The best of Taiwan: A guide for first time visitors

Taiwan is a small island that has an incredibly rich variety of natural beauty and travel attractions; in this article we will introduce you to the best of Taiwan, if you are planning to visit Taiwan for the first time, these are the places you wouldn’t want to miss.

1. Taipei 101

Formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center – this is a landmark skyscraper in Xinyi District, Taipei city, it’s the tallest building in Taiwan and it has the world’s fastest elevator (it takes 38 seconds to reach the 89^th floor viewing deck). Taking the elevator to the viewing deck, you can see the whole of Taipei’s city view. At night, 7-color lights will be projected onto Taipei 101’s exterior surface, the colors change daily and the landmark shines at the center of the city. The lightning starts at sunset and shuts down at 10 in the evening. Taipei 101 is not only Taipei’s most well known symbol; it also stands for Taiwan’s modernity and prosperity.

2. Riyuetan Pool

This is the only natural lake in Taiwan, there is a tiny island in the center of the lake named Lalu Island, which divides the lake into two halves, the northern half is shaped like the sun, and the southern part looks resembles a crescent moon, therefore this national treasure is named “ The pool of the sun and the moon”. Riyuetan pool is the hometown of many Taiwanese indigenous groups including the Gaoshan people, every autumn when the moon becomes full moon, they come to the lakeside and dance traditional folk dances, sing ballads that are hundred-year old. As seasons change, Riyuetan pool shows different sides of its beauty to visitors.

3. Ali Mountain

Ali Mountain is composed by 18 mountains as the offset of Yushan mountain range. In summer, Ali Mountain’s average temperature is 14.3 degree Celsius, making it the most popular place to avoid the summer heat. Ali mountain is also a natural oxygen bar where countless tress produce fresh air. Visitor’s favorite attraction in Ali mountain is the forest railway and the old style pink train that passes through the tropical zone， subtropical zone, temperate zone and the frigid zone. As the train travels pass the four different zones, visitors can experience the change of temperature and see various plants and ecosystems.

4. Kenting National Park

Kenting National Park occupies the Hengchun Peninsula at the southern tip of the island of Taiwan. It’s known for its white-sand beaches, caves, coral reefs & northern mountains. Visitors’ favorite activities include sailing, swimming, diving and riding Jet Ski, the beautiful white-sand beach provide a perfect spot for BBQ, camping and bathing the sunshine. Many films were shot in Kenting National Park, including Ang Lee’s Life of Pi (2012). Kenting town is home to fantastic restaurants, bars and nightlife.

5. Night food market

Taiwan is known for its rich cuisine and night food market culture. When you visit Taiwan, you should definitely come to one of those night food markets to try some of Taiwan’s most interesting food. When the sun sets, food booths offer all kinds of irresistible choices for food-lovers to enjoy. This is also a great spot for friends to hang out and spend a memorable evening together.