The ultimate Taiwan travel guide for foreigners10 must-do experiences for visitors to Taiwan

Ear picking is an ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that's widely popular in Taiwan, combining ear cleaning with a full head massage for a deeply relaxing cranial high.

Skilled ear pickers use specialized tools like fine needles, ear spoons, and tweezers to gently clean ear canals of wax and foreign matter. They also incorporate various feathers and tuning fork vibrations to further relax the ear canal, offering a fully customized service that provides unparalleled comfort.

Beyond ear picking, some venues also offer services such as ear candling, silver bead eye cleansing, singing bowls, and moxibustion warm cupping. This allows guests to experience multiple treatments at once, enhancing pleasure and relieving accumulated stress—it's an absolute must-do for visitors to Taiwan.

Taiwan's massage culture is a unique experience, with venues ranging from simple street-side spots to luxurious five-star hotels. Visitors from around the world flock to Taiwan specifically for its renowned massage services.

The island offers a wide variety of massage types, including classic osteopathic adjustments, foot massages, myofascial release, and full-body spa oil and acupressure treatments. Taiwanese massage therapists typically blend traditional Chinese medicine principles with scientific massage techniques, focusing on specific acupoints to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance overall well-being.

Some venues also offer specialized courses exclusively for women, focusing on stress relief, skin improvement, and overall health. These include aromatherapy massages, body sculpting, breast care, prenatal massages, and facial treatments.

Taiwan boasts many excellent world-class dive sites, such as Liuqiu, Kenting, and Penghu, which rival international destinations. These locations are also popular tourist spots, offering a wealth of dining, entertainment, and activities that keep visitors coming back for more.

Kenting, located at Taiwan's southernmost tip, enjoys year-round spring-like weather and is home to abundant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Liuqiu, Orchid Island, and Green Island are renowned for their exceptionally clear waters and rich underwater landscapes, attracting a large number of diving enthusiasts. Longdong and Yehliu on the North Coast also offer superb diving experiences, allowing explorers to discover unique underwater rock formations. The Penghu archipelago features crystal-clear waters and beautiful coral reefs, ideal for both scuba diving and snorkeling.

Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Taiwan's dive sites can meet your needs. If you're interested in obtaining a diving certification, some venues even offer instruction in English and Cantonese.

Most venues offering diving experiences along Taiwan's coast also provide SUP, with professional instructors leading the experience and requiring life vests, so even non-swimmers can have a great time! If you've never tried SUP, Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, Central Taiwan, offers calm waters perfect for beginners. You'll be captivated by the stunning mountain views surrounding the lake, and there's no risk of seasickness.

For beautiful souvenir photos and videos, you can add drone photography services and a transparent board. The aerial shots are breathtaking and expansive, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime!

To truly get to know a country, you have to start with its cuisine, and experiencing Taiwan's diverse food culture is an absolute must for any visitor.

Taiwan offers a wide variety of cooking classes, covering Chinese and Western dishes as well as baking, to suit every student's needs. Most classes are divided into two parts — "chef demonstration" and "hands-on practice" — and typically last about three hours.

At the start of the class, the chef demonstrates how to prepare each dish. Then, students get to try their hand at cooking, experiencing the joy of creating their own meal. The classroom is fully equipped with all the necessary tools and aprons; students only need to bring their own reusable containers to take home their finished dishes.

Additionally, cooking studios provide detailed recipes, which students can copy by hand or record on video, making it easy to recreate the delicious dishes later.

Metalworking workshops let you create rings, necklaces, bracelets, or bangles. You'll learn every step, from hammering textures, annealing, shaping, sawing, and soldering to the final polishing, with instructors demonstrating each technique before you try it yourself.

The entire process takes about 3-4 hours, resulting in a metal piece imbued with warmth and your own effort. You can also engrave custom English letters and patterns inside rings, crafting a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

This metalworking experience offers not only the satisfaction of handmade creation but also a tangible reminder of your cherished memories in Taiwan every time you see it.

Donning a qipao is like stepping through a time tunnel, where tradition and modernity intertwine. The qipao accentuates a woman's elegant and graceful curves, showcasing the unique charm of Chinese culture. Every thread of silk, every stitch, embodies craftsmanship and wisdom, perfectly interpreting classical Chinese aesthetics.

Learning judo is a journey of both physical and mental cultivation, fostering focus and discipline. It's a challenge to yourself, an exploration of martial arts' essence that not only hones the body but also pushes personal limits.

Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu differ in technique, from the gi to the intricate details of their moves. Different dojos also vary in the techniques they emphasize and their teaching methods; some focus on building foundational skills, while others prioritize accumulating practical experience. Through sparring and training, you gradually master techniques and experience the sense of accomplishment and the joy of challenge that judo brings.

Taiwan's nightlife is vibrant and diverse, with a bar culture that's an essential part of the scene, including several venues ranked among Asia's 50 Best Bars.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, you'll find everything from locally brewed beers to signature cocktails, alongside popular bar snacks like Taiwanese fried chicken and crispy squid. Bars are a vital place for Taiwanese people to unwind and socialize, offering a chance to fully embrace a spirited night out.

Taiwanese family-style restaurants offer a diverse array of dishes, blending traditional Taiwanese snacks with a wide selection of fresh seafood and meat, catering to every palate. Whether it's a family gathering, company dinner, friends' get-together, or a wedding banquet, family-style dining is the ideal choice for Taiwanese people.

Everyone gathers around a large round table to share a meal, fostering a warm and joyful atmosphere that enhances emotional connections. This unique culinary tradition is a must-do experience for visitors to Taiwan.