https://www.chinatours.com/ https://www.chinatours.com Tue, 16 Jul 2024 13:06:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8 https://www.chinatours.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/china-tours-icon-100x100.png https://www.chinatours.com/ https://www.chinatours.com 32 32 Shopping in Lhasa https://www.chinatours.com/tibet-tours/shopping-in-lhasa/ Fri, 21 Jul 2023 09:57:14 +0000 https://www.chinatours.com/?p=92231 If you’ve booked a Tibet tour and want to go shopping in Lhasa, then this Lhasa visitor’s guide to shopping in a destination frequently referred to as heaven on Earth is the very thing you need. The result of hours of diligent research, and drawn from the wisdom and experience of our local guides, we’re […]

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If you’ve booked a Tibet tour and want to go shopping in Lhasa, then this Lhasa visitor’s guide to shopping in a destination frequently referred to as heaven on Earth is the very thing you need. The result of hours of diligent research, and drawn from the wisdom and experience of our local guides, we’re confident you’ll find this list of where to go and what to shop for in Lhasa delivers what every ChinaTours.com adventurer seeks in a travel memento. A treasure that is truly covetable and continues to return beloved memories long after your vacation in Tibet is over.

Of course the guide includes many items you’d expect. You’ll find Tibetan thankgas and traditionally handmade Tibetan incense, however, there are a few surprises too, along with details of districts in Lhasa where treasures can be found. Admittedly this incredible city is not one driven by a consumer culture, but with the influences and an influx of visitors from around the world - both religious and adventurous - artisanal items are available, allowing them to be cherished by those with an appreciation of Tibetan craftsmanship and culture. With all that in mind, let’s explore Lhasa’s shopping.

Tibetan treasures

The ChinaTours.com team are lovers of the beautiful and bespoke, so it’s any wonder we’ve included a section on Tibetan treasures in our Lhasa shopping exposè. Travelers and Tibetan Buddhist devotees come from across the globe to pay homage and feel the presence of divine inspiration, however, if you’re looking for something that is perhaps a little more temporal in nature, you’re bound to find just what you’re looking for in the list below.

Shopping in Lhasa

Tibetan Thankga

Tibetan thangkas are a unique art form particular to Tibetan culture. In short, thangkas are colorful sacred paintings that have fulfilled many purposes since they first appeared over 1,300 years ago. Holding religious and spiritual significance, thangkas are used in meditation, to request longevity, as thanksgiving, or to accumulate merit. You will find these bright and intricately detailed works of art in one of six forms: painted, surface embroidered, as embroidery, printed, cotton, and Kesi weaving. Typically featuring themes of Buddhism and Tibet, such as its rich history, the stunning landscape, religious studies, Tibetan medicine, astronomy, and the religious calendar. Read more

No doubt you’ll be wondering about how much does a thangka cost? Understandably, prices will vary depending on size, materials, and authenticity. A genuine thangka is no small undertaking. Apart from the extended duration of the creative process - which can take from six months to ten years - it is an intricate 12 step marathon that includes gluing, polishing, drawing and coloring. Authentic traditional Tibetan thangkas are created with mineral colors. Some are even colored with powder from gold or gems, allowing these monumental works of art to be stored without fading for decades or even hundreds of years. While in Lhasa, we highly recommend a visit to the Tibet Thangka Art Academy, or one of the many other thangka studios in Lhasa, if a beautiful thangka is on your beautiful travel memory wishlist.

Shopping in Lhasa

Tibetan incense

Wander Lhasa’s streets and the intoxicating scent of incense is pervasive and unmissable. A true icon of traditional Tibetan culture, many visitors are unaware of how deeply ingrained incense really is and that it continues to fulfill religious and medicinal purposes, as it has done for over a thousand years.

Like Tibetan thangkas, Tibetan incense undergoes a lengthy (albeit not a decade long) production process, with every ingredient - herbs, spices, and medicinal ingredients - carefully and artfully gathered, dried, blended, and formed into incense sticks. Among the most frequently used ingredients you’ll find Tibetan saffron, snow lotus, musk, golden root, clove, sandalwood, angelica, and cinnamon, however, there are many more. Read more

Perhaps the most well known of all Tibetan incense is crafted at Nimu County. With Tibetan incense production identified as part of intangible cultural heritage to be preserved, dedicated locals have gained employment, skills, and income by learning the production process from Tibetan monks. Monasteries also have a name for themselves as incense makers, with Mindrolling Monastery, Tsurphu Monastery and Sera Monastery all highly regarded for their incense.

Keep in mind Tibetan incense is typically used at shrines and forms part of religious worship. While this may not be your driver, you are bound to appreciate the meditative, healing, and relaxing qualities that help soothe and calm a restless mind and cleanse the environment.

shopping in Lhasa

Tibetan rugs, carpets, and Kardian

A far distant cry from mass production, Tibetan rugs, carpets, and Kardian continue to be produced by skilled craftsmen and women according to traditional design and methods and using traditional materials.

One thing that makes Tibetan rugs special is the wool used to create them. It is said Tibetan highland sheep produce some of the finest wool in the world and it is this wool, or changpel, which provides the material for the rugs, carpets, and Kardian produced in Tibet. Appreciated by locals and those further afield who love beautiful materials, it is the wool’s softness - function of the high lanolin content - that keep it in high demand. Read more

Other unique features include the fact that wool continues to be hand spun - a feat in itself. Dye masters create the exquisite colors formed from natural plant dyes, while the method of weaving maintains a craft and skills with heritage that dates back many centuries, although exactly how many is a point of debate. Historically considered a lowly craft, rug making did not feature in religious decorative art, and was only first acknowledged for its beauty - ironically by a Westerner - early in the twentieth century.

If your search for shopping in Lhasa includes a Tibetan rug, you must learn there are three different types of Tibetan carpets. One is woven with yak and sheep wool, and made with brighter colors and more complex patterns. A finer version is woven with fine sheep wool. Relatively simple and crafted in a plain style, this type of rug has more patterns made with colored threads. Kardians are a traditional carpet with a long history. They are typically rectangular (about 2 meters x 1 meter), handmade, and can be either decorative or functional. Enter the home of just about any Tibetan family and you will find a Kardian. To add a Tibetan rug or Kardian to your own collection, explore the shops or carpet factories in Lhasa and Gyantse that are dedicated to their production.

shopping in Lhasa

Tibetan woolen fabrics  (Pulu)

Regardless of where you travel in Tibet, you will see many versions of the traditional Tibetan pulu. Perhaps the most recognisable of these is the Pangden, the iconic rainbow colored Tibetan apron worn by Tibetan women. The pulu produced in Chanang, Gyantse, Nanggarze and Mangkam are best known. A traditional handwoven woolen fabric that has many applications, including clothing, shoots, hats, and robes, pulu is a wardrobe staple for Tibetans, even with the influence of western styles of dress. Recognisable as a densely textured cloth, pulu is often a combination of white, black, red, blue, maroon, and turquoise. Although this may not make it into your work wardrobe, a pulu can double as a decorative wall hanging when you return home.

shopping in knife

Tibetan swords

It may be surprising to learn that Tibetan swords have been a feature of both traditional and everyday dress for centuries, and that Tibetan swords were the primary handheld weapon used from the seventh century. While useful for daily life and self-defense, swords served decorative purposes too. Read more

As with many aspects of Tibetan culture, different types of swords hold significance based on size, materials they are made from, and where they are housed. Ranging in size from one meter to 40 centimeters, a Tibetan knife may only extend a little over 10 centimeters in length. Everyday hilts may be crafted from ox horn, ox bone or wood, with decorative silver or copper wound around it, while the scabbard is typically more ornate with precious and semi-precious metals and gemstones adorning it in intricate designs featuring birds, animals, flowers and plants.

Swordsmiths continue to maintain this craft today with the finest to be found in Damxung, Lhatse, Qamdo, and Yi’ong, with the latter home of the famous “rainbow” swords made by local swordsmiths who keep this ancient tradition alive.

shopping in Lhasa

Tibetan masks

Experience any festival in Tibet and you will be struck by the colorful theatrical masks that are included as part of cultural and religious celebrations. In Tibet, masks form an integral part of a sacred, religious dance called the Cham lama dance, however, they are also a decorative feature in monasteries, worn for Tibetan opera, as well as traditional folk dancing and singing. Read more

Tibetan masks are synonymous with color. Just as other items of religious significance are made using bright colors, so too are Tibetan masks. Red, representing power, features heavily, while other colors such as yellow (signifying auspiciousness), blue, white, black and green are also commonly used. Traditionally made from clay (hard), wood or paperboard, or animal skin, cloth, paper and silk, the art of mask making continues today with the ancient skills carried on by artisans today. Whether you fancy a mask that does double duty as a wall hanging, or you plan on learning a few lines of song from a Tibetan operatic epic, these one of a kind pieces of art are definitely a collectible.

shopping in Lhasa

Tibetan jewelry and ornaments

What could be more collectible from your tour of Tibet than an exclusive item of jewelry? Tibetan culture and festivals dictate that jewelry is worn on special occasions and there are plenty of these throughout the year.

Still handmade, Tibetan jewelry and ornaments are crafted from natural gemstones, animal bones, as well as Tibetan silver and copper. Symbolism runs deep in Tibetan jewelry, so it’s worth understanding the meaning behind the vivid colors and materials that are combined to make these distinctive artworks. Expect to find jewelry and ornaments made from ox bone, sterling silver, Tibetan silver, three-color copper, agate, turquoise, beeswax, coral, and shells. Black and white dzi beads are favored for being a symbol of hope and light.

Both men and women adorn themselves with jewelry, however, it is Tibetan women who wear the Gawu box - a Ghau pendant, amulet, and Tibetan Buddhist ritual item. Considered a woman’s most significant and indispensable item of jewelry, these boxes are made from turquoise, amber, and coral, which represent heaven, earth and man respectively. A Gawu box also holds significance among Tibetans for its protective qualities.

Tibetan ritual items

Tibetan Buddhism is a mysterious religion that is characterized by many ritual items, many of which hold religious or cultural significance. Ornate and beautifully crafted, they are often best understood when seen in practice. Take your pick from the list below and carry home a beautiful treasured travel memory.

Tibetan Prayer wheel

Tibetan Prayer wheel

Made from gold, copper, stone or wood, a hand held prayer wheel, is an essential part of Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
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Tibetan prayer beads

Tibetan prayer beads

Also referred to as malas, Tibetan prayer beads are important ritual items of Tibetan Buddhist. Generally, malas are the string of 108 beads made from rudraksha seeds, wood of the tulsi plant, seeds from the Bodhi Tree, animal bone, or the lotus plant. Seek out a genuine handmade string for memento of significance.
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Tibetan prayer flags

Tibetan prayer flags

Featuring five colors - yellow, green, red, blue and white, that represent earth, water, fire, space and air respectively, take these flags home and bring health and harmony to your life by balancing the five elements.
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Tibetan Buddhist prayer bells

Tibetan Buddhist prayer bells

Used to evoke protection from deities, these bells make a decorative ornament, or part of your meditation shrine at home.
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Khata

Khata

Invest in a traditional ceremonial scarf - also known as a khata. Representing purity, respect, auspiciousness, and good wishes, a khata is an item regarded and gifted with great reverence.
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Tibetan Incense burners

Tibetan Incense burners

Incense is nothing without an incense burner on which to rest the incense stick, and it is in Tibet that you’ll discover wonderful examples worthy of space in your backpack. Most are made from bronze and copper, and with purification the objective, an incense burner is a perfect match to a cache of handmade incense.
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Shopping in Lhasa: Markets, bazaars, and craft shops

The search for a travel treasure in Lhasa will take you to the markets, bazaars, and artisanal craft shops that are to be found in and around the main visitor destinations, as well as off the beaten track. Expect to be surprised by what you discover and welcomed by the warmth of local Tibetans sharing their culture through traditional crafts and wares.

shopping in Lhasa

Tromsikhang / Chongsaikang Market

If you’re looking for an authentic experience of mixing with Tibetan locals going about their business and daily lives, then make your way to Tromsikhang / Chongsaikang Market. Located in Lhasa’s old town, Chongsaikang is the oldest and most famous market in Lhasa, having served food and just about everything else for over 300 years. By far the largest wholesale and antique market in Tibet, visitors will find this an eclectic mix of the everyday and unusual. Wander through what’s considered the most down-to-earth place in Lhasa - it’s a far cry from the auspiciousness of Potala Palace and other Lhasa highlights  - and take in the local street food snacks, daily necessities, farm produce, clothing, and yes, even some pricey Tibetan jewelry and antiques. Chongsaikang is always bustling, but especially so around Tibetan New Year, when locals shop here for all their festival needs.

shopping in Lhasa

Tianhai Night Market

More of a night owl? Then look no further than the Tianhai Night Market. Under cover and more like a pedestrian shopping street or mall, Tianhai Night Market stakes its reputation on a monumental selection of food - think restaurants, small hole-in-the-wall cafes, and street food stalls. Once you’ve enjoyed the best Tianhai has to offer in the way of local cuisine, meander through the various market sections where clothing, shoes, electronic goods, and essential household items are also sold. Most Lhasa tourists will find themselves at this busiest and largest night market in Lhasa at some point during their Tibet tour, so be prepared to walk slowly and enjoy the atmosphere.

shopping in Lhasa

Barkhor Supermarket

Not a supermarket as you know it, Barkhor Supermarket, which first opened in 2013, is more bazaar than grocery store. With Western vernacular making its way into the local lexicon, ‘supermarket’ really doesn’t do Barkhor justice. There are over 3000 stalls in this three storey traditional Tibetan building. Find handmade Tibetan craft, tourist souvenirs, clothing, accessories, food, and local specialties. Be patient and expect to bargain your way through transactions. Perhaps start by watching the locals in action because Barkhor is popular with them too, particularly during Tibetan New Year.

shopping in Lhasa

Lhasa Ethnic Tourism Handicraft Market

As the name suggests, the Lhasa Ethnic Tourism Handicraft Market is a shopping destination for tourists to purchase local artisanal craft items and souvenirs. Traditional Tibetan cultural items feature here, including Thangkas, incense, rugs, knives, turquoise, dzi beads, as well as other Himalayan culture related items can be purchased here. If time is limited, be sure to make a stop here when visiting Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, as the market is close by and worth a stop.

shopping in Lhasa

Yaowangshan Market

Yaowangshan Market will inspire the foodie in you. It’s the largest and busiest farmers’ market in Tibet, and conveniently located west of Potala Palace Square. The market covers a whopping 6,000m2 and features 600 stalls. An important mecca for locals, Yaowangshan is where locals go to stock up on vegetables, fruits, meat, and seafood.

shopping in Lhasa

Dropenling

Locals direct considerable effort towards preserving Tibet’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and social enterprises like the small craft shop, Dropenling, in the courtyard of Ancient Art Restoration Company is just one example of where success has been enduring. Marketing itself as a ‘hidden gem’ and ‘social enterprise that preserves Tibetan cultures and traditions’, this unassuming gallery-like shop showcases authentic Tibetan rugs, toys, jewelry, handbags, leather items, and clothes. Read more

Dropenling has committed to supporting Tibetan artisans, providing valuable support in product design training, business skills training, financing and marketing. Visitors can take part in workshops too. If you’re visiting Lhasa with kids (even grown up kids!), why not try your hand at Tibetan thangka painting, working with a coppersmith, making mineral pigment for a thangka painting, or sculpting your inspiration from clay? Visiting Dropenling is a perfect cultural experience if you are looking for something unique on your tour of Tibet.

Shopping districts in Lhasa

We recognise that on a visit to Lhasa shopping may not be top of your itinerary, however, should the urge take you while in Tibet, it is helpful to know there are options available, especially if your travels are a source of expanding your collection of beautiful mementos. There are several shopping districts in Lhasa, making it easy to choose. Simply line up your shopping with the day’s adventures and there’ll be time to cover everything.

