Taiwan Tour Packages

1. About Taiwan
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips For Indians To Know Before Travelling To Taiwan
4. Our Best Budget Taiwan Tour Packages
5. Taiwan At A Glance
6. Top Reasons To Visit Taiwan
7. Best Time To Visit Taiwan
8. Top Things To Do In Taiwan
9. Foods To Try Out In Taiwan
10. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travellers
11. Shopping In Taiwan
12. Art And Culture In Taiwan

Taiwan is located Southeast of China, just 144 km wide and 394 km long. Despite its small size, the country has lush vegetation with over 60% forest coverage and over 10,000 plant species, including the indigenous nanmu and cypress trees. Its subtropical climate and tropical storms (typhoons) make it humid and hot.

Despite its good relationship with almost all countries across the world, Taiwan is only recognised by 12 countries. This is due to its long-standing dispute over sovereignty with Mainland China or the People’s Republic of China.

The nationalist government of the Republic of China (ROC), under the leadership of the Kuomintang (KMT), took control of Taiwan after the Second World War. The ROC government lost control of mainland China in the Chinese Civil War in 1949, after which it withdrew to Taiwan. This was when Chiang Kai-shek declared martial law. In 1996, Taiwan held its first-ever direct presidential election.

Taiwan is often described as primarily Han Chinese, with over 95% of the population claiming Han roots. However, Chinese immigrants arriving from the mainland during the 17th century belonged to various subgroups. In modern-day Taiwan, ethnic distinctions have become slightly blurry, mainly due to the Chinese immigrants.

Besides semiconductors, Taiwan is famous for its jade exports. Taiwan is a great place to shop for electronics and beauty products. Besides its natural attractions, modern buildings, and beautiful temples, Taiwan is famous for its night markets.

If you plan to explore its rich history and heritage, visit us to check out our Taiwan tour packages.

• Bubble tea is said to have originated in Taiwan in the 1980s.
• Taiwan is known as ‘Ilha Formosa’ by the Portuguese, which translates to ‘beautiful island’.
• Taiwan is the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage.
• The country has a total of 268 mountains over 3,000 metres.
• Taiwan has over 13,000 convenience stores.
• Taiwan was the first to introduce the toilet-theme dining concept – restaurants that serve food on toilet-shaped tableware to guests sitting on toilet-shaped chairs.
• You can drive across the entire stretch of Taiwan in just 8 hours.
• Taiwan is the largest manufacturer of semiconductors, with 68% of the world’s market share.
• With over 400 species of butterflies (50 endemic to Taiwan), the country is called the Butterfly Kingdom.
• If you hear Beethoven’s Fur Elise, it’s the trash van arriving on the street.
• Taiwan has one of the largest concentrations of convenience stores in the world. Here, you can buy anything, including bus and train tickets.
• Taiwan offers free Wi-Fi in all public places to its citizens and tourists alike.

• Taiwan offers Single (90-day validity) & Multiple Entry tourist visas (6 months to 3 years). Visa fees range from INR 4,800/- (Single Entry) to INR 8,350/- (Multiple Entry).
• If you visit Taiwan around the Lunar Year or summer holidays, book hotels (especially midrange hotels or B&Bs) in advance.
• While Taiwan has beautiful mountains, hiking or staying isn’t easy – you must juggle a maze of permits. Discuss with your tour company if you plan to visit them.
• Dress modestly when visiting Taiwanese temples.
• Taiwan has a low crime rate, which makes it safe for every tourist, especially solo female travellers.
• The country is highly progressive, making it a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ travellers.
• The public restrooms in Taiwan are clean, spotless, and impressive.
• Carry an umbrella as it rains a lot throughout the year.
• Taiwan has an efficient public transport system that can carry you across any part of the country.
• Buddhist Taiwan is vegetarian and vegan-friendly. There are plenty of restaurants selling food prepared according to Buddhist practices – no meat, dairy, garlic, onions, or root vegetables. It’s a perfect destination for Jain travellers.

The Taiwanese take their food very seriously, and the country’s cuisine is delicious and wholesome. The night markets, in particular, present a wide range of dishes that will satiate your taste buds for days. From a plate of epic beef noodle soup to the comforting hot pot, foodies will have a gala time exploring the country’s foods with our Taiwan tour packages.

While Taiwan’s beauty will pull you in, the warmth of its people will make you stay. Known for their friendly and polite behaviour, the locals of Taiwan are always willing to help foreigners, welcoming them with open arms. Whether it’s asking for directions or getting recommendations about the best local food, the people of Taiwan will win you over with their kindness.

Although Taiwan is gorgeous during the day, the night makes the country come alive. This is well-evident in the night markets of Taiwan, which are a brilliant combination of mouth-watering street food and stalls selling affordable clothing.

