Things to do in Taiwan

Searching for things to do in Taiwan for your upcoming vacation? Relax! We have you covered. In this article we dive deep into the regular sights you’d expect to find, but more importantly, we include the fun things to do in Taiwan, including if the kids are in tow.

As dedicated tour designers and travellers ourselves, we’re all over what keeps two year olds, teens and everything in between happy on the road. Whether you’re after a collection of beautiful travel memories from this gorgeous island of stunning landscapes, incredible views, and gentle people, or simply researching your next big adventure, be sure to take notes from our trusty Taiwan tour guides on the ground.

Ready to put pen to paper? Perfect! Let’s start with creating a list of fabulous places to visit in Taiwan.

While it may be a relatively small island, there is a remarkable number of wonderful places to visit in Taiwan. Not limited only to amazing landscapes and sights of cultural significance, Taiwan also offers the curious traveller insights into its unique history, reflected through the many influences of other cultures, foods, and traditions. Beyond the well known sights that make it onto the list of every visitor to Taiwan, there are many others that are also worthy of inclusion. Taiwan’s famous night markets, which rival any in the world, are just the tip of the iceberg. Its many festivals, tea culture, and delightful handcrafts weave a rich and interesting fabric of life that will hold appeal if you’re looking for an enriching travel experience.

National Palace Museum

Taiwan’s National Palace Museum is home to an incredible 700,000 plus artifacts and artwork that chronicles China’s history from early Neolithic to contemporary times. Impressive by any standard, many pieces forming part of the museum’s collection were gathered during the Ming and Qing dynasty periods, reflecting an appreciation of the contribution made by earlier eras to later development in subsequent centuries. The museum’s buildings are impressive and visionary, reflecting the balance of ancient and new, both within and without, and the influences both have on Taiwan today.

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Taipei 101 Observatory

Get your heart racing with a trip to the 89^th floor observation deck of the unique and stylish Taipei 101 building. A stunning example of architecture, Taipei 101 is located in the heart of Taipei. If photography is your thing, unleash your love here by taking advantage of the opportunity to enjoy stunning photographic opportunities afforded by the panoramic 360 degree views of Taipei city.

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Taroko Gorge
(Taroko National Park)

Covering over 920 square kilometers in the northern section of the Central Mountain Range, Taroko National Park is a Taiwan destination for nature lovers. Located just northeast of the island’s midpoint, Taroko National Park is ‘carved’ through the middle by the Liwu River, a natural wonder that created the breathtaking Taroko Gorge. Visitors will appreciate Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns, and Taroko Gorge, as well as the many waterfalls to be found throughout the park, with the trails of Shakadang, Baiyang, Changchun, and Lushui-Wenshan. Appreciate the park’s beauty from the Zhuilu Suspension Bridge and gain insights into local history and culture at the Eternal Spring Shrine, a memorial to people who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. The thoughtfully positioned Changuang Temple, is nestled within the deep green of surrounding trees and foliage and resting over the waterfall that cascades from it.

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Sun Moon Lake

An unusual name for Taiwan’s largest and arguably most beautiful lake scenery, Sun Moon Lake was named for the resemblance that the east and west sides of the lake have to the sun and moon. It is home to the local aboriginal Thao tribe. On your visit here be enchanted by picturesque views across the water to Lalu Island and the surrounding mountains that frame the lake.

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Kenting National Park

Located at the very south of Taiwan at Hengshun Peninsula, Kenting National Park has a reputation for beautiful beaches, idyllic vegetation and diversity in its coral population. The national park is synonymous with a tropical climate, sunshine, and magical beaches. Be prepared to feel swept away into total holiday mode.

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Yehliu Geopark

Fancy traveling to another world? You can do that with a visit to Yehliu Geopark, a fascinating assembly of natural rock sculptures that bear uncanny resemblance to all manner of things: oversized mushrooms, different animals, bee hives, even the head of a queen. It’s said the park’s most distinctive sculpture resembles the head of ancient Egypt’s Queen Nefertiti, and in deference to her and the naturally formed sculpture, the park’s logo carries this motif. You may not find royalty here, but you will find beauty fit for holiday makers who appreciate interesting landscapes that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Weathering of the rock and sculptures continues to occur naturally, so visitors are kept at a distance. Regardless, the island perspective, ocean views, and the extraordinary geography combine to create the perfect scene for a beautiful travel memory or two.

