Why Visit Taiwan?

Culinary Diversity Beyond Night Markets

Taiwan’s food scene deserves recognition as one of the world’s finest. The island’s history as a crossroads of indigenous cultures, Chinese migration, Japanese colonisation, and modern globalisation has created a unique culinary identity. Rather than simply seeking “the best” restaurants, understand the types of eateries available: breakfast shops（早餐店）serve morning staples like soy milk and egg pancakes; xiaochi vendors（小吃店）offer authentic regional dishes in unpretentious settings; and night markets provide variety and atmosphere. The key is observing where locals queue during meal times: long queues at odd hours often indicate something special. Food here balances flavours differently than in Western Chinese restaurants; expect more subtle, layered seasoning rather than overwhelming heat or sweetness.

Accessibility of Natural Landscapes

Taiwan packs remarkable geographical diversity into a small space. Within a few hours’ travel, you can move from coastal cliffs to high-mountain forests to marble gorges. Unlike some Asian destinations where natural sites require extensive travel infrastructure, Taiwan’s compact size and excellent public transport make outdoor experiences accessible even for non-drivers. The island maintains an extensive network of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. What makes this special for Western visitors is the quality of maintenance and the relative ease of access: many spectacular viewpoints don’t require multi-day expeditions. Consider your fitness level and available time when choosing destinations: some trails suit casual walkers whilst others demand serious hiking experience.

Democratic Openness and Social Progressiveness

Taiwan stands out in Asia for its political and social environment. As a thriving democracy, the island has cultivated a society where diverse viewpoints coexist relatively peacefully. Taiwan became the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019, reflecting broader progressive values. This openness manifests in daily life: you’ll encounter vibrant artistic expression, political discourse in public spaces, and a general willingness to engage with different perspectives. For LGBTQ+ travellers especially, Taiwan offers a welcoming environment uncommon in the region. This social climate also translates to traveller experiences: locals are generally curious about and accommodating towards foreign visitors.

Efficient Infrastructure with Cultural Authenticity

Taiwan achieves a rare balance: infrastructure rivals that of Japan or Singapore, yet traditional culture remains vibrantly present in daily life. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems in major cities operate with impressive efficiency and cleanliness, yet step outside the station and you’ll find temples with active worship, traditional markets, and elderly residents practising tai chi in parks. This combination means you can travel comfortably whilst still experiencing authentic cultural elements. Unlike destinations where modernisation has erased traditional life or where lack of infrastructure creates travel challenges, Taiwan offers both convenience and cultural immersion.

Value for Money

Compared to Japan or South Korea, Taiwan offers considerably better value whilst maintaining high standards of quality and safety. Your accommodation, food, and transport budgets stretch further here. This doesn’t mean Taiwan is “cheap” in absolute terms, but rather that the quality-to-cost ratio favours travellers. A meal at a local restaurant that would cost 15-20 GBP in London might run 3-5 GBP here, whilst maintaining excellent standards of preparation and freshness. This value proposition becomes particularly evident in accommodation and local transport.