Taiwan’s temple culture is a major reason tourists visit the country, indicating its people’s religious nature. Placed in front of stunning backgrounds, most temples in Taiwan have an opulent appearance and are often adorned with vibrant colours and intricate designs.

The Portuguese sailors knew what they were saying when they gave Taiwan the unique title of a beautiful island because the country is brimming with natural splendour. From lush green hills and towering cliffs to serene beaches and national parks, you will be awestruck by Taiwan’s natural beauty.

Innumerable cultural events and festivals occur in Taiwan annually, showcasing the country’s artistic vigour and rich heritage. Some festivals you could catch with our Taiwan tour packages include the Lantern Festival, Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival, and Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival.

Taiwan primarily has a subtropical climate, which is why anyone who travels to the country from India will be able to relate to the weather conditions. While the months between May and October are usually hot, cooler weather occurs from November to March. The country’s northern region receives rainfall from January to March and is generally cooler than the southern region. From May to late September is the monsoon season in the south-western area, but heavy rainfall can occur during any given time of the year.

Remember that the typhoon season in Taiwan lasts from May to November. The country’s infrastructure can handle these typhoons, which affect only certain areas. Let’s explore the details of each month so you can decide when to book our Taiwan tour packages.

The temperature remains between 16 and 22 degrees Celsius from January to April. The weather stays pleasant, and this is one of the least humid periods in Taiwan. Although rainfall occurs throughout the country, January and February receive the fewest showers.

The frequency of rainfall does increase as the year goes along, such as during March and April, but that’s not much compared to the rainfall Taiwan witnesses during the summer months. Between January and April is the magical cherry blossom season in Taiwan, which you can experience with our Taiwan tour packages. The festivals you can catch during these months include the Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, and Qingming Festival.

Even though the months between May and September bring heavy rainfall, it doesn’t discourage tourists from travelling to Taiwan. This is especially true because the showers aren’t as menacing as those in the other nations in the region.

The temperature oscillates between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius during this period, with July often having the highest temperature. If you live in India, the weather engulfing Taiwan during the summer season will be manageable. The festivals during these months include the Dragon Boat Festival, Taipei Film Festival, and the Ghost Festival or Zhongyuan Festival.

From October, the weather in Taiwan begins to get cooler as the rainy season bids goodbye to the country. The temperature ranges from around 22 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius in October and reaches about 19 degrees Celsius in December. The humidity levels also reduce, with November and December being the driest and windiest months of the year. The festival you could encounter during these months includes the Double Ten Day celebration.

From parks and museums to temples and historical monuments, there are numerous places to visit and many adventurous activities for you to try out with our Taiwan tour packages. They are as follows:

Of Taiwan’s nine national parks, Yushan is the most special because of Mount Yu Shan, also called Mount Jade. The park is spread over 103,121 hectares and includes huge sections of the Central Mountain Range with over 30 peaks that are 3,000 metres high. Various reptiles, mammals, birds, and amphibians can be found in the Yushan National Park, including the sambar deer, black bear, serows, and the Taiwanese macaque.

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall was built in memory of the former President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek. The national monument is located at the east end of Memorial Hall Square and is encompassed by a park. The structure is white and has four sides. The roof of the memorial hall is a shade of blue and has an octagonal shape, which is connected to the importance placed on the number ‘eight’ in Chinese culture. It is thought to bring good fortune and abundance.

Yehliu Geopark is a cape with unique-looking rocks. Forming part of Datun Mountain, which stretches out to the sea, the collection of tofu rocks, sea caves, mushroom rocks, and candle rocks was created through crustal movement and marine erosion. Of all the rocks in the location, the Queen’s Head is one of the most popular, as it’s a mushroom rock formation that is said to resemble the head of Queen Elizabeth.

Located in the Xinyi District of Taipei, known for its shopping malls and financial services, Taipei 101 is the eleventh-tallest building in the world and the tallest building in Taiwan. Since its inauguration in December 2004, it was classified as the tallest building in the world until the Burj Khalifa took over that title in 2010.

The structure’s elevators, transporting passengers from the 5th to the 89th floor in 37 seconds, set speed records. In 2011, the building was honoured with a Platinum certificate rating under the LEED certification system for environmental design and energy efficiency.

The Bangka Lungshan Temple is situated in the Wanhua District of Taipei. The settlers from Fujian built the temple in 1738 during the reign of the Qing dynasty. Chinese settlers would pray as they gathered at the temple back in the day. The temple is divided into the main hall, front hall, rear hall, left-wing, and right wing. The temple walls are decorated with vivid creatures, and statues of mystical creatures guard the temple grounds.

The National Palace Museum is said to have the biggest collection of priceless Chinese art treasures. It contains about 700,000 artworks and artefacts, many of which were shifted during the ROC retreat. The items displayed in the museum showcase 8,000 years of Chinese history, from the Neolithic period to the modern era.

