Hong Kong vs Taiwan: Comparing 2 Destinations Southeast Of China

Taiwan vs Hong Kong
Rachel
Rachel 
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Hong Kong and Taiwan, both located southeast of China, are popular destinations in Asia frequented by travellers from all over the world. While there are some similarities between the two regions such as weather and presence of a dominant Chinese community, they are also different in many ways. So which is the better destination for you to visit for your next vacation? In this article, I will compare Hong Kong and Taiwan across nine categories such as accommodation, shopping, natural scenery and more for your quick reference. Then, you can have an easier time to decide where you want to go!

1. Accommodation

As always, it is important to know about the available choices for accommodation in any foreign city you visit prior to the trip, so that you know what to expect and whether your budget allows it. The clear winner here is Taiwan, find out why in this section.

Hong Kong: 5/10

superior room in Butterfly On Morrison Wan Chai
Source: Booking.com

Being a highly urbanised city, the cost for accommodation is not exactly cheap since everyone is fighting for space in the densely populated city. This is especially true if you are hoping to look for a reasonably priced hotel stay in the heart of the city. In addition, Hong Kong hotel room sizes tend to be compact and not more than 20 square metres (215.3 square feet). Expect to pay from 140 USD (1,090 HKD) for an average twin-sharing hotel room per night. For cheaper alternatives, you may consider staying in a hostel, which start from 28 USD (218 HKD) per night. Otherwise, you may also want to consider renting an apartment or room on Airbnb for a more unique stay at more affordable prices.

Want to check what your options are? Read our articles on Hong Kong’s best boutique hotels and the best Airbnbs in HK.

Taiwan: 8/10

glass house
Source: Yiqi

Taiwan scores a notch above Hong Kong in terms of accommodation simply because it offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit every budget and preference. Although Taiwan is also a developed economy like Hong Kong, the cost of living is not as high as the latter. Travellers will find more value for the money spent in Taiwan than in Hong Kong. Sure, hotel rooms get a little more compact when you go to big cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung. But in general, rooms are not so cramped in Taiwan compared to Hong Kong. In the popular city of Taipei, travellers can expect to spent about 90 USD (2,700 TWD) per night for a comfortable twin-sharing hotel room in an accessible location near major transport lines. On the contrary, it would be an uphill task trying to find one at similar price with equivalent standards in Hong Kong.

Taiwan is also known for its cosy minsu (民宿) concept, which is equivalent to a homestay or bed-and-breakfast, where you can enjoy the trademark hospitality of locals in the scenic countryside such as Hualien and Taitung. The price varies widely between minsu, but generally, the more uniquely designed the minsu is, the higher its room rate.

Find the best accommodation for your budget, check out our articles on the best budget hotels in Taipei and where to stay in Kaohsiung.

2. Transport

Now that you know what to expect for accommodation in the two destinations, let’s get down to the next fundamental - transportation. Obviously, the ease of moving around can make or break a trip, especially if you are on a free and easy mode. It’s a tough fight between Hong Kong and Taiwan in this category, which I will explain in further detail below.

Hong Kong: 10/10

ding ding tram
Source: Pixabay

Hong Kong has an extensive MTR network that connects you to almost anywhere you would like to venture to in the city. In addition, the public transport network is seamlessly integrated to include not just the MTR, but also buses, minibuses, ferries and tramways, which complement one another perfectly. When hopping from one mode of transportation to another, you need not worry about fumbling for small change. Just purchase the Octopus card, a rechargeable contactless stored value smart card at any Airport Express or MTR customer service centre, which can be used to pay for rides on public transport as well as for payment in many shops.

Getting to and fro the airport is also convenient with airport buses, the Airport Express, taxis and limousine services available. The cheapest way to the airport is by airport bus which starts from a cheap 14 HKD (1.80 USD) to Kowloon and 21 HKD (2.70 USD) to Hong Kong Island. The Airport Express is the fastest way to get to downtown from the airport from 90 HKD (11.50 USD) in 20 minutes.

