Let's talk about Taiwan on Reddit.
Reddit: is Taiwan a country?
Bill from NY says: "The People's Republic of China claims sovereignty over Taiwan (officially known as the Republic of China), while numerous nations consider Taiwan to be an independent state without official recognition. Only 13 countries formally acknowledge Taiwan due to the People's Republic of China's policy of severing diplomatic ties with nations recognizing Taiwan as a separate entity."
Things to do in Taiwan? Discussing on Reddit
Olaf from Berlin says: "I would suggest visiting the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines, conveniently located near the National Palace Museum. Consider purchasing a combined ticket for both museums. Despite its smaller size, the Shung Ye Museum offers a more in-depth exploration of the island's history, making it a preferred choice for some over the National Palace.
For a captivating experience, explore the Longshan Temple, especially in the evening. Keep in mind that the temple closes around 9 PM, so plan accordingly.
Immerse yourself in the therapeutic waters of a hot spring, with affordable options available in Beitou, a part of Taipei. Evening visits to hot springs are particularly enjoyable.
Explore Elephant Mountain and take a ride on the Maokong gondola to appreciate stunning views.
Consider a day trip to Yehliu Geopark, easily accessible by bus from Taipei. Situated along the ocean shore, the park showcases remarkable geological formations, providing a unique and scenic experience."
For a captivating experience, explore the Longshan Temple, especially in the evening. Keep in mind that the temple closes around 9 PM, so plan accordingly.
Immerse yourself in the therapeutic waters of a hot spring, with affordable options available in Beitou, a part of Taipei. Evening visits to hot springs are particularly enjoyable.
Explore Elephant Mountain and take a ride on the Maokong gondola to appreciate stunning views.
Consider a day trip to Yehliu Geopark, easily accessible by bus from Taipei. Situated along the ocean shore, the park showcases remarkable geological formations, providing a unique and scenic experience."
What to do in Taiwan? Discussing on Reddit
Bob from SF says: "Greetings! I recently took the Yehliu, Golden Waterfall, Shifen, and Jiufen tour through Klook, and it was an entire day of exploration, starting from a 10 AM pickup in Ximending and concluding at 6:30 PM. The experience was fantastic, offering great value for money.
The tour covers iconic sites like the 'Queen’s Head' formation at Yehliu, providing approximately 2 hours to explore Jiufen during lunchtime. The highlight was participating in the Sky Lanterns activity at Shifen/Pingxi, followed by a leisurely stroll to a picturesque waterfall.
The entire package, excluding meals, cost 1255 NTD, and the English-speaking guide made the journey even more enjoyable. The smaller group size for the English service added to the overall positive experience. Consider this tour for the day earmarked for Jiufen; it offers a well-rounded and immersive adventure."
The tour covers iconic sites like the 'Queen’s Head' formation at Yehliu, providing approximately 2 hours to explore Jiufen during lunchtime. The highlight was participating in the Sky Lanterns activity at Shifen/Pingxi, followed by a leisurely stroll to a picturesque waterfall.
The entire package, excluding meals, cost 1255 NTD, and the English-speaking guide made the journey even more enjoyable. The smaller group size for the English service added to the overall positive experience. Consider this tour for the day earmarked for Jiufen; it offers a well-rounded and immersive adventure."
Is Taiwan safe? Discussing on Reddit
Li from Taiwan says: "The main safety concern lies in the intense traffic and the behavior of entitled drivers. The lack of patience and a sense of ownership of the roads by drivers is a significant issue. As a native Taiwanese, this is my top pet peeve about my country. In summary, it's crucial to stay vigilant and look out for your own safety, whether you're walking or driving on the roads."
Travel in Taiwan on Reddit
Orlando from Taiwan says: "While religiosity isn't prevalent in Taiwan, many people adhere to Buddhist traditions, making it advisable to research specific practices when visiting temples. Unlike the strict table manners in Japan, Taiwan has a few rules to observe, such as avoiding sticking chopsticks upright in rice (seen as praying for the dead) and refraining from tapping the bowl or chopsticks together due to superstitions.
When it comes to bargaining, locals have more leeway, but it's recommended for tourists to exercise caution and avoid it to prevent falling victim to scams. Public displays of affection are generally accepted, reflecting the open-minded culture; however, being considerate of offering seats to those in need, like the elderly or pregnant, is a societal norm.
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan, and cash remains widely used, so it's essential for visitors to carry sufficient funds. Hailing a taxi or waving for a bus is a common practice. Quick tips include standing on the right side of escalators unless walking, avoiding political discussions, and using a wave or nod as a greeting, unless meeting a close friend."
When it comes to bargaining, locals have more leeway, but it's recommended for tourists to exercise caution and avoid it to prevent falling victim to scams. Public displays of affection are generally accepted, reflecting the open-minded culture; however, being considerate of offering seats to those in need, like the elderly or pregnant, is a societal norm.
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan, and cash remains widely used, so it's essential for visitors to carry sufficient funds. Hailing a taxi or waving for a bus is a common practice. Quick tips include standing on the right side of escalators unless walking, avoiding political discussions, and using a wave or nod as a greeting, unless meeting a close friend."
Living in Taiwan on Reddit
Li from Tokyo says: "Living in Taipei for over 15 years, I've chosen to lead a car-free lifestyle, relying on convenient alternatives like scooters and a well-developed infrastructure. I have easy access to a convenience store and a supermarket within a 150-meter walking distance, along with parks, a library, a public swimming pool, and a bike trail, all within a similar radius. While this convenience comes at a cost, it aligns with my preference for a hassle-free lifestyle.
