The mountain's name is inspired by its winter wonderland appearance, with a glistening coat of snow that's said to resemble polished jade. Yushan National Park is also home to a fascinating array of geological wonders, thanks to the island's location on the dynamic meeting point of tectonic plates. From rugged rock formations to beautiful vistas, this national park promises an unforgettable adventure for all who visit.
Immerse yourself in the lush bamboo forests, marvel at sparkling waterfalls, and stroll through verdant tea plantations. Hop aboard a vintage train for an unforgettable ride through the heart of this stunning region, where you'll witness awe-inspiring vistas around every bend.
You can also explore Fenqihu Old Street and the stunning Everlasting Bridge, both of which offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Taiwan.
Taipei 101 was also a trailblazer in green construction, earning the distinction of being the world's tallest eco-friendly building until 2011. With its striking design and innovative features, it is a true testament to humankind's ingenuity and creativity.
Sun Moon Lake, Nantou
Nestled amidst the picturesque mountains of Taiwan lies the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area – a treasure trove of indigenous culture and bountiful agriculture that is sure to captivate your senses. Take in the stunning vistas as you bike, cable car or boat ride through this enchanting landscape, or hop aboard the Jiji train and experience a slice of Taiwan's nostalgic railway history.
With so many unforgettable experiences to be had, your trip to Sun Moon Lake is sure to be a cherished memory that lasts a lifetime. So come and discover the beauty of this alpine lake, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Taiwan's cultural heritage.
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| Beautiful Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, Taiwan |
Shilin Night Market, Taipei
Get ready to immerse yourself in a sensory feast like no other at the world-renowned Shilin Night Market, located in the bustling Shilin District of Taipei. As the largest and most legendary night market in Taiwan, it offers a dazzling array of culinary delights and shopping treasures that are sure to leave you spellbound.
Meander through the labyrinth of food stalls and small eateries housed in the historic Shilin Market building, or explore the myriad of shops and vendors selling everything from clothing and accessories to electronics and souvenirs.
With an impressive 539 stalls in the food court alone, as well as countless side streets and alleys teeming with storefronts and roadside stands, Shilin Night Market is an adventure you won't want to miss.
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| The popular Shilin Night Market in Taipei, Taiwan |
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Kaohsiung
Enter a world where the old meets the new at the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum - a stunning architectural masterpiece that seamlessly blends traditional and modern elements. This sanctuary is not only a place for spiritual cultivation and the attainment of wisdom, but also a hub for cultural and educational activities.
At the heart of the museum lies the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, a powerful symbol of compassion and wisdom that serves as a tangible reminder of our own inner Buddha nature. Through paying homage to this precious relic, you are invited to tap into their own spiritual essence and gain a deeper understanding of the timeless teachings of the Buddha.
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| Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Kaohsiung |
Rainbow Village, Nantun
The enchanting Rainbow Village is a former military dependents' village turned open-air art exhibit in the heart of Nantun District, Taichung.
This whimsical wonderland of street art was lovingly created by a former soldier, Huang Yung-Fu, whose innate artistic talent was evident from a young age. In a bid to save his settlement from demolition, Huang began painting the houses in vivid hues, adorning them with playful depictions of birds, animals and people. Over time, his masterpiece has expanded to encompass every remaining house in the village, which once boasted over 1,200 homes.
Come and lose yourself in the magical world of Rainbow Village, where art and life come together in a mesmerising display of creativity and resilience.
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| Rainbow Village, Nantun is a sight not to be missed in Taiwan. | Photo credit: 1949rainbow |
Jiaming Lake National Trail, Taitung
Located on the south-eastern slopes of Prairie Mountain, Jiaming Lake is a stunning natural wonder that sits at an impressive altitude of 3,310 meters above sea level - making it the second highest mountain lake in Taiwan after the illustrious Emerald Lake.
Its distinctive oval shape has earned it the nickname "Egg Pool", while climbers often refer to it as "Angel's Tears" due to its lofty location in the sky. Hiking to the top of the mountain offers a wonderful experience, as wispy white clouds slowly envelop the ridge trail and sweep you away in a arresting display of natural grandeur.
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| Jiaming Lake National Trail in Taitung, Taiwan |
Shuiyang Forest, Alishan
Take off on an epic two-day adventure through the foothills of Jade Mountain and the Alishan region. This hike offers a range of options to suit all skill levels, from a leisurely stroll along the old forestry road to the Shuiyang Forest and lake, to a more challenging ascent up Luchu Mountain, where you'll be rewarded with views of Jade Mountain - Taiwan's tallest peak.
