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.

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 vacation 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.

Among its many tourist attractions, Taichung offers a downtown shopping experience similar to that of Tokyo or Manhattan, a bustling nightlife, and a cuisine to please even the pickiest palate. Travellers come to this city to feast their eyes on the temples, markets, parks, and museums. Touring families often visit the Taichung National Museum of Natural Science to marvel over the exhibits or the Feng Chia night market to purchase local goods. But perhaps what Taichung is known for the most is Bubble tea, the most famous beverage in the region. 

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.

Visiting Taipei? Don't limit your sightseeing to the city centre. Also known as New Taipei City, Xinbei covers more than 2000 square kilometres of Taiwan, including coastlines, hot springs, temples, historic landmarks and more. At Yeliu Coast, strange and fascinating rock formations rise from the rocky coastline. The Lin Ben-Yuan Family Abode and Garden is a tranquil place featuring graceful Chinese landscaping.

With its rich natural resources, Taoyuan has unique mountain and coastal sceneries! Visit the North Cross-Island Highway region, Shimen and Hutou Mountain, and refresh your mind and body by strolling; you can enjoy the phytoncide and admire the scenery that changes with the season. Other must-see locations include the treasure of the sea – the millennium-old algae reef, the one-hundred-year-old stacked stones, Xucuogang Wetland, and the reflective pond. Taoyuan has a colourful fusion of ethnic cultures from Hakka, Southern Fujian, aborigines and new immigrants. There are also several well-renowned tourism factories, showcasing the unique tourism charm of the City.

You can eat very well—and very cheaply—in Taipei. The restaurants may not look posh, but the quality of the food is superlative. And there’s a huge variety of restaurants—in addition to local Taiwanese specialties, you’ll find regional cuisines from all over China, as well as great Indian, Japanese and even Italian options. Just make sure to leave some room for snacks—street-vendor food here is addictive.

Taoyuan's High Speed Rail Station is located in Qingpu, Zhongli. The nearby recreational facilities include Gloria Outlets, Taoyuan International Baseball Stadium, Taiwan's largest IKEA flagship store, Japan's Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, and multi-purpose ecological park: Chintan Park. You can start a mini tour at the High Speed Rail Area once you alight from the train. To enjoy street food, you should not miss Zhongyuan Night Market and Zhongping Road shopping area. Some of the local snacks include triangular vegetable buns, beef noodles, peanut candy, etc., and the creative cuisines, including grilled mocha, rose egg pancake, salty crispy chicken, imagawayaki, etc. Factory tours are suitable for family trips as you can learn more about famous brands such as HeySong, Yakult, etc., as well as enjoy the fun of making the products yourself. If you enjoy cultural tours, why not go to Mazu Village and get immersed in the nostalgic experience of the veterans village with shady old trees, black tiles and brick walls.

Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Toyosu Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don’t forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle.

The village cluster of Ubud is the ideal place to try a famed Balinese massage and soak up the ambiance of one of Asia’s top spa destinations. Acupressure, reflexology, stretching and aromatherapy star in the island's distinctively firm massage treatments. Ubud is also the vivacious centre of Bali’s arts scene, home to a small treasure trove of museums and galleries. Monkey around at nearby nature reserve Monkey Forest Park, home to hundreds of mischievous long-tailed macaques. Don’t miss the valley of tomb cloisters at Gunung Kawi.

Australia’s third-largest city, Brisbane is the hub of Queensland culture, offering a peek at the past and a glimpse into the future. Visit the historic Windmill and Old Commissariat Store, built by convicts in 1828, or fast-forward to the present (and beyond) with a trip to the new Gallery of Modern Art. Mingle with locals atop Mount Coot-tha, cruise the Brisbane River to South Bank’s sandy beach on the City Cat and make sure to fill the cuteness quota at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, home to koalas and kangaroos. 

City slickers, culture vultures and beach bums alike fall in love with Sydney. Hang ten at famed Bondi Beach or stroll the calmer sands of Coogee.  Cash burning a hole in your pocket? You’ll find great shopping in the Rocks district and along George and Pitt Streets. Climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge or take a skywalk on Sydney Tower for a 360-degree view of the city. But whatever you do, don’t leave town without cuddling the koalas in the Taronga Park Zoo—they’re ridiculously adorable.

Lovely, laid-back Melbourne has something for everyone: family fare, local and international art, haute boutiques, multicultural dining, Australian and Aboriginal history, spectator sports, and pulsing, swanky nightlife. Cruise on the free City Circle Tram loop to check out unique attractions like the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Healesville Sanctuary, which buzzes with local animal species.