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Alishan Mountain

Officially a national tourist area, Alishan is a mountain range that follows the ‘spine’ of the island. The average peak reaches 2,500 meters and on a clear day, views as far as Yushan are visible. No visit to Alishan is complete without an alpine sortie to admire the sunrise that draws visitors from around the world, reaching the pinnacle by traveling the Alishan Forest Railway, an 86 kilometer network of narrow gauge railways encompassing 50 tunnels and 77 wooden bridges, that winds its way up the mountain. Beyond beautiful mountains, views, and scenery, Alishan is also famous for its tea, which locals and visitors appreciate for its unique flavor, no doubt enhanced by the alpine environment in which it grows.

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Jiufen

Visit Jiufen Old Street, a historic hillside street in Jiufen, for a glimpse into Taiwan’s gold mining past. Apart from its 1890’s golden heritage, Jiufen holds an appeal that extends well beyond its seaside mountain location near the town of Ruifang. The quintessentially traditional Chinese (and some Japanese) architecture – think movie set design – is only enhanced by the cascade of gorgeous red lanterns that adorn the exterior of buildings and make a wander through the town by day or night a truly mesmerizing experience. Reaching movie audiences around the world as the backdrop for several films, Jiufen still buzzes with activity. Locals and visitors alike find their way to one of Jiufen’s delightful teahouses to savor both a brew and the passing parade.

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Fort of Anping

Fort of Anping – or Fort Zeelandia – was built over 10 years from 1624. It was an important administrative, and strategic trading and defense hub while under Dutch rule. With a turbulent 350 year history that reflects the eras through which it has survived, it is known now as Anping Old Fort. The Dutch understood the imperative for market control and chose Fort Zeelandia for its position as the key intersection between trade routes frequented by the Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, and Chinese. This allowed the Dutch to control markets for the goods traded on these routes using their military, the soldiers of which were involved in its construction. When Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) liberated Taiwan from the Dutch in 1661, he renamed it Anping as a nod to his hometown, and made it his residence. During the Qing dynasty, Anping was usurped by Tainan as the main political center for the island and the fort fell into disrepair. Coming under occupation again, this time by the Japanese, the original building constructed of a distinctive red brick, was almost completely destroyed, leaving only the remnants that now draw travelers curious to learn about its history.

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Fo Guang Shan Monastery

Founded by venerable master Hsing Yun in 1967, Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery is located in Dashu in Kaohsiung. Although the monastery has been closed for periods of time to afford monks the cloistered environment required to fulfil their Buddhist practice, gates reopened to the public again in 2000. Apart from its rich history, the Fo Guang Shan Monastery is a beautiful complex of buildings which are diligently maintained, making it a must-see sight for visitors to Kaohsiung.

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East Coast National Scenic Area

East Coast National Scenic Area includes Shitiping, Baxian Cave, Shiyusan, Sanxiantai, Xiaoyeliu, Green Island, and other notable sights of distinctive beauty. Considered a region of unspoiled natural beauty, East Coast National Scenic Area extends 170 kilometers down Taiwan’s east coast, from the mouth of the Hualien River in the north to Xiaoyeliu (Little Yehliu) in the south. It also extends east and west, from the coast to the Coastal Mountain Range. Expect to be mesmerized by fascinating landforms created through volcanic activity, tectonic movement, and erosion. The Amis aboriginal tribe inhabits this region, and travelers will happen upon villages throughout, gaining a special insight to a way of life not found elsewhere in Taiwan or the world. The annual harvest festival held by the Amis people in July and August is a highlight, as are the many temples, churches, and tiny fishing villages that together offer a step back in time.

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Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park is located just 17 kilometers from the center of Taipei city, making it one of the most popular national parks on the island. Its accessibility from the capital means that both locals and visitors can enjoy the 113 square kilometer expanse it covers. Best times to visit Yangmingshan are Spring for the stunning array of cherry trees in blossom and Autumn for the golden maple trees. Against a picturesque backdrop of a dormant volcano, valleys, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and mountain ridges, be sure this one makes your list of places to visit in Taiwan.

