Situated on the border of Miaoli and Hsinchu counties, this mountainside temple complex and network of hiking trails remain woefully under-promoted. But to those in the know, it’s one of Taiwan’s most captivating destinations. Back in 2009, I pitched a tourism piece to the in-flight magazine of a Taiwanese airline. Tired of seeing articles on…
Embark on an affordable and culturally rich city break to Tokyo, where a long weekend can unfold into an exploration of Japan’s enigmatic capital. The next time you are planning a long weekend away, consider thinking a bit further afield than Taipei or Kaohsiung. Direct flights connecting the central airports of Taipei’s Songshan and Tokyo’s…
Just north of Taipei between Tamsui, a historic town that’s a first-tier destination in its own right, and the superb natural harbor of Keelung, Taiwan’s stunning north coast welcomes visitors with an alluring mix of scenery, culture, watersports, and seafood. For those keen to get away from the bustle of the big city, the coast…
Each of Taiwan’s outlying islands has a character of its own, but perhaps none are more beguiling than those that comprise the Matsu archipelago. Just over 14,000 people live on these rocky islands, 114 nautical miles (211 km) northwest of Taiwan. Because there is a lack of flat land and the growing season is short,…
For two Taiwanese American residents, Taipei’s pandemic lull sparked a deep dive into their shared passion, culminating in a joint business venture. Nestled in the heart of Taipei’s eastern district, LA-style taco restaurant Chale Taqueria & Cantina now welcomes patrons on the hunt for SoCal Mexican comfort food. The decor at Chale features muted versions…
Taiwan is one of the world’s most densely populated countries, yet almost a fifth of the island has been set aside for the purpose of conservation. In addition to nine national parks and one national nature park, the authorities manage a network of nature reserves, forest reserves, major wildlife habitats, and wildlife refuges. Because Taiwan…
This memoir of redemption reveals the deep-seated issues of stereotypes and addiction in the tech world, urging a reevaluation of values in the pursuit of success. BY AVA BLIXT In 2016, Taiwan announced its ambitions to become Asia’s Silicon Valley. If successful, the government’s plan of connecting Taiwan with global high-tech R&D communities and “seizing…
Pingtung is the county at Taiwan’s southern tip. It contains almost everything that makes Taiwan an excellent destination for travelers. Although Pingtung accounts for only about 3% of Taiwan’s population and 7% of its land area, it offers striking mountain scenery, delightfully bucolic villages, hot springs, the island’s most popular beach resort, and its oldest…
Overshadowed for most of its history by Taipei and Kaohsiung, Taichung’s recent growth spurt has caused it to overtake both Taiwan’s capital and the southern harbor city in terms of population. People are moving to this municipality of 2.9 million people in pursuit of business and employment opportunities and to enjoy a sophisticated urban lifestyle…
This year, February 10 is not just the first day of the Year of the Dragon. It also marks the beginning of a period of intense merrymaking – a time of year when Taiwanese people can forget work and school and enjoy seasonal festivities. Many will attend local or national editions of the Lantern Festival,…
