Foreigners in Taiwan - 外國人在臺灣
  • Home
  • Travel Guides
    • Full Taiwan Travel Guide
    • Outer Islands >
      • All Outer Islands
      • Xiaoliuqiu >
        • Xiaoliuqiu Ferry Guide
        • Xiaoliuqiu Snorkeling Guide
      • Penghu >
        • Shanshui Beach
        • Shili Beach
        • Aimen Beach
        • Serpent Head Mountain
        • Fongguei Cave
        • Moses Parting Sea
        • Penghu Great Bridge
        • Penghu Best Beaches
      • Green Island
      • Orchid Island
      • Kinmen
      • Matsu
      • Turtle Island
      • Keelung Islet
    • Taipei >
      • Full Guide to Taipei
      • Family and Kids Guide to Taipei
      • Beitou Hot Springs >
        • Beitou Hotels
        • Beitou Food Guide
        • Marshal Zen Garden
        • Beitou Public Hot Spring
        • Beitou Museum
        • Beitou Library
        • Xinbeitou Station
        • Puji Temple
        • Thermal Valley
        • Beitou Hot Spring Museum
        • Ketagalan Cultural Center
        • Beitou Park
        • Willie's Deli
      • Taipei 101
      • Museum Guide
      • Night Market Guide
      • Old Street Guide
      • Best Beaches
      • Waterfall Guide
      • Hiking Guide
      • Best Views
      • Parents and Kids Guide
      • Best Day Trips
      • One Day Itenerary
      • Nangang
    • Northern Taiwan >
      • Keelung
      • Hsinchu
      • Taoyuan
      • Northern Coast
      • Yangmingshan
      • Pingxi Railway
      • Tamsui
      • Wulai
      • Heping Island
      • Four Furthest Points
      • Shiding
    • Southern Taiwan >
      • Kenting
      • Chiayi
      • Tainan
      • Kaohsiung
      • Pingtung
      • Maolin
      • Lotus Pond
      • Moon World
      • Cheng Ching Lake
      • Qijin
    • Eastern Taiwan >
      • Taroko Gorge
      • Tapingshan
      • Yilan
      • Hualien
      • Taitung
      • Taroko National Park
      • Toucheng
      • East Coast
      • East Rift Valley
      • Sanxiantai
    • Central Taiwan >
      • Sun Moon Lake
      • Alishan
      • Alishan Forest Railway
      • Nantou
      • Taichung
      • Miaoli
      • Changhua
      • Yunlin
    • Transportation >
      • Car Rental
      • Scooter/Moped Rental
      • Cycling Guide
      • Transportation FAQ
      • Circling Taiwan by Car
    • Hotels / Accomodation >
      • Hotel FAQ
      • Taiwan Hotel Map
      • Long Term Hotels
      • Camping
    • Food >
      • Taiwan Food Guide
      • Taiwan Fruit Guide
      • Taiwan Mango Guide
      • Hot Pot Buffet
      • Taiwan Dessert Guide
    • Taiwan Travel Maps
    • Foreigner Survival Guide
  • Taiwan FAQ
    • Daily Life >
      • Apartment Rental
      • Banking
      • Credit Cards
      • Giving Birth
      • Buying a Car
      • Buying a House
      • Buying a Scooter
      • Daily Life FAQ
      • Driver's License Test
      • Healthcare
      • Marriage
      • Preschool
      • Retirement
      • School / Education
      • Tax
      • Work FAQ
    • Immigration >
      • APRC
      • ARC Number Change
      • Alien Digital Certificate
      • Employment Gold Card
      • Immigration / Visa FAQ
      • Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa FAQ
    • Geography and Weather >
      • Geography
      • Time and Date
      • Weather and Climate
    • Travel >
      • Car Rental
      • Camping
      • Cycling
      • Drone Flying
      • Foreigner Survival Guide
      • Hotel FAQ
      • International Driving Permit
      • Long Term Hotels
      • Sailing
      • Scooter/Moped Rental
      • Taipei FAQ
      • Tourist Sites FAQ
      • Transportation FAQ
    • People and Culture >
      • Economy / Living Standards
      • Culture FAQ
      • Taiwan Festival Guide
      • Fruit
      • Funeral and Death Rites
      • Politics
      • Taiwan Snow Chasing Guide
      • 228 Peace Memorial Day Guide
    • Full Taiwan FAQ List
  • Blog
    • Blog Feed
    • Blog Index
    • Taiwan Travel Blog
    • Global Expat Travel Blog >
      • Hakka Kitchen
      • Bank Comparison
      • Snow Hakka
      • Mid-Autumn Festival
      • Ghost Month
      • Taiwan Vs. Thailand
      • Morakot
      • Gaemi
      • Mango Guide
      • Sand Fest
      • TD 19
      • Krathon
      • Typhoon Kong-Rey
      • Shen'ao Railbike
      • Museum of World Religions
      • Nanjichang Night Market
      • Popsmile Tourist Factory
      • Taiwan Science Center
      • Taiwan Better Than Thailand
      • Hualien Besides Taroko
      • Taiwan Car Rental Guide
      • Lunar/Chinese New Year Guide
      • Taiwan Lantern Festival Guide
      • Tomb Sweeping Festival
      • Taiwan Cherry Blossom Guide
      • Children's Day
      • Firefly Guide
  • Maps
    • Taiwan Blog Sites Map
    • Taiwan Hotel Map
    • Other Cool Maps >
      • Josh Ellis Blog Map
      • Xiaofei Map of Maps
      • Shinto Shrine Map
      • Working Coffee Shops Map
      • Taiwan Tales and Trails Blog Map
      • Hidden Taiwan Map
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Twitter (X)
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Current Time and Date in Taiwan
    • Privacy
    • More >
      • Taiwan Travel Blog Posts >
        • Guide to Taiwan
        • Taiwan’s Outer Islands. >
          • Turtle Island (Guishan Island)
          • Green Island 綠島
          • Xiaoliuqiu Island (小琉球)
          • Keelung Islet (基隆嶼)
          • Orchid Island (Lanyu) 蘭嶼
          • Kinmen Islands Guide
          • Matsu Islands
          • Penghu Guide
        • Taiwan Cycling Guide – The Ultimate Guide to the Bicycle Kingdom 台灣騎自行車指南
        • The Ultimate Taiwan Scooter/Motorcycle Rental Guide 在臺灣租機車
        • The Ultimate Taiwan Car Rental Guide – Save Money on Your Next Trip 臺灣租汽車指南
        • Camping in Taiwan Guide – Everything you Need to Know 在台灣露營常見問題
        • Taiwan Blogroll – Top English Blogs to Follow for All Things Taiwan
        • The Ultimate Travel Guide to Taipei 臺北旅遊指南 >
          • Yangmingshan National Park 陽明山懶人包 – Your Complete Travel Guide
          • Ultimate Guide to Taipei’s Old Streets 台北老街指南
          • The Ultimate Travel Guide to Pingxi and Shifen 平溪懶人包
          • The Ultimate One-Day Taipei Itinerary 一天在臺北怎麽旅遊
          • The Ultimate Guide to Taipei’s Night Markets 臺北夜市指南
          • The Most Awesome Day Trips from Taipei 台北一日遊景點
          • The Complete 2025 Beitou Hot Springs Guide: Soak Like Royalty 北投溫泉英文指南
          • The Best Views of the Taipei 101 (Best Places to see New Year’s Fireworks) 欣賞101煙火的最佳地點
          • The Best Beaches Near Taipei: North Taiwan’s Top 10 台北前10名的沙灘 >
            • Hualien Travel Guide 花蓮懶人包 – The Most Beautiful Part of Taiwan >
              • What to See and Do in Hualien Besides Taroko Gorge
              • Ultimate Taroko National Park Travel Guide – Explore the Deepest Marble Gorge on Earth 太魯閣國家公園懶人包
              • Taroko Gorge Travel Guide (太魯閣) – Taiwan’s Most Breathtaking Geological Feature
          • Tamsui Travel Guide – Taipei’s Amazing Historic Riverside Town 淡水最佳的景點
          • Taipei’s Waterfall Guide – Explore the City’s Most Breathtaking Falls 台北瀑布指南
          • Taipei Museum Guide – Discover the Best Museums in Taipei 臺北博物館指南
