Taiwan — an island of contrasts: nature, cities and society

Taiwan is one of the most controversial and yet attractive places in East Asia. For some, it is a technological giant, for others, an island of temples, tea plantations, and night markets. Taiwan is a country that combines ancient culture, a complex modern history, and impressive economic dynamics.

Geographically, the island of Taiwan is located on the eastern coast of mainland China. If you look closely at where Taiwan is on the map, it becomes clear that it occupies a strategically important position between Japan, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia. This has significantly influenced its history and political role in the region.

Today, Taiwan is known as a highly developed society with a stable economy. The label 'made in Taiwan' has long been a mark of quality in electronics, textiles, and engineering, and Taiwan's development is often cited as a successful model of modernization.

Taiwan is located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, between the East China Sea and the South China Sea. It is an elongated island with a mountain range in the center and densely populated plains to the west. Such geography determines both the climate and the characteristics of settlement.

If you show Taiwan on a physical map, the mountains that occupy almost two-thirds of the territory immediately catch the eye. They play an important role in the island's ecosystem and form picturesque landscapes, popular with tourists and trekking enthusiasts.

Different regions of Taiwan are administratively distinguished — from large metropolises to rural and mountainous territories. Each region has its own cultural features, cuisine, and pace of life, making travel around the island particularly diverse.

Today, the population of Taiwan is more than 23 million people. The majority of the population are Han Chinese, but there are also indigenous peoples on the island, whose culture, music, and crafts are actively supported at the state level.

Taiwanese society is characterized by a high level of education and technological literacy. Great attention is paid to social programs, ecology, and urban comfort, making life here one of the most convenient in Asia.

An important feature is the openness of society. Taiwan is considered one of the most tolerant and safe places in the region, which is especially appreciated by travelers and expats.

The capital of Taiwan is Taipei, a modern metropolis that combines skyscrapers, ancient temples, and green parks. It is the financial, political, and cultural center of the country, where the main government institutions are concentrated.

There is often a question: what kind of country is Taiwan? Formally, Taiwan has its own government, laws, military, and economy, however, its international status remains a subject of dispute.

That is why the political system of Taiwan is considered unique. Despite complex external circumstances, a stable democratic model operates within the island, with regular elections and an active civil society.

The flag of Taiwan consists of a red field with a blue rectangle and a white sun. These elements symbolize freedom, national revival, and the aspiration for progress.

The flag is actively used in public life, at holidays and sporting events. It is perceived not only as a state symbol, but also as a sign of identity.

In addition to the flag, traditional holidays, calligraphy, temple architecture, and respect for ancestors play an important role — all this forms a unique cultural code of Taiwan.

Today, Taiwan is a new industrial country. The economic leap began in the second half of the 20th century and was based on exports, education, and technological innovations.

Microelectronics holds a special place. Taiwan is one of the world leaders in semiconductor production, and the inscription 'made in Taiwan' has become synonymous with reliability.

The modern development of Taiwan is focused on 'green' technologies, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence, which ensures sustainable growth and international competitiveness.

The official currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). It is stable and widely used in all walks of life, from street markets to high-tech stores.

Cashless payment is well developed, especially in cities. However, cash remains convenient for small purchases and public transport.

ATMs are widely available, and currency exchange is possible at airports, banks, and major shopping centers.

The climate of Taiwan is characterized by noticeable diversity, largely due to the elongated shape of the island and its mountainous terrain. The north has a subtropical climate with more pronounced seasons, while the southern part of the island is in the tropics. The central mountainous regions have their own microclimate: it is cooler here, fogs are more common, and there is a significant temperature difference between day and night.

Summer in Taiwan lasts from May to September and is characterized by high humidity and air temperatures, which often exceed +30°C. During this period, short but intense rains are common, especially in the afternoon. From May to September, there is also a typhoon season, mainly in July–September. Despite this, life on the island does not come to a halt: the infrastructure is adapted to the weather conditions, and many tourists choose summer for beach vacations, surfing, and green mountain landscapes.

Winter in Taiwan is mild and comfortable. From December to February, the temperature rarely drops below +10...+15°C in the north and remains even higher in the south. Snow is possible only in the high mountain areas and is considered more of a rare natural phenomenon than a norm. This time is popular for trips to the mountains, thermal springs, and city walks without the exhausting heat.

The best time for traveling in Taiwan is considered to be from October to April. Autumn and spring feature stable weather, moderate humidity, and pleasant air temperatures — from +20 to +28°C. This is the ideal season for excursions, visiting national parks, temples, historical cities, and hiking trails. This period also sees many cultural festivals and holidays.
Thus, Taiwan remains a year-round destination. The choice of time for a trip depends on the goals of the trip: active city and excursion tourism is better planned for autumn and spring, beach vacations for summer, and leisurely travels and gastronomic routes for the mild Taiwanese winter.

In everyday life, Taiwanese dress practically and comfortably. Light clothing made of breathable fabrics is suitable for tourists.

In the mountains and in winter, it is worth having a warm jacket, especially when traveling to national parks.

When visiting temples, it is recommended to choose modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, out of respect for local traditions.

Taiwan is rightfully considered one of the safest countries in Asia for both locals and tourists. The level of street crime here is low, and incidents such as theft or fraud are relatively rare. The police are present in public places, and residents are generally willing to help foreigners if there is a need for directions or assistance. Emergency services operate promptly, and the emergency call number is clear and accessible.

