The ultimate guide to winter travel in Taiwan, from food to scenery

Planning a trip to Taiwan in December or January is an ideal choice, especially during this season when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is picturesque. Whether you want to savor the food, explore the history, or enjoy the nature, Taiwan offers you a rich experience. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed travel preparation checklist, the top 10 recommended places to visit, climate characteristics, transportation, accommodation, emergency contact information and potentially dangerous things to do to ensure that your trip to Taiwan is smooth and enjoyable.

Travel Preparation Checklist

Before traveling to Taiwan, please make sure you have the following ten essential items ready:

1. Passport and Visa: Make sure your passport is valid and check if you need a visa according to your nationality.

2. Travel Insurance: It is recommended to purchase travel insurance in case of unexpected situations.

3. Charging equipment: Include cell phone chargers and mobile power to ensure that your electronic devices are always available.

4. Suitable Clothing: Taiwan's winter climate is mild, with temperatures usually ranging from 15°C to 25°C. It is recommended to bring light jackets and long-sleeved shirts.

5. Personal hygiene items: such as hand sanitizer, masks and personal medications.

6. Cash vs. credit cards: although credit cards are widely accepted, small stores and markets may only accept cash.

7. Maps and travel guides: although navigation is available on cell phones, paper maps are useful when there is no internet.

8. Suitable plug adapters: Taiwan uses type A and B plugs to ensure that your device can be charged.

9. Photography equipment: Bring a camera or cell phone to record good travel moments.

10. Mobile phone SIM card or eSIM: Make sure you have a stable internet connection during your trip.

Top 10 places to visit in Taiwan in December or January

1. Taipei

Taipei is the capital of Taiwan and is rich in culture and history.

• Taipei 101: Visit the Taipei 101 building for a panoramic view of the city and enjoy shopping at the downstairs shopping center.
• Shilin Night Market: Experience Taiwan's unique snack culture and try delicacies such as stinky tofu and pearl milk tea.

2. Hualien

Hualien is famous for its magnificent natural landscape.

• Taroko National Park: Explore the canyons and trails of Taroko and feel the power of nature.
• Ocean Park: Experience water activities and enjoy the beauty of the coastline.

3. Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is an important city in southern Taiwan with a warm climate in winter.

• Liuhe Night Market: Savor the local cuisine, especially seafood and snacks.
• Lianchi Lake: Stroll around the lake and enjoy the beautiful lake view and surrounding temples.

4. Tainan

Tainan is the cultural and historical capital of Taiwan.

• Anping Ancient Fortress: Explore the historical sites and learn about Taiwan's history.
• Tainan Night Market: Savor local delicacies, especially Tainan Danzai noodles.

5. Yilan

Yilan is famous for its natural landscape and abundant hot springs.

• Jiaoxi Hot Spring: Enjoy a hot spring bath to soothe the fatigue of traveling.
• Yilan Traditional Art Center: Experience Taiwan's traditional culture and art.

6. Kenting

Kenting is a popular vacation destination in Taiwan, known for its beautiful beaches and warm climate.

• Kending National Park: Explore the nature reserve and enjoy water activities.
• White Sand Bay: Sunbathe on the beach and enjoy sea bathing.

7. Nantou

Nantou is famous for its tea plantations and natural scenery.

• Sun Moon Lake: Enjoy the scenery of the lake and mountains and experience cycling around the lake.
• Chingjing Farm: Experience the tranquility and beauty of the farm and enjoy fresh produce.

8. Hsinchu

Hsinchu is famous for its technology industry and beautiful sea of flowers.

• City God Temple of Hsinchu: Visit the historic temple and experience the local religious culture.
• Sea of Flowers: In winter, many places hold flower exhibitions to attract tourists.

9. Taoyuan

Taoyuan is the transportation hub of Taiwan and has many places to visit in winter.

• Taoyuan Night Market: Indulge in local cuisine and experience the night market culture.
• Small Wulai Scenic Area: Enjoy the stunning natural scenery and experience the excitement of the suspension bridge.

10. Keelung

Keelung is famous for its harbor and seafood.

• Keelung Night Market: Savor fresh seafood and local specialties.
• Peace Island: Enjoy the beach, snorkeling and beautiful sea view.

Taiwan's Climate Characteristics

Taiwan has a mild winter climate, usually between 15°C and 25°C, which makes it suitable for traveling, but there may be localized rainfall. Northern areas (e.g. Taipei) are relatively humid, while southern areas (e.g. Kaohsiung) are drier and warmer. Please pay attention to the weather forecast and arrange your trip wisely.

Transportation

Taiwan has a convenient transportation system with the following main options:

• Taiwan Railway (TTR) and High Speed Rail (HSR): TTR connects major cities and is an ideal way to explore Taiwan. High-speed trains, on the other hand, provide faster transportation between cities.
• Public Transportation: Public transportation systems (e.g., subways, buses) within cities are convenient for short trips.
• Taxis and shared trips: Taxis and shared trips (e.g. Uber) are also very convenient in the cities.

Choosing the right accommodation is crucial to the travel experience.

• Location: Choose a hotel close to the city center or major attractions for ease of travel.
• Type: Choose from hotels, hostels or B&Bs to experience different styles of accommodation.
• Facilities: Ensure that the accommodation provides air-conditioning and internet service to cope with the winter weather.

Emergency Contacts

When traveling, it is important to know the local emergency contact information:

• Emergency numbers: Emergency numbers in Taiwan are 110 (police) and 119 (fire, emergency).
• Hospitals and pharmacies: Hospitals and pharmacies are widely distributed in major cities to ensure that you have access to medical care at all times.
• Embassy contact information: It is recommended to record the contact information of your country's representative office in Taiwan, just in case.

Travel Safety and Precautions

While enjoying your trip to Taiwan, it is important to be aware of some potential dangers and safety matters:

• Beware of pickpockets: Although Taiwan is generally safe, it is still important to keep an eye on your personal belongings and remain vigilant in busy markets and tourist areas.
• Traffic safety: Pay attention to traffic rules in cities, especially on busy streets and at intersections, and obey traffic light signals.
• Traveling at night: Try to avoid walking alone in isolated or poorly lit areas, and choose areas with high pedestrian traffic.
• Natural Disasters: Although the climate is mild in winter, it is still necessary to pay attention to weather forecasts, especially in mountainous areas, to ensure safe travel.

Best eSIM in Taiwan

Internet connectivity is an easily overlooked but crucial aspect of traveling. Staying connected allows you to access information, navigate and share travel moments at any time. Choosing the right internet solution can give you peace of mind when traveling.

PhoneSIMGo's eSIM service

PhoneSIMGo eSIM service designed specifically for traveling provides high-speed network and says goodbye to roaming charges. Partnering with multiple carriers to ensure extensive coverage throughout Taiwan, you can surf the web worry-free while traveling. By choosing PhoneSIMGo, you can stay connected at all times with easy access to social media, maps and other online resources, ensuring your trip to Taiwan goes smoothly.

Conclusion

Traveling to Taiwan in December or January, you will experience the unique charm of winter. From the bustle of Taipei to the seafood of Keelung, a winter trip to Taiwan offers a wealth of opportunities to explore. By making reasonable preparations, especially ensuring a stable internet connection, you can better enjoy your trip.

Choose the eSIM service provided by PhoneSIMGo for worry-free traveling, enjoy high-speed internet and say goodbye to roaming charges. No matter where you plan to go, make sure you stay connected to the world and make your trip to Taiwan even better.