Top 10 Things to Do in Taiwan

Only 10... That's a hard thing to decide! That's why I called my blog "100 Things to Do in Taiwan". Actually, I couldn't decide which 10 I could choose. That's why my plan is to talk about 100 things in this blog. For today's article though, I will make an effort to enlighten you a little about Taiwan.
So here you are:
1. Cycle around the island. It is a fabulous experience you will never forget.
2. Cycle on the bikeway along the Danshui River, to Bali and to the Fisherman's Wharf. If you aren't in for a long ride, this is a short version of the first one. You can rent a bicycle in Danshui, near the MRT station or in Bali (on the other side of the river). If you don't like crowds, avoid weekends.
3. Swim across the Sun Moon Lake. This is probably the most beautiful lake in Taiwan and this swim is among the most popular on earth. Unfortunately, it happens only once a year, late August or at the beginning of the following month.
4. Swim in Houlai. If you aren't in Taiwan for the Sun Moon Lake crossing day or if you are not that into swimming, I heartily advise you to spend a day in Houlai. On a hot summer day, Houlai would probably be the best option.

5. Walk along the Caoling trail. If you are in the mood for a good walk, take the train to Fulong and follow the signs for the Caoling trail. You will be bewildered by the beauty of nature. It is a 15-kilometer walk, so take your time and enjoy the landscape. 

6. Hike in Yangming Shan, to Mount Qixing. Even closer to Taipei is Yangming Shan. It is the mountain that you can see in the North of the capital. This is a great hike and on the breezy top, on a summer day, it feels a little bit like heaven.

7. Visit the 101. It is a pretty building and, you won't disagree with me once you are at its foot, a breath-taking one. Take your time to visit it, go to the top, buy whatever you want - there are hundreds of shops -, eat in one of its numerous restaurants and, if you are into dancing, or looking for someone, spend some time in its night-club.

8. Enjoy a mesmerizing sunset from the Fisherman Wharf, Danshui, with someone you love. If the sky is clear, head for Danshui with your beloved and enjoy the sunset, a few meters from the Lovers' Tower, where Taiwan ends.

9. If you are in Taiwan with your children, go to Ice Land, the iceskating ring, downtown. It is particularly cool in summer, when everyone wears shorts and T-shirts. It's so refreshing!

10. And what if you come in winter? There are gorgeous hot-springs in Beitou. That's where you should go! Take the MRT to Xin-Beitou, have a look at the delightful, eco-friendly Beitou library, and pick a hot spring resort that you like: there are dozens nearby.

And a last thing: I placed the items in a random order. It's already so difficult to choose only ten, what did you expect? That I would tell you the best of the best? I couldn't. I already have to apologize to the food lovers (I promise I will soon write an article about Taiwanese food), to the beach boys and beach girls (you must certainly think I have never been to Kenting, to Baishawan or to Wai'ao?) and to a dozen of other groups! I do apologize. Anyway, that's it for now. Stop reading and go out there, try it for yourself! Have fun!