Mostly for food lovers, Taiwan has been a haven for travelers seeking to taste the culinary excellence this country offers.
But we beg to differ. Taiwan is so much more.
Taiwan is home to a unique blend of nature, urban excitement, and cultural richness. From finding local cuisines and treats one can enjoy, to sceneries which will instill to the deepest of your memories, there are a lot of things to see and experience in Taiwan.
Recently, Manila Standard participated in a 5-day familiarization trip across Taiwan, exploring everything from famous Taiwan landmarks to tranquil wellness experiences.
First Taste of Taiwan: Nature Meets Modernity
Right after arrival in Taiwan, visitors can have a glimpse of the country’s seamless blend of nature and modernity.
On the drive from the airport to the hotel, onlookers can see Taiwan’s natural beauty coexisting with its urban development. On one side of the window, sleek skyscrapers are towering about from afar, and on the other: lush, green mountains projecting Taiwan’s efforts to preserve nature while embracing modernization at the same time.
This contrasting scenery manifests excitement in every visitor , giving nature lovers and city explorers alike, something to look forward to about Taiwan.
An Iconic Taste: Taipei 101 and Hayashi Department Store
From the countless people I’ve asked Taiwan about, these two landmarks stood out among all the places to visit in Taiwan.
Taipei 101 is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Taiwan. With the first five floors catering visitors as a shopping mall, you can find almost everything, from luxury goods, appealing fashion finds to fine dining.
Its architectural design was inspired by the number 8 (八), which is said to be considered lucky in the Chinese culture. Its structure is said to resemble a bamboo, signifying flexibility and persistence. More than its aesthetic appeal, it is also one of Taiwan’s proudest engineering projects to date. With the high-speed elevator taking you up to the 89th floor in just less than a minute, there are a lot of things that you can also enjoy on the top floors of Taipei 101:
1. 360 VIEW OF TAIPEI. On the 89th floor, one can find the indoor attraction CityView360 that offers a 360-degree view of Taipei, from 382 meters above the ground.
2. WIND DAMPER. To ensure that the whole structure stays upright against strong winds and earthquakes, a wind dampener coined as Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) is utilized to reduce swaying caused by strong winds.
3. IG-WORTHY STOPS. From galleries of art pieces to artsy window panes, there are a lot of photo spots around the Observation Deck and at the upper floors of Taipei 101. If you’re lucky enough to visit it on a day with clear skies, it’s recommended to visit The Horizon on the 91st floor for the outdoor observation deck, or the Skyline 460 for a more astonishing view of Taipei in almost its entirety.
4. MORE SHOPS. Aside from the breathtaking view, there are souvenir shops and cafes that you can enjoy on the 89th floor.
Taipei 101 is also known for its annual extravagant and jaw-dropping fireworks show held every New Year’s eve.
Another must-visit destination was the Hayashi Department Store in Tainan, the oldest department store in Taiwan. Established during the Japanese occupation, Hayashi showcases locally crafted products and historical decor, including an antique elevator. The observation deck at the top provides a beautiful view of Tainan, adding a nostalgic experience to Taiwan travel.
To get to Hayashi Department Store, you can board the Taiwan High Speed Rail bullet train, and then alight at Tainan. You can enjoy the scenery outside during the train trip with some snacks you can buy at the station or inside the train.
A Taste of Culture: Things to check out in Taiwan
There is so much to do when visiting Taiwan. From experiences awaiting everyone to places to explore, here are some of the activities one should check out in Taiwan:
1. Active sports
Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant hospitality make it a favorite for tourists looking for unique activities.
The Taipei Da-An Sports Center offered a hands-on look at Taiwan’s active lifestyle, with facilities for various sports. It is located near the National Taiwan University.
An exciting highlight of this stop was a badminton session led by Taiwan’s pride and 2-time Olympic gold medalist Lee Yang, making it a memorable part of the trip. Lee taught basic badminton fundamentals to everyone, including how to properly serve and receive.
2. Tea Ceremony and Qi Enhancing
Another remarkable thing about Taiwan is their commitment to excellence and wellness. Manila Standard was fortunate to visit the 2024 JCI World Congress in Taoyuan, where visitors were introduced to Taiwan’s prized tea ceremony and Qi enhancing.
According to their traditional lunar calendar, Taiwan, during the trip, was in a period of transition from “Frost’s Descent” to the “Beginning of Winter”. In celebration of this special season, Taiwanese people practice the custom of “Bo Dang” (wintering enrichment), where it focuses on nourishing the body and strengthening immunity through tea ceremony and qi enhancing.
From pastries shaped in Taiwan’s famous landmarks to the finest tea to accompany these treats , everyone present in the event were treated to a taste of Taiwan’s rich culture and genuine hospitality.
3. Tainan Yongfu Rd Fortune Telling
A 20-min walk from Hayashi Department Store, you can find a number of fortune tellers at the Yongfu Road in Tainan. This is a must-visit place for everyone visiting Taiwan, especially if you’re looking for an insight regarding your health, career or lovelife. Just be sure to prepare your exact date and time of birth before visiting one.
