Taitung, Taiwan

If you're lucky enough to visit Taitung during its annual Lantern Festival, you'll be mesmerised and delighted by 12 days of colourful paper orbs, exuberant firecrackers, lively performances and a city that unites in vibrant celebration. But there's also magic beneath the ground where revellers gather and dance. Taitung is a city of important archaeological significance. Local archaeologists have unearthed thousands of artifacts from aboriginal cultures, including over 1500 Peinan stone coffins. A visit to the Museum of Prehistory or the Beinan Culture Park will school you in Taitung's rich history.

Hsinchu, Taiwan

The city of "New Bamboo," Hsinchu sways like a sturdy reed under the cooling breeze that rolls from the Taiwan Strait. Buzzing with the activity of numerous science and technology universities, Hsinchu is forward-thinking, attracting high-tech companies from around the world—a charming juxtaposition of modernity and antiquity for the oldest city in northern Taiwan. Hsinchu's historic moat flows through central parks and green spaces, and the scholarly carvings on the Guan Di Temple contribute to the city's intellectual sensibility. For a glimpse into traditional Taiwanese technologies, visit the Craft Glass Museum to learn about Hsinchu's signature product.

Hualien, Taiwan

Most people come to Hualien to visit the Taroko Gorge. And with good reason—it's simply beautiful. With rope bridges over rivers, hiking trails with astounding views, and temples cut into the mountainsides, it's an unforgettable place. Feel the full power of the ocean at Shihtiping, a two-hour drive from Hualien, where the waves crash into the rocky shore.