35 Dreamy Detours That Belong On Your Bucket List

By

Lisette Marie

March 19, 2026

19. Taiwan: Island of Contrasts

Cingshuei Cliff near Hualien - Taiwan. Photo Credit: Envato @Tommy021

Taiwan is a place where modern skyscrapers coexist with mist-shrouded temples, and bustling night markets sit beside peaceful mountain trails. In Taipei, visitors can dine on soup dumplings, ride to the top of Taipei 101, and soak in nearby hot springs. But the true magic unfolds beyond the capital—Taroko Gorge stuns with its marble cliffs and turquoise rivers, Sun Moon Lake is postcard-perfect, and Alishan’s sunrise is a spiritual experience. Taiwan’s mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Indigenous influences makes for a rich cultural mosaic, all in a destination that feels both accessible and undiscovered.

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