The mesmerising alpine alpine lake, the Sun Moon Lake, is in the Yuchi Township of Taiwan. In the centre of the lake is Lalu Island, which divides the lake into two parts, one part shaped like a round sun and the other shaped like a crescent moon. This is where the lake derives its name from. Forest trees, streams, and mountains surround this calm and vast lake.

The Taroko National Park is located in the Xiulin Township of Taiwan. Spread over 360 square miles, the park was named after the Taroko Gorge, formed by the Liwu River. The waterfalls one witness at this national park are some of its most attractive features, including the Baiyang Waterfall, Yindai Waterfall, Changchun Waterfall, and Lushui Waterfall.

• Hiking
• Trekking
• Mountain climbing
• Paragliding
• Kayaking
• Whitewater rafting
• Mountain biking
• Paddleboarding

When you travel to Taiwan with our Taiwan tour packages, you will taste the country’s eclectic and unique cuisine. Whether you like noodles or have a sweet tooth, the meals you have in Taiwan are sure to satiate both your tummy and soul.

Herbal, sugary, and savoury flavours appear in Taiwanese dishes, regardless of whether you dine at a fancy restaurant, a night market, a hot pot place, or a street corner. Food is such an integral element of Taiwan that it’s a proud part of the country’s identity. This is because Taiwan’s food combines its history of colonisation and contemporary politics. The country’s mainstream cuisine has Japanese, American, and southern Fujian influences.

Let’s take a look at which are the most popular dishes in Taiwan that you should definitely try out during your holiday:

Beef noodle soup is Taiwan’s national dish. Although it has Chinese origins, the Taiwanese give it a twist of their own by including pickled mustard greens and spices such as fennel seeds, Sichuan pepper, Chinese cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.
The soup is a staple in the Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival, which is held in Taiwan every year. It consists of greens, tender beef shanks, and beef tendons, and there are both mild and spicier versions.

Did you know that Taiwan has almost 5,000 hot pot restaurants? This should give you an idea of how important it is to taste this dish to feel a little closer to the culture of Taiwan. Most households in the country have a hot pot burner that is used whenever guests come over.

A hot pot could be made of various things, such as thinly sliced meat, seafood, dumplings, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, wontons, and tofu. The stock usually consists of pork bones, pickled cabbage, or jujube. The sauce that accompanies the hot pot can be customised, with ingredients such as freshly chopped scallions, garlic, sugar, black vinegar, chilli sauce, or soy sauce.

The Taiwanese hamburger, also known as gua bao, is a speciality in the northern region of Taiwan. The dish is made with puffy mantou steamed buns filled with fatty and sweet pork belly braised in a concoction of Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce, and rice wine. The mixture is topped with cilantro, pickled mustard greens, and crushed peanuts.

Sticky rice dumplings are also known as zong zi, pyramid-shaped dumplings usually wrapped in bamboo leaves. Zong zi is actually the term for a leaf-wrapped bundle of sticky rice, which is available throughout Asia and can have different variations. In Taiwan, this variation is triangle-shaped, with the filling consisting of pork, mushrooms, dried shrimp, chestnuts, and peanuts. The dish is also often served with salted egg yolk and pickled radish.

Taiwanese fried chicken is available at all-night markets, and fried chicken chains are spread throughout Taiwan. The chicken is deep-fried twice so that the exterior becomes crunchy and crumbly, with the delicate and thin shell resembling a tempura. The ingredients that go into the mixture of this fried chicken include pepper, salt, basil leaves, and five-spice powder.

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food in Taiwan, braised pork rice is the dish to go for. It consists of a soy-braised fatty pork belly served over steamed white rice. The dish is either eaten on its own or along with other side dishes.

Oyster vermicelli noodles are extremely popular at the night markets and street food stalls in Taiwan. Bowls of these noodle soups can often be found topped with shrimp and pork intestines instead of oysters. The thin red vermicelli noodles used for the dish swell up as they are cooked and don’t break during the preparation process. Some of the ingredients that go into making this dish are small oysters, chicken broth, dried shallots, bonito flakes, sweet potato flour, ground white pepper, sugar, and cornstarch.

Scallion or green onion pancakes have a flaky and savoury flavour. They’re flatbreads that contain an oil-enriched batter and scallions. This mixture is cooked over a hot griddle and seared until crispy. These pancakes can be eaten on their own, and they are also often wrapped around cheese, basil leaves, eggs, corn, ham, or seared beef.

Aiyu jelly is among the most famous desserts in Taiwan. The country’s mountainous regions are home to a creeping fig variety, whose seeds are used to make this dessert, which you can try as you travel the country with our Taiwan tour packages. This sweet and squishy jelly is served cold with shaved ice, fruits, and squeezed lime, giving it a sweet and sour flavour.

