Think Taiwan and you may imagine bicycles and electronic components. Actually, as a few lucky western travellers discover, this little island off China also offers fantastic value, sights, weather (outside typhoon season!) and a warm welcome.
Taipei, the capital, is readily accessible from Birmingham, via Dubai. On arrival, catch the bus to Taipei’s main station, then it’s a short walk to the comfy, convenient City Inn Hotel 1 on Huaining street.

Vibrant Taipei always entertains
Ready to explore? Use the cheap, safe, clean (no eating or drinking) mass-transit system or walk the busy streets. Discover bustling night markets (e.g. Shilin), intricately decorated temples, riverside walks (don’t miss Tamsui) or go up Taipai 101’s 588 metre-high ‘bamboo-stalk’ for stunning views.

Hungry? Enjoy cheap, delicious food in modern food courts or myriad local noodle shops. Not sure what to order? Ni hao (‘hello’) and XièXie (‘thank you’) are your friends, as helpful locals order for you and wish you a happy meal.

Taipei can entertain for weeks, but for a less frenetic Taiwan, catch a train to east coast Hualein and collect a car from Avis. Enjoy a night in the nearby Charming City hotel, then drive north to Taroko National Park. You can’t miss the intriguingly named Crossing the Rainbow Bridge B&B at the Taroko Gorge’s entrance, where aboriginal Teyra and his family will look after you while you explore the area’s wonders.

Relax on Sun Moon Lake
Next, head west to Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan. It’s a concentration-demanding day’s drive but always rewarding as you cross the 3275-m Wuling Pass (Taiwan’s highest) and descend through cloud to Nantou’s lakeside Crystal Resort hotel, just minutes from Ita Thao Pier. The lake is a joy, with regular boat services, must-see Xuanguang and Xuanzang temples, and the Ci En Pagoda built by late President Chiang Kai-sheck in memory of his mother. It’s worth climbing to the top for stunning views – and exercise after another culinary indulgence!

When it’s time to leave, it’s a straightforward motorway drive to Wuli bullet train station at Taichung to return your car and catch the train back to Taipei.

The island constantly reveals new delights
Like a bijou gemstone, this island constantly reveals new delights. Taiwan may be small, but from busy Taipei to laid-back Kenting County at its southern tip, it will reward anyone seeking a change from the usual Far East itineraries.