Time for Taiwan

an island s p e c ta c u l a r

TIME FOR ta i wa n

EDITOR’S NOTE

CONTENTS L o o k i n g b a c k 3-4 Temple Touring in Taiwan 5 - 6

Around this time of year my thoughts often drift off to the Orient, where warm days and cool evenings have replaced the tropical humid summer. I have been fortunate enough to travel throughout Asia, but it was not until a few years ago that I came across a place that truly stopped me in my tracks.

Ancient Celebrations 7 - 8 Sun Moon Lake 9 - 12 Traditional Taiwanese Recipes 13 - 14 Taiwan’s Highest Mountain 15 - 16

Adrift in the South China Sea, straddling the Tropic of Cancer, Formosa – or Taiwan as it is now known – embodies a perfect juxtaposition of modern development and eastern mysticism.

Capital city Taipei is astoundingly efficient, its ultra-modern skyline punctuated by fascinating street level markets that leave the door ajar to the beating heart of Taiwan. Further afield, a morning hike around the beautiful Sun Moon Lake or a visit to Jade Mountain instils a great sense of serenity, slowing the pace of your trip after a few days in one of the island’s pulsating cities.

L o o k i n g F O R WA R D 1 7-18 Urban Living 19 - 20 Modern Celebrations 21 - 22 A Contemporary Recipe 23 - 24 Taiwan’s Night Markets 25 - 26 Beyond the Shore 27 - 28

T H E R E & BACK 29-30

Beguiling and intriguing, the island treated me to a memorable encounter, and our customers always return from Taiwan feeling as though they’ve discovered something new, witnessed a destination far off the beaten trail. It’s a destination that offers so much, from inspiring natural landscapes, to a vibrant heritage, to the modernism we’ve all come to associate with this part of Asia. But ultimately, it’s a destination that continues to excite me, and so too will it excite you.

For those of you with travel in your DNA, seeking something unique, something truly beautiful, look no further than Taiwan.

Tom Marchant, Co-Founder Black Tomato

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Keelung Taoyuan

Taipei

Hsinchua

Yilan

Taichung

Lukang

Hualien Sun Moon Lake The Penghu Archipelago

Yushan

Tainan Taitung Kaohsiung

Orchid Island

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L oo k in g back

Look back over Taiwan’s tens of thousands of years’ worth of history and you’ll realise this is one destination whose past is just as exciting as its future.

From the agrarian cultures of the island’s aboriginals way back in 3000 BC to the fast-paced lifestyle of modern Taipei, the story of this place is an enlightening one that throws some light on the Taiwan we know and love today.

It wasn’t until the 16th Century that things really started to kick off. Left undisturbed for thousands of years, the island was suddenly ‘discovered’ by the wider world in 1544, when Portuguese

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sailors put it down on the map as ‘Ilha Formosa’, which translates as ‘The Beautiful Island’. This beautiful island was not kind to the Portuguese, however, and after ten weeks of experiencing the hostility of the aborigines, they fled back to Macau. Over forty years passed before any other Western ships dropped their anchors off the shores of Taiwan, and the next to do so were the Dutch, who were successful in securing Taiwan as a base for their trading ventures with China and Japan for a good number of years.

Skip forward to modern day, past a failed Dutch colonisation, a tense time

under Chinese rule and a brief stint as a Japanese colony and the Taiwan we’ve become extremely fond of comes into view. A whirlwind period of history, you’ll have to agree, but a period that has transformed Taiwan into the truly unique destination it is now.

Today, Taiwan enamours its visitors with vibrant traditions, fragrant cuisine and a unique culture, all of which have been sculpted over the years by both Chinese and Japanese influences. Walk the streets of Tainan and you’ll come across Baroque style edifices added during the 50 years of Japanese rule. Taste the cuisine and

you’ll enjoy a fusion of Chinese and Japanese flavours. It is this historic side to Taiwan that we will explore first. Forget modernity for a while. Flip the page and begin a voyage into a side to Taiwan that owes its existence to an incomprehensibly long history; from sacred temple to traditional recipe, to ancient landscape, to authentic festival, your journey to the beating heart of Old Taiwan begins here.

