Yilan, Taiwan

The natural beauty of Yilan flows like an enchanted river. The surrounding county is lush with waterfalls, lakes, rivers and botanical gardens. You can spend your holiday immersed in a watery paradise, swimming, surfing, white water rafting or simply taking in the scenery. If you prefer to soak up culture, Yilan offers museums that highlight traditional crafts and natural wonders, including Bei Guan Leisure Farm, known for its head-scratching exhibits of live crabs that live in boiling volcanic springs. A street snack from the Luodong Night Market is simply a must.

Nantou, Taiwan

Taking in the breathtaking beauty of Nantou's Sun Moon Lake is truly an ethereal experience. The turquoise basin is shaped like the sun on the east side, a crescent moon on the west, and it reads like a rippling celestial journey. After a day of hiking the seven miles of trails in the lake's surrounding mountains, hop a cable car and whiz through the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village or take a soothing dip in one of the area's many hot springs. Local farms grow juicy drupe fruits, the perfect refreshment on a steamy day.

Taichung, Taiwan

From pub-hopping to 18-story department store shopping, Taichung is a lively city at the heart of Taiwan. Tour the glass-walled botanical centre and the renowned art museum, then wander from shops to food stalls in any of the night markets. The mountains that protect Taichung from typhoons offer travellers an excellent change of pace from city life, with lakes, farms, bike paths and more to discover.