Small Town Portraits: History-Packed Fengshan
September 27th, 2023
The first thing to point out about Fengshan is that it isn’t really a small town. With 357,000 inhabitants, it’s a settlement of importance. But because it’s located right next to sprawling Kaohsiung — the modern harbour metropolis that’s often described as Taiwan’s ‘maritime capital’ — historic Fengshan (sometimes spelled Fongshan) seems manageable and downright […]
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Taiwan’s Art Scene: Private Tours to Discover the Island’s Creative Soul
September 15th, 2023
History, human diversity, and government policy have combined to give 21st-century Taiwan an exceptional cultural richness. Most Taiwanese trace their ancestry to Fujian, the nearest Chinese province, but when they arrived the island was already populated by more than a dozen Austronesian indigenous tribes. Soon those early migrants were joined by Hakka pioneers who spoke […]
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Taiwan’s Traditional Markets: Colourful Cornerstones of Urban Life
September 5th, 2023
‘Does Taiwan still have traditional markets?’ Life of Taiwan’s itinerary planners get asked from time to time. The answer is an emphatic ‘Yes!’ Decades of rapid economic growth have given Taiwan’s towns and cities a good range of supermarkets and hypermarkets. Yet millions of Taiwanese still like to get their vegetables, meat, and fruit from […]
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Tipping and Cash Gifts in Taiwan
August 29th, 2023
Taiwan is generally a non-tipping culture. For North American and European travellers looking forward to doing a private tour of Taiwan this may come as a pleasant surprise. That said, a huge number of cash gifts are given out at Lunar New Year, when employers reward their workers with bonuses and working adults give cash […]
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Immersive Cultural Experiences: Private Tours with an Indigenous Twist
July 19th, 2023
Welcome to Taiwan, a land rich in cultural diversity and vibrant tradition. Following centuries of Han Chinese migration to the island, indigenous people account for just one-fortieth of the population of 23.9 million — yet the Austronesian tribes that have called Taiwan home for thousands of years have left their mark on every facet of […]
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Small Town Portraits: Boat-Burning at Donggang
July 13th, 2023
Often bypassed by tourists heading from Kaohsiung to Kenting National Park — or ignored by those who use it as a jumping-off point for excursions to the island of Little Liuqiu — the southern town of Donggang deserves more than a glance. And if you’re visiting Taiwan in the autumn of 2024, you might even […]
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Heritage Trails: Exploring Taiwan’s Rich Cultural Legacy
June 28th, 2023
Welcome to Taiwan, a land brimming with a rich cultural legacy that spans centuries. From 17th-century temples and historic sites to traditional villages and indigenous traditions, Taiwan offers a plethora of heritage trails, cycle routes, and cultural corridors that are waiting to be explored. In this blog post, we invite you on a journey to […]
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Words From the Wise: Travel Advice from Life of Taiwan Guides
June 20th, 2023
Taiwan is an exceptionally safe place for tourists to visit. At the beginning of this year, Numbeo — a website which compiles cost of living and quality of life data about cities and countries worldwide — ranked Taiwan as third safest among the 142 countries and territories it surveyed. According to the website, only Qatar […]
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Unveiling Hidden Gems: Private Tours of Taiwan
June 15th, 2023
Embark on an extraordinary journey to Taiwan, a land overflowing with captivating landscapes, a rich and diverse culture, and tantalising culinary delights. Indulge in the ultimate travel experience with a Life of Taiwan private tour that combines true luxury and the thrill of discovery. Immerse yourself in thrilling stories and embark on an unforgettable adventure […]
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Small Town Portraits: Tamsui near Taipei
June 8th, 2023
For much of its history, Tamsui — sometimes spelled Danshui — was bigger and more important than Taipei. Like Anping in Tainan, in the second half of the 19th century it was a treaty port, meaning merchants from certain Western countries enjoyed a range of privileges. The town attracted tea traders, camphor dealers and other […]
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24 Hours in Taichung, the Heart of Central Taiwan
May 25th, 2023
Taichung, a boom town in the central part of the island, often features in our private tours of Taiwan. Especially popular with those planning a family tour or a food tour, the city offers an endearing blend of modernity and character — and it’s a launchpad for excursions to Sun Moon Lake and other destinations […]
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Food for Thought: The 2023 Taiwan Culinary Exhibition
May 4th, 2023
Great food is at the heart of any memorable travel experience, and a Life of Taiwan guided tour is no exception. Our regular guides and itinerary planners have a combined 200-plus years of eating out in Taiwan under their belts. We can bring you to places known for exceptional fine dining and hidden secret spots […]
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