taiwan tourist from philippines

TAIWAN TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Still Visa-Free for Filipinos? Quarantine & Testing Needed?

Is Taiwan part of your 2023 travel plans? If so, you probably have a lot of questions brewing in your head. Is Taiwan still visa-free for Filipinos? Do I still need to undergo mandatory quarantine? What are the testing requirements? Should I bring proof of vaccination? Don’t worry. We’ll answer all these questions (and more) in this article.

Taiwan was the last destination we had visited just before the pandemic reared its ugly head and brought the world to its knees in early 2020. We even got stranded in the island for a few days! So it’s kind of apt — poetic even — that it is also our first destination in 2023, the year that we all expect things to fully go back to normal.

In fact, Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, has added one more flight to Taiwan. This is a good sign that tourism (and travel in general) is starting to get back on its feet. PAL now flies to the Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) twice a day:

• PR 890 Departure: 06:25 AM Arrival: 08:45 AM
• PR 894 Departure: 5:50 PM Arrival: 8:05 PM

This may change in the future, so make sure to double-check and visit PAL’s official website for the latest schedule and fares.

So yes, things are starting to go back to normal. But what are the travel requirements when visiting Taiwan?

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Is Taiwan still visa-free for Filipino tourists?

YES. Philippine Passport holders can visit Taiwan without a visa for up to 14 days.

Filipino tourists are included in Taiwan’s visa-exempt program until 31 July 2024 .

Note that this applies to Filipinos traveling to Taiwan for leisure. A visa might still be required from those traveling to study or work, with which I’m not familiar.

What are Taiwan’s entry requirements?

While Taiwan remains visa-free for Filipino tourists, it doesn’t mean that you could simply waltz in. Here is the full list of requirements when visiting Taiwan for leisure:

• Passport , with over 6 months of validity
• Proof of accommodations , which may be hotel booking confirmation or address and contact details of your sponsor in Taiwan
• Exit ticket , which may be a return ticket to the Philippines or an onward ticket to another country
• Sufficient funds

These are the documents that the Immigration Officer might ask you to present. I say “might” because they don’t always check for these requirements. In fact, except for passports, we have never been asked to show these documents even on our last trip. They just asked to see our passports, scanned our fingerprints, and took a photo. Then they let us through.

But just because we or other people you know weren’t checked doesn’t mean that you won’t be checked, either. Our circumstances and travel times are different, and you’ll most likely be assessed by a different Immigration Officer. Hence, there’s still a good chance that you could be asked to provide these requirements. To be on the safe side, make sure you have all these documents when traveling to Taiwan. The last thing you want is to be ordered to provide these docs and you’re not able to because you don’t have them.

What does “sufficient fund” mean?

I am not sure. I don’t think they explicitly state how much is “sufficient”. Out of the many times I have traveled to Taiwan, I have never been asked how much money I have with me. That said, I’ve read online accounts from other people who have, so they do ask about it sometimes.

The only advice I can share regarding this is to make sure that you have enough to cover your expenses for the entire length of your stay. If you plan on using the full 14 days allowed in Taiwan, don’t bring only 1000 NTD because it doesn’t make sense.

Is proof of vaccination required?

NO. The Taiwan authorities will not ask for any proof of vaccination. No vaccination card or vaccination certificate is required.

That said, if you have proof of vaccination, bring it anyway. It’s always best to have it just in case rules change while you’re on the trip or if the airline asks for it regardless.

Besides, as far as I know, proof of vaccination is required when entering the Philippines, although authorities don’t always check. But again, just bring it for good measure.

Is there a quarantine and testing requirement?

There is NO testing required before or upon arrival at the airport in Taiwan. You don’t need to submit a negative test result prior to your trip. You don’t need to undergo a test at the airport.

BUT after emerging from the aircraft, just before you reach the Immigration booths, you’ll find a table with stacks of self-test kits. You should get one box. Each box contains 4 pieces of test kits.

What are these test kits for? You’re expected to do a self-test at the hotel on your first day and every 2 days since for 7 days. It’s part of Taiwan’s 7-day self-initiated preventive program.

Again, for clarity: The idea is, you should do a swab test on your own over the next seven days: one upon arrival at the hotel and another every two days.

This does NOT mean that you’ll be quarantined. You can still go outside and explore like normal. In theory, you need a negative test to go out and each test is valid for the next two days. This is why you are given four kits. It should cover your first seven days.

HONESTY SYSTEM: No one is going to check if you really did it and you won’t have to submit or report the test result anywhere. But despite this, I still highly encourage you to do a self-test. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s always best to follow the rules.

So to recap, when traveling to Taiwan:

• NO proof of vaccination
• NO pre-trip testing
• NO mandatory quarantine

Taiwan is one of the easiest places to visit these days, so if you’ve always wanted to go, bump it up to the top of your bucket list.

What if my Taiwan trip is shorter than 7 days? Am I still allowed to visit?

