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Time for Taiwan: Asia's Underrated Island Gem Reopens
Freshly reopened to visitors, Taiwan is one of the most travel-friendly destinations in East Asia. Labeled ‘Ilha Formosa’ (beautiful island) by the Portuguese seafarers who were the first westerners to set eyes on it, Taiwan retains its visual allure amid the lush mountains of Wulai, scenic Taroko Gorge, and the dramatic cliffs on the east coast.
TIME FOR TAIWAN:
ASIA'S UNDERRATED ISLAND GEM REOPENS
Freshly reopened to visitors, Taiwan is one of the most travel-friendly destinations in East Asia. Labeled ‘Ilha Formosa’ (beautiful island) by the Portuguese seafarers who were the first westerners to set eyes on it, Taiwan retains its visual allure amid the lush mountains of Wulai, scenic Taroko Gorge, and the dramatic cliffs on the east coast. Other major drawcards include the modern capital Taipei, a place of inspirational temples and an equally nourishing dining scene. Taiwan is famous for its wonderful biking routes and wild landscapes ideal for hiking and other adventures. Cities such as Tainan, the former capital, and Kaohsiung, meanwhile, give Taipei a run for its money when it comes to tasty street snacks, flamboyant temples, and timeless rituals.
Taiwan relaxes entry requirements today (October 13), removing mandatory quarantine. Instead, visitors will be asked to self-test three times over the first seven days in the country.
GOURMET PARADISE
A seafood platter at the highly-recommended Taipei Fish Market
Taiwan is heaven for culinary adventurers. A great place to start any gastronomic odyssey is at one of the country’s famous night markets. These are legendary affairs, home to many of Taipei's most storied dishes. Although there are many in the city, the most famous is arguably Shilin Night Market. Here visitors will find the full roster of Taiwanese street food classics including stinky tofu, beef noodle soup, and giant deep-fried chicken steaks. Recommended are the oyster omelets, said by locals to be the best in Taipei. Another top dining spot in the capital is Yongkang Street, which counts the first ever Din Tai Fung and local institution Yong Kang Beef Noodle among its highlights. But it's not just street food on the menu in Taiwan, at last count Taipei alone has 31 Michelin starred restaurants, making it one of Asia's undisputed epicurean heavyweights.
NATURAL HIGHS
Taroko: Tea with a view
We’ll come out and say it: we believe that Taiwan is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. And there’s ample scope to sample its visual manna in a range of different ways. Taroko Gorge National Park is a premier destination for nature lovers. An impressive almost 12-mile-long canyon, this area offers a variety of easy to difficult treks amongst rugged coastal cliffs, narrow passages cut into the rock, and coniferous forests. The island's east coast is defined by its stunning coastal bluffs and cliffs that drop off into the Pacific Ocean of jewel blue shades. Take a drive along this coastal road, arguably one of Asia's most magnificent road trips, and marvel at the beauty of destinations such as Qingshui Cliffs. A more energetic way to appreciate Taiwan’s beauty is by cycling around the island: a near 1000-km odyssey that attracts two-wheel fanatics from around the world.
CULTURAL CAPITAL
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
Taipei is especially strong in cultural highlights. Home to the world’s largest collection of Chinese art, the National Palace Museum is a veritable treasure trove. Included in the collection are paintings, calligraphy, bronzes, lacquer ware, ceramics, jade, and religious objects – many once owned by Chinese emperors. Although there are myriad attractions in the giant building, the best-known artifact is the jade cabbage, a precious marvel that appears to change color from green to white. Another of Taipei’s prominent architectural landmarks is Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. It hosts an artifact museum with Chiang’s two Cadillacs and historic documents. On either side of the hall, meanwhile, are the National Concert Hall and National Opera House, both of which stage regular events and classical music recitals.
IN WITH THE NEW
"Whale in Love", Kaohsiung Love River
Taiwan is nothing if not forward-facing. Among the incense-perfumed temples, memorial halls, and museums displaying ancient national treasures, are street art, lotus ponds, youth shopping plazas, and futuristic buildings. In Taipei, hubs of creative energy include Songshan Cultural Park, Ximending district, and Huashan 1914 Creative Park. In the island’s south, Kaohsiung’s Pier2 Art Center offers public art, digital videos, and art performances. The international success of Kavalan, meanwhile, is stoking Taiwan’s growing reputation as a mecca for lovers of single malt whisky. A visit to its distillery in Yilin near Taipei is a must for fans of the amber nectar.
ASIA IS OPEN
Vaccinated travelers can travel to any of these destinations right now. ArmeniaAzerbaijan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Cambodia
Georgia
India
Indonesia
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Malaysia
Maldives
Mongolia Nepal
Oman
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Korea
Sri Lanka
Tajikistan
Thailand
UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
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