Taiwan’s central belt is mountainous, with 268 peaks – among them East Asia’s tallest mountain, 12,966ft Yushan (“Jade Mountain”, as its snowy peak glows green in winter). Hiking Yushan requires a permit and takes several days (though it’s well worth it), but equally impressive – if less strenuous – hikes are plentiful in nearby Alishan National Park, where you can wander the Alishan Sakura Trail’s cherry blossom-lined, lantern-lit pathways, taste oolong tea straight from the slopes (load Google Translate and do a tasting with the wonderful couple at Sing Sun Oolongtea), and ride the newly reopened Alishan Forest Railway.
Alternatively, make use of the excellent cycling trails at Sun Moon Lake (famous for the towering, ornate Ci’en Pagoda), or take the train from Taipei to Taroko Gorge National Park, where a bus will take you along the Qingshui Cliffs and up to dramatic views and beautiful hiking routes.
Need to know
When to go
Taiwan has two distinct climates: subtropical in the north and tropical in the south (meaning summer monsoons). Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit, when all regions tend to have good weather and low humidity. Early March is peak cherry blossom season.
How to get there
China Airlines (china-airlines.com) offers direct flights between London and Taipei from £830 return. An Uber from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport into the city costs around £25.
Where to stay
Palais de Chine Hotel in Taipei’s Zhongzheng District (near Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall) has rooms from £118 per night. Lakeshore Hotel Tainan has rooms from £61 per night. Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort in Wulai has rooms from £452 per night. Book a package trip to Penghu or Green Island for better hotel rates.
Getting around
The country has just launched the Taiwan Pass, which includes a three-day high-speed rail pass, valid for travel around the whole island, with transfers to top attractions and a metro ticket, all for £60 per person.