When moving around the northern side of Hong Kong Island, be sure to ride on the nostalgic tramway, affectionately called “ding ding tram” by locals. It is one of the oldest modes of public transport in Hong Kong and has been operating since 1904! Despite their slow travelling speed, they are the most economical mode of transport on the island at a flat rate of 2.30 HKD (0.30 USD) per adult. With such a comprehensive public transport system, Hong Kong certainly deserves full marks under this category!

Taiwan: 9/10

Alishan Forest Railway Diesel locomotive DL-33 near Peimen Station (on the right), Taiwan.
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mk2010 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Compared to Hong Kong, Taiwan is many times larger than the former in terms of physical size and hence it is inevitable that travelling times between different cities will be longer. However, it is good to know that there is also an extensive network of inter-city buses and railway system in Taiwan, making it convenient to get across the country. In major cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, there is also the reliable and affordable metro system that you can count on for daily commute. Similar to the Octopus Card in Hong Kong, there is the EasyCard (悠遊卡) to enjoy hassle-free travelling throughout your trip in Taiwan. The card can also be used to make payment at most shops and services.

Taiwan’s public transport system is almost on par with that in Hong Kong. Perhaps the only drawback is the limited public transport options in the scenic east coast provinces like Taitung and Hualien. Travellers who wish to explore this part of the country are better off renting a motor vehicle for a great road trip as opposed to taking the tourist shuttle buses that operate only at 2-hourly intervals. Thus, Taiwan pales a little in comparison to Hong Kong’s superb connectivity throughout the city.

3. Food

One of the best ways to get to know a new place is through its food. In fact, many travellers visit a destination because of good food. Read on to discover what you can expect in terms of the dining scene in both destinations.

Hong Kong: 10/10

Hong Kong - Dim Sum
Source: Photo by Flickr user Charlotte Marillet used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Mention Hong Kong and it is difficult not to think of her mouth-watering famous delicacy known as dim sum. These popular bite-sized portions of delicacies served in small steamer baskets or plates may be available at any Chinese restaurant around the world now, but for an authentic taste of the real stuff, you have to be in Hong Kong to savour the best. Besides dim sum, there is also a myriad of delectable cuisines waiting to whet your appetite, from local street food, cha chaan teng (tea restaurant) to Michelin starred restaurants catering to all sorts of budgets. With such an appetising dining scene, it’s little wonder why Hong Kong is also known as the food paradise!

Hungry for more? Plan your trip around meals with the guidance of our recommendations of the best cheap eats in Hong Kong.

Taiwan: 10/10

braised pork rice
Source: Pixabay

Frankly, Taiwan’s street food is equally mind-blowing. There is the famous bubble milk tea where you can find at least one tea shop selling the addictive thirst-quenching drink along every street. Not forgetting all of Taiwan’s delicacies like the legendary braised pork rice, railway bento, scallion pancake and stinky tofu that have become part of the staple diet of almost every local. The list of mouth-watering cuisines you can sink your teeth into in Taiwan is endless, and there are also numerous options available to cater to diverse tastes and budgets. Therefore, instead of deciding on a winner for this category, both deserve full marks for a fabulous food scene!

4. Nightlife

Wondering what you can do after the sun sets in Hong Kong and Taiwan? Which is a better place for an exciting nightlife?

Hong Kong: 9/10

Hong Kong Symphony Of Lights
Source: Photo by user John Cooke used under CC BY-SA 2.0

After dark, Hong Kong offers an incredibly diverse array of options. She is not called Asia’s “world city” for nothing. Into contemporary art? Check out the enchanting performances by the Hong Kong Ballet, the Hong Kong Dance Company, the City Contemporary Dance Company, or the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra. Prefer to party all night long? Then head to Lan Kwai Fong or SoHo for the best bars and clubs where the bold and beautiful gather. The shopaholic in you will be delighted to know that many shops in Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mongkok open till about 10 or even 11 at night for that late-night shopping urge. If these are still not enough to keep you entertained for the night, look out for special events such as the Symphony of Lights, Rugby Seven and Dragon Boat races that will surely satisfy your quest for unique night entertainment.

