East Asia
Night markets, mountains, and the warmest welcome in Asia.
Taiwan is one of Asia's most likeable surprises — a green, mountainous island where a dynamic modern culture, some of the friendliest people you'll meet, and the best night-market food anywhere come together. It blends Chinese heritage, a Japanese colonial past and a fiercely independent identity, with hot springs, marble gorges and tea plantations an easy ride from the cities. Taipei, the capital, is safe, spotless and endlessly snackable, gathered around the soaring Taipei 101 tower — an effortless introduction to the island.
What things cost: Taiwan is great value — night-market meals and the excellent metro cost very little, and even mid-range hotels are reasonable. It's a touch dearer than Southeast Asia but far cheaper than Japan. The food is the cheap joy; when a zone below says 'low', that means low for Taipei.
Sometimes the event picks the city for you.
A dazzling festival of giant illuminated lantern sculptures filling a district of the city for ten nights after Lunar New Year, themed to the zodiac animal of the year. Free, spectacular and family-friendly; it coincides with the famous Pingxi sky-lantern release in the hills nearby, making February a magical time to visit.
Taipei · Rotates by district, Taipei
The ancient early-summer festival of dragon-boat racing, when teams drum and paddle brightly painted boats along the Keelung and Dajia riverside, and everyone eats sticky rice zongzi wrapped in bamboo leaves. A lively, colourful day out by the water, with races, food stalls and a real festive buzz across the city.
Taipei · Dajia Riverside Park & waterways
One of the world's great New Year spectacles — a huge pyrotechnic display fired from the length of the Taipei 101 tower itself, cascading down the skyline as hundreds of thousands count down in Xinyi below. Arrive early for a spot (Elephant Mountain and the riverside are prime), and expect a joyous, packed, unforgettable night.
Taipei · Taipei 101, Xinyi
