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It’s fair to say that loads of people have probably heard of Taiwan before. The phrase “Made in Taiwan” comes to mind. But few can likely say that they’ve visited this Asian island, let alone thought about visiting. For the western world, travel to Taiwan is still an odd idea, but I think one that’s gaining steam. Still, it’s only if you know someone who has been that you’re likely going to get the kind of advice you need. So, if you are looking for a little bit of inspiration and advice to make your first Taiwan trip, look no further.
Throughout my time there, I was delighted by how diverse, complex and plain photogenic Taiwan was. I think many first-timers to Taiwan will agree that it’s nothing like what they would have expected. That’s why I think the best way to help provide that insight and inspiration is through a curated collection of my Taiwan photos. Whether you’re visiting Taiwan from Singapore or much further away, hopefully the following photos will inspire your first trip.
Vibrant Temples and Shrines
It might seem a little cliche for an Asian destination to start with its temples, but you can’t talk about Taiwan and not talk about its temple. Religion is a hugely important part of life in Taiwan and also an amazing varied one. Of the many religions worshiped in Taiwan, some of the more dominant ones are Buddhism, Taoism, as well as Chinese folk religions like the worship of the sea goddess Mazu. The differences between their temples and ancestral shrines may be lost on the uninformed like me, but they’re all vibrant and ornate landmarks. In some places they can even feel like theme parks, like at Lotus Lake in Kaohsiung.
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas on Lotus Lake in Kaohsiung
Xiangde Temple deep inside Taroko National Park
National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine in Taipei
Lanterns through the Sanfeng Temple of Kaohsiung
Mazu Tianhou Temple on Cijin Island
Beautiful Nature and Beaches
Probably the most underrated and unknown side to Taiwan is all the nature you can find there. People think of Taiwan as a city destination but between the cities there’s an awful lot of nature and beaches to explore. Of the aspects of Taiwan I’m most keen to explore next time, Taiwan’s nature is number one. After all, the entire centre of the island is made up of great big mountains with destinations like Taroko Gorge National Park and Sun Moon Lake to visit. Then there’s the county’s more rural side that I only caught from the train as I hurtled through the countryside. Lastly, Taiwan has a whole host of beaches that stretch along places like Cijin Island, Taitung and Kenting.
Waterfall Down into Taroko Gorge National Park
Beachfront Park along Cijin Island
River Flowing Deep through Taroko Gorge
Bustling Big Cities
As I said before, most people tend to associate Taiwan with its huge urban centres and think of it purely as a city destination. And when you start exploring these great big urban mazes, you kind of understand why. Although Taipei is surely Taiwan’s best known city, Taiwan is full of fascinating, lively cities such as Taichung, Kaohsiung and Tainan. Even as concrete jungles or masses of skyscrapers from above, down at street level they can even be beautiful at times. Taiwanese cities are surprisingly green and full of life, but also spellbinding at night when lit up with neon lights. You can’t go wrong with even just a city break to Taiwan.
The Taipei Skyline With the Iconic Taipei 101
Ta Kang Creek through Kaohsiung
The Liuchuan Riverside Walk in Taichung
Quiet, Leisurely Streets of Coastal Taitung
Monumental Scale
It’s not just the cities that are overly large in Taiwan, many of its landmarks and monuments are equally massive. I can only guess that this is a cultural idea similar to other places where the size of monuments reflects the power or respect for those they honour. Whether they’re to commemorate or praise a person, group, symbol or religious figure, Taiwan has its fair share of monumental landmarks. Liberty Square in Taipei may be the perfect example of this, with a giant arch, two pavilions and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall all sitting around it.
Huge Liberty Square Arch in Taiwan
The Towering Shrine Statue of Zuoying Yuandi in Kaohsiung
Massive Goat Statue in Taichung Park
Lively Night Markets
One of my biggest regrets from my first time in Taiwan is that I didn’t spend more time visiting the different city night markets. In places like Kaohsiung, there are multiple huge street markets that you can visit. With so many stalls to choose from, it can be both overwhelming. But since you’re constantly finding new things to try it also never grows old. Even though a couple of markets are aimed at tourists, you’ll still find yourself outnumbered by locals eating there and it becomes a great chance to interact with people.
Neon lights along Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung
Evening Crowds at Lotus Lake Night Market in Kaohsiung
Taiwanese Fun and Creativity
Taiwan is certainly a complex destination but it’s also a highly creative and colourful one. Almost everywhere you go in Taiwan you’re bound to find dedicated spaces for cultural and artistic expression. For starters there’s the railway cultural villages found in the old disused train stations of cities like Taitung. Then there’s the awesome street art to be found, whether it’s the Taichung Rainbow Village or the Pier-2 Art Centre at Hamasen in Kaohsiung. I have no doubt that there’s even more to be found across the parts of the island I’ve yet to see.
Street Art in the Pier-2 Art Center of Kaohsiung
Art Installations in the Taitung Railway Art Village
Creative and Entrepreneurial Space of Shen Ji Market in Taichung
The so-called Rainbow Church installation on Cijin Island
Planning your First Taiwan Trip
- Accommodation: Here you can find hotels, apartments and guesthouses for across Taiwan.
- Tours: There are countless day trips and sightseeing tours available in Taiwan.
- Guide Books: Lastly, if you’re after a physical guide to take with you then you can’t beat a Lonely Planet Guide.
Where you do you think you would start with for your first Taiwan trip? If you have visited Taiwan, what do you hope to see next visit? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
1 comment
Wow, colour and quirks – love it ?