Keep your eyes peeled for rare wildlife sightings, like the five majestic eagles we once spotted soaring over the valley below. If you're up for the challenge of reaching the peak and the lake in a single day, be prepared for some serious exertion - but if you prefer to take your time and savour the stunning scenery, there's plenty of opportunity to linger by the lakeshore and bask in the beauty of this incredible natural wonder.
So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through some of Taiwan's most jaw-dropping landscapes.
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| Shuiyang Forest in Alishan, Taiwan |
Xueshan Snow Mountain, Taichung
Rising majestically to a height of 3,886 metres, Snow Mountain claims the coveted title of Taiwan's second highest peak after Jade Mountain, offering unparalleled vistas of the spectacular Sheipa National Park and its surrounding mountains. Fear not, intrepid hikers - the journey to the summit is neither treacherous nor complicated, and the trail from Wuling Farm is widely regarded as the most scenic in all of Taiwan, boasting natural beauty at every turn.
In fact, seasoned adventurers throughout the land Xueshan to be the quintessential two-day hike in Taiwan - a must-see destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the stunning splendour of this remarkable island nation.
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| Xueshan Snow Mountain in Taichung, Taiwan |
Tianliao Moon World, Kaohsiung
Venture into the otherworldly expanse of Tianliao Moon World, a desolate tract of barren land nestled between Chongde Village and Gutin Village of Tianliao District. This eerie landscape, resembling the rugged terrain of the moon's surface, boasts a strange and haunting beauty, born of the harsh erosion wrought by years of relentless rain and streams.
Known in geography as "badlands", this adverse terrain is the result of the earth's crust undergoing a process of "rejuvenation". Once home to a sediment storage dam, used to collect water during the rainy season, the valley of a small tributary of Erren River now lies barren and forsaken, its former glory eroded away by the ceaseless onslaught of nature.
Today, all that remains is a stark and desolate wasteland - a testament to the raw power and beauty of nature in its most formidable guise.
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| Tianliao Moon World, Kaohsiung |
Jiufen Old Street, New Taipei
Winding its way along the hillside, Juifen Old Street beckons with a tantalising array of shops and eateries, their delectable aromas wafting through the narrow alleyways. Indulge in the classic snacks that Juifen is famous for, from taro balls to meatballs, as well as mugwort rice cakes.
You can also peruse a treasure trove of antique toys, unique Taiwanese souvenirs, and an endless variety of shopping options. Venture off the beaten path and explore the hidden nooks and crannies of Juifen, discovering its secrets and uncovering its beauty from every angle.
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| Jiufen Old Street in New Taipei |
Shifen Old Street, New Taipei
Found in Pingxi, the vibrant and energetic Shifen Old Streets is a labyrinth of lanes and alleys, weaving in and around the Shifen railway station. Built to ferry coal during the Japanese era, the railway station and its tracks cut straight through the heart of the village.
The bustling marketplace envelops the station, and the open tracks allow free passage for locals and visitors alike, making it the perfect spot to sample some delectable Taiwanese snacks and browse through a plethora of souvenirs.
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| Shifen Old Street, New Taipei |
Pingxi District, New Taipei
Steeped in history and culture, Pingxi offers a breathtaking glimpse of Taiwan's natural beauty. A highlight of the year-round festivities is the Sky Lantern Festival, where visitors can inscribe their wishes on a Chinese Lantern and set it soaring into the heavens for a modest fee of NT$200.
Pingxi's unique charm lies in its architecture and design, with Pingxi Old Street ingeniously built into a hillside, complete with a train track running overhead and shops selling local food and gifts. Strolling through the marketplace, you can marvel at 1940s-era shops and wooden houses dating back to the Japanese occupation era.
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| Celerate the Sky Lantern Festival at Pingxi District in New Taipei |
As you come to the end of your journey through Taiwan's best places to visit, one thing is certain: this enchanting island nation will have captured your heart. From the majestic peaks of Taroko Gorge to the dazzling lights of Taipei 101, Taiwan is a land of contrasts that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So, whether you've come to Taiwan to explore its bustling cities, bask in its natural beauty or immerse yourself in its rich culture, you'll find it all here!
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