Welcome to Taiwan

Taiwan is Asia's best-kept secret — an island that simply does not appear on the travel plans of most Europeans, even though it offers everything that makes a perfect travel destination. Those who travel to Taiwan encounter a unique mix of Chinese tradition, Japanese influences, indigenous culture, and modernity that rivals even Japan.

• The best street food in the world — Taiwan's over 300 night markets are legendary. Every evening, streets transform into steaming, sizzling paradises: Bubble Tea (invented here!), Stinky Tofu, Beef Noodle Soup, Gua Bao, Oyster Omelettes — all for 1–3€ per dish. Michelin has created its own Bib Gourmand lists for Taiwan's street stalls.
• Spectacular nature on a small scale — From the 3,952 m high Jade Mountain (Yushan) to the dramatic Taroko Marble Gorge and tropical coral reefs in Kenting: Taiwan packs an incredible variety of landscapes onto an island smaller than Switzerland. Over 200 peaks rise above 3,000 m.
• Hot springs everywhere — Taiwan lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire and has hundreds of natural thermal springs. In Beitou (30 minutes by metro from central Taipei), you can bathe in steaming volcanic springs after sightseeing — for 1€ entry.
• The friendliest people in Asia — Taiwanese are considered the most helpful people in the region. They will help you without being asked, personally accompany you to your destination, and recommend their favorite food. Lost wallets are highly likely to be returned.
• Absolute safety — Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world. You can walk alone through Taipei at 3 a.m. without worry. Crime against tourists is practically nonexistent.
• Perfect infrastructure at a fraction of Japanese costs — High-speed trains (HSR), clean subways, affordable buses, widespread Wi-Fi, and 7-Eleven on every corner: Taiwan offers Japanese-level quality at a third of the cost.
• Vibrant temple culture — Taoist and Buddhist temples on every corner, with incense sticks, oracle blocks, and colorful ceremonies. Taiwan has preserved the Chinese culture that was lost on the mainland during the Cultural Revolution.
• Bubble Tea at its birthplace — Taiwan is the home of pearl milk tea. Here, you drink it at the original location, freshly prepared, in hundreds of variations — and yes, it tastes best here.

Taiwan is the country that mixes Japan with China and Southeast Asia — ultra-modern, deeply traditional, insanely delicious, and outrageously affordable. Once you've been there, you'll understand why travelers to Taiwan become repeat visitors.

Taiwan is a compact travel destination: The island is only 394 km long and 144 km wide. With the high-speed train (HSR), you can be in Kaohsiung in the south from Taipei in 90 minutes. This makes Taiwan perfect for round trips — in 2 weeks you can see the entire island without rushing.

Taiwan can be divided into four major travel regions, each with its own character:

Taipei & North

For whom: Foodies, city explorers, temple lovers
The vibrant capital with the best night markets in Asia, the futuristic Taipei 101, hot springs in Beitou, and the magical mountain village Jiufen. Most trips start here. The north coast around Yehliu impresses with surreal rock formations, while nearby Jiufen with its red lanterns and steep alleys is reminiscent of the Studio Ghibli film "Spirited Away."

Central Taiwan

For whom: Hikers, tea lovers, nature enthusiasts
The green heart of the island: The mystical Sun Moon Lake at 748 m altitude, the historic Alishan Forest Railway, sunrises over the sea of clouds, and the best Oolong tea plantations in the world. Taichung — the second-largest city — surprises with a creative art scene and the Rainbow Village.

South & Kenting

For whom: Beach lovers, culture travelers, history enthusiasts
The historic port city of Tainan (oldest city in Taiwan, over 200 temples, foodie capital), creative Kaohsiung with its transformed harbor scene, and the tropical Kenting National Park at the southern cape. It's warm here year-round.

East Coast & Taroko

For whom: Adventurers, nature lovers, hikers
The spectacular Taroko Gorge with its marble walls is one of Asia's natural wonders. The wild east coast offers dramatic cliffs, indigenous villages of the Amis and Truku, the surfer town of Dulan, and a tranquility that seems impossible in bustling Taipei.

1. Night market hopping in Taipei — Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia: A different market every evening, new taste explosions each time. The ultimate Taiwan experience costs less than 10€ per evening. → Chap. Taipei
2. Hiking through the Taroko Gorge — 1,000-meter-high marble walls, turquoise water, and paths carved into the rock — Taiwan's most spectacular natural wonder will take your breath away. → Chap. East Coast
3. Sunrise over the sea of clouds in Alishan — Take the special train at 4 a.m. and stand on the summit as the sun rises over the sea of clouds. Unforgettable. → Chap. Central Taiwan
4. Bathing in Beitou's hot springs — 30 minutes by metro from the city center: steaming volcanic springs for 1€ entry. The perfect end to a day of sightseeing. → Chap. Taipei
5. Experience Jiufen at night — When the red lanterns glow and the mist drifts through the steep alleys, the mountain village becomes the most magical place in Taiwan. → Chap. Taipei
6. See Taipei 101 at sunset from Xiangshan — Hike 20 minutes up Elephant Mountain and photograph the skyline in golden light — the best viewpoint is free. → Chap. Taipei
7. Cycle around Sun Moon Lake — The 33 km bike path is considered one of the most beautiful in the world according to CNN: temples, tea plantations, and mirror-smooth water. → Chap. Central Taiwan
8. Eat Beef Noodle Soup in Taipei — Taiwan's unofficial national dish: spicy beef broth, tender meat pieces, hand-pulled noodles. Every chef has their secret recipe. → Chap. Food
9. Explore Tainan's temple world — Over 200 temples in one city: incense smoke, oracle blocks, praying grandmothers — here lives Taiwan's soul. → Chap. South
10. Drink Bubble Tea at its birthplace — Try the original at Chun Shui Tang in Taichung, where Bubble Tea was invented in 1983. → Chap. Food
11. Admire the Dome of Light in Kaohsiung — The largest glass installation in the world in a subway station — 4,500 glass panels glowing in all colors. → Chap. South
12. Dare the Zhuilu Old Trail in Taroko — A narrow path carved into the vertical rock face, with a 500 m drop — Taiwan's most thrilling hiking trail. → Chap. East Coast
13. Visit Fo Guang Shan — Taiwan's largest Buddhist monastery with a 36 m high seated Buddha — monumental spirituality. → Chap. South
14. Take the Alishan Forest Railway — The historic narrow-gauge railway winds from 30 m to 2,216 m altitude, past tea plantations and ancient cypresses. → Chap. Central Taiwan
15. Try (and learn to love) Stinky Tofu — Smells terrible, tastes fantastic: If you haven't tried it, you haven't truly been to Taiwan. → Chap. Food