asia

taiwan

While officially and administratively part of China, Taiwan is a destination in its own right – a burgeoning self-contained getaway or stopover. The Chinese influence combined with the population’s following of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism makes for a mix of festivals. Events like Buddha's Birthday Dragon Boat Festival and Cherry Blossom Season are interesting but Spring Scream, an outdoor rock festival, will get you going hard or going home.

Taiwan is certainly the Asian norm of densely populated, neon-lit cities where night markets are a staple of entertainment, shopping (bargaining) and eating. Yet the island is also home to high mountain ranges (which do see snow fall despite the island’s tropical climate) and you can get away to beaches (palm trees and all). The gorge-ous Taroko Gorge will wow you and you’ll find serenity in national parks – many with hot springs – an antidote to the urban jungle.