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You may have walked a mile or two by day, but that shouldn’t stop you from stepping out under the night lights in Taiwan, especially if you’re a deeply passionate lover of all things culinary. If you’re on a Taiwan tour and it’s the evening, it can only mean one thing. You can’t go past the many and varied night markets, which are in virtually every town and city, so there’s no shortage of choice. For food lovers, Taiwan’s food markets are a mecca and definitely one of the fun things to do in Taipei, if that’s the only city you have an opportunity to visit.

Shilin Night Market, Taipei

Save yourself by day before heading to the Shilin Night Market in Taipei City. First opening in 1909, this food lovers’ market has some serious pedigree, not least because it’s the largest and most famous in Taipei. With over 500 vendors to choose from, it will be hard narrowing your must-try dish list to a sensible number, but while in Taipei, we recommend you opt for all the classics: oyster omelets, tempura, oyster and pork vermicelli, pan-fried buns, bubble tea in every flavor, fried chicken, and stinky tofu if you can bear the aroma. Incredibly, you will find street food vendors that have made it to the Taipei Michelin guide (amazing, we know!) at Shilin Night Market and other 70 odd Taipei night markets. Our best tip here. Eat. Walk. Repeat.

Ningxia Night Market, Taipei

If you’re after something smaller but with a comparable choice of Taiwanese street food classics, look no further than the Ningxia Night Market, located near historic Dadaocheng and Dihua Street. With a reputation for being the original organized food night market, Ningxia has great appeal for its history in the Japanese colonial era, when it started out as a small hub of street food stalls. And although the market closed for a period during, it re-emerged bigger and more popular than before, as locals and travelers alike sought to embrace and enjoy the delicious food, ambience, and local culture. With the unusual moniker “stomach of Taipei people’, Ningxia Night Market is home to some very special stalls, a number of which are multi-generational. There is the famous braised pork rice shop that is over 50 years old, a bar that is 80 plus years old, a stall selling oyster omelets that’s been operating 50 years, and a milkfish congee vendor that’s operated over 40 years. Think you might find it difficult to choose? Why not try our recommendations. Read more

Try the deep fried taro balls (芋丸) at the market’s most popular stand (yes, there’s always a line even before opening), which is the Michelin recognized Liu Yu Zi deep fried taro balls (劉芋仔芋餅). They sell just two items: Taro balls and taro balls stuffed with salted egg and pork floss. Other popular stalls to visit are Rong’s Pork Liver (豬肝榮仔) and Fang Chia Shredded Chicken on the Rice (方家雞肉飯). Some other very good reasons to visit Ningxia are the awesome traditional mochi and deep fried oysters that are on offer.

Liuhe Night Market, Kaohsiung

Wander around the Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung, which first opened in 1950. Liuhe Night Market has over 170 food stalls that offer an eclectic mix of classic local street food and snacks, as well as specialties from different cultures. Popular local Kaohsiung dishes include seafood congee, papaya milk, Tube rice pudding, cuttlefish soup, stinky tofu and sticky rice dumplings, however you will also find steakhouses, Mexican taco stalls, and even vendors selling Turkish ice cream.

Fengjia Night Market, Taichung

Fancy a visit to street foodie’s heaven? Go no further than the Fengjia Night Market in Taichung, which first appeared as a small market around Fengjia University. Attracting over 100 million visitors every year, it is arguably bigger than Shilin Night Market. Like every Taiwan night market, Fengjia has its signature dishes: Octopus meat balls, crepes, oyster omelets, deep fried chicken, honey lemon aloe vera drink, cheese potato, stinky tofu, and bubble tea. Once your appetite is taken care of, wander the surrounding area, which features upmarket department store shopping.

Dongdamen Night Market, Hualien

Expect a full-blown immersive experience encompassing food, music, and local culture when you visit Dongdamen Night Market in Hualien. A modern interpretation of night markets and an aggregation of the many small markets that operated in Hualien, Dongdamen only first opened in 2015. It caters to local and international visitors alike, and of course, it offers its share of unusual dishes. Fancy a serving of stinky tofu, grilled sausages, and braised pork belly rice? You’ll find it all here. An absolute must is the famous ‘coffin cake', a delicious thick stuffed savory sandwich of sorts and the cuisines of local Indigenous people.

Miaokou Night Market, Keelung

Originating during the Japanese colonial era, Miaokou is one of Taiwan’s most famous night markets. Like all its competitors for the top spot, Miaokou stakes its reputation on some of the finest street snacks. A popular destination for travelers between destinations, Keelung is popular for its ding bian cuo, pao-pao ice, salty chicken, oyster omelet, tempura, charcoal-grilled sandwiches, stir fried noodles, and crab soup. Are you hungry, yet? Make a visit here a priority if you’re in the area.