Barkhor Street

Barkhor Street

The most popular area for both domestic and international tourists, Barkhor Circuit is the oldest commercial center in Lhasa. The shops and stalls lining both sides of the streets that form the ‘circuit’ sell traditional Tibetan crafts, locally made leather goods, items for those making a religious pilgrimage, and ethnic products. You can even top up on daily necessities here if needed.
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Yutuo Road

Yutuo Road

Modern by Tibetan standards, Yutuo Road was first constructed in 1964 when it became the very first asphalt road in Lhasa and home to a number of other significant firsts. The first department store, hair salon, restaurant, hardware store, and grocery store were established on Yutuo Road back in the day. More recently after a four-month reconstruction in March 2002, it is now the busiest pedestrian shopping precinct in the city. Lhasa Department Store is located at the west end, while the east end of the street is connected to Barkhor Circuit and Jokhang Temple Square. Shop for Tibetan incense, handcrafted rugs, Tibetan medicine, souvenirs, Tibetan jewelry and ornaments from the many shops now calling Yutuo Road home. Trusted by locals for the quality of goods in the precinct, international travelers can feel safe shopping here too.
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Beijing East Road

Beijing East Road

Not surprisingly Beijing East Road is the eastern section of Beijing Road that crosses Lhasa from east to west. Filled with innumerable stores selling Tibetan clothing, food, and pastries, this precinct is also populated with restaurants, supermarkets and shopping malls too, including Tromsikhang / Chongsaikang Market, Shenli Shidai Shopping Plaza, and Barkhor Supermarket.
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Shopping Malls

shopping in Lhasa

Lhasa Department Store

Situated in the busiest commercial area of the city, the original Lhasa Department Store was founded in 1965 and became the first department store in Lhasa. After reconstruction and expansion projects in 1998 and 2002, the store expanded its enterprise to include the department store building, a shopping plaza, farmers market, and hotel. Many locals and families have fond memories of visits to Lhasa Department Store. A visit here is considered more of an experience, rather than a purely transactional event. Create your own when you grace its aisles.

shopping in Lhasa

Shenli Shidai Shopping Plaza

Opening in 2013, Shenli Times Square is the first shopping mall in Lhasa that caters to the shopper looking for a premium alternative. Located on Beijing East Road and approximately 15 minutes walk from Potala Palace, travelers wanting to indulge in a little retail therapy with a side order of western takeaway will find the first KFC branch, which opened its doors in 2016. Find hundreds of fashion retailers, food stores, restaurants, a supermarket, and cinema at Shenli Shidai Shopping Plaza. Popular with locals in Lhasa, it may not be your first choice while in Tibet.

shopping in Lhasa

Lhasa Wanda Plaza

Opening midway through 2020, Lhasa Wanda Plaza is located in the Dongcheng New Area, approximately kilometers from the city center. Covering a total floor space of 135,000m2, Lhasa Wanda Plaza is the largest and most modern shopping center housing 195 retail brands, and arguably the most popular shopping destination for locals in Lhasa. A second plaza - Liuwu Wanda Plaza - opened on the south bank of Lhasa River in 2021, with this eye-catching building now a feature of the surrounding district.

shopping in Lhasa

Lhasa Beicheng Xintiandi

An even more recent opening took place early in 2022 when the Lhasa Beicheng Xintiandi landed on the Lhasa shopping scene. Catering to locals seeking an alternative to the longstanding mainstays, Lhasa Beicheng Xintiandi is now the main shopping and leisure destination for local people in north Lhasa city. The large shopping complex includes a supermarket, cinema, gym, hotel, apartments, play area for children, and dining precinct, as well as many other retail outlets.

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]]> Tibetan Food https://www.chinatours.com/tibet-tours/tibetan-food/ Tue, 04 Jul 2023 09:52:19 +0000 https://www.chinatours.com/?p=92213 The uniqueness of Tibet does not stop with its heavenly location at thousands of meters above sea level. Tibetan food, which is distinctive for its hardy and nutrient dense ingredients that fortify locals to withstand the seriously frigid temperatures, is just as unique. Influenced by the unusual location and availability of ingredients, food in Tibet […]

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The uniqueness of Tibet does not stop with its heavenly location at thousands of meters above sea level. Tibetan food, which is distinctive for its hardy and nutrient dense ingredients that fortify locals to withstand the seriously frigid temperatures, is just as unique. Influenced by the unusual location and availability of ingredients, food in Tibet will be an eye-opener for most visitors.

Until only recently when other cultural influences have entered the culinary scene in Tibet, traditional Tibetan dishes have dominated the diet of locals. Famous particularly for the liberal use of milk from cows and sheep, the iconic butter tea, glutinous rice cakes made of highland barley and peas, brewed beverages made from yogurt and whey, and dried meat, there is plenty that will expand your taste buds on a tour of Tibet.

If you’re wondering what food to expect when visiting Tibet, read on for tips that will have you dining confidently in this little known corner of the culinary universe.

Iconic Tibet food

As with every destination, there are a few dishes you simply must try if you are to immerse yourself in the local culture. With that in mind, we’ve highlighted iconic Tibetan dishes that are ‘must try’ dining experiences, regardless of whether you’re visiting for a day, week or longer.

Food in Tibet

Roasted barley flour Tsampa
(Tsampa)

An often repeated saying in Tibet is that the day never truly starts for a Tibetan until tsampa and butter tea has been consumed, so if you’re in Tibet, you must join locals in trying this much loved and hearty dish. Typically made from nutty tasting highland barley flour, which has been made from dried, roasted, and ground barley, the flour is mixed with butter tea, dri cheese, and sugar. It’s said you can live on tea and tsampa and Tibetans may well agree. Add to this the fact it is convenient to prepare, fortifying to boot, and able to be added to other dishes, such as soups or momo, and you have in your hand the ultimate iconic Tibetan food. As for flavor, while every restaurant and household will have its own variation on a tsampa theme, expect to enjoy the fragrance of roasted barley coupled with a milky accent thanks to the addition of ghee and milk tea regardless of where you get your fill.

Food in Tibet

Tibetan noodle soup
(Thukpa)

As with Tibetan dumplings, Tibetan noodle soup or thukpa comes in many variations. Favored by locals for breakfast or as a snack, thukpa is a slow cooked nutrient dense broth made from yak bones that of course includes noodles. Typically, noodles are made from wheat, but the noodles may differ in shape and size. Depending on the cook, your noodle soup may come with long thin noodles, hand-pulled and diced pieces of noodle dough (a little like gnocchi), or wider, flat noodles. Noodle soup variations go by many names: thenthuk, thukpa barthuk, thukpa gyathuk, to name but a few, so it’s a case of choosing your own adventure depending on where you dine.

The soup itself is made by adding the noodles to a bowl of broth, then adding sliced or diced yak meat and chopped green onions, followed by seasoning with Tibetan pickled radish and Tibetan chili sauce. Pair up with a serve of Tibetan dumplings for the perfect snack or complete meal.

Food in Tibet

Tibetan dumplings Tsampa
(Momo)

A visit to Tibet would be incomplete without sampling another local culinary star: Momo, also known as Tibetan dumplings. A favorite with everyone, momo can be steamed, fried, or cooked in soup. And before you ask, “But what are Tibetan dumplings filled with?”, let’s clear up that all important question. You’ll find momo packed with a multitude of fillings, however, most commonly you’ll find meat or vegetables are preferred. Beef or mutton dumplings are known as Sha momo, while vegetarian dumplings are referred to as Shamey momo. Order away and try to eat just one.

Food in Tibet

Tibetan yak jerky
(Sha Kampo)

The yak supplies many dietary staples to the Tibetan people, so it’s hardly a surprise to discover that yak jerky holds a special place in the hearts of locals who enjoy this delicacy during Tibetan New Year celebrations. Rather than sun dried in the way that jerky is usually made, yak jerky is ‘freeze dried’ during winter months, allowing original flavors to be maintained during the process. Expect an unusual texture - like brittle dried wood that can be shredded. Dip the jerky in a spicy hot sauce to round out the experience. Definitely a choice for those who enjoy bold flavors!

Food in Tibet

Tibetan yak milk yogurt
(Sho)

Yet another staple of the Tibetan diet is yak milk yogurt. And while it is available year round, if you are traveling to Tibet during the Shoton festival, you will discover that yak yogurt is not only part of the diet of locals, but also a food that carries religious significance. Literally referred to as the ‘yogurt banquet festival’, yak milk yogurt is consumed during this time as a symbolic gesture.

Referred to as ‘sho’ in Tibetan, the yogurt is made from female yak milk, also known as dri. The milk is boiled, cooled, and fermented over a period several hours, during which the milk converts to a thick, creamy yogurt that is likely to be sour in taste to an unaccustomed western palate. Thankfully, there is a solution. Simply add sugar or honey to enhance the flavor.

Droma Dresil

Tibetan sweet rice
(Droma Dresil)

Droma dresil - also referred to as Tibetan sweet rice - is a traditional dish of rice, butter, raisins, honey, nuts, and a vitally important ingredient, droma, which is a silverweed root. Apart from being served at special festivals such as Tibetan New Year, Buddhist festivals, weddings, birthdays, and housewarmings, droma dresil has many health giving properties thanks to the inclusion of the droma, a nutrient dense root that is harvested in Tibet. Revered for its health giving properties, especially for children, droma has gained increasing prominence in recent years as the means to combat childhood malnutrition. Droma is very similar to barley in its properties and is often combined with barley to make a complete protein.

Food in Tibet

Tibetan sausages
(Gyuma)

Certainly not for the faint hearted, Tibetan sausages, or Gyuma, is a traditional sausage made from yak blood. With the texture and taste enhanced by the use of rice or barley flour, gyuma are often served at special celebrations. Perhaps not a must try for the average diner, but for a foodie, well let’s just say, you’d better have it on your list of iconic Tibetan foods.

Food in Tibet

Tibetan fried meat pie
(Sha Balep)

It’s difficult to go past the traditional sha balep, otherwise known as the Tibetan fried meat pie. Typically filled with yak meat, beef, or vegetables, sha balep are popular at any time of the day from breakfast through to lunch or dinner. Although eaten solo as a snack, Tibetan fried meat pies are often accompanied by rutang soup. A great lunch or dinner option for explorers who need to refuel.

Tibetan beverages

Tibetan food

Tibetan butter tea
(Po Cha)

Right up there with tsampa and momo, po cha - also known as Tibetan butter tea - is an iconic Tibetan classic. If you visit anywhere in Tibet, you absolutely must try it a least once. Like other Tibetan culinary icons, Tibetan butter tea is an essential part of Tibetan daily life. You will find it served at most meals, when entertaining guests, and as part of religious festivals. It is certainly woven into the fabric of life among locals. Tibetan butter tea is made from fermented tea leaves, dri butter, water and salt. Spices may also be added. Feted as a cure all, this hot beverage is said to provide many health giving benefits, including as a remedy for altitude sickness, retaining warmth, settling an upset tummy, and energizing the body. It is even said to soothe the discomfort of chapped lips due to the heavy fat content provided by the butter. Most often served with tsampa, this warm, heartening tea will take you from day to night during your Tibet tour.

Tibetan food

Tibetan sweet milk tea
(Qiabadi)

If Tibetan butter tea doesn’t satisfy you - and to be fair it is an acquired taste - then move on to Tibetan sweet tea. Referred to by locals as qabadi, Tibetan sweet tea is black tea mixed with milk and sugar. Originating a little over a century ago thanks to international visitors from Nepal and India, Tibetan sweet tea was instantly popular with locals and has endured to become a favorite. It hasn’t always been available to the masses, however. Tibetan sweet tea could only be consumed by Tibetan nobility and elites, and it was only in the 1980’s when it became possible for women to drink this tea at what are now well established teahouses you would recognise as the Tibetan version of a local cafe in the West.

Food in Tibet

Tibetan barley wine
(Tibetan Chhaang)

For all its deeply Buddhist traditions, you’d be forgiven for thinking Tibetans do not partake of alcohol, however, Tibetan chhaang - also known as Tibetan barley wine - is enjoyed widely by Tibetans. Crafted from fermented barley grown on the highlands in Tibet, chhaang is similar to rice wine and popular with locals at weddings, important festivals, and celebrations. Mild with a slightly sweet and sour taste and low alcohol content, drinking barley wine comes with its share of traditions, so be prepared to drink more than one cup!

Food in Tibet

Tibetan beer

Don’t be surprised to see your regular Tibetan downing a beer or two either. Although Chhaang is favored by locals, beer does feature among Tibetan beverages despite the cold temperatures. Lhasa Beer is the brew of choice and is fondly referred to as the ‘beer from the roof of the world’. Competing for popularity stakes, Lhasa Beer goes head to head with another unique beer called ‘Tibet Green Barley’, which is made from native Tibetan barley. One ingredient of Tibetan beer that is unrivaled anywhere else in the world is the pure unpolluted TIbetan spring water used to make it. On that basis alone, it’s worth trying these popular local brews when visiting Tibet.

Other local Tibetan street food and delicacies

Tibetan mung bean jelly
(Laping)

Tibetan mung bean jelly
(Laping)

With a heritage that can be found in Sichuan cuisine, laping or Tibetan mung bean jelly, is one of the most popular street food snacks in Tibet. Laping is very similar to Sichuan’s liangfen in that it is made with slices or strips of cold mung bean jelly tossed with a flavorsome sauce made with spices. Tibetan mung bean jelly isn’t usually made at home, not least because It is readily available from many street vendors and shops.
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Tibetan deep fried pastry
(Khapse)

Tibetan deep fried pastry
(Khapse)

Who doesn’t enjoy some deep fried dough during a good celebration? It seems the Tibetans are not immune to a little indulgence and that’s what you’ll find in a serve of khapse. A special food prepared for important dates in the Tibetan calendar, such as Losar, which is the Tibetan New Year, Tibetan deep fried pastry is made from flour, eggs, butter, and sugar. Once deep fried, the dough is cut into different shapes and sizes. A delicious treat and definitely one to try if your Tibet tour  happens to align with any of the main festivals.  
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Pea Jelly
(Shigatse Pengbi)

Pea Jelly
(Shigatse Pengbi)

When your travels take you to Shigatse, there is one street food snack that has to be included on your ‘must try’ list: Shigatse pengbi. Translated, Shigatse pengbi is pea jelly, but it’s not just any pea jelly. Tibetans like to say Shigatse pengbi is the food you must eat when good friends come, hence the name. So revered is pea jelly that it has been identified as a top rated snack for the region. If you make it to Shigatse or the gate of Tashilhunpo Monastery, you’ll discover vendors with their large aluminum pots, so be sure to stop and grab a bowl, although keep in mind you’ll need to be persistent as locals love their pengbi too and you may need to muscle your way to the front of the queue.
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Stone Wok Cooked Chicken
(Lunang Shiguoji)

Stone Wok Cooked Chicken
(Lunang Shiguoji)

A dish that is unlikely to grace the menus of many restaurants outside Tibet, Lunang Stone Wok Cooked Chicken should definitely be included on the list of any western traveler visiting Tibet. Originating in Lunang, a well-known tourist destination along the Sichuan-Tibet expressway, the famous Lunang Stone Wok Cooked Chicken is prepared in a special handmade stone wok crafted by the Monpa people in Medog. Local free range Tibetan chicken is stewed with many nourishing ingredients, including Tibetan fritillaria thunbergia and conic gymnadenia rhizome, which together with the pot itself, are said to provide many healthy giving benefits to treat hypertension and heart disease.
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Tibetan hotpot
(Gyakok)

Tibetan hotpot
(Gyakok)

Unlike its Sichuan counterpart, a Tibetan hotpot lacks the same volume of spice and heat. Nor does it require that you sit by and cook your hot put ingredients. For a Tibetan hotpot, all ingredients, which includes meat and vegetables, are precooked and served in a pot of Yak bone broth. The food preparation for this dish is a labor of love, so be sure to enjoy the offerings at one of many restaurants showcasing Tibetan hotpot on their menu.
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Tibetan style hot sauce
(Sepen)

Tibetan style hot sauce
(Sepen)

You will be hard pressed to find a Tibetan household or restaurant that does not have sepen - Tibetan style hot sauce - on offer. Made from, sepen is a dining staple and an accompaniment to many Tibetan dishes. It is versatile, delicious, and comes in many variations depending on the household and chef. Tibetans love using sepen with just about anything. In your travels you can expect to see it used as a dipping sauce for momo (dumplings), tingmo (steamed buns), rice, and many other dishes. Tibetans are known for creating different versions, from a simple mixture of chili powder, water, and salt, to a more elaborate concoction of red hot chili peppers, onions, tomatoes, scallions, garlic celery, coriander, and seasoning. The pièce de résistance, however, is the variation made with chili paste and raw minced Yak. A sauce for those game enough to try anything once.
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Where to eat in Lhasa

Most visitors to Tibet will find themselves in Lhasa, so it’s worth researching your dining options to plan your food adventures well in advance. Visitors will be surprised to learn there is a plethora of choice, with diverse options from traditional Tibetan cuisine to Himalayan (combining Indian and Nepalese flavors), to a more contemporary and western style of food. Whatever your preference, you’ll find something to suit. And if a decision seems out of reach, talk to your local guide who can advise based on exploration planned for the day and how culinarily adventurous you’re feeling.