          • Taipei City Hiking Guide – The Best Hikes in Taipei 台灣爬山指南
          • Taipei 101: The Ultimate Guide to Taiwan’s Tallest Tower (臺北101)
          • Shifen Waterfall and Old Street Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
          • Qingtiangang Grassland: See Amazing Views and Buffalo Close-Up 擎天崗
          • Our Travel Guide to Wulai – Taipei’s Amazing Mountain Paradise (烏來旅遊指南)
          • Jiufen Old Street – Taiwan’s Amazing Mountainside Village 九份老街
          • Dihua Street and Dadaocheng – Taipei’s Amazing Historical Hipster Paradise 迪化街及大稻埕
          • Children and Parent’s Travel Guide to Taipei 小孩及家長台北旅遊指南
        • Taiwan’s Northern Coast Travel Guide – Discover a Beautiful and Amazing Coastline 台灣北海岸懶人包 >
          • Yehliu Geopark – The Amazing Crown Jewel of Taiwan’s Northern Coast 野柳地質公園
        • Keelung Travel Guide – Best Places to See in the Harbor City 基隆旅遊指南
        • Taoyuan Travel Guide – More Than Just an Airport City 桃園旅游懶人包
        • Travel Guide to Hsinchu 新竹懶人包 – Taiwan’s Charming Tech Hub
        • Miaoli Travel Guide – Discover this Amazing Mountainous Backwater 苗栗旅遊懶人包 >
          • Huoyanshan
        • Taichung Travel Guide 台中旅遊懶人包 – Discover Central Taiwan’s Hidden Secrets
        • Gaomei Wetlands – Complete Guide to Taichung’s Amazing Wildlife Area 高美濕地
        • Nantou Travel Guide – Taiwan’s Most Stunning Mountain Getaway 南投縣懶人包
        • Sun Moon Lake Travel Guide – Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Lake 日月潭旅游指南
        • Changhua Travel Guide – Fall in Love with Taiwan’s Historical Central County 彰化懒人包
        • Chiayi Travel Guide – Best Places to Visit, Eat & Explore 嘉義懶人包
        • Alishan 阿里山 – Taiwan’s Ultimate Mountain Destination
        • Alishan Forest Railway Travel Guide (阿里山森林鐵路) – Taiwan’s Most Scenic Rail Line
        • Yunlin Travel Guide 雲林旅遊懶人包 – A Rural Wonderland in Southwest Taiwan
        • Tainan Travel Guide: Discover Taiwan’s Oldest City & Ultimate Foodie Paradise – 臺南懶人包
        • Travel Guide to Kaohsiung – Southern Taiwan’s Most Vibrant City 高雄旅遊懶人包 >
          • Tianliao Moon World Travel Guide 田寮月世界 – Taiwan’s Out-of-this-World Geopark
          • Qijin (Cijin) Island Travel Guide – Koahsiung’s Best Beach Destination 旗津懶人包
          • Maolin Travel Guide 茂林旅游懶人包 – Our Favorite Place in Taiwan
          • Monkey Mountain (Shoushan) 壽山 – Taiwan’s Best Monkey-Spotting Location
          • Lotus Pond Travel Guide 蓮池潭 – Kaohsiung’s Scenic Temple Area
          • Cheng Ching Lake Ultimate Travel Guide 澄清湖完整導覽
          • Pingtung Travel Guide – Explore Taiwan’s Sunniest County 屏東旅遊懶人包
          • Kenting Travel Guide 墾丁懶人包 – The Best Beaches in Taiwan
          • Travel Guide to Yilan 宜蘭懶人包 – Beaches, Mountains, Hot Springs, and more
          • Guide to Toucheng 頭城懶人包 – Yilan’s Amazing Seaside Paradise
          • Taipingshan Travel Guide 太平山 – Discover Yilan’s Amazing Mountain Scenery
          • Our Guide to Taiwan’s East Coast 台灣東海岸指南 – Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Coastline
          • Taiwan’s East Rift Valley (Huadong Valley) Travel Guide 花東縱谷旅遊指南 – The Most Beautiful Places in Taiwan
          • Taitung Travel Guide – Top Things to Do in Taiwan’s Outdoor Tourism Paradise 台東懶人包
          • Taiwan National Public Holiday Guide 台灣國定假日指南
          • The Ultimate Taiwan Hotel Guide 臺灣飯店指南
          • The Ultimate Taiwan SIM Card, eSIM, and Portable Wi-Fi Guide
          • The Ultimate Taiwan Transportation Guide 台灣交通常見問題
          • The Ultimate Taiwan Butterfly Watching Guide 台灣賞蝴蝶指南
          • The Ultimate Foreigner’s Guide for Surviving in Taiwan 外國人在台灣存活指南
  • Home
  • Travel Guides
    • Full Taiwan Travel Guide
    • Outer Islands >
      • All Outer Islands
      • Xiaoliuqiu >
        • Xiaoliuqiu Ferry Guide
        • Xiaoliuqiu Snorkeling Guide
      • Penghu >
        • Shanshui Beach
        • Shili Beach
        • Aimen Beach
        • Serpent Head Mountain
        • Fongguei Cave
        • Moses Parting Sea
        • Penghu Great Bridge
        • Penghu Best Beaches
      • Green Island
      • Orchid Island
      • Kinmen
      • Matsu
      • Turtle Island
      • Keelung Islet
    • Taipei >
      • Full Guide to Taipei
      • Family and Kids Guide to Taipei
      • Beitou Hot Springs >
        • Beitou Hotels
        • Beitou Food Guide
        • Marshal Zen Garden
        • Beitou Public Hot Spring
        • Beitou Museum
        • Beitou Library
        • Xinbeitou Station
        • Puji Temple
        • Thermal Valley
        • Beitou Hot Spring Museum
        • Ketagalan Cultural Center
        • Beitou Park
        • Willie's Deli
      • Taipei 101
      • Museum Guide
      • Night Market Guide
      • Old Street Guide
      • Best Beaches
      • Waterfall Guide
      • Hiking Guide
      • Best Views
      • Parents and Kids Guide
      • Best Day Trips
      • One Day Itenerary
      • Nangang
    • Northern Taiwan >
      • Keelung
      • Hsinchu
      • Taoyuan
      • Northern Coast
      • Yangmingshan
      • Pingxi Railway
      • Tamsui
      • Wulai
      • Heping Island
      • Four Furthest Points
      • Shiding
    • Southern Taiwan >
      • Kenting
      • Chiayi
      • Tainan
      • Kaohsiung
      • Pingtung
      • Maolin
      • Lotus Pond
      • Moon World
      • Cheng Ching Lake
      • Qijin
    • Eastern Taiwan >
      • Taroko Gorge
      • Tapingshan
      • Yilan
      • Hualien
      • Taitung
      • Taroko National Park
      • Toucheng
      • East Coast
      • East Rift Valley
      • Sanxiantai
    • Central Taiwan >
      • Sun Moon Lake
      • Alishan
      • Alishan Forest Railway
      • Nantou
      • Taichung
      • Miaoli
      • Changhua
      • Yunlin
    • Transportation >
      • Car Rental
      • Scooter/Moped Rental
      • Cycling Guide
      • Transportation FAQ
      • Circling Taiwan by Car
    • Hotels / Accomodation >
      • Hotel FAQ
      • Taiwan Hotel Map
      • Long Term Hotels
      • Camping
    • Food >
      • Taiwan Food Guide
      • Taiwan Fruit Guide
      • Taiwan Mango Guide
      • Hot Pot Buffet
      • Taiwan Dessert Guide
    • Taiwan Travel Maps
    • Foreigner Survival Guide
  • Taiwan FAQ
    • Daily Life >
      • Apartment Rental
      • Banking
      • Credit Cards
      • Giving Birth
      • Buying a Car
      • Buying a House
      • Buying a Scooter
      • Daily Life FAQ
      • Driver's License Test
      • Healthcare
      • Marriage
      • Preschool
      • Retirement
      • School / Education
      • Tax
      • Work FAQ
    • Immigration >
      • APRC
      • ARC Number Change
      • Alien Digital Certificate
      • Employment Gold Card
      • Immigration / Visa FAQ
      • Taiwan Digital Nomad Visa FAQ
    • Geography and Weather >
      • Geography
      • Time and Date
      • Weather and Climate
    • Travel >
      • Car Rental
      • Camping
      • Cycling
      • Drone Flying
      • Foreigner Survival Guide
      • Hotel FAQ
      • International Driving Permit
      • Long Term Hotels
      • Sailing
      • Scooter/Moped Rental
      • Taipei FAQ
      • Tourist Sites FAQ
      • Transportation FAQ
    • People and Culture >
