This spring, I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful island of Taiwan. This country, full of contrasts with its high mountains and modern cities, offers countless interesting places to explore.
It’s fascinating how the western side of the island — practically one long, continuous urban area — contrasts with the eastern part, which is mostly mountainous, dotted with small villages, and full of natural attractions.
Here are some of the highlights I visited, from north to south.
First morning and first photo spot
the famous Taipeh scooter waterfall.
Everyday thousands of scooters are coming from Taipeh Bridge into the city. This is a real hommage to this most popular mean of transport in Taiwan cities.
Best time to witness this phenomenon is between 7 and 9 AM.
Street of Taipeh are very narrow and colourful.
This example I found in the District Yonghe in the southern part of the city. Most temples in the country are very similiar what makes this temple so exceptional is a unique perspective being tucked in between houses
The Must Viewpoint
City Panorama especially during the sunset with the famous shape of the tower of Taipei 101 could be seen from the Elephant Mountain.
The trekking trail is easy to walk and to find, just follow tourist-like groups of people.
Laomei Green Reef
Every April and May after the northeast monsoons die down, algae covers the neat rows of stone troughs here with a vibrant green, creating a rare and spectacular sight. As the weather warms, the seaweed gradually disappears with exposure to the sun. The algae-covered rocks are extremely slippery and dangerous.
The cutest bus station
This bus station is the most photographed in Taiwan simply because of its aesthetics and perfect instagramable shape :). The famous
Tiaoshi Bus Stop (跳石車站) is really photogenic known for its breathtaking seaside backdrop.
Even during the cloudy weather the sky and see combine together, creating perfect background.
The Jinshui Highway
The wave street a little bit off the beaten track spot and actually only attractive for some enthusiasts.
I like such motives, with deep rich perspective.
As well in the north part of Taiwan, on the west side you can find the huge statue of Buddha. It is not the biggest on the island but certified as the "Maximum Steel Sculpture" of the Golden World Records with height 33.3m and width 35.9m. From afar, this magnificent sterling silver Buddha stands on a mountain.
His full name "Thousand-handed Thousand-eyed Guanyin Bodhisattva Sitting Buddha" is located Taoist Guanyin Temple in Danshui District.
Majestic and spectacular, dedicated to the various Buddhas of the supreme phase on each floor.
This pretty and somehow cute building is ca. 60 meters high and offers as well nice view from the top.
This is north form Taipei, on the Bishan Camping Area and has one of the best views of Taipei.
A street in Wulai that, at least to me, resembles the atmosphere of a Ghibli Studio films.
Just 25 kilometres south of Taipei lies the village of Wulai. A short distance, but a world of difference. Wulai consists mainly of forest, and here you will find large waterfalls, deep rivers.
This is as well hot spring district. Even our hotel had some.
This is probably not the first destination for a trip around Taiwan.
I am referring to a hiking trail, Shalu Hike, short but very picturesque, running under motorway No. 3. I was intrigued, as I had never encountered such a solution in Europe.
This area is a must-see spot for almost everybody visitng Taiwan.
Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan's most spectacular natural and cultural gems. Nestled among wooded hills in the geographical centre of the island, Taiwan's largest inland lake offers impressive panoramic views, imposing temples and a wide range of leisure activities.
Sun Link Sea
This remote mountain park is deep in the mountains of Nantou and real hidden gem with beautiful waterfalls
And another must-do and definitely worth doing alongside trekking is a ride on the Alishan Forest Railway
Oolong fields in Alishan
World-class category of semi-fermented teas, famous for their aromatic complexity come from mountains areas of Alishan. There are many walking tours to choose from among the fields.
But this beautiful, expansive area with ponds, paths and temples is worth seeing.
This famous scenic area on the northern outskirts of Kaohsiung City is noted for its profusion of temples.
And as well some sports area not only the pavilons and shrines.
Lotus Wake Park for waterboard and water ski enthusiasts, as well as sailing classes for a nearby primary school.
Red lantern canopy in Kaoshiung
The Sanfong Temple, quite old, built around 1600, but for me, as a photography enthusiast, the biggest attraction was the red canopy of lanterns.
A charming section of the Kaohsiung Light Rail Transit route. This section features tall almond trees from Madagascar, which form an arch over the tracks and are ideal for longer lens.
