Taiwan is East Asia in an island. From epic skylines in fascinating cities to serene mountain peaks, luscious forests and a distinctly unique culture, there is so much to discover.
The island is just off the coast of China and has a singular blend of Japanese, Chinese and indigenous influences, which can be traced through everything, from its cuisine to its architecture and even its cultures and customs.
For a relatively small island the cities pack a real punch. Each has its own identity, from the vibrant nightlife of Taipei to the art spaces of Kaohsiung and the surrounding natural beauty of Taichung. We recommend visiting as many as you can on a trip to Taiwan, especially since public transport makes getting from one town to another very easy.
Then there’s the natural beauty, from surreal gorges and luscious green forests to the island’s ever-changing coastal borders, Taiwan is much more than a series of Asian metropolises. Get out there and explore Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake and Shifen Waterfall, as well as charming smaller communities like Jiufen and Shifen.
Daunted by the prospect of planning a trip that covers all of the island’s best bits? That’s where Culture Trip steps in, with the help of our seasoned Travel Experts and on-the-ground Local Insiders, who come together to offer you an authentic, immersive small-group trip.
Join us in Taipei and we’ll show you the capital’s night markets and architectural highlights before heading to Sun Moon Lake. Cycle around the lake and cap it off with a well-earned tea tasting. Then it’s on to Taiwan’s underrated culinary capital, Tainan, where seafood is king. Next is Kaohsiung, where we’ll visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Pier-2 Art Center, the glass artworks at Formosa Boulevard Station and nearby Shoushan National Nature Park. After that we’ll take you around Taroko Gorge – highlights include the Tunnel of Nine Turns, the Swallow Grotto and the Eternal Shrine – before returning to Taipei. We’ll stop off at Jiufen for a sky lantern experience before more night markets and a traditional cooking class in the capital.