      • Economy / Living Standards
      • Culture FAQ
      • Taiwan Festival Guide
      • Fruit
      • Funeral and Death Rites
      • Politics
      • Taiwan Snow Chasing Guide
      • 228 Peace Memorial Day Guide
    • Full Taiwan FAQ List
  • Blog
    • Blog Feed
    • Blog Index
    • Taiwan Travel Blog
    • Global Expat Travel Blog >
      • Hakka Kitchen
      • Bank Comparison
      • Snow Hakka
      • Mid-Autumn Festival
      • Ghost Month
      • Taiwan Vs. Thailand
      • Morakot
      • Gaemi
      • Mango Guide
      • Sand Fest
      • TD 19
      • Krathon
      • Typhoon Kong-Rey
      • Shen'ao Railbike
      • Museum of World Religions
      • Nanjichang Night Market
      • Popsmile Tourist Factory
      • Taiwan Science Center
      • Taiwan Better Than Thailand
      • Hualien Besides Taroko
      • Taiwan Car Rental Guide
      • Lunar/Chinese New Year Guide
      • Taiwan Lantern Festival Guide
      • Tomb Sweeping Festival
      • Taiwan Cherry Blossom Guide
      • Children's Day
      • Firefly Guide
  • Maps
    • Taiwan Blog Sites Map
    • Taiwan Hotel Map
    • Other Cool Maps >
      • Josh Ellis Blog Map
      • Xiaofei Map of Maps
      • Shinto Shrine Map
      • Working Coffee Shops Map
      • Taiwan Tales and Trails Blog Map
      • Hidden Taiwan Map
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Twitter (X)
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Current Time and Date in Taiwan
    • Privacy
    • More >
      • Taiwan Travel Blog Posts >
        • Guide to Taiwan
        • Taiwan’s Outer Islands. >
          • Turtle Island (Guishan Island)
          • Green Island 綠島
          • Xiaoliuqiu Island (小琉球)
          • Keelung Islet (基隆嶼)
          • Orchid Island (Lanyu) 蘭嶼
          • Kinmen Islands Guide
          • Matsu Islands
          • Penghu Guide
        • Taiwan Cycling Guide – The Ultimate Guide to the Bicycle Kingdom 台灣騎自行車指南
        • The Ultimate Taiwan Scooter/Motorcycle Rental Guide 在臺灣租機車
        • The Ultimate Taiwan Car Rental Guide – Save Money on Your Next Trip 臺灣租汽車指南
        • Camping in Taiwan Guide – Everything you Need to Know 在台灣露營常見問題
        • Taiwan Blogroll – Top English Blogs to Follow for All Things Taiwan
        • The Ultimate Travel Guide to Taipei 臺北旅遊指南 >
          • Yangmingshan National Park 陽明山懶人包 – Your Complete Travel Guide
          • Ultimate Guide to Taipei’s Old Streets 台北老街指南
          • The Ultimate Travel Guide to Pingxi and Shifen 平溪懶人包
          • The Ultimate One-Day Taipei Itinerary 一天在臺北怎麽旅遊
          • The Ultimate Guide to Taipei’s Night Markets 臺北夜市指南
          • The Most Awesome Day Trips from Taipei 台北一日遊景點
          • The Complete 2025 Beitou Hot Springs Guide: Soak Like Royalty 北投溫泉英文指南
          • The Best Views of the Taipei 101 (Best Places to see New Year’s Fireworks) 欣賞101煙火的最佳地點
          • The Best Beaches Near Taipei: North Taiwan’s Top 10 台北前10名的沙灘 >
            • Hualien Travel Guide 花蓮懶人包 – The Most Beautiful Part of Taiwan >
              • What to See and Do in Hualien Besides Taroko Gorge
              • Ultimate Taroko National Park Travel Guide – Explore the Deepest Marble Gorge on Earth 太魯閣國家公園懶人包
              • Taroko Gorge Travel Guide (太魯閣) – Taiwan’s Most Breathtaking Geological Feature
          • Tamsui Travel Guide – Taipei’s Amazing Historic Riverside Town 淡水最佳的景點
          • Taipei’s Waterfall Guide – Explore the City’s Most Breathtaking Falls 台北瀑布指南
          • Taipei Museum Guide – Discover the Best Museums in Taipei 臺北博物館指南
          • Taipei City Hiking Guide – The Best Hikes in Taipei 台灣爬山指南
          • Taipei 101: The Ultimate Guide to Taiwan’s Tallest Tower (臺北101)
          • Shifen Waterfall and Old Street Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
          • Qingtiangang Grassland: See Amazing Views and Buffalo Close-Up 擎天崗
          • Our Travel Guide to Wulai – Taipei’s Amazing Mountain Paradise (烏來旅遊指南)
          • Jiufen Old Street – Taiwan’s Amazing Mountainside Village 九份老街
          • Dihua Street and Dadaocheng – Taipei’s Amazing Historical Hipster Paradise 迪化街及大稻埕
          • Children and Parent’s Travel Guide to Taipei 小孩及家長台北旅遊指南
        • Taiwan’s Northern Coast Travel Guide – Discover a Beautiful and Amazing Coastline 台灣北海岸懶人包 >
          • Yehliu Geopark – The Amazing Crown Jewel of Taiwan’s Northern Coast 野柳地質公園
        • Keelung Travel Guide – Best Places to See in the Harbor City 基隆旅遊指南
        • Taoyuan Travel Guide – More Than Just an Airport City 桃園旅游懶人包
        • Travel Guide to Hsinchu 新竹懶人包 – Taiwan’s Charming Tech Hub
        • Miaoli Travel Guide – Discover this Amazing Mountainous Backwater 苗栗旅遊懶人包 >
          • Huoyanshan
        • Taichung Travel Guide 台中旅遊懶人包 – Discover Central Taiwan’s Hidden Secrets
        • Gaomei Wetlands – Complete Guide to Taichung’s Amazing Wildlife Area 高美濕地
        • Nantou Travel Guide – Taiwan’s Most Stunning Mountain Getaway 南投縣懶人包
        • Sun Moon Lake Travel Guide – Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Lake 日月潭旅游指南
        • Changhua Travel Guide – Fall in Love with Taiwan’s Historical Central County 彰化懒人包
        • Chiayi Travel Guide – Best Places to Visit, Eat & Explore 嘉義懶人包
        • Alishan 阿里山 – Taiwan’s Ultimate Mountain Destination
        • Alishan Forest Railway Travel Guide (阿里山森林鐵路) – Taiwan’s Most Scenic Rail Line
        • Yunlin Travel Guide 雲林旅遊懶人包 – A Rural Wonderland in Southwest Taiwan
        • Tainan Travel Guide: Discover Taiwan’s Oldest City & Ultimate Foodie Paradise – 臺南懶人包
        • Travel Guide to Kaohsiung – Southern Taiwan’s Most Vibrant City 高雄旅遊懶人包 >
          • Tianliao Moon World Travel Guide 田寮月世界 – Taiwan’s Out-of-this-World Geopark
          • Qijin (Cijin) Island Travel Guide – Koahsiung’s Best Beach Destination 旗津懶人包
          • Maolin Travel Guide 茂林旅游懶人包 – Our Favorite Place in Taiwan
          • Monkey Mountain (Shoushan) 壽山 – Taiwan’s Best Monkey-Spotting Location
          • Lotus Pond Travel Guide 蓮池潭 – Kaohsiung’s Scenic Temple Area
          • Cheng Ching Lake Ultimate Travel Guide 澄清湖完整導覽
          • Pingtung Travel Guide – Explore Taiwan’s Sunniest County 屏東旅遊懶人包
          • Kenting Travel Guide 墾丁懶人包 – The Best Beaches in Taiwan
          • Travel Guide to Yilan 宜蘭懶人包 – Beaches, Mountains, Hot Springs, and more
          • Guide to Toucheng 頭城懶人包 – Yilan’s Amazing Seaside Paradise
          • Taipingshan Travel Guide 太平山 – Discover Yilan’s Amazing Mountain Scenery
          • Our Guide to Taiwan’s East Coast 台灣東海岸指南 – Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Coastline
          • Taiwan’s East Rift Valley (Huadong Valley) Travel Guide 花東縱谷旅遊指南 – The Most Beautiful Places in Taiwan
          • Taitung Travel Guide – Top Things to Do in Taiwan’s Outdoor Tourism Paradise 台東懶人包
          • Taiwan National Public Holiday Guide 台灣國定假日指南
          • The Ultimate Taiwan Hotel Guide 臺灣飯店指南
          • The Ultimate Taiwan SIM Card, eSIM, and Portable Wi-Fi Guide
          • The Ultimate Taiwan Transportation Guide 台灣交通常見問題
          • The Ultimate Taiwan Butterfly Watching Guide 台灣賞蝴蝶指南
          • The Ultimate Foreigner’s Guide for Surviving in Taiwan 外國人在台灣存活指南

