Taiwan
Landscapes, nature and traditions in one incredible journey
TAIWAN ECOTRAVEL is the perfect place if you are attracted by landscapes, nature, and traditions. The NORTH EAST COAST, the Taroko National Park, Jade mountain, SUN MOON LAKE and urban hot spots on the west coast you can find your happy place.
Far away from over-tourism, a Taiwan ecotravel will be a true CULTURAL EXPERIENCE. Visit TAIWAN in spring or autumn to enjoy perfect weather!
Not sure where to go?
Explore the options for a responsible trip
GOOD PLACES TO VISIT
Discover impact-driven destinations that were certified or recognized by their efforts
GOOD BUSINESSES
Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and attractions that are commited to responsible development
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
GOOD PRACTICE STORIES
Get inspired with stories from places and people that are acting for a fair and responsible tourism
East Coast National Scenic Area
The East Coast National Scenic Area faces challenges as the outmigration of younger populations, slow industrial development and tourist short stay. The East Coast National Scenic Area Administration Tourism Bureau (ECNSA, the destination management authority), through the promotion of deep and sustainable tourism, connects local culture, lifestyle, natural environment, arts and humanities. Since 2015, we have been organizing the East Coast Land Art Festival. In 2016, we incorporated elements of music and hold Moonlight Sea Concerts at the Duli Visitor Center from June to September, on the days with the full moons. This event combines the unique moonlit seascape of the East Coast, diverse music and art performances, an art market, and exhibitions.
North Coast & Guanyinshan
While Heping Island Park boasts a wide variety of landscapes: wave-cut platforms, chessboard rocks, sea grooves, abrasion cliffs, tafoni, sea chasms, and pedestal rocks, its hideaway, widely known as Alapawan, one of the top 21 sunrise watching spots recommended by CNN, was closed to travelers for more than 10 years due to rockfall risks posed by abrasion made of sandy shales. Since 2021, we’ve sought help from professors in geology and ecology and a local operations team, collaborating to monitor rockfall, estimate the length of the hiking trails, and use ecological engineering practices with aims of planning a new hiking route that stays clear of the rockfall source areas and building eco-friendly trails with gabion walls.
North East and Yilan Coast
Bitou Cape, nestled in the north-eastern corner of Taiwan and housing a pathway often referred to as the “Mini Great Wall,” is a headland known for its distinctive geological landscape, rich biodiversity, and seafood, magnetizes tourists from all over. Alongside the trail up the mountain lies a military camp that was abandoned in 2000. Recognizing the opportunity to leverage this idle space for tourism purpose, the Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration (shortened as NEYC), initiated a renovation project for this abandoned Bitou Cape military camp.
Penghu
The stone weirs in Penghu’s Jibei Island were once an important fishing method for the ancient people, utilizing the principles of tidal ebb and flow and fish migration to capture abundant seafood from the ocean. However, with technological advancements, stone weirs have ceased to be the primary fishing method for fishermen, leading to their gradual decline. In order to preserve this cultural heritage, we have established environmental education facilities, organized promotional activities during the stone weir season, and engaged in the preservation and application of stone weir cultural skills and traditions. Through these efforts, we aim to achieve cultural preservation while also integrating various community groups to promote sustainable local economies.
Southwest Coast National Scenic Area
Kouhu Township along Taiwan’s west coast, traditionally an area of sugar cane farming, a very important source of wellness for the local population. In 1986, Typhoon Wayne led to major seawater intrusion. Due to decades-long land subsidence, the floodwaters did not recede. Now, it is a lagoon and wetland. Due to frequent flooding, there was loss of farmland, in addition to loss of jobs and income. After resolving the long-term flooding problem, the whole area was converted in an eco-friendly touristic attraction and water birds sensitivity area.
Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area
As in most indigenous communities of Taiwan, the young people have moved to urban areas in search of study and work opportunities,but we are still trying to find new ways in which tribal sustainability can be achieved. Maqav is the name of May Chang by Taiwanese aborigines, which symbolizes the vigorous vitality and vitality of aboriginal culture. This time we use the tribe’s existing crops to increase the tribe’s tourism income.
