Donggang's Huaqiao Seafood Market is a popular place to shop and eat in Dongang Township of Pingtung. It is also right next to the ferry terminal to Xiaoliuqiu (Lamay Island) which is just a few kilometers offshore. Because of this, the seafood market is usually packed with people. Popular foods here include sashimi, fried fish balls, oyster omelets, and crab cakes. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Pingtung, or on the way to Xiaoliuqiu.
Background: Donggang (literally east harbor) gets its name from early settlers, who thought of the place as east of the Goaoping River. At the same time Qijin was known as Xigang (west harbor) and Linyuan was known as Zhonggang (middle harbor). Originally the area around Donggang was a wetland before it was settled by farmers and fishermen from mainland China. Like many oceanside cities in Taiwan, Donggang is famous for its seafood and is a popular place to buy freshly caught fish the same morning it is brought in by the fisherman. Another reason the area is so popular is that it is the main ferry terminal to Xiaoliuqiu (Lamay Island) which is just a few kilometers offshore. Because of this, the seafood market is usually packed with people. Hours: About noon to 7 PM. Price: Free How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take provincial highway 17 south to Donggang and turn into the city center. The harbor is in the western part of the city. There is free scooter parking and paid car parking at the fishing harbor (30 NT per car), but the fishing harbor does not allow overnight parking. By TRA/bus: From Nanzhou TRA station, you can take bus 519 about 20 minutes to the seafood market. Map: Please see below:
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Chiayi is a mostly rural county in south-central Taiwan. Despite its relatively small population compared to other counties in Taiwan, it has some of the most beautiful scenery, delicious local food, and interesting history. Come for Alishan, and stay for everything else you find along the way.
Below I will list out some of the best places in Chiayi that I have visited. I will be sure to update this blog as I visit more places later. How to get around in Chiayi? As always, we recommend renting a scooter as the best way to see Taiwan. However, you can also a great deal of Chiayi by taking the TRA train, Alishan Forest Railway, inter city bus, or local bus. Getting around in a car is also a convenient option as there is plenty of parking pretty much everywhere in this less crowded county. Need a Tour Guide? You can purchase many of the tickets to the following places through a tour agency such as My Taiwan Tour or a similar website. Map: You can see a map of all the places that we will visit in this blog below: 
Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival (宜蘭國際童玩藝術節) is one of the largest children's festivals in Taiwan, occurring every year during summer break along the Dongshan River in Yilan. It features a large outdoor waterpark as well as musical performances, exhibitions, games, and cultural events. It has become a yearly tradition for many families in northern Taiwan.
Background: The festival first began in 1996 and has continued every year, except for 2008-2009 due to lack of funds, in 2003 because of SARS, and in 2020 due to COVID. The completion of the Hsueshan Tunnel in 2006 made it much easier for large amounts of people to travel quickly from Taipei to Yilan. The large event attracts many visitors from Taipei. During summer weekdays and weekends the venue can be expected to be totally packed with visitors. Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM (pool area closes at 6 PM), starting from the begining of July to mid-August every summer. Price: 350 NT on weekends and 250 NT on weekdays 50 NT parking fee for cars 20 NT parking fee for scooters Website: https://www.yicfff.tw/index.php?lang=5tKpKqHPsMZQ82iPyZj4TQ How to get there: By car/scooter: From National Highway 5 in Yilan, take provincial highway 7 east to Dongshan River Water Park. By bus: From Luodong TRA station, take bus GR21 to Dongshan River Water Park. Map: Please see below: 
(Please note that the following questions and answers are for reference only and are not a comprehensive list of regulations. Local laws and regulations are constantly changing, and different cities, counties, and private property owners have differing droning rules. Please double check with Taiwan's Civil Aviation Bureau, local authorities, national parks, or property owners if you have any doubts about flying your drone in a certain area.
Flying a drone (quadcopter, RC helicopter, remote UAV etc.) in Taiwan can be fun, safe, and positively impact the community if you do it right. For some of our own drone videos in Taiwan, check out the video below, as well as my drone playlist on Youtube, and don't forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel here. 
This glass building in Budai is the highest high-heeled structure in the world. It is not actually a real church, it is a classic tourist trap that is slowly fading in popularity. There is not much here except this and some seafood restaurants, but it was still fun to visit.