Blog Posts

Taiwan Festivals Guide – A Monthly Guide to the Best Festivals and Traditions 台灣節日指南

1/24/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Throughout the year, Taiwan is full of festivals and holidays. Besides the three major festivals and National Holidays when people are off from school and work, there are also many smaller religious festivals and events throughout the year. In this guide, we will provide a month-by-month breakdown of the major festivals and holidays in Taiwan.
​
🏯 Planning your trip to Taiwan? 🌊
Here are some top travel tips for you:
  • Best time to visit: All Year because there are festivals going on all the time!
  • How to get there: Plane tickets via Trip.com
  • Best places to stay can be found on Agoda
  • Book tours and activities in Taiwan on Klook
  • Stay connected with a local SIM
  • Rent a car to explore distant sights

Table of Contents
  • Taiwan Festivals By Month of the Year
    • January
    • February
    • March
    • April
    • May
    • June
    • July
    • August
    • September
    • October
    • November
    • December
  • Summary of Taiwan National Holidays (With the Day off from work and/or school):
    • New Year's Day 中華民國開國紀念日 / 元旦
    • Lunar New Year or Spring Festival 農曆新年/過年
    • 228 Peace Memorial Day 228和平紀念日
    • Children's Day 兒童節
    • Tomb Sweeping Day 淸明節
    • Labor Day 勞動節
    • Dragon Boat Festival 端午節
    • Mid-Autumn Festival 中秋節
    • ROC National Day / Double Ten Day 國慶日 / 雙十節
  • Other Traditional Festivals (that do not include a day off):
    • Lantern Festival 元宵節
    • Ghost Festival / Ghost Month 中元節/普渡/鬼月
    • Tourism Day 觀光節
    • Earth God's Birthday 土地公誕辰
    • Guan Yin's Birthday 觀音誕辰
    • God of Medicine's Birthday 保生大帝誕辰
    • Matsu's Birthday 媽祖誕辰
    • Buddha's Birthday 佛誕日
    • Guan Yu's Birthday 關公誕辰
    • City God's Birthday 城隍爺誕辰
    • Qixi Festival / Chinese Valentine's Day 七夕
    • Double Ninth Festival / Senior Citizen's Day 重陽節
    • Saisiat paSta'ay Festival 矮靈祭
  • Other Seasonal Festival Activities and Events:
    • Yilan International Children's Folklore & Folkgames Festival
    • Taiwan International Balloon Festival
    • Fulong Sand Art Festival 福隆國際沙雕藝術季
    • Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
    • Yanshui Beehive Fireworks (Tainan) 鹽水蜂炮
    • Taitung Bombing Lord Handan 玄武堂慶元宵炮炸寒單爺
    • Miaoli Bombing Dragon Festival 苗栗火旁龍之夜
    • Yilan Lizejian "Zao-Wang" -"Wife Carrying" Festival 宜蘭利澤簡走尪
    • Taichung Dajia Mazu Festival 大甲媽祖
    • Kaohsiung Neimen Song Jiang Battle Ritual 高雄內門宋江陣
    • Penghu International Fireworks Festival 澎湖花火節
    • Hot Spring Season 溫泉季節
    • Hot Pot Season 火鍋季
    • Maolin Butterfly Season 茂林蝴蝶季節
    • Flower Festivals 花海:
    • Cherry Blossom Season 櫻花季:
    • Mang Grass Season 芒草季
    • Taiwan Mango Season 台灣芒果季
    • Taiwan Beach Season 台灣沙灘季
  • Other Aboriginal/Indigenous Festivals
    • Flying Fish Festival of the Yami (Tao) tribe 飛魚祭
    • Mayasvi Ceremony of the Tsou tribe 阿里山鄒族達邦社傳統戰祭
    • The Ear-shooting Festival of the Bunun Tribe 布農射耳祭
    • Harvest Festival of the Amis tribe 阿美族豐年祭
    • New Year Ritual of the Puyuma Tribe 卑南族年祭
  • Other Sports Festivals 運動比賽
    • Dapeng Bay Marine Festival 大鵬灣帆船生活節
    • Taiwan Open of Surfing 臺灣國際衝浪公開賽
    • Taipei Marathon 台北馬拉松
      • Other Marathons in Taiwan:
  • Other Unnoficial Holidays 其他節日
    • Farmer's Day 農民節
    • Valentine's Day 情人節
    • Arbor Day / Sun Yat-sen Memorial Day 植樹節/國父逝世紀念日
    • White Day 白色情人節
    • Youth Day / Martyrs' Memorial Day 青年節/革命先烈紀念日
    • Literary Day 文藝節
    • Easter 復活節
    • Mother's Day 母親節
    • Opium Suppression Movement Day / Anti-Smoking Day 禁菸節
    • Tiananmen Square Massacre Memorials 六四事件紀念活動
    • Indigenous Peoples' Day 原住民族日
    • Father's Day 父親節
    • 823 Artillery Battle Memorial Day 823砲戰紀念日
    • Journalist' Day 記者節
    • Armed Forces Day 軍人節
    • Teachers' Day / Confucious' Birthday 孔子誕辰紀念日
    • Overseas Chinese Day 華僑節
    • Taiwan Retrocession Day 臺灣光復節
    • Halloween 萬聖節
    • Chinese Cultural Renaissance Day / Sun Yat-sen's Birthday 國父誕辰紀念日 / 中華文化復興運動
    • Winter Solstice / Dongzhi Festival 冬至
    • Constitution Day 行憲紀念日 (xíng xiàn jì niàn rì)
    • Christmas 聖誕節
  • Maps:
    • Taiwan Lantern Festival Locations:
    • Taiwan Dragon Boat Racing Locations:

Read More
0 Comments

Taiwan's Tomb Sweeping Day (Qingming Festival) Guide 台灣清明節英文解説

1/20/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Tomb Sweeping Day is an important holiday in Taiwan when Taiwanese people can visit their ancestor’s graves, worship, pay respect, and clean tombs. In this blog, we will explain the history of the holiday, its significance, and how it is practiced now in modern Taiwan.
​
🏯 Planning your trip to Taiwan? 🌊
Here are some top travel tips for you:
  • Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn when it is not too hot or cold and less rainy
  • How to get there: Plane tickets via Trip.com
  • Best places to stay can be found on Agoda
  • Book tours and activities in Taiwan on Klook
  • Stay connected with a local SIM
  • Rent a car to explore distant sights

Table of Contents
  • When is Tomb Sweeping Day in Taiwan?
  • The Origins and Significance of Tomb Sweeping Day:
  • History of Tomb Sweeping Day in Taiwan
  • What are Funeral Rituals like in Taiwan?
  • What do people do on Tomb Sweeping Day in Taiwan?
    • Traveling to the Tombs
    • Worship of the Earth God
    • Eating Cold Foods
    • Prepare Offerings to Ancestors
    • Sweeping Tombs, Clearing Bushes, and Cutting Grass
    • Traveling, shopping, Visiting Family, etc.
  • My Experience as a Foreigner During Tomb Sweeping Day in Taiwan:
  • Tips For Travelling During the Tomb Sweeping Holiday in Taiwan:

Read More
0 Comments

Taiwan Lantern Festival Guide 台灣元宵節指南 – A Complete List of Events in Taiwan

1/17/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Lantern Festival in Taiwan is an exciting time when many cities and counties in Taiwan put on colorful displays of lanterns for visitors to enjoy. There are usually lanterns in all the big cities including Taipei, Hsinchu, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. In this guide, we will share how Taiwan celebrates the Lantern Festival and how you can get involved.
​

🏯 Planning your trip to Taiwan? 🌊
Here are some top travel tips for you:
  • Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn when it is not too hot or cold and less rainy
  • How to get there: Plane tickets via Trip.com
  • Best places to stay can be found on Agoda
  • Book tours and activities in Taiwan on Klook
  • Stay connected with a local SIM
  • Rent a car to explore distant sights

Table of Contents
  • When is Lantern Festival in Taiwan?
  • When and Where are 2025 Lantern Festival Events in Taiwan?
    • Taiwan International Lantern Festival 台灣燈會
    • Pingxi Lantern Festival (New Taipei) 平溪天燈節
    • Taipei Lantern Festival 台北燈節
    • New Taipei Lantern Festival 新北燈會
    • Miaoli Bombing Dragon Festival 苗栗火旁龍之夜
    • Taichung Lantern Festival 中臺灣元宵燈會
    • Jiji Lantern Festival (Nantou) 集集燈會
    • Yunlin Douliu Lantern Festival 雲林縣斗六蛇年燈會
    • Yanshui Beehive Fireworks (Tainan) 鹽水蜂炮
    • Tainan Tucheng Zhengtong Luermen Shengmu Temple Fireworks 台南土城 正統鹿耳門聖母廟 高空花火嘉年華
    • Yuejin Lantern Festival (Tainan) 月津港燈節
    • Tainan Fucheng Puji Lantern Festival 台南府城普濟燈會
    • Kaohsiung Wonderland 高雄冬日遊樂園
    • Fengshan Light Festival (Kaohsiung) 鳳山光之季
    • Pingtung Lantern Festival 屏東燈節
    • Hualien Pacific Ocean Lantern Festival 花蓮太平洋燈會
    • Taitung Lantern Festival 臺東好神愛在元宵嘉年華
    • Taitung Bombing Lord Handan 玄武堂慶元宵炮炸寒單爺
    • Yilan Lizejian "Zao-Wang" -"Wife Carrying" Festival 宜蘭利澤簡走尪
  • Map:
  • History of Lantern Festival in Taiwan
  • Our Lantern Festival Experience in Taiwan:
    • Pingxi Lantern Festival 平溪天燈節
    • Taipei Lantern Festival 台北燈節
    • New Taipei Lantern Festival 新北燈會
    • Yanshui Beehive Fireworks (Tainan) 鹽水蜂炮
    • Taitung Bombing Lord Handan 玄武堂慶元宵炮炸寒單爺
    • Other local displays (Nangang)
  • Enjoy Some Rice Ball Soup (Tangyuan 湯圓 / Yuanxiao 元宵)

