You thought that Taiwan, a modern island with a somewhat bastard status, lost in a diplomatic no-man's land, both Chinese and strongly influenced by fifty years of Japanese occupation, did not have any major interests.... These prejudices are erased upon arrival. Proud of its Chinese traditions, its Aboriginal heritage (close to the Pacific Islands!) and its singularities, Taiwan is a land of human contrasts, superimposed, to the visitor's surprise, on top of which are amazing natural contrasts
Breathtaking landscapes
Taipei is the proud capital of Taiwan, and its Tower 101, long the highest building in the world (no less than 508 m and 101 floors!), is the symbol of this. Not far from this hectic and surprisingly pleasant town, there is a succession of dazzling landscapes of variety. The north is rich in historical sites, its coast is whipped by winds, with rugged terrain where waves and tides punctuate everyone's life. This is where the waters of the China Sea, the Pacific Ocean and the Taiwan Strait meet. In the centre of the island, the flora, sometimes exuberant, sometimes alpine, covers the parts of the peaks reaching more than 3,000 m. The Jade (Yushan) mountain flirts with the 4,000 m! The South is characterized by its tropical climate and underwater life; coral reefs and multicoloured fishes frolic in the feeder currents of the Pacific Ocean. Taiwan is a mosaic of landscapes! Moreover, American filmmaker Martin Scorsese did not hesitate to shoot Silence in Taiwan's magnificent landscapes.
In the end, visitors to Taiwan often report the same impression: they come here a little by chance, they return there for love. Love of this small island at the opposite end of the spectrum from preconceived ideas. Love of its inhabitants, who have the (well-deserved) reputation of being among the most welcoming in all of Asia. Love of its villages and national parks with endless possibilities for excursions. "Welcome to Taiwan! ", will you hear all day long, amid smiles that remind you that the stranger here is always a guest.
An authentic and cultural destination
Despite its extreme modernity - high-tech industry, architecture design, cutting-edge fashion - Taiwan remains deeply attached to Chinese culture, defending its heritage. This rootedness draws its strength from historical events: Taiwan was invaded by the Japanese, which awakened a sense of identity, and Taiwan, under the yoke of nationalists, escaped the cultural revolution. The religious tradition has therefore been perpetuated without interruption, as evidenced by the presence of some 5,000 temples and monasteries, as well as the practice of martial arts in which the Taiwanese indulge in a relaxed atmosphere. Add to this the aboriginal traditions in the east of the island, and the trip to Taiwan is an introduction to the cultures that coexist there. The Japanese heritage is also, especially in the north, very present, and Kyushu's pets will find many similarities with the Japanese island in Taiwan. Taiwan is an island in the plural, and that's what makes it so charming. A word of advice, go out for a few days outside the big cities, and discover the charms of Taiwan in the countryside: you will not be disappointed.
As for the treasures of the National Palace Museum, they alone could justify the 14 hours of flight from Paris to Taipei. For art lovers or the curious, this museum is a must: it would contain 75% of the world's collections of Chinese art, including all the imperial collections, preserved in the Forbidden City. Rare books, calligraphy, bronze, jade... the collection on display rotates every three months. For lovers of anecdotes, the Palais Museum houses a collection of more than 750,000 pieces, more than twice that of the Louvre, but most of the works are stored in huge underground shelters in the mountains, just behind the museum, in order to safeguard this unique heritage in the event of conflict with mainland China.
Varied sports activities and exceptional cuisine
Taiwan does not only offer its landscapes and cultural heritage. For hikers, mountaineers and marine enthusiasts, the island has treasures easily accessible to sports enthusiasts of all levels, hundreds of kilometres of trails in superb mountain landscapes or along the coast, snorkelling in the south, rafting in the steep gorges. However, beware of mosquitoes and snakes, as some species are particularly poisonous!
Enough to whet your appetite before you eat.After the civil war in 1949, two million Chinese from the continent took refuge in Taiwan; among this human flow were Chinese from all provinces (Sichuan, Guangdong, Fujian, Manchuria...) who brought their diverse and renowned recipes in their suitcases, a testimony to five thousand years of culinary tradition. Chinese cuisine has therefore been added to the local cuisine, already influenced by Japanese cuisine. Today, all culinary trends are represented in Taiwan: Korean, Thai, French, Italian, German, Mongolian... There is only one common denominator at all its tables: quality, because in Taiwan, eating is part of the joys of life. Tea lovers know that Alishan tea is one of the best in the world.
Plural shopping in Taipei
To shop all year round or satisfy a compulsive desire, Taipei is the ideal city, especially since the quality of its transport takes you to any neighbourhood in record time. You will find all the items that can calm your buying fever. The Sogo department store on Zhongxiao East Road and the many galleries near Taipei 101 contain luxury brands, while the Shilin night market is a gold mine for those who dream of dressing in manga fashion. Fans of photographic and computer equipment will not be disappointed either, with, among many others, the gigantic Nova store. Finally, local craftsmanship, varied and of high quality, enjoys a good reputation, and sees its importance growing. Made in Taiwan is back, and this time it is synonymous with quality and style.
The Lantern Festival, a grandiose spectacle
Between traditional Chinese celebrations such as the New Year's Day or the Lantern Festival, Aboriginal festivals such as the Flying Fish Festival among the Yami or the Seiziat tribute to the spirits of the dwarves, national holidays such as the day the Republic of China was founded or sports events such as the Taroko Marathon, you can take your pencil and mark it with a cross on your calendar - Gregorian or lunar -, on days when nothing happens in Taiwan... The company should be fast! All the festivities are accompanied by celebrations that will allow you to capture the soul of the country and its inhabitants, and to taste their hospitality.
As for the Feast of the Lanterns, it has been celebrated since the Han dynasty (-202 to 221 BC). This celebration, which takes place on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year (mid to late February), officially closes the New Year festivities. In the past, the souls of visiting ancestors were brought back to the other world, symbolized by lit lanterns all over the country (today the Lantern Festival is also known as Chinese Valentine's Day). Even today, Taiwanese people still march through the streets carrying paper and wooden lanterns. Their shapes and ornaments are inspired by the zodiacal sign of the year. Prizes are awarded for the most beautiful achievements. Temples are ideal places to participate in festivities. In Taipei, climb the steps of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial to get a breathtaking view of the parades. But it is in Pingxi, about 50 km east of Taipei, that the show is most spectacular. Lanterns are celebrated all year round, but the Lantern Festival is particularly impressive. If you want to go there, you'll have to do it in advance, because there's a crazy world!
Smart info
When? When? The best periods are from March to May - nature is in bloom and temperatures are very pleasant - and from September to November. Summer months should be avoided as much as possible. Winter is never very cold in Taiwan and the Chinese New Year is a good reason to make the trip.
Getting there. The average price of a Paris-Taipei flight is 600 € in low season and 1 100 € in high season.
Find your flight at the best price - Compare
Book your train tickets, Bus tickets, Carpool tickets - Book
Rent your car at the best price - Compare
Useful. To prepare your trip as well as possible.
TAIWAN TOURISM OFFICE - More information on the website
Book your accommodation at the best conditions - Compare
Get a quote from a local agency for a custom trip - Request a quote
Find a cultural or sporting activity - Find
