private layover tour means you can maximize your time with a custom-made itinerary. Perhaps admire landmarks such as Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the Martyr’s Shrine, and the Dalongdong Baoan Temple; enjoy the views from the Taipei 101 skyscraper; or discover the best places to eat or shop in the city.

⭐ 4.9/5 (246 reviews)

Private Tour to Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Pingxi

Discover scenic Northern Taiwan on a private day tour from Taipei. Be amazed by the landscapes in Yehliu Geopark. Explore the beauty of historical Jiufen, which inspired Oscar-winning animations then make a wish with a sky lantern flying over Pingxi.

⭐ 4.9/5 (362 reviews)

Shopping

Exploring Taiwan’s Diverse Shopping Scenes

🛍️ Night Markets & Specialty Stores

Taiwan’s bustling night markets offer an exciting array of street food, clothing, and unique souvenirs, providing a lively cultural experience. For more curated finds, visitors can explore specialty shops in major cities that feature local crafts, designer goods, and popular tech items. Bringing cash for smaller vendors is advisable, and one might find opportunities for polite bargaining in some market settings.

Culture

When exploring Taiwan, it is important to respect local customs and traditions. Visitors should be mindful of noise levels in public spaces and remember to remove shoes when entering temples or homes. Avoiding pointing with chopsticks is also a common courtesy.

Info

Taiwan is generally a safe country with a low crime rate. Visitors should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly in crowded areas. It is advisable to avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night and to use reputable taxi services. Keeping copies of important documents separate from the originals is a wise precaution, and travelers should be cautious of potential scams targeting tourists.

🚨 Emergency Contacts:

Tap water is generally safe to drink after boiling. For immediate consumption or convenience, bottled water is readily available across the island.