Luodong Night Market, Yilan

It seems like every market sprukes itself up as the largest and best, and depending on the location, the fans would be right. And so it is with the Luodong Night Market in Yilan. Boasting some of Taiwan’s most delicious street food, your biggest challenge when you explore the market is deciding what to try. We can recommend the famous local mutton stew with Chinese angelica, pancakes loaded with local fresh scallions - a Taiwanese favorite, the sweet red bean soup with glutinous rice balls, stinky tofu, and a deep-fried paste of chicken, pork and prawn meat. If you can’t fit it all in on a single night, head back for a second round and try the famous soup-filled buns, scallions and meat skewers, or the delicious ice-cream with ground peanut wraps.

Tiehua Music Village Slow Market, Taitung

For a night market with a difference, visit the Tiehua Music Village Slow Market in Taitung, located on Taiwan’s southeast coast. Housed in an abandoned old dormitory for Taiwan Railways Administration operators, this market caters to the creative indie artists and musicians in the area. If music is your thing, along with indigenous artisanal crafts, organic farm produce, food and snacks, candles, paintings, and more, then this is the market for you. While food and crafts are a feature, the different styles of music are what really make this market. Depending on the time of year and day of the week - the market is only open Wednesday through to Sunday - if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Taiwan you can enjoy the creative work of solo artists, musical students, bands, and local indigenous musicians.

National Theater and Concert Hall

For a contemporary expression of traditional Chinese architecture, visit the National Theater and Concert Hall. With its architectural design replicating that of traditional buildings, the National Theater and Concert Hall is certainly one of Taipei’s landmarks. The art center was established in 1987 and includes two main venues: A concert hall (in which resides the largest mechanical pipe organ in Asia) and a smaller recital hall. The National Theater has two performance venues too: the Proscenium Arch Theater and the Experimental Theater. and it is the most professional venue for performance art in Taiwan. For travelers with a passion for the arts, check the program of events for dates that align with your travel itinerary.

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Taipei Arena

Taipei Arena, which also goes by the moniker ‘Taipei little big egg’, is a local landmark and Taiwan’s answer to Hong Kong’s Coliseum. With capacity for a 15,000 plus crowd and originally designed as a venue for sporting events like baseball, Taipei Arena has really gained its reputation by hosting music and other performing art concerts. Locals say that if you’re on the stage at the Arena, you’ve definitely ‘made it’. Within the Taipei Arena precinct there is also a year round ice-skating rink called Ice Land. So, if you need things to do with kids in Taiwan on a Taiwan family tour, keep this in mind as an activity to entertain them, as well as an opportunity to mix with locals who take advantage of its weekday availability for some icy fun.

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National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts

Officially opened in 2018, National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts is also known as Weiwuying, a name it earned because of its location on a former military compound. A massive arts complex that houses the opera house, concert hall, playhouse, and recital hall, this 14,000 square meter building is also located next to an outdoor amphitheater. Designed by Dutch architectural firm, Mecanoo, National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts has rightly found its name on Time’s 2019 list of the World’s 100 Greatest Places. Add it to your must-visit list while in Taipei.

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National Taichung Theater

Now officially referred to as the National Taichung Theater, this visually distinctive building is highly regarded for its most unusual architecture. Of course the building’s theaters are impressive, however, it is the design both inside and out which earned it the nickname ‘Sound Cave’, that makes a visit to National Taichung Theater worthy of a visit, even if the arts are not on your radar.

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Taipei Eye

Taipei Eye is a theater where traditional Chinese and Taiwanese performing arts are displayed. For a glimpse into the way that traditional creative arts are being preserved for future generations, artists deliver 90 minute shows that combine Peking Opera, folk arts and music, acrobatics, indigenous music and dance, and many other traditional forms of opera. An eye opener for the traveler wanting an overview of Taiwan’s creative history.

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Taiwan Traditional Theater Center

Forming part of the National Center for Traditional Arts (along with Yilan Park and Kaohsiung Park), the Taiwan Traditional Theater Center is home to the Guoguang Opera Company, the National Chinese Orchestra, and Taiwan Music Institute. The center includes a performance hall, a theater, music library, and should make it to your list if you want to dive into traditional culture art forms.

