Why I love Taiwan

“When I visited Taiwan as a child, the wondrous rocks of Yeliu made an impression. Years later, a fan of director Hou Hsiao-hsien, I went to Jiufen and Fengkuei to see the settings that gave rise to the films I enjoyed, and was bewitched. Now Penghu's windswept islands mesmerise me, as does the taste of musk melons. Taiwan is full of surprises if you know where to look, like the night I waited for a meteor shower in...” Read More

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Piera Chen
Writer

Top experiences in Taiwan

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Welcome to purridise: Taiwan’s Houtong Cat Village

Tucked away in the hills of northern Taiwan, there is a small village that houses a furry surprise. Set alongside the Keelung River, the former coal mining village of Houtong has been taken over by hundreds of cats. In the 1990s, the village’s mining pits closed and the village thinned out, with just a few hundred people left behind. Then in 2008, local cat admirer Peggy Chien started posting photos of the village’s efforts to look after stray cats; her pictures attracted visitors, volunteer help and more kitties.

Cats rule the roost in Houtong © Dinah Gardner / Lonely Planet
Dinah Gardner
Lonely Planet Writer

The purrrfect cuppa: Taipei's best cat cafes

Taiwan is famed for its delicate teas and the capital, Taipei, teems with excellent cafes. The past decade has seen a craze in cat cafes (or cat coffee as they’re known in Taiwan). A cafe qualifies if it has one or more cats strolling – or more likely dozing – on the premises.

We’ve padded the streets to dig up our choice of the top five classiest cat cafes in Taipei, as well as a little history, a little psychology, and some kitty cafe etiquette and tips. Just follow these rules and you're sure not to make any faux paws on your visit.
Dinah Gardner
Lonely Planet Writer
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Travel guides

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Taiwan adventures

$430.99 Small group tours

3-Day Tour of Sun Moon Lake, Puli, Lukang and Alishan National Scenic Area from Taipei

Explore Taiwan’s countryside and discover its beautiful scenery on this 3-day tour from Taipei. Sit comfortably on board an air-conditioned coach and hear interesting anecdotes and enlightening commentary about the sites you pass. Step off the bus with your guide to walk around the region’s hidden wonders including the town of Puli, picturesque Sun Moon Lake, the extraordinary Alishan National Scenic Area in the county of Chiayi and the historic town of Lukang.
$51.99 Sightseeing tours

Taipei Night Tour including Din Tai Fung Dinner

Taipei comes alive at night and the city is a buzzing. This 3.5-hour night tour of Taipei starts with exploring the ancient Longshan Temple, stroll through the exotic night markets, a delicious Din Tai Fung dinner and watch Taipei sparkle on top of the worlds 2nd tallest building, the 101 Building. You'll be picked up from Taipei city hotel at 6:00pm and start the tour at the ancient Longshan Temple, often crowded with worshippers. The Longshan Temple is one of Taiwan's finest examples of temple architecture. Ancient Buddhist rituals are still practiced at the Longshan Temple. The night tour of Taipei continues to the exotic Huaxi Street night markets and Snake Alley, lined with food stalls and small shops. Pick up a bargain!Then, you will be taken to the popular restaurant where you'll enjoy a delicious Din Tai Fung dinner, with Xiao Long Bao, Steamed Dumplings, Hot and Sour Soup, Fried Rice and Steamed Red Bean Xiao Long Bao as dessert. The last stop on this night tour is at famous 101 Building, the world's 2nd tallest building. The 101 Building (admission to be payable direct) is a must-do attraction while in Taipei, 508 meters tall and completed in 1999, Taipei 101 contains a 5-storey shopping center.Tour Highlights Longshan Temple Huaxi Street Night Market Din Tai Fung dinner Taipei 101 Building (entrance fee payable direct)

$581.90 Small group tours

5-Day Best of Taiwan Tour from Taipei: Sun Moon Lake, Taroko Gorge, Kaohsiung and Taitung

This 5-day Taiwan tour will take you around the whole island, opening your eyes to the country’s diverse, astounding beauty and culture. Visit Sun Moon Lake and admire the remote beaches and rocky coastal scenery of places like Tarako National Park. Tour historic shrines and Buddhist temples such as Fo Guang Shan Monastery, explore bustling urban districts, and relax in natural hot springs. You’ll stay in 5-star hotels and travel aboard a comfortable coach, stopping in several locations for sightseeing tours with your English-speaking guide. Daily breakfasts and all entrance fees to attractions listed in the itinerary are included.
$607.05 Small group tours

4-Day Taiwan Tour from Taipei: Sun Moon Lake, Taroko Gorge, Kenting National Park and Hualien

Enjoy an amazing 4-day experience of Taiwan on this tour from Taipei. With your guide, visit beautiful Sun Moon Lake, see various monuments in Tainan and explore lush Kenting National Park and Taroko National Park, filled with incredible marble formations. Hear interesting commentary about the sites you visit, and make plenty of stops for photo opportunities. You’ll travel by comfortable, air-conditioned coach and stay in 4- to 4.5-star hotels, with daily breakfasts included.
$482.99 Small group tours

4-Day Tour of Central and Southern Taiwan from Taipei Including Kaohsiung and Sun Moon Lake

Explore central and southern Taiwan and discover the beautiful countryside scenery on this 4-day tour from Taipei. Sit comfortably aboard an air-conditioned coach and hear interesting anecdotes and enlightening commentary about the sites, culture and local life in Taiwan. Step off the bus with your guide to walk around the region’s highlights and hidden wonders including the town of Puli, picturesque Sun Moon Lake, the scenic lighthouses of Kenting National Park, Kaohsiung’s impressive temples and pavilions and the historic town of Lukang.
$430.99 Small group tours

3-Day Tour of Sun Moon Lake, Puli, Lukang and Alishan National Scenic Area from Taipei

Explore Taiwan’s countryside and discover its beautiful scenery on this 3-day tour from Taipei. Sit comfortably on board an air-conditioned coach and hear interesting anecdotes and enlightening commentary about the sites you pass. Step off the bus with your guide to walk around the region’s hidden wonders including the town of Puli, picturesque Sun Moon Lake, the extraordinary Alishan National Scenic Area in the county of Chiayi and the historic town of Lukang.
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