What to Buy in Taipei

Le Secret Mimi Crackers

Many travelers to Taiwan, especially Korean visitors, LOVE the milk yogurt crackers from Le Secret Mimi Crackers. No matter when you go to their shop, you will find a bunch of people lining up to get boxes of Mimi Crackers. What is so special about the crackers? First of all, the soda crackers that they use are not just regular crackers. There are bits of green onions within the biscuits, bringing out a hint of savory green onion aroma flavor. The inside filling is chewy, sweet milk yogurt. The taste of this savory crackers goes perfectly together with the chewy milk yogurt. Be sure to head to the shop early to grab your boxes of these delicious crackers! If you are looking for what snacks to buy in Taiwan, we recommend you try Le Secret Mimi Crackers. 

Address: No. 21, Section 2, Jinshan South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, 106

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9 am – 1 pm

Taiwan Fu Wan Chocolate

In Pingtung County, which is in Southern Taiwan, many cacao farms make their chocolates from their home-grown cocoa beans. This bean-to-bar chocolate concept in Taiwan is relatively new, but some of our own Taiwanese chocolate producers have already won international chocolate awards with their specialty chocolates. Click here to read our blog on Taiwanese Chocolates.

When you are in Taipei, be sure to head to Fu Wan Chocolate shop inside the shopping mall of Taipei 101. There, you will be able to get your hands on chocolate flavors that you can only find in Taiwan. Their award-winning 62% Taiwan Tie Guan Yin Tea Chocolate is made with specially selected local Taiwanese tea. The chocolate, combined with exclusive Taiwanese tea, naturally brings out the unique flavor of tea goodness. In addition to the Tie Guan Yin Tea flavor, the Rose Lychee Nibs chocolate and 62% Taiwan Mango chocolate are also worth trying! Chocolate is the ideal gift for everyone in your family if you are not sure what to buy in Taiwan.

Address: 110, Taipei City, Xinyi District, Section 5, Xinyi Road, SongZhi Rd. Entrance B1

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Things to Buy in Taiwan

Taiwan Yuchun Sake

Taiwan is a place where you can find plenty of rice paddies across the country. Penglai rice is a type of rice cultivated back in the days when the Japanese ruled Taiwan. Since then, Penglai rice is the most popular type of rice consumed by Taiwanese.

Yuchun pure rice sake uses the finest Penglai rice from Taiwan. The sake is fermented for three to six months under low temperatures. Once you open the bottle, the rich, fruity aroma of the sake fills the air. Yuchun pure rice sake is smooth and full-bodied with the scent of rice fragrance. It is best paired with cheese, eggs, or grilled meat.

One bottle of 600ml Yuchun pure rice sake sells for around NTD 200 (USD 7). The quality of this sake is definitely comparable to quality Japanese sake at around the same price. This bottle makes a perfect souvenir from Taiwan; your friends and family will be impressed with the excellent quality of this sake.

You can find the brand Yuchun sake at most convenience stores and supermarkets in Taiwan. For Yuchun Pure Rice Sake in the green bottle, head to a local Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation (TTL) store to find it.

Camellia Oil (苦茶油)

Camellia Oil became very popular in Taiwan in recent years. People often compare camellia oil with olive oil, which is an integral part of the Mediterranean diet. Camellia Oil must be completely squeezed from the tea seeds of camellia oleifera and camellia tenuiflora to comply with the National Standards of the Republic of China.

Olive oil and camellia oil have similar nutritional value when you look at their fatty acids composition. The content of unsaturated fatty acids in both types of oil is very high: 65 to 78% (olive oil) and 74 to 87% (camellia oil). Oleic acid is also the main component of monounsaturated fatty acids in both products.

With all the goodness camellia oil has to offer, next time when you are in Taiwan, pop into a local grocery or supermarket to get a bottle of camellia oil to bring back home!

You can find camellia oil in most local supermarkets and convenience stores. Prices range from NTD 600-1000 (USD 20-30) for a bottle of 500ml camellia oil.

What to buy in Taiwan Airport?

Number one MUST BUY at Taiwan Airport – Taipei Sweet Pineapple Brownie.

You can only get this pineapple brownie inside the duty-free shops of Taoyuan international airport. Each brownie is baked with an upper layer of pineapple flavored cake, a lower layer of chocolate brownie, with real pineapple in the middle. The chocolate brownie, together with the sweet and sour pineapple flavor, makes this pineapple brownie super delicious! The price of a box of Taipei Sweet Pineapple Brownie is NTD 350 (USD 12) for nine pieces of brownies.

Where to buy Taipei Sweet Pineapple Brownie? You can find this brownie at the Ever Rich Duty-Free store inside Taoyuan International airport.

Other than this fantastic pineapple brownie, you will want to look for the famous Alishan Tea made in Taiwan. This oolong tea is a high-mountain tea with a sweet and floral flavor. It is very different from black tea or green tea. The aroma of Alishan Tea is simply irresistible. Click here to read our blog on where to visit in Alishan and book a tour to Alishan with one of our friendly local guides!

What to buy in a Taiwan Night Market?

There are over 70 night markets in all of Taiwan. Whichever city you are in Taiwan, you will be bound to find a night market near you. What makes a Taiwan night market so special and an essential visit during your travel in Taiwan? First of all, you can find all kinds of typical Taiwan souvenirs such as Taiwan-shaped key chains, postcards, and colorful Taiwan magnets. You can also find great bargains on all sorts of electronics and mobile phone accessories.

