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The Heart of Asia: This Overlooked Island Is Your Next Exotic Escape
A local’s guide to the most underrated gem you’ve never considered!
Ever wondered where Anthony Bourdain had his “magical” food moment in Asia? Or where the night never truly ends, with breakfast shops opening just as night markets close?
There’s an island where elderly tea masters craft the perfect oolong while teenagers invent new bubble tea flavors, where ancient temples share streets with the world’s most advanced tech companies that are most likely in charge of making your phone’s chip.
Did you know this same island is home to Asia’s highest peak — Yushan, at 3,952m, where you can watch the sunrise above a sea of clouds, then drive to a tropical beach for afternoon snorkeling — all in the same day? (Well, technically you can do that, but I’d recommend you spend a few more moments in the mountains!)
If you haven’t guessed it already…it’s Taiwan!
As a Taiwanese who has lived here all my life, let me take you beyond the tourist guides to share what makes this island truly special.
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Growing up here, I took for granted how lucky it is to have breakfast shops on every corner serving fresh-made soymilk with crispy youtiao…
