6 attractive destinations in Taiwan

According to Agoda's booking statistics, it's no surprise that Taipei ranks as a top destination, alongside Taichung, Kaohsiung, Nantou, and Hualien, making it one of the top 5 most popular places in Taiwan. Along with Taitung, let's embark on a journey to discover what makes these 6 destinations so attractive and worth considering for your upcoming trip to Taiwan.

Taichung - "Host" of the World Flora Expo

The Taichung World Flower Festival is a large-scale event offering visitors the chance to admire three attractions in one trip. Held from early November to April 24, 2019, the event spans three areas, showcasing different fascinating aspects of Taiwan. The Waipu area highlights Taiwan's agricultural kingdom with its flowers, fruits, and other produce. The Houli area demonstrates the connection between humans and nature, displaying centuries-old Taichung equestrian equipment and other Taiwanese national treasures borrowed from the National Palace Museum. Meanwhile, the Fengyuan area, built along the Ruanpizao River, symbolizes the importance of the riverfront to urban life with Taiwan's longest riverside flowerbeds.

Located very close to the three exhibition areas are the Wind Natural Parent-child Inn, an eight-bedroom house spacious enough for extended family trips or groups of friends, and Frogs Time, a beautiful hotel with spacious rooms.

Sun Moon Lake - Home to an endangered language.

Over the centuries, numerous songs and poems have been composed to describe the picturesque beauty of Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, Taiwan's largest riverine region. A cycling route around the lake is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in Taiwan. Sun Moon Lake is also home to the Thao tribe, Taiwan's smallest indigenous group. The Thao language is one of the world's endangered languages, with very few people speaking it just a few years ago. Thanks to the conservation efforts of the tribal chiefs, the younger generation of the Thao tribe is gradually learning their mother tongue.

Hu Yue Lakeview Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in the area. If you prefer a more luxurious option, The Wen Wan Resort offers rooms with expansive lake views.

Hu Yue Lakeview, with its lake view, is one of the most popular hotels in Nantou.

Tainan - A culinary paradise

For the last 20 years of the 19th century, this southern city was the economic center of Taiwan. Tainan's history is distilled from its countless diverse eateries and timeless culinary recipes. Today, Tainan is known as Taiwan's culinary and entertainment capital. Many visitors come here for its unique accommodations and diverse street food. The only concern for many visitors is that the must-try list can easily reach 100 dishes! A little tip: if you don't have time to try all 100 dishes, at least try the fish noodles, shrimp spring rolls, rice cakes, and shaved ice.

Atreeium boasts exquisitely designed rooms housed in a classic Tainan building. Meanwhile, 821space offers an artistic touch along with comfortable accommodations.

The Atreeium Hotel is located in a classic-style building in Tainan.

Kaohsiung - An architectural feast

If architecture is your passion, then head straight to Kaohsiung. Kaohsiung's urban spaces are typically spacious and airy, adorned with architectural gems. The Kaohsiung public library boasts stunning architecture, making it a favorite among avid readers throughout Taiwan. The recently opened National Kaohsiung Arts Centre, designed by the Dutch firm Mecanoo, is the world's largest art space, featuring a 9,194-pipe organ that holds the record for the largest in Asia.

Right next to the National Kaohsiung Arts Center is the Just Sleep Koahsiung Zhongzheng Hotel, offering modern, cozy rooms at very reasonable prices.

Just Sleep Koahsiung Zhongzheng Hotel offers cozy and affordable accommodations in Kaohsiung.

Hualien - A place to experience it all

Hualien is a destination brimming with diverse cultures and breathtaking natural landscapes. Mountains and the ocean stretch along Hualien's 124-kilometer coastline, providing access to some of Taiwan's highest peaks. Hualien's Qixingtan Beach consistently ranks among Taiwan's most beautiful beaches. A fantastic destination for adventurous travelers is the Tailuge Gorge, hailed by the LA Times as "Taiwan's Yosemite." This gorge is also home to the indigenous Truku people, so a visit to Dageeli Village offers a chance to experience Truku culture and cuisine. The Qixingtan Beach is just an hour's drive from Tailuge Gorge.

From Hotel Bayview, you can admire the stunning Pacific Ocean views and also walk to Qixingtan Beach. After exploring Taroko Gorge, you can treat yourself to a luxurious stay at the Silks Place Taroko Hotel, nestled in the heart of the gorge.

Taitung - A stronghold of tribal culture

Cultural tourism in Taiwan differs from indigenous culture in many other countries. In Taiwan, you don't need permission to visit indigenous areas and interact with indigenous cultures.

One place where you can experience this is Taitung, an increasingly attractive destination for travelers wanting to explore the lives of the local people. Located on the Pacific coast, Taitung is home to several indigenous tribes, where many still maintain traditional customs and a close connection with nature thanks to its remote location. This closeness to nature is reflected in the polyphonic music of the tribes.

Bunun, also known as Pasibutbut, is a hymn of thanksgiving to nature for a bountiful harvest, sung by a group of Bunun men standing in a circle. They sing without a choir or conductor, harmonizing through mutual understanding gained from practice and personal bonding. Along with traditional music, visitors can also experience Bunun culture through its festivals.

If you're looking for a place to stay nearby, try The Taitung Chii Lih Resort, also close to the Luye Estate, where the Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival is held every summer.

BK - HU