The overall culture of safety in Taiwan is at a high level. In cities, the streets are well-lit, surveillance cameras are installed in public transport and tourist areas, and the infrastructure is designed to accommodate a large flow of people. Even late walks in major cities such as Taipei or Kaohsiung usually do not raise concerns, provided standard precautions are observed.

The road infrastructure in the country is excellent: high-quality highways, modern interchanges, clear navigation, and a clear system of road signs. Inter-city roads are in good condition, and public transport operates strictly on schedule. However, traffic in cities may seem unusual to tourists, especially because of the large number of scooters and motorcycles, which are one of the most popular modes of transport.

Scooters actively maneuver in traffic, occupy separate lanes and often start first at traffic lights. For drivers of cars and pedestrians, this requires increased attention. Pedestrians are advised to cross the road only at designated crossings and to always look around, even when the traffic light is green, especially at busy intersections and during peak hours. Traffic in Taiwan is right-hand drive.

Overall, Taiwan remains a comfortable and safe country for travel. Observing basic road safety rules, being attentive on the streets, and respecting local behavioral norms allow tourists to feel confident and focus on exploring the culture, nature, and cities of the island.

Public transport is convenient and easy to understand. The Taipei metro is considered one of the cleanest and most logical in the world. High-speed trains run between cities, allowing you to cross the island in a few hours. Buses and taxis are available even in small settlements.

The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese. It is used in education, media, and government institutions. The Taiwanese dialect is also widely spoken, especially among the older generation.

In tourist areas and major cities, many people speak English, which facilitates communication for travelers.

The healthcare system in Taiwan is considered one of the most efficient and advanced in Asia. The country is known for its universal national health insurance system that provides a high level of medical care for local residents. State and private clinics are equipped with modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, and many medical centers meet international quality standards.

Special attention is given to the training of medical staff. Doctors and medical specialists undergo rigorous professional certification, regularly upgrade their qualifications, and use modern treatment protocols. In major cities, clinics with English-speaking staff are widely available, which greatly simplifies access to medical care for foreign citizens and tourists.

For foreigners and travelers, medical services are generally provided on a fee basis. The cost of treatment can be quite high, especially in the case of emergency assistance, hospitalization, or specialized examinations. Even a simple consultation with a doctor in a private clinic can lead to significant expenses if approached without insurance coverage.

That is why it is strongly recommended to take care of medical protection in advance before traveling. Medical insurance can be arranged on our website (Insurance) and allows covering expenses for doctor visits, treatment, emergency help, and possible hospitalization. Having insurance not only reduces financial risks but also provides peace of mind throughout the trip, allowing you to focus on relaxation and getting acquainted with Taiwan.

Travel insurance is an important part of preparing for a trip to Taiwan, especially considering the active holiday format offered by the island. Hiking trails in the mountains, tours of national parks, scooter rides, sea excursions, and a rich urban program can be associated with increased physical exertion and unforeseen situations. Insurance allows you to feel protected regardless of the travel format.

The main advantage of travel insurance is covering the costs of medical care. Additionally, travel insurance may provide protection against other risks: cancellation or delay of flights, loss of luggage, accidents during excursions and active entertainment. This is especially relevant for those who plan a busy itinerary and travel through different regions of the island.

Travel insurance can be arranged on our website (Insurance) in advance and online, which eliminates the need to deal with organizational issues during the trip. Having insurance provides financial protection and peace of mind throughout the journey, allowing you to focus on experiences and rest, rather than potential risks.

Taiwanese cuisine is rightly considered one of the most vivid and distinctive in Asia. Here, food is not just a way to satisfy hunger, but an important part of culture and everyday life. A special place is occupied by the cult of street food: night markets in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and other cities operate until late at night and offer dozens, and sometimes hundreds of dishes to suit any taste. The atmosphere of such markets is noise, the aroma of spices, steam from hot dishes, and the continuous movement of people, making them a mandatory point for getting to know Taiwan.

The most popular dishes of Taiwanese cuisine have long become gastronomic symbols of the island. Beef noodle soup is considered a national dish and has dozens of regional variations. Fried dumplings, steamed baozi, rice with braised pork, oyster omelets, and noodles with sauces—all this can be found almost at every step. Bubble tea deserves special attention—tea with milk and tapioca balls, which was invented in Taiwan and has become a world-famous brand of Taiwanese gastronomy.

Drinks in Taiwan hold a special place. In addition to bubble tea, popular are cold fruit teas, freshly squeezed juices, herbal infusions, and traditional oolong teas grown in mountain plantations. Tea houses offer tastings where you can familiarize yourself with the culture of the tea ceremony and local tea varieties.

Among the most unusual and exotic dishes, a special place is occupied by stinky tofu—a fermented product with a pungent smell, which often repels tourists, but has a soft and rich taste. Also considered "strange" dishes are various seafood of unusual shape and texture, sea urchins, squid on skewers, and fried insects. Despite their appearance, many of these dishes become an unexpected gastronomic discovery and an important part of the impressions from traveling around Taiwan.

In Taiwan, all types of housing are available — from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

In cities, it's better to choose areas near the metro for convenient movement.

In the mountains and on the coast, small guest houses are popular, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of the island.