Reasons You Should Visit Taiwan on Your Next Trip

Upon arrival, Portuguese sailors dubbed this lush island “Ihla Formosa,” which means beautiful island, though today, you know it as Taiwan. This tectonic hot spot lies off the southeast coast of China and directly north of the Philippines’ island of Luzon. The geography of this (relatively) small island includes rugged mountains formed from the collision of two tectonic plates and gorges carved out by strong typhoons, such as the famous Taroko Gorge. As such, most of Taiwan’s 23.5 million inhabitants live in the metropolitan regions packed into the flat plains along the western coast.
Taiwan has much more to offer travelers than its awe-inspiring landscapes (though we do think that connecting with the country’s natural landscape merits considerable time during any visit). Its urban centers offer a variety of cultural experiences, notably a diverse range of cuisine, especially in lively night markets. Taipei, although perhaps a bit shabbier in appearance compared to glitzier Asian capitals, is home to many worthwhile monuments, temples, and museums. The metro service is easily navigable and assists travelers with evading the bustling street traffic. Taipei also hosts vibrant events, like the Taiwan Lantern Festival and Cherry Blossom Festival (there are actually multiple), which occur annually in either February or March.