YES. The 7-day preventive program does NOT mean you need to stay at least 7 days in Taiwan. It only means the testing should be done over the first seven days. If your stay is shorter, then you don’t need to use all the test kits.

If you’re staying in Taiwan for only four days, then you’ll only have to do 2 tests.

If you’re staying 2 days, you only need to do one.

Is wearing masks mandatory?

The official policy is: you must wear mask indoors unless you’re eating.

At a restaurant, you should still wear a mask when getting food at the buffet table or when using the restroom. You should only remove it when you’re putting food or drinks in your mouth.

Outdoors, masks are not required at all times. There may be certain situations when it is needed, but I’m not sure what the parameters are. I just wear a mask regardless. And I’m not alone. Based on my observation, the overwhelming majority of tourists and locals in Taiwan still choose to wear masks outside.

What to do upon arrival at the airport?

We landed at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport. Here’s the arrival process as we experienced:

• After deplaning, get one box of COVID test kits. You’ll find them just before you reach the Immigration area.
• Accomplish the Arrival Card. Get one from the table in front of the Immigration counters.
• Clear Immigration check. The Immigration officer will check your passport and/or other requirements and take your photo and fingerprints.
• Claim your bags at the assigned carousel.
• Clear customs check. Make sure you don’t have MEAT products or you’ll be fined around a million NTD.

That’s it! At the Arrival Hall, you’ll find money changers and ATMs. Note that it’s extremely difficult to find money exchangers that accept Philippine pesos in the city so if you need to exchange currencies, you may do it here. Better yet, withdraw from any of the ATMs, which I think have better rates. We prefer using Bank of China, the central bank of Taiwan.

You’ll also find booths selling data SIM cards. If you purchased one via Klook, you can pick up your SIM card from the Counter 6, located at the far end of the hall. It should be to your right if you’ve just emerged from the Customs check.

Where to Stay in Taipei

Here are some of the hotels that we were able to check out:

• Hotel Cham Cham , Banqiao District. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Hotel Midtown Richardson , Ximending. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• La Palais de Chine , near Taipei Main Station.
• Park City Hotel , Luzhou District. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Hotel Attic , Ximending. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Taipei Hotels!

Where to book tours?

While it is possible to explore Taipei DIY-style, joining a tour has a long list of perks, especially if you’re part of a big group, you’re traveling with kids or seniors, or you simply don’t want to deal with the nitty-gritty of itinerary building. We often get DMs from people asking for tour referrals.

Our most recent Taipei trip was organized by Edison Tours , which has been in operation for decades, making it one of the most trusted and most reputable tour operators in Taipei.

If you’re solo or a small group, you could join a set tour. If you’re a bigger group, it’s best to have them customize an itinerary for you, based on your schedule and preferences. Each tour is also led by a fluent English-speaking guide, which is a very big deal because attractions in Taipei and surrounding areas are not always visually captivating. Most are historical or cultural sites that you’ll appreciate a lot better if you know the background or if you have local insights.

To see their packages or for more info, visit www.edisontours.com . If you need to get in touch with them for inquiries or requests, just tap the CONTACT US button in the upper right corner of the page.

If you prefer to book with a Philippine-based travel agency, here are some that offer Taipei tours with corresponding contact numbers and websites.

• Constellation Travels Inc. www.constellationtravels.com.ph +63956 660 0693
• Travel Warehouse Inc. www.twi.com.ph
• VIA https://ph.via.com (+63 2) 8555.9444 [email protected]
• Ark Travel Express Inc. (+63 2) 8810-4520 / (+63 2) 8528-0933 www.arktravelexpress.com
• North Star International Travel Inc. (+63 2) 3485 7272 [email protected] www.northstar-travel.com.ph
• Ricson Crown Travel & Tours [email protected] (+63 2) 8352-0797
• Iloilo Skyways Travel & Tours (+63 33) 508-0909 [email protected] www.iloiloskywaystravel.com
• Levy Travel and Tours [email protected] (+63 2) 87757436 / 85188801 / 85797215 +639178797525

Is there a Tagalog version of this article?

We have a Tagalog video version of this article.

You can listen to our discussion about Taiwan travel requirements on Spotify! Follow The Poor Traveler Podcast !

We’ll also be publishing more Taiwan-related articles in the next several weeks! If you don’t want to miss any of those, you may follow us on our Facebook page or Instagram account .

Updates Log

2023 • 7 • 11: Visa-exempt program for Filipinos extended to July 31, 2024 2023 • 1 • 31: First posted

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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super informative nito Sir para samin na nagplaplan mag visit sa Taiwan Thank You po!

You’re welcome! Happy planning and enjoy your trip!

I have a 9 hours layover in Taipei so I won’t be at the hotel, what address in Taiwan should I put on the arrival card? I’m going to Japan and I must change airports in Taipei.

The flight number of your next flight (to Japan).