Besides discovering many great bargains in a Taiwan night market, you will find at least over 100 food stalls in each night market for you to explore. The snacks that they sell in the night markets are traditional Taiwanese street food that you must try.

Oyster omelette is a classic dish made with fresh oysters and egg topped with sweet and sour tomato sauce. Another favorite snack amongst the Taiwanese is the “small sausage wrapped in big sausage.” It is Taiwanese style sausage wrapped in sticky rice and makes a tasty filling snack. If you are thirsty, grab a cup of black sugar milk and add your favorite toppings, such as tapioca balls or coconut jelly.

If you happen to be in Taichung, be sure to visit Taiwan’s largest night market, Fengjia Night Market. Click here to read more on Taichung’s night markets.

We hope to promote locally made in Taiwan products through this blog. Next time when you are in Taiwan, be sure to buy some of these beautiful souvenirs from Taiwan back home to share with your loved ones.

Kavalan Whisky, Taiwan

For whisky lovers, a mere 20 minutes drive from Yilan city will bring you to Taiwan’s first award-winning whisky distillery. Kavalan whisky got its name from the indigenous group of people who resided in Yilan county. First record of the Kavalan group dated as early as the 1600s. As the Han Chinese settlers moved to Yilan during the 19th century, most Kavalan people relocated down south to Hualien and Taitung city.

The owner of Kavalan distillery, Mr. Tien-Tsai Lee, was the founder of King Car Group, a conglomerate that sells everything from coffee, bottled water, health foods to cleaning products. Mr. Lee opened the whisky distillery in 2005. At that time, Kavalan was the only whisky distillery in Taiwan. Because of the ideal environment in Yilan, with fresh air, clean water, Mr. Lee was able to produce his first batch of Kavalan classic single malt whisky in 2006.  

Because of the hot and humid weather in Yilan (it can typically go up to 33 degrees or more in the summer), the whisky ages in their wooden barrels a lot faster than the typical whisky in other parts of the world. An average Kavalan whisky ages for around four years in the barrels. The maturation process is one third less than the Scottish distillery’s. As a result, the Kavalan classic single malt whisky has a distinctive and rich flavor with a wide range of aromas, including the scent of mango, which is unique in Taiwanese whiskeys. In 2010, this Kavalan classic single malt whisky beat three Scotch whiskeys and one English whisky in a blind tasting contest for Burns Night organized in Scotland.

At the World Whisky Awards in 2015, the Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength won the World’s Best Single Malt and the Best Asian Single Malt awards, beating off its competitors from around the world. Besides winning international competitions, Kavalan also received rave reviews from Whisky connoisseurs worldwide. Jim Murray’s 2017 Whisky Bible gave Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask 97 points (superstar whisky), with 100 points being the highest in ranking.

If you happen to be in Yilan and would like to pay a visit to Taiwan’s first whisky distillery, definitely go for a free self-guided tour at Kavalan distillery. Kavalan is open daily from Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Saturday to Sunday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm. Only groups of more than 20 people will need to make a reservation on the Kavalan website in advance.

Which type of Kavalan Whisky should you buy?

According to the staff at one of the Kavalan whisky outlet, below are two best-selling Kavalan whiskeys so far in Taiwan:

1. Kavalan Classic Single Malt Whisky 700ml (list price NTD2100 ~ USD70) – The first batch of whisky that Kavalan produced. It is smooth and has a taste of tropical fruit, mango especially.
2. Kavalan Podium Single Malt Whisky 700ml (list price NTD2500 ~ USD85) – This single malt whisky made from brand new American casks is fruity with a complex finish. There are hints of honey, cherry, white pepper, and grape with a sustainable aftertaste.

Where to buy Kavalan Whisky in Taiwan and globally?

There are many outlets in Taiwan where you can buy Kavalan Whisky. Below is a link to all the retail outlets in Taiwan, where you can get a bottle of Kavalan.

http://www.kavalanwhisky.com/en/store.php

You can also buy Kavalan globally. Click on the link below to see if they sell Kavalan Whisky at where you are!

http://www.kavalanwhisky.com/en/store.php?foreign=

Omar Whisky, Taiwan

Not far from Taichung City, central Taiwan, is Nantou county. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and clean, pure water, this place is perfect for the government-owned Nantou Distillery to set up Taiwan’s second whisky distillery, Omar Whisky.

The Taiwanese government set up the Nantou Distillery in 1978 and sells mostly wine, fruit wines, beer, and other liquors. To make quality whiskies, Nantou Distillery sent a distiller to Scotland to learn the art and technique of whisky-making. In 2013, Nantou Distillery launched its first batch of cask strength single malt whiskies, both in bourbon and sherry casks. These single malt whiskies from Omar Taiwan received international recognition and won gold and silver awards at the International Spirits Challenge in 2014. The same year, they also won silver awards at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.  

To further distinct its whiskies from other competitors, Omar tried new methods of aging whiskies. One of the signature whisky that Omar produces is the Omar Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky Lychee Liqueur Barrel Finished. The whisky matures in ex-bourbon casks for 3-4 years and finishes in a lychee liqueur barrel to create this flavourful fruity whisky. The finish is smooth, fruity, and oaky. By using fresh lychees from nearby Nantou mountains to make the lychee liqueur, this one of a kind whisky can only be found in Taiwan!

Where can you buy Omar whisky in Taiwan?

