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There is a fascination in Taiwan with eating, the emphasis on ingredients with tastes that are as close to the field as possible. Snacking is a passion, and each little village and town will lay claim to its own unique contributions to the culinary world, its own “famous foods.” Sweet cakes and pastries are favorite items, with what are called “cakes” most often bite-sized morsels rather than the family-sized creations of the West.

Traditional cakes and pastries are characterized by flaky crusts, fluffy innards, and outsides often a bit crispy, with heavy use of items associated with farm living such as egg yolks, taro, red beans, mung-beans, and so on. The taro and beans will be made into a paste and lightly sweetened, but the taste of the good earth is still there, and bakers place great emphasis on getting the ingredients from the field to your palate as quickly as possible and with as little adulteration as possible. Today’s consumer enjoys variety, and sellers endlessly roll out new treats, but you’ll find these are primarily based on traditional varieties with some tailoring done to suit current tastes and lifestyles. Following, we’ll first head out into farm country, to the pristine areas of Yilan and Hualien counties on the east coast, dropping by a well-known bakery in each area and check out its “famous foods” before heading back to Taipei. Read the rest of this entry »

The Jaoho Street Night Market established in 1987, is one of the liveliest markets in Taiwan. The market had initially grown as a business centre due to its position on the busy Jaoho Street and near the Shongshang Railway Station. However, when transportation in the Jaoho Street declined and the business centre received a blow, the night market was established here to give a fresh lease to the business activities of the area. Read the rest of this entry »

Mount Hehuan is located at connected Hehuan Mountain peaks between Nantou County and Hualian County, Taiwan Province. It includes Huhuan main peak, east peak, west peak, south peak, north peak, Hehuan Pinnacle and Stone Gate Mountain etc., all of which are 3000 meters above sea level. The lie of the mountain, magnificent and imposing, and the geographical features, vivid and grandiose, have got the good mane “Model Mountains” from where the longest rivers of Taiwan rise. There grow the precious Chinese juniper and nanmu trees etc., verdant and luxuriant, making the hot summer feel like autumn. The main peak of Mount Hehuan, 3394 meters above sea level, is the coldest 1 zone of Taiwan. The dense primeval forest covers the mountain and on the half way of the southern side, there is a waterfall, 520 meters in length, pouring down vertically from the sky, an unique and stirring scene which is the best of its kinds in the whole province – Hehuan Waterfall. Read the rest of this entry »

The geographical position and landscape of Taiwan has provided the island with ample scopes for adventure activities. Taiwan is in fact, a haven for exciting activities that attracts numerous tourists from across the globe. While the Pacific coastline and its marine resource hosts a number of thrilling activities, the Central Mountains fringing the island are perfect locales for fun.

Taiwan bears some of the highest peaks in East Asia, which host a number of thrilling activities like hiking and skiing. The Yushan and a dozen other peaks that dot the island have thus emerged as popular tourist destinations, calling in hikers to savor the fascinating landscape of the island. The hills are home to innumerable species of birds and insects, and the lush spread of subtropical vegetation that carpets the ranges add to the charm of being here. Read the rest of this entry »