Hi.. saan po makikita ang source ng travel advisory ng taiwan? Base po doon sa screenshot nyo..

Yung about sa visa-exempt entry? Dito po: https://www.boca.gov.tw/fp-149-4486-7785a-2.html

Hello po.. about po sa travel requirements po if meron po pong covid test and quarantine? Planning to visit po this may…

Hi po ask ko lng need p dn po b ng invitation letter galing meco s taiwan if ang magbabakasyon kami ng anak ko salamat po

Sino po ung nag-invite?

hi once pabalik po ng pinas, need po ba na dapat may booster na or kahit 2 vaccines lng? thanks po in advance for the reply :)

Thank you po. This is very informative. Just want to ask po, how about the requirements once we get back to the Philippines if it just for leisure po? Do we still need to present the Health Insurance?

Hi Ethel, they just asked to see our vaccination card/cert and the eTravel QR code. For returning Pinoys, ‘yun lang ang hiningi.

hi what do i need if mag stay ako for about 30days? do i need visa na?

According to the official website, “for those who plan to stay for more than 14 days, they will need to apply for an appropriate visa at TECO.”

• Hello po, I’m a working student po here in Taiwan and I will be graduating this June po, my parents were planning to go here in Taiwan and mag stay po sila sa tinitirahan ko for 5 days and we will not book a hotel po, so regarding po sa Proof of accommodations, may kailangan pa po ba akong i-process sa MECO or just provide the address and contact lang po talaga? ng sponsor and may ari po ng tinitirahan dito?

Pano po pag july 27 – aug. 9 po mag stay sa taiwan? Need po ba kumuha ng visa sa teco?

Visa-exempt program has been extended to July 2024, so no need.

Good afternoon! ano po kaya mga requirements if isasama ko mother ko? Ofw po ako sa Middle East. Salamat po.

Kung pareho po kayong PH-passport holders, same pa rin naman po. Wala pa pong balita if maeextend yung pagka-visa free ng Pinoys after July 31. Kung hindi, baka may magbago.

May tanong po ako. Yung visa free ng taiwan multiple entry po ba? For example po punta po ako taiwan june 20-23 tapos babalik po ako june 30-july 3? Iba po kasi kasama ko magtravel.

Visa free traveling in Taiwan will end on July 31, 2023, what if the departure is on 31 and you’ll be back on Ph on August 5, is that okay po?!?

Hello po sir.. Asking lang po. Planning to travel this Sept in taiwan but I don’t have any idea to start.. I planning to do diy.pde po mag paturo hehe

Hi! We’ll be publishing a TAIWAN TRAVEL GUIDE in this blog po very very soon. And pati po sa Youtube namin, magkaka-video po kami kung paano mag-plan ng trip sa Taiwan. Subscribe po kayo para ma-alert po kayo kapag uploaded na yung video: http://www.youtube.com/thepoortraveler

Hi☺️ good day po ask lang need paba ng travel certificate kpag may bata kung anak ko nman po ?

Hi! I am planning to visit Taiwan with my 1-year old daughter this March 2024 for vacation and also to visit/see his father (filipino), studying there (we’re not married yet). I’ll be the one to pay all our expenses, am I still required to get an invitation letter from him and show it to immigration? Thanks.

To be safe, yes. Better bring one.

Is it a written letter only? Or is it a letter from MECO?

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2024 taipei taiwan travel guide blog with diy itinerary, things to do, tourist spots, tips and budget for first-timers.

Traveling to Taiwan for the first time this 2024? Let this Comprehensive Taipei Taiwan Travel Guide Blog 2024 with Sample DIY Taiwan Itinerary (pdf), list of top things to do in Taipei, and breakdown of expenses help you plan your trip. Best of all, Filipinos can enter Taiwan Visa-Free! Read on this post to learn more!

Updated 2024 first-timer's travel guide blog to taipei, taiwan, if you're looking for a trip to taiwan package from the philippines , this is not a packaged tour. but i could help you plan your trip diy (do-it-yourself) style. now, let’s get started., quick facts about taipei taiwan.

• Currency - New Taiwan Dollar (NTD / NT$)
• Language - Mandarin Chinese. Learn a few Mandarin words and phrases before traveling to Taiwan.
• Weather - 4 Seasons (Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall)
• Electricity - 110 Volts at 60 Hertz (uses Type A socket with 2 flat pins and type B socket with 2 flat pins and an extra prong for grounding)
• Time Zone: - UTC+08:00

Visa Requirements to enter Taiwan

Requirements for visa-free entry to visit taiwan for filipinos.

• An ordinary/regular passport with remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry (Diplomatic & official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment);
• A return ticket or a ticket for the traveller's next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required;
• No criminal record in Taiwan;
• A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor's contact information /or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events and meeting etc.

