The launch of Taiwan+ in late August attracted the attention of many observers, some of whom praised the platform for its sharply produced and well-reported content. Yet concerns remain over whether a state-funded media outlet can be a truly objective source of news and information on Taiwan. Britain has the BBC; the U.S. has NPR,…
As more countries, concerned about academic interference, begin to close down the China-facilitated Confucius Institutes on their university campuses, Taiwan is in a unique position to fill the gap by exporting its Chinese-language teaching expertise and drawing more students to the island for language study. At the end of 2020, then American Institute in Taiwan…
Despite the prevalence of satellite data, traditional map-makers continue to tell remarkable stories with historical and contemporary images of Taiwan. In the age of smartphones, satellite data shows us the world in real-time to an accuracy of up to 30 centimeters per pixel with just the tap of an app. How can traditional maps, produced…
For most citizens and long-term residents, Taipei 101 is likely not on their radar as a source of leisure and entertainment, though some recently added attractions may convince even the pickiest of fun-seekers to pay a visit. Photos courtesy of Taipei 101 If you ever get lost in Taipei, you can always orient yourself by…
A more hostile environment for journalists and NGOs in China and Hong Kong could make Taiwan an ideal location to open regional bureaus and offices. Taiwan is arguably one of the world’s most misunderstood places. Even major media corporations often get it wrong. For example, last December U.S.-based ABC News mistakenly referred to Tsai Ing-wen…
Cage-free eggs at supermarkets and vegan fare at restaurants are just some of the changes taking place as part of a movement spearheaded by local animal rights groups and conscientious businesses. The sound of clucking chickens isn’t something usually associated with shopping in a supermarket. But roll your shopping cart past the egg section in a…
A local NGO is working to restore an island-wide network of hiking trails and walking paths that offer visitors a peek into Taiwan’s past. We would have walked straight past without noticing them but for the hiker just ahead who had stopped to take a closer look. There, tucked away under a rocky overhang, just…
Just a quick jaunt from Taipei, Xiaoliuqiu has a lot to offer the weekend traveler – beaches, hiking, wondrous wildlife, and the chance to snorkel alongside green sea turtles. There are no American servicemen stationed here, but Xiaoliuqiu (or Little Ryukyu) doesn’t do a bad job of living up to its name as Taiwan’s mini…
Warning: Do not serve alcohol to minors. When you drink, don’t drive. A guide to some of the city’s busiest, best, and most unusual taprooms. Taiwan’s ubiquitous convenience stores are consumers’ go-to places for snacks, cold and hot drinks, cigarettes, and even microwaved meals. But recently, they’ve expanded their inventory with a new item. Since…
From smashed avocados to beetroot lattes, the city’s restaurants and cafes are catching on to the latest international eating trends. There’s something wonderfully devilish about an otherwise health-oriented brunch place that also serves a wide range of alcoholic beverages. After all, a piña colada is the perfect accompaniment to a plate of poached eggs. The…