Many Taiwan local supermarkets such as Carrefour and PX Mart will sell Omar whiskies. Click on the links below to find out where you can buy Omar in Taipei and Taiwan:

http://www.omarwhisky.com.tw/en/store.aspx

You can also get Omar Whisky in Singapore, Malaysia, and China. Below is a list of outlets where you can get your hands on a bottle of Omar worldwide:

http://www.omarwhisky.com.tw/en/store_global.aspx

The geographic location of Taiwan, a small subtropical island, contributes to the success of producing quality whiskies. Due to the warm and humid climate, whiskies in Taiwan mature two to three times faster than those in Scotland or Ireland and so provides a great advantage to whisky producers in Taiwan as they can reap profits faster. This subtropical climate also contributes to the distinctive tropical flavors that only Taiwanese whiskies possess. Whether you are a spirit, wine or beer lover, coming to Taiwan will give you a pleasant surprise and satisfies your thirst for a quality alcoholic drink.

What is the Taiwan electrical power plug type?

Taiwan uses Type A and B power plugs. Type A and B plugs & outlets are used mostly in Canada, the USA, and Japan. Thus, if you purchased your phone or laptop in North America and Japan, you can be sure that it will work in Taiwan as well.

What is the electrical voltage in Taiwan?

The standard voltage is 110 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.

Do I need to bring a voltage converter to charge my mobile phone?

Mobile phone, laptop, and digital camera adapters are usually dual-voltage. This means the adapter converts the voltage automatically to run on other voltage systems. 

How do I know if my device is a dual-voltage power adapter?

Please read the certification label on your power adapter or user manual carefully. Look for the certification label on Input. If it says something similar to “INPUT AC 120 VAC 60 Hz 200 W” then your gadget is single-voltage and can only be used on 120 V. However, if the input shows “Input: 100-240V~ 0.45A (0,45A) 50-69Hz“, that means it’s a dual-voltage power adapter and it will work in Taiwan.

What power adapter does Taiwan use?

If your mobile phone or laptop power adapter has Type A or B plug, it will work in Taiwan.

What type of electrical plug does Taiwan use?

Taiwan’s electrical devices use Type A & Type B plugs. 

Which socket does Taiwan use?

The electrical socket in Taiwan is compatible with Type A & Type B plugs. 

Will my laptop’s Type B plug work in Type A outlet in Taiwan?

Type A plugs work in both Type A and B outlets. However, Type B plugs only work in Type B outlets. If your device uses the Type B plug, we recommend bringing a universal travel adapter.

Is Taiwan plug the same as in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, or the UK?

No. Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, and the UK use Type G plugs and sockets. You will need to bring a universal travel adapter to Taiwan in order to charge your devices.

Taiwan also uses lower voltage than countries that use Type G plugs. The standard voltage in Taiwan is 110 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. Type G devices usually expect 240 Volts. However, if you are just bringing your laptop, iPhone, or Samsung phone adapter, it will most likely be dual-voltage, and the power adapter can work with Taiwan’s lower voltage. But you still need a universal travel adapter to make your plug work with Taiwan’s power outlet.

Is Taiwan plug the same as in Canada and the USA?

Yes. You don’t need to bring a universal travel adapter to Taiwan.

Is Taiwan plug the same as in Australia?

No. Australia uses Type I plugs and sockets. You will need to bring a universal travel adapter to Taiwan in order to charge your devices.

Is Taiwan plug the same as in the Philippines and Vietnam?

Depends. The Philippines and Vietnam use Type A, B, and sometimes Type C plugs and sockets. You will need to check your device to see which type of plug you have. If your device uses Type A or B plug, it will work in Taiwan.  But if you have Type C plug, you will need to bring a travel adapter to Taiwan in order to charge your devices.

Is Taiwan plug the same as in Japan?

Yes.  You don’t need to bring a universal travel adapter to Taiwan.

Is Taiwan plug the same as in Thailand?

Depends.  Thailand uses Type A, B, and sometimes Type C and O plugs and sockets. You will need to check your device to see which type of plug you have. If you have a Type C or Type O plug, you will need to bring a travel adapter to Taiwan in order to charge your devices.

What if I forget to bring my mobile phone power adapter to Taiwan?

You can buy a mobile phone power adapter very easily in Taiwan. Many places sell mobile phone, laptop, and digital camera power adapters. The prices of the phone power adapter start from NTD $199 (USD $6.58) to NTD $499 (USD $16.51). Many electronic stores including TK Electronics and eLife Mall sell power adapter and universal travel adapter.

We hope travelers find this blog useful. You would not want find your mobile phone out of power when you try to snap a shot of that perfect morning sunrise in Alishan National Park or that unique and delicious Taiwan Chocolate.

Many travelers wanted to know is Taiwan safe to visit in 2020 during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak? We wanted to provide valuable Taiwan Travel Restrictions information for travelers visiting or planning a trip to Taipei, Taichung City, Taoyuan and other parts of Taiwan for pleasure or business during the Coronavirus outbreak.

What is the current Taiwan travel restrictions?

Taiwan will be restricting foreign travelers’ entry to Taiwan effective March 19, 2020. The countries covered by this Taiwan Travel ban included Singapore, Japan, Canada, USA, and EU countries. Entry to Taiwan will only be allowed to visitors holding valid Taiwan citizenship, Permanent Residence status, diplomatic visa, or signing important contracts. Click here for full detail of the travel restriction.