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For more information on what Taiwan can offer you, scan here

T e m p le to u rin g in Ta i wa n There’s no denying it; temples are a hugely important part of Taiwanese culture, and you’ll find plenty of variations of these religious structures dotted throughout the island. In reflection of Taiwan’s main belief systems, Buddhist, Taoist and Confucius Temples can be found in abundance and are some of the most impressive in Asia. The island is home to over 5000 temples, ranging from small shrine to vast architectural triumph. Unless you’re planning on emigrating, you’ve got no chance of ticking every single one off the list on your first (second, third…) visit. So, for now, let’s concentrate on just a few of our favourites.

Confucius Temple

Longshan Temple

Confucius Temple was first completed way back in 1666, and, despite necessary renovations, is still one of the most important historic sites on the island. A jewel in Tainan’s crown, the temple sits within the confines of a larger cultural area that also houses a Japanese Dojo and the Old Tainan Martial Arts Academy. It’s a great example of traditional Taiwanese culture and exudes that relaxing ambiance we’ve all come to associate with such places of worship. If you’re in Tainan at the end of September, be sure to keep the 28th free for a journey down to this temple in order to witness a traditional ceremony in honour of Confucius himself.

Situated in Taipei, Longshan is one of the oldest temples in Taiwan. A temple that the Taiwanese would never dream of letting fall to disrepair, Longshan is continuously restored and renovated by locals who are extremely proud of everything it represents. The original structure was erected by Chinese immigrants in 1738 and, officially, the temple is dedicated to Guanyin, the goddess of mercy. As you’d expect from an Asian temple, however, there are many other rooms and halls that serve over 100 different gods and goddesses. Visually, Longshan is beautiful. Colourful figures adorn the roof and the wood and stonework is nothing short of extraordinary.

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In Taiwan, the number four is considered really unlucky. How so? Well, when said out loud, it sounds like the Taiwanese word for death...

Hsiang-te temple

Bao’an Temple

The location of the Hsiang-Te Temple alone is enough to take your breath away. Overlooking the Taroko Gorge and accessed via a suspension bridge, the temple is surrounded by dense forestry and scenes of incredible natural beauty. One of the last remaining temples in Taiwan that cars cannot reach, this is an area that Buddhist Monks and tourists alike retreat to, to meditate and contemplate. Named after a monk that spent much time praying for those constructing the Central Cross-Island Highway; Hsiang-Te may not be an ancient structure, but it represents ancient traditions and passionate belief systems that have lasted centuries.

Having saved the best till last, it’s time to introduce you to the Bao’an Temple, recipient of a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award and one of the most breath-taking temples in Taiwan.

Founded in 1760 for the worship of Baosheng Dadi, a figure from history famed for his skills in medicine, it wasn’t until the 1800’s that an official temple was constructed. Then, in 1995, this building underwent a painstaking renovation that was completed over a period of seven years. No expense was spared on this venture, with quality materials being shipped in and skilled workers taken on to ensure Bao’an retained its spectacular aura. The result? A temple that lays claim to spotless courtyards, vast halls, incredible architecture and beautiful statues, frescoes and decorations.

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Ancient cele b r ations Taiwan’s festival calendar is known for being one of the most vibrant in Asia, so if you’re in need of an excuse to celebrate, look towards this little island. Festivals and events in Taiwan are interwoven into the fabric of people’s lives and, as an island that is fiercely proud of its heritage and beliefs; you’ll be unsurprised to learn that some of the best celebrations in Taiwan are also some of the oldest. Here’s a little list of our favourite traditional events in the Taiwanese calendar.

Expect a flurry of fireworks, spectacular colours, lanterns that light up the sky and of course, lots of good will and joy.

Dragon boat racing festival Each year, almost 250 teams travel to the capital Taipei to race in one of Taiwan’s oldest folk traditions: the Dragon Boat Racing Festival. Teams row the ornately decorated boats that look like dragons to commemorate the ancient king Cyu Yuan, who threw himself into the river to end his personal suffering upon finding out his home province had been taken over. The story goes that local fisherman raced their boats to try to recover the body, throwing Zongzi dumplings into the river to distract the fish, and this has provided the basis for the festivals current traditions. It’s not just Taipei that see’s this celebration come to life, the Dragon Boat Racing Festival actually occurs in every city with an accessible river in Taiwan.

