Taiwan

I went to Taiwan in April 2025. I had about a month free and thought it was too little time to visit larger countries, so I decided that this island was the perfect place, also thanks to its pleasant spring temperatures. It was right here that my passion for Chinese food was born.

My absolute favorite food! I couldn't help but taste and try new things, some of which I still have no idea what they were… but I can assure you they were all incredibly good!

The first impression

I stayed in Taipei, the capital, for a month, and unlike other Asian countries, finding an affordable apartment was not easy. But it's no surprise: with a little research on the city, one often finds that it is one of the capitals with the highest rents in relation to income, even more than London and New York.

In the end, instead of renting an apartment, I decided to take a room with a private bathroom in a shared apartment. And it was one of the best choices of my life: I met wonderful people 😊

The country immediately gave me a good impression and I will always carry with me the friendliness of the people. I particularly remember an episode that stayed in my heart. I was walking in the rain through the streets of Taipei, with my raincoat. In front of me was a couple walking under the same umbrella. At one point, the lady's glasses fell from her pocket. Seeing the scene, I quickened my pace to return them to her.

They were so grateful that, once we reached the taxi, the man ran after me and gave me his umbrella. There was no way to convince him it wasn't necessary.

Taipei

In the city, I also decided to rent a desk in a coworking space, to meet new people and create connections in different environments. It was a wonderful experience.

One thing I got used to right away was always drinking bubble tea (or boba tea), which originated in Taiwan: cold tea with the famous chewy tapioca balls.

The thing that surprised me the most at first was the country's safety. I could leave my laptop, phone, and all my belongings on the desk without worrying: I knew I would find them when I returned.

In the past, while working with Italian clients, I often found myself coming home at one or two in the morning, on foot or by bicycle, without any fear. In fact, I often stopped at one of the famous 7-Eleven stores, open 24 hours a day, to treat myself to a dessert or an evening snack.

The most "frightening" thing that happened to me during these night walks was encountering a real gang of cats in the street: passing by, I really felt like I was interrupting a neighborhood meeting!

Kenting

Kenting is a seaside village with a mild climate and amazing street food. I ate at the local stalls practically every evening.

Not far from the center is a hill that is part of Kenting National Park. The nature within it is incredible: centuries-old trees, hidden waterfalls, and trails immersed in the forest make everything truly magical and relaxing.

Beware of the monkeys that inhabit the area, though: it's better not to get too familiar with them! The trails are well-marked and often built on elevated boardwalks, so as not to disturb the roots of the trees.

Tainan

Tainan is one of the oldest cities on the island. As you may have noticed, Taipei and Tainan have similar names. In fact, in the Chinese language "Tai" identifies Taiwan: Taipei means "north Taiwan", Tainan means "south Taiwan", Taichung indicates the center of the island, Taitung the east. Interesting, isn't it?

Despite being a historic city, Tainan did not give me a "old" impression at all. On the contrary, I found it very creative and full of energy: murals and colorful facades blend perfectly with ancient temples.

I rode it mostly with the e-bikes provided by the city, easy to find and park. The app I used in 2025 is called uBike.

Lake Sun Moon

At Sun Moon Lake, you almost feel like you're on holiday at Lake Como… except that instead of pizza, one of the typical dishes is pig's feet!

The lake is full of sailboats, catamarans, pedal boats, and jetskis and is surrounded by a splendid cycle path that can be covered on a regular or electric bike. I decided to pedal with a traditional bike... but my legs felt it the day after!

If you are not used to cycling uphill or prefer a more relaxed pace, I definitely recommend an electric bike.

On one of the hills surrounding the lake, there is also one of the most important temples in the area: the Wenwu Temple. I was truly impressed by the details carved into the stone and the splendid panoramic view of the lake.

Do you also want to relax on the shores of this lake, taste some of the best foods in Asia, and visit centuries-old temples?

Contact me and we will organize your next trip to Taiwan together.

CONTACT ME