Learn more about the best things to do in Hong Kong at night here.

Taiwan: 10/10

Shilin Night Market
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Exec8 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

It is said that Taiwan is a country that never sleeps. She is most famous for her bustling night markets sprawled all over the country. There are over one hundred night markets in Taiwan, yet they are almost always packed with people looking to shop or eat some yummy street food. But Taiwan’s nightlife is more than just night markets to feed the ever-hungry stomachs. You can find a diverse selection of bars, lounges, KTVs and nightclubs to satisfy your craving for late-night entertainment. There is no official closing time for Taiwan’s late-night joints, with many of them open till the wee hours of the morning. So, there is no reason not to give the top score to Taiwan for its fabulous nightlife, isn’t it?

Need more convincing? Read our guide on Kaohsiung’s night market.

5. Shopping

There is a reason why shopping can be a therapeutic experience for the soul. The joy of being able to buy something unique which you cannot find back home certainly helps to liven up your mood for the day. Let’s see whether Hong Kong or Taiwan fares better in delivering the therapeutic experience!

Hong Kong: 10/10

Being a shopper’s paradise, Hong Kong is an obvious winner in this category. There are budget stores and wholesale markets that cater to budget shoppers, local night markets for quirky finds and chic mega malls for the sophisticated and trendy shoppers. The vast selection of options to satisfy all kinds of travellers is a huge draw for Hong Kong. Furthermore, the best part of the deal is that shopping in Hong Kong is tax-free, so you need not worry about the hassle of fulfilling a minimum purchase amount before you can claim for tourist tax refund!

Taiwan: 9/10

Although Taiwan also has its fair share of shopping options to cater to different needs and budgets of travellers, it still pales in comparison to Hong Kong which has such a varied range of choices and the attraction of tax-free shopping. That being said, the shopping scene in Taiwan isn’t all that lousy. Taipei’s Ximending is a happening shopping district for the young, described as Taiwan’s Harajuku. There is also the popular Wufenpu wholesale market to shop for fashionable bargains at a steal in Taipei. For high-end shopping, there are glitzy shopping malls such as Taipei 101 and many more.

6. Natural scenery

For those who are looking to get away from the bustle and hustle of city life to marvel at beautiful nature, do you know where is the better destination to head to?

Hong Kong: 7/10

Hexagonal volcanic tuffs Sai Kung
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Keitaso used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

To be fair, while Hong Kong’s natural attractions may not be as famous as its food and shopping attractions, they are still worth a mention. You may hike through old Hakka villages, white sandy beaches and forested mountain ranges at Sai Kung East Country Park. Or discover the beauty of the award-winning Dragon’s Back Hike at Shek O. Did you know that a 140 million-year-old volcanic rock formation exists in Sai Kung? While Hong Kong is still very much a highly developed city better known for its ultramodern cityscape, there are hidden natural gems waiting to be discovered.

Taiwan: 9/10

阿里山神木
Source: Photo by user 欣盈 used under CC BY-SA 2.0

On the other hand, Taiwan is home to 286 mountain summits over 3,000 metres (9,800 feet) above sea level, as well as many quaint rural villages around the island. The Formosa Island is definitely a huge playground for nature enthusiasts to unwind and relax in. Marvel at the alluring works of nature in popular attractions such as Alishan, Taroko National Park and Chiaming Lake. Or go mountaineering in one of the many fascinating peaks on the island. With the list of activities for the nature lover to do in Taiwan never-ending, it’s easy to know who wins in this category.

7. Urban landscape

Both Hong Kong and Taiwan are highly developed economies in Asia, but which offers a more stunning urban landscape?

Hong Kong: 9/10

Hong Kong Neon Lights / 20080314.SD850IS.2370
Source: Photo by user See-ming Lee used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Life is fair after all, what Hong Kong lacks in nature, she makes it up for with an impressive urban landscape and city skyline. Hong Kong is famous for its towering skyscrapers across the Victoria Harbour that put up a glittery Symphony of Lights show every night at 8 pm. There is also no lack of chic buildings or quaint architecture almost everywhere you go in the vibrant city-state filled with bright neon lights.

