Explore the beauty of North Taiwan

photo by Walkerssk da Pixabay 

Taiwan is an island with an undefined identity. For China it is a rebellious province, for the local population it is an independent nation. For tourists -who are recently rediscovering it- it is an exotic destination that however retains that comforting “Western face” that makes us feel a bit “at home”. The island, geographically, is divided into east and west: to the east, the mountains and wild forests; to the west, the plains and most of the cities and ports. At the crossroads of these two worlds is the national capital Taipei. The second largest city on the island (after New Taipei) dominates the northern part, at the foot of the extinct volcano Taiwan and the Yangmingshan National Park. Choosing Taipei as a holiday destination means finding a happy base from which to explore the northern regions of Taiwan. In 10 or 15 days you can cover many interesting places that we will tell you about below.

When to go and what documents to bring

The island of Taiwan has an almost tropical climate, with heavy rains and very high humidity rates. The best times for a vacation here are the “middle” seasons. In spring and autumn, in fact, despite the occasional sudden storm, the climate remains warm but not hot, and certainly not humid or muggy.

To enter the territory as a tourist, you must show a passport with at least 6 months of residual validity. An entry visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days, but it is always a good idea to inquire at consulates and embassies about the requirements needed to be “accepted” as tourists.

What to pack for your trip to Taiwan

Light and soft clothing, swimsuits and open shoes are definitely the basis of a luggage for a holiday in Taiwan. Don’t forget trekking shoes for excursions in the wildest areas of the country. A portable first aid kit is always a good idea, possibly including disinfectant, plasters, thermometer, antipyretics, painkillers, antibiotics, medicines for intestinal disorders. Don’t forget adapters for electricity, spare batteries, insect repellent and sunscreen. A tip: always carry photocopies of documents with you, leaving the originals at the hotel.

How to get to Taiwan and how to move in Taipei

Built in the 1970s to replace the old and busy Songshan Airport, Taipei Airport – official name: Taiwan Taoyuan Airport – has now become one of the most important airports in Asia. China considers it a national airport, despite the independence of Taiwan, the island of which this airport is the main hub. Continuously expanding, Taiwan Taoyuan Airport now boasts 2 terminals (and 2 more under construction), 2 long runways and numerous services.

Once you arrive in Taipei, moving from the airport to the city but also to destinations in the surrounding region is easy and convenient. Public transportations, such as the modern subway (MRT), urban buses and high-speed trains alternate with different transfers such as bike-sharing and bike-renting,  along the many organized cycle paths in the country. However, to move calmly and comfortably on a crowded and somewhat dispersive island, it is better to choose private transport: a shuttle or a car with a chauffeur, even hired “by the hour”, serve to give you quick and stress-free travel. Transfeero shall be the perfect choice: our private cars can be booked in advance, so to quietly decide which one best suits your needs and how much you should pay.

What to see

Taipei, Taiwan’s dynamic capital, captivates with its fascinating mix of tradition and modernity, offering a truly unique cultural experience to travelers from all over the world. Nestled – with its towering skyscrapers – at the foot of lush green mountains, Taipei is a city where ancient temples coexist with lively night markets and serene parks. Monuments create tourist itineraries that transform into unique experiences to be lived: from the National Palace with its museum to the extraordinary magnificence of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, from the romantic magic of Lungshan to the many ancient temples… !

Taipei has both a Western (Portuguese) and Chinese soul and loves to express them in many ways. At night, the city is as beautiful and interesting as it is during the day, with its restaurants, lively markets, shops and events. Whether you are a foodie, a history buff or an urban explorer, Taipei has something to enchant everyone. Your itinerary could also include: the Botanical Garden, Fulong Beach, Yangmingshan National Park. Or, another itinerary with a more artistic theme will include the Kuantu Temple, the Lungshan Temple, the Martyrs’ Shrine. Also definitely worth a visit are the Taipei 101 Building skyscraper, the Ningxia Night Market, the Taipei Zoo and Ximending – the shopping district.

Northern Taiwan also invites you to admire the beauties of the cities of Taoyuan, Toufen and the beaches of Luodong and Jiaoxi.

When in Taiwan you should NEVER …

Never speak loudly in public;
never eat on board train carriages;
never touch or hug anyone unless you have received permission to do so;
never talk about China and politics, a subject far too sensitive and dangerous for Taiwanese.