Journey information for first time guests – THETRAVELBLOG.at – Curious minds, intentional travels.

It’s February. And whereas a skinny layer of snow covers my hometown of Vienna, I’m undecided what to pack for my upcoming journey to Taiwan. A fast Google search later I study that Taiwan is positioned in a subtropical to tropical zone. The climate forecast for the subsequent week varies significantly between sandal and lightweight jacket climate and so I go for the same old: Layering items.

Seems February in Taiwan can also be the finest time to go to for Sakura, the notorious cherry blossom season. I’m not mad about that little facet observe and fortunately pack my swimwear, sandals in addition to a cashmere sweater, a raincoat and an umbrella. And off I’m going to an island I do know method too little about, and that completely has to alter.

I used to be fortunate sufficient to hitch a visit along with a bunch of journalists and an skilled Taiwan information for per week. In fact that is too quick to develop into a Taiwan skilled, but it surely was simply lengthy sufficient to get a primary glimpse of the nation (nicely, and to go away me eager for extra). There’s lots to remove from this week and that I discovered, therefore I’m sharing this information with these of you who’re additionally planning their first journey to Taiwan.

On this information I’ll share a few of my suggestions when you’re additionally planning a primary time go to of Taiwan.

You’ll study what you’ll be able to anticipate (and never anticipate) from a vacation spot influenced closely by Chinese language and Japanese immigration and traditions combined with the indigenous heritage.

Earlier than sharing our itinerary and suggestions for locations to go to and issues to do, let me share a couple of issues, that you just ought to know earlier than you go. To be fully frank, I didn’t know an excessive amount of about Taiwan earlier than planning my first journey. In our western media the nation normally solely makes appearances in terms of political points with China (observe that Taiwan remains to be formally referred to as “Republic of China”, clearly displaying that the difficult historical past of the nation remains to be mirrored in in the present day’s politics). But, in terms of something past these discussions we not often learn an excessive amount of about Taiwan in our media.

So, right here’s what I discovered and assume is vital to know earlier than a visit:

1. Inexperienced areas: Taiwan has a inhabitants density of roughly 650 individuals per sq. kilometer, making it probably the most densely populated areas globally (ranked seventeenth on the planet). Regardless of this, round 60% of Taiwan’s land space is roofed in forests and inexperienced areas, which shocked me – I hadn’t anticipated a lot nature earlier than I went. That’s why Taiwan can also be well-known for it’s nationwide parks and many mountain climbing alternatives.
2. Vegetarian meals: On the aircraft to Taipei I watched a documentary in regards to the night time markets of Taiwan and in that present they solely featured one vegetarian dish, alongside over 10 meat heavy snacks. So I used to be not sure what number of choices I’d discover as a vegetarian. But later I came upon that Taiwan additionally has a major vegetarian inhabitants (an estimated 13% of Taiwanese individuals), largely on account of spiritual and cultural influences. So, in the long run I discovered vegetarian meals in every single place. It helps to learn to say that you just’re in search of vegetarian meals in Chinese language (“Zhe shi su de ma?” which suggests “Is this vegetarian?”). One other Tip: Vegetarian meals is commonly marked with these symbols: 卍 (Buddhist swastika) and 素 (vegetarian) character.
3. Evening markets: We tried a couple of native eating places along with our information, which all served respectable meals. However besides for 2 very well-known eating places I personally most well-liked the meals on the night time markets and I now perceive the hype. They’re actually an expertise and even when you’re vegetarian and never able to go for rooster butts or blood sausage yow will discover some actually unbelievable meals. My private favourites had been the numerous king oyster mushroom variations in addition to fried scallion fingers and peanut ice cream wraps with recent cilantro (!). Extra on that later, however simply ensure you plan sufficient night time market visits throughout your keep.
4. Bubble tea: Taiwan not solely has an unbelievable tea tradition (you can too go to tea farms and study in regards to the variations between inexperienced tea, oloong and black tea and their fermentation course of), but it surely’s additionally well-known because the birthplace of bubble tea. I had essentially the most wonderful bubble tea variations right here and you can not miss sampling this iconic drink.
5. Money remains to be king: Talking of night time markets. Whereas most outlets, inns and eating places settle for bank cards, many night time markets and small distributors solely take money, so it’s sensible to hold some New Taiwan {Dollars} (NTD) with you. I picked up about 100 USD value of NTD (round 3,000 NTD) straight on the airport and that went a good distance. Evening market meals is comparatively low cost (assume 120 NTD for a bubble tea or 150 NTD for a big portion of grilled mushrooms).
6. Comfort shops: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and different comfort shops are ubiquitous and provide providers like topping up your EasyCard (to make use of public transport) or buying cell knowledge (I opted for Chunghwa Telecom and paid round 20 USD for limitless knowledge for per week). There’s additionally cooking stations with brownish-coloured tea eggs (a delicacy it’s a must to strive!), and are excellent for grabbing a fast oolong tea or onigiri.
7. Scooters in every single place: Like in lots of Asian cities scooters dominate the streets. Be cautious when crossing roads, particularly since there’s now many e-scooters silently gliding by means of the streets.
8. Scorching springs tradition: Taiwan has quite a few sizzling springs, due to its volcanic geology. We visited Beitou in Taipei, which is a well-liked spot amongst vacationers. Against Japanese onsen baths you’re allowed to enter with tattoos, however bathing caps are necessary (and will probably be supplied alongside sandals and Kimonos when you go to one of many fancier sizzling springs).
9. Temples galore: Temples are plentiful, even within the smallest villages you’ll discover a couple of temple or shrine. Usually they signify the combined beliefs of the Taiwanese, incorporating native folkloristic beliefs into Buddhist and Taoist religions. Tip: At all times enter on the proper facet and depart on the left to verify to observe native customs.
10. Climate variations: Taiwan’s climate varies significantly by area and season. In February we had sunny sizzling days the place we walked round in t-shirts after which a day later we had been wrapped in wool sweaters and lightweight raincoats (and really glad we introduced our umbrellas). And though the island isn’t that enormous, the subtropical North will be cooler than the tropical South. Storm season (June–October) may not be the perfect time to go to, however extra beneath within the “Greatest time to go to” phase.
11. No tipping: That is one thing to notice and adapt, as we’re not used to this in any respect. However tipping is just not widespread in Taiwan (apart from tour guides). It will likely be thought of offensive when you attempt to tip in opposition to these requirements, so hold that change (and use it at a meals stall later).

The most effective time to go to Taiwan is throughout the fall (October to November), winter (December to February), or spring (March to Could). Summer time tends to be sizzling and humid making it much less ideally suited to go to. Fall affords clear skies, comfy temperatures, and vibrant autumn surroundings. Winter, particularly December by means of February, is a improbable time to go to with gentle temperatures in most areas. Winter additionally brings the festive spirit of the colourful Lunar New Yr celebrations (which we had simply missed by a couple of days).

If you wish to come throughout Chinese language new yr listed below are the dates for the subsequent years to mark in your calendar:

• February 17 , 2026
• February 6, 2027
• January 26, 2028

Personally we visited in Mid February, which marked a number of the first cherry blossoms (observe that the additional South you go the sooner these begin to bloom, in some locations already in January). However the primary purpose for our go to was the celebration of the Lantern Competition (all the time on the fifteenth day of the brand new yr in line with the Chinese language calendar), when glowing lanterns mild up the night time sky. The climate in February was hotter than we had anticipated and it actually felt like a heat spring already.

We solely stayed a (method too quick) week in Taiwan, providing a primary glimpse of the variety of cultures and sceneries. For those who additionally solely have one week we’d suggest to mix a couple of days within the metropolis of Taipei with one vacation spot in nature.

