7 good reasons to go on vacation to Taiwan

1. A competition with €150 to be won

A competition to give individual visitors €150 to spend in Taiwan? This is one of the measures launched by the Taiwanese government to attract visitors back to its territory, after a period when international travel suffered. It's aimed at individual travellers, and includes a number of conditions. To take part in the campaign, which runs from April 28, 2023 to June 30, 2025, you must hold a foreign passport, plan to spend between 3 and 90 days in Taiwan, and not be in transit, on a cruise or taking part in a group trip. Registration on the site must be made from 1 to 7 days before the day of arrival on the island. Winners are selected at random and the prizes, worth 5000NTD (around €150), can be used in partner stores or as hotel gift vouchers. 500,000 winners will have the chance to use this digital money this year. This figure will decrease until 2025, when the competition will come to an end.

At the same time, 90,000 groups of tourists will be offered the sum of up to 619 euros.

2. Discover the capital Taipei

Located in the heart of Taiwan, Taipei is a city that harmoniously blends tradition and modernity. This dynamic metropolis offers visitors a multitude of unique experiences, from ancient temples to glittering skyscrapers. We start with a visit to the legendary Longshan Temple. Built in the ^18th century, this Buddhist temple is a true architectural gem. After visiting the Sun Yat-Sen and Chiang Kai-Shek memorials to gain a better understanding of the city's history, it's time to plunge into Taipei's modern effervescence. Head for the emblematic Taipei 101 tower, once the world's tallest building. At the top, the observatory offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city! There's also the Ximending district to explore, with its trendy boutiques and gourmet addresses.

On this theme, the Shilin night market remains a must. A place to be seduced by the tantalizing aromas of street food stalls. Soak up the lively atmosphere as the colorful stalls offer a multitude of products, from clothes to electronic gadgets.

There's so much to do in Taipei, from a stroll through the Taipei Zoo to night markets and evening karaoke, that a single trip wouldn't be enough to discover this bustling city.

3. Subway and SIM card promotions

To save time and make your stay in Taiwan easier, Taiwan is launching a number of promotional actions. These include the possibility of obtaining a 4G SIM card, a service offered by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau. Tourists can take advantage of this service on arrival at the airport. They can then use the Internet anywhere in the country for 5 days. Practical for orientation, finding good addresses or making reservations. This offer is valid until September 30, 2023, and people can also order their SIM card from the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, subject to the addition of a stamp to cover postage costs.

Tourists can also order in advance a voucher to be converted into a subway ticket once they arrive at Taoyuan airport. This saves time on the journey to Taipei. Further information is available at www.tymetro.com.tw/.

4. Hiking in Taroko National Park

Nestled in the heart of Taiwan's mountains, Taroko National Park is a true natural wonder. With its spectacular gorges, majestic waterfalls and dense vegetation, this park offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike. A number of trails lead you through this vertiginous canyon carved out by the Liwu River. Admire the sheer rock faces, cross suspension bridges and walk through tunnels cut into the rock. On the Shakadang trail, marvel at the turquoise waters of the river flowing between the mountains. The Baiyang trail leads through tunnels to an impressive waterfall. This place is simply sublime and must be included in any trip to Taiwan.

5. Free half-day tours for transit passengers

In a further bid to boost tourism in Taiwan, the Tourist Board has relaunched its free half-day tours for passengers in transit. People in transit on the territory, staying from 7 to 24 hours, have the opportunity to take part in guided tours around different themes. These include "Discover Taipei's 100 years of glory","The beauty of traditional art and Taiwanese nature", "Traditional art and Taiwanese nature" and "Gourmet guided tour of the night markets". The aim is for travelers stopping off in Taiwan to take advantage of their free time to discover some of the island's wonders, and to inspire them to plan a future trip to this Asian island state. For further information, visit https://halfdaytour.taiwan.net.tw/

6. A trip to Green Island/L'île Verte

A stay in Taiwan inevitably includes many walks and visits on the main island. But don't forget that Taiwan is an archipelago! 15 minutes north of Taitung, at the port of Fugang, a ferry takes you to Green Island. A small paradise renowned for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Snorkelers will be delighted to explore the seabed, populated by colorful fish and turtles. We recommend renting a scooter to tour the island. In particular, you'll be able to reach hot springs such as Zhaori Hot Spring. This is one of the few seawater hot springs in the world.

7. Tasting Taiwanese cuisine

Whether you're strolling through the night markets in Taiwan's major cities or stepping through the restaurant doors, you'll soon discover that the island is a formidable gastronomic destination. There's plenty of choice to satisfy every palate, but let's not forget Beef Noodle Soup, which consists of thick noodles served in a savory beef broth simmered for hours; Oyster Omelette, served with a sweet sauce ; gua Bao, a Taiwanese sandwich consisting of steamed bread topped with braised meat, fresh coriander, ground peanuts and pickled vegetables; or Danzai Noodles, a noodle dish served with minced pork, shrimp, pickled eggs, vegetables and peanut sauce. Taiwan also offers the opportunity to try out the Bubble Tea variations!