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Ghost festival August sees the Ghost Festival being celebrated in a variety of towns and cities throughout Taiwan. It is in this month that the Taiwanese believe that ghosts rise from the underworld at the beginning of the month and it is to these ghosts that offerings are made in the hope that the living will be blessed with good luck. One ‘not-to-be-missed’ ceremony during the festival is the outstanding “Grappling with the Ghosts” in Yilan’s Toucheng. Unique to Taiwan’s ghost festivals, Toucheng’s festival is not only about making offerings to the dead, it’s also a chance for worshippers to give alms to the poor.

Lantern festival Held on the first full-moon night of the lunar year, the Lantern Festival is commonly regarded as one of the most spectacular and romantic festivals in Taiwan, and a must see celebration for locals and visitors alike. The festival originates from the celebration of longer daylight hours in the New Year and the coming of spring. Held in a different location every year, the 2015 celebration is set to take place in Taichung, where tens of thousands of visitors from all over Taiwan (and the world) will gather to join this enchanting festival. The lanterns are often decorated like plants and animals, and are displayed in a show featuring music, laser lights and fireworks, for a truly explosive celebration. Without a doubt, though, the sky lantern festival held in Pingxi each year is one of the most beautiful in the world and a firm Black Tomato favourite.

The bombing of master Han Dan During the Lantern Festival in the Taitung and Hualien provinces, another festival quite literally sparks into life: the Bombing of Master Han Dan. He is believed to be the God of wealth, and one of the highest honours to be bestowed is to be selected to play the role of the great Master Han Dan in this fire-loving festival. Bare to the waist, Master Han Dan stands on a plinth carried by four men through the gathered crowd, who begin throwing firecrackers as this is believed to drive the cold from his body and ward off evil spirits. The more firecrackers you throw at the God of wealth, the more you will be rewarded with wealth in the future. The result is a spectacular of light and energy, and a proud Master Han Dan.

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If you want to learn more about Taiwan’s celebrations, scan here

a g u ide to S u n m oon l a k e

Sitting at an altitude of 762 meters, the lake is overlooked by misty mountain peaks and lush forests.

A popular and worthy addition to any itinerary, this is one part of the island you just can’t miss.

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At a glance

What to see

Why we like it

Hop on a bus to the middle of the island and you’ll find the mesmerising Sun Moon Lake, where mirror-still waters protect the sacred Lalu Island for the Thao tribe, the only people allowed on it.

Swimming is prohibited, but take a hike through the lake’s surrounding mountains and you’ll come across gardens of peacocks and Assam black tea farms reflected in the incredibly still waters.

Sun Moon Lake is indeed a place of calm and spirituality that draws people seeking peace to its sparkling shores. However, it’s also a place that one can indulge in a number of exciting activities. For example, the area lays claim to some of the best biking trails in the world. Then, of course, there’s the opportunity to hike amongst the stunning mountain ranges that guard the lake. A boat ride across the emerald alpine waters is a must, as is rising early to catch the sunrise. That’s not to say there are no opportunities for relaxation, though. There’s a plethora of spas and hot springs you can indulge in whilst looking out to one of the most spectacular landscapes on earth.

Aside from the fact that Sun Moon Lake looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a traditional Chinese painting, it’s the general atmosphere that had us hooked.

Even when there’s a lot of tourists around, there’s always somewhere you can escape to contemplate the beautiful view. A truly relaxing and meditative experience.

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Situated in the centre of Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is a spectacular natural formation and the biggest inland body of water on the island.

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Book a trip to Taiwan with Black Tomato

T r a dition a l Ta i wa nese R eci p es

Did you know that it’s considered rude to leave food on your plate in Taiwan?

Eat up.

Taiwan is famous for its food. Night markets and Stinky Tofu are amongst some of the country’s biggest draws, and if you’ve ever been lucky enough to sample Taiwanese cuisine, you’ll understand why. At once simple, fragrant, hearty and delicious, Taiwanese food ticks all of the boxes.

We’ve returned from our travels with two traditional Taiwanese recipes in our pockets, so have a read, pick up what you need at your local Asian supermarket and get cooking.

Oyster Omelette One of Taiwan’s most popular street food offerings, the oyster omelette is the perfect example of how the Taiwanese use creativity to turn something simple into something incredibly tasty. It’s adaptable too, so if you’re not much of an oyster fan, you can easily use shrimp or vegetables instead. Anything goes in Taiwan.

