HONG KONG, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Taiwan, though small in size, is a treasure trove of natural wonders. From verdant mountain forests to crystal-clear alpine lakes and sun-kissed tropical beaches, the island nation offers an ideal retreat for those seeking rejuvenation and relaxation. In this captivating episode of CNN’s Next Stop, Senior International Correspondent Will Ripley delves into the multifaceted aspects of Taiwan that have established it as a premier destination for health and wellness enthusiasts.
Despite facing a decline in tourist numbers in recent years, Taiwan has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The island is steadily emerging as a haven for wellness experiences that nourish both mind and body, thanks to the tireless efforts of individuals, initiatives, and businesses dedicated to showcasing Taiwan’s unique beauty and cultural richness.
Over the past decade, Taiwan has poured hundreds of millions of New Taiwan dollars (equivalent to roughly $20 million USD) into developing its cycling infrastructure. This investment includes the creation of a nearly 1,000-kilometer route that encircles the entire island. The burgeoning popularity of Taiwan’s cycling scene can be traced back to its homegrown brand, Giant, which holds the title of the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer. Not content with just manufacturing, Giant has expanded into cycling tourism, offering dozens of different cycling tours across the island. CNN’s team visits the picturesque Sun Moon Lake with Amos Lin, Giant’s senior product marketing planner, to gain insights into the flourishing cycling tourism industry in Taiwan.
While Taiwan is globally renowned for its bubble tea – a trendy beverage that combines tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls – the island’s tea legacy extends far beyond this modern concoction. Taiwan’s history of cultivating, producing, and exporting tea spans more than 150 years. Lionel Lin, a third-generation farmer who runs Teascent Valley, a company that grows, produces, and distributes its own tea brand, sheds light on Taiwan’s esteemed reputation for oolong tea. The Alishan high mountain variant, in particular, stands out as one of the most celebrated teas. In a bid to penetrate international markets, Lionel harnesses the power of social media to share this cornerstone of traditional Taiwanese culture with a global audience.
As Taiwan cements its position as a sought-after destination for health and wellness tourism, one company is working to enhance the accessibility of these experiences. KKday, a Taiwanese travel e-commerce platform, connects travelers with a myriad of experiences worldwide. The platform allows customers to seamlessly book dining experiences, accommodations, specialized tours, and more directly through their website or mobile app. Looking towards the future, co-founder and COO Weichun Liu emphasizes the critical need to invest in cutting-edge technology to maintain a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving industry.
Next Stop (Taiwan) trailer: http://bit.ly/44LuRGO
Next Stop (Taiwan) images: https://bit.ly/4kFDN6G
Airtimes for 30-minute special:
Saturday, 19th July at 12:30pm HKT
Sunday, 20th July at 6pm HKT
Monday, 21st July at 1:30am HKT
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