The Philippines in 1996-1997, China in 2000, Vietnam in 2009, Japan in 2013 and 2025, South Korea in 2014 and 2024, Taipei and Taiwan in 2017 (the starting point of Trip By Trip), Singapore in 2018, Hong Kong and Macau in 2023, Bangkok in Thailand and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia in early 2026. I like travelling to East Asia. I’m in the middle of a Republic of China (ROC) trip. Current affairs made me think I shouldn’t wait too much to revisit Formosa.
What a coincidence I received a press release promoting tourism to / in Taiwan, while I’m (t)here. Highlighting Pride in Taipei is somewhat punchy, shortly after the Commander D. police raid.
From cycling through rice fields and exploring mountain forests to sampling street food and celebrating LGBTQIA+ rights, Taiwan is promoting itself as a destination where travellers can explore at their own pace and find experiences to suit their interests.
The island’s diverse attractions range from the ancient forests of Alishan and the volcanic landscapes of the Penghu archipelago to bustling night markets and Taipei’s LGBTQIA+ scene. The Taiwan Tourism Administration is highlighting this variety ahead of Taiwan LGBT+ Pride, whose 24th edition takes place in Taipei on Saturday 31 October 2026.
Hiking, mountains and coastal adventures
In Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, visitors can explore trails beneath towering old-growth trees or take a ride on the historic Alishan Forest Railway. The surrounding mountains are also known for their tea plantations, offering opportunities to discover locally grown teas.
For a more adventurous experience, Saijia Air Park in Pingtung offers paragliding. Meanwhile, the Penghu archipelago, off Taiwan’s western coast, features basalt formations, sandy beaches and open water, with opportunities to explore its volcanic landscapes and islands.
Discover Taiwan by bike
Cycling offers another way to experience the island’s changing landscapes. Cycling Route No. 1, Taiwan’s best-known round-island route, covers more than 900 kilometres around the main island, passing through cities, villages, agricultural areas and coastal scenery.
Travellers do not need to complete the entire circuit to enjoy cycling in Taiwan. Shorter rides around Sun Moon Lake or through the East Rift Valley offer alternatives, with views of wooded hills, farmland and rural communities. More information about cycling routes is available at Taiwanbike.tw.
Taipei celebrates LGBTQIA+ visibility
Taiwan LGBT+ Pride returns to Taipei on Saturday 31 October for its 24th edition. The annual march promotes equality and the freedom to express one’s sexual orientation and gender identity.
Taiwan became the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019, and LGBTQIA+ venues and landmarks are part of Taipei’s urban landscape. In Ximending, the rainbow marking near Ximen is a popular photo spot, while the historic Red House area is home to cafés, shops and nightlife venues.
For visitors in the capital during Pride weekend, the event offers an opportunity to experience the island’s LGBTQIA+ community and its ongoing campaign for equality.
A taste of Taiwan’s food culture
Taiwan’s night markets offer visitors a chance to sample a wide range of local dishes, from savoury snacks to unusual textures and flavours.
One speciality is ba-wan, a translucent, chewy dumpling associated with Changhua in western Taiwan. It typically contains a savoury filling of ingredients such as pork, bamboo shoots and mushrooms.
In Tainan, coffin bread consists of a thick slice of toast hollowed out and filled with a creamy mixture, often containing chicken, prawns and vegetables. The name refers to its distinctive shape, with a piece of bread serving as a lid.
Another popular option is shui jian bao, pan-fried Taiwanese buns filled with ingredients such as pork and cabbage. Steamed and fried in a pan, they have a soft interior and a crisp base.
Vegetarian and vegan travellers can also explore Taiwan’s food scene, with specialist restaurants and plant-based dishes offering alternatives to meat-based street food.
Plan a trip at your own pace
Whether exploring mountain trails, cycling through rural landscapes, discovering Taipei’s LGBTQIA+ neighbourhoods or trying unfamiliar dishes at a night market, Taiwan offers a range of ways to experience the island.
The Taiwan Tourism Administration is promoting these experiences under its ‘Taiwan – Waves of Wonder‘ campaign, which highlights eight themes showcasing the destination’s nature, culture, cities and food. Further travel inspiration and practical information are available at BeleefTaiwan.nl.
More on Taiwan
- Why I’m deliberately avoiding Pride on my next trip.
- TAIWAN | Taipei LGBT+ Pride on 31 October 2026 asks who gets to decide which gays and which sex are acceptable.
- TAIWAN | Sun Moon Lake is the most loved attraction, but Taipei 101 remains one of its biggest draws.
- TAIWAN | Visitor numbers rise as the island attracts more international travellers.
- TAIPEI | Taiwan Interior Minister pledges respect for LGBTQIA+ people as Commander D. raid casts shadow over Pride.
- TAIPEI | Gay cruising bar Commander D raid leaves queer community angry and uneasy.
- TAIWAN | Police raid on gay cruising bar Commander D puts Taipei’s LGBTQIA+ credentials to the test.
- VIDEO | Greenland, Uruguay, Taiwan, Thailand and Estonia vying for LGBTQIA+ tourists.
- TAIPEI | Taiwan LGBT+ Pride 2026 on Saturday 31 October, mixing with Halloween.
- Taiwan High Speed Rail unveils first N700ST trainset to boost capacity.
- Following ‘Jet Lag: The Game’ across Taiwan by rail.
- Will China invade Taiwan? Belgian expert weighs in on travel and tensions.
- Taiwan tourism rebounds, Belgian market recovers, but cost pressures and geopolitical risks shape outlook.
