Beyond Zhang Mei Ama: Best Yilan Family Attractions & Hidden Farms
Beyond Zhang Mei Grandma's Farm! Explore Yilan's best animal-friendly attractions and local farms. From duck-raising education and kumquat picking to DIY workshops, discover hidden gems perfect for multi-generational family trips. Enjoy eco-tours and ticket discounts while skipping the crowds. Let’s dive deep into Yilan's natural treasures!
By Annie Chen
A Friendship Across Half a Century: Mr. Nguyen and His Lifelong Friends’ Tea Country Adventure
When we first received the inquiry from Mr. Nguyen, we were pleasantly surprised. While many Vietnamese travelers visiting Taiwan prefer solo travel, Mr. Nguyen was looking to organize a private group tour for 20 people. As we got to know them, we realized this wasn't just a standard tour—it was a celebration of a friendship that has spanned decades.
By Grace Fang
Alishan Tea Culture Journey: Tea Picking, Making, Tasting & Tea Trails
Discover Alishan’s rich tea culture: from the legendary Taiwan Milk Oolong to authentic tea-picking and making experiences. Explore 8 editor-picked tea houses and scenic trails for the ultimate high-mountain tea journey in Taiwan.
By Annie Chen
Is Taroko Gorge Open to Visitors? 2026 Travel Status & Safety Update
Is Taroko Gorge open? Get the latest 2026 travel updates on trail openings, road safety, and accessible areas. Plan your visit with our comprehensive guide to Hualien's iconic national park.
By Maggie Ko
Taiwan First-time Guide for Travelers 2026
Planning your first trip to Taiwan? This Taiwan First-time Guide covers everything beginners need to know, including visas, weather, transportation, food, must-visit attractions, and travel tips. Designed for international travelers visiting Taiwan for the first time, this travel guide summary helps you understand how to get around, what to eat, where to stay, and how to avoid common travel mistakes in one article—saving you time when searching for the information you need.
By Maggie Ko
The Best Taiwan Pineapple Cakes (Taipei)? Discover the Top 5 Pineapple Pastry Brands You Should Try: Chia Te 佳德、新東陽 Hsin Tung Yang、LeeChi 台北犁記、Pans’s Cake 小潘蛋糕坊、Sunnyhills 微熱山丘
Taiwan pineapple cake is one of the most iconic souvenirs among travelers. Brands like Chia Te, Hsin Tung Yang, LeeChi, Pan’s Cake, and Sunnyhills each offer distinctive flavors, ranging from buttery and smooth to tangy and fruit-forward. This guide introduces the best pineapple cakes in Taiwan, explains flavor differences, provides complete store information including addresses, opening hours, and price ranges, and offers insider shopping tips for 2025. Whether you want premium gifts, traditional tastes, or convenient last-minute options, this article helps you choose the perfect pineapple pastry during your trip. We also review transportation choices, MRT access, and traveler-friendly ways to shop efficiently. With extensive on-the-ground experience assisting international visitors, this guide ensures you bring home the most delicious and meaningful Taiwan souvenir.
By Maggie Ko
How to Hike Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) for the Best Taipei 101 Views: Routes, Hiking Tips and Insider Advice
How to Hike Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) is one of the most common questions among travelers visiting Taiwan, especially those exploring Taipei for a couple of days. Located in Xinyi District near Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain Taiwan offers spectacular cityscape views, easy transportation access through the Taipei MRT Red Line, and a short yet rewarding stair-based trail suitable for travelers of all ages. This complete guide explains everything you need to know: hiking difficulty, best viewpoints, sunset tips, the Four Beasts Mountains network, photography spots, nearby attractions like Din Tai Fung and Four Four South Village, and transportation options including MRT, taxi, and tripool private car service for families or groups. Whether you want to capture iconic skyline photos, enjoy a nature escape minutes from downtown Taipei, or simply understand how steep the trail is before you go, this article provides clear, expert insights based on firsthand experience from the Round Taiwan Round editorial team. With detailed instructions, maps, and some helpful FAQs, this guide helps you plan the perfect Elephant Mountain Taiwan visit.
