Is Taiwan becoming less fun to visit? These places might be ones you've never even explored!

CommonWealth Magazine · Tsai Wen-yi

With the advancement of technology making travel increasingly accessible, people are no longer content with just the tourist spots featured in guidebooks. More travelers now seek authentic local life and culture.

However, without close local friends, it can sometimes be difficult for visitors to truly experience local life or gain an in-depth understanding of daily routines. Take the land we live on—how well do we know Taiwan? Other than climbing Yushan or visiting Taroko National Park, have we really “walked” and “gotten to know” this land?

I start with such reflections because I’ve been feeling it lately. My job often involves hosting foreign and local friends across Taiwan. Each time they travel here with me, they end up amazed, telling me there are so many incredible places in Taiwan they never knew about.

Not long ago, I took a foreign friend to Yilan, and he actually told me he didn’t know Taiwan had such beautiful mountains and waters. Before coming to Taiwan, he thought it was just a place full of factories. Surprised, I asked why he thought that. He explained it was because all he ever saw were ads promoting “Made in Taiwan.” I couldn’t help but laugh and sigh at the same time.

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We did indeed have a strong manufacturing industry in the past, which became a source of pride for Taiwan and helped build its reputation overseas. It was also a crucial part of Taiwan’s economic miracle in its early years. However, Taiwan’s soft power is rarely mentioned. As I often say, the warmth and thoughtfulness of Taiwanese homestay hosts leave a deep impression on foreign visitors—it’s one of the charming aspects of the Taiwanese people.

I feel fortunate to work at Airbnb, which gives me the chance to travel around Taiwan. I believe the best kind of travel is immersing oneself in the daily life of locals, especially in the indigenous villages, which are an important part of Taiwan’s cultural identity. I’ve had some wonderful experiences in indigenous communities myself, and I want to share these unique features with travelers from all over the world.

Once, during a visit to Mata in Taitung, I was deeply impressed by a modern art room designed by an indigenous artist for Mata. Before leaving, I saw cups made by that artist on sale at Mata and wanted to take one home. Noticing my appreciation for the artwork, the shop owner offered to introduce me to the artist—and that’s how I met Yosifu, a British-based indigenous artist.

Yosifu is a passionate and principled artist. Since he spends more than half the year traveling abroad, he decided to “lend” his tribal home to travelers. After building his new home in the village, he offered his own room for guests to stay in. I actually had the opportunity to bring friends to Yosifu’s house, interact with his family, enjoy their special meals, and discover hidden gems—truly a memorable local experience.

According to statistics from Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau in 2017, Taiwan’s tourism numbers have been declining over the past two years. We should really think about what’s behind this trend. As I mentioned earlier,modern travelers are looking for deeper, more meaningful experiences. I believe traveling in Taiwan means taking people to tribal villages and small towns—to experience real local life.Then, foreigners will fall in love with Taiwan, and travelers will come back again.

Having traveled the world for many years, Yosifu feels that Taiwan is truly a unique treasure island. He also hopes to help more people learn about and understand the culture of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes.

So, he plans to transform his family home in Yuli, Hualien, into the “Tribe Queen Art & Cafe.” This home will be more than just a residence—it will become a beautiful space along Provincial Highway 193 in Eastern Taiwan, where art is shared, local farm products are savored, and travelers can fully immerse themselves in local life, enjoying tribal home-style culinary delights you won’t find in hotels.

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I strongly agree with Yosifu’s vision, which aligns with Airbnb’s long-term commitment to creating new, localized travel experiences in Taiwan. Therefore, Airbnb will collaborate with Yosifu. In the future, through “staying in the home of an artist and experiencing tribal life,” combined with unique seasonal local experiences, secret spots, and dishes offered by Yosifu’s circle of family and friends, we hope to bring travelers from around the world to Hualien’s valley to experience nature, tribal culture, local ingredients, and the beauty of art.

We are very much looking forward to seeing more diverse and distinctive local tourism develop in other Taiwanese tribes through such successful examples—and even attracting more young people back to their hometowns to do something meaningful in their own homes!

[Reprinted with permission from CommonWealth Magazine. Original article: “Feeling Taiwan tourism is getting boring? Local experiences recommended by foreign travelers might include places you’ve never even visited, even if you’re a local.”]

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Executive Editor \ Sandy · Copy Editor \ Helen