We stayed two nights on the well-known Solar Moon Lake in central Taiwan, a turquoise colored gem lined with bamboo forests and mountain peaks. We might’ve simply prolonged this by a couple of extra days to have the prospect to discover a number of the hikes on provide, however Taipei was calling and we additionally loved our time within the metropolis (assume night time markets, temple visits, museums and naturally a go to of the landmark Taipei 101).

Ideas for Solar Moon lake

Many individuals come to Taiwan for the colourful metropolis life, however as a lot of you understand I actually get pleasure from nature and was completely happy we additionally obtained an opportunity to go to the largest lake in Taiwan: Solar Moon lake in Nantou County in central Taiwan.

Earlier than we dive into our suggestions, let’s get one factor out of the way in which first: Swimming is mostly not allowed right here (besides for 2 days per yr, the place tens of 1000’s flock to the lake for this particular alternative). Subsequently a go to right here is extra about boat & bike rides, mountain hikes and having fun with the surroundings across the lake.

We stayed at Ita Thao village on the Japanese shore of the lake on the tremendous fashionable Wyndham Solar Moon Lake lodge. The spotlight of the lodge was that they found a sizzling spring throughout the excavation works and determined to embrace this chance to remodel the lodge and equip every room with conventional sizzling spring stone baths. Excellent after a day of lake explorations when you ask me (simply don’t warmth it up all the way in which to 42 levels like I did, 38-39 levels could be sufficient).

Don’t miss visiting Wenfu temple and Ci’en pagoda when you’re right here in addition to renting bikes to experience alongside one of many hundred most stunning bike paths on the planet (in line with Nationwide Geographic Traveler). We rented our e-bikes from GIANT – Solar Moon Lake Station and made our approach to the organically formed concrete Xiangshan Customer Middle after which continued to Xiangshan Scenic Outlook and all the way in which to the tip of the trail on the “看見拉魯觀景台 / Statement deck”.

At Shuishe Pier you’ll be able to hop on a ship to see Lalu island up shut (not too attention-grabbing, however the folkloristic tales about it are fascinating) after which cease for a go to of Xuan Zang Temple – devoted to the Chinese language Buddhist grasp translator who wandered all of India seeking the unique Sanskrit texts. Sadly we didn’t have an opportunity to experience the gondola in Ita Thao, however that might positively be on my checklist for a subsequent go to.

Within the village of Ita Thao there’s a small night time market, which is value a go to to seize some snacks within the night or pattern the normal millet wine, that the indigenous Thao individuals invented.

Ideas for Taipei

For those who’re visiting Taipei the night time markets are an absolute should – and there’s loads of selection. We stayed on the well-known Palais de Chine lodge, so Ningxia Evening market was our closest possibility. Though we solely arrived at 9pm the primary night, we nonetheless hopped over and I discovered essentially the most scrumptious grilled king oyster mushrooms in a soy marinade right here, which I topped with lemon juice and spicy curry powder (the stand isn’t marked in Google Maps, but it surely’s within the arcades on the left facet reverse of stand #53, that sells Exploded Egg yolk Taro balls, however which I didn’t like an excessive amount of).

Talking about meals I wish to suggest my favorite restaurant right here in Taipei, and no, it’s not the well-known Din Tai Fung (though the dumplings listed below are actually good). However my private favorite should’ve been Yang Shin Vegetarian, particularly for his or her “Signature Spicy Sichuan Wontons” and the “Beijing Duck Type King Oyster Mushroom”. So so so good!

In fact we couldn’t resist one other night time market go to, which was Shilin Evening market, and about 10x bigger than the little Ningxia market. The vibe right here is extremely energetic and loads of the distributors right here converse English because it’s extra touristy too. My private favorite right here was the “Scallion Fried dough Stick” and the dessert! A peanut and taro ice cream wrap (in a kind of crepe constructed from rice dough) stuffed with shaved peanuts and a great deal of recent cilantro. By no means had something like this earlier than and I completely liked it. Ensure to get it from this man within the image as he’s the one who invented it (now many stands copied the dish).

