ASIA’S TREASURE TROVE: TAIWAN

WE’RE ABOUT TO TAKE YOUR NEW YEAR WANDERLUST ALL THE WAY UP! FACT’S NICOLA THIRSK VISITS TAIWAN ONLY TO FIND THE UNEXPECTED, THE UNUSUAL, THE UNFAMILIAR AND THE INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL SIDE OF LIFE IN ASIA, ONE LANDMARK AND LANDSCAPE AT A TIME…

If I told you we were going on vacation to Taiwan, what would be the first thing that runs through your mind? After all, Taiwan is not synonymous with your typical holiday destination. In reality, however, it’s everything you could want from a break in Asia plus a whole lot MORE! While Taiwan is the geographical moniker for the country, the official name is the Republic of China (ROC); it’s like China’s younger, hotter sister! A bite sized version of its surrounding neighbours with rich historical influences from China and Japan. With a host of metropolitan cities, breathtaking mountain vistas, traditional temples, hot spring resorts and buzzing night markets; there really is something for every type of traveller to enjoy. Here are my recommendations for all your travel wants and needs…

THE NATURE LOVER

Taroko Gorge
Taiwan is a geologically active island, with Taroko Gorge being one of the most magnificent examples of a tempestuous mother nature at work! Over the last few million years, the Liwu River has cut through metamorphic rock creating a spectacular canyon accessible via safe, man made walkways. The Shakadang Trail snakes along the gorge with a gentle ascent, allowing breathtaking views of marble cliffs, tropical vegetation and the crystal clear river below. The entire trail is around 4km, taking roughly two hours round trip and passing through a Truku aboriginal village where you’ll have opportunity to pick up a souvenir.

Qingshui Cliff
En route to Taroko Gorge, take a quick pit stop at the spectacular Qingshui Cliff. This area has been designated as one of the Eight Wonders of Taiwan – so you know it’s pretty special! Take a leisurely stroll up to the observation deck, take your time to enjoy awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and allow the fresh air to clear your mind; the best bit is yet to come! The anticipation grows as you approach the Qingshui Cliff observation deck, the walk is worth it; the vistas can only be described as monumental! The contrasting colours of dense tropical vegetation clinging to the metamorphic rock is reflected along the seashore in tones of blue and green. Needless to say the photo opportunities here are EPIC!

The Promised Land Resort
Escape to The Promised Land, a Mediterranean-style resort nestled within the unspoiled beauty of Hualien. The layout of the resort has been structured around a novel 2.2km freshwater lagoon, along which each guest room has a balcony view. The lagoon is not just for show, visitors and guests can hitch a ride to different parts of the resort via electric boat and enjoy silently gliding along under uniquely designed bridges surrounded by lush greenery, waterfalls and local wildlife. The resort’s activity programme has a host of traditional pastimes to keep you engaged including; aboriginal boat rafting tour, nature walking tours and multiple culinary classes.

THE CITY SLICKER

Taipei 101
This impressive landmark is impossible to miss, towering above the city like a giant bamboo stalk! At 509m-high, Taipei 101 is one of the top 10 tallest buildings in the world. Take a ride in the high speed elevator up to the 89th floor where you can enjoy panoramic, unobstructed views of the city in all directions. Venture up to the outdoor observation deck to experience the al fresco thrill of 392m above the metropolis below. This outdoor observation deck is actually the third highest of its kind in the world, after Burj Khalifa and Canton Tower! Taipei 101 is also known as one of the city’s swankiest malls, with five floors of high-end retail indulgence.

Ximending
If you’re feeling more high-street than high-end, head over to the Ximending shopping district. Founded during the Japanese colonisation, this funky mecca for youth culture is known as the Harajuku of Taipei; it’s basically where all the cool kids go! It’s one of the capital’s most popular tourist destinations, renowned for its unique variety of clothing boutiques, restaurants, bars and clubs. Visit early evening to fully enjoy the buzzing atmosphere, colourful neon signs and street performers.

THE HISTORIAN

The National Palace Museum
Unleash your inner Indiana Jones at The National Palace Museum and explore an incredible selection of the finest Chinese art and artifacts. It’s a miracle to think that some of the most delicate porcelain, calligraphy and paintings made it to Taiwan from mainland China after surviving the ousting of the last Chinese emperor, an invasion by the Japanese and a cultural revolution! One of the most popular attractions is a tiny handcarved cabbage, specifically ‘bok choy’! It doesn’t sound that exciting and it’s a little underwhelming, but props to the unknown sculptor – it took an incredible amount of skill to carve a tiny bok choy from one piece of jadeite, plus the story behind it has a little romance! Historians say that it was probably a gift for the emperor’s new wife symbolising purity and fertility. If using all that brain power has worked up an appetite there are some excellent choices for lunch; try Silks Palace for traditional Chinese cuisine with a modern touch and superb value for money.