What you need for your sauce 3 tablespoons of ketchup 3 tablespoons of soy paste 2 tablespoons of sugar

1 pinch of white pepper & 1 pinch of salt 6 fresh oysters 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil ½ cup of water

What you need for your omelette

How to do it

1 cup of A-choy (Taiwanese lettuce) 3 eggs ¼ cup of tapioca starch

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Mix together the starch and water until it is combined into a thin mixture. Lay this aside with your chopped A-choy before

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beating the eggs. Next, add the starch mix to a heated and oiled pan and cook until the mixture turns translucent. Now it’s time to stir in the eggs until it’s all combined, at which point you can add your oysters and greens.

Cook on both sides until set and serve up with as much sauce as you like.

We told you it was easy. And delicious.

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup Probably the most famous culinary offering from Taiwan is the island’s Beef Noodle Soup. The Taiwanese pride themselves on being the producers of what they believe to be the best noodle soup in the world.

Have a go at recreating this dish in your own kitchen and you’ll soon be agreeing with them.

What you need

2 lbs beef shank, chopped into chunks 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil 5 cloves of garlic, chopped 1 small chunk of ginger, chopped 2 star anise 2 spring onions, chopped 2 tablespoons of chili bean sauce 1/2 cup soy sauce 2 carrots, sliced 1 tomato, sliced 1/4 cup rice wine 1/4 cup rock sugar Fresh noodles Hot sauce

How to do it

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Soak beef shank pieces in hot water for around five minutes before rinsing and setting aside for later. Over a high heat, fry the garlic, ginger, onions, and star anise in vegetable oil. Add the beef shank and chili bean sauce and fry until the beef is seared. Add the soy sauce, carrots, tomatoes, rice wine, and rock sugar before pouring in water until everything is covered. Bring to a medium high heat and then turn down to simmer until the beef is fall-apart tender, which usually takes up to four hours. When ready, cook the noodles and serve.

Oh, and be sure to drop some off at the Black Tomato offices too, of course.

Ta i wa n ’ s H i g hest Mo u nta in A guide to Yushan One of the highest mountains in East Asia, Yushan is Taiwan’s pride and joy. Hike to the roof of this island for awe-inspiring views or explore the national park that lies beyond. We just know you have to see it, from one vantage point or another.

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At a glance

What to see

Why we like it

Known also as Jade Mountain, Yushan is Taiwan’s most spectacular mountain.

Culminating at 3952 metres, its peaks are often covered in snow that shines like Jade, hence the name. Once a part of the ocean; Yushan was formed when the Eurasian tectonic plate slid beneath the Philippine Sea plate. We’ll sort out your park entry permit before you go, so all you’ve got to do is get to the top and appreciate this magnificent force of nature.

Yushan National Park in its entirety is revered for stunning sunrises, sunsets and breath-taking scenery, but Yushan itself is without a doubt the park’s crowning jewel. Popular with both local and international hikers alike, most people are able to reach the highest peak in just a couple of days, making it an easy addition to any itinerary. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to views of distant mountains, deep valleys and, when you reach Jade Peak, uninterrupted views out across the ocean. Try to time it so that you reach the highest point of Yushan just before sunrise. Watching the sun throw its light on to the landscapes below you will leave you spellbound.

Astounding landscapes, uninterrupted views, the opportunity to scale one of the highest points in all of East Asia… what’s not to like? Seeing as it’s located within a national park, too, makes a visit to Yushan even more necessary. Not an avid hiker? Then the easier trails and sweeping valleys of the park could keep you occupied for days. Taiwan may be a pretty small island, but it lays claim to some incredible natural wonders.

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L oo k in g f or wa rd

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It’s time to focus on the next chapter of the story of Taiwan, and this one is all about the island’s distinct modernity. You see, since its economic recovery period post WWII, the island has gone from strength to strength. From the country’s rapid export growth in the 1960’s to the emergence of those well-known tech industries in the 80’s, Taiwan is an innovative destination whose exciting development is truly a sight to behold.

Of course, where there is technology and wealth, there are modern metropolises and a futuristic lifestyle. This is a country that boasts the most convenience stores in the world in relation to its size; a country that is home to themed restaurants and karaoke clubs; a

country that manufactures a lot of products for export (owner of a Blackberry or a digital camera? Chances are there’s a ‘Made in Taiwan’ label on there somewhere).

But more than that, Taiwan is a country that has embraced, and is proud of, its development. The cities are beautiful and clean, the people friendly and the high-end restaurants and bars unpretentious.

So, without further ado, it’s time for you to turn the page and begin your journey through modern Taiwan, in all its glittering and technological glory. Enjoy.

