Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tainan Confucius Temple
Taiwan's first Confucius temple and a model of graceful
design and dignified atmosphere. (
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)
Chung Tai Chan Monastery
Designed by the same architect as Taipei 101, the rocket-
ship-meets-mosque exterior belies an interior filled with traditional decorative arts. (
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Traditional Festivals
Rising living standards and economic prosperity haven't killed folk culture in Taiwan: it just
means there is more money than ever to hold extravagant and sometimes outlandish fest-
ivals.
Matsu Pilgrimage
Taiwan's largest religious festival is a nine-day 350km walk around the
island for Matsu believers - which is almost everyone. (
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)
Burning of the Wang Yeh Boats
A sublime weeklong religious festival that concludes
with the torching of a 'plague ship' on a beach. (
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)
Lantern Festival
High-tech lantern shows are held in every city, but the most riveting
spectacles are Pingxi's sky lantern release (
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) and
Bombing Master Handan
(
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)
in Taitung
Yenshui Fireworks Festival
Like Spain's Running of the Bulls, only they let fireworks
loose here and you're not supposed to run from them. Loads of fun and games and some-
times people do lose an eye. (
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)
Night Markets
Taiwan's reputation as a culinary hot spot is spreading; even street food-obsessed Singa-
poreans and Malaysians are beating a fast path here to sample the nightly goodies.
Raohe Street
The cognoscenti's night market, Raohe is Taipei's oldest, and unrivalled in
snacking opportunities. (
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)
Miaokou
Nightly offerings from the bounty of the sea at Taiwan's most famous snacking
destination. Afterwards pray at the temple that gives the market its name to atone for your
gluttony. (
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)
Liuhe
Every night 100 stalls line the market road, offering everything from squid-on-a-
stick to fresh chicken wraps. (
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)
Fengjia
(
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)
Make a pilgrimage to this frenetic market, the birthplace of many
quirky yet popular snacks in Taiwan.
Tainan
It seems half the city and every temple square is a night market - the unique local
snacks like coffin cakes and shrimp rolls are well worth the trip down south.
