Photo credit: Nantian Temple in Taiwan MIR travel
Taiwan Joins the MIR Map
Discover What to See in Taiwan with MIR From Mountain Tea Fields to Night Markets
MIR’s map just expanded again, and we’ve welcomed Taiwan to our growing list of destinations. A perfect match for MIR and our travelers, this dynamic and multi-faceted country blends quiet mountain tea fields with the energy of its night markets, which never sleep. Taiwan’s story spans dynasties, colonial chapters, and renewal, yet its identity remains its own. Read on to discover what to see in Taiwan and why this island is such a perfect fit for cultural explorers.
At Lungshan Temple in Taipei, worshipers light incense as they have for centuries. On nearby Dihua Street, shopfronts display teas, herbs, and handmade goods that connect to the city’s trading past. Across town, Taipei 101 rises over a skyline of glass and steel. At Ningxia Night Market, vendors prepare beef noodle soup, oyster omelets, and cups of bubble tea.
Beyond the capital, central and southern Taiwan reveal another side of the island. In Taichung, even modern markets, galleries, and teahouses carry a trace of traditional design. Spend a day at Sun Moon Lake, ringed by forested hills and quiet temples. Later, visit nearby villages and take in the scenic views. In Lukang, narrow streets wind past brick houses, artisan workshops, and centuries-old temples. Next, dig into Tainan’s history – this sprawling coastal city was once the capital under Dutch rule and remained an important city during the Qing Dynasty and after independence. Further south, Kaohsiung opens to the sea with broad boulevards, public art, and a relaxed pace.
In Taiwan, art, faith, and food tell stories that connect the nation’s past to its present. MIR’s inaugural small group journey, Uncovering Taiwan: An Island Apart, follows these stories from city to countryside. Join the November 2026 departure to travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung, visiting the National Palace Museum, Yehliu Geopark, and meeting artisans who continue long-held traditions. Whether you travel with MIR’s small group or design your own journey, Taiwan brings together landscapes, history, and culture in a way that feels both familiar and entirely new.