By Maggie Ko
Best time to visit Taiwan? Discover the Perfect Month for Every Traveler
Planning your trip but wondering when is the best month to go to taiwan? This comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to know—from cherry blossom season and typhoon months to budget-friendly travel windows and unmissable local festivals. Discover which months offer the best weather, lowest prices, and most authentic experiences in cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Tainan. Whether you love hiking, beaches, or culture, discover when to plan your visit for the most rewarding Taiwan travel experience.
By Maggie Ko
The Soul's Retreat: A Doctors Without Borders Volunteer's 10-Day Search for Quietude in Taiwan
In April 2024, we had the honor of welcoming a truly remarkable guest: Mr. M, a distinguished 70-year-old gentleman from Israel. Mr. M is no ordinary traveler; he is both a respected psychologist and a dedicated volunteer with Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières), having served in over 50 countries worldwide. After years of facing relentless pressure and challenges on the front lines, he chose Taiwan as his sanctuary—a ten-day retreat to momentarily step away from the daily grind and find quietude and relaxation. This trust was a profound honor, inspiring us to meticulously craft a deeply restorative journey connecting the very best of Western Taiwan.
By Grace Fang
Taiwan Hotels & Accommodations: Your 2026 Insider Guide to Booking, Staying and Getting Around
When planning your stay in Taiwan, whether for a business trip in Taipei, a culture‑rich escape in Tainan, or a nature‑filled adventure in Hualien or Yilan, getting accommodation right makes all the difference. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a family on vacation, or a couple chasing romantic getaways, this guide will show you where to stay in Taiwan, how to choose the right neighborhood, average prices, top-rated local favorites, and insider transportation tips. Written by Round Taiwan Round (RTR), Taiwan’s trusted local travel expert, this guide helps you find the best taiwan hotels and to plan a seamless journey from check-in to check-out.
By Maggie Ko
Taiwan Map: A Complete Guide to Regions, Cities, and Must-Visit Spots
Planning your next trip to Taiwan? This detailed Taiwan map guide helps you explore the island’s most fascinating regions—from Taipei’s bustling city life to Taitung’s serene coastline. Discover how Taiwan’s geography shapes its diverse culture, cuisine, and nature, and learn the most efficient routes between attractions using high-speed rail, local trains, or tripool private transfers. Explore northern cultural hubs like Taipei and Jiufen, central mountain escapes like Sun Moon Lake, and southern beach getaways like Kenting. This comprehensive map-based overview will help you plan smarter and travel deeper across Taiwan.
By Maggie Ko
Exploring Taiwan by Taiwan High Speed Rail–The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide for Seeing Taiwan’s Best Cities
The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is the backbone of modern travel in Taiwan, linking north to south with speed, comfort, and reliability in just two hours. This detailed guide covers ticketing, seat classes, travel times, and how to make the most of each destination along the line. Perfect for international travelers seeking convenience, it’s your go-to resource for navigating Taiwan’s most efficient transportation system.
By Maggie Ko
Taiwan Typhoon Season Travel Guide: When to Go, What to Expect, and Safety Tips
Planning a trip to Taiwan during typhoon season? Between June and October, powerful storms occasionally sweep through the island, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. In this comprehensive Taiwan typhoon guide, RTR explains how to stay informed, travel safely, and make the most of your visit—even during stormy weather. From understanding local alerts to choosing the best transport options, here’s everything you need to know before, during, and after a typhoon in Taiwan.
By Maggie Ko
Taiwan Arrival Card and Taiwan Visa Requirements 2026: Everything You Must Know Before You Travel
Planning a trip to Taiwan in 2026? Learn the latest updates on the Taiwan arrival card, visa-free entry, and online application process before you travel. This in-depth guide explains who needs a visa to enter Taiwan, how to complete the arrival card online, and what documents to prepare for smooth immigration clearance at Taoyuan, Kaohsiung, or Taipei Songshan airports. From online registration to customs clearance tips, here’s how to enter Taiwan without hassle—whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or a short layover.