Taiwan Quarantine Rules

• For all foreign travelers arriving in Taiwan, you must undergo a 3-day quarantine in a designated quarantine hotel and a 4-day self-initiated epidemic prevention following the end of quarantine.
• By October 13, 2022, Taiwan government eyes to end COVID-19 quarantine.
• Taiwan COVID-19 Quarantine Rules are continuously changing. Restrictions implemented for arriving travelers can change quickly. Please check regularly the updated quarantine rules in the destinations you're travelling to and transiting through before you travel.

Cheap Flights to Taipei Taiwan

How to Get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei City?

Taoyuan airport mrt, private car transfer, taiwan weather, when is the best time to visit taiwan, how many days to spend in taiwan, taiwan time zone, useful mandarin words and phrases.

• Hello - Nĭ hăo (sounds like Nee how)
• Thank You - Xièxiè (sounds like Shieh-shieh)
• Good morning - Zǎo (sounds like Zhow)
• Goodnight - Wǎn'ān (sound like One-un)
• I don't understand - Tīng bù dǒng (sound like teeng boo dong)
• How much? - Duō shǎo qián (sounds like dwo shaow chyen?)
• Excuse Me / Pardon / Sorry - Bù hǎo yìsi (sounds like boo haow eeh si)
• Where is…? - Zài nǎli (sounds like dzaiy nah lee)
• I want to go to… - Wǒ yào qù… (sounds like wo yaow chyoo)
• Restroom - Cèsuǒ (sounds like Tse soo-oh)

Where to Exchange Taiwan Currency?

Pocket Wifi Rental and Data SIM in Taipei

Pocket wifi rental in taiwan, taiwan data sim card.

How to Get around Taipei?

Taipei transport fun pass, taipei unlimited fun pass.

• Taipei 101 Observatory

National Palace Museum

• Main Building of Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence
• Miramar Entertainment Park Ferris Wheel
• Taipei Children’s Amusement Park
• Tamsui Historical Museum
• Tamsui to Fisherman’s Wharf roundtrip ticket

Gold Museum

• Yeliu Geopark

Juming Museum

• Sky Lantern Police Station Electric Sky Lantern ticket
• National Museum of Marine Science & Technology

5-DAY JOINT TRAIN PASS (THSR+TR)

Maokong gondola.

Where to Stay in Taipei?

SLEEPBOX HOSTEL XIMEN

• Mixed Dormitory - PHP 926.00 per person
• Female Dormitory for 8 - PHP 927.00 per person
• Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed - PHP 1,806.00 for 2 persons

ANGELS' HOSTEL - TAIPEI XIMEN

• Shared Male Dormitory - PHP 512.00 per person
• Shared Female Dormitory - PHP 512.00 per person
• Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm (1 Double Bed) - PHP 1,617.00 for 2 persons

GRAND HYATT TAIPEI

INN CUBE XIMEN

• Room Selected By Hotel, Shared Bathroom - PHP 1,001.00 for 1 person
• Room, Shared Bathroom (Bunk Bed) - PHP 1,717.00 for 2 persons
• Double Room, Shared Bathroom - PHP 1,860.00 for 2 persons

SHILIN HOME TAIPEI

• Double Room - PHP 2,957.00 for 2 persons
• Twin Room - PHP 2,957.00 for 2 persons
• Triple Room - PHP 3,827.00 for 3 persons
• Quadruple Room - PHP 4,697.00 for 4 persons

CITY INN HOTEL PLUS XIMEN

• Standard Room - PHP 3,858.00 for 2 persons
• Elite Double - PHP 4,328.00 for 2 persons
• Twin Room - PHP 5,034.00 for 2 persons
• Deluxe Room - PHP 5,034.00 for 2 persons
• Triple Room - PHP 6,672.00 for 3 persons
• Family Room - PHP 7,562.00 for 4 persons

ART INN HOSTEL XIMEN TAIPEI

• Twin Room - PHP 1,500.00 for 2 persons
• Standard Quadruple Room - PHP 4,000.00 for 4 persons
• Family Room - PHP 5,387.00 for 6 persons

TOP-RATED HOTELS IN TAIPEI

Here are the popular and highly-regarded hotels in taipei, taiwan with excellent ratings from previous guests. you can save as much as 50% discount on published room rates when you book in advance., other hotels & hostels in taipei, here are the other popular and top-rated hotels in taipei, taiwan. book now to save as much as 50% off on your hotel bookings.

• Hotel Papa Whale - See rates and room availability
• San Want Hotel - See rates and room availability
• New Riverside Suites - See rates and room availability
• Hotel Midtown Richardson - See rates and room availability
• Sato Castle Motel - See rates and room availability
• Westgate Hotel - See rates and room availability
• Amba Taipei Ximending - See rates and room availability
• CitizenM Taipei North Gate - See rates and room availability
• Fortune Hiya Taipei - See rates and room availability
• Just Sleep Hotel Ximending - See rates and room availability

THINGS TO DO IN TAIPEI + TOURIST SPOTS & ATTRACTIONS

Taipei 101 and Observatory

Travel tip:.

