Although relatively small on the map, Taiwan brims with diverse experiences, including captivating street art and tea gardens to lively night markets and world-class museums. I recently accompanied a travel delegation on a journey that wove through central and northern Taiwan. The route showcased many facets that appeal to both leisure explorers and business travellers: easy transport links, top-quality hospitality, and a variety of attractions reflecting Taiwan’s heritage.
Taichung’s Creative Heart
The city of Taichung was my first taste of cultural immersion, where I was eager to explore an unassuming yet extraordinary enclave known as Rainbow Village. Originally a military dependents’ settlement slated for demolition, this tiny neighbourhood was saved by the creativity of one retiree who transformed its simple walls into a kaleidoscope of colourful murals. Each lane felt like a living artwork, with cartoonish tigers, bold flowers, and playful human figures covering every surface. Despite its small scale, Rainbow Village is capable of making a grand impression and rendering countless memories.
When hunger set in, I discovered that Taichung’s dining scene extended well beyond its familiar local delicacies. Thanks to the city’s multicultural profile, Indian visitors can sample their own cuisine in Taiwan. Mayur’s Indian Kitchen laid down an extensive menu of North and South Indian dishes; the restaurant offered everything you would think of eating back home – options range from lip-smacking panipuri and delectable samosa chaat to pillowy naan and paneer tikka.
The Heart of Tea Culture
Venturing southward, I left the urban life behind and entered Nantou County, a rural region famed for tea farms and mountain vistas. The contrasting scenery became immediately apparent as city skyscrapers gave way to rolling hills and plantations.
My next stop featured an immersive look at Taiwanese tea culture. At the Tan Jia Lang tea garden, local experts demonstrated the time-honoured methods of planting, harvesting, and roasting tea leaves. I even tried my hand at leaf-picking, a slow, deliberate process that fosters respect for the labour behind each cup of oolong or black tea. The tasting session that followed offered a meditative interlude as I learned to appreciate the nuances in flavour, aroma, and brewing times.
Nearby, a tea culture centre, further enriched my knowledge of this centuries-old tradition. Housed in a welcoming facility, the centre displayed curated exhibits on tea cultivation and the island’s tea history, from its introduction in the 19th century to modern export strategies. The Songboling Tea Culture Centre is where tea transcended its familiar role as a simple beverage and became a profound, multi-sensory ritual. I began by sipping the tea, savouring each subtle layer of flavour, while the gentle fragrance enveloped me in a soothing embrace. Next, I allowed the warm steam to open my pores and ease the tension from tired skin. The experience deepened as the helpers carefully applied a tea-based compress around my eyes, its naturally calming properties offering instant relief. Finally, I took tea’s rejuvenating qualities one step further with a gentle facial massage, enhancing circulation and leaving my skin feeling nourished and refreshed. In these moments, tea felt like a holistic elixir, tending to body, mind, and spirit alike.
Encountering Sun Moon Lake’s Serenity
Continuing on, I checked into the Wyndham Sun Moon Lake Lili Hot Spring Hotel, overlooking Taiwan’s best-known alpine lake. Each room comes equipped with a private hot spring bath, sourced from the region’s mineral-rich waters, a unique feature that distinguishes it from standard accommodations.
Sun Moon Lake, known for its panoramic beauty, is a core attraction in central Taiwan. Each vantage point revealed an interplay of deep-blue waters and surrounding hillsides draped in lush forest. Temples at scenic bends and local fishermen boating slowly reminisced of a bygone era. I also wandered through a nearby village where indigenous traditions are presented through music, handicrafts, and culinary treats.
I then took a cable car, moving from the lake to a cultural village dedicated to aboriginal communities, enriching my perspective further. An entire day is not enough to explore the exhibits that trace local history at the Formosan Aboriginal Village, sampling indigenous-inspired recipes, and absorbing tribal dance shows that recount ancestral legends. Later, I retreated to Taiyi Red Maple Resort, a fairly large leisure property in Nantou County. The resort is known for its extensive grounds and on-site recreational options, which include do-it-yourself (DIY) workshops, honey-tasting sessions, and nature walks near a small river stream that runs through the premises. My room came with an in-room hot spring facility – a notable addition for travellers seeking both relaxation and convenience.
Urban Contrasts in Taipei
An experience in itself, Taiwan’s High Speed Rail is a great option for travelling from Taichung to Taipei, and it proved both efficient and comfortable. Travelling at speeds of up to 300 km per hour, the train covered the distance in roughly 45 to 50 minutes. Taipei’s cityscape rose into towering skyscrapers, neon lights adorned busy streets, surrounded by a cosmopolitan vibe. My introduction to the capital included an exclusive look at the National Palace Museum, sometimes referred to as Taiwan’s “Forbidden City.” The National Palace Museum houses a vast collection of Chinese imperial artefacts, from intricate jade carvings to ancient scrolls.
The capital’s historic landmarks also made a lasting impression. One such monument honouring a pivotal figure in Taiwan’s modern history, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, stands in a vast plaza with white marble architecture. Hourly guard-changing ceremonies add a dash of pageantry, cementing the site as a symbol of Taiwanese resilience and reverence. Even for travellers not deeply versed in the region’s political history, the visual spectacle and grand design remain awe-inspiring. This is one of many corners in Taipei where history and city life converge.
As dusk settled, I turned towards Taipei’s famed skyline, crowned by the once-tallest building in the world. From the observation deck of this Taipei 101, the city glimmered under orange and pink hues, skyscrapers, and mountain silhouettes gently framing the horizon. Such juxtapositions are quintessentially Taiwanese; it is a place that seamlessly marries modern progress with deep-rooted traditions and untouched nature.
Before retiring for the evening, I relished a meal at a renowned dumpling restaurant celebrated worldwide. The delicate folds of their soup dumplings exhibit a culinary artistry that Taiwan has perfected. Din Tai Fung’s international branches have garnered Michelin recognition over the years! Equally impressive were the vegetarian options, steamed and seasoned to perfection, ensuring inclusivity for diners with diverse dietary preferences. The restaurant’s swift and polished service was further enhanced by robots, which deftly delivered orders and cleared tables with effortless efficiency.
