Located south of Japan and west of the Philippines, Taiwan is well worth a visit. Between nature, its temples and culinary specialities, the country reserves beautiful surprises—the proof by 4.
1/ Taipei, Zen capital
With seven million inhabitants, including suburbs, Taiwan surprises and makes you want to spend time wandering through its small streets to discover lovely shops or visit one of its many temples. In Taipei 101, 509.2 m skyscraper built by C.Y. Lee and inaugurated in 2004, the 360° view is impressive. The visitor reaches the observatory, at an altitude of 382 meters, on the 89th floor, in only 39 seconds! Another must-see spot, the Longshan temple, located in the Wanshua district, houses altars dedicated to Taoist deities. It has three rooms, one main one, one in front and one at the back. Those who like small stores will appreciate Bopiliao Historic Block, a historic district with old brick buildings, a few streets from Longshan Temple. Small galleries stand side by side with tea vendors. Mid-November, every year, the Autumn Festival is held here. The opportunity to admire a parade of dragons and giant colourful puppets representing gods to the rhythm of the drums. The second oldest street in the city, Dihua Street was built during the Japanese occupation (1895-1945). Old houses line the road, which brings together sellers of tea and dried mushrooms. Impossible to pass through Taipei without visiting the National Palace Museum. This monumental building, located in the north of the city, exhibits 700,000 pieces of collections, 90% of which come from the Forbidden City in Beijing. The works are divided into several rooms on three floors. The opportunity to discover the marvellous bronzes, including the famous cauldron of Mao Gong or the Zhong Zhou bell of the Zhou dynasty (12th-8th century B.C.).
2/ Taïnan, the ancient capital city
Located in the southwest of the island, the city is home to Fort Zeelandia, in the Anping district. A real architectural feat, its foundations were made from bricks and natural elements such as sugar, sand and rice. Another attraction attracts tourists, despite the renovation work. Built-in 1666, the temple of Confucius is one of the oldest on the island. Part of it remains open to visitors who discover a monumental entrance and paintings on the walls. Anping Tree House, a former shed used to store salt, is now used for exhibitions or events. A must-see, as well as the great Mazu temple, dedicated to Mazu, the great queen of the sky, protector of the sea. Ten minutes away, the bobo district of Central West is full of addresses where it is good to take a shopping or gourmet break.
3/ Lake of the sun and the moon, so romantic!
The Sun Moon Lake is located at more than 700 meters above sea level. Several upscale hotels offer accommodation with a breathtaking view of the lake. On the heights of the lake, the Wen Wu temple has two rooms entirely dedicated to the gods of war. After a 40-minute crossing of the lake and a 15-minute bus ride, the Bunun tribe welcomes tourists in their village for total immersion for a few hours. The members tell their traditions and invite those who wish to have lunch.
4/ Lukang, peaceful village
This small town of 760,000 inhabitants, located on the west coast facing China, is crossed by two main streets: Old street and Big street. One pushes the door of old stores such as that of Wu Dun Hou, specialist of lanterns manufactured for the most part by hand from generation to generation. The Huang family’s store follows, making incense from herbs and oud, a secret recipe. Then, after a tasty lunch, we go to the Longshan Buddhist temple, built-in 1647.
Practical information about Taiwan
Taiwan Tourist Office.www.taiwantourisme.com
Flight Paris-Taipei from 667€ with Eva Air.www.evaair.com
photo credits: Sokha Keo