Elephant Mountain

Martyrs' Shrine

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

• Memorial Hall - 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM, daily
• Memorial Parl - 05:00 AM - 12:00 MN, daily

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Hop on hop off bus ticket prices:.

• 4 Hour Pass - PHP 454.00
• 1 Day Pass - PHP 1,059.00

Longshan Temple

Bopiliao Historical Block

Shilin Night Market

Miramar Entertainment Park

Dadaocheng District

Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence

Ximending Shopping District

And just outside Taipei...

Side trips and day tours from taipei.

Shifen Waterfalls

Pingxi Old Street

Jiufen Old Village

Nanya Rock Formations

Ying Yang Sea

Yehliu Geopark

Top Best Things to do in Taipei, Taiwan

Visit the taipei 101 observatory.

• Taipei 101 is one of Taiwan's most popular tourist attractions and most photographed landmarks. This is one of the reasons why I've been wanting to visit Taiwan is to see and climb the famed Taipei 101 . Read more here.

Climb Elephant Mountain and Enjoy the Best View of Taipei

• If you're wondering where to get the best view of the city and of Taipei 101 , I highly suggest that you climb the Elephant Mountain . It requires a hike to the stairs to get to the viewpoint where you will be greeted with an amazing view of Taipei City and the towering Taipei 101 dominating the city's skyline. The best time to visit is during the late afternoon to catch the sunset. Read more here.

Eat, Shop, and Wander at the Best Night Markets in Taipei

• Food trip and shopping are two of the best ways to enjoy a visit to Taiwan. Forget about bars and night clubs. The night markets are the best places to visit at night when in Taiwan! The night market is a Taiwanese cultural tradition that you should experience when visiting Taiwan. Eat, shop, stroll, and immerse yourself with the night market culture as you share the experience with the Taipei locals and tourists visiting Taiwan. Read more here.

Taipei City Double Decker Sightseeing Bus Tour

• This tour is a Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour to some of the major tourist spots and attractions in Taipei. Composed of 23 bus stops and 2 routes, it gives you the convenience of taking the bus that goes to the different interesting sites in Taipei. With this tour, you can choose to hop off at any stop for sightseeing, and hop back on when the next bus on the schedule arrives. Read more here.
• Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour in New Taipei City, Taiwan
• This northeast coast tour in New Taipei City will bring you to some scenic spots in Taiwan, such as the Bitou Cape, Nanya Rock Formations, and Ying Yang Sea. The highlight of this tour is the visit to Jiufen Village which is an old mining town that is now a popular tourist destination near Taipei City. Located in the mountain area of Ruifang District in New Taipei City, Taiwan, Jiufen Village is a quaint village with rich history and culture to tell. Read more here.

Shifen Waterfalls, Pingxi Old Street, and Keelung Miaokou Market

• This tour will bring you to Shifen Waterfalls which is located within a beautiful forested mountainside in Pingxi District, New Taipei City. It is popular tourist destination that is about 20 meters high and 40 meters wide, making it the broadest waterfall in Taiwan. Also not to be missed is the Pingxi Old Street which is located near a train station that is rich in culture and history to tell. You could end your tour with a visit to Keelung Miaokou Street where you could explore the different shops and food stalls in the area. Read more here.

Pineapple Cake Making Workshop in Taipei

• Don’t miss this workshop that will let you to experience the handmade process of pineapple shortcake making when visiting Taiwan. Located in Shilin District , The Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry is a pastry culture and making museum in Taipei, Taiwan. Read more here.

The Shu's Pottery DIY Workshop

• Learning pottery making for the very first time is such an awesome and memorable experience. There's no better way to learn it than from the guidance of experts and from a place rich in history. This is recommended for your group of friends, family, and even kids. Read more here.

Soap Making Workshop at TeaSoap since 1957

• This activity will surely bring out the creativity in you. It's an ideal activity and new things to do in Taiwan that the family, group of friends, and kids of all ages will surely love and enjoy. Read more here.

Blue Dye Making Workshop at The Can

• This traditional Taiwanese cloth dyeing technique can still be found in Sanxia District in New Taipei City. Because of the abundance of the dye plant called "Da Jing" in the area, Sanxia became the center of the cloth dyeing industry of Northern Taiwan during the late Qing dynasty. To keep the tradition alive, locals have set up dyeing workshops along the old streets of Sanxia to let other people learn and appreciate the art of Blue Dye . Read more here.

Best Food and Must-eats in Taipei

Din Tai Fung

Meat boss hot pot in taipei, buffet options.

