Taiwan’s Evolution into a Captivating Travel Destination
September 27th, 2021
In recent years, Taiwan has emerged from the shadows of being primarily a business travel hub to become an enticing vacation destination for individuals from Europe and North America. A Century-Long Quest to Attract Travelers Taiwan’s quest to allure foreign tourists began over a century ago during the era of Japanese rule, which commenced in […]
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Taiwan in 100 Books
November 2nd, 2020
If you’re considering a visit to Taiwan and want to dive into its rich tapestry of culture and history beforehand, there’s an array of English-language books to guide your exploration. However, with such a vast selection, you might find yourself wondering where to begin. Navigating the World of Taiwan Literature Having relocated from New Zealand […]
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Embracing Yellow and Its Cultural Significance
September 22nd, 2020
In Taiwan, the sweltering heat of the year’s peak is finally giving way to the refreshing embrace of autumn. As the season transitions, the colour yellow takes centre stage, both as a symbol and a vibrant presence in the island’s temples and shrines. This hue, deeply rooted in tradition, particularly shines in the Buddhist facets […]
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Exploring Taiwan’s Rich Variety of Local Vegetables
April 8th, 2020
Official statistics fail to capture the full extent of vegetable cultivation in Taiwan. Beyond the rice paddies and orchards, many farmers also tend to seasonal greens, often sharing their harvest with family rather than selling it. Even city-dwellers get in on the action, cultivating scallions or cilantro in balcony boxes. In Taiwan, few opt for […]
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Sustainable Mountain Tourism
January 6th, 2020
This year’s International Mountain Day theme is sustainable mountain tourism, a matter close to our hearts at Life of Taiwan and cherished by Taiwan’s hiking community. Due to Taiwan’s high population density and growing interest in outdoor activities, authorities diligently manage tourism’s ecological impact in sensitive regions. Scaling Peaks: Yushan and Xueshan To reach the […]
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The Vibrant Significance of Red in Taiwan
December 26th, 2019
In Taiwan, the colour red transcends mere aesthetics; it is an emblem of festivity, good fortune, and tradition. While Western countries often associate red with Christmas due to Santa’s iconic outfit, Taiwan’s cultural roots trace back to China, where red symbolises happiness and prosperity. Traditional Taiwanese weddings used to feature striking red bridal garments, embodying […]
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Jason Cole Mager: An American Artist Inspired by Taiwan
August 29th, 2019
In 2012, Jason Cole Mager, a professional artist from New York, opened his home to travellers. Little did he know that this simple decision would ultimately lead him to the vibrant city of Taipei. Mager found that hosting travellers breathed new life into his perspective, as their enthusiasm for his surroundings reignited his appreciation for […]
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Came for the Movies, Returned for the Cuisine: An Interview with Food Writer Matt Gross
May 30th, 2019
Acclaimed Taiwanese directors like Hou Hsiao-hsien and Edward Yang can take credit for more than award-winning movies like as The Puppetmaster and Yi Yi: A One and a Two. Back in the early 1990s, their films inspired in one American a profound curiosity about Taiwan which has turned into an ongoing love affair with the […]
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The Rich Tapestry of Taiwan’s Place Names, Part 2
April 25th, 2019
Many places in southern Taiwan, like those in the north, have names that trace their origins to the island’s Austronesian indigenous languages. For instance, the historic port town of Lukang, often referred to as ‘Deer Harbour,’ may have derived its name from the herds of sika deer that once roamed the nearby lowlands. However, modern […]
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The Rich Tapestry of Taiwan’s Place Names, Part 1
April 20th, 2019
Tour guides in Taiwan must be well-prepared to answer all kinds of intriguing questions, including “Why does this place have that particular name?” Many Taiwanese place names hold captivating stories of their origins. Some are very straightforward. Taipei, meaning ‘North Taiwan,’ and Tainan, translating to ‘South Taiwan,’ are geographical references. Roughly halfway between the current […]
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How to Read a Taiwanese Temple, Part 3: Conventions and Offerings
April 7th, 2019
A little knowledge about the the habits and taboos of Taiwanese popular religion will help you, as much as is possible during a short visit, to grasp the ineffable nature of the faith that influences more than 90% of the island’s people. And as a thoughtful traveller, it goes without saying that you’ll wish to […]
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How to read a Taiwanese Temple, Part 2: Icons and Incense
March 18th, 2019
In the ancestor shrines which many Taiwanese families maintain, those who’ve passed away are represented by names on elegant but austere tablets. In almost every folk temple, however, gods and goddesses take the form of colourfully-attired effigies. Some of these josses (a word derived from the Portuguese word for god, deus) are no larger than […]
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