TechStart's Trip to Taiwan

Last week, I was fortunate to be part of an unforgettable journey to Taiwan with the TechStart Programme. This trip offered far more than a chance to visit a new country; it was an eye-opening experience that combined professional development with cultural immersion. Our itinerary took us from the buzzing innovation centre at Google’s office in Banqiao to insightful tours of local businesses and factories. Each visit showcased Taiwan’s thriving tech ecosystem and its emphasis on collaboration and progress. The trip wasn't just inspiring—it equipped us with a global perspective that will undoubtedly shape our careers and enrich our understanding of the world.

After landing in Shanghai at the early hour of 5 a.m., we had six-hour layover before boarding a flight to Taipei, where we touched down at around 2:30 p.m. Eager to settle in, we quickly got situated in our hotel rooms and then headed to the W Taipei Hotel. There, we were greeted with a spectacular view of the iconic Taipei 101, which was especially radiant that night, illuminated in rainbow colours to celebrate Pride Weekend. This breathtaking sight was a testament to Taipei's safety and acceptance of people from all different walks of life, and a showcase of how Taipei's vibrant energy extends into the evening. To cap off our first evening, we made our way to the Raohe Night Market, where we enjoyed a variety of Taiwanese street food.

Sunday (Day 1)

We began with a truly authentic Taiwanese breakfast, enjoying classic dishes like egg pancakes and soy milk, which was a perfect introduction to the city’s local flavours. In the afternoon, we visited the famous Taipei 101, where we ascended to the 88th, 89th, and 91st floors to take in the panoramic views as day transitioned into night. From that height, watching the city lights gradually flicker to life was an incredible experience, one that felt especially unique given my usual fear of heights. Standing in the second tallest building in the world was surreal, especially when we took to the 91st floor and found ourselves quite literally standing in the clouds. To round off the day, we enjoyed dinner at a hotpot restaurant, where we had the chance to create our own dipping sauces from ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, fresh herbs, and brown sugar. Seated around a bubbling hotpot, we dipped and cooked an array of meats, fish, and vegetables before pairing them with rice, making for a delightful, interactive meal that brought everyone together and immersed us in the warmth and tradition of Taiwanese dining.

Monday (Day 2)

I began the morning at a charming local coffee shop. The atmosphere was calm and inviting, with patrons quietly enjoying their drinks, creating a soothing and peaceful start to the day. It felt worlds apart from the bustling environment of a Starbucks, offering a more relaxed morning experience. Later, we visited the Taipei office of Dolphin Logistics, where we were hosted by Davis Lian, who oversees the company’s Taiwan operations. Dolphin Logistics Taiwan provides a range of services, including freight transportation, supply chain management, warehousing, and distribution. Though I came in with little knowledge of these industries, I found it fascinating to learn about the intricacies involved in each area, gaining an appreciation for the complexity and coordination that logistics requires.

Tuesday (Day 3)

We began with a high-speed journey on Taiwan’s HSR (High Speed Rail) to Taichung. Travelling at an impressive top speed of 300 kilometres per hour (186 miles per hour), we covered the distance in just 40-45 minutes—a remarkably faster travel time than train travel in the UK. Upon arrival in Taichung, our first stop was YCM, a biotech company focused on mould research and prevention. We learned about their fascinating work in mould control and saw where they keep various mould cultures for study. One of the highlights was a room filled with 3D-printed models of different types of mould, each displayed in cases with descriptions explaining their environments, functions, and in some cases, the surprising ways they can be beneficial. Following this visit, we attended a networking event hosted by the wonderful Evelyn Lee from UKTW, Eric Chou from CBRE and The British Office (FCDO) at The Lin Hotel. The event centred on current trends in UK investment and served as a launch for UKTW.org. It was a valuable opportunity to connect with Taiwanese business leaders and learn the contrasts between business practices in Taiwan and the UK.

Wednesday (Day 4)

We headed to Taipei 101 for a delicious dim sum lunch at Din Tai Fung. This was my first time ever trying dim sum, and it absolutely did not disappoint. The soup dumplings were incredible, and just enough to make you full but not feel like you've eaten too much. There was also a soup that we ate on the side that was so delicious I didn't even realise it had mushrooms in it (my least favourite food), which goes to show just how good this food was.

Afterwards, we made our way to the National Palace Museum in the Shilin District. Although the weather was rainy, the museum’s exterior was stunning, perched gracefully atop a hill that added to its grandeur. Inside, we were mesmerised by the extensive displays, each artefact offering a glimpse into the beauty and depth of Chinese history and culture. Among the most remarkable items was the famous Jadeite Cabbage, a unique piece of jadeite expertly carved into the form of a Chinese cabbage, with a locust and katydid cleverly camouflaged within its delicate leaves. This exquisite artefact stood out not only for its craftsmanship but also for the symbolism it holds in Chinese culture.