Read More
0 Comments

Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) in Taiwan – How it’s Celebrated and How You can Join in

1/16/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Lunar New Year (also known as Spring Festival or Chinese New Year) is the biggest holiday in Taiwan. It is like Christmas in the West and is a time of family togetherness and welcoming a new year. In this blog, we will let you know the customs and culture during the Lunar New Year in Taiwan and how to celebrate.
​
🏯 Planning your trip to Taiwan? 🌊
Here are some top travel tips for you:
  • Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn when it is not too hot or cold and less rainy
  • How to get there: Plane tickets via Trip.com
  • Best places to stay can be found on Agoda
  • Book tours and activities in Taiwan on Klook
  • Stay connected with a local SIM
  • Rent a car to explore distant sights

Table of Contents
  • When is the Lunar New Year in Taiwan?
  • What do Animals in the Chinese Zodiac Mean?
  • History of Lunar New Year in Taiwan
  • Traditions During the Lunar Festival Day by Day:
    • Day 1: Little New Year (小年, Xiǎo nián) / Spring Cleaning (大掃除 dà sǎo chú)
    • Day 2: New Year's Eve (除夕, Chúxī): Go to husband's parent's house for dinner
    • Day 3: New Year's Day (初一, Chū yī): Stay at husband's house
    • Day 4: Son-in-Law Day (初四, Chū sì) Spend time with the wife's family
    • Day 5: Separation Day (初五, Chū wǔ) Avoiding Social Visits
    • Start Work (開工 Kāi gōng)
    • Other Traditions During Lunar New Year Day by Day:
  • What is there to do During the Lunar New Year in Taiwan?
    • Wear Red Clothes
    • Give Red Envelopes to Children and Elders
      • How much money should I put in my red envelope for relatives or friends?
      • Where can I get the 20 NT coin, and 200 NT or 2000 NT bills?
    • Eat Fish, Dumplings, and Sticky Rice at New Year's Eve Dinner
    • Hang Couplets
    • Light Fireworks
    • Worship Ancestors
    • Visit Temples
    • Play Mahjong and other games
    • Go on outings
    • Send Endless LINE Photos or Stickers
  • My Experience as a Foreigner During the Lunar New Year in Taiwan:
  • Tips for Traveling During Chinese New Year in Taiwan

​When is the Lunar New Year in Taiwan?

Read More
0 Comments

Kinmen Islands Guide 金門極限指南 – A Complete Travel Resource

1/9/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Kinmen (aka Jinmen or Quemoy) is a group of islands off the coast of Xiamen, China, belonging to Taiwan. For years it was the front lines and closest territory to China during the Chinese Civil War, which has not officially ended. Now that the war with China has come to a close due to the establishment of the “status quo,” Kinmen has been open to tourism, especially from that of China. Kinmen has the highest concentration of museums and historical buildings in almost anywhere in Taiwan, as well as local cuisine, beaches, and scenery, making it an ideal vacation destination for Taiwanese, Chinese, and other foreign tourists.

Table of Contents
  • Background:
  • When to go:
  • How to get there:
  • Getting Around the Island:
    • Scooter Rental:
    • Car Rental:
    • Shuttle Bus:
    • Bicycle Rental:
  • Where to Stay:
  • Map:
  • Our Journey:
  • Flight to Kinmen:
  • Sheng Zu Foods 聖祖食品
  • Shuitou Pier 水頭碼頭
  • Juguang Tower 莒光樓
  • Maoshan Tower 茅山塔
  • Shuitou Village 水頭村
  • Deyue Gun Tower 得月樓
  • Zhushan Village 珠山聚落
  • Zhaishan Tunnels 翟山坑道
  • Kinmen National Park 金門國家公園
  • The Ancient City of Kinmen 金門城
  • Wentai Tower 文台寶塔
  • Oucuo Beach 歐厝沙灘
  • Shuitou Peir 水頭碼頭
  • Kinmen Bridge 金門大橋
  • 823 Artillery Bombardment Victory Memorial 八二三炮戰勝利紀念
  • Mao Gong Shi Island Recreation Area 猫公石滨海休憩區
  • Little Kinmen Hujingtou Battle Museum 小金門湖井頭戰史舘
  • Jiugong Tunnels 九宮坑道
  • Bada Tower 八達樓子
  • Jiangong Islet 建功嶼
  • Jincheng Seaside Park 金城海濱休閑公園
  • Kinmen Qing Dynasty Military Headquarters 金門清朝總兵署
  • Mofan Street 模範街
  • Liang Jin Farm 良金牧場
  • Cihu Lake 慈湖
  • Gulongtou Shuiwei Pagoda 古龍頭水尾塔
  • Kinmen Heping (Peace) Memorial Park 金門和平紀念公園
  • Beishan Old House 北山古洋樓
  • Battle of Guningtou Museum 古寧頭戰史舘
  • Beishan Broadcasting Tower 北山廣播墻
  • Taiwu Mountain 太武山
  • Mashan Observation Post 馬山觀測所
  • Chen Ching-lon's House 陳景蘭洋樓
  • Carrefour 家樂福
  • Wind Lion Plaza Mall 風獅爺購物廣場
  • Places We Missed 我們錯過的地方:

Background:
Kinmen first began to be settled by Chinese people in the Tang Dynasty (around 700 AD). It got its name Jinmen “Golden Gate” from the Hongwu Emporer who set up military operations on the main Island during the Ming Dynasty in 1387. The name Quemoy comes from the Hokkien pronunciation of the name.
After the fall of the Ming Dynasty (1644), Ming Loyalists continued to occupy Kinmen under the Prince of Lu and Kongxia, but Kinmen was eventually captured by the Qing in 1663.
The Islands were never ceded to Japan.
After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, Kinmen (along with the rest of China) was governed by the Republic of China (ROC). When the ROC lost the Chinese Civil War, they retreated to Taiwan under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek, but still maintained some outlying islands off of the west coast of China. The ROC army dug into Kinmen and fortified almost every inch of the island, holding off the PRC invasion. Perhaps the most pivotal battle in holding off the communists was the battle of Guningtou in which 9,000 PRC troops were defeated and captured in an attempt to take back the island of Kinmen. The battle effectively stopped the PRC from advancing toward invasion of Taiwan, because in 1950 the Korean War started, demanding much of their manpower, buying time until the Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty was signed in 1955, offering protection by the United States. against the PRC invasion of Taiwan. Because of this, the battle laid the groundwork for the status quo between China and Taiwan as we know it today.
Kinmen was kept as a military reserve until it was made into a civilian government in the 1990s. Travel was reopened with China in 2001, which really opened the door for the tourism sector on the islands mainly driven by Chinese tourists. Many businessmen also moved to the island to gain easy entry into China from Taiwan. In 2015 the Taiwanese government made it easier for Chinese tourists to visit Kinmen by allowing them to apply for visa on arrival.
Currently, the island’s main industry is tourism, but there is also a large Sorghum Wine production industry, as well as agriculture and fishing.
Kinmen is a stronghold for the KMT party, mainly because the residents resent the fact that many in the pro-independence DPP would consider returning Kinmen to China in an independence treaty.

When to go:
Autumn is said to be the best time to visit when there are still warm temperatures and not too much rainfall. Spring also has great temperatures, but seasonal rains may dampen your travels. Summer can get really hot, which might be totally fine with you. The winter is cold and windy; don’t go in winter.

How to get there:
By Plane: The only way to get from Taiwan to Kinmen is via airplane. Planes leave daily from Taipei, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, Penghu, and Kaohsiung.
You can book cheap flights to Kinmen on KKday here or Trip.com here.
By Boat: You can reach Kinmen from Xiamen at Wutong Port (五通碼頭) or Quanzhou at Shijing Port (石井碼頭), connecting at Shuitou Port (水頭碼頭).

Getting Around the Island:
Rent a scooter! The island is small so you should not need to rent a car. You can rent bicycles but you will not be able to travel as fast. You can also hire a driver to take you on tours.
Ask your hostel for more rental information. They can help you book a rental in advance.
Scooter Rental:Price: expect 400 NT per day.
You can book a scooter rental for Kinmen Island on Klook here or on KKday here. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
It may be better to book your scooter rental in advance, especially during summer weekends. Ask for help from your hostel owner if needed.
Car Rental:Price: expect 2000 NT per day.
You can rent a car for Kinmen on KKday here or charter a car on Klook here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
Don’t rent a car unless you absolutely need to. Renting scooters should be sufficient for most travelers. 
Shuttle Bus:You can book a discount tourist shuttle bus pass on KKday here. 
Bicycle Rental:Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. 