The stinky tofu found in Taiwan is basically fermented soybean curd. Available in almost all the night markets in the country, the fermented tofu is fried and then drizzled with a sauce that tastes spicy, sweet, and hot at the same time.

• Foreigners are usually greeted with a handshake, whereas friends meet each other with a “hi” or a wave or a slight head bow.
• Remember to take off your shoes before you enter someone’s home.
• Whether you’re presenting someone with gifts, packages, or money, use both hands as it’s considered polite.
• If you use a toothpick in public, remember to cover your mouth.
• When you’re having a meal, finish everything on your plate and don’t waste anything.
• The Taiwanese are really proud of their cuisine, so they always compliment the food while enjoying a meal.
• When riding an escalator, remain on the right side and keep the left side free for those who wish to run up or down.
• When using public transport in Taiwan, offer your seat to pregnant women, children, and elderly citizens when necessary.
• Some people in Taiwan could consider tipping offensive.
• Don’t drink water, eat, or chew gum while riding the metro.
• Don’t speak about death or the number ‘four’ in Taiwan, as the pronunciation of the number is similar to that of ‘death’ in Taiwanese and Mandarin. This is why most buildings and hospitals don’t have floors numbered ‘4’.
• You shouldn’t give Taiwanese people certain things, such as handkerchiefs, clocks, scissors, and white flowers. Don’t give shoes to elderly people or an umbrella to a romantic partner.

One of the many joyous experiences of exploring Taiwan with GT Holidays’ Taiwan tour packages is to go shopping around the country. From luxury malls and trendy stores to streetside boutiques and flea markets, the shopping scene in Taiwan is eclectic and delightful. The following are some of the best souvenirs to buy from Taiwan and the shopping places to check out in the country:

Pineapple cake is one of the most popular sweet treats in Taiwan, and you can bring it for yourself and your loved ones when you book your vacation. The dessert’s popularity is such that the country’s capital created the annual Taipei Pineapple Cake Cultural Festival in 2005. The dessert’s fillings are eclectic and can contain pineapple, cranberry, melon, and strawberry.

The mountainous areas of Taiwan are known to produce some of the most delicious tea. The wide range of flavours will make any tea lover’s heart swell with joy. Depending on whether you enjoy nutty, smoky, sweet, or floral teas, you can choose from black tea, white tea, green tea, and more. You can also purchase a box of tea leaves, as they make great presents.

If kitschy and colourful porcelain pieces sound intriguing, you must grab some unique pieces from the Franz Collection. The company produces quirky cutlery, cups, teapots, and vases designed with flowers, nature, and animal themes. You will be spoilt for choice, from spoons with dragonflies on the handles to cups decorated with flowers and vines.

Taiwan is known to produce some of the highest-quality jade. Visit the Jianguo Jade Market, filled with innumerable stalls where you can pick up some precious jade pieces.

The traditional wax paper umbrellas found in the markets of Taiwan aren’t just meant to protect you from the sun and rain; they also have vital cultural symbolism associated with the country. They are considered an auspicious symbol, so people often gift them to couples, hoping they will have many sons and grandsons. The locals also give them gifts during weddings, hoping it will bless the couple with a full and happy life.

• Taipei 101 Mall: For high-end fashion brands, magazines, books.
• Shilin Night Market: For jewellery, clothes, shoes, souvenirs, snacks, and accessories.
• Raohe Street Night Market: For delicious local cuisine.
• Wu Fen Pu: For clothes, shoes, bags, and pet apparel.
• Yongkang Street: For snacks, crafts, electronics, and clothes.

• Shopping in Taiwan is not cheap.
• While you can bargain, haggling at the markets of Taiwan may not always get you too far.
• If you come from India, you’re probably used to quoting a 25% discount rate as the asking price and then building it up from there. However, this trick doesn’t work in Taiwan, and you will be lucky to receive a 20% discount on whatever you buy.

Some of the Taiwanese people’s favourite sports are basketball, baseball, golf, tennis, and football. Korean, Japanese, and Chinese martial arts are widely practised in the country. The country’s young baseball teams have gone on to receive international recognition, especially in the Little League World Series in the United States. A semi-professional basketball league was organized in 2003.

Taiwanese art is influenced by the mixture of cultures visible throughout the country’s rich history. After the Second World War, the government made efforts to erase Japanese cultural influence and shine a spotlight on Chinese culture. As a result, there was a rise in art forms such as folk arts, traditional Chinese opera, classical painting, and calligraphy.

Taiwan has four primary professional Chinese music groups. These are the Taipei Municipal Chinese Classical Orchestra, Chinese Orchestra of the Broadcasting Corporation of China, Kaohsiung Chinese Orchestra, and National Chinese Orchestra. Western classical music tends to be more popular than traditional Chinese music in Taiwan.