Thursday (Day 5)

Our plans were partially disrupted by the arrival of Typhoon Kong-Rey, which was the largest storm Taiwan had encountered in nearly thirty years. Several meetings had to be postponed due to the severe weather conditions, so we took the opportunity to work from the comfort of the W Hotel Taipei. Fortunately, we were spared the typhoon’s full force; by the time it reached Taipei, the surrounding mountains provided a natural shield, helping to mitigate its impact. Nevertheless, we could still feel the intensity of the storm, with strong winds and fairly heavy rain battering the city. While the weather was far from ideal, it allowed us to witness first-hand the power of nature and Taipei’s resilience in the face of such formidable weather.

Friday (Day 6)

We had the incredible opportunity to visit Google’s Innovation Centre at their office in Banqiao. It was fascinating to get a glimpse into what working at Google is like and learn about the varied structure of a typical workday depending on the type of projects in progress. Our tour included some impressive facilities, like the cafeteria, where we enjoyed lunch, sleep rooms for resting, a vending machine stocked with essentials like computer mice and keyboards, and a games room equipped with a pool table, gaming consoles, and even a karaoke booth.  

Later in the day, I fulfilled a personal dream by visiting Taipei’s Pokemon Center. This was one of the biggest highlights of the trip for me. As a lifelong Pokemon superfan who doesn’t live near any of the five Pokemon Centers worldwide, stepping into a shop filled with Pokemon memorabilia was nothing short of magical. The shop was packed with everything from plushies and figurines to pins, keychains, trading cards, and all sorts of trinkets. If it wasn’t for lack of suitcase space and the voice in my head reminding me not to completely empty my bank account, I’d have taken away three times what I bought. With music from the game soundtracks playing over the speakers, the entire experience felt surreal, and yes I may have shed just a single tear.

The evening was equally unforgettable as we kicked things off with a game of bowling (which I won) and then continued into karaoke. Spirits were high as we sang our hearts out, fuelled by a bit of liquid courage and some catchy tunes. Following karaoke, a few of us decided to take on Taipei’s nightlife at AI Club, where we found ourselves in the thick of loud, booming bass, flashing lights, and a lively crowd. The atmosphere was an all-out sensory experience, but dancing together as a group made it thoroughly enjoyable, giving us a taste of Taipei’s vibrant night scene. By the time we made it back to our hostel, it was 5am; the perfect close to an action-packed day.

Saturday (Day 7)

We began by checking out of our hostel and heading to the W Hotel Taipei, where we enjoyed a restful morning by the pool. After our late night out, this relaxation was much needed, allowing us to recharge and unwind in the hotel’s serene atmosphere until the early afternoon. Later, we boarded the Taiwan High-Speed Rail for a smooth journey to Taichung, where we checked into the trendy Moxy Hotel. Our evening adventure took us to a bustling night market in the Xitun District, where we sampled an array of intriguing and delicious street foods, from pig’s ears and spicy chicken to calamari. Later, some of us returned to the Moxy to cap off the evening with cocktails and snacks at the hotel’s stylish rooftop bar, enjoying good drinks, laughter, and a relaxed end to an eventful day.

Sunday (Final Day)

On our final full day, we set off bright and early, beginning with a scenic drive toward Sun Moon Lake. Along the way, we stopped at Puli Baohu Palace, a beautiful temple that rewarded us with a fantastic view after a climb up its stairs. We continued our journey down to Sun Moon Lake, where we boarded a boat from Shuishe Pier, gliding across the serene water until we reached the base of a mountain. From there, we embarked on a challenging hike up to the Ci’En Pagoda, battling the heat and a steep set of stairs as we ascended. Though it was a strenuous climb, the view from the top made every step worth it, providing a panoramic scene that was simply unforgettable.  

After our hike, we enjoyed lunch at an authentic Taiwanese restaurant, immersing ourselves in the local cuisine with dishes like rice, whole chicken, deep-fried shrimp with mayo, and refreshing guava juice. Our final stop of the day was WenWu Temple, an architectural marvel offering yet another breathtaking view, where we could spot the distant Ci’En Pagoda, appreciating just how high we had climbed earlier in the day. To round off this memorable day, we took the HSR back to Taipei and checked into a hostel for a final night of relaxation before our lengthy journey home. The following day, we braced ourselves for a marathon of travel: a flight from Taipei to Shanghai, a hefty 9-hour layover, and an 11.5-hour flight back to London Gatwick, marking the end of an extraordinary adventure in Taiwan.

On a personal note, this trip was an absolutely unforgettable experience—one I never imagined I’d have the chance to embark on. It was my first time in Asia and my first solo flight without family support, which, as a nervous flyer, was a significant hurdle. But I’m deeply grateful that I managed to push through those initial worries and anxieties to embrace this opportunity. Had I given in to the fear, I’d have missed the breathtaking views from Taipei 101 and Sun Moon Lake, the chance to see the exquisite artefacts in the National Palace Museum, and the surreal experience of stepping into Taipei’s Pokémon Center. I genuinely believe I’ve come back a more confident person, better able to silence that inner voice that says, “You can’t do this,” because this trip showed me that I truly can. Just two months ago, if someone had told me I’d soon be flying to Taiwan, I’d have laughed in disbelief. This was a genuinely surreal experience that still feels dreamlike even now, back in the UK. Beyond just expanding my understanding of global business and culture, this journey has strengthened friendships, boosted my courage, and gifted me with memories I’ll treasure for life.