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Did you know Taiwan

Ur b a n li v in g

is offering free Wi-Fi for tourists?

The beautiful island, a description that probably conjures up visions of rich colours, ancient architecture, majestic, rural landscapes – but gleaming cityscapes are a huge part of the visual spectacle you find in Taiwan, too, and undoubtedly part of any trip to this little island. The cities are where the Taiwan of today really comes into play. Vibrant, buzzy and ultra-modern, urban life here is an exciting symbol of the country’s cultural progression. Here’s the low down on three of our favourite cities in Taiwan, to give you a taste of what to expect when you head for the bright lights.

Taipei The pulsating capital of Taiwan, Taipei, is bursting with life.

Walking around you’ll be taken on a whirlwind tour of rich ancient heritage mixed with ground breaking modernity; think ancient, elaborate shrines and traditional street markets, alongside one of the world’s tallest towers (Taipei 101) and Manhattanesque commercial districts. The city is a haven for food lovers (wasabi coffee, anyone?) and shopaholics alike, with food markets

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running long into the night and diverse shopping areas ranging from luxurious labels to quirky Japanese-Harajuku inspired streets. Here you’ll find the fastest lift in the world at 60kmph, temples decorated with dragons, and if the local speciality Stinky Tofu doesn’t appeal, then you’ll find the freshest dumplings imaginable to tuck into.

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Kaohsiung Stepping off the plane at Taoyuan Airport you’ll take the bullet train straight into the heart of Kaohsiung, the largest city in the south of Taiwan. You’d be forgiven for thinking this city has it all – a magnificent harbour, fantastic views across city skylines and ocean sunsets – yet it still manages to retain a local charm. Spend your days visiting some of the many historic landmarks, such as Confucius Temple, Lotus Pond or the awe-inspiring sight of 480

golden Buddhas at Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery. And as a harbour city, you simply can’t miss out on some local seafood treats over at Chi-Chin Peninsular : seafood rice porridge, eel noodles, oyster omelettes and many more. For those willing to give local dishes a go, you might find them so tasty that you need to work it all off with a bike ride afterwards.

Tainan The oldest city in Taiwan (and at one time, the capital), much of Tainan’s allure comes from its Dutch heritage. While many of the cities on the island pride themselves on a slick, cosmopolitan veneer, Tainan’s cityscape remains relatively rustic and low-rise, so you’ll get more of a small-town vibe. Discover its delights as you

get lost in the meandering, snake-like streets and immerse yourself in local life. You’ll find all sorts of architectural marvels as you explore, such as the Xiaonan City God Temple (said to guard the city), and some of the freshest, tastiest local food around.

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Modern cele b r ations If you think Taiwan’s festival calendar is all steeped in the reams of traditions, think again. Taiwan offers a whole host of different experiences for the modern traveller, so you can really get under the skin of this islands deft fusion of the old with the new. You’ve seen our edit of celebrations that honour days gone by, now fast-forward to the present day and some of the world’s most exciting new festivals are emerging here. Imagine looking up at a sky dotted with the gaudy colours of hundreds of balloons, exploring landscapes covered in frenetic fleets of bikes or seeing out the year under the glow of a giant illuminated countdown clock. There really is something for everyone, but whatever or wherever you find yourself celebrating, you can be sure it will be a truly authentic affair. Here are some of the hottest newbies on the scene – the festivals of today that will no doubt become the ancient traditions of the future.

Taiwan cycling festival Whether you’re into your cycling or not, you’ll agree that any cycle ride through some of Taiwan’s most spectacular landscapes is going to be an incredible experience. The Taiwan Cycling Festival, therefore, is definitely an event to add to your calendar. Throughout the duration of the festival, which is held every November, bike rides for professionals as well as softer rides for families and tourists are arranged, making this more of a hands-on experience than a spectator event. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the natural beauty of this enchanting island and you get to see it all first hand too.

New year’s eve celebrations Each year every major city across the world strives to put on the best New Year’s firework display. And as the second major city to celebrate the new year, it seems only fitting that Taipei does it with such lavish creativity.

Taipei 101 is the central attraction, for when the countdown is in its final stages, the building lights itself up floor by floor from the bottom up. This is bound to be the biggest countdown clock you’ll ever see. As soon as midnight is reached a flurry of fireworks are set off. It really is as spectacular as it sounds.