Different should do’s embody visiting the statement deck at Taipei 101, the Nationwide Palace Museum and naturally – it’s a must to hike up the Elephant Mountain Path (we went for dawn, which didn’t actually occur, however we had been virtually alone – sundown is meant to be the perfect when it comes to views, however possibly will get a bit crowded). They are saying it’s 600 steps to the highest. I didn’t depend, but it surely was sufficient to present me sore muscular tissues the subsequent day 😉

We additionally stopped at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor, the right place to see the cherry bushes in bloom in February! Many locals additionally come right here for birdwatching, so when you’re into that deliver your lengthy tele photograph lenses or binoculars – you’ll be able to see water hens and egrets and even king fishers on the pond within the park.

One afternoon was devoted to the sizzling springs at Beitou and a go to of the beautiful (albeit small) Beitou museum, housed in a former Ryokan type Japanese dwelling and devoted to indigenous artwork and an exhibition in regards to the bathing tradition in Taiwan.

What to skip: Shifen (Pingxi) sky lanterns

Now right here comes an unpopular opinion, however personally I’d skip a go to of Shifen (Pingxi). I do know the sky lantern releasing right here is on high of everybody’s should do checklist for Taiwan, however I discovered it an extremely overwhelming and overrated mass tourism expertise.

Think about a tiny village overrun by 1000’s of vacationers on a regular basis, who all assemble in the identical road to launch lanterns within the sky. You’ll get shoved by means of that street to then stand in line till you get to launch your lantern (not earlier than having your pictures taken after all).

Minutes later the lantern disappears within the distance solely to land within the forests across the village. Supposedly locals are getting paid to get well the trashed lanterns and produce them to the landfill, however we didn’t see that. What we did see is dozens of lantern in every single place within the bushes and the riverbed subsequent to the village.

Go to the lantern competition as a substitute

As a substitute of an unsustainable Shifen go to I counsel to go to Taiwan throughout the yearly lantern competition celebration. This competition takes place at a special metropolis yearly and showcases mild installations, that aren’t was trash inside minutes.

This yr’s lantern competition was held in Taoyuan and featured a sustainability part with mild installations constructed from bamboo in addition to a lightweight present on the major snake-shaped lantern (to have fun the yr of the snake).

What about Jiufen?

In fact we additionally visited the well-known Jiufen, which left me with combined emotions. Like many vacationers we solely got here throughout a day journey and had been shoved by means of the primary road alongside lots of different guests that day. I do perceive the hype in some methods, because the sloped mountain village should’ve been scenic some time in the past, however now all of it feels a bit like Disneyworld (or Hallstatt for that matter).

The primary road is lined with outlets, memento stalls, tea homes and eating places, so it’s a really commercialised expertise. We made the perfect of it and easily embraced the buying, obtained some souvenirs (like a personalised stamp constructed from wooden and carved intarsia) and bubble tea. I really feel when you had been to remain an evening it could be a special expertise as most guests will depart within the late afternoon, however on the identical time I don’t know if it truly is well worth the go to.

Subsequent time I’d positively go for a village that’s extra off-the-beaten path as a substitute.

This week was merely a primary glimpse of the nation. Now I do know a tiny fragment of Taiwan, however with many causes to return for extra. Right here’s what’s on my checklist for a subsequent go to:

• I’d love to go to a serpentine quarry to study extra in regards to the well-known inexperienced snake stone.
• I wish to hike the numerous mountain trails and spot extra monkeys, for instance at Kenting Nationwide Park.
• I wish to study in regards to the fermentation of soy beans – for instance at Could-dong Conventional Handmade Sauces in central Taiwan’s Taichung metropolis.
• I wish to keep at Hoshinoya Guguan to experinence the sizzling spring city of Guguan.
• And naturally I wish to go to the unbelievable Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and Sanfeng Temple in Kaohsiung.
• I additionally wish to go to the historic metropolis of Tainan, the oldest metropolis within the nation.
• And final however not least I’d like to journey to Alishan Nationwide Scenic Space for an extended nature escape.