5 safest places in Taiwan post-pandemic

In these places in Taiwan, the risk of contracting the coronavirus is considerably lower. Because they are away from the big cities and resorts full of flocks of tourists. Instead, they are like jewels waiting to be discovered. They also offer plenty of outdoor space for social distancing.

1.county of Nantou

Nantou is the only landlocked county in otherwise coastal Taiwan. However, this does not mean that the mountainous heartland lacks scenic spots and interesting attractions. In fact, just the opposite is true. Natural beauty is abundant in the county. For one thing, Nantou is home to the famous Sun Moon Lake, which visitors can explore by boat or bicycle. To the south, the lake is connected to the Zhuoshui River, the longest river in Taiwan. Taiwan's highest peak, Mount Jade or Yushan in Chinese, is also located in Nantou.

On the cultural side, Nantou is an agricultural society heavily dependent on farming. Visit Qingjing Farm for a taste of farm life. There you can feed and interact with sheep in vast meadows. The county also has a good reputation for producing some of the best teas in the world, such as the tasty Yushan oolong tea. Indeed, most of Taiwan's bubble tea shops source their tea from Nantou's tea plantations. If you have a sweet tooth, check out Nina Chocolate. It's a local chocolatier with a Swiss influence. Get yourself a comforting cup of hot chocolate, or hone your chocolate-making skills by signing up for a hands-on workshop!

2. Miaoli County

North of Nantou, but still in the heart of Taiwan, is Miaoli County. It was once a magnificent coal mining site. The population is predominantly Hakka. Miaoli offers many cultural and heritage sites that give a glimpse into the traditions and life of the Hakka.

Start your exploration of Miaoli in Nanzhuang. This town in the northeast of the county is one of the main producers of sweet osmanthus flowers. Visit the charming old street of Nanzhuang. Here you can find an array of local vendors. They sell various trinkets, including sweet osmanthus flower jelly and Hakka Thunder tea rice. These are popular local specialties. Visit the old post office, where you can travel back in time to learn more about the town's past. Also, don't miss the Yongchang Temple, where the people of Nanzhuang go to worship.

If you feel like having some fun, take a rail bike ride along the Old Mountain Line. The Old Mountain Line is a now-defunct railway line that overlooks the lush mountains of Sanyi City. Start your journey from Shengxing Station, the highest point of the Old Mountain Line. It takes about 90 minutes to cycle along the 12-kilometre route. It's the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors while getting some physical activity.

3.yilan County

Yilan is the fifth largest of the 13 counties in Taiwan. Because it is not distinguished by its size, international visitors rarely take the time to visit Yilan. However, it is a fairly popular destination for weekend getaways among Taiwanese. Especially among those residing in and around Taipei. Visitors love it for its tranquil hot springs. In addition to its black sand beaches, it has lively night markets and a distinctive culinary culture.

Opt for a rejuvenating bath in one of Jiaoxi's thermal spas. You can also dip your legs in a fish tank at Tangweigou Hot Spring Park. The swimmers will eat away the dead skin cells on your legs, effectively exfoliating your skin and leaving it smooth and supple. Once you've been invigorated by the hot spring experience, venture to Wai'ao Beach near the fishing port of Wushigang, known for its distinctive black sand that resembles volcanic ash. Here you can rent a surfboard and ride the waves.

If surfing isn't your thing, you can also go hiking along the historic Caoling Trail. Families can visit the Pumpkin Leisure Farm in eastern Yilan City, a mainly Taiwanese concept, which offers many hands-on activities to keep children entertained. End your day at Yilan's night markets. Luodong Night Market is quite popular, but head to Dongmen Night Market instead if you want to feast on local food without breaking the bank.

4. Jiufen

A seaside village about an hour's drive from Taipei, Jiufen has been popularised by its distinctive architecture, which is said to have inspired the village in the Japanese film Spirited Away, created by Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki. Walking through Jiufen is like entering a different time and place, with its iconic red lanterns hanging from emerald-hued Japanese-influenced buildings.

Jiufen was a thriving gold mining area. You can learn more about the town's golden years by visiting the Jinguashi Gold Ecology Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the gold mining tunnels, touch an ingot of 99.99% pure gold weighing 220 kilograms, and enjoy gold-flecked treats! Visit the nearby golden waterfall, which has an interesting bronze colour from natural metal reserves. Watch a movie or opera at the Shengping Theatre, another relic of Jiufen's gold mining days and Taiwan's very first cinema, established in 1914 as an entertainment venue for the town's miners.

5. Matsu Islands

Officially named Lienchiang County, the Matsu Islands are another picturesque archipelago in the Taiwan Strait that comprises a total of 36 islands and islets. The main islands include Dongyin, Dongju, Nangan and Beigan, well known for their impressive natural scenery and interesting structures. On Dongyin, visit the northernmost boundary on the western side of the island, a windswept platform from which the vast ocean stretches as far as the eye can see. Cross to the east side to visit the mysterious Andong Tunnel and to see the monumental lighthouse, located near the Suicide Cliff, a dangerously steep cliff formed by years of violent ocean waves eating away at the rock formation. During spring and summer, the waters emit a fluorescent blue colour. This is known as "blue tears". A type of algae is responsible for this extraordinary natural phenomenon.

You can find the picturesque village of Dapu on Dongju Island. Its inhabitants fled for safety during the Cold War years, but efforts are being made to slowly restore it. Similar villages include Fuzheng Village and Niujiao Village on Nangan Island. Admire the majestic bright red Wulinggong Temple and also visit the Iron Fort, where guards historically watched over the island and looked out for potential enemy attacks.

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