Liberty Square & Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
As you enter Liberty Square, the first thing that hits you is the magnitude of the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. Inside sits a gigantic statue of the man himself watched over by unflinching sentinels. One of the highlights of our visit was watching the changing of the guards, which happens on the hour, from 9am to 5pm. The former political and military leader of Taiwan, Chiang Kai-shek has a dedicated memorial that houses a museum documenting his life and career, offering a glimpse into the life of Taiwan’s longest serving leader.

Mazu Temple
There are a whopping 15,000 official temples in Taiwan, each of them is not only a local centre of faith but a living museum of folk art whose collections include exquisite stone carvings, colourful paintings and elaborate wood decorations. The Lugang Mazu Temple is an excellent example of this with some of the most exceptional artwork created by renowned masters. Dedicated to Chinese sea goddess Mazu, the temple is a national historic landmark, standing the test of time for over four hundred years! Visit during the daytime to observe worshippers peacefully going about their mantras and mudras amongst an aromatic haze of incense.

THE FOODIE

Jiufen Old Street
Tip #1: come hungry! Jiufen is known for its network of narrow alleyways, packed with teahouses, street food vendors and souvenir shops. The atmosphere is alive with droves of people politely shuffling up and down the crowded paths, dipping in and out of an eclectic variety of shops. It’s a sensory overload with smells, sights and sounds coming from all directions; most eateries showcase everything from food prep to cooking at the shop front, enticing passers by with curiosity and wafts of delicious fare. One of the most iconic Taiwanese treats that you’ll encounter are Tea Eggs. They taste a lot better than they look (picture partly cracked eggs in simmering brown water). The eggs are parboiled in strong tea and Chinese spices, giving the usually white egg a brown-marbled finish and unusual sweet and savoury taste. Feeling adventurous? How about snacking on some snails – not your regular garden variety – these slimey little suckers are as big as your fist! Wash it all down with your choice of savoury oolong tea or kitchy sweet bubble tea.

Xing Yuan Tea Farm
A true foodie not only loves the delight of eating but also appreciates the finer details of cultivation, food origin, and gastronomy. There are literally hundreds of tea farms in Taiwan, one of the best being the Xing Yuan Tea Farm in Yilan County. Enjoy harvesting, dehydrating, rolling and drying your very own Oolong tea. While your hand-picked leaves are crisping up in the industrial dryer, put your feet up and feast on a teainspired lunch. Lastly, learn how to make smooth homemade matcha ice cream in under 10 minutes!

THE EXPLORER

Sun Moon Lake
Imagine calm blue water, tropical trees, dense green undergrowth and a backdrop of interminable mountains; Sun Moon Lake resembles the perfect postcard picture. Take a short boat ride to Syuenguang Harbour where you can enjoy scenic trails beside the lake, and venture up to a higher vantage point for stunning photo opportunities. For the best views you’ll need to hop back on a boat and head to the Sun Moon Lake ‘Ropeway’ – this scenic gondola cable car ride glides smoothly over the treetops allowing for magnificent aerial views of Sun Moon Lake and the surrounding forest.

Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village & Theme Park
Bump up your daily steps exploring the park, experience a rush of adrenaline on one of the many park rides and enjoy some cultural displays and colourful Aboriginal dance performances; there is something for everyone to enjoy at this diverse theme park. The grounds of the park have been landscaped beautifully, and, if you’re lucky enough to visit during the Sakura (cherry blossom) season between January and March, you’ll be in for a treat!

Shifen Sky Lantern
The age-old tradition of releasing lanterns into the sky was once used as a signaling system before modern day communications; today sky lanterns are used in festivities all over the world. Each year, between February and March, Taiwan celebrates this deep-rooted folk culture during the prestigious Taiwan Lantern Festival. Visitors are in for a sensory treat with high-tech lantern displays, traditional Aboriginal dance performances, music and art. If you want to experience this historic custom first hand, we recommend you head up to Shifen Old Street, located in Pingxi District of New Taipei. This is the only area of Taiwan where sky lanterns are allowed to be released due to its sparse population and high altitude. This small town has become a magnet for locals and tourists with its network of alleys around one of the old rail tracks lined with sky lantern sellers, souvenir shops and eateries. Pick up your very own sky lantern for about 20 dirhams, paint on a personalised message, wish or prayer and the vendor will help you to release it into the sky! ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.TAIWAN.NET.TW FOR TIPS, ITINERARIES AND MORE. VISIT WWW.TAIWANIMMIGRATION.COM.TW FOR VISA INFORMATION.