Explore the magic of Taiwan
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Taiwan, a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Dive into the cultural and natural riches of Taiwan.
Luoghi imperdibili
Taiwan, land of contrasts and unforgettable adventures
Upon arriving in Taipei, you will be surprised to discover that the capital is a rather green city, with suburbs featuring tea plantations just a few kilometers from the business district. Wherever you are, you will always see green peaks surrounding the metropolis. Get used to it because you are in for more surprises! Despite its small size, Taiwan is a land of contrasts. In the north, the coastline resembles Brittany with its steep cliffs and capricious rocks; the east, still as rugged, reveals white sandy beaches and gigantic marble gorges; the south offers a new scene with its sparse vegetation and paradise-like beaches, while heading back north, titanic mountains (over 3,000 m) overlook lakes, rivers, and other hot springs. Finally, the central-west is a vast plain that, on cloudy days, might almost remind you of Belgium or northern France. Taiwan is a mosaic of landscapes! Incidentally, American filmmaker Martin Scorsese did not hesitate to shoot his latest film, *Silence*, amidst Taiwan's magnificent landscapes.
A Journey Between Tradition and Modernity
Discover a land where ancestral traditions meet cutting-edge innovation. This paradise is a true cultural kaleidoscope, where every street corner tells a different story. Let yourself be charmed by its breathtaking landscapes, from lush mountains to golden beaches, and the terraced rice fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. The richness of local craftsmanship will amaze you with its unique expertise and diversity.
Embark on an adventure along spectacular hiking trails or indulge in culinary delights, a subtle fusion of Asian and local influences. The lively nightlife promises unforgettable evenings under a starry sky. Each festival is an explosion of colors and joy, reflecting the festive spirit of the local people.
Immerse yourself in a vibrant and welcoming culture, where every smile you encounter will make you feel at home. Prepare for a unique and enriching experience, full of discoveries and wonders.
A memorable welcome in Taiwan
Even though it's a little less true in big cities, the Taiwanese are warm and open people, always on the lookout for what might please visitors. Cascading smiles, kind gestures, and above all, plenty of questions: Where are you from? What do you do? What can I do for you? They simply take an interest in others, and foreigners are consistently regarded as guests. This curiosity, combined with the tradition of generosity that prevails on the island, makes the Taiwanese one of the most welcoming people in the world, showering visitors with attention.
An Authentic Destination: Discover Taiwan
Despite extreme modernity, such as the high-tech industry, design architecture, and the latest fashion, Taiwan remains deeply attached to Chinese culture, of which it defends the heritage. This rootedness draws its strength from historical events: Taiwan was invaded by the Japanese, which awakened a sense of identity, and it escaped the cultural revolution under the yoke of the nationalists. The religious tradition has thus been perpetuated without interruption, as evidenced by the presence of some 5,000 temples and monasteries. Martial arts are practiced there with ease. By adding the aboriginal traditions in the east of the island, a trip to Taiwan becomes an initiation into cohabiting cultures. The Japanese heritage is also very present, especially in the north. Those familiar with Kyushu will find many similarities with the Japanese island. Taiwan is a plural island, which makes its charm. A piece of advice: spend a few days outside the big cities to discover the charms of Taiwan's countryside; you won't be disappointed.
Discover a variety of sports activities to enjoy
Taiwan not only offers its landscapes and cultural heritage. For hiking enthusiasts, mountaineering, or marine activities, the island is full of treasures easily accessible to athletes of all levels. There are hundreds of kilometers of trails in stunning mountain landscapes or along the coast. Snorkeling in the South and rafting in the steep gorges are also very popular. However, be cautious of mosquitoes and snakes, as some species are particularly venomous!
Exquisite Culinary Discovery
After the civil war in 1949, two million mainland Chinese sought refuge in Taiwan. Among this human influx were Chinese from all provinces such as Sichuan, Guangdong, Fujian, and Manchuria. They brought with them their culinary recipes as diverse as they were renowned, representing five thousand years of culinary tradition. Chinese cuisines thus integrated with the local cuisine, already influenced by Japanese gastronomy.
Today, all culinary trends are represented in Taiwan: Korean, Thai, French, Italian, German, Mongolian. One common denominator at all these tables is quality. In Taiwan, eating is one of life's pleasures. Tea enthusiasts know that Alishan tea is among the best in the world.
A Year of Celebrations in Taiwan
Between traditional Chinese celebrations such as the New Year or the Lantern Festival, aboriginal festivals like the Flying Fish Festival among the Yami or the Saisiat tribute to the spirits of the dwarfs, national holidays such as the founding day of the Republic of China, or sporting events like the Taroko Marathon, it is difficult to find a day when nothing is happening in Taiwan. You can take your calendar, Gregorian or lunar, and see that the task should be quick! All these festivities are accompanied by celebrations that will allow you to grasp the soul of the country and its people, while enjoying their hospitality.
The Best Shopping Experiences in Taipei
For your yearly shopping or to satisfy a compulsive urge, Taipei is the ideal city. The quality of its transport will take you to any district in record time. You will find all the items capable of calming your shopping fever. The Sogo department store on Zhongxiao East Road and the multiple galleries near Taipei 101 house luxury brands. Meanwhile, the Shilin night market is a goldmine for those who dream of dressing in manga style. Photography and computer equipment enthusiasts will not be left out with, among others, the gigantic Nova store. Finally, local crafts, varied and of high quality, enjoy a good reputation and are increasingly important. "Made in Taiwan" is back, this time synonymous with quality and style.
The Treasures of the National Palace Museum
It alone could justify the 14-hour flight separating Paris from Taipei. For art enthusiasts or simply the curious, this museum is a must-see: it is said to contain 75% of the world's Chinese art collections, including the entire imperial collections preserved in the Forbidden City. Rare books, calligraphy, bronze, jade... the exhibited collection rotates every three months.
For trivia lovers, know that the Palace Museum houses a collection of over 750,000 pieces, more than twice that of the Louvre. However, most of the works are stored in vast underground shelters in the mountain just behind the museum to safeguard this unique heritage in case of conflict with mainland China.
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