Background: Budai is a fishing port village in Chiayi county and has the only ferry to Penghu from the main island of Taiwan. Construction of the high-heel church was completed in 2016. It is composed of 300 pieces of blue glass and is 17.76 meters tall, 12 meters wide, and 25 meters long. Many people were afraid that the building would be abandoned by tourists after completion because it is lacking in historical or cultural significance. It is said the chapel was built to honor the women that suffered a breakout of blackfoot disease which broke out in the area decades ago, which prevented them from wearing high heels and having a happy wedding. After construction, it received the Guinness World Record for the highest high-heeled shaped structure in the world. Even though the high-heeled building is used as a wedding venue, it is not a real church and is not related to any religion. Hours: 24/7 Price: Free How to get there: By car/scooter: Take provincial highway 17 or Expressway 61 to Budai along the coast in Chiayi, then head west to the coast. The high heeled church is near the ocean in Budai and is hard to miss. By bus: You can take bus 7209H from Chiayi HSR station, which takes about an hour and a half to reach Budai. Map: Please see below: 
In Taiwan, funerals and death rituals are very different that funerals in the west. Taiwan's funeral rites are influenced by Buddhism, Taoism, ancestor worship, and folk religion. In this blog, we will explore the different funeral rituals and rites, and let you know what you can expect at a Taiwanese funeral.
Foreword: Please note this blog and FAQ section are written from the perspective of a long-term American expat married to a Taiwanese spouse. Part of the facts for this blog have been taken from personal experience attending multiple funerals in Taiwan, and also from research such as Chinese anthropology classes and other research. 
Fugui Cape is the northernmost point on the main island of Taiwan, in Shimen District of Taipei. Nearby you can find hiking and biking trails, as well as some breathtaking beaches and coastline. It is definitely worth a trip for anyone in Taiwan.
Background: Fugui Cape (aka Fuguei Cape, Cape Fugui, or Cape Fukwei) was formed roughly 800,000 years ago by volcanoes spewing lava into the ocean creating Fuigui Cape. Later coral grew near the shoreline, which makes up for most of the white sand seen on the nearby beaches today at Baishawan Beach and Laomei Beach. The cape extends about one kilometer north into the Taiwan Strait, forming the Strait's northernmost point. The lighthouse is 14.3 meters tall and 31.4 meters above sea level. Originally the Japanese built a lighthouse here in 1896, which was the start of an undersea cable to Japan. The tower was damaged during American bombing raids during WWII. The Fugui Lighthouse was rebuilt by the ROC in 1949. The tower was built in its current form in 1962. It was opened to the public in 2015. The area nearby is a military base and radar station. Now it is one of the most popular destinations on the north coast of Taiwan. Because of its proximity to Taipei, there are many visitors, especially on weekends. How to Get There: By Bus: Take Keelung bus from either Danshui MRT station or Keelung TRA station. You can also take the yellow and white North Coast Shuttle Bus to Fugui Cape station. By Car: Drive on provincial highway 2 out of Danshui to the northeast, or out of Keelung to the northwest. The cape area is in Shimen District. Price: Free Parking: Free. There is a parking lot in front of the main entrance. If this is full, you can park along the road next to it. Length: 2 KM round trip on flat pavement, or about an hour Hours: October April 9AM - 5PM May to September 9AM - 6PM Map: Please see below: 
Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and was the capital of Taiwan for over 200 years. It is also said to be the culinary capital of Taiwan, with many traditional Taiwanese snacks that originated here. Surrounded by historical sites, from the Dutch, Koxinga, and Qing Dynasty, it is a great place to enjoy Taiwan's interesting history and its delicious cuisine.
