22 Things to Do in Taiwan

I like looking for the unusual or off-the-beaten-path places to visit.  I look for the different, the unusual, the places where friends haven’t been.

Today, take a long at Taiwan, the largest island in the Republic of China, and formerly known as Formosa.  Generally thought of as a business destination, rather than a leisure one, Taiwan offers plenty to both types of travelers.

Here are a few things to do if you are visiting Taiwan:

1. Visit the National Palace Museum – Located in Taipei, the museum is home to the largest and most impressive collections of Chinese art and objects.
2. Rent a boat on Sun Moon Lake – Taiwan’s largest lake, it is divided into two halves by an small island, making it look the sun and the moon.
3. Cherry Blossom Season – A month of festivals and activities, February 20th – March 22nd, 2010.
4. Shop at the night markets – Shopping and food at Shinlin in Taipei, Liouhe in Kaosiung, and Fengija in Taichung.
5. Temples – Visiting Longshan Temple, along with other old, yet well preserved temples, make for a charming afternoon in Lukang.
6. Tea Time – Visit Assam tea farms near Sun Moon Lake.
7. Eslite Bookstores – Open 24-hours, so it’s perfect if jetlag has you awake when you should be sleeping.
8. Taiwanese Opera – Traditional costumes and makeup.
9. Taiwan Lantern Festival – Colorful paper lanterns dot the landscape, and cities have parties and celebrations.  It’s fun, but also culturally based.  February 28th – March 7th, 2010.
10. Wine tasting – Taichung Winery dates back to the early 1900’s.  A surprise to me since I didn’t know a thing about Chinese wine.
11. Go diving – Green island, a small offshore island, is full of coral reefs, volcanic formations, and beaches.  Great for swimming and snorkeling as well.
12. Great Buddha Statue – One very big Buddha, located in Mount Bagua in Changhua.
13. Try some bubble tea – Made in a variety of different styles, the iced tea with tapioca pearls is probably the most popular with visitors.
14. Catch a game – Baseball and basketball are popular spectator sports in Taiwan.
15. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall – Built to honor the military and political leader, the hall is surrounded by a park and large square.
16. Tai Chi – Join early morning practitioners in Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.
17. Surfing – The southern coast is a popular beach locale, and great for surfing.
18. Find serenity in a monastery – The Fo Guang Shan Monastery in the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan.
19. Watch a puppet shows – Street performances with detailed wooden puppetry.
20. Dragon Boat Races – Because everyone loves a boat race, and these look really cool!  June 1st – 30th, 2010.
21. Hike around Jade Mountain – At nearly 13,000 feet, it’s Taiwan’s highest mountain.
22. Karaoke – Very popular.

Photo credit: SXC