New York Times' 52 Places to Go in 2014 – Taiwan Ranked 11th

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Editors from the travel section of The New York Times selected 52 must-visit destinations for 2014, with Taiwan ranking 11th. The article noted that although Taiwan is roughly the size of the Netherlands, it offers travelers a diverse range of experiences. With its convenient transportation network and high-speed rail, visitors can travel from Taipei to Kenting in just four hours, experiencing both urban and outdoor adventures.

 
▲ Blogger Liu Si Ling believes the entire Yangmingshan area to the northern coast is beautiful. The left photo shows the sea of clouds over Datun Mountain, and the right shows cherry blossoms on Pingjing Street Lane 42. (Photo courtesy of Liu Si Ling, same below)

The article also mentioned that Taipei was honored as the World Design Capital 2016, and besides hotels like Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Taipei and W Taipei, Mandarin Oriental Taipei is also set to open, offering a wide range of accommodation options. Taipei has 17 bike lanes that allow visitors to explore the city’s streets, riverside scenery, and try unique local snacks.

▲ Laomei Cold Spring is the only wild, undeveloped cold spring in Taiwan.

The article also pointed out that taking the high-speed rail from Taipei, you can reach Kaohsiung in four hours, where you’ll find beautiful wetlands, beaches, and fishing villages. You can also take a boat to Orchid Island, a diver’s paradise — all very convenient.

▲ Kaohsiung’s hidden gem “Shoushan A Dream Behind the Curtain” looks like a place where elves might live.

Among the 52 must-visit destinations, Cape Town in South Africa took the top spot, followed by Christchurch in New Zealand and Northern California Coast. The list even includes the Arctic Circle as a polar destination. The New York Times stated that selection criteria were based on new travel highlights in each area, and traditionally popular spots like Paris, London, and Tokyo did not make the list this year.