The rich history and early Austronesia, Portuguese and Dutch inhabitants make up the great cultural mecca of Taiwan! Taiwan, also officially known as the Republic of China offers much for visitors to see and do from national parks to island getaways like Orchid Island, coastal cliffs, stunning mountains and historic streets like the Shifen Old Street.
- Shifen Old Street – This old railroad town offers more than just bustling restaurants and shops—it’s a region visitors can connect with the village’s history through the little alleyways, hidden lanes, an old railway that was once used to transport coal, and regular cultural events like the Sky Lantern Festival.
- The Lungshan Temple – Representing Chinese history as well as folklore stories, this place of worship was built in the 1700s and it currently is one of the oldest temples in the country. Learn about the building’s heritage from the original owners – Fujians and the Qing dynasty – and the functions of the temple and meanings behind the architecture from when it served as both a place of worship and a meeting place for Chinese settlers.
- Kenting National Park – Enjoy the region’s mountainous backdrop, the white-sand beaches that line the park and the many caves and lush greenery. Rent a motorbike or scooter and bike around the main roads of Kenting or along the surrounding beaches. Make a visit to the old Eluanbi Lighthouse, built in the late 1800s, or scubadive in Kenting’s coast with its large variety of corals and colourful fish.
- Orchid Island – Escape from the energetic cities and wind down on a calming beach. A volcanic and mostly secluded island due to the considerable distance away from the mainland Taiwan, this region offers beautiful landscapes like mountains and rainforests. The region has an aboriginal history too–The Yami people, an Austronesian ethnic group that is the only oceanic tribe native to Taiwan’s tiny island.
- Ximending neighbourhood – a car-free pedestrian zone, this charming but lively neighbourhood offers much for visitors and locals alike! The area offers some of Taiwan’s latest high-fashion stores and retail chains as well as much entertainment from small concerts to theatre performances, street entertainment and LGBTQ events. The region’s history is rooted in Japanese culture as it was built during a Japnese rule (1895-1945) and this is evident in the Japanese-style architecture of the buildings in this area such as the Mazu Temple.
I love having the opportunity to help send travellers to my most favorite parts of the world—the South Pacific. I look forward to helping you plan an epic vacation with many unique experience
Written by: Jane (Destination Specialist)
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