By Maggie Ko
Experience Hehuanshan: Taiwan’s Accessible High-Altitude Hiking Destination
Nestled at the crossroads of Nantou and Hualien counties along Taiwan’s majestic Central Mountain Range, Hehuanshan (合歡山)—also known as Mount Hehuan—offers one of Asia’s most breathtaking and accessible high-altitude hiking experiences, perfect for adventurers of all abilities. Rising over 3,000 meters above sea level, this alpine paradise features multiple peaks and easy-to-moderate trails such as the East Peak, Main Peak, and Kunyang Trail, each offering sweeping views of misty valleys and endless skies. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker chasing a sunrise above the clouds or a casual traveler seeking a scenic drive through lush, cool mountain air, Hehuanshan makes high-mountain beauty effortless to enjoy. From snow-covered slopes in winter to spring’s rhododendron blooms and crystal-clear starlit nights, the mountain captivates visitors year-round. Easily reached by car, shuttle, or Tripool’s chartered transport, Hehuanshan combines comfort, convenience, and natural grandeur—making it a must-visit destination for families, couples, and solo explorers traveling through the heart of Taiwan.
By Annie Chen
A Special Homecoming Journey: A Custom Tour to Discover Family Roots in Taiwan
This unforgettable story dates back to December 2023, when we received an inquiry from Ms. K. She wanted to plan a trip to Central Taiwan for her family.During the initial planning, Ms. K specifically requested visiting Miaoli, Taichung, and... Changhua. For international travelers, Changhua is often not a primary tourist destination, which piqued our curiosity. However, as our service is centered around customized itineraries, fulfilling our client's wishes is always our priority!
By Grace Fang
Hualien Rift Valley Day Tour 2026: Explore Baqi Lookout, Shitiping, Moon Cave, Danongdafu Forest Park & Liyu Lake in One Perfect Day
Plan a 2026 Hualien Rift Valley day trip covering Baqi Lookout (Baqi Gazebo), Shitiping’s wave-cut platforms, Moon Cave’s guided bat-viewing boat ride, Danongdafu Forest Park cycling, and serene Liyu Lake. Get practical transport choices—Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes 303B/303C/303D, Tripool private charter, car or scooter rental—plus timing, safety, and photography tips. Learn about the Amis and Bunun communities through food and festivals, and prepare for seasonal scenery from rice paddies to valley mists. Curated by Taiwan-based editors to help travelers from the U.S., Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore explore sustainably and smoothly.
By RTR Authors
Taiwan Electrical Plug / Outlet Guide: Voltage, Adapters & Travel Tips for International Travelers
Planning a trip to Taiwan and wondering whether your devices will fit into local sockets? Understanding the Taiwan electrical plug and outlet standards is essential for a hassle-free stay. Taiwan uses Type A and Type B plugs, the same as those in the United States and Japan, operating at 110 volts and 60 Hz. If you’re traveling from Europe, the UK, or regions with 220V systems, you’ll need a voltage converter and an adapter to keep your devices safe. This guide covers everything you need to know—plug types, adapters, voltage differences, and safety tips—so you can charge your camera, phone, or laptop anywhere in Taiwan. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler, understanding the Taiwan electrical plug and outlet system ensures your trip runs smoothly from arrival to departure.
By Maggie Ko
Our Authors
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Grace Fang
15 articles
Grace here! Born in Taipei, based in Yilan, with love for Tainan/Taitung. I explore Taiwan's 368 townships, finding unique cultures for my next journey.
Maggie Ko
18 articles
Maggie, a Taipei local. Lived in Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, giving me a unique cross-city view. Sharing Taiwan's culture and experiences is where my enthusiasm lies.
RTR Authors
42 articles
The RTR Editorial Team shares Taiwan’s adventures, local experiences and hidden gems with expert, lively storytelling—bringing travelers closer to the island’s unique beauty.