Taiwan: Asia’s Best-Kept Secret — A Land of Lanterns, Mountains, and Night Markets

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Taiwan: Asia’s Best-Kept Secret — A Land of Lanterns, Mountains, and Night Markets

Taiwan isn’t a place you visit — it’s a place you feel. One moment you’re gazing at neon lights over Taipei 101, the next you're standing on a quiet mountain trail surrounded by mist and shrines. This island nation off the southeastern coast of China is small in size but vast in diversity. It packs an astonishing range of experiences into every mile: dramatic coastlines, spiritual temples, hot springs, world-famous street food, and a culture that’s as hospitable as it is rich.

From the tech-forward pulse of Taipei to the serene cliffs of Taroko Gorge, Taiwan is the kind of destination that gently takes your breath away — and then feeds you the best dumpling you’ve ever had.

🏙️ Taipei: The Beating Heart of Taiwan

Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, is where old meets new with effortless charm. Skyscrapers rise beside Taoist temples, and quiet alleyways lead to some of the best meals of your life.

Top Experiences in Taipei:

Taipei 101: Once the world’s tallest building, it offers sweeping city views and luxury shopping.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A landmark of political history surrounded by serene gardens.
Longshan Temple: An active and atmospheric spiritual center dating back to 1738.
Maokong Gondola: Take a scenic cable car ride to the tea plantations for an afternoon brew with a view.
Shilin Night Market: Dive into Taiwan’s street food scene — try stinky tofu, bubble tea, and pepper buns.

Taipei is clean, safe, and surprisingly efficient, making it the perfect city for first-time visitors to Asia.

⛰️ Taroko Gorge: Nature’s Marble Masterpiece

Located in Taroko National Park, this dramatic marble canyon is one of Taiwan’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Carved by the Liwu River, it’s a hiker’s dream and a photographer’s paradise.

Don’t Miss:

Shakadang Trail: A relatively easy walk with crystal-clear river views.
Eternal Spring Shrine: A picturesque temple clinging to a cliff with a waterfall flowing through it.
Swallow Grotto: Sheer cliffs, narrow tunnels, and swooping birds define this part of the gorge.

Taroko is best accessed from Hualien, a charming coastal city that’s a great base for adventuring and trying mochi desserts.

🏞️ Sun Moon Lake: Tranquility in the Heart of the Island

Located in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is a peaceful retreat surrounded by forested hills and indigenous culture. It's ideal for cycling, boat rides, and sunrise strolls.

Visit the Wenwu Temple for lakeside views and intricate architecture.
Explore Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village to learn about the region’s native tribes.
Rent bikes and circle the lake — it’s one of the most scenic rides in Asia.

This area offers a slower pace and spiritual connection with Taiwan’s natural rhythms.

🏮 Jiufen & Shifen: Lanterns, Rain, and Nostalgia

A day trip from Taipei, these former mining towns in the hills are dripping with charm and cinematic beauty.

Jiufen: A winding maze of tea houses, red lanterns, and stair-stepped streets said to have inspired the anime Spirited Away.
Shifen: Famous for sky lantern releases — write your wish and watch it float into the clouds. Also, visit the Shifen Waterfall, known as Taiwan’s “Niagara Falls.”

These towns feel like stepping into a different time, offering misty, magical vibes perfect for quiet reflection and iconic photos.

🧧 Tainan: Taiwan’s Spiritual Capital

The oldest city in Taiwan, Tainan is the island’s temple capital and a hotspot for heritage lovers.

Chihkan Tower and Fort Zeelandia tell tales of Dutch colonization.
Over 1,500 temples dot the city — from colorful Taoist altars to ancient Confucian academies.
The local food is legendary. Try milkfish soup, dan zai noodles, and mango shaved ice.

If you want to understand Taiwan’s roots, this is where you start.

🍜 Taiwanese Cuisine: Street Food Heaven

Taiwan’s food scene is vibrant, affordable, and absolutely addictive.

Must-Try Dishes:

Beef Noodle Soup: Taiwan’s national comfort food.
Lu Rou Fan: Braised pork rice bowl — simple, savory, and soul-satisfying.
Xiao Long Bao: Soup dumplings with thin skins and rich broth.
Gua Bao: Taiwanese-style pork buns with pickled vegetables.
Oyster Omelet: A night market staple with a chewy texture and sweet-savory sauce.

Food isn’t just a meal here — it’s an identity.

📌 Essential Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (March–May) and Autumn (Sept–Nov) offer the most pleasant weather.
- Summer is hot and humid, while winter can be rainy but mild.
Language: Mandarin Chinese. English is spoken in cities, less so in rural areas.
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TWD).
Transportation: Taiwan’s trains and high-speed rail are modern and efficient. The EasyCard is a must-have for city transit.
Safety: Taiwan is one of the safest places to travel solo, especially for women.

✨ Final Thoughts: Taiwan is a Gentle Giant of Wonder

In a region dominated by well-known giants like Japan, China, and Thailand, Taiwan often flies under the radar. But those who visit quickly realize that Taiwan has everything — soul-stirring landscapes, spiritual depth, incredible food, and people who will make you feel like family.