Where to Stay:
We stayed at and can recommend Sihai Hostel, which is a quality hostel with spacious and clean rooms. They also arranged transport to and from the hostel for free. You can book Sihai Hostel on Agoda here, Klook here, or Trip.com here. 
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. 
You can also find out more about where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide here.

Map:
​Please see below:

Read More
0 Comments

What to See and Do in Hualien Besides Taroko Gorge

1/9/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Sadly, due to a recent earthquake, much of Taroko Gorge, Hualien’s most famous landmark, is no longer accessible to the public. However, there are plenty of other places to check out in Hualien. In this blog, we will share a list of other places to visit in Hualien besides Taroko Gorge.
Hualien is the largest county in Taiwan and is considered by many to be the most beautiful. It includes a breathtaking coastline along the Pacific Ocean, including cliffs thousands of meters high, marble gorges, fertile valleys, and a large section of Taiwan’s central mountain range. Hualien is simply a must-stop location on your trip to Taiwan.
​
⛰️ Planning your trip to Hualien? 🌊
Here are some top travel tips for you:
  • Best time to visit: Winter when the temperatures are mild and the climate is usually dryer
  • How to get there: Taiwan Railway (TRA/TRB) and Inter-City Bus
  • Best places to stay: When Happiness Knock Your Door or Dream Taiwan Homestay
  • Book tours and activities in Hualien on Klook
  • Stay connected with a local SIM
  • Rent a car to explore distant sights

Table of Contents
  • Current Situation in Taroko Gorge and Taroko National Park
  • Historical Background of Hualien
  • When to visit?
  • Where to stay?
  • How to get to Hualien?
  • How to get around in Hualien:
  • Tours: 
  • Map:
  • Drone Video
  • 360 Pano
  • Sixty Stone Mountain 六十石山
  • Ruisui Farm 瑞穗農場
  • Nanan Falls 南安瀑布
  • Hualien Sugar Factory 蓮糖廠
  • Farglory Ocean Park 遠雄海洋公園
  • ​Jingpu Tropic of Cancer Monument 靜浦北迴歸線界標
  • ​Shitiping 石梯坪
  • Shihmen Recreation Area 花蓮石門洞
  • Dawan Recreation Area 大灣遊憩區
  • Qinbuzhizi Old Trail 親不知子海上古道
  • Jiqi Beach 磯崎海水浴場
  • Fanshuliao Canyon 蕃薯寮峽谷
  • Baqi Rest Area 芭崎休息區
  • Emerald Valley 翡翠谷
  • Dongshan 東山
  • Shanling Haowangjiao Hostel 山嶺好望角民宿
  • Hualien Nanbin Park 花蓮南濱公園
  • Qixingtan 七星潭
  • ​Liyu Lake 鯉魚潭
  • Dongdamen Night Market 東大門夜市
  • Hualien Old Railroad Pedestrian Area 花蓮舊鐵道行人徒步區
  • Yuemei 月眉
  • Shapodangxipan Park 砂婆噹溪畔公園
  • Hake Art Village 吉安好客藝術村
  • Meilunshan 美崙山
  • Gongzheng Buns 公正包子
  • Places and activities we missed:
0 Comments

Orchid Island (Lanyu) 蘭嶼 – Taiwan’s Best Indigenous Cultural Experience

1/9/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Orchid Island (not to be confused with the Fijian Island of the same name), known in the local Tao language as Ponso No Tao (Island of the people), and in Chinese as Lanyu (蘭嶼) is a secret indigenous people’s paradise off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. It is different than any other place in Taiwan and has the best-preserved indigenous culture anywhere in the country. If Taiwan’s best tourist activity is experiencing the culture of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, then Lanyu has the best tourist experience anywhere in Taiwan.
​
Table of Contents
  • Background:
  • History:
    • Tao Culture:
    • Flying Fish Festival:
  • Weather and Climate:
  • When to go:
  • Taboos:
    • General Taboos:
    • Flying Fish Season Taboos (February to June):
    • Basic Courtesy:
  • How to get there:
    • By Plane:
    • By Boat:
  • Getting around the island:
  • Tours:
  • Scooter Rental:
  • Car Rental:
  • Bicycle Rental:
  • Accommodation:
  • Map:
  • Our Journey:
  • Houbihu Harbor 後壁湖漁港
  • Iratay Village (魚人部落 Yuren Village)
  • Lanyu Cultural Museum 蘭嶼文物舘
  • Yayo Village (Yeyou Village 椰油部落)
  • Mantou Rock 饅頭岩
  • Kaiyuan Fishing Harbor 開元漁港
  • 7-Eleven
  • Lanyu Lighthouse 蘭嶼燈塔
  • Hongtou Rock (Jyakmey sawasawalan 像水渠一樣,紅頭岩)
  • Crocodile Rock (Ji-macinger 鱷魚岩)
  • Tank Rock 坦克岩
  • Spread Out Rock (Jipaneytayan , 攤開岩)
  • Jikarahem Caves 很深之意 (五孔洞,Five Caves)
  • Iraraley Village (郎島部落)
  • Jade Woman Rock (Jimavonot 玉女岩)
  • Traditional Tao Canoes 傳統達悟獨木舟
  • Double Lion Rock (Jipanatosan 雙獅岩)
  • Warship Rock 軍艦岩
  • Iranmeylek Village (Dongqing Village 東清部落)
  • Ghost's Cave 蘭嶼鬼洞
  • Nipple Hill Hike 乳頭山步道
  • Lover's Cave 情人洞
  • Iranmeylek Secret Snorkeling Spot (東清秘境)
  • Iranmeylek Night Market 東清夜市
  • Iralino Village (Yeyin Village 野銀部落)
  • Iron Helmet Rock 鋼盔岩
  • Elephant Rock 象鼻岩
  • Lesser Orchid Island 小蘭嶼
  • Moon Rise 月出
  • Nuclear Waste Disposal Facility 核廢料存放場
  • Dragon Head Rock 龍頭岩
  • Green Green Grassland (Ja-langoina 青青草原)
  • Imorod Village (Hongtou Village 紅頭部落)
  • Lanyu Weather Station 蘭嶼氣象站
  • Screw Pine Juice 露兜果汁
  • Flying Fish Rice Wrap 飛魚飯糰
  • Gift Shops 紀念品店
  • Things We Missed:

Background:

History:
​
Orchid Island became inhabited about 800 years ago by the Tao indigenous people (達悟族) (aka Yami people 雅美族, which is a name coined by the Japanese, but the native people prefer Tao), which are thought to have traveled from the Batanes Islands in the Philippines, which are a little less than 200 KM away, cut off by the Bashi Channel. However, Orchid Island is very different than the Philippines.
Beginning in 1644, some Dutch Sailors were sent to investigate the island, and some settled there among the natives. Because of this, the Island was known as Red Head Island (紅頭嶼) by the Chinese and the Japanese.
After the Dutch were defeated in Taiwan, Lanyu was claimed but not controlled by the Qing Dynasty.
The Japanese claimed the Island shortly after the Sino-Japanese War in 1895 but protected it as an “ethnological research site” and forbade outsiders from entering.
After the Republic of China took over Taiwan following the end of WWII, they continued to ban visitors to the island until 1967, after which tourists were allowed to enter and public schools were built there.
Christian missionaries began preaching and living on the island starting in the 1950s, and now basically all native people on the island are Christian (mixed with traditional beliefs). However, Christianity was introduced much earlier starting with the Dutch in the 1600s although to a lesser extent.
In 1982 a nuclear waste storage plant was built on the south side of the Island without the islanders’ consent, causing protests from the inhabitants. Also because of this, the Island inhabitants receive free electricity.
The island is volcanic in nature, with the last major eruption being over 5 million years ago. The highest mountain is 552 meters (1,811 feet).
Currently, there are 2,400 people permanently living on the island, 90% of them being of native Tao descent.

Tao Culture:
The Tao people number about 2,000 living on Orchid Island, with about another 2,000 living on the Taiwan mainland. The Tao people rely on the sea for survival, and much of their traditions and lifestyle are centered on fishing.
The Tao people are mostly Christian but also still practice many of their traditional beliefs. However their ancestral religion included a pantheon of Gods.
Traditional roles for men are fishing while roles for women include harvesting taro and sweet potato and weaving. The men usually fish at night or early morning and rest on traditional wooden platforms during the day.
Boats are made from planks of wood and are painted red, white, and black. The boat usually has human figures, waves, and the traditional sun image (red and black circles and sun rays) which is said to warn off evil spirits. Boats are considered sacred and the ultimate human creation. There is also a launching ceremony for new boats in which traditional clothes and headgear (such as silver helmets for men and wooden hats for women) are worn, pigs are slaughtered, and the boat is lifted into the air multiple times before being set in the water. Traditional clothes include loin cloths and vests for men, and aprons and vests for women. Young people on the street usually do not wear traditional dress.