Tibetan food

Tibetan Family Kitchen

Looking for an authentic dining experience while abroad? If it’s traditional Tibetan cuisine in a genuine family environment then Tibetan Family Kitchen is your first port of call while in Lhasa. Even offering Tibetan food cooking classes, Tibetan Family Kitchen is where you can sample and enjoy the best of local food created by a local couple who are tour guides turned chefs. Add to this its ideal location near Jokhang Temple on Barkhor Street, unrivaled views of the Lhasa old town from the rooftop terrace, and you’ll discover one of Tibet’s modern food gems.

Food in Tibet

House of Shambala Restaurant

Escape the hubbub of Barkhor Street and wander up a quiet alley to House of Shambala, a typical Tibetan courtyard hotel that caters to Lhasa’s visitors by offering an eclectic menu of Tibetan, Chinese, Indian, and Western food. Apart from its expansive menu, a visit here is worthwhile for the opportunity it provides to take in the décor and furnishings which have been created in keeping with traditional Tibetan style.

Food in Tibet

Dunya Restaurant & Bar

If you’ve had your fill of traditional Tibetan cuisine and are pining for a taste of home, then a visit to Dunya Restaurant & Bar could be the order of the day. Popular with international visitors to Lhasa， Dunya caters to western travelers with its menu, however, a selection of Tibetan and Nepalese dishes is available. Owned and operated by two Dutch couples who decided to call Lhasa home, Dunya offers a brief reprieve to those looking for more familiar western fare.

Food in Tibet

Makye Ame

For those with a literary or historical bent, tread the much beloved path to Makye Ame on Barkhor Street, an unassuming corner building painted yellow as a nod to Cangyangjiacuo, the sixth Dalai Lama, who is said to have lived and written poetry here. Now a restaurant serving Tibetan, Nepalese, Indian and Western food, Makye Ame is favored by travelers and tourists who appreciate the authentic details in the restaurant’s dècor, menus, and Tibetan earthenware serving dishes. Share your experience in the guest book which has captured visitors’ post dining thoughts for decades.

Food in Tibet

Lamo Traditional Tibetan Restaurant

A typically beautiful Tibetan courtyard situated in a local residential area, Lamo is a restaurant with a difference. Unlike many others in Lhasa which have fused multiple cuisines, Lamo delivers authentic and traditional Tibetan food in a setting that reflects the best of Tibetan cultural dècor and furnishings. Join local and international visitors who come for Lamo’s signature dishes: Shogo Shabril - deep fried Tibetan version of shepherd’s pie); Gyuma (blood sausages); roasted lamb rack; and steamed beef tongue.

Food in Tibet

Guangming Gang Qiong Sweet Teahouse

Your visit to Tibet is only officially ‘done’ once you’ve graced the doorways of a teahouse or two. Legend has it that there are literally thousands of sweet teahouses in Lhasa, but no official count has been made, so it’s hard to check the veracity of these claims. A Tibetan teahouse is not only for drinking tea, but for enjoying local Tibetan snacks too like steamed or pan fried momo (Tibetan dumplings) or a bowl of Tibetan noodles. Read more

While there are many teahouses to choose from, the most well known in Lhasa is Guangming Gang Qiong Sweet Teahouse. Conveniently located on Barkhor street, it’s where you can enjoy an unrivaled authentic teahouse experience. Mix with locals who head to Guangming Gang Qiong to imbibe sweet milk tea, Tibetan snacks, gossip, and play cards. For its old world feel free from external influences and great prices, this is the perfect spot to take a break from the day’s sightseeing schedule.

Cuo Mu Liang Fen

Cuo Mu Liang Fen

Rub shoulders with locals at this tiny hole-in-the-wall foodie destination, which has gained its reputation by specializing in liangfen, the Tibetan mung bean jelly, as well as other local Tibetan snacks, such as Tibetan butter tea, cold noodle, Tibetan yogurt, and deep fried potato. By far the most popular snack bar in Lhasa, be prepared to wait because the food is great, queues are long, and the prices will leave money in your pocket.

Sweet Teahouse At Ani Tsankhung Nunnery

Sweet Teahouse at Ani Tsankhung Nunnery

For a teahouse with a difference, visit Ani Tsankhung Nunnery (Cang Gu Si). A tranquil retreat run by the Tibetan nuns who use the teahouse to raise funds, the unique sweet milk tea here is lighter than other teahouses. Still frequented by Tibetan families and elderly people who enjoy tradition and their morning or afternoon tea, visitors find the monastic atmosphere with its incense and chanting, a restorative and peaceful experience.

Tibet tours

4 Day Lhasa Highlights Tour

4 Day Lhasa Highlights Tour

5 Day Lhasa Highlights & Namtso Lake Tour

5 Day Lhasa Highlights & Namtso Lake Tour

5 Day Lhasa Highlights & Yamdrok Lake Tour

5 Day Lhasa Highlights & Yamdrok Lake Tour


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]]> Things to do in Tibet https://www.chinatours.com/tibet-tours/things-to-do-in-tibet/ Sat, 13 May 2023 03:06:11 +0000 https://www.chinatours.com/?p=92103 If you’re planning things to do in Tibet as part of your China travel adventure it pays to do your research well in advance to ensure maximum appreciation of this unique destination. If this is one of your ‘must see’ places, keep in mind that Tibet remains a holy place, both for Tibetans and those […]

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If you’re planning things to do in Tibet as part of your China travel adventure it pays to do your research well in advance to ensure maximum appreciation of this unique destination. If this is one of your ‘must see’ places, keep in mind that Tibet remains a holy place, both for Tibetans and those making the pilgrimage from across the globe. As such, planning what to do in Tibet warrants the kind of care and attention a mountaineer would bring to any ascent that reaches thousands of meters into the seeming heavens. Tibet’s ethereal heights truly reflect the sanctity of this most beautiful destination, and it follows that the many sights and activities to be experienced make a visit here the kind of travel memory created only once or twice in a lifetime. Read more

Undoubtedly there are many Tibet highlights, even if you venture no further than Lhasa itself. Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Circuit, and Sera, Drepung, and Ganden Monasteries all captivate, while the surprisingly diverse landscapes to be found in and around Namtso Lake, which are remarkable at such altitudes, make for unrivaled photographic opportunities. Even with limitations on travel within and around Tibet, international travelers will find both curiosity and travel fever satisfied, even if stopping for only three or four days as part of a longer China tour.

If Tibet’s been on your destination list for a good while, let’s make the job of choosing things to do easy for you with our local guides’ top picks.

Places to visit in Tibet

Potala Palace

Potala Palace

Inspiring architecture by any measure, but all the more so given its location at thousands of meters above sea level, the more than 1,000 rooms, and its preservation in spite of the vicissitudes of history, Potala Palace is certainly a sight to behold. Expect to be awed and in wonder.

Potala Palace’s history is a marvel in itself. Ascending 13 storeys from Marpo Ri or Red Hill, it took 50 years to build, with construction commencing in 1645 during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama. Historically functioning as the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, Potala Palace forms part of a larger complex of buildings that include Jokhang Monastery and Norbulingka.

For insights to Tibetan culture, detailed in historical documents, scriptures, artifacts, sculptures, and artworks of religious significance, Potala Palace offers a rich trove that will reward travelers who make the trek here, along with the many thousands of Tibetan pilgrims who continue to visit annually.
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Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple

As the preeminent temple for local and visiting devoted Tibetan pilgrims, time spent at Jokhang Temple ranks high among things to do in Lhasa. Originally built to cultivate Buddhism in Tibet, Jokhang Temple is quite literally the home of Buddha. Here you will find over 3,000 images of Buddha, not least of which is the centrally positioned image of Jowo Shakyamuni (or Jowo Rinpoche) - the golden Buddha.

Expect to be joined by throngs of prostrating pilgrims as you marvel at the vibrant blend of Chinese, Nepalese, and Indian architectural elements that are evident in the temple’s remarkable design. Keep in mind that Jokhang Temple is first and foremost a place of reverence for Tibetan Buddhists, so visitors are encouraged to remain mindful of this while visiting.
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Barkhor Circuit

Barkhor Circuit

Barkhor Circuit is a precinct of narrow streets and a public market square in the old city of Lhasa. For a direct experience of traditional Tibetan daily life, culture, and religion, a wander around the hexagonal shaped Barkhor Circuit offers insights that cannot be gained elsewhere in Lhasa. Referred to by locals as the ‘Holy Road’, Barkhor Circuit is effectively a kilometer long pilgrimage route, taken clockwise, around Jokhang Temple. Whether you’re after a traditional handcrafted Thangka (Tibetan scroll), locally made leather goods, or the opportunity to try traditional Tibetan food, Barkhor Circuit is where you’ll find it.
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Sera Monastery

Sera Monastery

Located on 28 acres on Lhasa’s outskirts, Sera Monastery holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Tibetan Buddhists. With a centuries old history steeped in learning, Sera Monastery is one of the Great Three university monasteries built in the Gelug tradition, which operate as a teaching monastery.

Sera monastery is home to several thousand monks, as well as the monumental Jampa Buddha and many other statues of Buddhas and the deity Hayagriva. Apart from taking in the monastery’s distinctive architecture of whitewashed walls and colorful facades, international travelers can enjoy a firsthand experience of monastic debate, where monks engage in philosophical debate, all while stomping, clapping, and even pushing one another to make their point.
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Drepung Monastery

Drepung Monastery

Another of the Great Three Gelug Monasteries, Drepung Monastery is another iconic center of learning. Arguably the most important of all three, Drepung is famous for its size (it’s the largest monastery) and for having once been the home of the Dalai Lama before the Potala Palace took preeminence. The monastery consists of large and small halls - the Tsokchen Lhakhang is the most significant of these - as well as four colleges, the largest of which is Loseling Dratsang, which includes a remarkable scripture hall lined with traditional and contemporary versions of the sutras. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may be able to attend the Shoton Festival, considered a Lhasa summer highlight. Based around the monastic tradition of meditation and fasting for 100 days followed by the gifting of yogurt by locals, the Shoton festival is now also synonymous with the tradition of the unfurling of a large thangka. Tibetan monks debate here too, so if you miss out at Sera Monastery, be sure to catch the spectacle here.
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Norbulingka

Norbulingka

Originally established as a place of healing for the seventh Dalai Lama who visited it annually due to ill health, Norbulingka became the summer residence of subsequent Dalai Lamas and a place of study prior to officially assuming office in the role. Separable into three parts: the courtyard, palace and forest, Norbulingka is perhaps not on the scale of other residences at just 400 rooms, but is still significant. Today visitors can enjoy daily performances of Tibetan opera, with additional special operatic events during the Shoton Festival. Now a public park, Norbulingka carries forward the horticultural tradition of exquisite gardens which were established centuries previously when the palace functioned as a residence for the Dalai Lama.
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Ani Tsankhung Nunnery

Ani Tsankhung Nunnery

Located near Jokhang Temple, Ani Tsankhung Nunnery is the only nunnery in downtown Lhasa. First built in the 15th century, the approximately 100 Tibetan nuns who live there today make a livelihood through sales of alms, clothing, printed holy texts, as well as meals prepared daily at a now famous teahouse associated with the nunnery. Definitely worth a visit to sample perhaps the best traditional Tibetan sweet tea in Lhasa.
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Namtso Lake

Namtso Lake

Regardless of how you find your way to Namtso Lake, the trek is definitely worth the investment of time and effort. Considered heavenly for many reasons, not least of which includes the 4,718 meter altitude and stunning photographic opportunities, Namtso Lake is a destination that every intrepid international traveler should have on their list of things to do in Tibet. Apart from its reputation as the highest saline lake in the world, Namtso Lake is a sacred place for devoted Tibetan pilgrims, who visit the lake to pay spiritual homage and pray. Take advantage of opportunities to ride a yak or hike the circuit around the lake.
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Tashi Lhunpo Monastery

Tashi Lhunpo Monastery

Founded in 1447, Tashi Lhunpo monastery is the traditional monastic seat of the Panchen Lama. It took 12 years to build, covers an area of 150,000 square meters, and is one of the largest monasteries in Tibet. Auspiciously located at the foot of Niseri Mountain in Shigatse City, the monastery’s layout is characterized by connected temples laid out in sequence, abbeys, Kamcuns, and sutra halls. It is home to the world’s tallest and largest bronze Buddha statue, which is decorated with precious ornaments. When you visit, take the hour or so required to complete a circuit of the monastery compound. And it time permits, visit during one of the traditional Tibetan festivals celebrated here, such as the Saga Dawa Festival, Buddha’s Descent Day, or the Buddha Unfolding Festival when an enormous new thangka - a vibrantly coloured painting of a Buddha created to aid in prayer and meditation and bring good fortune - is unveiled.
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Things to do at night in Lhasa

It can be easy to think your options for heading out in Lhasa are limited to daytime adventures but that’s not the case. Of course Lhasa is not downtown Shanghai, yet for the visitor wanting a taste of local life beyond the monasteries and reverential atmosphere to be found at most sights, there is fun to be had at night. Here are just a few suggestions from our guides on the ground.

Things to do in Tibet

Experiences in Lhasa

Beyond the well known sights of Lhasa, travelers can avail themselves of unique experiences only found in this part of the world. From donning traditional costume to learning the art of Thangka painting, there is no better way to immerse yourself in local culture.

things to do in Tibet

Step into traditional Tibetan costume

If the colorful appeal of traditional Tibetan costume captures your imagination, then step into a local Tibetan costume shop. Take a walk along Barkhor Street and you will find several shops offering traditional Tibetan clothes for hire.

things to do in Tibet

Try your hand at crafting Tibetan incense

Wherever you go in Tibet, the scent of incense fills the air, so it’s not surprising that visitors seek the opportunity to turn their hand to craft their own. Forming part of medicine and Tibetan culture, incense has a special place in Buddhism and the daily life of Tibetan people. Learn the basics of this traditional craft which is now sustaining local villagers and creating a meaningful source of income that carries forward Tibetan culture for future generations.

things to do in Tibet

Create a traditional Thangka

Traditional scroll paintings or thangkas can be found everywhere in Tibet, but imagine creating your own. It’s possible when you visit a Thangka studio in Lhasa where you can learn the art of traditional Buddhist scroll painting from a Thangka master.

things to do in Tibet

Visit a Tibetan teahouse

Teahouses abound through Lhasa, so you’re bound to find yourself joining locals to experience a cup of the local brew, either the unique Tibetan Sweet Tea or Butter Tea, or for something totally different, Tibetan noodles, Tibetan yogurt, or Tibetan momos. Dive in and enjoy the perfect way to relax and reflect after a day of mindful sightseeing.

things to do in Tibet

Tibetan medicinal bathing

A tradition with a history of over 1,300 years, traditional Tibetan Lum medicinal bathing is said to have many healing properties that arise from bathing in natural hot springs, herbal water or steam to adjust the body/mind balance for good health and to prevent or treat illness. Book in for a treatment session and emerge revived and ready to keep exploring.

things to do in tibet

Kora practice

The daily religious practice of kora is integral to Tibetan culture, and while it may seem unusual at first glance, visitors quickly learn to appreciate the significance of this type of pilgrimage which rests at the heart of Tibetan Buddhism. While visiting Lhasa, make it a priority to experience the practice of kora circumambulation by joining the throngs of pilgrims circumambulating the kilometer long route around Jokhang Temple.

things to do in Tibet

Watch the spectacle of monastic debate

While a traditionally peaceful people, the spectacle of monastic debate among Tibetan monks challenges that premise. At once both entertaining and enlightening, the debating monks are a spectacle to behold. Pick your time for visiting Sera Monastery and watch the monks in action as they practice this 600 year old tradition. You may even pick up a tip or two to enhance your own communication skills!

things to do in tibet

Tibetan festivals

With all the color of Tibetan paintings, Thangkas, costumes, and flags, it’s hardly a surprise the Tibetan calendar revolves around numerous festivals. While it can be hard to narrow the choice down, we recommend aligning your travel to at least one of the following: Tibetan New Year (Losar), the Shoton Festival, Butter Lamp Festival, and the Saga Dawa Festival (celebrating the day Gautama Buddha was born). To avoid missing out, be sure to ask about the possibilities when you book your trip.

