Taiwan, Province of China
festivites
1. Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) - Celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, usually in January or February, with family reunions, fireworks, and red decorations symbolizing good fortune and warding off evil spirits.
2. Lantern Festival - The 15th day of the Lunar New Year, marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. People hang lanterns, solve riddles, eat sweet glutinous rice balls, and watch lion and dragon dances.
3. Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) - April 4th or 5th, a time for people to pay respects to their ancestors by visiting cemeteries, sweeping tombs, and burning incense.
4. Dragon Boat Festival - Fifth day of the fifth lunar month (usually June), commemorating the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the river. People eat rice dumplings, watch dragon boat races, and hang calamus leaves and wormwood branches to dispel evil spirits.
5. Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival) - Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually September or October) when the moon is at its fullest. Families gather to admire the moon, eat mooncakes, and light colorful lanterns.
6. Double Ninth Festival - On the ninth day of the ninth lunar month (usually in October), people climb mountains and drink chrysanthemum tea to ward off bad luck and illness.
7. Ghost Festival - The 15th day of the seventh lunar month (usually in August), a time when ghosts and spirits are believed to roam the earth. People offer food, burn incense, and perform traditional theater to appease the departed and prevent them from causing mischief.
seasons
Taiwan has four distinct tourist seasons:
1. Spring Season: from March to May. The weather is pleasant with some occasional rain, and the cherry blossom season peaks in late March or early April. It is recommended to visit the northern part of Taiwan during this season for its beautiful scenery.
2. Summer Season: from June to August. It is hot and humid with occasional typhoons. It is recommended to visit the eastern coast of Taiwan for its cooler temperatures and stunning beaches.
3. Autumn Season: from September to November. The weather is cool and comfortable, and the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated in September or October. It is recommended to visit the central and southern parts of Taiwan during this season for their vibrant foliage.
4. Winter Season: from December to February. The weather is cold and dry, especially in the mountainous regions where snow may fall. It is recommended to visit the hot springs and enjoy winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding in the mountainous areas.
Note that these are general guidelines, and the weather patterns can vary from year to year. It is advisable to check the current weather conditions before planning a trip to Taiwan.
visa
Some special visa rules for visiting Taiwan, Province of China include:
1. Visa-Free Entry: Citizens from certain countries are eligible for visa-free entry into Taiwan for a limited period of time ranging from 14 to 90 days depending on the country.
2. eVisa: Citizens from some countries can apply for an electronic travel authorization online which allows them to stay in Taiwan for up to 30 days. The cost is around USD$35 on average.
3. Visitor Visa: Citizens from countries not eligible for visa-free entry or eVisa will need to apply for a visitor visa at a Taiwan embassy/consulate. The cost varies depending on the nationality and length of stay, but generally ranges from USD$50 to USD$100.
4. Resident Visa: Those who plan to stay in Taiwan for longer than six months for work, study, or other purposes will need to apply for a resident visa, the cost ranges from USD$50 to USD$150 on average.
It's important to note that visa rules are subject to change, and applicants should always confirm current requirements with the nearest Taiwan embassy/consulate.
souvenirs
1. Tea - Taiwan is famous for its high-quality teas such as oolong, black, green and bubble tea. Prices range from $10-$30 per pack. You can purchase them in souvenir shops, tea shops or supermarkets.
2. Pineapple Cakes - A popular Taiwanese snack made of buttery pastry filled with pineapple jam. Prices range from $8-$20 per box. You can buy them in souvenir shops or bakeries.
3. Handmade Soap - Taiwan produces a wide variety of natural handmade soaps which are good for the skin. Prices range from $5-$15 per piece. You can find them in souvenir shops or online stores.
4. Hakka Paper Umbrellas - Traditional hand-painted paper umbrellas made by Hakka artisans. Prices range from $20-$50. You can buy them at souvenir shops or umbrella specialty stores.
5. Night Market Snacks - Various street food snacks such as stinky tofu, grilled squid, and bubble milk tea. Prices range from $2-$6 per serving. You can find them at night markets throughout Taiwan.
6. Shaved Ice Desserts - Popular Taiwanese dessert made of shaved ice topped with fruits, syrups, and sweetened condensed milk. Prices range from $4-$8 per serving. You can find them in dessert shops throughout Taiwan.
7. Calligraphy Scrolls - Beautifully crafted scrolls with Chinese calligraphy characters that make great decorative souvenirs. Prices range from $20-$100. You can buy them in souvenir shops or specialty stores.
