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5 interesting cities you have to check out in Taiwan

By Ian Goodwillie

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - FEBRUARY 10: Shoppers look for decorations to buy on February 10, 2021 as people prepare for Chinese New Year at Dihua Street in Taipei, Taiwan. Ethnic Chinese around the world are celebrating a somewhat subdued Lunar New Year, as Covid-19 restrictions cut into what is traditionally a time for people to meet their relatives and take part in celebrations with extended families. The Dihua Street market in Taiwan's capital was still operating, though with activities such as food sampling banned. The wearing of masks was also enforced, though Taiwan has been spared the worst of the pandemic. (Photo by An Rong Xu/Getty Images)
TAIPEI, TAIWAN - FEBRUARY 10: Shoppers look for decorations to buy on February 10, 2021 as people prepare for Chinese New Year at Dihua Street in Taipei, Taiwan. Ethnic Chinese around the world are celebrating a somewhat subdued Lunar New Year, as Covid-19 restrictions cut into what is traditionally a time for people to meet their relatives and take part in celebrations with extended families. The Dihua Street market in Taiwan's capital was still operating, though with activities such as food sampling banned. The wearing of masks was also enforced, though Taiwan has been spared the worst of the pandemic. (Photo by An Rong Xu/Getty Images) /
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When people think about Asian countries to travel to, Taiwan isn’t high on their list for some reason. It constantly gets overshadowed by other countries like Japan, Vietnam and South Korea. While every one of those countries is amazing, Taiwan is also worth exploring.

There are several great cities to spend time in when visiting Taiwan. Each one of them has its own attractions and experiences to choose from. And every one of them would make a great base of operations for visitors to the country.

Taichung, Taiwan

There’s a very good reason why Taichung is known as a cultural hub in Taiwan. It’s home to several museums and cultural institutions, including the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra, the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and the National Taichung Theater.

Taichung is also an incredible place to just wander, and appreciate the stunning architecture. There are also dozens of stunning temples throughout the city, including the Confucius Temple and the Wen-Wu Temple at nearby Sun Moon Lake.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Taiwan
KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN – SEPTEMBER 18: The finished oil-paper umbrellas are left to dry on September 18, 2013 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Prior to the decline of the traditional oil-paper umbrella industry, there were about 20 factories with more than 20,000 umbrellas produced per year. Today, Guang Jin-Sheng is one of the most popular remaining oil-paper umbrella factories in the Meinong Township, the birthplace of Hakka’s oil-paper umbrella. (Photo by Ashley Pon/Getty Images) /

At nearly three million people, Kaohsiung can be a lot to take in but you have to stop there if you’re going to Taiwan. This bustling metropolis was founded in the 17th century, and has grown into a leading economic powerhouse.

Honestly, it’s an incredibly underrated city. It’s filled with brilliant night markets, including one of the biggest in all of Southeast Asia. There are also a ton of beautiful public art, amazing restaurants and unique attractions like Lotus Pond.

Tainan, Taiwan

As one of the county’s oldest cities, leaving out Tainan would be a huge mistake, even if it’s just to take in the living history around you. Wandering pedestrian only streets and alleys can give visitors a real sense of the relevance of where they are. Plus, you’ll find neat shops and cafés.

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For anyone who is a literary tourist, Tainan is home to the National Museum of Taiwan Literature. It’s a marvelous space that celebrates the country’s unique literary history. And make sure you check out Anping Fort and Tree House. The glorious Banyan Trees alone are worth it.

Taoyuan, Taiwan

Taiwan
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – JANUARY 01: Fireworks light up the Taiwan skyline and Taipei 101 during New Years Eve celebrations on January 01, 2021 in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images) /

The city was named for possibly the most beautiful reason. Taoyuan means “peach garden” in Chinese. The name was chosen because the area was home to orchards of peach trees. Now, it’s home to one of the country’s top destinations.

Daxi Old Street is a key stop. The shops are set up in classic Imperial era Japanese buildings. They are covered in carvings that need to be seen. But you also have to stop by the city’s incredible green spaces, like Cihu Memorial Sculpture Park and Jiaobanshan Park.

Hsinchu, Taiwan

Hsinchu is by no means one of the biggest cities in the country but it’s one of the most fun to spend time in. For a number of reasons, it is an absolute gem that more visitors should be taking advantage of.

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Green Grass Lake is unbelievably beautiful, as is the Gaofeng Botanical Garden. The Hsinchu Zoo is worth a visit as are the numerous temples all around the city. And that doesn’t include all the great restaurants dotted around town.

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