Tibet Tours

4 Day Lhasa Highlights Tour

4 Day Lhasa Highlights Tour

5 Day Lhasa Highlights & Namtso Lake Tour

5 Day Lhasa Highlights & Namtso Lake Tour

5 Day Lhasa Highlights & Yamdrok Lake Tour

5 Day Lhasa Highlights & Yamdrok Lake Tour


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]]> Shopping in Taiwan https://www.chinatours.com/taiwan-tours/shopping-in-taiwan/ Sat, 24 Dec 2022 23:27:36 +0000 https://www.chinatours.com/?p=91837 Shopping in Taiwan? Well, let’s just say it’s the opportunity to enjoy a little magic on your travel adventure around this delightful island. Between the fabulous food, unique culture, idyllic landscapes, and lovely people, we’re certain you’ll discover more than a treasure or two to keep as a beautiful travel memento from your holiday. Because […]

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Shopping in Taiwan? Well, let’s just say it’s the opportunity to enjoy a little magic on your travel adventure around this delightful island. Between the fabulous food, unique culture, idyllic landscapes, and lovely people, we’re certain you’ll discover more than a treasure or two to keep as a beautiful travel memento from your holiday. Because if shopping in Taiwan teaches you anything at all, it’s the fact there is shopping, and there is Taiwan shopping.

Once again our team has been on the ground researching for the very best that Taiwan shopping has to offer so we can answer all the important questions like what should I buy as a tourist to Taiwan? or what’s the best keepsake from shopping in Taiwan? You can relax because we’ve done all the work to make your visit to Taiwan - and your shopping while you’re there - fun, fulfilling, and the perfect way to remember your holiday. Wherever you decide to travel, we’ve covered it, so settle in and make notes for your trip.

Find these treasures on our Taiwan tours

Shopping for treasures in Taiwan

Taiwan tea: Which should you choose?

Taiwan tea: Which should you choose?

A visit to Taiwan would hardly be complete if tea wasn’t involved. On your travels you’ll discover a deep reverence and love for this life-giving beverage. Whether it’s on the mountain top tea plantations or an inner city teahouse, not only must you try a local brew or two, you’ll want to take some home as well. It’s hardly surprising to learn that tea remains one of the top ten souvenirs in Taiwan, which makes it almost mandatory to carry home a box of Taiwan tea. With so many varieties to choose from, best that you consult a local expert in one of the many tea shops. Taiwan is famous for its teas, so it pays to do a little research to understand the differences between oriental beauty tea, dongding oolong tea, Alishan Mountain tea, and Taiwan high mountain tea. Better still, why not book a dedicated Taiwan tea tour and visit some of Taiwan’s most famous tea destinations.
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Pineapple cakes

Pineapple cakes

One of the best things you can take home from your trip to Taiwan is the island’s famous pineapple cake. A pastry with a sweet surprise in the form of a pineapple paste at the delicious gooey center, we dare you to eat just one. They literally are quite moreish! This lovely sweet treat does double duty as a charm for good luck and fortune to anyone who devours it. All the more reason to enjoy more than one and take home extras. You will find take home packs presented in airtight containers, making them a beautiful gift and easy to travel with.
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Taiwanese mochi

Taiwanese mochi

Gooey, chewy, and glutinous, these rice cakes are a sweet dessert. Mochi come with various fillings, ranging from fruits to red bean paste and crushed peanuts. They also come coated with peanut powder or sesame seeds. There are even grilled mochi, and the very creative milk mochi. You will even find mochi added to a shaved ice dessert. Best consumed hot, explore the night market of your destination for a delicious local experience.
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Taiwanese peanut nougat

Taiwanese peanut nougat

It’s hard to go past Taiwan’s famous crunchy, chewy peanut nougat as a take-home-from-your-holiday treat. With so many brands to choose from - quite literally there’s a different variety in just about every destination, from Taipei to Kaohsiung - we feel compelled to make a recommendation here. If you must choose only once, go with the iconic brand Sugar & Spice. Considered among the best in the world, Sugar & Spice nougat is a popular favor for newly married couples, but we figure that travelers to Taiwan deserve a treat too. Packaged and sealed for long life, these make the perfect gift for family and friends on your return home.
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Mini sky lanterns

Mini sky lanterns

Travel through Taiwan and you can’t help but appreciate the beauty and light of the lanterns which adorn light posts, shops, and lanes alike. And when you visit any souvenir stall or shop, you’ll find a selection of mini sky lanterns to choose from. If, however, you’re a stickler for originals, then make your way to Shifen in the Pingxi District. It’s here you can join locals and travelers celebrating the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. And in Shifen Old Street, where there is a live, working railway track running through the shops on either side of the tracks, you can light and set free a lantern at any time, complete with good wishes for the future. There’s something magical about lighting a lantern and we can see how this tradition has endured, so if you’d like to share it with a loved one, pack a mini sky lantern to take back home.
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Taiwan glove puppet

Taiwan glove puppet

If you have children or grandchildren at home, then a Taiwan glove puppet is the quintessential Taiwan treasure. A form of Chinese opera and one of Taiwan’s oldest cultural traditions, glove puppetry is still performed today as it relays stories of popular folklore that have been shared for centuries. Find Taiwan glove puppets and other lovely handcrafted items at the Puppetry Art Center of Taipei and Bu Diao (Chang Yi Fang). These make a delightful piece (or pieces!) for the avid collector of cultural art and craft.
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Oil paper umbrella

Oil paper umbrella

Umbrellas have long been appreciated for their practical value, but in Taiwan, the beauty and art of umbrellas is esteemed too, not least because of the good luck they are said to bring the owner. Traditional oil paper umbrellas have been used by the Han people for well over a millennia, while perhaps the most famous Hakka cultural icon is the Meinong oil paper umbrella. Always colorful, hand-painted, and uniquely designed, for the lover of beautiful things, these make a very special travel memento. If your itinerary permits, we highly recommend visiting the Meinong district in Kaohsiung. Not only is it a beautiful town richly steeped in Hakka culture, it is home to the collectible Meinong Oil Umbrella.
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Taiwan pottery and ceramic

Taiwan pottery and ceramic

Pottery and ceramic ware are part of the Taiwan DNA, so we had to include this on the Taiwan shopping list. If you’re like us and love beautiful, delicate things, Taiwan will delight. With unique pieces integrating creative influences from mainland China, Japan, and even the West, you will find many studios and stores specializing in pottery and ceramics. Committed creatives can even try their hand at a lesson or two. A visit to Yingge, the center of pottery and ceramics is a must if you are a serious fan of fine porcelain and love the thought of taking home a one-of-a-kind treasure. And if you can’t settle on just one, then be sure to make space for more in your travel home luggage.
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Taiwan teaware

Taiwan teaware

If you discover only this about Taiwan tea - it must be enjoyed in just the right teaware - then you are on your way to becoming a local tea connoisseur. Equal parts practical and reverential, Taiwan teaware allows the ceremony of drinking tea to be fully appreciated, from the selection of tea leaves to the pouring and consuming of an elixir that has kept locals healthy and calm. You will find teaware in many forms and crafted from various materials. If you prefer something fine and delicate, choose from porcelain, glass, jade or crystal. If metals are more your thing, then you’ll find teaware made from silver, tin, copper, iron, and stainless steel. And if it’s teaware that more rustic, there are ample choices made from clay or bamboo. Yingge, the center of pottery and ceramics on the island, is your best option, but you will find many destinations across the island that will more than satisfy your teaware needs.
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Markets in Taiwan

Yet another aspect of Taiwan’s universal appeal is the choice of local markets that are the delight of the traveler who likes to explore for something truly special. You the thing! It’s that travel memento you simply couldn’t walk away from. Well, you’re sure to find ‘it’ wandering the stalls at Taiwan’s many markets. Make a note of our recommendations here and slot them into your travel itinerary. You won’t regret it!

shopping in Taiwan

Taipei

There’s such a myriad of markets in Taipei, it’s hard to know how to condense the list, but we’ve tried that here with our guide’s ‘best of’ list.
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    . Perhaps Taipei’s most famous markets, the Jinguo Holiday Flower Market is a must for those who can’t resist fresh blooms. For a sensory experience, wander through the 200 plus stalls selling potted plants, flowers, seedlings, and gardening accessories, while you mingle with local gardening aficionados.

    . After some traditional jade? Go no further than Jianguo Holiday Jade Market, the largest antique market in Taiwan with over 800 stalls selling various types of jade, gems, and precious stones. It is located in close proximity to the Flower Market, making a visit to both very easy.

    . Guanghua Digital Plaza is the largest electronic and computer shopping center in Taiwan. It’s here you’ll unearth the best technology bargains and lowest prices here. And be prepared to negotiate because stall owners expect it!

    . Dihua Street was originally built during the Qing dynasty period. Visit this area and you’ll discover the ideal spot for enjoying a local brew (that’s Taiwanese tea). You will also discover a plethora of Chinese medicines and herbs, spices and dried food, fabrics, temple objects, and incense. Definitely an eclectic market in the true sense.

    . Nanmen Market first opened in 1906 and is seriously the best traditional market in Taipei. Mix with locals who have been served for generations by market stall holders.

    . If it’s a clothes bargain you’re after, then make a beeline for Wufenpu, which has earned a reputation for being the local hub for wholesale apparel and accessories. Pick up fashionable clothes by diving into the array of wholesale garments on sale here.

shopping in Taiwan

Taichung

Not to be outdone by Taipei, Taichung offers its own selection of must-visit markets. Add these to your shopping destinations while visiting Taichung.
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    . Taichung Second Market is the oldest traditional market in Taichung. Uncover shops selling local delicacies that have truly stood the test of time. Arrive hungry and leave fulfilled.

    . Visit Mumu Market in the creative and cultural hub of Shenji New Village. Feel yourself visually and culturally enriched by the beautiful handicrafts, handmade clothes, accessories and delicious food.

    . With its new location in a standalone building, Taichung Jade Market is the destination for anyone interested in antiques, precious gem and stones, jewelry, ceramics, stone or wood carvings, and teaware.

    . No list of Taiwan’s markets would be complete without a fish market, so of course we’ve included the Wuqi Fisherman’s Market, which is located right next to Taichung Port. It’s here that seafood lovers source their “fish of the day”.

Shopping in Taiwan

Tainan

Located on the southwestern coastal plains of Taiwan, Tainan offers spectacular landscapes and equally impressive markets that will surprise and delight the most serious critic.
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    . East Market is one of three traditional markets in Tainan with a history spanning over 110 years. Many vendors have stood the test of time and have been operating for over 60 years. Our guide’s pick? Visit the Ming Tsung Fish Ball stall. It’s the biggest supplier in Tainan.

    . Yongle Market is a hot spot for local delicacies in Tainan and is equally well known among locals and tourists.

    . Next to Yongle Market is the centuries old Shuixian Gong Market that offers a banquet of fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, cooked food, and countless other ingredients. It’s a foodie’s mecca for sure. Many of the food shops and stalls here are five-star rated by locals and tourists forthe authentic Tainan local food on offer.

    . Reopening to the public in 2021, the historic West Market (Ximen Market) was built in 1905. Local people visit here for daily groceries, fruit and vegetables, and other consumables. West Market doubles as a garment and fabric market too so you’ll find lots of bases are covered.

shopping in Taiwan

Kaohsiung

On your visit to beautiful Kaohsiung, include these markets on your destination list to create some wonderful travel memories of Taiwan.
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. Yancheng 1st Public Market first opened in 1948 and only underwent renovations in 2022. It is a traditional market that melds with creativity. The market is full of old-fashioned food stalls and businesses that have operated for decades, as well as modern restaurants and stores selling traditional handicrafts.

. Opening early in the morning, Neiwei Flea Market is that special antique market where there’s a good chance you’ll find your ‘treasure’ if you’re prepared to be patient and bring your best fossicking attitude.

. By contrast, Ziyou Traditional Market is a sunset market. Opening early afternoon, it’s heaven for food in all its forms, whether it’s cooked, ready to eat, or the raw ingredients.

. A favorite market for the locals in north Kaohsiung, Cihou Market is accessible by ferry when you travel from Kaohsiung to Cijin Island. It’s here you’ll find local food and souvenirs, especially seafood snacks favored by those in the know.

taiwan shopping

Taitung

With spectacular ocean views a feature of Taitung, it’s hard to imagine anything could be a match, however, for a peek into the life of a local in Taiwan’s third largest county, make your way to one (or more!) of these markets.
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    . Zhongyang Market is the most important traditional market in Taitung providing fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, and dry ingredients. The stand out specialty here are the authentic street food snacks, loved and appreciated by locals.

    . If you visit Tiehua Music Village (the hub for the artists and musicians), don’t miss the Slow Market and Twilight Bazaar, home to an array of fresh organic food, creative handicrafts, bakery items, local snacks, hand painted cards, and other handmade accessories.

    . Jingya Farmers Market is a ‘one-stop shop’ for Taitung’s local produce and themed handicrafts.

    . The Organic Farmers’ Market at Taitung University, which happens every Sunday morning, is a market that not only sells certified organic products, but also promotes organic farming.

    . Where do locals in Taitung go for fresh fruit? They visit Zhengqi Road. In fact, it’s just like a fruit market (even though it’s officially a street), because there are so many fruit stores here selling different fruits and juices.

shopping in Taiwan

Hualien

Located on the east coast of Taiwan, Hualien is like many destinations in Taiwan in that it offers amazing views and landscapes. It also competes with other cities and regions with a number of markets that will appeal to the curious cultural traveler.
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    . The Handicrafts Market at Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park (transformed from the former Hualien Brewery) opens during weekends, is one of Hualien’s famous markets.

    . Chongqing Market is the largest and most well-organized public retail market in Hualien with over 250 stalls. Fancy a taste of indigenous food? Enjoy it when you wander through the section of the market selling indigenous food exclusively, including Amis traditional ingredients and wild greens.

    . The Hakka & Craft Market opens every Friday afternoon and sells local farm produce, Hakka food, creative handicrafts, and even everyday groceries.

    . First opening in 2010, Hualien Farmer’s Market is a highlight of every weekend in Hualien. It’s the perfect platform for local farmers selling their fresh vegetables, fruits, and eggs direct from their farms. Expect to see a spirited conversation or two between farmers and their loyal customers when you wander through this market.

Shopping precincts

Now if markets aren’t your preferred shopping experience, you can relax, because Taiwan offers incredible choices when it comes to shopping precincts. Whether you love a little high end, high street, or something a bit special or boutique, we’re sure you’ll find it in the list below.

Shopping in Taiwan

Taipei

Xinyi Shopping District is regarded as Taipei’s Manhattan, a luxury shopping destination with Taipei 101, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Bellavita, Uni-president Department Store, and Eslite. During weekends and holidays, the district comes alive with events, performances, exhibitions, and markets. Read more

As the first pedestrian shopping mall in Taipei, Ximending is famous for its history and street food, however, it is also the center of pop culture in Taipei. A wander through this to see what’s trending in high street fashion, shoes, and accessories. It’s also a hub for themed cafes, bars, and restaurants. Or for a memory that lasts a lifetime, head to one of the local tattoo streets. You might even appreciate the local street art and graffiti that is part of this precinct.

Visit Zhongxiao Dunhua shopping area if you’re interested in Asian fashion trends. It is home to local independent boutiques that populate the small alleys that are characteristic of the area. Here you can choose from some well known Japanese and European brands. 

By contrast, Dihua Street offers travelers a traditional Taipei shopping experience. Stroll through this old neighborhood for Taiwanese tea, Chinese medicinal herbs, fabrics, bamboo crafts, and other local cultural wares.

shopping in Taiwan

Taichung

Close to Tung Hai University, discover Tung Hai Arts Street, which is a cultural and artistic precinct, discover a melting pot of galleries, antique shops, folk arts and handicrafts, creative studios for tea art hidden in alleys, floristry, jewelry making, as well as stylish restaurants, bars and cafes. From time to time, Tung Hai Arts Street is host to different themed markets and events too. Read more

Jingming 1st Street is a mall and resembles a European equivalent. Complete with boutique-style stores, galleries, sidewalk cafes, teahouses, and restaurants, it has great appeal for locals and visitors alike. If you happen to be passing through on a weekend or holiday, expect to find a popup event that adds to the lively atmosphere. And if a DIY bubble tea is in order, visit the famous Chunshuitang Dadun Store for the experience.

Named after Feng Chia University, Feng Chia Shopping Area is one of Taichung’s liveliest and most popular shopping districts and night markets. Explore what seems to be a countless number of shops and vendor stalls along the main road and side streets selling affordable fashion clothes, accessories, glasses, and stationery. You cannot leave Taiwan without visiting a night market or two and few surpass the food on offer at the famous Feng Chia Night Market.

Make a stop at Ziyou Road near Taichung Train Station, the official birthplace of Taiwan’s iconic ‘suncake’, where you can choose from any number of shops where they are sold. Interestingly, Ziyou Road is the earliest developed shopping district in Taichung and is considered a must-see locale for visitors who gift-boxed suncakes. And if you’re not a suncake fan, that’s okay. There is a myriad of shops selling leather goods, fashion, and accessories too.

Taiwan shopping

Tainan

Kongmiao Shopping District, named after the Confucius Temple, covers Fuzhong Street and the surrounding small lanes where many shops sell antiques, creative cultural stuffs, local snacks, handicrafts, and souvenirs. This precinct reflects the true energy and aliveness of Tainan.Read more

Shift gears when you move on to Zhongzheng Hai’an Shopping Area, which has been a busy commercial hub since Wutiaogang during the Qing dynasty some 300 plus years ago. It was destroyed and commercial development halted with the construction of the Hai’an Road Underground Project around 30 years previously. Now the area takes in Zhongzheng Road, Ximen Road, Hai’an Road, Guohua Street and You’ai Street and is the most popular shopping destination in Tianan. Apart from the fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, and shops selling daily household requirements, the iconic Yongle Market is where you will find authentic local snacks and street food. 

A fusion of old and new, modern and fashionable, Guohua Youai New Shopping District is Tainan’s Ximending for local trendsetters. But don’t be deceived. There are just as many vintage shops and trendy creative stores in this area.

Stretch your legs and enjoy a walking tour on the vintage Zhengxing Street, located in close proximity to Guohua Street and West Market, where you can immerse yourself in the traditional, creative, cultural atmosphere that permeates the area. Food is definitely a ‘thing’ in this area, so once you’ve walked up an appetite, take advantage of the specialty food and dessert options available here.

taiwan shopping

Kaohsiung

Sanduo Shopping District was started in 1990, home to three major shopping centers; FEDS Kaohsiung Store, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store, and Pacific SOGO. As if that wasn’t enough, the district is surrounded by boutiques, quirky small shops, theaters, restaurants. With various kinds of fashion clothes, accessories, discounted cosmetics, night markets nearby, this area is very popular and has consequently become a Kaohsiung landmark. Read more

Shinkuchan Shopping District is where savvy young people go to indulge their love of local and overseas fashion clothes and accessories. But it’s more than a shopping experience for these locals who have made it a hangout too. Regarded as Kaohsiung’s Ximending, Shinkuchan Shopping District is a world of fashion, gourmet food and entertainment.

Looking for something unique? Find it at Pier 2 Art Center, which is situated at Kaohsiung Port, abandoned shipping warehouses that have been converted into an art district with hundreds of shops, studios, cafes, bars, and galleries. Uncover both the practical and artistic here. Think local creative handicrafts, art pieces, accessories, stationery and designer’s limited editions.

Nanhua Shopping Area reflects the local Kaohsiung people with its traditional market style set up. Discover inexpensive clothes, shoes, hats, leather accessories and daily necessities. You’ll also find traditional local delicacies and authentic snacks.

shopping in Taiwan

Taitung

Taitung’s busy commercial areas are easy to spot. Visit Zhonghua Road, Datong Road and Zhengqi Road for a sample of local shops and boutiques selling souvenirs, local handicrafts, clothes, accessories, fruit, and local snacks. And a definite must-do here? Enjoy all that’s on offer at the famously creative Tiehua Music Village, as well as Taitung Tourist Night Market and shopping mall at Showtime Live Taitung, which are also close by.

shopping in Taiwan

Hualien

Who can resist a shopping precinct with the moniker ‘Golden Triangle’? A triangle of commercial enterprise that joins Zhongshan Road, Zhongzheng Road and Zhonghua Road, this area is the busiest of its kind in Hualien. Packed full of shops selling, well, just about everything from souvenirs, to clothes, food, and traditional local delicacies, it really does warrant a solid day of exploration if shopping is on your highlights list. Read more

The Old Rail Cultural Shopping District, which includes a pedestrian only zone, can be found in the center of Hualien city. Super convenient, it’s a shopping and dining experience with a difference. 

Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park is another hotspot with shops and eateries.

Explore Stone Art Avenue with its various kinds of stone artifacts, or admire the jade, crystal, Taiwan nephrite, stone jewelries and ornaments for sale.

Taiwan shopping malls

Step into the unusual world that is Taiwan’s shopping malls. In many respects bigger and busier than their western counterparts, a half or full exploring one of these mega shopping destinations is an eye opener.

Taipei

Taipei

With the iconic Miramar Ferris Wheel as its centerpiece, Miramar Entertainment Park is a vast complex of shopping and entertainment. Fun for kids, families, and the dedicated shopper, a visit here is definitely a day or night out.

Far Eastern SOGO is one of the most trusted department store brands in Taiwan. Found in three locations throughout Taipei’s city center, loyal customers keep returning because of SOGO’s huge seasonal sales.

Shin Kong Mitsukoshi is Taiwan’s most fashionable and popular department store. Think covetable style, luxury brands, and fabulous food. The store at Taipei Xinyi Place is a quick walk to the famous Taipei 101 building, so double up these highlights for a fun morning, afternoon, or evening.

The Breeze Group has any number of shopping centers in Taipei, but the Breeze Center in Taipei City was the first to open in 2001. Quickly gaining status as one of the city's best rated shopping centers, Breeze has found a place in the heart of local and international shoppers.

While in Taipei, don’t miss Taipei 101 Mall, one of the most luxurious shopping centers in Taipei. In addition to the big brand shops, fashion boutiques, and eateries, the observatory on the 89th floor is the highlight of this skyscraper.
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Taichung

Taichung

Opening in 1992, Chungyo Department Store, not only has the design culture and fashion here established it as a favorite Taichung shopping mall, the service here is second to none too. Discover exhibitions from different artists’ works displayed at the gallery, and for the curious discover why the renovated themed lavatories were featured on a list of the world’s top 10 public restrooms.

In the prime location of the busy Zhonggang district, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taichung Zhonggang Store is one of the biggest shopping centers in Taichung. And if that doesn’t pique your interest, hang out with locals who regard Taroko Mall Taichung as their favorite in Taichung. And for more family and kid friendly locales, visit Kuang San SOGO, which features a big Disney clock that plays It’s a small world after all.
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Tainan

Tainan

Reopening in 2013 after renovations, the historic Hayashi shopping mall is now Tainan’s number one place for cultural and creative handicrafts, artisan clothes, accessories, antiques, stationery, and souvenirs. It provides a step back in time to the 1930’s era when Taiwan began integrating external influences.

Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Tainan Ximen Store is one of the main shopping centers in Tainan, while T.S. Mall, which opened stage two in 2020, has become the largest shopping center and most popular in Tainan for the locals and visitors. 

For another taste of a bygone era, visit Far Eastern Tainan Store, which is very close to Tainan train station and just next to the 38-storey tower of Shangri-la Far Eastern Plaza Hotel. Consider a shopping expedition followed up by a hotel high tea for a special day in Tainan.
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Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung

Appropriately named (you’ll believe it when you see it) the Dream Mall is the largest shopping mall in Kaohsiung and Taiwan Island. Complete with a rooftop amusement park with the famous Kaohsiung Eye Ferris wheel, it is mesmerizing to say the least.

Hanshin Department Store is part of the 5 star Grand Hi-Lai Hotel. In its own words it provides a ‘one stop shopping experience’ with over 50 big international brands housed there. Hanshin Arena Shopping Plaza is located adjacent to Kaohsiung Arena stadium and welcomes visitors both from Kaohsiung and other cities and regions because of its convenient location.

Although it only first opened in 2022, SKM Park is already making waves as a new type of international lifestyle compound that includes Lifestyle Outlets. A venue for shoppers seeking iconic brands, well known specialty restaurants, and visually stunning themed mega stores.
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Taitung

Taitung

In Taitung, make your way to Showtime Live Taitung, the first and largest shopping center in the city. Alternatively, try TT Style, the ‘Wave House and a popular Taitung landmark shopping plaza with boutique stores, cafes and restaurants.

For something a little more traditional, visit the Ata Aboriginal Culture Craft Studio; a place where you can find local handicrafts, textiles, leather work and handmade glass beads. For locally made, you can’t go past the souvenirs, food, tea, and Taitung related books at Dondon Style, a boutique located close to the famous Tiehua village.
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Hualien

Hualien

Far Eastern Department Store is the only shopping mall in Hualien city and has been popular since it first opened its doors in 2009. Apart from this major shopping mall, visitors can enjoy the more relaxed pace of the local shops and stores selling everyday groceries and local specialties, or head to Carrefour Hualien Store, which is another popular shopping spot in the district.
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Want to include a little specialty shopping in your Taiwan tour? Talk to our team today.  We maintain a no commission based shopping policy on all our tours, however, through our network of guides on the ground, we can direct you to beautiful boutiques, mega malls, or quiet laneway stores to uncover shopping in Taiwan and the people who make it happen.

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]]> Taiwan Small Group Tours https://www.chinatours.com/taiwan-tours/taiwan-small-group-tours/ Mon, 05 Dec 2022 23:44:54 +0000 https://www.chinatours.com/?p=91733 chain or have a preference for a particular brand. Our Taiwan small group tours are especially designed to bring together many benefits of private tours and deliver them at an affordable small group tour price. If you’re a traveler who wants the flexibility and comfort of private tours, and wants to extend your travel dollars […]

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Discover the best small group tours of Taiwan when you book with ChinaTours.com. Decades of designing and delivering small group tours throughout China and Indochina means we truly understand what makes a small group tour an enriching and memorable travel experience. Right down to the last detail, we’ve developed a proven formula for small group tours that highlights all the benefits for both seasoned and new international travelers.

For a start, unlike many tours that have up to 20 travelers, we only offer tours for small groups. You’ll never travel with a crowd because ChinaTours.com small group tours cater to no more than 12 people. Why? Because that way our guides and drivers on the ground can deliver the kind of care and attention you deserve on your vacation. Looking for authentic connection with real people in fascinating destinations? We deliver through our small group tour formula.

Our small group tours also offer exceptional value, combining many of the advantages of private tours with the benefits of group travel. Providing access to our handpicked selection of four and five star accommodation options, as well as amazing cultural and culinary experiences in all Taiwan tour destinations, you’ll appreciate the flexibility that our tours provide. We can also accommodate specific hotel selections if you’re a member of an international

chain or have a preference for a particular brand.

Our Taiwan small group tours are especially designed to bring together many benefits of private tours and deliver them at an affordable small group tour price. If you’re a traveler who wants the flexibility and comfort of private tours, and wants to extend your travel dollars further, our small group tours are an ideal solution. With our thoughtfully curated multi-day Taiwan tour itineraries that draw on the knowledge and enthusiasm of our guides, you can choose a tour that is perfectly suited to you. And if you have particular interests in one destination city, or if there’s a ‘must visit’ attraction you have your heart set on, our tour creators will make it happen. We’ll integrate this as a private tour within your small group tour, because our mission is to help you create beautiful travel memories. Because many of our customers are ‘foodies’ like us, you can enjoy the freedom of choosing your own lunch and dinner at the countless restaurants, street food stalls, and home style cooking that is on just about every corner in Taiwan.

With just 12 travelers on any tour and three guaranteed departures weekly, even if you’re the only traveler, choosing one of our Taiwan small group tours is a wise travel investment. Ready to book? Talk to our tour design team today.

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]]> Taiwan Custom Tours https://www.chinatours.com/taiwan-tours/taiwan-custom-tours/ Sun, 20 Nov 2022 02:20:01 +0000 https://www.chinatours.com/?p=91724 A relatively small island, yet remarkably rich in landscapes, culture, people, and cuisine, Taiwan holds the promise of unique travel experiences that make for beautiful travel memories. Our Taiwan custom tours cater to the traveler who seeks more than a travel transaction. What they really want is the opportunity to know another region and all […]

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The very best in China.
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A relatively small island, yet remarkably rich in landscapes, culture, people, and cuisine, Taiwan holds the promise of unique travel experiences that make for beautiful travel memories.

Our Taiwan custom tours cater to the traveler who seeks more than a travel transaction. What they really want is the opportunity to know another region and all that it encompasses. The tour design team at ChinaTours.com has a deep appreciation of this kind of traveler. That’s why we offer tours that are tailored to your specific interests and style of travel.

What are Taiwan custom tours? They are tailored travel experiences in Taiwan designed with you in mind. Offering flexibility in duration, departure dates, destinations, experiences, and themes, enjoy the freedom of allowing your inner creative travel genius choose what you want to see, do, experience, and eat on tour. Fancy joining a small group tour in the city, but want the intimacy of a private tour in other locations? No problem. Our tour design team will work with you to finesse every detail of your itinerary by selecting from our thoughtfully curated selection of travel partners, hotels, transport options, and local bilingual tour guides.

Creating your own tour is easy. Simply complete the custom tours form below, outlining exactly where you want to go and when. Tell us your budget and where you’d like to stay, and the friendly ChinaTours.com travel team will get to work.

Nothing excites us more than bringing travel dreams to life and we look forward to working with you to create yours.

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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]]> Taiwan Food https://www.chinatours.com/taiwan-tours/taiwan-food/ Mon, 31 Oct 2022 01:44:05 +0000 https://www.chinatours.com/?p=91564 Taiwan food adventure? Get ready, because let’s just say that food in Taiwan - in all its many forms, from Taiwan street food to five star Taiwan specialty food - is all about incredible flavors, freshness, and originality. A stunning synthesis of multicultural influences, on a tour of Taiwan you will discover local, fresh ingredients; […]

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Taiwan Food: Surprising, delicious, creative

Taiwan food adventure? Get ready, because let’s just say that food in Taiwan - in all its many forms, from Taiwan street food to five star Taiwan specialty food - is all about incredible flavors, freshness, and originality. A stunning synthesis of multicultural influences, on a tour of Taiwan you will discover local, fresh ingredients; a preference for steamed, stir-fried, seafood, and soups; and a creativity that confers universal appeal upon the many diverse specialty dishes, street food snacks, and fine dining to be found here. In this article on the very best of Taiwan food, we’ve covered pretty much everything you need to know. A mix of tastes, famous dishes, and popular destinations, we’re confident - okay, perhaps even supremely confident - that you’ll not only be hungry, but have put together your own ‘yes, I have to try this dish’ list for your visit to this gorgeous little island.

So, with all that said, let’s tuck in!

Taiwan famous food: Delicious on any day

You could be forgiven for thinking that you perhaps know the food in Taiwan, but that would be a misperception. When you’ve finally booked your Taiwan tour and are getting around to assembling all the lovely little details that go with an international travel adventure, then food must form an important part of your travel plan. Because in Taiwan, every destination holds the promise of delicious dishes that not only awaken your flavor senses, but also open the window into the people, culture, and history behind them. What constitutes famous food in Taiwan? Well, that’s difficult to define in a single sentence or a single dish. External commentators have pointed to the unusual dishes like zhuxie gao (pig blood cake), which is a favorite with locals. Taiwanese cuisine, however, is actually an eclectic mix of dishes that are predominantly pan-fried and steamed, and sweet, sour, spicy, and bitter in flavor. Where does this mix come from? It’s a function of the island’s background that is steeped deeply in traditional Chinese cuisine, with many Japanese, Western, and other cultural influences. Here’s a healthy sample of Taiwan famous food for hungry travelers.

Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken

(San Bei Ji)

Taiwanese Three Cup Chicken

(San Bei Ji)

We love the ‘factual’ descriptions of dishes like Taiwanese three cup chicken, or San Bei Ji (三杯鸡). Quite literally chicken and a cup each of the three essential ingredients for the sauce (which is more like a syrup), namely sesame oil, dark soy sauce and rice wine, the flavors of this dish are enhanced further in a delightful marriage with ginger, garlic and basil. Originally from Jiangxi province, San Bei Ji is probably the most popular chicken dish in Taiwan and no two households, street food vendors, or restaurants make it the same way. So, does this mean you need to try a version in every destination in Taiwan? Probably! But mouthful and we’re pretty sure you won’t mind doing that.
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Taiwan Style Buddha Jumps Over the Wall

(Fo Tiao Qiang)

Taiwan Style Buddha Jumps Over the Wall

(Fo Tiao Qiang)

Originating out of Fuzhou in China’s southeast during the Qing dynasty, the Taiwanese version of Fo Tiao Qiang is a variation on the original theme. A somewhat more relaxed take, the Taiwanese version includes stir fried scallion, garlic and onion shallot, and is seasoned with soy sauce and ground white pepper. With the option to go fancy or simple, depending on available ingredients, Fo tiao qiang affords the chef substantial creative license. Typically, the main ingredients for a Taiwanese style Fo Tiao Qiang are: Fried pork ribs, rehydrated dried sea cucumber, taro, soaked dried bamboo shoots, soaked dried scallops, mushrooms, quail eggs, and chestnuts. Ingredients must be prepared, through rehydration or soaking, then deep fried or boiled separately, before mixing into the soup to stew. Fo tiao qiang is a classic dish that you’ll find on the banquet table of every family’s Chinese New Year celebrations.
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Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice Bowl

(Lu Rou Fan)

Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice Bowl

(Lu Rou Fan)

Synonymous with Taiwan, Lu Rou Fan could almost be considered the island’s most iconic dish. Simple yet flavorsome, Lu Rou Fan is popular, not least for its combination of ground pork that is braised in a wonderful combination of soy sauce, five-spice powder, and rice wine. Served either with rice or noodles, and occasionally a side dish of pickled cucumbers or shiitake mushrooms, Lu Rou Fan also goes by the moniker Taiwanese ragú. Taiwanese farmers may have had dibs on Lu Rou Fan in previous generations, but it is a much loved dish all over the island today.
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Taiwanese Preserved Radish Omelet

(Cai Fu Dan)

Taiwanese Preserved Radish Omelet

(Cai Fu Dan)

Preserved (or dried) radish is a staple in the diet of people in Taiwan, and one popular way to savor this traditional ingredient is in cai fu dan, a preserved radish omelet. Like many dishes from this lovely island, Cai Fu Dan is simple and quick to prepare. A traditional Hakka classic, this omelet is a typical Taiwanese breakfast and is often served with congee or steamed rice. You can also find Cai Fu Dan in Fujian, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, so if these destinations are part of your itinerary, you can enjoy Cai Fu Dan there too.
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Taiwanese-Style Ginger Duck Stew

(Jiang Mu Ya)

Taiwanese-Style Ginger Duck Stew

(Jiang Mu Ya)

A traditional dish with both healing and nourishing benefits, Jiang Mu Ya, or ginger duck stew, is a popular winter dish in Taiwan. Made with duck, ginger, sesame oil and high alcohol rice wine, Jiang Mu Ya not only fills an empty tummy, but also warms the soul. Made as a hot pot, you will find Jiang Mu Ya a spicy, sweet, soupy dish. Add side orders like mushrooms, cabbage, or tofu for a truly filling meal.
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Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup

(Niu Rou Mian)

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup

(Niu Rou Mian)

Not nearly as spicy as its Sichuan counterpart, and simmered for many hours, the Taiwan incarnation of beef noodle soup is more like ramen beloved by the Japanese. Taiwan beef noodle soup is a dish that is the result of many influences, elements, and cooking methods from different cuisines. The method of braising found in Shanghai cuisine, the process of preparing the broth by the Cantonese, and the addition of pickled vegetables (a Hokkien influence), hot and spicy Sichuan flavors, the unique taste of Taiwan’s onion shallot, and even Southeast Asia’s satay flavors.

With such an eclectic mix of flavors to experience, why wouldn’t you try Taiwanese beef noodle soup? There are many versions of beef soup noodles in Taiwan, so take your pick. Our two recommendations? Choose from a slow cooked clear stew soup or a red spicy soup cooked with chili bean paste. So good! And for the dedicated beef noodle soup lovers visiting Taipei, there is even an annual competition to judge the best beef noodle soup.
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Steamed Sticky Rice with Mud Crab

(Hong Xun Mi Gao)

Steamed Sticky Rice with Mud Crab

(Hong Xun Mi Gao)

If you happen to be in Taiwan for Chinese New Year, or a guest at a local wedding, expect the banquet to round out with this famous Taiwanese dish: steamed sticky rice with mud crab. Deeply entrenched in Taiwanese culture, this dish originated in the south of the island. Aside from cleaning the mud crabs, this dish is simple to prepare. Soaked sticky rice is stir fried with shitake mushrooms, rehydrated dried shrimps, diced ham, and some other ingredients. And for the finale? It’s topped with mud crab and steamed for 20 minutes.
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Squid and Sea Snails Soup with Green Garlic

(Youyu Luorou Suan)

Squid and Sea Snails Soup with Green Garlic

(Youyu Luorou Suan)

Feeling adventurous and wanting to immerse yourself in Taiwanese cuisine? Then this classic Taiwanese dish is a must. Frequently on the menu of Chinese New Year banquets, its three key ingredients are squid, sea snails, and green garlic. The dried squid is rehydrated for over eight hours prior to being added to the precooked pork rib soup and canned sea snails. For an enriching flavor, green garlic is added just before serving.
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Din Tai Fung Steamed Buns

(Xiao Long Bao)

Din Tai Fung Steamed Buns

(Xiao Long Bao)

Xiao long bao is a small steamed bun filled with mince and juicy broth. It is a universal favorite and a longstanding traditional Chinese staple that originated during the period of the Qing dynasty. There are as many versions of Xiao Long Bao as there are outlets that sell them, so don’t just try them once when on tour in Taiwan. Our insider’s tip for the very best however, is the restaurant, Din Tai Fung. It is deservedly famous for its paper-thin wrapped Xiao Long Bao, with fans traveling from all over the world for a taste. If you’re a serious foodie, Din Tai Fung is a definite inclusion on your Taiwan food bucket list. Imbibe these delights daily while traveling on your Taiwan tour.
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Taiwan street food: Local snacks you can’t walk past

Taiwan is famous for its many (okay, countless!) night markets that introduce international visitors to the amazing, interesting, and delicious street food that is an essential ingredient in any travel to this delightful destination. How many street food options are there? Too many to list here, but having consulted with our Taiwan team, we have included our favorites. Not all are available at every market, so be sure to plan ahead or book a Taiwan private tour so you don’t miss anything on your bucket list.

Taiwan street food

Oyster Omelet | O-A-Chian

Unless your palate prevents you, no visit to a Taiwan night market is complete without sampling at least one famous oyster omelet. Quite literally, O-A-Chian is the all time number one favorite for locals and visitors who visit Taiwan night markets.

Taiwan street food

Oyster Vermicelli Noodles | O-A-Mee Sua

Although not statistically proven, we’re confident you won’t visit a single night market in Taiwan without uncovering a stall that sells oyster vermicelli. Effectively a noodle soup, oyster vermicelli noodles are topped with juicy oysters and it’s a dish that’s a true icon of Taiwan cuisine.

Taiwan street food

Taiwanese Milkfish Soup | Shimuyu Geng

Given that people in Taiwan consume around hundreds of millions of tonnes of milkfish annually, you can understand that milkfish is a popular ingredient in Taiwanese cuisine. Appreciated for its tenderness, milkfish is typically served in a soup or as a congee, hence the inclusion of Shimuyu Geng in our list. Milkfish emerged as a Taiwan food staple towards the end of the Ming dynasty and remains a favorite. Maybe it will become a favorite for you too. Discoverable at night markets around Taiwan, but especially Tainan from where it originated.

Taiwan street food

Taiwan-Style Hamburger | Gua Bao

For an incredibly popular Taiwan street food snack, you have to try the famous local gua bao - or Taiwan style hamburger. These steamed buns filled with the flavorsome braised pork belly and a handful of other ingredients, such as sour pickled mustard greens, chopped parsley, and lightly sweetened peanut powder. They are without question, the Taiwan equivalent of a hamburger, but way more delicious. Almost guaranteed to demand a second serve!

Taiwan street food

Taiwanese Stir Fried Squid Thick Soup
| Sheng Chao Huazhi

Taiwanese stir fried squid thick soup - also known as stir fried cuttlefish stew - is an absolute must eat if you plan to visit Shilin Night Market in Taipei. It’s pretty hard to go past the aroma of fresh cuttlefish stir fried with garlic, scallion, chili and carrots, which is then seasoned with rice wine, soy sauce, salt, sugar, vinegar and Shacha sauce - so we recommend you don’t! Ingredients are then stewed in a stock with cabbage thickened with potato starch. A handful of fresh basil is added just prior to serving. Run, don’t walk to the Shilin night markets for a truly delicious dish.

Taiwan street food

Taiwanese Fried Chicken | Yansu Ji

Frequently rated among Taiwan’s night market top three favorite street food snacks, Taiwanese fried chicken (or popcorn chicken) is traditionally flavored with salt, pepper, garlic, and basil. These small pieces of chicken, usually thigh meat, are coated in potato or corn starch, then deep fried. Modern interpretations of Yansu Ji have included other seasoning flavors, such as seaweed or mustard powder and allspice, but the outcome is all the same: An irresistible street food snack for locals and visitors alike.

Taiwan street food

Tainan Danzai Noodles | Ta-A-Mi

The creation of a resourceful fisherman in 1895, Ta-A-Mi also referred to as ‘shoulder pole noodles’ - this classic local street food snack from Tainan is potentially the most delicious soup you’ll enjoy in Taiwan. A shrimp-flavored broth of wheat noodles, pork mince, and spices, every outlet maintains strict secrecy around its recipe. We think you’ll love a bowl or two of Tainan danzai noodles.

Taiwan street food

Small Sausage in A Large Sausage
| Dachang Bao Xiaochang

A quirky name for what is essentially the Taiwan equivalent of a hotdog. A pork sausage is grilled, then wrapped in a half-cut sticky rice ‘sausage’ and topped with sauce, condiments like garlic, pickled veggies, ground peanuts, and herbs such as coriander and basil.

Taiwan street food

Stinky Tofu | Chou Doufu

Just as the name describes, stinky tofu is just that; tofu with a pungent smell that has a loyal following among dedicated locals. Found at virtually every night market in Taiwan, stinky tofu is fermented tofu; a process which involves the tofu being placed in a jar of brine, together with bamboo shoots, shrimps, and green cabbage. Fermented for a month (incredibly, the jars are left open), the tofu is then soaked in a container jars for several hours, a step which results in the ‘stinky’ part of the tofu. Vendors often concoct their own flavors to complement the tofu, including garlic or chili sauce, or pickled cabbage. Stinky tofu is served fried, steamed, or stewed, but novices should opt for deep-fried as this is one Taiwan street food snack that is definitely an acquired taste.

Taiwanese street food

Taiwanese Scallion Pancake | Cong You Bing

Much loved by the locals, you can find versions of flaky scallion pancakes in most night markets in Taiwan. An iconic favorite that is crispy and flaky (what a combination), scallion pancakes can be eaten on their own, or wrapped around eggs, fresh basil, cheese, kimchi, spicy sauce and other ingredients, you’ll probably have to try this one multiple times. These pancakes are definitely a ‘must try’ and can be enjoyed at any meal from breakfast through to dinner. And if you do happen to make it to Yilan, be sure to try the Sanxing scallion pancakes there. They’re considered the very best; a big call considering there is plenty of competition.

Taiwan street food

Pineapple Shrimp Balls with Mayonnaise
| Feng Li Xia Qiu

For a pick-me-up dish in summer months, it’s hard to walk past pineapple and shrimp balls. These are usually served with mayonnaise and are the most popular dish ordered at re chao restaurants - famously casual (but delicious) local eateries that are a staple of the Taiwanese food culture. Again, like many other dishes, you will find this one is a perennial family favorite. Prawns are deep fried,  stir fried with pineapples, and mixed with mayonnaise for the perfect match of sweet and sour pineapple with prawns.

Taiwan street food

Tube Sticky Rice Pudding | Tongzai Gao

Although we would typically associate a pudding with being a sweet dessert, Tongzai gao or tube sticky rice pudding is actually a savory dish. Often served with mushrooms, pork, shallots, and eggs, the pudding immersed in a sweet and spicy sauce. A delicious breakfast that originated in Qingshui of Taichung, but today found in many specialty restaurants all over the island, be sure to try Tongzai Gao at least once during your Taiwan vacation.

Taiwan street food

Taiwanese Pineapple Cakes | Fenglisu

A buttery, flaky cake with a crust, Taiwanese pineapple cakes are delicious, sweet cakes and a popular ‘gift’ or souvenir for visitors to the island. A bit like traditional mooncake pastry in texture, the filling for these delights is a sweet pineapple jam or pineapple mixed with winter melon. Behind this treat, it’s said there is a lovely story of romance. During the Three Kingdoms dynasty, the Shu Emperor sent a large pineapple cake to a sister of the Wu emperor in an effort to win her over. We think that if she enjoyed a Fenglisu with a hot tea, as is recommended, it’s likely Emperor Shu’s advances were worth the effort! The reality is, however, that the popularity of pineapple cakes is closely aligned to the importance of pineapples in Taiwan’s economy. For nearly 100 years, Taiwan has been a net exporter of pineapples, and local bakers have made good use of excess by creating their own version of these famous treats.

Taiwan street food

Bubble Tea | Zhen Zhu Nai Cha

Really requiring no introduction at all, the reputation of bubble tea precedes it. Also referred to as pearl milk tea, tapioca tea, boba tea, and foam milk tea, bubble tea is now a popular beverage worldwide. Incredibly, local Taiwan people consume about 100 million bubble teas annually. It is said that Chun Shui Tang, a teahouse founded in 1983, started to make a kind of ‘iced tea’ by using premium tea. In 1986, a young employee mixed her favorite tapioca balls into the iced milk tea and iced lemon tea by chance, and even sold this ‘private recipe iced tea” for a trial. Positive customer feedback sealed its success, so when she asked to sell the tea as an official product, approval was a fait accompli. In the Spring of 1987, the pearl milk tea was officially launched in Chun Shui Tang. Today there are countless bubble tea shops all over Taiwan. Expect to find many variations that are created by adding different ingredients, with herbal jelly, coconut jelly, taro balls, puddings, aloe, coffee jelly, and fruit pieces among them.

Taiwan street food

Taiwanese shaved ice dessert | Chua Bing

For those with a penchant for sweet treats, you cannot go past Chua Bing, Taiwan’s shaved ice dessert. Regardless of whether you’re a traditionalist and opt for a mound of shaved ice with a selection of chewy toppings and brown sugar; or go with a modern interpretation - shaved ice with pieces of fruit (often mango), ice cream, chocolate sauce, or condensed milk, you won’t be disappointed. Perfect summer or winter if you love desserts, and if you’re after an experience that sums up Taiwan in sweets.

Taiwan streer food

Taiwanese Mochi | Mashu

Gooey, chewy, and glutinous, these rice cakes are a sweet dessert. Mochi come with various fillings, ranging from fruits to red bean paste and crushed peanuts. They also come coated with peanut powder or sesame seeds. There are even grilled mochi, and the very creative milk mochi. You will even find mochi added to a shaved ice dessert. Best consumed hot, explore the night market of your destination for a delicious local experience.

Traveling through Taiwan? Here’s our ultimate guide of recommended restaurants

Taiwan has an enviable reputation as a foodie’s heaven, so it’s almost impossible to curate a list of recommended restaurants because there are just so many. Fortunately, the ChinaTours.com team can solve that problem. We have trusty guides on the ground that double as dedicated researchers who are charged with the not-so-enviable task of picking out the best places for our lovely travel guests to dine. We know! It’s a tough job, but somebody has do it! From traditional Taiwanese cuisine, to street food, and fine dining, we’ve summarized the list for you, making it super easy for you to create your very own shortlist of restaurants to visit.

Hungry? Well, then, let’s get started!

