Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Nestled in the heart of East Asia, Taiwan is a country that captivates with its stunning landscapes and rich, diverse culture. With its majestic mountains, idyllic beaches, and bustling cities, this environment offers sports enthusiasts an impressive variety of activities for all tastes. Whether you are passionate about hiking, cycling, surfing, or even traditional sports like tai chi, Taiwan stands out as a top destination for lovers of physical activities. Explore how this vibrant and luminous island blends modernity and tradition in the world of sports, and discover why some of these disciplines have become essential for locals and visitors alike.
Must-Try Sports to Discover in Taiwan
Traditional Sports: Tai Chi and Dragon Boat Racing
Tai chi, often practiced in Taiwan’s parks, is much more than a sport: it is a form of martial art combined with meditation and wellness. Visitors can experience this ancient practice in iconic locations like Daan Park in Taipei or Lukang Cultural Park. As for dragon boat racing, it embodies the Taiwanese community spirit. Held during the Dragon Boat Festival, these competitions blend spiritual traditions and athleticism. For example, the dragon eye-opening ceremony on the Keelung River in Taipei is a unique spectacle mixing Taoist rituals and artistic performances.
Booming Modern Sports
Baseball has been considered Taiwan’s national sport since its introduction by the Japanese in the early 20th century. Professional teams such as those in the Chinese Professional Baseball League attract large local audiences. Basketball is also growing in popularity thanks to international figures like Jeremy Lin, who inspires young Taiwanese in this competitive field. Both sports have modern infrastructure; to watch or play baseball, head to the Tianmu Baseball Stadium in Taipei.
Outdoor Sports: Hiking and Cycling
Taiwan offers spectacular landscapes for outdoor activities: its majestic mountains are perfect for hiking, while its coasts provide ideal routes for cycle touring. Climbing Mount Yushan (the highest peak) attracts experienced enthusiasts with its breathtaking panoramic view of the entire island; necessary gear includes sturdy shoes and clothing suited to changing conditions at altitude. For coastal cycling, take scenic Highway 1 along Taiwan’s east coast—an unforgettable experience between the Pacific Ocean and lush green cliffs.
Cultural Anecdotes and Testimonials
Sylvia Lee, a Taiwanese tourism director based in the United States, emphasizes that “connecting with local associations allows for cultural immersion with the country.” A regular Japanese participant in dragon boat races describes them as “a unique blend of ancient history and personal achievement.” These testimonials enrich every sporting activity practiced on this island where tradition meets modernity in an exceptionally rich natural setting.
Good to Know:
In Taiwan, tai chi and dragon boat racing are traditional sports that reflect the country’s cultural heritage, with tai chi often practiced in parks near Taipei 101, while dragon boat racing is celebrated during festivals with thrilling races in Kaohsiung. Modern sports like basketball, popularized thanks to Hsinchu, and baseball, which became a major element of Taiwanese sports since the arrival of professional leagues in the 1990s, are gaining popularity. Taiwan’s magnificent landscapes provide an exceptional backdrop for hiking, especially on the mountain trails of Taroko, and cycling along the scenic coastal Highway 11. Tourists wanting to try these sports can find affordable rental equipment in major cities. Athletes like famous baseball player Chen Wei-yin testify to the growing enthusiasm for these sports, making the experience authentic and rich for enthusiasts and amateurs alike.
Where to Train: Sports Gyms and Facilities in Taiwan
Sports Gyms and Facilities in Taiwan
Taiwan has modern sports infrastructure, mainly concentrated in major cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan. In Taipei, the “Sports Center 2.0” project is modernizing existing facilities to meet high resident demand. Notable examples include the Zhonghe Sports Center in New Taipei, an innovative complex offering equipment for badminton, basketball, climbing, and even an underground hockey rink integrated into the surrounding urban landscape.
Popular sports and their facilities include baseball (considered the national sport), with modern stadiums such as the Taoyuan International Baseball Stadium. Basketball is also widespread thanks to numerous multi-purpose courts accessible in major cities. As for badminton, it benefits from well-equipped courts in sports centers like those in Wenshan or Zhongshan in Taipei.
The Taiwanese government is actively investing in promoting sports through increased accessibility to public facilities: affordable memberships, flexible hours, and quality equipment are offered to residents and visitors alike. These initiatives also aim to encourage community participation with spaces like the “urban living room” at the Zhonghe Sports Center, where people can gather before or after a sports activity.
Finally, these complexes support not only traditional sports but also other emerging disciplines such as climbing or swimming, thanks to the ongoing renovation of municipal pools. These efforts strengthen access to sports and contribute to the country’s cultural and social influence in terms of physical activities suited for everyone.
Good to Know:
In Taiwan, sports facilities are mainly concentrated in major cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung, where modern complexes like the Taipei Arena offer facilities for basketball, badminton, and baseball, sports particularly popular locally. These centers have high-quality equipment and are accessible to residents and visitors, with flexible memberships and evening and weekend hours to suit all schedules. The Taiwanese government is also investing in infrastructure development through programs aimed at modernizing existing facilities and building new ones, thus promoting the democratization of sports practice. Initiatives such as free or reduced-rate access for youth and seniors enhance accessibility, helping to promote a healthy and active lifestyle throughout the country.
Managing Your Sports Budget: Tips for Expats
Tips for Managing a Sports Budget as an Expat in Taiwan
For expats living in Taiwan, managing a sports budget starts with understanding the costs associated with popular sports like badminton, tai chi, and basketball. For example, playing badminton at community centers typically costs between 100 and 200 TWD per hour. Tai chi classes are often accessible through local groups or in public parks for a symbolic fee or free. Basketball can be played for free on many outdoor courts located in schools or urban parks.
Reducing expenses on sports clubs and equipment: prioritize using public sports centers that offer much cheaper memberships than private gyms (around 800 to 1,500 TWD/month for the latter). To save on sports equipment, explore second-hand options available on local online platforms or at flea markets. Discount specialty stores can also offer affordable gear.
Expats can also take advantage of free or low-cost sports events. Many parks regularly organize public activities like outdoor yoga or even amateur tournaments. Additionally, universities often open their sports facilities to the public on weekends for a small fee.
Finally, balancing your overall budget involves carefully comparing prices before any purchase and waiting for frequent seasonal promotions in Taiwan (especially around Lunar New Year). Allocate a fixed monthly portion for your sports leisure to avoid budget overruns that could affect other essential expenses like housing or food.
Good to Know:
To manage your sports budget well as an expat in Taiwan, it is essential to compare prices and look for local promotions before committing to club memberships for popular sports like badminton, tai chi, or basketball, which can vary significantly in price depending on the region and establishment. Equipment can be costly, so consider buying second-hand or participating in equipment swap events that often take place in the city. Attending free or cheap sports events, such as tai chi classes in public parks, can enrich the sports experience without straining the budget. Finally, plan your sports expenses considering daily living costs like housing and transportation to avoid overspending beyond your means.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
