Through Almira Louise S, MartinezReporter
For the record, there is Taiwan more than Taipei.
The Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) wants international visitors, including Filipinos, to explore cities outside of Taipei to experience the culture, history, nature and cuisine of the country in a showcase of Taiwan’s charm.
“We want to see more Filipino visitors to Taiwan in addition to a higher percentage of repeated visitors,” the TTA said in an e -mail interview.
Taiwan’s tourist brand, Waves of Wonder, was launched in May 2024 to promote the picturesque places throughout the country. The logo mimics the contours of Bergen, ocean waves, winding roads and historic railways, and emphasizes that the self -watched island has enough to offer, apart from the bustling city of Taipei.
With this branding, the TTA wants to invite visitors to their country to “enjoy the mountains, embrace the sea and explore the island.”
Business World, together with six representatives of the Filipino media, Taiwan visited from 11 to 16 February on behalf of the TTA for a familiar journey around Taoyuan City, Miaoli County and Hsinchu County to offer the “Waves of Wonder” the country.
Historical and cultural places
The Filipino Persgroep went to the “Lost Army” museum in Zhongzheng New Village, Taoyuan City, opened in 2022 by Simon Wang, one of the soldiers fought in the Chinese civil war.
“They don’t know about these people, these soldiers who died in battle, they have sacrificed their lives, and nobody [remembers]”Mr. Wang told reporters.
Historical materials such as old documents, fake cannons, uniforms, grenades and even “mission cards” that reveal a message as soon as they are heated are displayed inside.
Together with the war memorabilia, the museum has various areas that tell trauma that soldiers experience, how soldiers used opium during the war and other traditional clothing.
Mr. Wang said that he wanted to establish a story house to commemorate, remember and let people know about his colleague soldiers in the lost army.
For almost an hour from Taoyuan City is Jinliangxing Brick Factory, another valuable place in Miaoli County who plays an important role in the history and culture of Taiwan, in particular in his architecture and construction.
Before concrete was used on a large scale worldwide, Taiwan built houses and structures with red bricks. The bricks made by Jinliangxing have made 100-year-old churches and other branches, said Sem Yie, owner of the Brick Factory.
With the reduction requirements as time went, the factory opened a small museum with the history of bricks and cut works of art. Yie said that he hopes to preserve the history and culture of traditional Taiwanese architecture.
Tours that explore the interior and the outside of an old oven are also open to visitors.
“I try to introduce this brick culture to the new generation,” said Mr. Yie.
Longteng Bridge is one of the remarkable structures made of Jinliangxing bricks. Although it was damaged by the deadly Shinchiku-Taichū earthquake from 1935, the foundation stood still and it is now a tourist place in Miaoli County.
Thanks to the first Rail bike system from Taiwan, the old Mountain Line Rail bike, tourists can see the remains of the historic bridge while driving an electric bicycle on an age-old railway.
Visual displays and colorful lights illuminated the tunnels that will pass the electric bicycle, making the experience more unique.
Connect to nature
For holidaymakers who are looking for nature trips, Taiwan is one of the best places to visit. Surrounded by waters and mountainous terrain, breathtaking spots with nature are endless.
Xiaowulai Skywalk is located in the Fuxing district in Taoyuan City and offers a fresh air and a picturesque view of the mountains, forest and waterfalls.
Although it rained when the media group visited the area, the beauty and serenity of the place still shone. With a glass platform view of Xiao Wulai -waterfall, visitors can feel that they “walk on clouds”, hence the name Skywalk.
Apart from the Skywalk, lively cherry blossom trees can be seen around the area from the end of January to mid -April. This improves its visual attraction, which looks like a mini-Japan.
Animals are also loved in Taiwan. Leofoo Resort Guanshi in Hsinchu County is even the first resort of Asia with herbivore animals and natural ecology included in the design inspirations.
Capybaras, Flamingos and Meerkats can be seen via the large windows in the 161 rooms that are available in the hotel, allowing holidaymakers to view a close-up of the cute animals.
If this is not enough, Leofoo Village -Themapark also offers an African safari experience where visitors can drive a bus that can ride around different habitats of wild animals such as white tigers and lions.
Tasting of Taiwan
Visiting places is not the only way to find out more about a country. The stomach of a traveler must be full, together with his eyes and spirit.
After exploring the countryside, the media group had the opportunity to enjoy one of the staples in the Taiwanese cuisine – authentic beef rice noodles, from various local restaurants such as Jin Bang Noodles Shop in Sanyi Township, Bebu Chun Jiao Noodles near Beipu Old Streety.
A clear taste that is visible in their staples, such as beef noodle soup, is the powder with five herbs. The powder with five herbs consists of star anise, clove, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and fennel seeds.
In contrast to the typical Filipino cuisine that burst with daring and rich flavors, beef rice noodles in Taiwan tasted light but filling. The thick rice noodles supplement the subtle flavors of the soup in combination with the soft beef.
If someone wants to be more adventurous, exploring Beipu Old Street is an easy solution for anyone who likes to expand his taste palette. Ranging from dried fruit to the popular smelly tofu, this street in Hsinchu County is the answer to all foodie travelers.
While exploring the island, it also emphasized a few similarities with Filipino culture and history – from close knitted families and colonized to ‘Popiah’ or Lumpia, it is like a ‘home’ away from home.
Last year the Philippines became Taiwan’s fifth largest source of incoming tourists. The once known ‘Hart van Asia’ has exceeded much more than just a neighbor; It has taken prison and found a place close to the hearts of Filipinos.