Taiwan cuisine: Recommended restaurants

Re chao

Everywhere in Taiwan

Re chao

Everywhere in Taiwan

For a seriously authentic, local dining experience, at the top of the list you will find any re chao. Not quite a night market food stall, and not quite a restaurant, Taiwan’s re chao offer informal, casual roadside dining. The direct translation of re chao is ‘hot stir fry', so really, what’s not to like? With food that is prepared quickly, is well priced, authentic, and delicious, there is no comparison. A must for serious food lovers and travelers wanting a genuine experience of local life.
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Mountain and Sea House

Taipei

Mountain and Sea House

Taipei

Michelin loves Taiwan and it’s not hard to see why with Mountain and Sea House in Taipei. Famous for reinvigorating enthusiasm for the halcyon days of the 1930s, this restaurant prides itself on fine dining following a ‘farm to table’ philosophy with its dishes. All produce grown in the organic farm finds itself in the many signature dishes. Among those rating highly are steamed sticky rice with mud crab, M&S special fish, roast suckling pig, deboned chicken braised in pork tripe, stir fried rice noodle, and crispy roasted chicken. Bookings are essential.
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Shin Yeh

Taipei

Shin Yeh

Taipei

First opening in 1977, Shin Yeh has expanded over decades to many outlets. Among them is Shin Yeh Taiwanese Cuisine, recommended by the Michelin guide as a restaurant of home-style flavors. It is popular with both locals and visitors. Catering to a younger generation of diners, Shin Yeh Shiao Ju was launched in 2013. With a relaxed environment for young people to meet with friends and enjoy food, Shin Yeh Shiao Ju has found its way into the hearts of a new generation of foodies. For those who prefer a ‘high end’ luxury dining experience, visit Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature. It’s here you can savor Shin Yeh’s ‘greatest hits’ from the past 40 years.
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Inn’s +

Taipei

Inn’s +

Taipei

First opened in 2019, this hidden gem is a Michelin guide restaurant that previously operated as a private kitchen offering rustic homestyle dishes. Through word of mouth and a loyal local following, diners have become devotees of the restaurant’s signature specialties like deep-fried home-made baby oyster rolls, shrimp omelet, deep-fried crispy pork, braised pork feet with peanuts. Make a beeline for lunch or dinner, and if you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of the owner who is also the house chef.
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Golden Formosa

Taipei

Golden Formosa

Taipei

For over 60 years, Golden Formosa has delighted locals and travelers with its classic Taiwanese cuisine. It is most deserving of the Michelin star rating it has received for four consecutive years 2022. Favored among diners are its standout dishes: Deep-fried pork ribs, steamed sticky rice with mud crab, buddha jumps over the wall (fo tiao qiang), and Formosa’s sweet and sour sea fish. Now run by a third generation of the same family, Golden Formosa in Shilin, Taipei is hard to beat for a restaurant experience on a Taiwan tour.
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Ao Ba (Green Leaf) Zhongshan Restaurant

Taipei

Ao Ba (Green Leaf) Zhongshan Restaurant

Taipei

The famous restaurant was founded in 1964 and is regarded as the oldest restaurant of classic Taiwanese cuisine in Taiwan. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it closed in Oct 2020 only to re-emerge after two months. The restaurant offers over 200 dishes on its menu, including many that are representative of Taiwanese cuisine. Having moved with the times, diners can expect to enjoy traditional dishes that have been modernized to reflect changing dietary preferences. The three most frequently ordered dishes are: Braised pork in soy sauce, pan-fried pork liver in soy sauce, and preserved radish omelet, for which there is an exclusive chef who only cooks this dish. Be sure to book ahead.
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Amei Restaurant

Tainan

Amei Restaurant

Tainan

Reflecting the changing times and tastes, Amei Restaurant, which is still operated by a third generation family, is a Tainan local favorite. Think authentic traditional Taiwanese dishes, including several dishes with century-old recipes. Among the house specialties you’ll find duck casserole, shrimp thick soup, and fish head casserole. For a dining experience with a historical flavor - the restaurant’s interior features traditional design, timber, and historical artifacts - this is the place to go in Tainan.
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A-Sha Restaurant

Tainan

A-Sha Restaurant

Tainan

First established in 1940, A-Sha Restaurant began as a humble dim sum stall selling noodles. Some 80 years later, and still operating under ownership of by the same family, A-Sha is a Tainan icon. Book in and relish the humble, yet flavor-filled food in Taiwanese classics like steamed sticky rice with mud crab, charcoal grilled mullet roe, Tainan traditional style braised fish. Thanks to popular demand, a sub-branch has opened. Jin Xia was established in 2015 and became a Michelin restaurant in 2022.
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Shan Shin Dining Room

Taichung

Shan Shin Dining Room

Taichung

Since it opened in 2013, this Michelin restaurant has earned its reputation for creating homestyle traditional Hakka and Taiwanese food using only the cleanest and best ingredients. Everything from the fresh meat to the finest rice, fresh sea water and even soy sauce is carefully selected from exclusive suppliers. A must for the health conscious food connoisseur.
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For local snacks and Taiwan street food

Now of course you can wander the night markets in every Taiwan town and city and partake of the vast selection of local snacks and Taiwan street food, but in fact, many restaurants also offer an excellent choice of traditional dishes. Here is a handful of our recommendations for the intrepid traveling diner.

taiwan cuisine

Du Hsiao Yueh Restaurant | Tainan, Taipei & Penghu

Who doesn’t love noodles? If you’re in that cohort like the ChinaTours.com team, then the famous ta-a-mi noodles from Du Hsiao Yueh Restaurant are a must. Whether you visit the Tainan, Taipei or Penghu outlets, you can also enjoy many other traditional Taiwanese dishes such as golden shrimp rolls, Gong Wan meatballs, braised pork rice and vermicelli rolls. A legendary foodie haunt? We think so!

food in taiwan

Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice | Taipei

Located close to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, this popular local restaurant does some serious hours, operating daily from 8.00am to 1.00am. Amazingly, regardless of the time of day and the weather, there is quite literally always a queue of people who come to pay homage to Taipei’s most famous braised pork rice. A superlative experience for eating local food with local people if Taipei’s on your itinerary.

Taiwan food

Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken | Taipei

Deemed a legend of local street food for over 20 years, Hot Star Large Fried Chicken serves just that: Large fried chicken that smells and tastes fabulous. First becoming famous in Taichung and then moving over to the Shilin Night Market in Taipei, it’s one outlet that’s endured the test of time. Expect long wait times at all hours of the day and night.

Taiwan cuisine

Yong-Kang Beef Noodle | Taipei

First opening in 1963, this tiny noodle stall is now the undisputed leader in Taiwanese beef noodle provedores. The house specialty? Sichuan flavored hot and spicy soup. The restaurant has operated over 50 years and still continues to delight loyal locals who love a low key, but delicious dining experience.

Taiwan food

Tien Hsia San Chueh | Taipei

Attracting stars and regular folk alike, this upmarket version of a typical beef noodle soup restaurant provides a unique experience if you’re after a traditional Taiwanese beef noodle soup, but don’t want the rough and ready environment that are a feature of most outlets, then make your way to Tien Hsia San Chueh in Taipei. The food is as good as anywhere and is well matched by a stylish western cafe décor environment. There’s even wine available for those looking to complement their meal.

food in taiwan

Tian Tian Li Restaurant | Taipei

Located in the area of Shi-men Ting (Ximending), Tian Tian Li is a local favorite. Hardly a glamorous  affair, this is where to go for seriously authentic braised pork rice, oyster omelet, braised eggs, and Chinese Lo Bak Go (turnip cake).

Taiwan cuisine

Chun Shui Tang

| Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Hsinchu, Taoyuan

Chun Shui Tang is to bubble tea what Starbucks is to coffee. With Taiwan’s ongoing love affair with bubble tea, there are over 50 Chun Shui Tang shops in Taiwan. In addition to many varieties of bubble tea, this chain of restaurants also offers a range of other Taiwanese local flavors and snacks.

Taiwan food

Ice Monster | Taipei

Looking for a local Taiwanese dessert specialty? Then go no further than the well-known Taiwanese dessert chain Ice Monster, which first opened its doors in 1997. Everyone knows the mango shaved ice is the ‘masterpiece’, but don’t be misled. There is a dazzling array of fresh fruit shaved ice, sorbet, ice cream, frozen yogurt, fruit tea, and dessert soups. The perfect place to stop after a day of taking in the local sites.

Other specialty restaurants: Taiwan’s best

Din Tai Fung

Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Hsinchu

Din Tai Fung

Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Hsinchu

Now rockstar-famous across the globe, Din Tai Fung is considered the ‘pride of Taiwan’. This Taiwanese mecca for xiao long bao attracts pilgrims from all over the world and has been awarded a Michelin star not once, but several times. Besides the signature soup dumplings, there are many others available. The steamed buns, soups, noodles, fried rice, stir fried dishes, and wontons all rate a mention, and should be included on your dine in list. A definite stopover if there’s no Ding Tai Fung in your home town.
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Le Palais

Taipei

Le Palais

Taipei

As the name suggests, this luxury restaurant has a palatial feel to it, not least because it’s located in the museum hotel of Palais de Chine in Taipei. Consistently receiving Michelin 3 star ratings since 2018, foodies will love the Cantonese-style crispy roast duck, which is considered Taiwan’s best roast duck by locals. No mean feat in a world that reveres a well-cooked duck. Impressive in every way, from the food to the decor to the impeccable service, Le Palais is an experience where you enjoy the fusion of contemporary and traditional in a setting that balances refined elegance with modern style. Even the difficult-to-impress will be won over here.
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Silks Palace

Taipei

Silks Palace

Taipei

For a culinary art and architectural experience, visit Silks Palace in Taipei. Located in the National Palace Museum precinct, Silks Palace is a stunning building inside and out. Its architecture combines traditional Chinese elements with contemporary influences and respectful acknowledgement of the environment. Guests can experience a Chinese Pastry Open Kitchen performance; enjoy the ambience in one of the many private dining rooms (each named after a famous Chinese artist); admire the Song dynasty wall art; and of course, savor the delightful food. For those seeking a dining experience in less auspicious surrounds, make your way to the Taiwanese Food Court or the Open-space restaurant in the complex. Silks Palace is highly regarded for its exquisitely recreated classical dishes, which include: Jadeite Cabbage with Insects (actually they use shrimps as the ‘insects’), Buddha’s Tureen in Ting Cauldron with String Decoration, Meat-shaped Stone, and Yuan Dynasty Yun Lin Goose.
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Shi-Yang Restaurant

Taipei

Shi-Yang Restaurant

Taipei

Shi-Yang Restaurant is located about an hour out of Taipei. To visit here is to enjoy a genuine Zen experience from start to finish. Owned by a former architect , Shi-Yang provides guests with stunning and creatively prepared multi course meals that fuse Chinese ingredients with Western cooking styles. With photo-worthy views out across the gully thanks to the restaurant’s mountain top location, dining here is not only the content of beautiful travel memories, it is a spiritual experience that will change how you see and eat food. Bookings are essential (the restaurant is booked out two months in advance), as you may find yourself competing with dignitaries, celebrities, and dedicated foodies all keen for their own experience of culinary Zen.
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Addiction Aquatic Development (AAD)

Taipei

Addiction Aquatic Development (AAD)

Taipei

Are you a seafood lover? Do you set the bar high when it comes to all things pescatorial? Then, Addiction Aquatic Development, or AAD as it's known by fans, is a treasure trove of seafood in every imaginable form. From sushi to fried fish to a fresh catch (yes, there are live tanks, so you can choose your own seafood adventure), AAD has it all. Arrive hungry and eat at the fabulous sushi bar, pick up a bento bowl to go, or dine in and enjoy a hotpot or grill. Apart from an incredible array of seafood, there’s also plenty of dining options. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Taipei.
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Yu Shan Ge

Taipei, Kaohsiung

Yu Shan Ge

Taipei, Kaohsiung

It’s hard to overlook a restaurant where the philosophy is creating meals that bring happiness through joyful cooking. Taiwan’s leading high end vegetarian restaurant - found in two locations (Taipei and Kaohsiung) - Yu Shan Ge is the culinary devotion and dream of founder Eric Chen. With every dish crafted to be a work of art that inspires the diners, Yu Shan Ge’s  signature dish is monkey head mushrooms in black pepper sauce, for which mushrooms are marinated 24 hours before being tenderized and fried. It’s the closest thing to vegetarian steak you’ll find in Taiwan. Book ahead.
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]]> Things to do in Taiwan https://www.chinatours.com/taiwan-tours/things-to-do-in-taiwan/ Fri, 14 Oct 2022 00:53:36 +0000 https://www.chinatours.com/?p=91485 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 […]

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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.

Places to visit in Taiwan: Stunning landscapes and fascinating culture

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

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

Taipei 101 Observatory

Get your heart racing with a trip to the 89th 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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Things to do at night: Taiwan under lights

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.

fun things to do in taiwan

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.

fun things to do in taiwan

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.

fun things to do in Taiwan

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.

fun things to do in Taiwan

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.

fun things to do in taiwan

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.

fun things to do in taiwan

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.

fun things to do in Taiwan

 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.

fun things to do in China

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.

Shows and concerts

On your Taiwan tour you may spend the days on your feet, but once the sightseeing is done it’s always fun to step out for a show or two. Taiwan offers plenty so be sure to save a little of yourself for what’s on offer at various famous venues that host performances and exhibitions showcasing ancient and modern creative arts.

National Theater and Concert Hall

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

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

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

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

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

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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Local Taiwan Performances

As somewhat of a cultural destination, Taiwan offers both modern and contemporary options that can be easily integrated into any Taiwan tour itinerary. For distinctively Taiwanese art forms, you cannot go past Taiwanese opera and Taiwanese glove puppetry. Read on for where to go for a first hand experience.

best things to do in Taiwan

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.

best things to do in Taiwan

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.

Taiwan by night and Taiwan night tours

It would be misleading to suggest that the best of Taiwan is only visible by day, because as a place that seamlessly blends old and new, natural and man made, and the beautiful with the interesting, you would be missing a complete experience if you didn’t make time to experience Taiwan by night.

Taipei

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

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

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

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

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

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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Experiences in Taiwan: Fun things to do in Taiwan

Anyone who knows the ChinaTours.com team knows we’re all about the experience. We love nothing more than helping you create a tour that melds together unique experiences that become beautiful travel memories. Taiwan abounds in unique and one-off experiences, which is why we’ve listed our recommendations here. We want to make your travel adventure with us one you’ll remember long after returning home, so make your choices from the list below. It’s been curated with you in mind.

Taiwan Tours

Hot10 Day Taiwan Tour

10 Day Taiwan Tour

Hot9 Day Taiwan Tour

9 Day Taiwan Tour

Hot7 Day Beyond Taipei Tour

7 Day Beyond Taipei Tour


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Testimonials

  • user_img
    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
  • user_img
    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
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    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

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]]> Taiwan Tea Tours https://www.chinatours.com/taiwan-tours/taiwan-tea-tours/ Wed, 29 Jun 2022 11:23:32 +0000 https://www.chinatours.com/?p=91383 Combine your love of tea and travel on one of our thoughtfully created charming Taiwan tea tours, perfect for the discerning traveler wanting more than ordinary, everyday travel experiences. At ChinaTours.com, we understand the world is divided into two groups: Those who take an everyday approach to tea, and those who take their tea very […]

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Taiwan Tea Tours

Combine your love of tea and travel on one of our thoughtfully created charming Taiwan tea tours, perfect for the discerning traveler wanting more than ordinary, everyday travel experiences.

At ChinaTours.com, we understand the world is divided into two groups: Those who take an everyday approach to tea, and those who take their tea very seriously (the way we do). In Taiwan, tea is serious business, so if you take tea seriously, know your Oolong from your Assam, and can discern a pu’er tea from a black tea, then our Taiwan tea tours are for you. In the creation process, we’ve taken the best of Taiwan tea culture and woven it into wonderful, holistic experiences of this lovely idyllic island. Tea aficionados can indulge their love with local Taiwan tea lovers, growers, and workers. Read more

Join our lovely bilingual guides as you travel the island and learn about the history of tea in Taiwan, visit some of the island’s most highly regarded plantations, deepen your understanding of tea culture, and practise the art of making and enjoying tea. All this while you experience Taiwan’s beautiful landscapes, picturesque natural highlights, and manmade sights.

