Best Taiwan Travel Guides of 2025

National Geographic A Diver's Guide to the World: Remarkable Dive Travel Destinations Above and Beneath the Surface is an exceptional guidebook for divers and ocean lovers. It features 50 breathtaking dive locations worldwide, accompanied by stunning National Geographic photography, practical tips, and conservation efforts. The authors, Carrie Miller and Chris Taylor, spent more than 250 hours underwater to bring this comprehensive guidebook to life. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the beauty of the underwater world while learning about conservation efforts. Overall, it is an inspiring and informative read.

Lonely Planet Taiwan 11 is a comprehensive travel guide that offers up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you in Taiwan. With a pull-out passport-size 'Just Landed' card, accommodation features, and insider tips, this guide is perfect for discovering both popular and off-the-beaten-path experiences. The guide covers Taipei, Northern Taiwan, Taroko National Park, the East Coast, Yushan National Park, Western Taiwan, Southern Taiwan, Taiwan's Islands, and more. Lonely Planet's Taiwan is a must-have for any traveller seeking a richer, more rewarding travel experience in Taiwan.

Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation is a cookbook that explores the unique culinary identity of Taiwan, featuring over 100 recipes and never-before-seen techniques. Clarissa Wei, a food journalist based in Taipei, provides deeply researched essays on Taiwanese cuisine, backed with historical evidence and interviews. This book is a must-have for any home cook, food lover, culture geek, or curious reader. Wei's storytelling and photography are dazzling, and her recipes are irresistible. Made in Taiwan is a tour de force and an essential addition to any Asian culinary library.

The World of Urban Sketching, by Stephanie Bower, is a stunning collection of more than 700 images from over 150 sketchers in 39 countries, showcasing the latest developments and innovations in the creative pursuit of on-location drawing and painting. The book is a visual feast of new techniques, styles, and approaches in color and linework, including digital, through step-by-step demonstrations and artists' tips. The author also shares valuable insights into creating artwork on location through artists' observations and advice. Overall, The World of Urban Sketching is an inspiring and informative combination of art and travel that will expand readers' skills and inspire them to pick up a pencil and sketch their world.

The Food of Taiwan: Recipes from the Beautiful Island is a cookbook written by Taiwanese-American author Cathy Erway. The book offers almost 100 recipes for both home-style dishes and street food, ranging from familiar dishes like Pork Belly Buns and Beef Noodle Soup to exotic ones like Stuffed Bitter Melon and Oyster Noodle Soup. The author also provides an insider's look at Taiwanese cooking, exploring the lasting culinary influences of military villages, train bento boxes, and Taiwanese tea. The book is not only a great source of recipes but also a cultural and culinary tour of Taiwan. Overall, this cookbook is a must-read for foodies and travelers alike who want to explore the delicious cuisine of Taiwan.

Lonely Planet's Pocket Taipei 2 is a must-have guide for anyone planning a short trip or weekend getaway to Taipei. The guidebook is packed with insider tips, honest reviews, and essential information to help travelers make the most out of their visit. It includes detailed itineraries, color maps, and images throughout, making it easy to tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests. The guidebook covers popular neighborhoods like Beitou, Shilin, Ximending, and more. Overall, Lonely Planet's Pocket Taipei 2 is a handy, user-friendly guide that literally fits in your pocket, making it the perfect choice for travelers on the go.

Amah Faraway is a heartwarming children's book that tells the story of a young girl's visit to her grandmother's home in Taiwan. Kylie is nervous at first, but with her Amah's guidance, she learns about the culture, language, and customs of her grandmother's home. The story beautifully illustrates the love that can connect families across distance and cultures. The author's notes and guide to the places and foods explored in Taiwan provide additional educational value. The watercolor, pencil, and ink illustrations by Subisak add to the charm of the book. Overall, Amah Faraway is a must-read for children and families looking for a touching story about the power of love and connection between generations.

Two Trees Make a Forest: In Search of My Family's Past Among Taiwan's Mountains and Coasts is a stunning memoir that blends history, travel, and nature. Jessica J. Lee takes readers on a journey to her ancestral homeland, Taiwan, where she uncovers her family's past and explores the intricate connections between nature and humanity. Lee's writing is both poetic and informative as she delves into the complexities of identity, family, and love. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Asian and Asian American biographies, and it is a unique addition to the genre.

The Taiwan & Taipei Travel Reference Map is an excellent guide for tourists visiting Taiwan. The map is printed on crushed stone paper, making it waterproof, durable, and tear-resistant. It covers the entire country, including an inset map of Tainan, and the extended urban area of Taipei. The western portion is heavily populated, while the mountainous interior and the east coast are relatively undeveloped, offering a relaxing getaway for tourists. The map also highlights Sun Moon Lake and aboriginal villages. Overall, this map is an ideal reference for tourists who want to explore Taiwan's beauty and rich culture.

"Taipei" by Tao Lin is a modernist masterpiece that follows the story of a young writer named Paul as he navigates his life in Brooklyn and the internet. The novel has been compared to the works of Knut Hamsun, Ernest Hemingway, and Robert Musil. Lin's writing style is terse, neutral, and composed of small and intricate gestures that capture the flickers of perception in Paul's mind. The novel is a frank depiction of a contemporary consciousness and the personal tyranny of one's own mind. Overall, "Taipei" is a powerful and affecting novel that offers a unique perspective on urban life and the human condition.