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Taiwan balloon festival

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In addition to the historic and traditional festivals that Taiwan is famous for, the country also boasts a brand new festival: The Taiwan Balloon Festival. Established in 2011, the festival takes place in June, July and August in Taitung. Rides are offered at dawn or dusk throughout the festival, and there are five lightshows where you can watch the balloons fly to the sound of music while fireworks light up the sky.

a C onte m p or a r y reci p e There are all sorts of traditional recipes to give you a taste of Taiwan, but there are a ton of delicious 21st century ones too. One of the biggest recent phenomenon’s on Taiwan’s culinary scene has been bubble tea; a drink that originated from a street vendor in 1980s Taipei, it has taken the world by storm. Fruit or milk based, bubble tea is the go-to drink for many, with its surprise of tea infused tapioca boba (bubbles).

If you, like us, get a little hooked on this stuff, then there are places in the UK to quench your thirst, such as Bubbleology… but why not make a batch for yourself, so you have bubble tea on demand?

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Bubble tea (and boba) Ingredients

1/4 cup dried boba tapioca pearls per serving (not quick-cooking boba) 1-2 tea bags per serving, any kind 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup sugar Milk, almond milk, or sweetened condensed milk Fruit juice or nectar (optional)

How to do it

1. Prepare a strong cup of tea, allowing enough time for the tea to cool completely before making the boba (step 2).

Bring the water to a boil, remove from heat and add the tea bag (use one tea bag for regular-strength bubble tea or two for a stronger tea flavour). Remove the tea bag after 15 minutes and chill the tea.

2. Measure 2 cups of water for every 1/4 cup of boba being prepared into a saucepan. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, add the boba and stir gently until they begin floating to the top of the water. Turn the heat to medium and cook for a further 12-15 minutes. Remove the pan from heat, cover, and let the pearls sit for another 12-15 minutes.

3. While the boba are cooking, make a sugar syrup to sweeten and preserve them. Bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil in a pan, then remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup sugar until dissolved. Set aside to cool.

4. Once the boba have finished cooking, drain them from the water and transfer them to a small bowl or container. Pour the sugar syrup over the boba until they are submerged and let them sit until the boba are room temperature, at least 15 minutes. Boba are best if used within a few hours of cooking, but will keep refrigerated for several days.

5. Pour the prepared tea into a tall glass and add the boba.

Add milk for a creamy bubble tea, juice for a fruity tea, or simply leave plain and add a little extra water. Sweeten to taste with the syrup from soaking the boba.

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Ta i wa n ’ s N i g ht M a r k ets Taiwan and food go hand in hand, but there’s more to this cuisine than just the intrinsic ingredients and depth of flavours. It’s about getting out there and experiencing the food; through smelling, seeing and feeling. And there’s no better place to do this than in the food markets. Bon Appetit.

Shilin night market, Taipei

Liuhe night market, Kaohsiung

Taipei’s best known food market, Shilin, comes alive at night as thousands of visitors converge on its stalls, each of which specialises in its own dish. As well as jewellery, clothes and gadget stalls, dip into as much of the finger food as you can here as some of the food vendors have been making and selling the same dishes for decades, meaning they’ve got their speciality down to a finely crafted art. You’d think you’d know what you were going to get with a simple oyster pancake or crab soup, but nothing can prepare your taste buds for the adventure that a hawker at the Shilin night market will take them on. From the late afternoon to the small hours of the morning, the streets buzz with hungry school kids, workers looking for their evening meal and tourists taking in the heady mix of smells billowing from the stalls.

Food, clothes, knives, gadgets and even live animals, Kaohsiung’s Liuhe Night Market is a bit of an all-rounder. Seafood abounds, with squid, crab and the expensive black fish eggs (caviar) known as the local favourites. Another favourite here, and throughout Taiwan, is Stinky Tofu – which is exactly what it says it is. The Stinky Tofu gets its reputation from being fermented in a special marinade for a few months, and while it may be stinky, the flavour can be compared to a mild blue cheese. Legend goes, the stinkier the tofu, the more smooth and delicious the taste.

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Miaokou night market, Keelung

Tainan Flower Market, Tainan

Located near the famous Dianji temple from where the market gets its name (Miaokou means ‘temple entrance’), walk between the glowing rows of lanterns that give Miaokou market its bright authentic hum and begin your sampling stroll through the stalls.

