A gem in Asia that no one talks about.

[more_than_a_guy]

I will make it as short as I can and sorry for my English, not my native tongue.

Right before the Coronavirus pandemic, I was in Taiwan, not very known for tourists or backpackers, and that is the beauty. I will not talk about specific locations because you can find info everywhere, but I will talk in general.

I will list few reasons to visit Taiwan from my perspective:

1. Taiwanese people - Kind, warm, and quite well known to English. Friendly and talkative. You will find a lot of domestic tourists to hang with.

2. Geography - This island clearly fits a reasonable time (two weeks up to over a month for backpackers and as much as you plan for regular tourism). It was the first time I was seeing tropical weather, and I liked it. Every part of the year suits for travelling. Shiny green nature with lots of mountains ready to be climbed on. Due to it's size, everything is in within reach.

3. Advanced - Taiwan is a first world country and one of the Four Tigers of Asia (The developed countries of East Asia). From good metro to a bullet train. Clean and educated country.

4. Cheap - Even though it's a first world country, the accommodations, food and rides are cheap to reasonable. All my accommodations were clean, my food was diverse and in high quality, and my rides were hypnotic to watch over the window.

5. Not full of tourists - In my country, we love to travel, but Taiwan's name never appears on the table. Most of the tourists are from neighboring countries and it means it keeps the Asian touch and not westernized.

6. Diverse activities - Relax on the beach, hike the mountains, scuba diving, big advanced cities, traditional villages, historic sites. All from all.

Taipei

[Ag0ny]

I love this MyTake! Taiwan is a unique blend of Chinese and Japanese cultures. Very beautiful country I believe.

[more_than_a_guy]

Mostly ancestry from China, yet don't call them Chinese haha. They don't like that.

[Ag0ny]

That’s too bad because because I am Chinese myself and proud of my heritage. Not all Taiwanese that -averse you the Mainland. Cross strait relations are still overall good. I also said Japanese too but you do not criticize but Taiwan is clearly not Japanese either. Why criticize only Chinese? I think that is unfair discrimination.

[more_than_a_guy]

I think they criticize Chinese government, not the people, the whole communism vs democracy and if Taiwan is part of China or an independent county. Personally, I would love to visit China to.

[more_than_a_guy]

Even though there is a communication and tourism, there is also a cold tension.

[more_than_a_guy]

by the way, I haven't criticized China, I didn't add an opinion on this issue.

[Ag0ny]

Okay thanks. I didn’t say they are Chinese just a blend of Chinese culture which I think is true...

[more_than_a_guy]

You are right, the customs are Chinese, as well the language, Mandarin. Most of the citizens are Han origin.

[Ag0ny]

Yeah my family all come from Mainland. I think Taiwan is similar to Mainland but also different. More Japanese and Islander influence. I love Taiwanese food sometimes even more than Mainland Chinese food! And the girls are on average pretty good looking too. Me personally I don't care if they become their own country. But the government is not going to listen to me ha ha ah well. As for Mainland China itself my family is from Beijing but I don't like Beijing that much. Too political and too much attitude. Also crowded and polluted. I prefer south China like Shanghai, Fuzhou, Hangzhou places. To me they're more like Taiwan but also not Taiwan at the same time... :)

[Ag0ny]

Where are you from?

[NerdInDenial]

Not only is the food cheap but it's delicious! Boba tea and the desserts are the best.

[more_than_a_guy]

Agree!

[Secret6620]

Lovely 🦋

[Secret6620]

YAY 🙋 Thanks for most helpful girl 🦋

[Anonymous]

I agree with everything except Number 1, though it does depend which part of the country you're in. I found the people in Kaohsiung and Tamsui friendlier and more open than in Taipei. The young ones weren't bad, but the older generation I often found to be quite racist and feisty towards foreigners, often giving better/priority treatment towards other Asians.

That being said, I think it's a good introduction country to Asia, because you can still find a lot of the things that Asia is known for, and the culture isn't as strict as in other Asian countries. But, I probably won't be returning to that part of the world. Too much culture shock and I often felt unwelcome as a White.

[Loucetios]

i could live there, but i dont... it was my wrong decision and it was a very bug mistake, i feel regret, but i agree everything you wrote, it is very beatiful country..

[zagor]

I was only there for a few days and didn't get out of Taipei, but I liked it while I was there.

[yenofed840]

The world is beautiful and so
, just for money people to foreign countries , not all but mostly