Latest update from Taiwan Centers for Disease Control

As of April 3, 2020, there have been 135 confirmed Coronavirus cases in Taiwan.

According to Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control, “these confirmed cases included 48 indigenous cases and 291 imported cases. Of 339 confirmed cases, 5 died from the novel Coronavirus, and 50 were released from isolation while the remainder is in a stable condition and remains hospitalized in isolation.“

Click here to visit Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control Website.

Is it safe to travel to Taiwan now during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Covid-19 is a global pandemic that affects over 204 countries worldwide. Compared to other countries, Taiwan has done an excellent job containing the spread of Coronavirus. Before the Coronavirus outbreak, every week, tens of thousands of people travel between Taiwan and mainland China yet there are fewer than 339 cases of Covid-19 in Taiwan.

According to a Stanford Health Policy’s report, Jason Wang, MD, PhD, an associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford Medicine, credits Taiwan’s use of big data analytics, new technology, and proactive testing, to contain the spread of the Coronavirus in Taiwan.

Many countries, including New Zealand, Israel, Korea, have praised Taiwan’s policy for containing the Coronavirus in Taiwan. In a recent CNN article, it said that Taiwan’s coronavirus response is among the best globally.

If you are still traveling to Taiwan during this period, please make sure you fill out an electronic health declaration form from the Ministry of Health and Welfare before you arrive in Taiwan. Please click the below link to access the health declaration form. If you cannot fill the form through the electronic process, please make sure you fill in the “Health Declaration and Home Quarantine Notice” or “Health Declaration Card” when you land in Taiwan.

https://hdhq.mohw.gov.tw/

Major countries’ Taiwan Travel Advisory

As of March 21th, 2020, major countries such as the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand have advised their citizens to avoid non-essential travel outside their countries.

USA – https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html

Canada – https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/taiwan

United Kingdom – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/taiwan

Australia – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/taiwan

New Zealand – https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/taiwan

The Taiwanese government has since implemented several measures and restrictions to contain the spread of the virus. As of April 3, 2020, the Taiwan government has issued a level 3 warning for visitors visiting Taiwan from all the countries. For more information, please click the following link to learn more.

https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Bulletin/List/7tUXjTBf6paRvrhEl-mrPg

All foreign nationals coming to Taiwan will not be allowed to enter or transit in Taiwan. Foreign nationals with valid Taiwan residence permits will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. Travelers showing symptoms of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) may be required to undergo testing, isolation, and quarantine.

Most International Flights to Taiwan canceled (All Cruise ships banned)

Most international flights scheduled to fly to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport have been canceled. If you are planning a trip to Taiwan, please check with your airline carrier before you leave. Make sure your airline is still running flights to Taiwan. All cruise ships are banned from docking in Taiwan at the current moment.

One last piece of advice for travelers: currently, the Taiwanese government is controlling the sale of masks in Taiwan. Only Taiwanese residents are allowed to buy face masks at local pharmacies. Taiwanese resident is limited to purchasing three face masks per week.

Starting from March 21, 2020, face masks will be available at duty-free shops in Taiwan’s airports. Three adult face masks will cost NTD $50.

So we advise bringing your own face masks if you are still visiting Taiwan.

Please note that this blog is for information only. Travelers should consult his/her physicians and visit their respective country’s foreign travel advisory website before travel.

If you are a solo female visiting Taiwan, click here to read our blog on 4 Things You Need to Know As a Woman Traveling Solo Around Taiwan.

If you are driving from Taichung City, the mountainous landscape changes noticeably along the way. As you approach Taroko National Park from the west, you will notice there are more trees and shrubs on the mountains and hills, and vegetations are vastly different from the central mountain ranges. You would even get a feeling that you were in Hawaii instead of Taiwan!

The Taroko area officially became a national park in November 1986. The park has an area of over 92,000 hectares covering mostly the Northern part of the Central Mountain Range. The beautiful gorges in the park stand 3000 meters above sea level. Liwu river runs through the Taroko Gorge and, along with it, comes with many natural wonders and beauty. Over the years, the erosions by the Liwu River have created the magnificent gorges and canyons we see today at the Taroko Gorge. Around the years 1680 to 1740, the Taroko (Truku) aboriginal tribe migrated from the west of Taiwan and crossed the Central Mountain Range to settle in the Taroko area. Truku tribe were highly skilled hunters and also experienced in fishing. There were over 79 Truku tribe villages discovered across the Taroko region.

Three must-visit scenic spots at Taroko National Park:

Tunnel of Nine Turns (Jiuqudong)

In our view, this is the best spot to admire the breathtaking gorges, the gushing waters of the Liwu River, and the magnificent marbles that were formed by mother nature at Taroko Gorge. The Tunnel of Nine Turns was initially a part of the Central Cross-Island Highway. As this part of the highway provided the best sceneries of Taroko Gorge, the government decided to separate vehicles and pedestrians so that visitors to Taroko can enjoy the marvelous landscapes without having to fight for their ways with cars.

There is, however, no parking at the entrance of the Tunnel of Nine Turns. The best way to get there is either taking a bus, riding on a scooter, or if you have to drive, follow the signs near the Tunnel of Nine Turns, and they will direct you to the nearest parking spots. You will then need to take a short walk to get to the tunnel. Walking through the tunnel takes about 30 minutes from the entrance to the end of the tunnel (currently, the last section of the tunnel is closed).

Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) Trail

Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou) is another great trail in Taroko National Park to view the Liwu River and gorgeous landscapes. Swallow Grotto Trail is at the narrowest part of the gorge, where the powerful flow of the Liwu River erodes the cliffs over time. Caves and potholes form as a result of the erosions, and these caves provide a perfect nesting place for many pacific swallows. The swallows fly in and out of these caves, making it a lot more fun to walk on this trail.

Walking from the entrance of Swallow Grotto Trail to Jinheng Bridge is about 1.37km in length. As you walk along the trail, you will notice a rock representing the face of an Indian Chief (Indian Chieftain’s Profile Rock). This rock was carved by mother nature as a result of erosions by the river over millions of years.

Because of many falling rocks and landslides, the park recommends visitors to Swallow Grotto wear safety helmets. The helmets are available for visitors to borrow free of charge at the following locations:

– Xipan Service Station | 07:00 – 17:30

– Tianxiang Service Station | 09:00 – 16:00

– Buluowan Service Station | 08:30 – 16:30

– Hehuanshan Service Station | 08:30 – 16:30

– Taroko National Park Visitor’s Center | 08:30 – 17:00

– Taroko National Park Headquarters | 17:00 – 19:00

Changchun (Eternal Spring) Shrine

As you drive on the main road through Taroko Gorge, you will be able to see the Changchun Eternal Spring Shrine, where the spring water gushes out from the shrine into a waterfall. The running water never stops; that is why the shrine is called Eternal Spring Shrine. This shrine was built to commemorate 226 veterans who lost their lives while constructing the Central Cross-Island Highway during 1956-1960.

The start of the trail begins at the Old Changchun Bridge. After you cross the bridge, the trail goes uphill and can get quite steep. This trail is suitable for visitors who have a moderate level of fitness ability. One hour is usually the norm for a person to complete this trail. Head to the back of the shrine, climb a flight of stairs, and you will pass Guanyin Cave. Inside there is a small temple to remember the lost lives of veterans who helped to build the Central Cross-Island Highway. Along the Guanyin Cave path, there are observation spots where you can look down, and you will see Liwu River and its surroundings. After Guanyin Cave, another flight of stairs leads you to the Taroko Tower and Bell Tower, which is the highest point of the trail. Go right to the top of the Bell Tower, and you will find a gorgeous view of Taroko Gorge!

Besides the top 3 attractions that you must visit at the Taroko Gorge, there are many more places to explore. You can spend one whole day to hike the trails of the national park. You can spend half a day visiting Buluowan, where you can learn more about the people of the Taroko Tribe. Do not miss out on this natural wonder of Taiwan while you are visiting the East Coast of Taiwan!

If you are ready to see Taroko Gorge up-close, be sure to book our Taipei to Beautiful Yilan and Taroko Gorge Tour with one of our friendly local Tour Guide.

History of Cacao in Taiwan

The Japanese were the first to grow Cacao trees during their colonization of Taiwan for 50 years. But at the end of World War II, and retreat of the Japanese, the Taiwanese government, cut down most of the Cacao trees and replaced them with other plants and crops. Cacao was nowhere to be seen until about the 1980s when farmers try to cultivate the trees again. However, due to the high labor cost and difficulties in harvesting the crop, growing cacao was still not widespread.

Instead, many farmers were growing betel nut trees during the ’90s, as they were the most profitable crop in Taiwan at that time. Chewing betel nut was very common in Taiwan, and growing the trees made a lot of profits for the farmers. However, as studies showed chewing betel nuts increases the chance of getting oral cancer, the Taiwanese government began to discourage the consumption of betel nuts. The government gave incentives to farmers to cut the trees and replace them with other crops such as tea, mango, or other fruits.

Tree To Bar chocolates made in Taiwan

It was during this period when Mr. Chiu Ming Song, the owner of Choose Chius Chocolate in Pingtung County, decided to switch from growing betel nut to cacao trees. He was the first in Pingtung, Taiwan, to turn cacao into chocolate!

Mr. Chiu figured that cacao and betel nut trees could be grown side by side, complementing each other. Betel nut trees can provide shades for cacao trees to prevent cacao from staying under the sun for too long. He spent four years growing cacao trees and finally harvested his first batch of cacao beans. Then Mr. Chiu faced a problem. At that time, almost all chocolate production facilities import their cacao beans from overseas. There was no market for him to sell his cacao. With no thoughts of giving up, Mr. Chiu began to produce his chocolates from scratch using the cacao beans he grew. And this took him another five years as he trialed and tested different ways to make chocolate. It was not an easy process as it was tough to find information on how to produce chocolate from scratch.

After five years, in 2010, Mr. Chiu and his son finally made their first batch of Made in Taiwan chocolate! The Pingtung government even held a press conference introducing Pingtung’s first batch of Tree to Bar chocolates. It was after this historical event that many farmers in Pingtung followed suit and began growing cacao and making their chocolates.

Taiwan Chocolate wins international awards

In 2017, Taiwan chocolate won its first medal at the International Chocolate Awards (equivalent to the Academy Awards of the movie industry). Fu Wan Chocolate, owned by Mr. Hsu Hua Ren, came out of the competition with gold and silver awards in many categories. Being the favorite amongst the judges was the Taiwan Tie Guan Yin Tea 62% Dark Chocolate. Mr. Hsu spent only two years to produce his first batch of award-winning chocolate. Because of his background in cooking and his exceptional talent in taste testing, he was able to create unique chocolates in a short time. He sourced his cacao beans from nearby cacao tree farmers. In one year alone, Fu Wan Chocolate can use up to fifteen tons of cacao beans.