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Taiwanese Opera

Taiwanese Opera, also referred to as Ke-Tse Opera, is representative of local Taiwan art. Performed by a number of troupes, perhaps the most famous among these are the Ming Hwa Yuan Arts and Culture Group and the Tang Mei Yun Taiwanese Opera Company. Check performance schedules for a rendition of the most iconic work of Taiwanese opera, the Fan River Fortress; a tale of complicated love. Taiwanese opera is physically demanding for performers, not least for its combination of martial arts, singing, and storytelling. Definitely worth a view for impressive displays of physical prowess and high drama.

Taiwanese Glove Puppetry (Potehi )

Whether you’re a child or a child at heart, experiencing a Taiwanese glove puppetry performance is definitely the stuff of one-off travel memories. By comparison with the other two forms of traditional puppetry - string-puppets and shadow puppetry - glove puppetry is more representative of Taiwan. For a particularly delightful experience, our tip is to visit the See-Join Puppet Theater, at which you can enjoy a live performance of this fascinating and colorful cultural art, while imbibing a delicious meal.

Taipei

As the largest city in Taiwan, Taipei has a veritable wishlist of nocturnal activities. Look out over Taipei at night with a visit to Taipei 101. Hike Xiangshan’s (Mount Elephant) trail to enjoy a different perspective of Taipei’s evening skyline. Take the Maokong Gondola to Maokong for an altogether different night view of Taipei, then relax at the teahouse for a cup of local tea. Climb aboard the Miramar Ferris Wheel and discover why locals love this popular site. Or dine at one of the many restaurants at Yangmingshan that offer stunning night views of Taipei.

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Taichung

Take a break from the hectic pace of Taichung’s inner city when you savor a riverside wander along the banks of the Liuchuan River. Relax at the city center’s Maple Garden, then visit Wang Gao Liao Park, which provides an enviable view of Taichung. Alternatively, make your way to the viewing platform of Aofeng Mountain for an altogether different Taichung night view.

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Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is another precinct that delivers up memorable views of the city. Here you can take in the city skyline at Singuang Pier, stroll Central Park Kaohsiung, and appreciate the light artworks at Urban Spotlight. For a different perspective, jump on a river boat on Ai He, which locals have affectionately named Love River, and enjoy the vivid and colorful night lights of Kaohsiung. Yet another option is to make your way up to the 74th floor of the famous 85 Sky Tower. The observation deck provides stunning night views of Kaohsiung.

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Tainan

Visit Tainan in Taiwan’s southwest where you can join a night tour at Ten Drum Rende Creative Park. A short 25 minute drive away is Shennong Street. Here you can explore the best-preserved historical street in the district and feel you’ve stepped back in time. During the Lantern festival, there are incredible night views to be had when you visit Yue Jin Harbor Park. And for the creative traveler, why not explore the Blueprint Culture and Creative Park for an imaginative lighting display that is projected onto a 3D blueprint of a house? Fascinating stuff for the curious visitor wanting an experience that’s a little out-of-the-box.

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Hualien

In Hualien, the Old Railway Walkways appeal for the opportunity to enjoy cafes, shops and contemporary culture (perfect if you’re holidaying with teens). Enjoy the sunset, or if weather permits, a starry sky as you look out over Hualien from the Fonglin Trail. Alternatively, walk the red Hualien Harbor Scenic Bridge and wander through the Dongdamen night market for a sumptuous feast of local street food favorites.

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Taitung

Overlook Taitung and enjoy the starry night sky from the observation deck on Sige Mountain. If you’re lucky enough to be in the region during a full or near full moon, contemplate the moon’s reflection off the ocean from the Jialulan Recreation Area, a much loved activity for locals and travelers. Finally, visit the Tiehua Music Village where you can enjoy musical performances and browse the art market, which sells the creations of local artists and craftsmen.

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Outdoors activities

Fancy yourself as an outdoorsy type. No problem. Taiwan will keep you moving. From cycling, hiking, camping, white water rafting, canoeing, and stand up paddling, we’re pretty sure you’ll find what you need.

Retreats and wellness

Traveling to get away from it all. Taiwan’s idyllic landscapes and stunning hideaways are the perfect locations for the traveler wanting to immerse themselves in yoga, meditation, detoxes, hot springs, traditional Chinese medicine with its herbal steams and acupuncture. Add a little Tuina massage, cupping, Taichi, and Qigong and you’ll float back to reality.

