TAIPEI -- Shaped by waves of colonization, the story of Taiwan -- officially the Republic of China -- is one of layered histories. Neon-lit night markets flashing the latest Japanese and South Korean trends coexist with incense-shrouded Taoist temples steeped in devotional whispers. Teahouses brew centuries of tradition through meditative rituals, while communal hot pots simmer with shared Chinese heritage.
On a recent all-girls road trip through northern Taiwan, I discovered that this sweet-potato-shaped island, cradled between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, is much more than a technology powerhouse. Despite playing a central role in the global chip supply chain, Taiwan fiercely protects its cultural soul. We were not just chasing landscapes -- we were in search of flavors, stories, rituals and contrasts.
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