What to see in Taiwan in a week, itinerary among modern skyscrapers, ancient temples and ancient traditions to discover in the small island state with capital Taipei.
Tourist information
Taiwan is commonly identified as the place where technology and electronics dominate, just think that many pc components and other appliances are manufactured here.
But this island hides a picturesque reality made of landscapes with breathtaking views and a varied scenario of different cultures coming from a history that is lost in the maze of time.
Next to the night markets, cycle paths and thermal springs, there are skyscrapers, mountains and sparkling lakes.
Taiwan is one of the few places in the world where ancient religious and cultural practices are still current, in a modern context aimed at the future where futuristic skyscrapers and ancient temples coexist.
The influence of different cultures also transpires from the island cuisine where Chinese, Japanese and Aboriginal dishes can be tasted.
Looking at the history of the island, one realizes that Taiwan was governed for five decades by Japan and subsequently, in 1949, by supporters and soldiers of the Chinese Nationalist Party, who fled here after being defeated by President Mao's army during the Chinese civil war.
Taiwan today has an independentist vocation from China and for this reason the rulers of Beijing look at it with some concern. In the past, Taiwan was known as Formosa, a word derived from Portuguese which means beautiful island.
Far from the elegant towers and the pulsing lights of the cities, there are the valleys, lakes and gorges of the countryside, places that tend to hit the tourist most.
The fact that relatively few travelers choose Taiwan as a holiday destination depends mainly on the lack of awareness rather than the lack of things to do.
In fact, the latter are not at all lacking and the environment is perfectly suitable for hikers, cyclists, divers, surfers, pilgrims, gourmets and luxury lovers, who can find a small corner of paradise here.
Recommended readings- Taiwan in 7 days: what to do and see on the island
- Taipei (Taiwan): what to see in the capital
What see
The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is an imposing tomb and shrine dedicated to Taipei's most famous leader, which also houses the main places of Taipei dedicated to the performing arts, including the National Opera Theater inside its large park.
The Chinese New Year is one of the many festivals that take place in the capital, useful for getting an overview of the culture of the island.
Together with the Dragon Boat Festival and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival are very popular traditional festivals that take place in the squares.
Chung Tai Chan Monastery is the highest Buddhist temple in the world, an architectural work completed after over ten years of work, designed by CY Lee.
Easily accessible from the city of Puli in central Taiwan, it stands out for its impressive mix of modernist techniques and old world traditions.
The eastern Rift Valley is a fertile area rich in sediments, which is why it is also known as the land of milk and honey.
Taiwan is home to around 460 different bird species, including rare endemic species such as the blue Formosa magpie and the Swinhoe and Mikado pheasants.
Other wild animals include the Formosa rock monkey and about 400 species of butterflies.
In Green Bay, steep terrain and constant winds offer perfect opportunities for hang gliding and paragliding.
Kenting National Park is a very popular and recreational area, located in the tropical forest along the coast, at the southern end of Taiwan, which boasts beautiful beaches, coral lakes and a protected area for birds, as well as equipped facilities for water sports and golf.
Kinmen is an archipelago of islands located just two kilometers off the coast of mainland China, but still under the rule of Taiwan.
The main island, from which it takes its name, was a fundamental strategic base during the unrest of the twentieth century and for this reason there are fortified buildings and buildings.
On Lanyu Island, Orchid Island, located off the southeast coast, you can get to know the Yami Aborigines, the last survivors of the hunting tribes.
The volcanic island, where some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the region are located, offers an idea of the tropical environment even in high season.
Diving or snorkeling in the waters around Ludao, Green Island, off the southeast coast.
There are beautiful coral forests to admire, with visibility is good all year round.
The island can be reached by boat from Taitung and is famous for the political prisoners who spent the exile period here in the 20th century.
An old port district in central Taiwan, Lugang is home to a rich heritage of temples, traditional buildings and shops of excellent local craftsmanship.
The historic center is a pleasant place for carefree walks.
The National Palace Museum houses the largest collection of Chinese artifacts, most of which were brought here by supporters of Chiang Kai-shek, much to the disappointment of the old Beijing regime.
Traveling along the north-east coast road, you can enjoy spectacular views, with the central mountain range on one side and the blue expanse of the East China Sea on the other.
The route passes through a large number of small villages, many of which have remained unchanged even after the technological evolution of the island.
In the Penghu archipelago, a group of islands in the middle of the Taiwan Strait, you can admire amazing basalt rock formations.
The columns were formed due to ancient volcanic eruptions and were subsequently eroded by wind and waves.
What to do
Shopping centers and local markets have many products on offer, including bamboo objects, paper umbrellas, Aboriginal handicrafts, glass art objects, candied fruit and tea.
Taiwan's volcanic past has left abundant geothermal energy reserves across the island, where there are over 100 hot mineral water springs.
They are very popular, both for residents and tourists, as they offer a relaxing method of toning the muscles.
Tainan, the oldest city on the island and former capital, is also known as City of Temples, for the large number of this type of structure, over 200, including excellent examples of architecture.
Excellent cuisine and a full calendar of events and festivals available.
Taipei 101, which until recently was the tallest building in the world, has a very fast elevator to reach the top floor Observatory, from which you can enjoy a beautiful panorama.
The Taroko staircase is a natural attraction in Taiwan that deserves a privileged place in any visit itinerary.
The high cliffs of the precipice are crossed by extensive marble deposits, which contribute to the overall beauty of one of the most suggestive places.
Many of Taiwan's national parks offer high-level excursions, but that of Yushan is very particular, thanks above all to Mount Yushan, Jade Mountain which, with its 3,952 m altitude, represents the highest peak in Northeast Asia and is considered an important symbol of Taiwan's identity, much coveted by climbers from all over the world.
