The COVID-19 outbreak that began in mid-May has brought hotels to their knees. Without a larger relief package, some may not survive. For most of the coronavirus pandemic, domestic tourism has been a bright spot for Taiwan’s hotel industry. Many hotels and B&Bs outside of Taipei – which is more reliant on the international market…
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…
Travelers in Taiwan these days can expect to find a wide range of unique, modern places to stay. Type the name of any popular resort area or major city into a booking website and a huge list of options for lodging will appear. But if you have slightly unusual requirements – you need wheelchair access,…
A unique Taiwanese experience and spectacular showcase of the island’s temple culture, the annual Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage brings together longtime adherents and, more recently, young Taiwanese interested in local customs. Besides the religious significance, the event is also a major contributor to the central Taiwan economy. With its firecrackers, dancing troupes, and mascots costumed as…
Despite rigorous border control and strict measures, COVID-19 has made its way into Taiwan. Now businesses, researchers, and government are working on innovations that will put Taiwan back in business. Until recently, Taiwan had a remarkable success record in containing the spread of COVID-19 and maintaining normality for its citizens. While hospitals worldwide had their…
With no end to the pandemic yet in sight, it may take years for the travel industry to fully recover. In the short term, the leisure market has the best prospects. As Taiwan faces a difficult coronavirus outbreak, imagining the future of travel in the country is a challenge. After all, besides containing the outbreak,…
Not known for being a particularly international city, Tainan has nonetheless been influenced by foreigners for hundreds of years. Contemporary visitors can still see and experience a number of their lasting contributions. It’s been almost 400 years since Dutch traders disembarked in present-day Tainan, kicking off a long history of foreign interaction and influence. In…
Taiwan has become a hub for music festivals, both big and small, over the past two decades. The passionate organizers – many of them foreigners – work hard to put on the best show possible despite the numerous risks and challenges. In April of 1995 two young American expats, Wade Davis and Jimi Moe, held…
Despite its gloomy reputation, Yunlin County – rich in culture and history – can provide a tranquil escape from the bustle of big city life. Photo credit: Steven Crook Situated just over 200 kilometers southwest of Taipei by freeway, Yunlin County suffers from a reputation for being flat, uninteresting, and insignificant. It has none of…
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…