If there’s one thing we strive for at ChinaTours.com, it’s perfecting the balance of activity and rest on tour. Why? So you have time to savor experiences and gather beautiful travel memories and treasured mementos along the way. Ready for a travel experience with a difference? Join us on one of our Taiwan tea tours when you book a vacation with our friendly tour team.

Taiwan tea tours

Our multi-day Taiwan tea tours range in duration and destinations. Each one includes opportunities to enjoy the very best of Taiwan’s natural beauty, historical landmarks, and of course, all things tea-related. And if you can’t see what you’re looking for here, reach out to our friendly team and create your very own custom tour.

Discover Taiwan tea fun facts

Taiwan tea tours

Taiwan’s tea history

For an island whose history spans millennia, it’s hard to believe the history of tea in Taiwan dates back just over 200 years (notwithstanding the history of tea stretches back some 5,000 years and that the Dutch grew tea on a small scale in Taiwan in the 1600’s).

So when did it begin? During the Qing dynasty, immigrants from Fujian and Guangdong brought tea and tea making to Taiwan. An English merchant John Dodd and his comprador, a Chinese businessman Li Chunsheng, effectively launched the tea industry in Taiwan by importing tea from Fujian. They taught farmers to grow tea, built large-scale tea plantations and made Formosa Oolong tea well-known all over the world by exporting to the USA and England in the 1860s. After 1895, new and improved varieties of tea were developed and black tea production was boosted.

During Japanese occupation in Taiwan (from 1900 to the end of the Second World War), tea production ramped up, and the quality of Taiwanese tea - known as Formosa tea - gained a worldwide reputation. During this time, some of the world’s most popular varieties of teas were developed in Japanese testing facilities in Taiwan.

Taiwan’s best known teas include: Dong Ding Oolong, Baozhong, Jin Xuan Oolong, Tieguanyin, Alishan High-mountain tea, Dayuling Oolong, Oriental Beauty, Sun Moon Lake Ruby Red black tea, and Biluochun green tea.

Taipei teahouses

A visit to Taiwan is not complete with entering a teahouse to two, but where do you start? There are many wonderful venues, but here are three we highly recommend:

Wistaria Teahouse

Wistaria Teahouse

An elegant and peaceful teahouse that doubles as a gallery/museum, the zen-like quiet of this lovely sanctuary belies its history as a place for dissenters to debate and share like-minded views during Taiwan’s troubled times in the late 1970’s. Enjoy the finest tea and wander the exhibition of the day during your visit.

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Qxz2 Tea

Qxz2 Tea

The brainchild of a famous Taipei teahouse owner, Qing Xiang Zhai #2 Courtyard - unofficially referred to as the “2nd generation” teahouse - was established in 2018. Expect all things Oolong tea, including Oolong tea ceremonies and tea parties. Reservations essential.

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Stop By Tea House

Stop By Tea House

Owned and operated by a former architect, Mr. Shen and his wife, this famous teahouse is more like a tea art gallery. In addition to the exquisite teaware on display, another highlight of the teahouse is the ancient Chinese tea drinking game, Qu Shui Liu Shang, that the owner has revived to an enthusiastic reception from locals and international travelers. Tea novices welcome.

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Discover bubble tea

Taiwan Bubble Tea 2

Bubble tea, also called pearl milk tea, tapioca tea, boba tea, and foam milk tea, is so popular among Asians, and is now even a beverage that is popular worldwide. Incredibly, local Taiwan people consume about 100 million bubble teas annually.

How did bubble tea originate? It is said that Chun Shui Tang, a teahouse founded in 1983, started to make a kind of ‘iced tea’ by using premium tea. In 1986, a young employee mixed her favorite tapioca balls into the iced milk tea and iced lemon tea by chance, and even sold this ‘private recipe iced tea” for a trial. Positive customer feedback sealed its success, so when she asked to sell the tea as an official product, approval was a fait accompli. In the Spring of 1987, the pearl milk tea was officially launched in Chun Shui Tang.

Today there are countless bubble tea shops all over the world. A basic bubble

tea, which can be black or green, can be morphed into many varieties simply by adding different ingredients of herbal jelly, coconut jelly, taro balls, puddings, aloe, coffee jelly, and fruit pieces.

Taiwan tea ceremonies

Taiwan Tea tours

The tea ceremony as an art form originated in China, and spread to Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. In Taiwan, tea is integral to life and culture in Taiwan, and modern local tea ceremonies in Taiwan take influences from Japan, yet Taiwan tea culture maintains its own distinctive characteristics. Where a Japanese tea ceremony may be a more serious affair, a Taiwan tea ceremony is more life-oriented, and in Chinese is called ‘tea art’.

The heritage of a Taiwan tea ceremony can be found in a Gongfu tea ceremony. (Gongfu translates as mastery of skills or spending much time and effort doing something). In terms of tea ceremony, it appeared during the Song dynasty and was popular in the regions of Fujian and Guangdong. As the name implies, there is an art and skill in making the tea, not to mention an array of teaware and utensils necessary to create the perfect tea and perfect tea experience. The art of tea making Taiwan-style means to pay attention to the quality of the tea, the skill applied in making the tea, the exquisite teaware used in the ceremony, and the peaceful environment in which the tea is enjoyed.

Teawear

Taiwan teaware

While there’s a whole industry around the growing of tea, it’s fair to say that Taiwan teaware has emerged as a kind of sub-industry, with the very best teaware appealing to those who love items of beauty that are rich in symbolism.

Teaware is made in many and varied materials, including clay, porcelain, glass, silver, bamboo, wood, jade, crystal, and metals such as tin, copper, iron, and stainless steel. Craftsmen create beautiful artworks that are collected and coveted by tea and art lovers alike. When in Taiwan, it’s hard to go past Yingge, considered the center of pottery and ceramics on the island. For tea lovers serious about using the finest quality teaware, be it classic or contemporary, add Yingge to your Taiwan bucket list.

 

Tea culture experience

How do you choose between all the tea plantations, factories, and museums for the ultimate tea culture experience? It’s not easy, but with a little guidance you can sip with confidence. We’ve listed our top picks here, but read through our tours for more detailed information on tea culture destinations.

Pinglin Tea Museum

Pinglin Tea Museum

Believed to be one of the world’s largest museums dedicated solely to showcasing the history, production, and marketing of tea, the delightful recreation of lifelike scenes that show how tea was and still is produced will give you the sense you’ve stepped back in time. The museum is located in a traditional Chinese courtyard, covering a three hectare area. Exhibits display the tea processing equipment, types of tea, information about tea production regions in China and other countries, the history of tea, including its origins, teas from different Chinese dynasties, the history of tea in Pinglin, the story of Wenshan Baozhong tea, and the art of tea. Anyone for teaware, tea books, or songs about tea? You can find it all at Pinglin Tea Museum.

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Fuyuan Tea Factory

Fuyuan Tea Factory

This old tea factory is located in a Hakka village in Taoyuan. Visitors can learn about tea processing and enjoy the experiences of picking, shaping, and panning tea. You can even get hands on making tea powder! The tea factory produces green, black tea, Oolong, and “oriental beauty” tea. Be sure to try the unique Hakka “sour orange tea” if you make a stop at Fuyuan.

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Antique Assam Tea Farm

Antique Assam Tea Farm

Visit the Antique Assam Tea Farm, a plantation that has metamorphosed through the shape-shifting changes in the Taiwan tea industry to become a living legacy to Taiwan’s rich tea culture. A ‘tea oasis’ in Taiwan, not least because of its idyllic presentation, you will find a remarkable collection of Assam teas ready to add to your tea collection.

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Ready to launch? Let’s get you on your way! Reach out to our team of specialist tour designers today.

We can help with these and many more activities and experiences

Speak with one of travel consultants to organize additional activities for your Taiwan tea tour.

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]]> Taiwan Food Tours https://www.chinatours.com/taiwan-tours/taiwan-food-tours/ Sat, 11 Jun 2022 11:14:16 +0000 https://www.chinatours.com/?p=91343 As devoted food lovers, the ChinaTours.com crew just had to create this carefully curated selection of food tours of Taiwan. What could be better? An idyllic island, gorgeous scenery, friendly people - and that vital ingredient - amazing food.   For the traveler who gathers food memories like a collector of treasured artworks, we reached deep […]

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Taiwan Food Tours

Searching for Taiwan food tours? We are here for you!

As devoted food lovers, the ChinaTours.com crew just had to create this carefully curated selection of food tours of Taiwan. What could be better? An idyllic island, gorgeous scenery, friendly people - and that vital ingredient - amazing food.  

For the traveler who gathers food memories like a collector of treasured artworks, we reached deep into our network of partners to assemble experiences, dishes, and destinations that will ensure your tour with us enlivens your tastebuds and is embossed in your mind as it should be; a beautiful travel memory. Like the millions from Asia who travel to Taiwan for the sole purpose of its food, on our Taiwan food tours, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a cuisine that draws on rich influences reflecting the island’s heritage - Hokkien, Hakka, Chaochow, Aboriginal, Japanese, and Dutch. Make daily forays and discover Taiwan’s best markets, sample exciting street food, create a farm-to-plate feast, discover traditional dishes, imbibe the local culture, and more. We know you want to travel that enriches and what better way to realize that goal than with new culinary experiences hosted by our lovely local bilingual guides.  Read more

We know it takes more than food to make a tour, so expect our Taiwan food tours to bear all the hallmarks of quality ChinaTours.com travel: Exceptional accommodation options, exposure to traditional culture and contemporary local life, guides who care about every little detail, and a relaxed travel itinerary. Our tours are designed to bring you this tiny island’s coveted highlights: the National Palace Museum, the National Center for Traditional Arts, Jiufen Old Street, Yehliu Geopark, Sun Moon Lake, national parks, markets, big cities, tiny villages, and more.

If you’re ready to open your eyes to Taiwan and take an exciting food journey, we’d love to take you. Talk to our team today.

Taiwan food tours

Our Taiwan food tours are designed with the food lover in mind. We’ve focused on creating tours that balance the best of the island’s culinary highlights with natural landscapes,  traditional culture, and memorable hands-on experiences. 

Extra fun for food lovers visiting Taiwan

Looking for something a little special to include on your Taiwan food tour? In just about every destination in Taiwan, we’ve optional extras that can be built into your tour. Understanding that you’ll want to make the most of every minute on tour, we can work with you to integrate these special experiences into the overall tour schedule so nothing is missed - all while keeping the tour pace manageable and enjoyable.

Michelin restaurants

Michelin restaurants

There are many restaurants in Taipei and Taichung that have made it to the hallowed culinary pages of the esteemed Michelin Guide. With a vast array of cuisines and dishes on offer, the hardest decision you’ll have is what to choose. Will it be Taiwanese, Cantonese, European Contemporary, Japanese, Indian, French, vegetarian, seafood, and innovative food? Incredibly, there are even Michelin restaurants for noodles, stuffed buns, sushi, and street food. Taiwan is a veritable Michelin restaurant hotspot! Why not get started with Ningxia Night Market in Taipei and while there make your way to the Michelin-rated stalls for Fang Chia (shredded chicken on rice), Liu Yu Zai (deep-fried taro balls), and Rong’s Pork Liver.  

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Local street food and snacks

Local street food and snacks

There are that many more-ish street foods and snacks in Taiwan, it’s hard to make a single must-try list. Our tip? Go with what’s popular and work your way through that first. Try these local specialties on your Taiwan food tour: Oyster omelet (O-A-Tsian), beef noodles (Niurou Mian), Taiwanese burger (Gua Bao), stinky tofu (Chou Doufu), braised pork rice (Lu Rou Fan), danzai noodles, oyster vermicelli (O-A-Mi Sua), sticky rice cake (Tongzai Migao), Taiwanese popcorn chicken (Yansu Ji), and of course, bubble tea and shaved ice for the sweet teeth. 

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Make the most of mornings in Taiwan

Make the most of mornings in Taiwan

Food is part of every day, all day, in Taiwan, so a food tour wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a hearty breakfast.  

Most local Taiwanese don’t have breakfast at home. Instead, they eat at the many breakfast shops/stalls nearby in the neighborhood or even have takeaway breakfast on the way to school or work. A staple of local life, it’s a rare person who lives without these convenient and affordable snacks. Typically, there are two main breakfasts in Taiwan; the traditional Taiwanese breakfast and a western (Taiwanese version) breakfast. Brunch is now also very popular. Choose from different types of toast, crepes, sandwiches, and burgers, served together with coffee or tea.  

We highly recommend partaking of a traditional Taiwanese breakfast during your tour and try the following at least once: Flatbread filled with deep-fried dough sticks (Shao Bing You Tiao); also served with soy milk (Dou Jiang) - a classic combination. Other favorites include sticky rice rolls (Fan Tuan), scallion pancake (Cong You Bing), Taiwanese egg crepe (Dan Bing), white radish cake (Lobok Gao), and steamed stuffed buns, and fried dumplings (Guo Tie). 

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Food for Chinese New Year

Food for Chinese New Year

Of course, Chinese New Year is a big deal in Taiwan, and food is an essential part of all celebrations. The dishes on the table are deeply symbolic. Here are just a few: 

  • Long mustard green leaves symbolize longevity 
  • White radish symbolizes good fortune (due to its Hakka pronunciation).  
  • Min cuisine's signature dish is Fo Tiao Qiang which literally translates as Buddha jumping over the wall. It symbolizes that splendor is maintained for the family. 
  • A whole fish promises prosperity for the new year, while a chicken symbolizes good luck. Dumplings shaped like ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots symbolize money rolling in and sticky rice cake heralds career promotion or improvements in the study.
  • Meatballs or sticky rice balls symbolize the family reunion. 

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Experience authentic vegetarian food

Experience authentic vegetarian food

Far from being a fad, Taiwan is home to vegetarian food and over three million vegetarians! Yes, there are Buddhist and Daoist influences, as well as traditional Chinese food culture, but it seems Taiwan food reflects the importance of a healthy lifestyle to locals. In fact, locals are encouraged to have one full vegetarian day every week. Vegetarian labeling of foods has also been regulated since 2010.  

Every type of vegetarian is catered for in Taiwan, including vegans, so your dietary choices definitely shouldn’t stop you in Taiwan. Indeed, there are even Michelin standard vegetarian restaurants, street food stalls, right through to creative gourmet food, and bento on the train. Flavor influences abound and include traditional Chinese vegetarian cuisine to Japanese, Italian, Thailand, and Indian vegetarian food. Dig in!  

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Night Markets in Taiwan

Night Markets in Taiwan

Yes, anywhere in Taiwan by day is fun, however, Taiwan’s night markets will surprise and delight too. Found in virtually every city in Taiwan, it’s any wonder night markets have collectively and individually gained a reputation as a must-do activity while visiting this lovely little island.  

For food lovers, night markets hold special appeal because they are really the ‘fast track’ to knowing and experiencing authentic street food and the life of locals in Taiwan. Not only are night markets a daily destination for devoted locals, but they also appeal to travelers from all over who are looking for their own culinary adventure, inclusive of including street foods, snacks, as well as popular and traditional dishes from China.  

If you have more taste buds than time, make tracks for Shilin Night Market, the largest of its kind in Taipei. Add Fengjia Night Market in Taichung to your list too. It is the “matrix” of Taiwan’s night markets; a veritable maze where losing yourself in the food is easy. Take a step back in time when you visit the Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung with its 60-year history, or while in Keelung, explore Miaokou Night Market, the city’s most well-known and appreciated icon. And a final suggestion? Luodong Night Market in Yilan, famous for its authentic Taiwanese street food, shopping, and entertainment, should be included in your itinerary. A visit here is the perfect way to peek into the life of locals who can be found here every night. 

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More information about Taiwan food
Ready to launch? Let’s get you on your way! Reach out to our team of specialist tour designers today.

We can help with these and many more food activities

Speak with one of travel consultants to organize additional activities for your Taiwan food tour.

Customize your Taiwan food tour

Why ChinaTours.com?

No commission-based shopping tours

We showcase China’s best culture, history and natural landscape with no commission-based shopping stops.
Discover more

Talk with real people

Our team of China travel consultants take care of every detail even when you book your China tour online.
Discover more

Create beautiful travel memories

We’re committed to designing a China tour you’ll remember long after you’ve arrived home.
Discover more

Best choice

We create tours people want and holidays people love.
Discover more

Travel Memories

Travel Memory

Customers from UK
September 2023

Travel Memory

Customers from Mexico
May 2023

Travel Memories

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June 2023

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February 2023

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