Being a self-professed lazy person, I embraced online shopping long ago, enjoying the luxury of 24-hour or even 6-hour shipping from various retailers. Taipei boasts the highest concentration of department stores globally, with Xinyi standing out with at least 14, and more under construction. Despite my curiosity about their survival, shopping has never been a concern here.
The neighborhood, nestled between two bustling ones, has somewhat limited food options. However, with a plethora of food delivery choices, I can explore over 500 options on a typical weekday evening, ranging from Taiwanese and Chinese to Japanese, American, Italian, Thai, and other global cuisines. I'm not particularly fond of tea drinks, but the variety compensates for that.
The weather is a notable challenge, with rainy springs, hot and humid summers, and damp, cold winters. Only a few weeks in autumn and early spring offer truly comfortable weather. Typhoons pose a threat, primarily due to flooding, and earthquakes occur regularly. While the city is designed to withstand earthquakes, Taipei's location on an ancient lakebed amplifies seismic waves, requiring constant preparedness for significant tremors."
Being a self-professed lazy person, I embraced online shopping long ago, enjoying the luxury of 24-hour or even 6-hour shipping from various retailers. Taipei boasts the highest concentration of department stores globally, with Xinyi standing out with at least 14, and more under construction. Despite my curiosity about their survival, shopping has never been a concern here.
The neighborhood, nestled between two bustling ones, has somewhat limited food options. However, with a plethora of food delivery choices, I can explore over 500 options on a typical weekday evening, ranging from Taiwanese and Chinese to Japanese, American, Italian, Thai, and other global cuisines. I'm not particularly fond of tea drinks, but the variety compensates for that.
The weather is a notable challenge, with rainy springs, hot and humid summers, and damp, cold winters. Only a few weeks in autumn and early spring offer truly comfortable weather. Typhoons pose a threat, primarily due to flooding, and earthquakes occur regularly. While the city is designed to withstand earthquakes, Taipei's location on an ancient lakebed amplifies seismic waves, requiring constant preparedness for significant tremors."
Best cities to visit in Taiwan on Reddit
Kim from London says: "I'd like to sincerely recommend the enchanting city of Taitung in Taiwan. I visited there last summer, and it turned out to be a delightful trip. Taitung, nestled between mountains and the ocean, exudes a tranquil charm with its breathtaking landscapes. The unique cultural atmosphere and delectable local cuisine further enhance the overall experience, making every day in Taitung a feast for the senses."
Helen from Rome says: "Experiencing Taroko National Park, also known as Hualien or Tailuge, is a must-see in a lifetime. The park is conveniently just two hours away from Taipei by express train, and Hualien offers numerous hostels for accommodation. I recently rented a scooter for only 400 NT a day and had an incredible weekend. I explored volcanic and sulfuric springs, navigated through mountainous terrain, swam in pristine waters, and even encountered playful monkeys. The experience was truly fantastic, surrounded by breathtaking and picturesque landscapes."
Helen from Rome says: "Experiencing Taroko National Park, also known as Hualien or Tailuge, is a must-see in a lifetime. The park is conveniently just two hours away from Taipei by express train, and Hualien offers numerous hostels for accommodation. I recently rented a scooter for only 400 NT a day and had an incredible weekend. I explored volcanic and sulfuric springs, navigated through mountainous terrain, swam in pristine waters, and even encountered playful monkeys. The experience was truly fantastic, surrounded by breathtaking and picturesque landscapes."
Work in Taiwan as an engineer on Reddit
Jack from Madrid says: "I'm placing my bets on the potential of offshore wind in Taiwan. The country has a growing demand for power, and the leading political party is actively pursuing green energy initiatives. With limited alternative sources available, offshore wind seems to be a promising option. Currently, Taiwan relies on foreign companies due to the absence of a well-established domestic supply chain. However, continued investment may lead to the development of local companies in the future.
For those in computer or electronics engineering, TSMC is a major player that attracts a significant portion of graduates, with other companies competing for the remaining talent pool. Salaries in this sector tend to be higher, but the trade-off is often long working hours. I know someone at Nvidia who earns well, but his family mentions that they rarely get to spend time with him due to his demanding work schedule."
For those in computer or electronics engineering, TSMC is a major player that attracts a significant portion of graduates, with other companies competing for the remaining talent pool. Salaries in this sector tend to be higher, but the trade-off is often long working hours. I know someone at Nvidia who earns well, but his family mentions that they rarely get to spend time with him due to his demanding work schedule."
Taiwan vs Hong Kong on Reddit
Liam from NY says: "In Taiwan, you'll find rich cultural experiences and attractions that offer a diverse and authentic taste, distinct from the Western influence seen in Hong Kong. There's a potential for a more cost-effective lifestyle with cheaper options for food, transportation, and services. The locals are generally warmer and friendlier, although language barriers may exist with older individuals. Tools like Google Translate and Google Maps come in handy for overcoming communication challenges. Moreover, Taiwan boasts a wide variety of accessible and affordable street and local eats for everyone to enjoy.
On the other hand, Hong Kong has its own set of advantages. It offers superior options for brand and luxury shopping compared to Taiwan. Additionally, a slightly higher percentage of people speak English at a relatively better level, potentially easing communication for English speakers. Hong Kong provides extra travel opportunities to nearby places like Macau or Shenzhen, assuming visa requirements and costs are manageable."
On the other hand, Hong Kong has its own set of advantages. It offers superior options for brand and luxury shopping compared to Taiwan. Additionally, a slightly higher percentage of people speak English at a relatively better level, potentially easing communication for English speakers. Hong Kong provides extra travel opportunities to nearby places like Macau or Shenzhen, assuming visa requirements and costs are manageable."
