Popular Destinations among Foreign Tourists

As introduced by the Taiwan Yearbook 2006:

Rich culture, breathtaking scenery, unparalleled collection of art, diverse cuisines, and friendly people make Taiwan an excellent tourist destination. Once in Taiwan, travelers can enjoy the luxury of fast and convenient transportation, excellent hotels, and clean restaurants.

According to a survey of perceptions of Taiwan conducted by the US-based Gallup Organization in 2005, the majority of members of the general public and opinion leaders polled in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany recognized that Taiwan has not only a democratic system, modern technology and a strong economy, but also exciting culture, interesting attractions, good food, and beautiful scenery.

These perceptions are consistent with those of tourists who actually visit Taiwan. More than three million visits were made to Taiwan in 2005, which set a new single-year record. According to another similar survey conducted by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Taiwan's food rated highest, impressing more than 60 percent of international respondents, while the country's scenery, culture, and reasonable prices also scored highly.

In recent years, cities and towns in Taiwan have put a great deal of effort into developing their unique characteristics and products in order to attract tourists. Activities like escorting the statues of the seafarers' deity Ma Zu on their yearly pilgrimage, and the cianggu pole climbing event during Ghost Month (the seventh lunar month), formerly celebrated only in small towns, have become well known nationwide and have even caught on internationally.

Popular Destinations among Foreign Tourists

Ten Most Enjoyed Destinations --

1. Taroko Gorge, in eastern Tawian's Hualien County.
2. Kenting, in southern Taiwan's Pingtung County.
3. Love River, in southern Taiwan's Kaohsiung City.
4. Ali Mountain (Alishan, or Mt Ali), in west-central Taiwan's Chiayi County.
5. National Palace Museum, in Taipei City.
6. Wulai, in northern Taiwan's Taipei County.
7. Jioufen (Jiufen), in northern Taiwan's Taipei County.
8. Yangmingshan, in Taipei City.
9. Sun Moon Lake, in central Taiwan's Nantou County.
10. Danshuei (Danshui, or Tamshui), in northern Taiwan's Taipei County.

Ten Most Frequently Visited Destinations --

1. Night markets, such as the Shihlin Night Market and the Huahsi Street Night Market in Taipei City.
2. Taipei 101, in Taipei City.
3. National Palace Museum, in Taipei City.
4. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, in Taipei City.
5. Simending (Hsimending), in Taipei City.
6. Jioufen (Jiufen), in northern Taiwan's Taipei County.
7. Danshuei (Danshui, or Tamshui), in northern Taiwan's Taipei County.
8. Longshan Temple (or Lungshan Temple), in Taipei City.
9. Martyrs' Shrine, in Taipei City.
10. Yangmingshan, in Taipei City.

Source: Derived from a survey undertaken between January to June 2005 by the Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications.