Taiwan travel strategy: Taipei, Keelung, Yilan, Hualien 7 major “old is new” experiences; where to live
Taiwan has always been known for its rich cultural heritage and history. The island is a treasure trove of traditions, many of which have been revived by the creativity of younger generations.
Here, we’ve rounded up seven fun and unique experiences that embody the theme of “old is new.” Each of them reflects Taiwanese ingenuity in adapting cultural traditions and practices in a modern way that will ensure their relevance for years to come.
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1. Taiwan Lantern Festival
Topping the list is the Taiwanese Lantern Festival, an annual month-long celebration that begins on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year. Showcasing traditional lantern art enhanced by modern technology, this festival is a sight to behold.
This year’s event was held in Taipei, where a spectacular display of colorful lanterns and intricate light installations bathed the city in a magical atmosphere.Read our review of Taiwan Lantern Festival 2023 here.
The 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival will be held in Tainan – mark your calendars!
2. A new twist on traditional herbal tea
For a relaxing experience, visit Healing Herbar or Old Ji’an Located in the oldest Wanhua district in Taipei, also known as Mengka or Bangka. For over 50 years, this small tea shop has been serving traditional Taiwanese herbal tea (herbal tea), which has been used for generations as a natural remedy for common ailments.
Taking over the shop from his father, third-generation owner Brian Wang has put a twist on traditional beverages by incorporating mixology elements and aspects of contemporary coffee culture.
Sign up for the tea party, where you fill out a simple questionnaire about your skin troubles and the quality of your sleep. Wang will mix drinks according to your needs. The different herbs are carefully layered on the filter cone and water is carefully poured over them, just like hand drip coffee.
3. Surprise for taste buds
For lunch, head to the neighboring historic Dadaocheng. Here you can explore the streets of restored shophouses. Traditional shops selling dried goods and herbs are dotted with hippie shops and chic restaurants.
One of the restaurants worth checking out is The Carp. The restaurant specializes in mullet roe (mullet roe), a prized ingredient used in traditional Taiwanese cuisine for centuries, presented in an East-West fusion dish with a modern presentation aesthetic.
4. Back to nature
Looking for a laid back natural vibe?you might like this Eight beans tie-dye workshop, a seaside village in Keelung. This eco-friendly workshop will guide you in making your own unique tie-dye scarves using the local plant shoulang yam traditionally used as a natural dye by Taiwanese aborigines.
You’ll visit villages as you walk to the picturesque seaside to rinse your freshly dyed scarves. Seawater changes the color of the dye.
5. Yilan market sightseeing + DIY lunch in the morning
Another great way to experience Taiwan’s rich culture is by shopping. In the countryside of Yilan, we met Fang Ziwei. His signature style is the favorite cotton T-shirt, shorts and plastic slippers of the grandfather of Yilan. He is called “Little Grandpa”.He runs a travel start-up company, through Guided Tour of Yilan Morning Market.
Our tour ends with a DIY lunch using the freshest Yilan flavors.
6. Aboriginal Lunch Experience in Hualien County
For an educational lunch experience on Instagram, connect with play with mea tourism start-up company started by a group of young people in Wanrong Township, the Aboriginal Home.
The lunch was held in the middle of a clearing with mountains in the background. Enjoy traditional Aboriginal cuisine such as smoked wild boar and bamboo shoots cooked over an open fire. Each dish is presented like a work of art and comes with a backstory, giving you an insight into tribal life.
7. Wooden brush shop by the lotus pond
Love hands-on activities?go to Songluo Workshop in Hualien. In the serenity of the lotus pond, artisan Ye Zuo will guide you in creating your own one-of-a-kind keepsake that is as beautiful as it is functional.
stay
In Taipei, live in the heart of the city, close to all the action of the bustling city.both Sheraton Taipei Hotel and Resonance Hotel Taipei, Tapestry Collection by Hilton The transportation is convenient, close to the subway.
In Yilan, take your time Violet Forest Villa At Sanfu Farm. The room has huge glass windows to see the beautiful greenery outside. Be sure to take a free ecotour to explore the resort’s natural surroundings.
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view room -
spacious room with great view -
Violet Forest Villa Entrance -
Villa landscaping
In Hualien, enjoy a unique traditional stay in a Japanese wooden villa Hualien Tourist Sugar Factory. Beautifully renovated spacious villa with air-conditioning, bathtub and tatami floor, once the living quarters of Japanese sugar factory workers.
Taiwan is a country that celebrates the past while looking to the future, offering visitors the opportunity to experience both traditional culture and modern innovation. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure that’s both nostalgic and exciting!
