The Best of Taiwan

Balanced perfectly between the East and South China Sea, Taiwan is undoubtedly proof that big things can come in small packages. Taiwan is a beautifully captivating island and a Black Tomato favourite that effortlessly provides more than enough reasons to visit. A kaleidoscope of colour courtesy of its countless festivals, rich cuisine and ornate temples and home to the ultimate contrast of landscapes in capital city, Taipei, with its city skyscrapers enveloped by humid rainforest hills. Get lost in the bustling night markets of Taipei, Tainan and Kaohsiung, and spend the following morning inhaling the aromas and learning the traditions of Taiwan's tea culture. Leave the neon lights behind as you head inland to Sun Moon Lake or to the coast to Kenting National Park and islands of the Penghu Archipelago. Any chance we can squeeze in your suitcase?

Best of Taiwan

Festivals(01 of06)

As one of Taiwan’s oldest festivals, the Dragon Boat Racing Festival commemorates the loyal statesman, Cyu Yuan who – roughly 2000 years ago – threw himself into the Miluo River upon discovering his province had been taken over. In keeping with ancient traditions, teams race in intricately decorated boats and Zongzih (a festive dumpling made of rice) are still thrown into the river to feed the fish. There's also the Lantern Festival, commonly perceived as the country’s most romantic festival, which sees thousands of lanterns float off into the skies above Taiwan. Several legends are associated with the festival, one of which being that the lanterns help the gods to see clearer from heaven when they bless earth.

Temples(02 of06)

Rumour has it Taiwan has the highest number of religious buildings per capita in the world, which undoubtedly made Black Tomato's task to shortlist them that little bit harder. The Matsu temple situated in Makung, Penghu, is Taiwan’s oldest temple dating back nearly 400 years. With its spectacularly ornate tiered roofs and intricate wooden panelling, it’s undoubtedly a must-see. Despite being a shrine rather than a temple, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall has real historical significance and is famous for its minimalist white walls, midnight blue octagonal roof and bright red flowerbeds, echoing the Republic of China flag.

Night Markets(03 of06)

Benefiting from its port-side location, Miaokou Night Market in Keelung is the place to go to for fresh seafood – stewed eel soup is a particular favourite. ‘Miaokou’ means ‘temple entrance’, so as you walk through the rows of dimly lit lanterns surrounding the nearby temple, you can be assured you are experiencing truly authentic Taiwan. Tainan Flower Night Market is a somewhat inaccurate name for this night market, as the Taiwanese passion for food has once again taken precedence. Coffin toast is far less eery than it sounds and is a personal favourite of ours. Not for the faint-hearted, spicy duck blood is also an option.

Tea Culture(04 of06)

Across the country are countless tea plantations growing black, green and oolong tea to name but three, with High Mountain oolong often being considered the finest tea by experts due to the unique cool, humid conditions in the mountains that the plant so thrives on. A popular twist on this Taiwanese tradition is bubble tea. Originating in Taichung in the 1980s, bubble tea contains tea mixed with fruit flavoured milk – the flavour of which comes from small tapioca balls, which look like coloured pearls sitting in the bottom of your cup. There are around 8000 bubble tea cafes dotted across Taiwan but this contemporary twist is quickly becoming something of an international phenomenon, bringing the sweet taste of Taiwan to your door.

National Parks(05 of06)

Kenting National Park is a personal favourite of Black Tomato's: located on the southern tip of Taiwan, it has some of the best weather on the island and, what with its perfect coastal position, is home to some of the country’s best beaches. A slower pace of life is easily identifiable within the park – add to this the abundance of wildlife, the calming sound of the waves and the region’s cultural heritage and Kenting becomes an ideal spot to reside in once you are ready to escape the hubbub of the metropolises. For dramatic coastal landscapes, head to the northern tip of Taiwan to Yehliu National Park. This park is considered something of a ‘geological curiosity’, and with its eerie rock formations – the Queen’s Head and Mushroom Rocks to name but two – and rolling waves, it lies in stark contrast to the soothing southern shores.

By the Water(06 of06)

Situated right in the middle of Taiwan is Sun Moon Lake, where the mirror-still waters protect Lalu Island and Assam black tea farms run to the water’s edge. The surrounding mountains are ready and waiting to be explored and the region oozes with history of the Orient because of the tribes still living around the lake and on the holy Lalu Island. True to Taiwanese culture, temples line the shores; the colours of which shine against the lake and make for a truly enchanting experience.The Penghu Archipelago, situated off the west coast of Taiwan, is a collection of 61 islands home to irresistibly idyllic beaches and soothing waves in the summer, and roaring winds and rolling waves ideal for wind surfing come the winter months.

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