Food

We’ve already highlighted Taiwan’s love of food. Try your hand at cooking classes, drink the locals’ favorite bubble tea, delight in a piece of pineapple cake, take yourself on a Taiwan tastebud adventure with ox tongue pastry, scallion pancakes, trying one of the many vegan, vegetarian, and Michelin starred restaurants.

Festivals and traditional culture

Dive deep into Taiwan’s creative traditional culture with hands-on creative experiences. Choose from sky lantern painting, then release your lantern at the Pingxi Lantern Festival. Support a team wearing your favorite colors when you watch dragon boat racing from the sidelines in any one of a number of locations: Taipei, Kaohsiung or Lukang when the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated. Participate in the religious festival of Mazu in Taichung, known as the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage. Join with locals brave enough to be pelted by bottle rockets at Yanshui Beehive rockets festival. Or for those wanting a more contemplative experience, spend time on a hot air balloon ride in Taitung during Taiwan’s International Balloon Festival.

People and culture

We’re certain you’ll find the people of Taiwan warm, friendly, and welcoming. For a truly personal experience, explore the forest’s hidden gem; a homestay with an indigenous tribe. Alternatively, visit the region where the Hakka people are located and enjoy authentic Hakka food. Farm stays are also available at an eco-friendly farm, and travelers can also visit minsu, a type of bed and breakfast that provides an authentic experience of the local area.

Tea and tea culture

A Taiwan tour is nothing without Taiwan tea, so including a little tea making and tasting experience is a must. Tea regions abound with teahouses, tea plantations, antique tea factories, and old-fashioned tea stores, so there’s no shortage of tea-related activities for a traveling tea lover.

Arts and crafts

Let your creativity flow when you participate in a creative class while traveling on your Taiwan tour. Make your own traditional paper lantern, gain an appreciation of the intricacies of Chinese embroidery and rush weaving with a class. Learn how to paint ceramics, make a hand puppet, or silk screen printing from some of Taiwan’s leading master craftsmen. We know you won’t be disappointed.

Younga P wrote a review 15 July 2024

Fabulous 3 city tour (Hong Kong/Xi’an/Beijing) planned and executed by China Tours!

My family and I loved our recent private tour with China Tours! We started by working with Lora to plan our itinerary first. We let her know which cities we wanted to visit and what we wanted to see in each city. She was so responsive to my many questions and requests from providing information necessary to get our visas to making recommendations of when we should see the Terra Cotta soldiers based on our travel schedule to letting me know we were able to get entry tickets to see the Forbidden City. I felt very comfortable in a country where I didn't speak the language because Lora was always available to provide assistance. When we arrived in each location, the guides and drivers were fantastic. I was able to connect with each guide prior to reaching the destination and they were always waiting for us. The guides, Chas in Hong Kong, Helen in Xi'an and William in Beijing were fabulous!!! They were all so accommodating and helpful. They knew their cities well and made great food recommendations! Since we were on a private tour, they were very willing to make adjustments based on what we wanted to do or see when prior reservations were not required. My husband, daughter and I are very grateful to Lora, Chas, Helen and William for providing us with such a wonderful experience in China! Thank you!

Date of experience: July 2024 • Family
Mara wrote a review 7 July 2024

Great Experience with China Tours!

We had a great experience with China Tours. We traveled to the cities Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin and Shanghai. The organization was impeccable, the guides and drivers very professional. We would recommend the agency to others!

Date of experience: June 2024 • Friends
Cruiser61335187814 wrote a review 6 July 2024

Great experience

We had a great time in Beijing and surroundings. Guide Maggie was very knowledgeable and speaks English really well. She was flexible and proactive as we had some last minute requests and some sites were crowded and she did a good job navigating that. During our preparations, office person Martha responded fast and accurately. We stayed at the Novotel which we liked as it has a good location for an evening stroll and mall.