• Eatogether in Taiwan
• Chao Guo Shabu in Banqiao Station
• Cafe83 at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station
• Mantanghung Spicy Hot Pot at Taipei City Hall Station
• Jing He Jia at Fuzhong Station

Other Tours and Experiences in Taiwan

A Day at Sun Moon Lake

Yangmingshan National Park & Hot Springs Tour

Taiwan's Northern Coast

Fo Guang Shan and Cheng Ching Lake

Wuling Farm Day Tour from Taipei

Sightseeing Carpool Between Taipei and Hualien (via Jiufen)

Gaomei Wetland & Rainbow Military Community

Leofoo Village Theme Park

Thousand Island Lake & Pinglin Tea Plantation

Taroko Gorge, Swallow Grotto, & Seven Star Lake Day Tour

Qingshui Cliff Sea Kayaking in Hualien

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen and Shifen Shuttle Bus from Ximen

Sample 5 days and 4 nights taipei diy itinerary.

• Arrival in Taiwan
• Check-in at the Hotel
• City tour via Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus tour
• Dinner and Taipei at Night Tour
• Back at the hotel/hostel
• Morning walk in Taipei, go to Bopiliao Historical Block
• Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour
• Jingmei Night Market Tour and Dinner
• Half day Explore Taipei City Tour
• Visit Taipei 101 Observatory
• Climb Elephant Mountain
• Dinner at Tonghua Night Market
• Join the FREE Taipei Walking Tour Historic Route
• Explore Bopiliao Historical Block
• Shop for pasalubong
• Walk around Ximending Shopping District
• Dinner at Shilin Night Market
• Prepare for departure
• Check out of the hotel
• Flight back to Manila

Taipei Trip Budget and Expenses

List of basic expenses.

• Accommodation: PHP 1,000 - 5,000 per night
• Food: PHP 500 - 800 per day
• Transportation: PHP 300 - 400 per day
• Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket - PHP 859 per person
• Half-day Explore Taipei City Tour - PHP 1,704 per person (includes entrance ticket to the National Palace Museum)
• Taipei at Night Tour - PHP 2,324 per person (includes dinner at Din Tai Fung )
• Jingmei Night Market Tour - PHP 842 per person (includes tasting 12 local snacks)
• Taipei Sightseeing Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
• 4 Hour Pass - PHP 454.00 per person
• 1 Day Pass - PHP 1,059.00 per person
• Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour: PHP 2,014 per person
• 4G Pocket WiFi Rental: PHP 133 per day
• Airport Transfers: PHP 1,390 per way good for 4 persons

Sample Expenses for 14,000 PHP Budget

• Train to Taipei - 272.00
• Hostel (1st night) - 512.00
• One day Bus Tour via Klook - 1,059
• Food Expenses - 300.00
• Dinner and Taipei at Night Tour via Klook - 2,324
• TOTAL - 4,467
• Hostel (2nd night) - 512.00
• Jiufen Tour - 2,014.00
• Jingmei Night Market Tour via Klook - 842.00
• Transportation - 60.00
• TOTAL - 3,728
• Hostel (3rd night) - 512.00
• Explore Taipei via Klook - 1,704
• Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket via Klook - 859.00
• Elephant Mountain - Free
• Transportation - 100.00
• Food Expenses - 500.00
• TOTAL - 3,675.00
• Hostel - 512.00
• TOTAL - 1,112.00
• Train to Taoyuan Airport - 272.00
• TOTAL - 772.00

GRAND TOTAL = 14,086.00 per person

• Round trip airfare Manila-Taipei-Manila
• NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
• Budget for pasalubong and tips
• Food expense for snacks

You can download a PDF copy of this Taiwan DIY Itinerary Travel Guide, HERE .

Sample 3 Days 2 Nights (3D2N) Itinerary for 8,000 Pesos

Day 1 - gold museum, jiufen and miramar entertainment park.

• 06:00 - Arrival in Taipei. Take the Airport Express to Taipei Main Station
• 07:30 - Leave bags at the hotel/hostel
• 08:00 - Have Breakfast at JSP Ximen
• 08:10 - Eat breakfast at JSP Ximen
• 08:40 - Walk to Ximen Bus Stop Station
• 09:00 - Take the city bus number 965 to Gold Museum
• 10:10 - Gold Museum Tour
• 11:50 - Lunch
• 12:30 - Gather and head to Jiufen by taking bus 965
• 13:00 - Explore Jiufen Old Street
• 14:30 - Gather and take bus 965 to Taipei
• 15:30 - Arrive at Taipei's Beimen MRT Station
• 15:45 - Take the MRT Green line and alight at Nanjing Fuxing
• 16:00 - Transfer the MRT brown line and take the train to Jiannan Rd. Station
• 16:30 - Go to Miramar Entertainment Park, ride the Ferris Wheel
• 18:30 - Dinner
• 20:00 - Head back to Ximen by taking the MRT Brown Line from Jiannan Rd. Station to Nanjing Fuxing
• 20:30 - Transfer to MRT Green Line to Ximen Station
• 21:00 - Back at the hotel/hostel

