Touring Taiwan’s Captivating North Coast
April 29th, 2025
Taiwan’s North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area presents the very best of the northern tip of Asia’s most exciting destination. Offering a captivating blend of dramatic geology, breathtaking ocean views, and rich cultural experiences, ‘Northguan’ as it’s sometimes called promotes two patches of terrain. One is just across the river from the historic town […]
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Visiting East Taiwan… Now that Taroko Gorge is Off-Limits
December 14th, 2024
Taroko Gorge, for several decades one of Taiwan’s premier attractions, has been closed to tourists since a powerful earthquake ravaged the region on April 3, 2024. While the section of Highway 8 that goes through the gorge is technically open to private vehicles, it suffered further damage during Typhoon Kong-rey at the end of October. […]
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Let Snow-white Tung Blossoms Draw You into Taiwan’s Hakka Country
April 2nd, 2024
The Tropic of Cancer divides Taiwan into two parts. The south officially lies within the tropics, while two thirds of the island has a semi-tropical climate. The dampish conditions in the northwest have proved ideal for one particular tree species: Vernicia fordii, sometimes called the kalo nut tree but known to Taiwanese as the tung […]
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Back on the Tourist Map! East Taiwan’s Sanxiantai Bridge
February 5th, 2024
One of East Taiwan’s major attractions is fully reopening to the public today (February 5, 2024) following more than a year of inspections and repairs that were made necessary by the earthquake which shook the region near the end of 2022. The distinctive eight-arch footbridge at Sanxiantai (‘Terraces of the Three Immortals’, a name with […]
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Flower Power! Where to See Taiwan’s Dazzling Flowers
January 16th, 2024
Thanks to its position astride the Tropic of Cancer and plentiful rainfall, Taiwan is a place where foliage and flowers of all kinds thrive. Wherever land is left undeveloped and untilled, wildflowers quickly establish themselves, adding a range of colours to a natural environment that already features every possible shade of green. Many Taiwanese are […]
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Six of the Best: Taiwan’s Finest Museums
October 23rd, 2023
Taiwan has so many museums you could visit a different one each day and fill an entire year. Some hold vast collections of historical, artistic, or natural treasures. Others are small-scale celebrations of individuals and their achievements. The following fascinating museums have all featured in Life of Taiwan’s private tours of Taiwan. Whether you’re a […]
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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 23.4 million — yet the Austronesian tribes which have called Taiwan home for thousands of years have left their mark on every facet of […]
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Exploring Taiwan’s Underwater Marvels with Wesley Oosthuizen
March 23rd, 2023
Wesley Oosthuizen, a South African resident in Taiwan for nearly two decades, finds his heart drawn to the ocean, despite the island’s captivating mountains. His journey to Taiwan began as an English teacher, but he later returned as a video editor. Today, Wesley’s time is divided between teaching and his passion for diving and underwater […]
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International Mountain Day and the Glories of Taiwan’s Uplands
December 9th, 2021
Exploring Taiwan’s Majestic Mountains on International Mountain Day Taiwan’s Towering Peaks When it comes to celebrating International Mountain Day, few places are as relevant as Taiwan, a land often described as two-thirds mountains. These rugged hills embrace Taipei, and on clear days, the Central Mountain Range is visible from Taichung. Nearly one-third of the island […]
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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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