From Taipei to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s MICE cities tempt delegates’ taste buds with unique culinary experiences.
When organising business events in Taiwan, the possibilities are endless, thanks to its modern infrastructure, world-class venues, diverse attractions, and renowned hospitality. Taiwan’s MICE Corridor, connecting the five major cities of Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung via the efficient Taiwan High-Speed Rail, offers event planners and delegates an unparalleled opportunity to experience world-class business facilities alongside diverse cultural experiences.
Taipei: A blend of business and gourmet experiences
When it comes to work and play, Taiwan’s cosmopolitan capital has it all. Its array of meetings, conventions, and exhibitions draws an international crowd for major MICE events like COMPUTEX TAIPEI, which showcases its thriving ICT industry. High-tech attractions like digiBlock Taipei, a creative cluster for technology and digital content businesses, nurture Taiwan’s innovative spirit.
Beyond the event halls, Taipei offers delegates a rich cultural and culinary experience. The city boasts 37 Michelin-starred restaurants and 43 Bib Gourmand establishments, ensuring that every meal is an adventure. It’s also easy to find places that cater to different dietary requirements, from vegan to halal restaurants. Major hotels and venues are experienced in crafting customised menus for event catering, banquets, and gala dinners.
The annual COMPUTEX Taipei is one of the largest computing and technology trade shows in the world.Taoyuan: Gateway to innovation and culinary delights
Taoyuan, the key international hub and gateway in Taiwan, is home to Taoyuan International Airport and a variety of industrial clusters ranging from technology to automobiles and electronics. The upcoming Messe Taoyuan exhibition centre, which is set to be Taiwan’s largest conference venue with capacity for 5,000 pax, will host major events like the 2024 JCI World Congress later this year, solidifying Taoyuan’s position as a leading MICE destination.
The city also boasts 30-odd tourist factories designed to give visitors unique insights into various industries, including food production. Visitors can explore Taiwan’s tea culture at Daxi Tea Factory, a reconstructed heritage museum showcasing the country’s tea-producing history.
Enjoy a Taiwanese tea processing and tasting experience at Daxi Tea Factory, Taoyuan.Taichung: Sustainability and culture
Along the central coast, Taichung’s commitment to sustainable development is evident in its hosting of events like the Taiwan Sustainable Development & Low Carbon Green Building Exhibition. But Taichung’s sustainability cachet is found not just in its institutions, but also its rich heritage such as the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, an annual celebration of the Taoist sea goddess Mazu that has been inscribed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
While the city boasts its fair share of fine dining establishments, including nine Michelin-starred restaurants and 27 Bib Gourmand recipients, it’s also the home of tai yang bing (sun cake pastry) and the world-famous bubble tea. Food lovers can indulge in the famed boba drink at shops peppered across the city, or enjoy creative treats at conserved historic buildings.
Dajia Jenn Lann Temple organises the annual Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage around Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin and Chiayi counties.Tainan: Taiwan’s oldest city and food capital
Founded in 1624, Tainan is a cradle of Taiwan’s layered history and boasts a thriving horticulture industry today. With the city celebrating its 400th anniversary, various events have been expanded to accommodate more visitors — including the triennial World Orchid Conference, which hosted its 2024 edition at the brand-new International Convention Center Tainan (ICC Tainan), located near the Tainan high-speed rail station.
Tainan is renowned for its food culture, being the origin of famous dishes like oyster omelette and rice cake as well as local specialities such as Danzai noodles and shrimp rice. For a unique experience, planners can organise a bando, a traditional roadside banquet featuring sophisticated multi-course meals cooked on the spot.
The 2024 World Orchid Conference was one of many events being held across Tainan this year.Kaohsiung: Relaxed meetings and oceanfront dining
The southern city of Kaohsiung, with its vibrant harbour dubbed ‘Asia’s New Bay Area,’ is perfect for combining business with leisure. The Taiwan International Boat Show, for instance, spans two waterfront venues: the Kha Shing Pier 22 Marina and Kaohsiung Exhibition Center. Kaohsiung Exhibition Center is also a smart venue, with a 5G private network and ultra-wideband (UWB) test area that’s perfect for testing and showcasing digital industry products and services.
MICE visitors can explore the city via the catenary-free Kaohsiung Light Rail and enjoy fresh seafood at ocean-view bistros, or even invite groups aboard a yacht to feast on spectacular sunsets and fresh, sustainable, locally sourced seafood. In Meinong district, visitors can savour traditional Hakka cuisine, featuring hearty, fermented, and pickled ingredients.
Spectacular vistas, cultural zones, the Kaohsiung Music Center, and Kaohsiung Exhibition Center are all located at the Asia New Bay Area.From north to south, each city along Taiwan’s MICE Corridor boasts its own unique charm, combining modern infrastructure with local flavours to create memorable experiences for visitors. To discover exciting ways to meet in Taiwan, a treasure island for MICE, click here.
This article is brought to you by MEET TAIWAN