It is hard to imagine, Taiwan, a small island in the Asia Pacific, can produce internationally renowned chocolates, many comparable to the French and South American chocolate makers. With the hard work from local farmers and the government’s continuous support, Taiwan is telling the world that they, too, can make the best chocolates in the world!

In addition to award-winning tree-to-bar Taiwan chocolate, Taiwanese wineries also won international praises and recognitions. Click here to read our blog about “Award-Winning Wineries In Taiwan.”

Wufeng Linjia is one of the five major families in Taiwan, and it was named after it was found in Wufeng (formerly known as Abu Ma, this is the Wufeng District of Taichung City, Taiwan). Since the mid-19th century, Lin Jia has helped to calm down the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and Dai Chaochun events and participate in the Sino-French war. He has thousands of excellent soldiers and privilege, and he has control over a large number of fields in China and Taiwan. One of the most influential families in society. During the Japanese period, Wufeng Linjia was listed as “the top five families in Taiwan” with Keelung Yanjia, Banqiao Linjia, Lugang Yijia and Kaohsiung Chenjia.

Wufeng Lin’s ancestral home–Puping Village, Wuzhai Township, Pinghe County, Luzhou, Gansu Province. In the eleventh year of Qianlong (1746), the ancestral stone crossing platform was opened. It has been developed for decades, but because of Lin Shuangwen incident (Qianlong 52 years, 1787) Implicated in jail and died. After (the fifty-three years of Emperor Qianlong, 1788), under the leadership of his son Lin Xun’s widow, Huang Duanniang, the third generation of Lin Jiaxuan moved from the original Dali (now Dali District) to the Abu Fog (now Wufeng District), re-opening life and again Rich and prosperous.

It is said that the Wufenglin family refers to the descendants of Lin Dingbang and Lin Jianguo. The descendants of Lin Dingbang are called “squatting”, and the descendants of Lin Dianguo are “tops.” In the early stage of the development of Lin family, the influence of Lin Wencha, Lin Wenming, Lin Chaodong and Lin Zu Mi’s military power was exerted. In the later period, Lin Wenqin, Lin Xiantang and his cousins ​​stood out from the top, and they were good at doing business and supporting art. Social movement is famous.

Wufeng Lin Family Mansion

The National Historic Site – Wufeng Linjia Homestead is the general name for the gardens and mansions of the Wufeng Linjia in the A-Fog area. The fog and forestry buildings have a range of monuments: including the lower jaw system, the top system and the Laiyuan. The open area of ​​the Wufeng Linjiagong Baodi Park is the three building communities of Gongbaodi, Dahua Hall and the reconstructed grasshoppers.

『宮保第』”Kung Pao Di” – one of the buildings of the Xiafeng Linjia Homestead, was built by Lin Wencha (1828-1864) in Xianfeng eight years (1858), the third existing and left and right inner and outer guards, until its leading platform Yong went to Zhangzhou to attack the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and smashed it to Wansongguan. In the third year of Tongzhi (1864), he was chased and sealed [Prince Taibao], and he was called Gongbaodi. The overall space of the building was symmetrical, which was the pattern of five into eleven. The first and second entrance halls were built by Lin Chaodong in the 9th year of Tongzhi (1870) to the 9th year of Guangxu (1883), while the fourth and fifth entrances were also added afterwards, in the 21st year of Guangxu ( 1895) Completed before the Mayday cut. “Kung Pao Di” is the only official residence in the Qing Dynasty.

『大花廳』”Dahua Hall” – one of the buildings under the Wufeng Linjia Homestead, the five-opening and three-fall pattern, the Fuzhou-style stage and the characteristic shed, the only one in Taiwan, because the octagonal algae is carved with the king of flowers – Peony It has a rich posture and a rich posture. It is in full bloom in the position of the top of the heart, and it has the meaning of flowers and wealth, hence the name “Big Flower Hall”. In the 16th year of Guangxu (1890), the 20th year of Guangxu (1894) was completed. When Lin Chaodong was appointed as the director of the Fushun Bureau, it was built for the needs of military conferences and public banquets. It was also the space for the banquet and the theater. There are also exclusive troupes, like today’s “hospitals” and “private opera houses”, which symbolize the peak period of the Wufeng Lin family.

『草厝』”Grasshopper” – one of the Xiafeng Linjiazhai Xiafang buildings, the Wufeng Linjia family started, the grasshopper building is a courtyard house consisting of a body and a dragon guard, and there is a barn and a gatehouse, and there is a large garden space outside. It was built in the 17th year of Daoguang (1837) and is an important living space in the early days of Wufeng Linjia. It symbolizes the beginning of the blue-and-white stage of Linjiatun Road. It was destroyed in the early days of Japan. After many investigations and comparisons of old photos, and the computer simulation and restoration of relevant positions, the way of repair was determined, and the 1930 photos will be used as the restoration basis. It was restored by the original method and materials. It was originally used as the body of the “Gongma Hall”. It will be covered with thatched roofs during the restoration. It is a rare way to repair the monuments. The restoration is expected to be completed and opened in 2019.

To see Wufeng Lin Family mansion, book our Taichung to Wufeng Lin Family Residence & Garden Tour and learn more about it’s fascinating history.

