Taiwan Explorer: Lanterns, Lakes & Skyline Views

Visit one of Taiwan's most popular night markets, Shilin Night Market! Every day, different food vendors set up to sell their specialty, like the delicious hot-star fried chicken, pepper pork buns, and oyster omelets. Or step outside your comfort zone and try other local favourites like blood cakes and stinky tofu.

Often considered the Harajuku of Taipei, a trip to Taipei is incomplete without visiting Ximending Pedestrian District. This funky, hip neighbourhood is full of indie markets, bubble tea shops, anime cosplayers, k pop dance troupes and is a hub for LGBTQ+ nightlife.

See the beauty of Sun Moon Lake from two wheels. Rated as one of the top bike trails in the world, join your CEO for a fun and easy ride around the lake. Stopping at some of the most notable landmarks around the lake, we'll see the Ci'en Pagoda, Xiangshan Visitor Center and the stunning Wenwu Temple complex.

Visit one of the beautiful tea plantations around Sun Moon Lake. Learn about the history and importance of tea in Taiwan, learn to pick and dry the leaves and sample some of Sun Moon Lake's signature tea: the Ruby Black Tea.

Purchase a ferry ticket and ride the three stops along the lake, Shuishe Pier → Xuanguang Temple Pier → Ita Thao Pier. At each stop, hop off and explore the sites and admire the incredible views. Don't forget to try Taiwan's signature Tea Egg along the way.

Visit the historic sugar factory. While seeing the converted space is interesting, the main attraction is the art village it has become. Catch one of the powerful and moving drum performances, showcasing one of Taiwan's rich cultural expression.

Founded by the Chimei Corporation in 1992, this museum is unlike anything else in Taiwan. Galleries cover everything from European paintings to a jaw-dropping violin collection (including Stradivarius), plus a unique arms and armor hall. Outside, classical gardens and ponds make for a peaceful stroll. Visitors rave about how unexpectedly world-class it feels.

Visit the extravagant Buddhist complex. Walk the 1km avenue toward the 108-meter golden Buddha and eight pagodas. Feel free to be inquisitive - monastics and volunteers happily answer questions. Dress modestly, keep voices low, and allow for half a day for the full experience it. Don't miss the vegetarian buffet or tea house and try sure to catch the sunset as it casts pink and orange hues on Buddha's face.

Take a short ferry ride to this famed beach town. Depending on the season, enjoy some time on the beach, rent a bike to ride the coastal paths or eat some yummy fresh seafood.

Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Taiwan at the famed National Palace Museum. Boasting nearly 700,000 artifacts that span 8,000 years of Chinese history, this museum is well worth the visit. Don't miss the beautiful Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stones.

Visit the tallest building in Taiwan, once the tallest building in the world. Take the speedy elevator from the 5th-floor to the 89th-floor in 37 seconds and admire the incredible views of the city. Learn about its bamboo inspired design and its architectural legacy as one of the tallest buildings intended to withstand significant seismic activity. Pre-book your tickets online to skip the queue.