Quick recommendation: There are a lot of interesting places surrounding the area such as Chikan Tower, Chuan Mei Theater, and Confucius Temple Cultural Park. If you’re planning to visit Yongfu Road after visiting Hayashi Department Store, try to pass by Snail Alley. It’s a good place to take some pictures, preferably during sunset hours.
4. Beauty and Wellness
Aside from their friendliness and hospitality, Taiwanese people are also known for their exceptional beauty. From timeless charms of Meteor Garden’s Jerry Yan and Barbie Hsu, to today’s trendsetting idols like TWICE’s Chou Tzuyu and (G) I-dle’s Yeh Shuhua, Taiwan has become a haven for beauty and wellness enthusiasts.
For those interested in Taiwan’s wellness experiences, better try out Innovate Beauty Treatment. With two shops located near the Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT blue line station and Zhongshan Datong MRT red line station, they offer relaxing scalp care, massages, and other treatments, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
After a long day of walking around Taiwan, visitors may also opt for a foot massage to relieve some stress. There are a lot of foot massage parlors all over Taiwan, including the one we visited in Kaohsiung.
5. Karaoke culture
Taiwan’s famous karaoke culture was also part of the itinerary. This popular Taiwanese pastime, greatly reflected the social side of Taiwan’s culture.
Along with the other representatives from Korea and Japan, we sang and danced to some songs during a very lively and fun karaoke session.
6. Night markets
From gifts you can give to your loved ones back at home to tasty foods you can only try in Taiwan like Ai Yu jelly, night markets are definitely a must-visit as well in Taiwan.
If you’re going to Kaohsiung, locals there recommend visiting Qi Jin Old Street.
7. Stamps
Stamps are definitely a thing in Taiwan, and are a must-find for tourists visiting famous Taiwan landmarks. You can find them in most places, so better bring your travel diary (or an instant film camera to take instant photos from) with you!
A Taste of Taiwan Culinary: Michelin-Star and Local Delicacies
Taiwan’s culinary landscape is diverse and satisfying for every kind of traveler.
During our first night in Taiwan, we were treated to a Mediterranean-inspired menu led by Chef Ben Chen in Aleisha, a Michelin-star restaurant located in the Da’an District.
The standout dish, “Cous’ Of You,” matched with a glass of Lyrarakis White Dry Wine, was then capped off by their own take of an Iranian dessert (mousse made out of raspberry, rose, lychee); making up the ideal, intimate meal for an elegant dining experience in Taipei.
Another culinary highlight was dining in Silks Palace, located near the National Palace Museum. The dishes here are inspired by historic Chinese artifacts, from dishes like the Peking duck and jadeite cabbage to desserts inspired by paintings and sculptures.
To each floor is its own kitchen, which makes dining at Silks Palace really special. With every bite, Taiwan’s proud cultural history seems to course its way through the body as food, making Silks Palace one of the most sought after places to dine in Taiwan.
Finally, Ron & Company, located near the Liuhejing Qingshui Temple in West Central District, Tainan.
Open from 12 PM – 2 AM, the cafe + bistro part on the first floor of Ron & Company serves a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and tasty dishes.
Probably the best ones in their menu were the truffle mushroom hot spring egg risotto for main and rum ganache lava chocolate for dessert. The inside of the restaurant exudes a cool vibe, and it also has a jazz club to check out on the second floor for people looking to chill around after dinner.
A Taste of Luxury: Places to stay in Taiwan
Throughout the trip, everyone stayed at three notable Taiwan hotels during the trip, with each hotel offering a unique look into Taiwan’s hospitality.
The Kimpton Da An Hotel in Taipei combines minimalist design with comfort, providing complimentary bikes for exploring the area and a stylish breakfast spot, The Tavernist, on the 12th floor. From the airport, it was a 40-min drive and is notably surrounded by shopping malls and restaurants.
Silks Place Tainan is one of the top Five-Star hotels in Tainan, with an interior featuring Minan architecture and Confucian philosophy in its design. From the window, one can see the glowing night sky of Tainan. For breakfast, they mainly offer Chinese and Western dishes for both meat-lovers and vegetarians alike. Aside from the swimming pools, they also have a well-furnished gym, library and children’s place; perfect for families looking to stay in Tainan.
In Kaohsiung, the Intercontinental Kaohsiung located in Qianzhen District offered luxury with high-tech amenities, including their prized Wara, a Japanese bar located on the 5th floor of the hotel. This five-star hotel is a great choice for those seeking a mix of comfort and convenience, enhancing the Taiwan travel experience with sophistication and elegance. It also boasts a spacious bar and restaurant for their dining guests.
A Taste to Remember: Taiwan
With its modern amenities, scenic beauty, and deep cultural roots, Taiwan offered a rich blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From the dynamic attractions of Taipei to the historical charm of Tainan and the serene experiences in Kaohsiung, Taiwan is definitely a bucket-list worthy destination.
Putting feelings into words, to explore Taiwan for the first time left the same romantic impression of having met your first love: a memorable first meeting turning into a joyful longing when you leave.
To wrap this trip up with a saying shared during one of our dinners : “Life is not just about the taste; it’s about the taste that you will always remember.”
