Why You Should Travel to Taiwan This Fall
Taiwan is a gourmet paradise with an incredibly diverse cuisine. Nevertheless, the country isn't overrun with tourists - however, there's everything from hot springs to culture and modern cities that makes a trip exciting.
November 14, 2023
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Taiwan is still an insider tip among Europeans - this may also be due to the long journey. However, the country can be ideally combined if you are already in Asia. The capital Taipei is a modern metropolis, but still not as hectic as other cities in the region. Until 2007, the Taipei 101 skyscraper was considered the tallest building in the world, and a visit provides a great overview of the city. The building is modeled on a bamboo tube and is earthquake-proof: inside is a 660-ton sphere that counteracts the building's swaying.
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As modern and clean as the metropolis may seem at first glance, life pulsates in the evening when the night markets open. But there are also beautiful old temples hidden away in side streets, such as the Mengjia Longshan Temple, which you wouldn't expect to find amidst the high-rise buildings. Taiwan is a gourmet's paradise because its diverse cuisine has been shaped by numerous influences (such as indigenous groups, but also Japanese and Chinese food). Even in inconspicuous restaurants located directly on the street, you can sample specialties such as bamboo-smoked rice with crayfish, dumplings or the typical stinky tofu. Tainan, a pork knuckle, is also famous; the range of soups on offer is huge.
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Taiwan is perfect for active vacations - there are hiking routes for all fitness levels. The Taroko Gorge, which is used for day trips, is very popular. Alishan National Park offers sporty hiking routes and a narrow-gauge railroad that winds its way adventurously up the mountain. Kenting National Park in the south of the island is a bathing paradise. It's also ideal for snorkeling.
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Zhiben is known for its medicinal water springs. There are natural pools here that are used by locals, but there's also a wide range of hotels that introduce tourists to Taiwan's wellness culture. The Zhiben Hot Spring Area is also known for its fish dishes, as this is where the warm Kuroshio Stream meets the cold Oyashio Stream.
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Traveling by train is easy in this country - especially with the Taiwan High Speed Rail, which travels up to 300 kilometers per hour, you can get around faster than by car, which is often stuck in traffic jams at weekends.
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Taiwan is also a paradise for tea lovers: There are even plantations near Taipei that you can visit. Oolong tea is famous, and you can learn about the differences in quality during a tasting.
Where to Stay
Hoshinoya Guguan
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Minimalist, elegant and luxurious, the Hoshinoya is located in the Guguan Valley. Perfect for switching off and enjoying the peace and quiet!
Hoshinoya Guguan
No. 16號東關路一段溫泉巷 Heping District, Taichung City, Taiwan 424
Tel: +81-50-3134-8096
Web: hoshinoya.com
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 2287
Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei
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Located in Taipei's tallest high-rise building, it offers panoramic views, nine restaurants and bars and an excellent spa.
Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei
201 Tun Hwa South Road, Section 2, Taipei 10675, Taiwan
Tel: +886 2 2378 8888
Web: shangri-la.com
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 343
Humble House
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Modern hotel in the Xinyi District with an Italian restaurant and a fitness and a spa area.
Humble House Taipei
18, Songgao Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Tel. +886 2 6631 8000
Web: humblehousehotels.com
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 232
W Taipei
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Chic and in a prime location, with a direct view of the Taipei 101 building. It has modern, comfortable rooms and a large wet bar with a pool, a spa and a gym.
W Taipei
10 Zhongxiao East Road Sec. 5, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan
Tel: +886 2-77038888
Web: marriott.com
Price: Doubles from € 335
Where to Eat
Raw
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Awarded two Michelin stars, chef André Chiang serves a seasonally changing ten-course menu that reinterprets Taiwanese cuisine.
Raw
No.301, Le Qun 3rd Road, Taipei City, Taiwan
Tel: +886 2 8501 5800
Web: raw.com.tw
Embers
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Authentic regional ingredients are transformed into tasty cuisine in a natural ambience. It's awarded with a green Michelin star.
Embers
No 24, Ln 122, Sec. 4, Renai Rd, Daan Dist, Taipei City, Taiwan
Tel: +886-2-7751-5598
Web: embersdining.com
Din Tai Fung
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From a small restaurant to an internationally popular brand: At Din Tai Fung, the focus is on the essentials, namely good taste. Be sure to try the Xialongbao buns.
Din Tai Fung
Web: dintaifung.com.tw
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Fall 2023.
