Taipei is voted the best leisure destination in Asia by Global Traveler magazine

Taipei has again been named Asia’s best leisure destination by U.S. magazine Global Traveler in its 12th Leisure Lifestyle Awards, Taiwan’s Tourism Administration said on Aug. 7.
Lin I-chen, director of the Los Angeles office of the Taiwan Tourism Administration, thanked the magazine and its readers in her acceptance speech at the ceremony. Lin stated that the award is the result of the concerted efforts of Taiwan’s entire tourism sector, as well as the hospitality of the people. She also took the opportunity to welcome tourists from around the world, conveying the wish for them to visit the nation and take advantage of the government’s various incentives.

According to the Taiwan Tourism Administration, the award demonstrates the success of the administration’s “TAIWAN – Waves of Wonder” promotional campaign in establishing the nation as a top choice for travelers.

Its natural beauty, unique cultural heritage, convenient transportation networks and world-class cuisine make Taiwan an excellent tourist destination, the Tourism Administration said, citing as examples the nation’s 44 Michelin-starred restaurants that offer a wide variety of culinary options.

The results come from a reader survey. The American magazine conducted this survey between July 15, 2023, and March 8, 2024. It covers a wide range of categories, including airlines, airports, cruises, hotels, and services. Taoyuan International Airport in northern Taiwan ranked fifth in the survey’s ranking of the best airports for stopovers.

A survey by Taiwan’s Tourism Administration shows that travelers from South Korea, Japan and the United States spent the most in Taiwan in 2023. During the same year, 6.49 million foreigners visited the nation, reaching 55 percent of the pre-pandemic level in 2019. Visitors from Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau, and Japan accounted for 37 percent, 18 percent and 14 percent of the total, respectively.

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Taiwan is a fascinating tourist destination with a wide variety of attractions, from stunning natural landscapes to a lively and bustling urban culture.

Taroko Mountain is one of Taiwan’s most spectacular natural destinations. It is located within Taroko National Park, famous for its stunning marble canyons, scenic trails and waterfalls. Taroko Gorge and Rainbow Bridge are two other spectacular places to visit within the park.

For mountain and hiking lovers, the nation is home to Mount Hehuan. From its summit, you can enjoy excellent panoramic views and a unique high-altitude hiking experience.

On the other hand, if we look at more urban environments, we find, for example, the capital of Taiwan, the city of Taipei. This is known for its aesthetics, a mix of modern and traditional. Taipei 101, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, is an icon of the city and offers panoramic views from its observatory. Other places of interest include the Shilin Night Market, the Longshan Temple and the National Palace Museum.

Taichung City also is famous for its cultural and artistic life. Taichung National Park and the National Museum of Fine Arts are must-see stops if you travel to Taiwan. In addition, the Fengjia Night Market is one of the largest in the country, known for its delicious street food.

Taiwan also has numerous ancient and traditional temples that reflect the country’s cultural heritage. The Temple of Confucius in Taipei and the Temple of the Sea Goddess in Maoli are just a few examples.

On a culinary level, Taiwan’s night markets are famous for their colorful and energetic nightlife. The Shilin Night Market in Taipei and the Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung offer a unique experience.

If you visit the country, you cannot miss trying some typical dishes such as beef noodle soup, xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and bubble tea (tea with tapioca pearls).