Discover the heart of Taiwan through intimate interviews with its people. Meet cocoa and coffee farmers, beer brewers, and artists, and delve into their stories. Uncover the hidden gems of Taiwan that lie off the beaten track, all peppered with engaging animations created in collaboration with LASALLE College of the Arts.
Taiwan is more than just Taipei and its famous night markets, or the city skyline anchored by the majestic Taipei 101. Even within the city, you’ll find hidden gems, from hidden speakeasies and craft beer bars to the bustling creative enclaves like Dadaocheng and Huashan 1914.
But head beyond the capital city, and you’ll find more to discover.
If you’re into food and drinks, then head south towards Tainan and Pingtung. Coffee lovers shouldn’t miss the famous 175 Coffee Highway, where you’ll find lots of independent cafes that serve up locally-grown Arabica beans. The best part? The views from the mountaintop!
Further south in Pingtung county is known for another kind of bean: the cacao! In fact, Taiwan has a thriving chocolate scene, and many growers are based in Pingtung where you can visit a number of chocolate farms and factories for a tour and tasting session! These chocolates are award-winning, and you can find out why on your next visit!
If it’s culture you’re looking for, then look no further than Taiwan’s very one aboriginal culture. In fact, it’s home to dozens of different tribes, from the Amis to the Puyuma, Paiwan, and Rukai. Each tribe has its own costume and traditions, and you can even visit a tribal hunter school.
Taiwan also has a well-preserved Hakka culture, which is evident in villages like Beipu where you can see many red-bricked architecture. Another Hakka heritage is the leicha – why not spend some time hand-grinding your own leicha? It’s actually more like a dessert here.
Check out our video and learn more about the makers!
Dive deeper into the locations featured in the film with our follow-up series of articles, featuring diverse aspects of Taiwan. These feature a variety of experiences, including tours and tastings at coffee and cocoa farms, an art tour of Taipei, an introduction to Hakka and aboriginal culture, and visits to craft beer and cocktail makers.