Sustainability
Taiwan has 23 million inhabitants. Mountains cover 65% of Taiwan islands surface. To preserve the diversity of natural resources, flora and fauna, 9 National Parks and 13 National Scenic Areas in the island have been set up.
Also reducing plastic use and recycling waste have been the priority. In twenty years, Taiwan’s recycling rate rose from 0% to 55%. Carbon emissions are a big issue. There are not many green energy solutions, and nuclear energy is still an issue in Taiwan.
Travel tips from our editors
Explore Taipei's history by foot
If you like a quiet historical city walk, this is the best route. No matter how much time you have, you can explore the old Taipei city and taste traditional food on a half day walking tour. Start at North Gate (1884) near Taipei main station and visit the historical places nearby (Futai Mension, Post office, Train office, Mitsui Warehouse), continue to Dihua Street with where traditional facades of trading stalls and new year markets from Ching dynasty are well preserved. This old street is famous for its traditional Taiwanese cuisine, souvenir shops and temples. If you have limited time in Taipei, stay close to Ximen Station or near other stops along the blue MRT line. There are some eco hotels to stay in as well.
One hour on the train to reach the seaside
Fulong station at the North East Coast is only one hour from Taipei by train. 10 walking minutes out of Fulong station, you will arrive at the coastline. If you spend a night or two in Fulong, you can enjoy outdoor activities like snorkeling, hiking, swimming, canoeing and much more. During certain seasons, artists create sand sculptures on the beach. Cycle along the coast to enjoy the landscape and explore small fishing villages. It’s always good to visit on week days.
Outside of Sun Moon Lake JIJI Town
Sun Moon Lake is beautiful and famous. It is crowded at the weekend. It would be good to visit on weekdays. And if you would like a quiet and local town nearby, JIJI is a good choice. It has a wooden historical train station and countryside scenery, with a local fruits industry. Around the end of April to the beginning of May, the firefly season is also a good time to visit.
National Park in Taipei City
Yangminshan National Park is located in Taipei City. There are plenty of trails for a hike. If you have time for a day, it would be perfect to visit the city national park, where there are hot springs and volcano heat scenery . The public transportation is convenient; visitor can reach the park in one hour by bus from Taipei main station and Jiantan MRT station.
Waste recycling in Taiwan
For separate waste disposal, each city has a different way of recycling. Following the signs on bins is the best way to help recycling. Abandoned batteries can recycled in most of the convenient stores’ counter (7-11). If you have the chance to stay in a residential area, you will see the unique Taiwanese waste truck. The policy in many areas says that waste bags are not allowed on the ground, thus, the waste truck usually drives around after dinner time and plays Beethoven music to remind people to bring their collected rubbish to the truck.
Tourism & People
Taiwanese love to share their cultural diversity, not only Han, Hakka and Southeast Asian people living on the island, but also 16 Indigenous tribes in Taiwan. These different cultures also bring religious diversity – with a good amount of Buddhists, vegetarian and organic restaurants are easy to find.
Democracy and freedom are deeply ingrained in this young country. Despite or maybe because of the high population density, Taiwan is a very safe country with good life quality and hygiene standards.
Tourism & People
Taiwan, often referred to as the “Heart of Asia,” offers a unique blend of nature and wildlife. The island is characterized by its lush mountains, dramatic coastlines, and dense forests, providing habitat for various species of wildlife. Visitors can encounter Formosan macaques, a unique primate species found only in Taiwan, as well as elusive clouded leopards, pangolins, and a diverse range of bird species.
Protected areas like Yushan National Park and Kenting National Park allow travelers to immerse themselves in Taiwan’s stunning landscapes and observe its rich wildlife, making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Sustainability Recognitions
Brazil has 9 destinations featured in the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations 2021.
Other sustainability certifications can be seen here (English) and here (Portuguese).
Monique Chen |CEO of Sustainable Travel Taiwan
“We have various religions, 16 indigenous tribe, and also different people living in the island. The landscape is really various if you travel from west to east and north to south: you will experience city, mountain area and seaside in an hour. Biodiversity is unique: there are 13 national parks in Taiwan. Many efforts are being made to better preserve the heritage, including indigenous rights, and for the ecological conservation”.
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