Taiwan Tourism: How the *Heck* Do I Actually Get There?!

[Timothy Denesik]

Alright, alright, that's clickbait! As a Guangdong person (yes, like me), of course we can visit Taiwan. Otherwise, where would I have gone this time?
But since you ask with sincerity, I'll gladly tell you some things you should know before going.

#TravelInnovations #GlobalTourism #TaiwanTrip

• First, the positives:

  • As for Taiwan, the scenery is indeed breathtaking. Some places even carry their own flavor.
  • Most people there are quite kind and are willing to help when asked directions.

• However! There are a few places that made me, as a Guangdong person, just a little ill at ease:

  • Eating, eating, eating!
    • You know how picky we are in Guangdong! Though Taiwan offers many delightful street foods on night markets and food stalls, aside from the highly acclaimed ones (like the Braised Pork Rice and Oyster Omelet), many others... Well, they're okay, let's say so.
    • If you go there with the mindset that "Taiwan's food is heaven," you may want to lower your expectations a bit. Not that it’s bad, but compared with our Cantonese cuisine, it might feel a little lacking in soul (purely personal opinion, no need to flame me over this!).
  • Some so-called "must-see" internet-famous spots:
    • Oh my Lord! It's crowded everywhere! Just like the way we squeeze into tourist attractions during holidays. Wanting to take a picture without people all around? Good luck!
    • Some places are too commercialized, and seem to cater exclusively to tourists, rather than preserving their genuine, local charm.

• ️️️**Warning: Notes and points to be aware of for foreigners in particular!**️️️

  • On money:
    • Exchange currency beforehand! Whether you exchange it in China or at the airport in Taiwan, do it before the trip.
    • Why? Although most big stores and chain shops accept Alipay or WeChat Pay, cash is still king when it comes to things like night markets, food stalls, and many other local shops. Don't assume cashless payment will work everywhere; just in case, have enough local currency to get you through all the shopping and food experiences.
  • On transportation:
    • It's convenient to take the mass transit system in big cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung.
    • But if you want to visit more remote locations, like Kenting or Hualien, make sure to check the frequency of transport services. Decide whether renting a car, or taking the Taiwan’s "Good Journey" shuttle service (a kind of scenic site transfer bus) would fit your needs better.
  • On communication:
    • Most Taiwanese speak what we call Mandarin, but they have different accents and phrases that might lead to minor miscommunication occasionally. It's nothing major though, just slow down a bit and you'll get along well.
    • Many young people also speak English, so for foreign friends who worry about communication, you should be fine.
  • On choosing souvenirs ("gifting goods"):
    • A lot of souvenir shops mainly target tourists, as you’d expect.
    • Tip: Shop where locals go, such as supermarkets or markets, or compare prices of similar items among different shops to avoid ending up at the wrong side of the price-setting scheme.

• Final thoughts:

  • Is it worth it to travel to Taiwan? From my perspective, it's definitely worth giving it a try.
  • Just don’t set the bar too high in your fantasy, every place has its pros and cons. As for us Cantonese people traveling somewhere new, we want to taste the freshness of a different life and enjoy something unique. The key lies in having a balanced mindset!

Hope you find my review helpful and wish you a pleasant journey.

[April Corwin]

Why can Shenzhen residents go to Hong Kong an unlimited number of times, but people from Xiamen and Quanzhou can't do the same for Taiwan?

[Nathan Dickinson-Steuber]

I'm a second-generation Dongguan native, not from Shenzhen.

[Sadie Ortiz-Waelchi]

Shouldn't people from Fujian be the ones asking this first?

[Ms. Wanda Kilback]

Independent travel for individuals was never really open in the first place. I myself went to Taiwan on an exhibition visa.

[Darren Sawayn]

It's not just people from Guangdong.

[Linda Dietrich]

If you work and live in nearby Hong Kong or Macau for a year, you're pretty much guaranteed to be able to go.

[Josephine Cremin]

Swimming.

[Eunice Rutherford]

Usually, it's for business, visiting family, or studying abroad.

[Madeline Hermann III]

What kind of special Guangdong resident are you?