Five Unique Experiences You Can Only Have in Taiwan
- Lyn Huang
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
Travel is about experiencing the world—letting new flavors, landscapes, and cultures awaken your senses. Beyond Taiwan’s famous mountains and coastlines, rich biodiversity, and vibrant religious culture, there are also small experiences that can only be found here. Because they are small and subtle, they may not appear in guidebooks or international media, yet they hold a unique charm that makes them unforgettable. Here are five little things you can only do in Taiwan:
Drink Aiyu Jelly
At night markets or small stalls near tourist attractions in Taiwan, you may come across a magical drink called aiyu. From the name alone, it’s hard to imagine what it is. Aiyu actually comes from the seeds of a native plant. When the seeds are washed and gently rubbed by hand, they release natural pectin, which sets into a jelly-like texture after resting.
Since aiyu itself has a mild flavor, it is often served with lemon juice and sugar as a refreshing dessert. Its translucent, jelly-like texture combined with sweet and tangy lemon creates a light and cooling treat—one of Taiwan’s most beloved traditional desserts.
Have Your Hair Washed While Sitting
In most modern hair salons, customers lie back with their heads resting over a sink. However, some traditional salons in Taiwan still offer hair washing while you remain seated upright. As a special experience, some shops even shape the shampoo foam into playful sculptures on your head for photos. In Taiwan, something as simple as shampooing can turn into a unique cultural experience.
Buy Tea-Inspired Perfume
Taiwanese tea isn’t just for drinking or eating—you can even wear it as a fragrance. Thanks to its climate and mountainous terrain, Taiwan is famous for its high-mountain teas. Visitors can enjoy formal tea tastings or easily grab a hand-shaken tea drink from a street vendor. Beyond beverages, the charm of Taiwanese tea has inspired bath products and perfumes, blending tea aromas into distinctive scents. When visiting Taiwan, consider exploring these specialty shops and bringing home a one-of-a-kind Taiwanese tea fragrance.
Make Traditional Taiwanese Floral Tiles
Although decorative tiles originated in Europe, Taiwan is home to a museum dedicated to preserving Taiwanese floral tiles. These tiles were introduced to Japan during the Meiji era and later brought to Taiwan, where they became prized building materials for affluent homes. Their designs often incorporated local symbols, such as fruits representing fertility or animals symbolizing good fortune.
As older houses are demolished over time, many of these tiles disappear. The Tile Museum in Chiayi is committed to rescuing and restoring them before they are lost. In addition to exhibitions and stories, visitors can also experience making their own floral tiles, adding a touch of history and culture to their journey.
Visit a Cat Station Master
Did you know that one of Taiwan’s metro stations has a cat as its station master? His name is “Mikan.” Originally a stray cat adopted by the Ciaotou Sugar Refinery, he later became the station master of Ciaotou Sugar Refinery Station on the Kaohsiung Metro. During working hours, he supervises his human colleagues at the ticket booth, enjoys snacks, and takes naps. He also promotes a pet-friendly station environment and care for stray animals. Station Master Mikan’s immense popularity has attracted countless fans and inspired a variety of merchandise, making him Taiwan’s most beloved metro station master.
If you enjoy discovering hidden gems and niche experiences, Taiwan is an island full of delightful surprises. There are many more one-of-a-kind moments that can only be found here—waiting for you to uncover them in person.
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