The atmosphere is fast and frenetic, as hawkers implore you to buy, sit and eat in the fastest possible time, but don’t let them rush you; it’s all just part of the night market atmosphere. This being Keelung, we have to recommend you dig in to the seafood.

Local specialties include stewed eel soup, scallop ball and even some less palatable delicacies like smoked whale shark and smoked fish glue. The choice is yours.

Taiwan’s southern city’s largest and most famous night market, and certainly one of the busiest, the Tainan Flower Night Market is little to do with flowers and much more to do with that Taiwanese obsession; food. Try Tainan’s famous ‘coffin toast’ which is essentially a whopping big piece of toast, cut open and filled with a creamy corn sauce. There are also lots of other fillings to choose from if you want something a little more exciting than creamy corn (we love it though). Other food specialities come in the shape of spicy duck blood, candied guava and a Black Tomato favourite, bubble tea.

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We’ve got more information on Taiwan’s famous night markets, scan here to find out more

Be y ond the shore A guide to the Penghu Islands With its beautiful fusion of ancient, modern, urban and rural, Taiwan’s credentials as an island paradise can be found at every turn. Travel a few miles off its sub-tropical shores and you might just find the icing on the cake.

At a glance

What to see

Why we like it

Located in the Taiwan Strait, The Penghu Islands are an archipelago of charming islands and islets (also known as the ‘Pescadores’) that you can get to easily by boat or plane – and their flat, dry landscape and extensive coastline seem to complete Taiwan’s wonderfully varied offering. Magong is the only city on the Penghu islands, so wave goodbye to urbanity for a few glorious days of quiet, beach-based escape – because that’s what it’s all about here.

The beaches here are lauded as some of the finest in Taiwan, with rugged basalt cliffs, inviting sandy stretches and postcard-perfect azure waters that house incredible corals.

There are also other beautiful offshore islands, such as Little Liouciou Island, which has the finest location for jaw dropping sunsets and is surrounded by the most unusual coral that emerges out the sea like artistic sculptures. For a more raw experience, Orchid Island is populated with Taiwan’s aboriginal people, the Yami, who are of Australasian decent and have a culture quite far-removed from the Taiwanese.

Visit the Peghu’s in summer and you’ll find an idyllic place to relax and catch some rays on the beach – visit the islands off season, however, and it transforms into paradise for the water sportsman, with strong winds that turn it into one of the best locations in Asia for activities such as wind surfing and sailing.

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Did you know that the Penghu Islands are often referred to as ‘Pearls in the Ocean’? They must be beautiful then.

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T here & B a c k

Here are a few things you need to know before you go

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Getting there

Best time to go

Flights from London are available with a number of different airlines and include a quick stop in Bangkok, Hong Kong or Dubai (if flying with Emirates). The flight time stands at approximately 14 hours.

Due to Taiwan’s subtropical climate in the north and tropical climate in the south, it is an all year round destination.

We would say the spring and autumn months are best times to travel the country though.

Visa and Entry Requirements: British and US citizens can travel to Taiwan without requiring a visa.

Our favourite season in particular is autumn, when the crowds have disappeared and the conditions tend to be warm and dry.

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Getting around

A few fun facts

Plane:

1. Taiwan is home to the fifth tallest

Due to the country’s size, internal air travel is advised if you’re tight on time.

building in the world.

2. Baseball and basketball are national

Bus:

sports in Taiwan.

Taking a bus is an efficient way to travel in Taiwan. The Tourist Shuttle Service in particular can be used to reach most of the island’s best attractions and the buses leave from all of the major train stations.

3. Fish eyes are a delicacy in Taiwan.

4. There’s a hello kitty themed maternity hospital in Yaunlin.

Boat:

5. Taipei has opened a Barbie

If you’re keen to visit the outer islands around Taiwan, boat travel is necessary.

It’s an incredibly easy mode of transport with regular ferry services operating most days.

themed restaurant.

6. Taipei has been named World Design Capital 2016.

7. Taiwan was once called ‘Ilha Formosa’

Train:

which is Portuguese for ‘Beautiful Island’.

Train travel is a fast and efficient way of getting around the island and, of course, is a great way to get to the areas surrounding Sun Moon Lake. Major stops include Taipei, Hualien and Taitung. Hop on the west coast high speed rail in Taipei and you can get to Kaohsiung in just 90 minutes.

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For more information on travelling to Taiwan, scan here