Below I will list out some of the best places in Miaoli that I have visited. I will be sure to update this blog as I visit more places later. How to get around in Tainan? As always, we recommend renting a scooter as the best way to see Taiwan. Getting around in a car is also a convenient option as there is plenty of parking pretty much everywhere in this less crowded county. However, you can also a great deal of Tainan by taking the train, inter city bus, local bus, or bicycle (T-bike rental). When to go? Tainan is great year round, but it can get a little hot in the summer, and Typhoon season and heavy rain season lasts from about May to October. If you are afraid of the heat and rain then you can visit during winter when the temperatures are mild and the climate is dryer. You can see a map of all the places that we will visit in this blog below: 
Are you looking for a cheap foreign country to retire in? Look no further than Taiwan. Taiwan has been named as the number one best place for expats to live for multiple years. The local people are very friendly to foreigners in general, especially rich expats from western countries. Taiwan also has a low cost of living, one of the best healthcare systems in the world, a safe environment, convenient transportation, and a free democratic society. You will not regret spending your retirement in Taiwan.
Guosheng Lighthouse is the most western point of the main island of Taiwan. It looks like an electricity transmission tower and is surrounded by sand dunes. It’s deep in rural Tainan's Taijiang National Park, but it’s worth the trip.
Background: Guosheng Lighthouse was built on the Dingtoue Sand Dune (頂頭額沙洲), which is the westernmost point on the island of Taiwan. During the Qing Dynasty, this area was once home to one of the largest salt drying fields in Taiwan, as well as home to fisherman. It is said this spot is the first place that Koxinga landed in Taiwan, however this is not clear to be true or not. During the Japanese era, a lighthouse was built on this spot, called Zengwen Lighthouse 曾文燈塔, which was later totally destroyed during allied bombing raids in WWII. Later, the ROC government built a wooden lighthouse on the Dingtoue Sand Dune in 1957 that was 20 meters tall, but it was often hit by waves and nearly fell into the ocean, and was finally destroyed completely by Typhoon Viola in 1969. A new lighthouse, the one that stands today, was built from concrete and steel in 1969, and stands 32 meters high. It needs constant maintenance such as paint to stop corrosion to its frame. In September 2022, the tower was closed for maintence and renovations, and is expected to open again by the end of 2022. Price: Free Hours: 24/7 How to get there: By car/scooter: From provincial highway 17 in Qigu District of Tainan, turn west on highway 173 toward the ocean. Just keep going and don't stop until you reach the lighthouse at the end of the road. By bus: There ain't no public transportation to this location. Map: Please see below: 
Bogart's Smokehouse is an authentic American barbeque restaurant in Nangang District of Taipei. Run by Americans, it is a taste of home for many foreigners in Taiwan.
Background: From their website: "Our story starts with an big idea and a little conversation. Having worked for Dalie’s Smokehouse in Valley Park Missouri, and gaining a true respect for their process of smoked meats and side dishes, an idea to bring that sweet flavor over to Taiwan began. Over a hearty conversation, and a few beers, planning stages were prepared to bring over a direct translation of what real Bar-B-Que is produced from the best of what local farms in Taiwan can provide. The result, is something truly special indeed. Influenced by the legend, Executive Chef Skip Steele of Pappy’s Smokehouse Saint Louis, with Mr. Peter Brickler of Tempus Saint Louis, and Chef Hunter we bring a style of BBQ unheard of in Taiwan. We hope you enjoy!" Website: http://bogartsbbq.com/ www.facebook.com/bogartssmokehousetaipei/ Price: Ribs: 600 NT for half, 1100 NT for whole Sandwiches: 260-350 NT including sides Hours: Tue. to Sat. 11:30 – 20:00ish or till they are sold out. Sun. 11:30 – 16:00 or till they are sold out. So get there early. How to get there: By car/scooter: The restaurant is right on Nangang Road in front of the train station. There is parking on the side of the road or at Nangang Station. By MRT/TRA: The restaurant is within five minute walking distance of Nangang TRA/MRT station. Map: Please see below: 
Please note that this guide is written from the point of view of a heterosexual American marrying a Taiwanese National. For other types of marriages in Taiwan, double check with the your home country's consulate or office in Taiwan. For an experience of a foreigner marrying another foreigner, check out this blog by Sam.
Generally speaking, getting married in Taiwan is not that complicated. Typically, you should only require the following documents, and apply for marriage at the local house registration office:
Q: What documents do I need to get married in Taiwan? A: Marriage in Taiwan required documents:
Marriage agreement (結婚書約) sample below: |
Author 作家We are US Expats that have extensive experience living, working, and travelling in Taiwan. In our day, we had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But we have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. Our blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. We are just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Archives 檔案
May 2023
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