Souvenirs you should buy in Taiwan

September 30, 2018
Mantelpiece filled with exclusive mementos that have a story behind them and that aren’t something you could buy at a discount shop

One of the best ways to commemorate your visit to a new place is by buying a souvenir. Of course, you don’t want to get just about anything. You want your mantelpiece filled with exclusive mementos that have a story behind them and that aren’t something you could buy at a discount shop. While there are lots of things you can shop for in Taiwan, here are some of our favorites.

Jade

In Taiwan, jade is considered to be very auspicious. It is believed jade brings good fortune. It comes in a number of shapes and sizes; prices vary as per the quality. You can buy a jade bracelet, jade necklace, or jade earrings for your loved ones. Go for dark green pieces as they are the best in quality.

Pineapple Cake

If you have a sweet tooth, we recommend you buy a pineapple cake aka Fengli Su. Coupled with tea or coffee, this cake is a treat to your taste buds. Creamy, fragrant with pineapple paste, take this delectable pastry for your loved ones back home. Don’t worry about carrying it on a plane - this cake has airtight packaging and minimum shelf life of one month.

Taiwanese Tea

We personally recommend you buy the Oolong tea aka Black Dragon Tea which is known for its quality. There are many varieties of Oolong tea; you can choose as per your preference. If you enjoy light tea, shop for Dong Ding tea, Pouchong tea, or Ruan Zhi tea. People who love fruity aromas should go for Alishan tea or Dongfang Meiren tea. If you’re the one who prefers a floral balance in tea, buy Osmanthus Oolong tea.

Oil Paper Umbrella

Another interesting souvenir to pick from Taiwan is the oil paper umbrella. Beautifully decorated, this waterproof umbrella is an ideal gift for your family and friends. It is also a symbol of good luck. Back in the day, the oil paper umbrella was used in wedding ceremonies. It comes in various sizes and designs; we suggest you go for the smaller one so that you can comfortably carry it in your luggage.

Glove Puppets aka Budaixi

One of the popular attractions in Taiwan is Glove Puppetry wherein glove puppets entertain the crowd by narrating interesting folk tales. When you see these performances, you’ll feel like these adorable puppets actually have a character and a soul!