Flying Fish Festival:
There are three basic seasons on Lanyu: one is the flying fish season when flying fish can be easily caught and used and lasts from February to May. The other seasons are from May to October and October to February when flying fish cannot be caught for ceremonial use. There are many taboos during flying fish season which are discussed below.
The Flying Fish Festival lasts from about March to October when flying fish are caught. During this time many ceremonies take place such as for the beginning of the festival, plentiful harvest, etc. During the festival, there are multiple migrations of flying fish species near Lanyu. There are many taboos during this time, especially when it comes to catching and eating flying fish which are the main life source of the Tao people.

Weather and Climate:
The island has a tropical rainforest climate, with average high temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees year-round. The rainy months are in summer, especially due to Typhoons, but the most sunny days are also in summer (expect a lot of sun), and the most rainy days are in winter. Summer is the tourist season, but spring and fall are also popular times to visit. Winters are said to be dreary, and cold, and have constant northeastern winds that can stop airplanes and ferries from departing to the island.

When to go:
The best time to go they say is around May when it is not too hot and there are no northeasterly winds or typhoons which can cancel your transportation to the island.
The typhoon season lasts from around June to October. The busy season is during summer break from June to August, during which time it can be hard to book a hostel or airplane ticket. Winter is the less crowded season, but the water will be cold, there will be constant wind (which could cancel transportation), and it will rain more often.
Taboos:General Taboos:
  • Do not take pictures of or enter any of the underground houses without permission.
  • Do not use any of the resting pavilions without permission, and if you are given permission take off your shoes before entering.
  • Do not visit schools when they are in session.
  • Do not speak loudly or shout while inside the villages.
  • When villagers are performing traditional rituals, watch from a distance and keep quiet.
  • Do not touch or enter into traditional canoes
  • Do not disturb the ecology or habitat when snorkeling, hiking, etc.
  • Do not bring any plants or animal parts with you when you leave Lanyu.
Flying Fish Season Taboos (February to June):
  • Do not take photos or get near the fisherman or catch when they are coming ashore
  • Do not touch or get into canoes to take photos.
  • Women should keep away from canoes due to traditional beliefs.
  • Do not bring oranges to beaches or harbors or give oranges as gifts, as this is believed to be a curse.
  • Do not ask the fisherman what they are doing, this is thought to bring them bad luck for their catch.
  • Do not try to fish without asking locals the proper time and place to do so.
  • Avoid swimming and snorkeling in or near traditional fishing harbors. Always ask your hostel owner or other locals where it is okay to swim and snorkel.
  • Do not fish for flying fish, especially using nets or motorboats
  • Do not harm or remove coral
Basic Courtesy:
  • Know the taboos above before coming to Lanyu.
  • Do not photograph local people or things without permission.
  • Come to Lanyu with an open mind, and try to understand and sympathize with the people’s culture and way of life.

How to get there:
By Plane:You can book discount air tickets from Taipei to Taitung on KKday here.
The only planes to and from Orchid Island come from Taitung.
Flight times: As of the time of this blog, there were six flights per day by Daily Air Corporation from about8 AM to 4 PM (Please note their website is only in Chinese). The flight from Taitung to Lanyu takes about 25 minutes. Please note that the aircraft are small and flights can be canceled due to high winds or unfavorable weather.
Costs: NT 1428 to Lanyu and NT 1360 from Lanyu.
You can purchase plane tickets through a tour agency such as Klook or a similar website.
By Boat:There are two places that offer ferry rides to Lanyu: Houbihu Harbor (恆春後壁湖漁港) in Pingtung and Fugang Harbor in Taitung (臺東富岡漁港). There are also two ferry companies that operate at both harbors. Both companies leave from both harbors at the same time and arrive at the same time for the same price (2300 NT per person round trip/1150 NT per single trip).
Ferry Boat costs:
2300 NT per person round trip (1150 NT per single trip)from both Taitung and Pingtung. Both ferry companies have the same price.
Ferry Boat Times:
7:30/7:00 AM departure, 9:30 AM arrival to Lanyu.
12:00/12:30 PM departure, 3:00 PM arrival to Lanyu.
9:30 AM departure from Lanyu, 11:30 arrival to Taitung or Pingtung.
3:00 PM departure from Lanyu, 5:00 PM arrival to Taitung or Pingtung.
Both ferry companies depart and arrive at the same time at both locations.
You can purchase ferryboat tickets for a discount on Klook here or KKday here.
Getting around the island:Rent a scooter! The island is small so you should not need to rent a car. You can rent bicycles but you will not be able to travel as fast. You can also hire a driver to take you on tours.
Ask your hostel for more rental information. They can help you book a rental in advance.

Tours:You can book multiple tours and activities such as a Tribal Tour, Underground House Tour, day hiking, night hiking, snorkeling, scuba Diving, SUPing / Paddle Boarding, and Freediving. You can search for more tours through Klook here or KKday here.

Scooter Rental:
Price: expect 500 NT per day.
You can book a scooter through Klook here or KKday here.
Be sure to book your rental in advance, especially during summer weekends. Ask for help from your hostel owner if needed.
I am 100% percent certain you do not need a Taiwan local license to rent scooters here, however, they may ask for an international license (but I’m fairly sure they will let you rent without one).
Helmet wearing is not enforced at all as you will quickly find, but it’s still the law.
Also be careful to not hit any goats because they wander as they please.
There is only one gas station next to Kaiyuan Fishing Harbor.
Car Rental:Price: expect 2000 NT per day.
You can rent a car for Lanyu on KKday here.
Bicycle Rental:Price: Bike rental is about 400 NT per day.
You can rent a bike for Lanyu on KKday here.

Accommodation:Booking accommodation on the island can be difficult in the summer months and on weekends when rooms can be fully booked for months in advance.
There is a nice selection of rooms on Agoda.
Here is a list of every registered hostel on the island, but it is in Chinese.
My hostel required that I pay for my room in advance via bank wire transfer (this may not be an option if you are a foreign traveler, so make sure they accept credit cards if you do not have a Taiwan bank account).
Expect to pay 2000 – 4000 NT per night for a standard double room on Lanyu.
You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here.
Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase.

Map:
Please see below:

Read More
0 Comments

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Taiwan 台灣旅遊指南英文介紹

1/9/2025

1 Comment

 
Picture
Thinking of coming to Taiwan? In this blog, we will share insider tips for planning a great vacation here.
Taiwan is the most friendly country in the world for foreigners and one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Many have called it the best-kept secret in Asia. Taiwan is not usually known as a travel destination, mainly because of PRC China which tries to downplay its existence and the fact that the Taiwan Tourism Bureau does not do a very good job. We will try to make up for that with this blog.
​
Table of Contents
  • When to go:
  • How to get there:
  • Tours:
  • Where to stay:
  • How to get around in Taiwan:
  • Map:
  • Taiwan's Outer Islands 台灣的外島
  • Taiwan's East Coast 台灣東海岸
  • Taroko National Park 太魯閣國家公園
  • Kenting 墾丁
  • Alishan 阿里山
  • Sun Moon Lake 日月潭
  • Beitou Hot Springs 北投溫泉
  • Tamsui 淡水
  • Wulai 烏來
  • Yangmingshan National Park 陽明山國家公園
  • Pingxi Railway 平溪支線鐵路
  • Taiwan's Northern Coast 台灣北海岸
  • Taipingshan 太平山
  • Maolin 茂林
  • Keelung 基隆
  • Taipei City  台北市
  • New Taipei 新北市
  • Yilan County 宜蘭
  • Hualien 花蓮
  • Taitung 台東
  • Pingtung 屏東
  • Kaohsiung 高雄
  • Tainan 臺南
  • Chiayi 嘉義
  • Yunlin 雲林
  • Changhua 彰化
  • Nantou 南投
  • Taichung 台中
  • Miaoli 苗栗
  • Hsinchu 新竹
  • Taoyuan 桃園

When to go:
The best time to go they say is anytime!
There is always a part of Taiwan that is great to visit at any given time of year.
However, most areas are most comfortable around May when it is not too hot and there are no northeasterly winds or typhoons.
​The typhoon season lasts from around June to October. The tourist busy season is during summer break from June to August, during which time it can be hard to book a hostel or airplane ticket. Winter is the less crowded season, but the water will be colder, there will be constant wind (which could cancel transportation), and it will rain more often.

How to get there:
By Plane:
You can book cheap flights to Taiwan on Trip.com or CheapO Air. You can also search for cheap flights in Taiwan here and here. 
You can also book discount tickets for domestic flights within Taiwan on KKday here. 
By Boat: 
There is a ferry boat between Kinmen and Xiamen, China. That is the only commercial way I know of to travel to Taiwan by boat.

