If you are looking for autumnal leaves, cherry blossoms, an active volcano and some of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges, then look no further than Taiwan.
Taiwan is home to many of the planet’s most magical gems such as an eternal flame (one of just nine in the world), a mountain village that is rumoured to have inspired Spirited Away and even a real-life lantern festival where tourists are given their own flames!
With flight times under 10 hours from major Australian east coast cities, including Melbourne and Sydney, Taiwan can transport you to another world, without having to travel across the globe.
Best of all – with many attractions available all-year-round you can avoid the crowds if you choose to.
You can find out more about Taiwan at the upcoming Travel Agent Day Australia (TADA) in Melbourne on the 2nd of October where Taiwan Tourism can assist with any questions you may have about itinerary planning.
But for now, here’s EIGHT things you didn’t know you could do in Taiwan!
1. Visit the magical mountain village that inspired Spirited Away
Just one hour outside of Taipei is the small village of Jiufen. Set in the mountains, Jiufen boasts narrow winding alleyways filled with teahouses, eateries, and knick-knack shops. It has such a magical quality that it is even rumoured to be the inspiration for one of the most critically acclaimed anime films of all time: Spirited Away.
It is a must for foodies with the streets filled with the smell of herbs, spices, and much more.
2. Scale a bamboo-shaped skyscraper in Taipei City
You can’t really go to Taiwan without visiting Taipei City – the bustling metropolis is the perfect blend of world-leading technology and wild nature with state-of-the-art modern buildings framed by wild ferns.
This spirit of nature is present in the city’s architecture and especially so in the case of Taipei 101 – a bamboo-shaped skyscraper which was once the world’s tallest building.
The building’s observation deck – which has panoramic views of modern Taipei – is a must-see, even winning a TripAdvisor Travel Choice Award in 2024.
3. See the orange autumnal leaves via the Alishan Forest Railway
The Alishan Forest Railway is known as one of the most well-preserved mountain railways in the world. Beginning in Chiayi City, the railway’s winding tracks pass through three different tropical climates. It is especially popular from mid-September when the green leaves of the forest transform into a rich amber.
Whilst the railway has long been one of Taiwan’s most popular sites, now is an especially good time to go. Floods and landslides meant that much of the railway was once closed. As of July this year, it has been fully opened for the first time in 15 years meaning you’ll get a chance to see it at its best.
4. Experience indigenous culture at Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan’s most-loved tourist resorts. Taiwan’s largest body of natural water is surrounded by forest peaks and leafy foot trails. It is well and truly a mountain-lovers paradise with visitors able to enjoy bike riding, a trip in the cable car as well as boat rides.
Whilst there you can visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village theme park. The village combines education, amusement and culture. Described as Taiwan’s largest outdoor museum, the village was established in 1986 and covers 62 hectares. With traditional buildings, the culture village was set up to teach guests about Taiwan’s 10 indigenous tribes.
5. Experience the legendary Fire and Water Cave
There are few places in the world where you can experience naturally occurring fire and water in the same place. Described as one of the seven wonders of Taiwan, the Guanziling Fire and Water Cave is a unique natural spot where a small bubble of methane gas coming through the earth’s crust has led to the burning of an eternal flame next to a natural hot spring.
Local history states that the spot was found by a monk in the 1900s and the flames initial stretched to as high as 3 metres!
6. Enjoy the iconic Taiwan Lantern Festival
If you want a truly Taiwanese experience, then look no further than the Taiwan Lantern Festival. Last year the festival featured over 300 lanterns, a 22-metre-tall dragon and a speech from the president.
It brought together elements of classic Chinese culture, modern Western influence and innovative artistry, epitomised by a traditional lantern in the shape of Spongebob.
Showing just how welcoming Taiwan is to tourists, the Taiwanese Government gave all international independent travellers who attended the festival a complimentary 2024 Year of the Dragon lantern, a limited-edition souvenir and an event ticket. The next festival will be held in February 2025!
7. See the pink blossom at Yangmingshan National Park
A lot of people associate cherry blossoms with Japan, but Taiwan is actually famed as one of the best places in Asia to see the natural world transform into a pink wonderland.
In Taiwan, the cherry blossom season lasts from late January to early April with February and March listed as the best times to view.
If you are looking for a family-friendly trail that is easy to navigate then we recommend the Yangmingshan National Park. It is one of nine national parks in Taiwan and is located in Taipei and New Taipei City.
8. Visit a volcanic island in the shape of a turtle
Have you ever wanted to visit an island in the shape of a turtle which boasts an active volcano? Look no further than Turtle Island, located in Toucheng Township, Yilan County.
Its natural beauty has made it a favourite for tourists and the Taiwanese Government is keen to keep it that way, limiting the number of visitors to protect the island.
If you are lucky enough to visit, then you can enjoy whale watching and a special hike to the island’s summit. The island is open from March to November.
Find out more about visiting Taiwan at https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/.
