Did you know there is a restaurant in Taipei that serves stinky tofu with a 1–13 grading system, where the “final boss” is a Grade 13 served raw, cold, and spreads like blue cheese? Or how collecting Taiwanese transport cards is a thing because they’re so beautifully designed (and cute!)? Those are just some of the unique things you can expect in quirky Taiwan.
If you’ve maxed out your holiday ideas, then Taiwan should be next on your travel list. Here are a few uniquely Taiwanese things you should try when you’re in this island nation:
1. Collect cute transport cards, souvenir stamps and more as you travel
@angmnzn Want a free souvenir in Taiwan? 🇹🇼 Do a stamp hunt! ✨ It made our trip way more fun and exciting! Plus, every stamp feels like a little memory collected along the way 💌 @timothy #taiwan #taipei #travel #traveltiktok #souvenir ♬ Whatcha Gonna Do – The Valdons
In Taiwan, instead of normal public transportation cards, you can collect limited edition transport designs that come in other forms like keychains, mini toys, and more. Additionally, you can get “free” souvenirs by collecting stamps at certain train stations and landmarks, as well as Taiwan-exclusive gachapon (capsule toy) at convenience stores, markets, and beyond.
Not only are they fun travel tidbits you can collect, but they also serve as memorials of the journey you had in Taiwan, allowing you to reminisce about the wonders you’ve experienced in the country.
@wanderwithkara SO many cute metro card options! The most random ones you can think of too! #travel #taiwan #taipei #metrocard ♬ beans – yawn.
Pro-Tip: For the rarest transport cards like Pokéballs, Sailor Moon wands, or original local artist cartoons, you’d have to hunt for them at convenience stores all over the country. And don’t forget to bring your own souvenir stamp collection book wherever you go!
2. Feast on the picturesque views of Taiwan from the train
TRA North-South Line
Alishan Forest Railway
An ultra-efficient high-speed rail system connects the towns and cities of Taiwan, but it’s the scenic routes that make it so special. If you want to enjoy the best views possible, you should hop aboard the main railway network of Taiwan Railway (TRA), a nationwide network that brings you through towering mountains via moss-covered tunnels and across jagged cliffs as you gawk at the vast, deep blue Pacific.
For the quintessential Taiwanese experience, grab a box of heartwarming Bian Dang (Taiwan Railway Bento) on board or at dedicated kiosks at major TRA stations, so you can dine with 5-star views like the holiday you’ve dreamt of.
Bian Dang
Duoliang Station
Need more options? Check out the vintage Breezy Blue train on South Link, Alishan Forest Railway, and the Pingxi Branch Line for even more gorgeous train rides.
3. Find inspiration at an ever-changing industrial creative park
Formerly one of Taiwan’s largest sake and fruit wine factories built in the Japanese colonial era, the abandoned warehouses have since been turned into Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a no-holds-barred playground for creatives. Aside from exclusive character pop-up shops and themed cafes for Bugcat Capoo, Studio Ghibli, and such that you won’t find anywhere else, you can also snap pics for the Gram with a rugged backdrop, savour award-winning coffee and baked goods, and shop for goodies from upscale, independent boutique shops.
Pro-Tip: Visit during the weekend for added fun, including outdoor craft markets, talented local buskers, and locals walking their pets.
4. Dare to try 13 grades of the stinkiest tofu in the world
Extreme foodies would clamour for a single, unassuming restaurant in Taipei’s Xinyi District named Dai’s House of Stinky Tofu, responsible for serving up some of the grandest stinky tofu in the world. Famous for its scientific fermentation scale of grades 1–13, the higher the grade, the longer the tofu has marinated in the bacteria brine, breaking down the proteins and maximising the funk.
Your standard stinky tofu is served either deep-fried or grilled, but here, wholly fermented Grade 13 tofu is served raw and cold with scallions, soy sauce, and seaweed crumble. Those who love it rave about it tasting incredibly deep, rich, and full of complex umami, but detractors have compared it to “rotten death” or the open sewers. Dare to try?
5. Enjoy late-night tea brewing at Maokong
View of Taipei
The Maokong Gondola is famous for its beautiful daytime views, but here’s how to experience it as the locals do: visit a 24-hour traditional teahouse on the mountain at midnight for the ultimate late-night tea vibes. Even though you’d have to rent a car or taxi to go up the winding mountain roads, it’s a popular local pastime, so you can find plenty of legendary teahouses open for night owls.
Maokong Springs Teahouse
Rent a traditional clay tea set, buy a canister of Tieguanyin tea, and spend the night boiling water and chatting with your travel partner or reading a good book, all while looking down at the entire glowing Taipei skyline or mountainous valley in complete silence.
6. Feel the freedom of cycling in Taiwan
Sandiaoling Tunnel Bikeway
Taiwan has a world-class, cycle-friendly ecosystem that caters to anyone who cycles, which is why it’s nicknamed a “bicycle kingdom”. It’s home to endless cycling paths, but its star route is a 960km bike loop named Cycling Route No. 1 (Huandao), which brings you around the entire island through west-coast neon cities, southern mountain passes, and along the Pacific Ocean. It’s considered a national rite of passage for those who complete it.
Guanshan Bicycle Trail
Maolin
But not to worry, those who simply want to ride leisurely can still enjoy the convenience and therapeutic effects of cycling in places like Sandiaoling Tunnel Bikeway, Sun Moon Lake, and Guanshan Town. Bikes are readily available for rent at convenience stores or via apps, with plenty of help and support provided throughout the community, like cyclist-friendly police stations.
There’s more to discover in Taiwan!
Southwest Coast
That’s just a taste of the unique activities you can find in Taiwan. Whatever experience you’re looking for, finding the best deals can help you make the most of your trip without overspending.
The good news is, you can now enjoy RM400 OFF per couple on Taiwan travel packages* with CIT for a limited time only.
*Terms apply.
Designed for travellers who love food, shopping, cafés, and scenic experiences, CIT’s packages let you customise your Taiwan holiday to suit your interests. Plus, Muslim-friendly travel experiences are also available for a more comfortable and convenient journey.
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Don’t miss your chance to explore Taiwan for less with CIT.
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