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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Despite Coronavirus, Taiwan Remains Safe and Healthy (Updated April 8)
February 8th, 2020
Taiwan’s front-line medical staff, epidemiologists and policy-makers have been doing sterling work containing the outbreak. Everyone I’ve spoken with – citizens, residents and visitors – greatly appreciates the efforts being made to keep us safe. – Mark Pemberton, Life of Taiwan founder and managing director Life of Taiwan is ready to resume normal operations as […]
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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 Purple Butterfly Valley: Taiwan’s Unique Natural Wonders, Part 2
November 16th, 2019
Between now and next March, a mountainous district in Greater Kaohsiung will justify its alternative name. Maolin is also known as ‘the Purple Butterfly Valley’ because late each autumn hundreds of thousands of lepidopterans migrate from the colder northern half of Taiwan to this perennially sunny corner of the island. For some of the butterflies, […]
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The Formosan Landlocked Salmon: Taiwan’s Unique Natural Wonders, Part 1
November 5th, 2019
In the heart of Taiwan’s mountainous interior, an extraordinary creature has captivated the world for over a century: the Formosan landlocked salmon, known to scientists as Oncorhynchus formosanus. Residing in a pristine corner of the highlands, this species is not only the southernmost salmon globally but also the sole salmon found at altitudes exceeding 1,700 […]
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New Guidebook: Taiwan: The Bradt Travel Guide (3rd edition)
October 26th, 2019
In the third edition of Bradt’s guide to Taiwan, the beguiling island’s ever-evolving nature is meticulously unveiled. Written by the author, this comprehensive guide is now available for travelers in the UK, the US, and numerous other countries. Taiwan’s rapid transformations, coupled with significant government investments in tourism infrastructure, have necessitated a thorough refresh of […]
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Interview with Mark Pemberton: Boosting Taiwan’s Tourism
September 18th, 2019
Taiwan’s growing popularity among Western travellers is evident from the increasing number of visitors from the US, Europe, and Australia. In an interview with Mark Pemberton, the founder and managing director of Life of Taiwan, we gain insights into the surge of interest in Taiwan and the opportunities it presents for tourism professionals. Mark Pemberton […]
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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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The Captivating Spectrum of Blues in Taiwan’s Natural Beauty
July 4th, 2019
Taiwan, a treasure trove of natural wonders, graces its landscapes with a captivating array of blues. Taroko Gorge, a natural masterpiece, showcases a remarkable range of colours in its layered marble, schist, and gneiss formations. From pristine whites to velvety greys, and even hints of golden hues, it’s a vivid canvas. The serene blue of […]
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New Taiwan Photo Book: Ilha Formosa Taiwan in 100 HDR Panoramic Images & Scripts
May 8th, 2019
If you think the photos accompanying this blog post are stunning, you’re not alone. They’re just a few of the hundred pictures Sherman Cheng selected for inclusion in his stunning new book, Ilha Formosa Taiwan in 100 HDR Panoramic Images & Scripts. Cheng, who retired a few years ago after a career in a multinational […]
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Reasons to Visit Taiwan in 2019
December 22nd, 2018
‘The people are incredibly friendly, but not many of them speak English well’. This is something we at Life of Taiwan hear again and again. It’s something we respectfully agree with, and it’s an issue that’s recognised by Taiwan’s government. Therefore, we’re delighted to know the authorities have begun rolling out additional programmes and policies […]
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Embracing Obsessions: Foodie Journalist Clarissa Wei
December 13th, 2018
Clarissa Wei is a Taiwanese-American journalist who describes herself as ‘obsessed with traditional ecological knowledge, and trying to learn as much as I can about the plants and foods that indigenous Taiwanese people ate, and how they processed them’. Over the past ten years, Wei has written dozens of articles about the cuisines and culinary […]
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