Taiwan: 7/10

taipei 101 台北101
Source: Photo by user sese_87 used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Although it is clear Hong Kong wins with its buzzing urban scene, there is a good mix of city and countryside life for the urbanite traveller to enjoy in Taiwan too. There is the mega skyscraper Taipei 101 in the heart of Taipei city, listed as the eighth tallest building in the world at 508 metres (1,667 feet) tall. Every year, people will look forward to the spectacular fireworks around Taipei 101 at the annual new year countdown event. Located just a stone’s throw from Taipei’s iconic building is also the eye-catching Tao Zhu Yin Yuan Tower, a refreshing new addition to Taipei’s skyline aiming to be one of the greenest buildings in the country.

8. Culture

Culture refers to the way of life, particularly the general customs and beliefs, of a particular group of people at a particular time. Of course, every place has its own unique culture, and appeals to different people. How does Hong Kong fare compared to Taiwan in terms of culture then, given that both have their roots in China?

Hong Kong: 7/10

1 tai o hong kong 2013
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user chensiyuan used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Before 1997, Hong Kong was a British colony for 156 years, with traces of her colonial history in preserved colonial buildings such as the Old Supreme Court and Former Central Police Station in Central. Unfortunately, due to rapid urban development, much of the history are now kept in museums instead. The rustic countryside is also making way for modern commercial buildings. Nonetheless, all is not lost in highly modernised Hong Kong. Atmospheric spots such as Tai O and Stanley with quaint laid-back vibes are now popular for the relaxing day trip to seek a cool respite from the city.

Taiwan: 9/10

Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival 2014 in Taiwan
Source: Photo by user Jirka Matousek used under CC BY 2.0

On the other hand, Taiwan was under the Japanese rule for a period of 50 years from 1895 to 1945. However, the influence of Japanese culture is far more evident in many areas of Taiwanese life. You can find Japanese-influenced architecture in many parts of Taiwan, such as the Tainan Hayashi Department Store, Chishang Railway Station and even the Japanese torii gate in Hualien.

The traditional culture is also more distinctive in Taiwan compared to Hong Kong, with elaborate temples such as Lungshan Temple sprawling across the island. In addition, there is an important traditional festival for which travellers from around the world flock to - the Taiwan Lantern Festival. This is when thousands of sky lanterns written with well wishes are released into the sky at Pingxi District (平溪) during Chinese New Year. The Lantern Festival is a classic example of how age-old traditions are still being practised in Taiwan, adding to its rich and interesting culture.

9. Safety

Hong Kong and Taiwan are both developed Asian cities that are safe to travel in, even if you are travelling solo. In fact, Taiwan is considered one of the safest places in the world because of its low crime rate. Hong Kong is also a very safe city regardless by day or by night, with police officers patrolling frequently, and emergency services just a quick call away. Crime rate aside, there is the possibility of natural disasters occurring in both destinations because of their geographical locations.

The most recent major earthquake was the 921 earthquake which hit Taiwan on 21 September 1999, claiming over 2,400 lives. In addition, other natural hazard such as typhoon, flooding and landslides are common in the country too, especially during intensive rainfall in the summer season. Hong Kong is also not spared from such natural hazard due to its proximity to Taiwan. In short, while both destinations are safe to travel to, it is good to exercise vigilance and stay alert at all times.

Hong Kong & Taiwan: 7/10 each

So, who is the overall winner?

Hong Kong: 74/90

Taiwan: 78/90

Congratulations to Taiwan for scoring slightly better than Hong Kong! While each destination has its own strengths, Taiwan fares better in terms of accommodation, nightlife, natural scenery and culture, whereas Hong Kong scores an edge in transport, shopping and urban landscape. Hence, depending on your priorities for the trip, you should know which destination suits you better. Happy planning for your next trip!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Rachel has forgotten when and exactly how she caught the travel bug. What she does remember is the triumphant feeling she enjoys when she sees the fascinating world out there with her own eyes. She...Read more

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