Exploring Taiwan’s Rich Culture and Scenic Beauty
“The foot was relaxed. The human was happy too.” There is something unarguably lost in translation, but this sign outside a massage parlour in Taipei on my last evening was quite apt. I had set off for Taiwan with a sense of jumping in with my eyes closed, but I came back with a sense of an adventure had.
Taiwan is a smallish country measuring less than 400 kilometres tip to toe. Most of this distance you can cover in about ninety minutes thanks to the High-Speed Rail that runs along its west coast from the capital, Taipei, at the northern tip, to Kaohsiung in the south.
While in Taiwan, you are overwhelmed by an urge to stop and stare. If there are three things you must do here, they are visit a night market, eat as much as you can, and drink lots of tea. Taiwan is a tea-drinker’s paradise, offering a wide variety of teas to explore.
The Chun Shui Tang Cultural Tea House in Taichung is a great place to experience a traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony. The teahouse prides itself on reviving the ceremony the way it was done during the period of the Song Dynasty. It offers a unique and intellectual experience for tea enthusiasts.
Apart from tea, Taiwan is also known for its culinary delights. From bubble tea to suncakes, there are plenty of local delicacies to indulge in. Visitors can also try their hand at DIY activities like making bubble tea or baking suncakes at local workshops.
Exploring beyond the cities, Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County offers a picturesque retreat in the central mountains of Taiwan. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, a ropeway ride, and immerse themselves in the local aboriginal culture at the Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village.
From the cultural landmarks of Taichung to the natural beauty of Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. Despite the language barrier, the warm smiles and hospitality of the Taiwanese people make it a welcoming destination for visitors from all over the world.