Population
23,928,643
capital
Taipei City
Language
Taiwanese, Mandarin, Hakka, Formosan
currency
New Taiwan dollar
Flight time
13 hours from the UK
time difference
UTC/GMT +8 hours
best time to go
Feb-Apr / Oct-Dec
Introducing Taiwan
As well as being one of the most heavily populated countries in the world, Taiwan embodies itself not only as a country filled with strong diversity; it also has a culture that combines ancient and contemporary practices. With almost 15,000 temples in Taiwan, featuring Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism it is a country that encapsulates various strong traditions and beliefs.
In one section of the bustling metropolis, there are a myriad of restaurants, shopping outlets and entertainment venues, while in the other, there are verdant forested mountains, beautiful beaches, and gorges with marble walls. Cantonese, Sichuanese, Beijing-style, as well as Japanese cuisine, can be indulged in on your food adventures, whilst exploring this impressive country.
Recommended Taiwan Specialists
Top Locations in Taiwan
Taroko National Park
A wide variety of habitats and different plant and animal species can be found in the popular Taroko National Park, along with dense forests, glistening waterfalls and high peaked mountains.
Taroko National Park is well known for its many hiking paths, but no vacation there would be complete without stopping by Gorge Gateway, the Eternal Spring Shrine, and Swallow Grotto.
Sun Moon Lake
The largest reservoir of freshwater in Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake, is located in the Yuchi Township in Nantou County. It boasts one of the island's most stunning natural vistas. The lake's west side resembles a crescent moon, while the east side is round like the sun. Despite being 762 metres above sea level, the lake is surrounded by tall mountains covered in vegetation and enjoys pleasant weather all year round. Boating, hikes and bike rides are all popular activities that can be enjoyed whilst in the region.
Taipei 101
The Taipei 101 Tower, one of the highest buildings in the world at 509.2 metres, is a popular landmark in Taiwan.
Although Taiwanese still call the building by its former name, the Taipei Financial Centre, Taipei 101 is named for its 101 storeys. Visitors may marvel in 365-degree panoramic views of the expansive city of Taipei beneath and across, as well as understand about the construction and architecture involved in creating this amazing structure.
There are four storeys in the observatory. The 89th storey indoor observatory can be reached in a staggering 37 seconds (a Guinness World Record).
National Revolutionary Martyrs Shrine
To honour over 400,000 Taiwanese troops who died fighting in various battles throughout the 20th century, the National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine was constructed in 1969.
Similar to the guards at the Chiang Kai-shek and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Halls, two military troops stand still and motionless for the duration of their hour-long shift at the memorial gateway. The Changing of the Guard, which is held every hour from 9:00 until 17:00, is a stunning display of coordinated body and rifle motions.