Tours:
There are many tours and activities available such as snorkeling, diving, SUPing, Surfing, Speed Boating, Glamping, River tracing, Paragliding, Kayaking, Canoeing, River Tracing, River Rafting, River Tubing, Pack Rafting, Whale Watching, ATV / 4-wheeling, Paintballing, Water Biking, Glamping, Cycling, Ziplining, Horse Riding, and many others, which you can book through Klook here or KKday here.

Where to stay:
Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands.
Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com are also good choices. 

How to get around in Taiwan:
By Train:
You can take a train ride around the entire island in about 8 hours. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA)  on Klook here.
By HSR:
Taiwan’s HSR runs from north to south along the west coast of Taiwan, and is perhaps the fastest mode of transport available. You can book discount tickets via high speed rail (HSR)  on Klook here or KKDay here. 
By Bus: 
Busses leave hourly from most major cities. You can book inter-city bus on Klook here.
By Scooter:
You can rent a scooter on Klook or KKday. Scooter rental is about 300 NT per day. You can check out our scooter rental guide here.
By Car:
You can also rent a car for about 1500 NT per day. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. 

Map:
​Please see a map below of all the places we have blogged about in Taiwan:

Read More
1 Comment

Taroko Gorge - 2025 Current Status (Post-Earthquake) 太魯閣地震後的狀況

1/2/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
The following blog shows more photos posted after our original blog post here: taiwantravelblog.com/taroko-gorge-2025-current-status-post-earthquake

​
Sadly, due to a recent earthquake, much of Taroko Gorge, Hualien's most famous landmark, is no longer accessible to the public. However, the visitor's center is still open, and the road through Taroko is still open three times a day if you have your own vehicle. In this blog, we will take you on a virtual tour of Taroko Gorge after the earthquake, from a recent trip where we risked rockfalls and poor road conditions. 

Don't forget there are plenty of other places to check out in Hualien besides Taroko; check out our blog with a list of other places to visit in Hualien besides Taroko Gorge here.
If you are interested, you can also check out our blog to see what Taroko looked like before the earthquake here. 

Read More
0 Comments

     Author 作家

    I am an American expat who has extensive experience living, working, and traveling in Taiwan. In my day, I had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But I have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. ​This blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. I am just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country.
    -Larry


    我來自美國, 我對台灣生活、工作和旅行有很豐富的經驗。我曾須艱辛地學習許多有關台灣的事情。但我已經了解到,台灣是世界上最適合外國人居住的地方之一。這個部落格不代表台灣每個外國人的意見。我只是想幫助其他人了解更多關於這個美麗的國家。
    -拉瑞

    Klook.com

    Categories
    ​類目

    All
    Aboriginal Culture 原住民文化
    Airports 機場
    Alishan 阿里山
    Amusement Parks 娛樂園
    Aquariums 海洋館
    Art 藝術
    Basic Info 基本資訊
    Beaches 海灘
    Beitou 北投
    Blogroll 部落格名單
    Bridges 橋梁
    Buddhism 佛教
    Business 商業
    Camping 露營
    Car Driving Test 考汽車駕照
    Car Rental 租氣車
    Caves 山洞
    Changhua 彰化
    Cherry Blossoms 櫻花
    Chiayi 嘉義
    Children Activities 小孩活動
    Chinese Film 中文電影
    Chinese Language 中文
    Chinese Literature 中文文學
    Circling Taiwan 環島
    City Parks 都市公園
    Click Bait 點擊誘餌
    Coal Mining 煤礦
    Confucius Temples 孔廟
    Cycling 騎腳踏車
    Cypress Groves 落羽松秘境
    Daily Life 日常生活
    Daoism 道教
    Disaster Tourism 災害旅遊
    Diving 潛水
    DIY
    DIY Activities
    Driving In Taiwan 開車
    Drone Flying 飛空拍機
    Dutch Era 荷蘭時期
    East Rift Valley 花東縱谷
    East Taiwan 東部
    English Teaching 英文教學
    Events 活動
    Festivals 節日
    Fish Foot Massage 溫泉魚
    Floral Sea 花海
    Food 食物
    Forts 堡壘
    Fruit 水果
    Geography 地理
    Geology 地質
    Golf 高爾夫球
    Green Island 綠島
    Green Island 綠島
    Growing Bananas 種香蕉日記
    Guest Blog Posts 客人部落格
    Hakka Culture 客家文化
    Hiking 爬山
    Historical Buildings 歷史建築
    Hot Springs 溫泉
    Hsinchu 新竹
    Hualien 花蓮
    Immigration/Visa 移民/簽證
    Japanese Era 日治時期
    Jiaoxi 礁溪
    Kaohsiung 高雄
    Keelung 基隆
    Kenting 墾丁
    Kingdom Of Tungning Era 東寧時期
    Kinmen 金門
    Lakes And Reservoirs 湖及水庫
    Lighthouses 燈塔
    Longdong 龍洞
    Luodong Night Market 羅東夜市
    Maolin 茂林
    Martyrs' Shrines 忠烈祠
    Matsu Islands 馬祖列島
    Mazuism 媽祖
    Miaoli 苗栗
    Migrant Workers 外籍勞動
    Monkeys 猴子
    Mountain Biking 越野
    Museums 博物館
    Nangang 南港
    Nantou 南投
    National Forest Recreation Areas 國家森林游樂區
    National Palace Museum 故宮
    National Parks 國家公園
    Natural Scenery 自然風景
    New Taipei 新北市
    Night Market 夜市
    Northern Coast 北海岸
    Not Taiwan 台灣以外的地方
    Nuclear Power 核能
    Offroading 越野
    Old City Gates 古城門
    Old Streets 老街
    Old Trails 古道
    Orchid Island (Lanyu 蘭嶼)
    Outer Islands 外島
    Paragliding 跳傘
    Penghu Islands 澎湖群島
    Pingtung 屏東
    Pingxi Railway 平息火車綫
    Politics 政治
    Qing Dynasty Era 清朝時代
    Railways 鐵路
    Recreational Farms 休閑農場
    River Tracing 朔溪
    Rock Climbing 攀岩
    Sailing 帆船
    Sand Dunes 沙丘
    Sanxia 三峽
    Scooter Driving Test 考機車駕照
    Scooter Rental 租機車
    Seafood Markets 海鮮市場
    Shiding 石碇
    Shilin Night Market 士林夜市
    Shinto Shrines 神社遺址
    Shinto Shrines 神社遺址
    Shopping 購物
    Sicao Green Tunnel 四草綠色隧道
    Smokestacks 烟囪
    Snorkeling 浮潛
    Sports 運動
    Starting A Taiwan Business 創業
    Sugar Factories 糖廠
    Sun Moon Lake 日月潭
    Surfing 冲浪
    Taichung 臺中
    Tainan 台南
    Taipei 101
    Taipei Zoo 台北動物園
    Taipei 臺北
    Taitung 臺東
    Taiwanese Spouse 台灣配偶
    Taiwan FAQ 臺灣常見問題
    Taiwan History 台灣的歷史
    Taiwan's Economy 台灣經濟
    Taiwan Temples 臺灣的廟
    Tamsui 淡水
    Taoyuan 桃園
    Taroko Gorge 太魯閣峽谷
    Tax
    Thailand
    Top 10 210692131321517
    Top-10-210692131321517
    Transportation 交通
    Transportation 交通
    Turtle Island 龜山島
    Turtle Island 龜山島
    Typhoons 颱風
    Typhoons 颱風
    Ultimate Guide 極限指南
    Urbex-22478240662550638570
    Urbex 城市探險
    Urbex 城市探險
    Waterfalls
    Weather 天氣
    Weather 天氣
    White Terror 白色恐佈
    Wildlife 野生動物
    Wildlife 野生動物
    Working In Taiwan 在台灣工作
    Working In Taiwan 在台灣工作
    Wulai Hot Springs
    Xiaoliuqiu 小琉球
    Xiaoliuqiu 小琉球
    Xitou 溪頭
    Xizhi 汐止
    Yangmei 楊梅
    Yangmingshan 陽明山
    Yilan 宜蘭
    Yilan 宜蘭
    Yonghe 永和
    Yunlin 雲林
    Yunlin 雲林
    Yushan (Jade Mountain) 玉山
    Zhonghe 中和
    Zoos In Taiwan 動物園
    Zoos In Taiwan 動物園

    RSS Feed


    120*600

    Archives 檔案

    January 2026
    December 2025
    November 2025
    October 2025
    September 2025
    August 2025
    July 2025
    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    October 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014

    120*600


    120*600


Planning your trip to Taiwan?

Here are some top travel tips for you:

  • Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn when it is not too hot or cold and less rainy
  • How to get there: Plane tickets via Trip.com
  • Best places to stay can be found on Agoda
  • Book tours and activities in Taiwan on Klook
  • Stay connected with a local SIM
  • Rent a car to explore distant sights

Looking for a hotel? Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here.

If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or  KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here.  
You can also check out our scooter rental guide here.