Day 2 - National Palace Museum, Shilin Residence, Dadaocheng, and Taipei 101

• 07:00 - Breakfast
• 08:00 - Take the MRT to Shilin Station and transfer to the Bus Red 30 (R30) which will take you directly to the National Palace Museum.
• 09:10 - Arrive at National Palace Museum, explore
• 10:50 - Gather at the exit and take the bus Bus Red 30 (R30) and head to Main Building of Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence
• 11:10 - Tour of Main Building of Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence
• 13:00 - Lunch
• 14:00 - Take the MRT to Daqiaotou Station. Take exit 1 and walk towards Dadaocheng district
• 15:00 - Arrive at Dadaocheng district
• 15:45 - Explore the district of Dadaocheng
• 18:00 - Dinner
• 19:00 - Walk back to Daqiaotou Station
• 19:30 - Take MRT from Daqiaotou Station to Dongmen Station and transfer to red line to Taipei101/World Trade Center Station.
• 20:00 - Arrive at Taipei 101 and visit Shou Xing Fang for souvenir shopping
• 20:30 - Go up to Taipei 101 Observatory
• 22:00 - Take the MRT back to Ximen Station
• 22:30 - Back at hotel/hostel

Day 3 - Yehliu Geopark and Juming Museum

• 06:00 - Leave bags at the hotel/hostel
• 06:30 - Breakfast
• 07:00 - Take the MRT from Ximen to Taipei Main Station then transfer the MRT Red Line to Tamsui Station
• 08:30 - Arrive at Tamsui Station. Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service 862 to Yehliu Geopark
• 10:00 - Arrive at Yehliu Geopark, explore
• 12:00 - Lunch
• 13:00 - Depart for Juming Museum by taking Bus 862
• 13:30 - Tour Juming Museum
• 15:30 - Gather at the entrance of Juming Museum
• 15:45 - Take the Bus 862 back to Tamsui Station
• 17:00 - Arrive at Tamsui Station. Take the MRT Red Line to Taipei Main Station then transfer to Ximen Station via the Blue Line.
• 17:40 - Arrive at Ximen Station/Taipei Main Station and Go to the hotel to pick-up bags
• 18:00 - Take the Airport Express Train to Taoyuan Airport
• 19:00 - Arrive at Taoyuan Airport. Check-in for your flight.
• You will be staying in a hostel for 1,000 pesos per night.
• Your food expenses is 800 pesos per day.
• You'll be taking the Airport Express Train from and to the Airport for 544 pesos round trip.
• You will be using a 3-day Unlimited Taipei Fun Pass worth 3,243 pesos. You can buy Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass here .

Breakdown of Expenses:

• 3 days Unlimited Taipei Fun Pass - PHP 3,243
• Hostel for 2 nights - PHP 2,000
• Food for 3 days - PHP 2,400
• Round trip Airport Express Train - PHP 544

TOTAL - PHP 8,187 per person

Taiwan travel blogs.

• Sample Taiwan Itineraries for 3, 4, 5 Days Tour
• 10 Free Things to Do in Taipei + Tourist and Attractions
• Taipei Taiwan Night Markets: Est, Shot and Explore!
• 3 Awesome Ways to Explore and Discover Taipei, Taiwan
• Taipei 101 & Elephant Mountain (Best Views of Taipei + Travel Tips)
• Top Best Budget Hotels and Hostels in Taipei, Taiwan
• The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Taipei using the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass
• Sample 2 Days Nantou, Taiwan Itinerary using the Nantou Fun Pass

I hope this COMPREHENSIVE TAIPEI TAIWAN TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG for First-timers help you in planning a memorable Taiwan Adventure! Enjoy and have fun in Taiwan!

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 10 comments :.

Hi my husband is working in taiwan for almost 4 years and i will visit him this may 2018...in this case do i still need to show in the immigration a hotel accommodation or is it enough to show to them the address where my husband is staying as my proof of accommodation?

Great to know this TAIWAN VISA-FREE ACCESS for Filipinos is extended until July 31, 2019! I'm planning a trip soon, this Taipei Budget Travel Guide with sample DIY Itinerary is very helpful. This First-Timer's Travel Guide to Taipei, Taiwan is such a big help especially for first-timer like me.

Indeed, there are so many THINGS TO DO IN TAIPEI. I used this as my travel guide. Get to Know the City on a Hop On Hop Off Tour. Get a Killer View of Taipei from the Taipei 101 Observatory. Eat Your Way Through Shilin and Raohe Night Markets. Get Artsy at a Museum or Creative Park. Go on a Free Walking Tour. Feel Tiny at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Planning a trip to Taiwan sometime soon? This is a comprehensive DIY itinerary travel guide that covers attractions and activities every first timer’s should not miss.

yong iti's mo is "for your eyes only" we cant even print it. enable mo naman yan para ma print ng readers and followers

yong iti portion mo is "for your eyes only" we cant even print it. enable mo naman yan para ma print ng readers and followers, i mean not the whole post

Hi. Me and my brother are planning to travel to Taiwan next month. It will my first time while second trip for my brother because he's already been to SG last year. Question, cos i'll be really on a tight budget for this trip like everything will be budgeted. Im just afraid that i'll be checked regarding my financial capability. Well, im actually employed for two years already but i dont have that "show money" thing. Is it okay? Thank you so much.

