Just because the Covid-19 pandemic has halted your travel plans does not mean that your travel planning should! While you are stuck safely in the house (as you should be), we know that you cannot physically travel to explore other countries, and this is the perfect opportunity for you to go online, read travel blogs, and plan your next travel itinerary! One popular tourist destination in Asia is Taiwan, as it offers a wide variety of activities from visiting iconic and historical landmarks to sampling mouthwatering local cuisines to shopping in night markets and shopping districts! Let’s take a look at the top tourist destinations in Taiwan and why this country should be right on top of the list of countries you should visit after the whole pandemic is over.
- Taipei 101
When one thinks of Taiwan, the iconic Taipei 101 usually comes into mind. Taipei 101 has a whopping 101 level where the first few levels are used for commercial use with designer stores and a wide food court that offers a wide variety of international and local menus. Taipei 101 also offers an observatory and view deck that offers a breathtaking view of the city of Taipei. Taipei 101 also has cool safety features. It hosts the world’s largest mass damper, enabling it to withstand even the greatest storms and the strongest winds. Because it offers a unique Taiwan experience, Taipei 101 is one of the most popular tourist attractions as it hosted over 2.5 million tourists in 2015.
- National Palace Museum
History buffs rejoice as Taiwan also offers one of the most comprehensive and beautiful museums globally! Its exterior offers a magnificent view – perfect for Instagram Influencers who would want to showcase the beauty of Taiwan. Inside the National Palace Museum, there are also over 700,000 artifacts that date back to 1900BC. One of the most valued treasures that the National Palace Museum hosts are the Jadeite Cabbage, a jade carved into a very intricate piece of cabbage. It is rumored to have been made during the 19th century. If you want to know more about Taiwan’s history, you MUST pay a visit to the National Palace Museum.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Another historical landmark that Taiwan offers is the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall which was built as a tribute to one of the past presidents of Taiwan, Chiang Kai-Shek. Its beautiful majestic white fortresses and magnificent and intricate temple designs are just some of the amazing features that Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall offers. Tourists can explore the beautiful and vast grounds leading up to the memorial hall. The memorial hall also offers a museum that features the former president’s life, works, and notable achievements. A travel pro-tip is to schedule your trip to the Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall during the famous changing of guards, which is done every hour.
- Shilin Night Market
Taiwan is not only known for its famous historical landmarks, but it is also known for its sumptuous food! Known as one of the food havens in Asia, Shilin Night Market is the place to be for every certified foodie! Shilin Night Market is one of the many night markets in Taiwan (Taiwan has about three-hundred-night markets), and Shilin Night Market is one of the biggest and most popular ones! Shilin Night Market offers very affordable souvenirs if you want to take home a treat or two for your family and friends. It also offers other activities such as cheap massages, fortune-telling, and old Chinese arcade games. Shilin Night Market, however, is most famous for Taiwanese street food! Make sure to try the famous large hot star fried chicken, fried pork buns, and grilled sausages! If you feel a little bit adventurous, try the ever-famous stinky tofu! Cap it off with another dish or beverage that Taiwan is most famous for… bubble tea!