Note: Prices may vary depending on the location and quality of the products.
If you have 1 week
Wonderful, Taiwan is a beautiful country with so much to explore and experience. Here is a one-week itinerary that will give you a taste of the best that Taiwan has to offer:
Day 1: Explore Taipei
Start your trip in Taiwan's capital city, Taipei. Visit the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, and the National Palace Museum, which houses over 600,000 artifacts from China's imperial past. In the evening, head to the Shilin Night Market for some delicious street food.
Day 2: Hualien City and Taroko Gorge
Take a scenic train ride from Taipei to Hualien City, and then make your way to Taroko Gorge. This natural wonder features towering marble cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls, as well as hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 3: Sun Moon Lake
Travel to Sun Moon Lake, located in the heart of Taiwan. This lake is surrounded by lush green mountains and offers boating, cycling, and hiking options. You can also visit the Wenwu Temple, Ci'en Pagoda, and the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway for panoramic views of the area.
Day 4: Kaohsiung City
Visit Taiwan's second-largest city, Kaohsiung. Take a stroll along Love River, explore the Lotus Pond scenic area with its large dragon and tiger pagodas, and visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center, one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in the world.
Day 5: Kenting National Park
Kenting National Park is located at the southern tip of Taiwan and boasts stunning beaches, coral reefs, and forested mountains. Spend the day exploring the park, including Eluanbi Lighthouse and Longpan Park.
Day 6: Tainan City
Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and a cultural hotspot. Visit the historic Anping District with its many temples, forts, and museums, including the famous Chihkan Tower. In the evening, enjoy some of Tainan's famous street food.
Day 7: Jiufen Old Street
Finish your trip by visiting Jiufen Old Street, a charming village that served as an inspiration for the movie Spirited Away. Explore the narrow alleyways lined with teahouses and traditional souvenir shops, and take in the stunning views of the ocean from the hilltop tea houses.
[🔒CLASSIC] Based on your location in Taiwan, may I suggest a one-week itinerary that includes visits to Taipei, Hualien City and Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, Kaohsiung City, Kenting National Park, Tainan City, and Jiufen Old Street. These destinations offer a variety of experiences ranging from scenic natural wonders to cultural hotspots, with something for everyone to enjoy.
If you have 2 weeks
Oh, Taiwan! What a fantastic location to be in. There are so many amazing places you can visit within the country's borders, each with their own unique charm and allure. Here is a suggested two-week itinerary that will take you on a journey through some of Taiwan's most captivating destinations:
Week 1:
Day 1-3: Taipei - Start your trip in the bustling metropolis of Taipei, where you can explore the city's many temples, night markets, and museums. Be sure to visit Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, and Longshan Temple.
Day 4-6: Taroko Gorge - Take a train or bus to Hualien, and spend a few days exploring the stunning Taroko Gorge. This natural wonder is home to soaring cliffs, crystal-clear rivers, and picturesque hiking trails.
Day 7-8: Tainan - Head south to Tainan, Taiwan's oldest city, where you can wander the historic streets, visit ancient temples, and sample some of the best local cuisine in the country.
Day 9-10: Kaohsiung - From Tainan, make your way to the vibrant port city of Kaohsiung, known for its lively night markets, modern art museums, and stunning harbor views.
Week 2:
Day 11-13: Kenting - Travel to southern Taiwan's breathtaking Kenting National Park, where you can soak up the sun on pristine beaches, marvel at towering rock formations, and explore diverse ecosystems.
Day 14: Sun Moon Lake - Finish your trip with a visit to the tranquil Sun Moon Lake, where you can take a leisurely boat ride, hike through lush forests, and enjoy some of the region's finest teas.
Why visit these places? Each destination has something unique to offer, from bustling cities to serene nature reserves. Taipei is a must-visit for its world-class museums, iconic landmarks, and delicious street food. Taroko Gorge is a natural wonder that will leave you breathless with its sweeping vistas and stunning hiking trails. Tainan offers a glimpse into Taiwan's rich history and culture, while Kaohsiung is a modern city with plenty of urban attractions. Kenting National Park is a tropical paradise with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife, while Sun Moon Lake is a peaceful retreat with stunning views and cultural significance. All of these destinations together make up a perfect two-week itinerary that will give you a taste of the best that Taiwan has to offer.
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