History of Lantern Festival

So why do Chinese people celebrate the Lantern Festival every year? There were many different stories and legends associated with the event, but the most prominent one is this one. Long ago, a beautiful maid was working for the emperor inside the palace, and she never got to see her family. She was so sad that she wanted to commit suicide. An emperor’s advisor named Dongfang Shuo tried to help her, so he came up with an idea. He advised the emperor that on the 15th lunar calendar day (15th day after Lunar New Year), the God of Fire from heaven will burn down the whole city.

To save the town, everyone must make colorful and bright lanterns and hang them in front of their homes. People should also burn firecrackers and make sweet dumplings on that day because the God of Fire likes to eat sweet dumplings. Also, all people should carry the lanterns onto the street on that day and watch the fireworks. All this will make the city look like it is on fire, and the God of Fire will not burn down the city. And so, the emperor was tricked into what Shuo said and ordered everyone to do as Shuo suggested. On the 15th lunar calendar day, Yuan Xiao’s parents carried their lanterns on the street and were able to reunite with Yuan Xiao. The story is why the Lantern Festival is also called Yuan Xiao Festival in Chinese.

Lantern Festival 2020 – Taichung

This year, there are 3 locations for the event, all located within Taichung.

Wenxin Forest Park

The first location is right in the heart of Taichung, Wenxin Forest Park. The lanterns and lights were already shining at Wenxin Forest Park on Dec 21st, 2019. The park turns into a kids paradise with gigantic animal lanterns representing the 12 Chinese zodiac signs. There is also a tropical rainforest section of many tropical wildlife-themed lanterns. If you happen to be in Taichung city, this location is the easiest to get to by bus or taxi.

Houli Forest Park (Main Exhibition)

The main exhibition of this year’s Taiwan Lantern Festival is in Houli, Taichung. It is around 24km away from Taichung city center. However, there are many free shuttle buses which will take you from the city center to the exhibition. The location is very close to the Houli train station, so if you are taking the train, get off at Houli train station and follow the signs to the park.

There are 12 lantern areas within Houli Forest Park. Perhaps the most impressive light display of the exhibition is the “Guardian of the Forest – Tree of Light.” This tree represents how a tiny seed is nourished and grown into a giant tree, just like how Taiwan has grown over the years. Each part of the tree also represents Taiwan in its own way. First, the 22 bands of the tree trunk stand for Taiwan’s 22 municipalities and counties. The 368 flower buds are Taiwan’s 368 districts and townships, while the 2,359 heart-shaped leaves symbolize the 23.59 million Taiwanese people. This spectacular tree stands right beside the main stage of the exhibition, and you will not miss it.

Another exceptional light display at the event is the illuminating drones in the sky. Many different colors of lit-up drones fly up into the air and combine to make different picture patterns and greetings. During showtime, you can bring your head up and view the spectacular light show in the air.

Once you walk past the “Guardian of the Forest – Tree of Light” display, you will get to the technology light display section. This year, Taiwan Lantern Festival has the honor to hire the world-famous super technology circus from France. Together with the Taiwanese lighting technology and special effects, and the French’s impressive acrobats and robots, this show is a must-watch!

There are many more sections within the Houli Forest Park for you to explore, so be prepared to spend at least 4 hours or more just inside the forest park alone!

Horse Ranch Park Area

The Horse Ranch Park is about a 15-minute walk from the Houli Forest Park Area. Walking through the corridor from the Forest Park to the Horse Ranch Park is a pleasant treat in itself. Along the way, there are beautiful lanterns and decorations perfect for taking some decent photos. Once you get to the Horse Ranch Park, you will discover there are five areas to explore: “Animal Carnival,” “Indigenous Lanterns,” “Prosperous Industries,” “Friendly Cities” and “Ring-Taichung Digital Art.” As you venture into the park, it is like walking into a carnival with music and colorful lanterns around you. The Horse Ranch Park has a smaller area than the Forest Park, so if you have little kids, it is a great idea to start with this section first.

There are so many different things to see at the Taiwan Lantern Festival this year, and this blog cannot cover it all. We urge you to visit this festival if you are in Taichung during this period, it will not disappoint you!

Festival period:

Houli Forest Park & Horse Ranch Park – Feb 8th, 2020 – Feb 23rd, 2020

Wenxin Forest Park – Dec 21st, 2019 – Feb 23rd, 2020

Address:

Houli Forest Park – Dashan Road, Houli District, Taichung City

Houli Horse Ranch – No. 41, Sishan Road, Houli District, Taichung City

Wenxin Forest Park – Section 1, Wenxin Road, Nantun District, Taichung City

This link below tells you how to get to the different event areas:

https://2020taiwanlantern.tw/En/Traffic

Official event website:

https://2020taiwanlantern.tw/En/

Wine in Taiwan is as incredible as its scenery

The history of winemaking in Taiwan

Wine production does not have a long history in Taiwan. In fact, it was only around 60 years ago when winegrowers started actively cultivating wine grapes and produced wine. At that time, the Taiwan Provincial Monopoly Bureau (currently the Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Company Ltd.) contracted the few wineries to grow and produce wine. They imported around 200 different types of wine grapes from abroad and allowed the wine producers to cultivate their wine.  

