To travel to Taiwan means to have decided on a rather atypical travel destination… at least less typical than the Philippines, which is only a few kilometers away. There are a number of things worth seeing in Taiwan – both on the main island and on some of the 70 or so offshore islands. The country is worth seeing for its landscape alone: with imposing mountains, some of which are traversed by valleys, gorges and rivers and which reach their highest point with the Yu Shan at 3,952 m, but also with steep coasts, paradisiacal beaches, hill country and extensive forests (including mangrove forests), because about half of Taiwan’s area is forested. 5 national parks also await you; including the over 1,000 square meter Yushan National Park and Yang Ming Shan, in which there are some hot springs. So there are plenty of opportunities to spend an active holiday close to nature – whether on a trekking tour, hike or even with water sports. However, you can also actively spend a stay in Taiwan with cultural discovery tours, as the island is full of cultural and historical sights. Above all in the capital Taipei. However, you will also encounter urban and modern Taiwan in it. In Taipei you will encounter impressive Confucian temple architecture, classical Chinese architecture and Taipei monasteries as well as Taipei 101, which rises with 508 m or 101 floors and offers you a great view from the viewing platform. More superlatives in the port city of Kaohsiung, 220 temples and testimonies from the colonial past in Tainan.
Tainan
Vacationers are sure to get jealous glances from any Taiwanese person when they mention they are visiting the metropolis of Tainan. It’s also not difficult to see why. Traditional culture continues to thrive in Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city and former capital. The modern city is today characterized by trade and commerce as well as an impressive history and culture. With centuries-old fortresses and over a thousand temples, it is also a religious center and venue for varied parades and festivals. Tourists should visit Guohua Street to sample Taiwanese delicacies and explore local markets. Another highlight is a visit to the National Museum of History. There is a lot to learn about the people and the past of Taiwan. The Chimei Museum houses a private collection of works of art and historical musical instruments and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Tainan offers a breathtaking natural landscape. In spring, the Taiwan International Orchid Show takes place in the Taiwan Orchid Plantation in Houbi Township and presents the first spring orchids in all their beauty and grace. Every year, the spectacular Yanshui Beehive Rockets Festival attracts visitors from Taiwan and around the world to Tainan. It is considered the third largest folk festival in the world and is one of the most famous religious events in all of Taiwan. With hundreds of thousands of fireworks all going off at the same time, it’s an experience like no other. Even during the cool autumn and winter, Tainan is worth a visit. In the fall, visitors can head to Dongshan to try the fragrant arabica coffee from the region. In winter, wellness is the name of the game. Now, tourists seeking relaxation can soothe their sore muscles at Guanziling’s mud springs
Sun moon lake
The Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest inland lake and a popular destination for honeymoons due to its emerald green water and unforgettable sunsets. The mountain lake, which is only up to 27 meters deep, is located in the district of Nantou, on the west side of the central mountain range. The water got its name because of the division by the Lalu Island. Seen from above, the two halves of the lake are said to have the shape of the sun and moon.
The legend of the white deer hunter
According to legend, native inhabitants of the “Ita Thao” tribe accidentally discovered this lake hundreds of years ago while hunting for a rare white deer. They were so overwhelmed by its beauty that they believed their people would stick together here forever. That is why they founded a number of villages by the lake and cultivated the area around the lake.
Sights and activities at the Sonne-Mond-See
Not only for trips to Taiwan, but also for Taiwanese themselves, the lake is a popular destination because of its picturesque location and its moderate climate.
Shuishe is a good starting point for explorations. There is a central boat landing stage from which tours to the artificial island of Guanghua or to the other shore are offered. Buses also start here for island tours or to the cable car that floats high above the mountains to the Aboriginal Culture Village amusement park. From the gondolas, the passenger has a wonderful view over the lake.
A visit to the Wenwu Temple, built in 1938, is particularly recommended for study trips. The very elaborately designed temple is located on the northern edge of the lake and is guarded by some six meter high, red lions. The “Steps of the Years” lead into the temple, a staircase made up of 366 steps, which is hung with innumerable prayer bells.
On the south bank, at the top of the mountain, at a height of 954 meters, is the best vantage point, the Ci-En Pagoda. The viewing platform offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the mountains and the Sun-Moon-Lake.
Yushan National Park
Yushan National Park is a national park in southeast Taiwan and was named after Yushan, the highest mountain in the park. The next bigger city is Chiayi. Yushan National Park covers about 100,000 hectares and there are many canyons, valleys and cliffs. In order to promote eco-tourism, the park has enacted protection laws that are intended to raise public awareness of the importance of nature conservation. Due to its remote location and access control, Yushan National Park is not one of the most visited national parks in Taiwan. Even so, the park attracted over a million visitors in 2015.
Diverse sanctuary in Taiwan
The park offers a wide variety of habitats ranging from deciduous forests in lower elevations to mixed forests, coniferous forests, bamboo and finally waist-high arrow bamboo, coniferous clusters and bare rock formations in the elevations. Flowers include azaleas, which are abundant in spring, and a multitude of colorful alpine blooms. The area is home to a wide variety of amphibians, birds, mammals, butterflies, and reptiles. In the past, many of these species were endangered by overhunting; however, with the establishment of the national park, they are gradually making a comeback. Larger mammals such as the black bear, sambar deer, Taiwanese macaque, and serov (a type of goat antelope) can sometimes be seen and their call is often heard from afar.
Yushan National Park offers so much more than just hiking the biggest mountains. From breathtaking mountain trails to walks through the woods, anything is possible in Yushan. It is best for vacationers to visit the nearest visitor center first, where they can get information on the best routes to suit their abilities. Many of the hikes are at fairly daunting heights, so tourists should make sure they bring the correct equipment. Warm weather clothing, food and water are essential on longer tours. If you want to spend the night in the protected area, you can camp in a hut or hostel. Interested visitors can also find a complete list of campsites and cabins in the visitor center.
Visit worth seeing cities in Taiwan
Here you will find study trips and round trips through the metropolises of Taiwan
Taipei
Visit Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, as part of a study tour! Explore Taipei City’s tourist attractions such as Taipei 101 Skyscraper, National Palace Museum, National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall, Mon Jia Longshan Temple, Shilin Night Market, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and other places dedicated to You will always be remembered. Enjoy a city break through Taipei!