Date of experience: July 2024 • Family
hilaryt714 wrote a review 2 July 2024

Book without a second thought

Our trip was delayed from 2020 with no problems. Martha responded to changes in our itinerary brilliantly.
There were two of us on our small group tour and the service was exceptional. Hotels were of a high standard and we were happy with them. All guides were enthusiastic and helpful, we only had to ask.
In the end we took high speed trains within China which we enjoyed as we got to see more of the country.
Highly recommend this tour group

Date of experience: May 2024 • Couples
WingF wrote a review 23 June 2024

Perfect China Trip

The small group tour of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai organised by China Tours was a great way to see these 3 fantastic cities of China. Each of the local guides Nancy (Beijing), Elysha (Xi’an) and Lucy (Shanghai) were very friendly, knowledgeable and interesting and had a passion for their jobs. They were all super helpful answering any questions and offering advice and tips for navigating each city in our own free time, including recommendations for places to eat and other attractions to see not covered by the tour. All the main attractions and sites were visited with plenty of time spent at each. The main highlights for me were the Forbidden City and Great Wall (Nancy took us to a great part of the wall that was not overcrowded) in Beijing and the Terracotta Army in Xi’an (including meeting the farmer who made the discovery in the 1970’s). It was not a rushed tour and was also flexible. In Xi’an because of the weather the itinerary order was changed to suit the group. Being a small escorted tour meant that you were not just one of many in the usual large group tours which made it more personal and enjoyable. A special mention for Nancy and Elysha who made suggestions, with no hidden agenda, in Beijing and Xi’an respectively to see live shows as add-ons which turned out to be unexpected delights. Martha of China Tours was very easy to deal with and was patient with all my requests and queries when booking the tour. Overall I can highly recommend China Tours if you plan to visit China and wish to arrange a tour. From start to finish everyone was extremely helpful and communicated in very good English.

Date of experience: June 2024 • Solo
TravelerToo wrote a review 20 June 2024

Fantastic Tour Itinerary, Guide, and Hotels

I can’t imagine a better way to see and experience Taiwan than this 9-day tour. Starting in Taipei and driving counterclockwise we went from the top to the farthest southern tip of the country and back. Hotels were much nicer than expected as were all of the locals we met along the way. As most travelers know, a few words in the local language are much appreciated so set your Google translate app to Traditional Chinese and say hello! Our tour leader Cathy was funny, smiley, organized, and felt like my 2nd mother as she constantly made sure I was all right and happy. The trip itinerary was varied and extensive (maybe a few too many temples but that’s my problem). Perhaps the most impressive was the coordination between our tour leader and the travel company when an issue arose as when an indigenous cultural site unexpectedly closed. Cathy arranged for us to attend a special performance of another group which turned out to be one of the many highlights of the tour.
This tour was excellent, a great introduction to an interesting country, a great value for the price. I highly recommend it. Oh, and try to get Cathy Lin as your guide; you won’t regret it.

Date of experience: June 2024 • Solo

Places to visit in Taiwan: Stunning landscapes and fascinating culture

National Palace Museum

National Palace Museum

Taipei 101 Observatory

Taipei 101 Observatory

Taroko Gorge (Taroko National Park)

Taroko Gorge (Taroko National Park)

Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake

Kenting National Park

Kenting National Park

Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark

Alishan Mountain

Alishan Mountain

Jiufen

Jiufen

Fort of Anping

Fort of Anping

Fo Guang Shan Monastery

Fo Guang Shan Monastery

East Coast National Scenic Area

East Coast National Scenic Area

Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park

Things to do at night: Taiwan under lights

Shilin Night Market, Taipei

Ningxia Night Market, Taipei

Liuhe Night Market, Kaohsiung

Fengjia Night Market, Taichung

Dongdamen Night Market, Hualien

Miaokou Night Market, Keelung

Luodong Night Market, Yilan

Tiehua Music Village Slow Market, Taitung

Shows and concerts

National Theater and Concert Hall

National Theater and Concert Hall

Taipei Arena

Taipei Arena

National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts

National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts

National Taichung Theater

National Taichung Theater

Taipei Eye

Taipei Eye

Taiwan Traditional Theater Center

Taiwan Traditional Theater Center

Local Taiwan Performances

Taiwanese Opera

Taiwanese Glove Puppetry (Potehi )

Taiwan by night and Taiwan night tours

Taipei

Taipei

Taichung

Taichung

Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung

Tainan

Tainan

Hualien

Hualien

Taitung

Taitung

Experiences in Taiwan: Fun things to do in Taiwan

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For the very best in China tours

Taroko Gorge
(Taroko National Park)

Taroko Gorge
(Taroko National Park)