Why go à Taïwan?
The good reasons to go à Taïwan
Breathtaking landscapes
Far from the urban jungle of Taipei, Taiwan offers magnificent and varied landscapes.
Hot springs
Visiting one of the country's many thermal springs is a unique experience.
An authentic destination
Taiwan remains very attached to Chinese culture, whose heritage it defends.
The sports paradise
Hiking, mountaineering or marine activities, the choice is vast for sports enthusiasts.
A year of celebrations
Chinese, aboriginal or national celebrations are celebrated all year round in Taiwan.
A memorable welcome
Curious and welcoming... there's no shortage of adjectives to describe the Taiwanese.
Exceptional gastronomy
Influenced by Chinese and Japanese culture, Taiwanese cuisine is an art of living.
Shopping in the plural
Taipei is the ideal city for year-round shopping or satisfying a special craving.
The treasures of the Palace Museum
A must for any visit to Taipei: 75% of the world's Chinese art is on display here.
Democratic values
As the only democracy in the region, Taiwan is open to the world and committed to freedom.
Good to know when visiting Taïwan
Timetable
Most of Taipei's historic sites are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; in the provinces, opening hours may vary according to the number of visitors and the season. Temples are generally open in the evening, so that the faithful can come and pray after work. As for the national parks, they are open 24 hours a day, although some attractions close in the early evening. On weekdays, most of the sites are quiet and little visited; on weekends, on the other hand, they can be very busy.
To be booked
You don't need to book tickets for the vast majority of sites in Taiwan. That said, if you would like an English-speaking guide at the National Palace Museum, it's best to request one in advance.
Budget & Tips
Throughout Taiwan, access to many monuments (historical or natural sites, temples, night markets...) is free. Museums generally charge a fee (up to NT$400 for the National Palace Museum).
Main events
Events, religious festivals and national holidays are legion in Taiwan. But the most remarkable ones to discover the country are undoubtedly the Chinese New Year, the national holiday on October 10 and the Taitung Festival of Austronesian Culture in July.
Guided tours
Many travel agencies offer tours of Taipei and the surrounding area lasting one day or more, as well as more comprehensive tours of the archipelago lasting several days. For an additional charge, you can be accompanied by a guide (usually English-speaking) to monuments and sites of interest. For French-speaking guides, it's best to use an agency.
Smokers
In Taiwan, smoking is strictly prohibited in all public places. Outside monuments, there may be designated smoking areas.
Tourist traps
Taiwan is a safe country, and the Taiwanese people are usually perfectly honest. It is therefore rare for tourists to fall victim to professional scammers. It should be noted, however, that a black market in counterfeit tickets for the 101 Tower has been reported by the authorities.
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Discover Taïwan
It's hard to imagine that an island as small as Taiwan, especially when compared to mainland China, could offer so much diversity to travelers curious to discover the archipelago. Although isolated until the beginning of the modern era, Taiwan soon found itself at the crossroads of maritime routes between Europe, China and Japan. Colonized on numerous occasions, whether by the Dutch, the Han Chinese or the Japanese in the 19th century, the island is a veritable cultural melting pot: hot springs and spa treatments are a legacy of the Japanese period, the temples found in every village symbolize the religious syncretism practiced by its inhabitants, and the contrast between modern cities and rural countryside is truly astonishing! You can also explore majestic mountains, picturesque beaches and dense jungle, offering a variety of landscapes in a single trip.
