|
I lived there for six years during my trip around the world after high school. Some of the best years of my life; it screwed up the rest of my travel itinerary.
Taiwan is known as the Economic Miracle. Also called the Isla Formosa or Beautiful Island, you will see the contrast of tremendous natural beauty and modern urbanization.
Must see:
1. National Palace Museum - one of the best museums bar none, of the world as it houses the premier collection of Chinese treasures and art. Makes the Louvre look like a garden shed. It is said the museum is designed to withstand a nuclear attack and indeed, the warehouse section lies ddep within the mountain. Don't forget the Chinese garden that's attached. Stunningly beautiful.
2. Taipei 101 - Currently the tallest building in the world but not for long so see it while it still holds the title. Nice little area; go ahead and walk around Warner Entertainment Complex (not sure of the name).
3. Ride the metro - awesome subway system. Very efficient, organized, comfortable. Also includes an underground mall.
4. Mucha Tea Plantation. Check out this tea plantation and traditional tea house. Very interesting and relaxing. Some of the finest teas in the world (not that shitty low-grade British schwag) comes from Taiwan so trying the tea here is a must.
5. Taroko Gorge - one of the natural wonders. It is essentially a highway build into the side of a cliff. Majestic and breathtaking views. If you are a car enthusiast, you can rent a car and drive it but you have to have nerves of steel. Google this for some pics.
6. Yang Ming Shan hot springs. I can't recommend a specific one but going to the hot springs in Taipei (mountains of Taipei) is a great experience. Get a full package if you can - hot springs, massage, tea, and food. It's worth it.
7. Night Market - many choices here but Shi Lin Might Market is great and/or Snake Alley (but I'm not a big fan of Snake alley, kind of a racist tourist trap).
8. Hsi Men Ting - this is a fun area full of shops, promenades, people etc. It's on the west side and a very popular place for young people.
9. Chung Hsiao/Tun Hua is another area that's awesome - more yuppie and upscale. It's on the east side.
10. Dan Sui - take the metro (red line) out there, a great way to see some scenery by the way and walk around the waterfront. It's gorgeous out there. If you are adventurous and have the time, hope on one of the boats out there and see where it goes. Look for the Turkish guy selling ice cream, he is quite and act and character.
11. Food, food, food - Taiwan has great food, especially if you like Chinese, Asian food. Try everything and I do mean everything. Street food, stall, restaurants, especially at the night markets. No seriously, eat 6 meals a day if you have too. Even the airport food is awesome.
By the way, most of these activities, except Taroko Gorge can be done via the subway system and many of these can be combined.
EX: National Palace Museum in the morning (it's huge you can;t see it all - make sure to see the jade stuff though). Hit the hot springs for a late lunch and to recharge, then go to Shi Lin night market. These three places are in the general vicinity of each other (loosely speaking).
Culture - The Taiwanese are extremely friendly and nice. They will go out of their way to help you and make you feel welcome. Be respectful and culturally sensitive. Asians are very proud and sensitive about face. Make sure you never embarrass or insult one and you will do fine.
Good luck, take lots of pictures and post them here when you get back.
|