Because the climate and temperature in Taiwan tend to be hot and humid, many wineries failed to produce good wine using European grape varieties. But through perseverance, Taiwanese winegrowers continue to explore different planting methods and modify winemaking techniques. They also tried to develop a new variety of grapes. Now, the Black Queen and Golden Muscat dominate the Taiwanese winemaking field, and wines produced from these grapes have made it to the top of many international wine competitions.

A visit to Shu Sheug Winery in Taichung 

Not many wineries in Taiwan will allow visitors to visit because they want to focus on winemaking and production. We came across this award-winning winery called Shu Sheug Leisure Domaine, which allowed us to tour around their vine fields and production facility, as well as wine tasting. Their maximum number of people in a group is 20, and a fixed price of NTD800 (around USD27) for the group. So the more people you have in a group, the better the money’s worth!  

We arrived at Shu Sheug Winery in the morning, and the daughter-in-law of the winery owner (Mrs. Hong) greeted us. She introduced to us the many different plants the winery grow in addition to the wine grapes. From their own coffee plants to avocado plants, to papaya trees and more, this winery is one real gem! Because we visited the winery in early February, it was the season when the vines and branches need to be trimmed, and we were not able to see the grapes hanging on the vines. From far away, we saw the winery owner, Mr. Jipei Hong, cutting and trimming the vine branches. We walked over to Mr. Hong and asked him if he had any help from other workers, and he told us it is mostly him who does all the trimming and cutting because his workers cannot do as good of a job as him! All this comes with experience, and he is still training his son and grandchildren.  

Inside the production facility, we saw many barrels imported from France. All their equipment are from Europe and are state of the art equipment. Because of the high fixed and labor costs, as well as the unique climate in Taiwan, the wine production volume each year is low. That is why a bottle of good red and white wine costs NTD 3000 (USD 100) per bottle. And even if you have the money to pay for a bottle of their wine, you still place your order now and wait for your bottle five years later!

If you are a wine connoisseur, enjoy touring different wineries, and happen to be in Taiwan, contact us to book a wine tour today! Various award-winning wineries in Taiwan are worth to visit. We can customize a tour of Taiwan’s best wineries for you.

Address: No. 8, Shuitou 2 Rd., Waipu District, Taichung City

Tel: 04 2683 3298

5 Romantic Places for Couples to Visit on Valentine’s Day and Beyond

Lover’s Bridge (aka Tamsui Lover’s Bridge)

No. 199, Guanhai Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 251

image: Wiki Commons

No list of romantic places in Taiwan is complete without this obvious but no less important attraction. Lover’s Bridge is located at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf in New Taipei City. It’s a beautiful landmark that bears the shape of a sailing ship mast and rigging pointed up towards the heavens. At night there are lamps lining the bridge to create quite the sight, but be sure to arrive in time for sunset as the scene is about as romantic as a manmade attraction can get. The most popular spot for lovers to take photos is found at the cursive LOVE sculpture which is tucked into a colorful flower garden, so be sure to bring your selfie stick.

Lengshuikeng Hot Springs

Yangmingshan National Park

image: Wiki Commons

While there are many hot springs throughout Taiwan, including those that may offer more peace and quiet (read: romantic) we know that convenience is also important to most couples. Nothing can stifle passion faster than too much time in traffic followed by a strenuous hike. This hot spring is located just north of Taipei in Yangmingshan National Park, and is affectionally known as “Milk Lake” because of the mild alkaline sulfur that blends exquisitely into the springs to deliver a milky if not pearly (with a touch of turquoise) appearance. After relaxing together in Lengshuikeng Hot Springs’ soothing 40°C embrace you can take some time to explore one of the top national parks in all of Taiwan.

Walk Among Cherry Blossoms

Yangmingshan National Park

Looks like we’re feeding two birds with one scone (the PETA-friendly take on a barbaric expression) by sending you to Yangmingshan National Park. In addition to sexy hot springs, the natural national treasure blooms bright with cherry blossoms in late January through to early March, which is coincidentally just in time for both “Western” Valentine’s Day (February 14th) and Japanese White Valentine’s Day (March 14th). What better way to spend an afternoon with your beloved than walking together hand-in-hand among the blossoms, taking photos to commemorate the occasion along your path?

Lover’s Lock at Rainbow Bridge

Keelung River, Songshan District, Taipei

The timeless (err…Millennial) act of placing an inscribed lover’s lock along a waterfront gateway can be realized at Rainbow Bridge in the Songshan District of Taipei. This bridge may not be as breathtaking as Lover’s Bridge above, but it’s convenient and a “must do” for many visiting couples due to the aforementioned padlocks and giant LOVE lettered effigy in addition to other illuminated (in the evening) waterfront sculptures.

See Monkeys With Your Love Monkey

Kushan District, Kaohsiung

Does “love monkey” count among the affectionate nicknames you have for one another? Even if not, couples will absolutely enjoy a fun day together amongst Taiwan’s cutest and most playful residents – the Formosan rock macaque in the Gushan District of Kaohsiung. While Valentine’s may be a more passionate time of the year for you, mating season is officially over for the Formosan rock macaque in January so you won’t have to worry about disrupting amorous behavior. View our complete travel guide to Monkey Mountain.

While the thought of a “third wheel” may not sound all that appealing for your romantic escapades, the prospecting of getting lost puts a much bigger damper on your adventures. Instead, have a local guide take you to some of the above attractions. You can get dropped off, given plenty of space to be alone together, and picked up when you’re ready to return to your accommodations. Click here to view all the exciting Taiwan Tours.