Taiwan - Asia
Balancing eastern traditions and western influences just right, the capital Taipei is filled with temples, towers and local markets that look like movie sets. Although it is a gigantic metropolis, it is also famous for its friendly people, efficient public transport and streets that are always safe, even at night. The south of the island holds other surprises, such as the cities of Kaohsiung and Tainan, known for their fantastic street food. Exploring the local cuisine is part of the experience.
The Portuguese explorers made a point of naming the territory on maps, highlighting its greatest qualities: a tropical, authentic and unforgettable.
Do you want to discover a different destination in Asia? Don't think twice and go to Taiwan! The country is open to tourism and is well connected to major countries on the continent such as Japan and Thailand. It even has direct flights to China, both outbound and inbound, even with troubled diplomatic relations. An excellent opportunity to make a diversified itinerary in a complete trip, with lots of history, culture, food and fun!
It is impossible to know the history of Taiwan without visiting its museums and memorials, which reveal the country's rich history of resilience and development. Due to political differences, Taiwan declared its independence a few decades ago. For China, it is just a rebel province, subject to annexation.
Balancing eastern traditions and western influences just right, Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is full of temples, towers and local markets that seem to have come straight out of Bruce Lee movie sets. Although it is a gigantic metropolis, it is also famous for its friendly people, efficient public transport and streets that are always safe, even at night.
Start the day by visiting Freedom Square, an incredible 240,000 m² that honor Taiwan's democratic transition. The structure is the gateway to the Chiang Kai-shek National Memorial, the main attraction for those who want to learn more about the country's history. The interior of the building houses an interesting museum, with several galleries, photos and records of the time.
Made in Taiwan is almost always synonymous with quality in electronic equipment. Those who visit the country have the opportunity to find a wide variety of products in the IT area at an excellent cost/benefit ratio. There are entire neighborhoods dedicated to shopping in major cities, with malls and fairs offering clothes, teas, handicrafts and much more. The sale of jade and other precious stones is also popular in this region of the globe, attracting those interested in doing good business.
Street food is a trademark of Taiwan. You can't visit the country without trying some typical delicacies, present at the various fairs spread across the cities. Don't be surprised to see night markets open until the early hours, packed with people. That's right: eating at markets is part of Taiwan's culture!
While Taiwan's big cities may seem like "jungles of stone", more than half of the country's territory is covered in forests and environmental protection areas. Beautiful parks, mountains, waterfalls and even beaches can be found, making the country an unlikely and surprising ecotourism destination.
Part of the Memorial is dedicated to Chiang Kai-shek, Taiwan's political leader shortly after cutting ties with mainland China. The immense bronze statue is the size of the respect that the Taiwanese still have for the nationalist, who has always defended the sovereignty of the island. A pompous changing of the guards takes place every hour, it is worth watching.
At the back of the Memorial, the exit still reserves a panorama of the city, with the Taipei 101 tower always present on the horizon. At 509 meters, this was considered the tallest building in the world until 2010, when it was finally surpassed by the Burj Khalifa, in Dubai. In addition to the breathtaking view, the tower also houses a mall on the lower floors, perfect for luxury shopping.
Buddhism, Taoism and ancestral beliefs are some of the religions practiced in Taiwan. With complete religious freedom, it is easy to find temples in large urban centers and even sanctuaries in the forests. Faith moves mountains, and in Taiwan it governs the daily lives of the local population, who every morning light incense and pray in temples.
Taiwan is well connected by short flights and bullet trains that reach up to 300 km/h, crossing the country from North to South in less than 2 hours. The West Coast of Taiwan concentrates the largest cities and main attractions, while the Central region and the East Coast are almost entirely preserved and preferred by nature lovers.
How long you stay in Taiwan will depend on your interests and travel style, but we recommend at least a week to enjoy the country's main attractions. If you only want to explore the capital Taipei, two full days are enough.
Balancing eastern traditions and western influences, the capital Taipei is the main destination for those who go to Taiwan, whether for tourism or business. Filled with towers and temples, the gigantic metropolis is also famous for its friendly population, efficient public transport and streets that are always safe, even at night. Don't miss the museums and monuments honoring the country's democratic transition. A visit to Taipei is not complete without going to one of the many night markets that take over the city, with endless options of typical and very exotic foods!
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