Taiwan Selected as One of the World’s Top 10 Travel Destinations by Lonely Planet

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

The global backpackers’ bible, Lonely Planet (寂寞星球), and its community of travel enthusiasts have unanimously recommended Taiwan as one of the world’s top ten best travel destinations for 2012. In addition to preserving a wealth of historical and cultural relics and a democratic heritage, the island also offers ubiquitous cycling opportunities, featuring thousands of kilometers of bike paths, including two routes that loop around the entire island.

Lonely Planet recently stated on its official website that Taiwan boasts breathtaking scenery, with dramatic coastal cliffs and lush forested mountains — and that’s just the beginning of its magnificent beauty. The island’s museums are treasure troves, housing some of the finest artifacts from China’s dynasties and embodying the spirit of freedom and democracy after World War II. There’s also a vibrant folk culture, such as Taoist and Buddhist beliefs. When it comes to food,

The Tourism Bureau has also introduced numerous promotional measures to attract international visitors to Taiwan, such as collaborating with 120 businesses across 17 hot spring areas nationwide to issue the 2011 Taiwan Hot Spring Gourmet Carnival Discount Passport (valid from October 15, 2011, to January 15, 2012), encouraging both domestic and international travelers to come enjoy Taiwan’s hot springs and delicious local cuisine.