Hi, paano po kapag sa apartment ng bf/gf ka magtitigil for the rest of your vacation? Okay lang po bang sabihin na you'll be staying at your boyfriend's or girlfriend's place?

I love how detailed you are when explaining everything! Thank you for this! Excited to visit Taiwan again!

Thank you for this guide! Super detailed and helpful! God bless 🙏

thank you for this is very helpful. can i ask if how much money needed for my bank to not get offloaded if i want to travel i taiwan.

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

Taiwan Visa-Free for Filipinos 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Filipino travelers rejoice! Taiwan remains visa-free for Filipinos until 31 July 2024 for a period of up to 14 days .

In line with Taiwan’s promotion of the New Southbound Policy (NSP), the visa-free entry trial for Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines , Thailand , and Brunei has been extended for another year, starting from 1 Aug 2023 until 31 July 2024 .

Here’s the official announcement of the Taiwan visa-free extension from Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA).

What are the requirements for Filipinos to enter Taiwan visa-free?

As with any other visa-free country for Filipinos , you should prepare the following:

• Philippine Passport with at least six (6) months validity
• Confirmed hotel booking
• Confirmed round-trip flights
• Contact details of host or sponsor
• Sufficient travel funds to finance your trip
• Travel insurance (not required but recommended)

Taiwan travel tips

• Get your eTravel QR Code 72 hours before your departure or arrival to the Philippines.
• Your Philippine passport should have at least 6 months validity prior to your intended travel date. You could be denied entry to Taiwan if your passport validity is less than 6 months. You should renew your Philippine passport first if that’s the case.
• Bring your old passports (with stamps) if your current passport is still empty. It’ll leave you with less questioning at the immigration if you can provide proof that you are a frequent traveler.
• We’ve heard horror stories about being offloaded, so we recommend that you keep calm and provide the needed information and documents when it’s your turn at the immigration counter. Relax, you’ll get through it!
• Pick hotels that offer free cancellation of up to 48 hours in case you change your mind. You may check out some accommodation options on Klook or Agoda .
• Buy your Taiwan EasyCard ahead so you can pay for public transport like trains, buses, taxis, and bikes while exploring Taiwan. Read our Taiwan EasyCard guide to know more.
• Prepare your Taiwan SIM card , Taiwan eSIM , or pocket WiFi so you have connectivity as soon as you land. Read our Taiwan SIM card or pocket WiFi guide to help you decide.
• Travel light and don’t overpack to avoid spending on luggage. Taiwan is just a two-hour flight from the Philippines, and you can easily buy affordable stuff when you arrive there.
• Most importantly, follow the health and safety protocols set by the governments of the Philippines and Taiwan.

Taiwan is one of our favorite countries, and we couldn’t be happier about this news. Since 2017, we’ve taken advantage of Taiwan’s visa-free entry for Filipinos and explored the West Coast including Taipei, Tainan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. We can’t wait to be back to experience the East Coast and beyond.

Tara, Taiwan-more time?

Popular Taiwan experiences

Premium taiwan hotels.

For more information about Taiwan, visit Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO) or Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) .

• KAYAK for Business NEW

Taiwan Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the Philippines to Taiwan

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Open with restrictions

Recommended in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Ready to travel?

Find flights to taiwan, find stays in taiwan, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, the bahamas, u.s. virgin islands, united kingdom, united states, know when to go.

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Can I travel to Taiwan from the Philippines?

Most visitors from the Philippines, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Taiwan.

Can I travel to Taiwan if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the Philippines can enter Taiwan without restrictions.

Can I travel to Taiwan without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the Philippines can enter Taiwan without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Taiwan?

Visitors from the Philippines are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Taiwan.

Can I travel to Taiwan without quarantine?

Travelers from the Philippines are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Taiwan?

Mask usage in Taiwan is recommended in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Taiwan?

Restaurants in Taiwan are open with restrictions. Bars in Taiwan are .

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Taiwan ramps up tourism drive in Philippines as borders reopen

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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

TOURIST SPOT. Sakura garden in Taipei, Taiwan.

Shutterstock

MANILA, Philippines – More than 60 travel agencies mounted a showcase in a five-star Metro Manila hotel on Thursday, October 20, to drum up interest in Taiwan as their nation reopens borders to more tourists.

The travel agencies, including five from Taiwan, along with three Taiwanese airlines, took turns presenting their travel packages and newest planes in a function room at Diamond Hotel, Manila. Offstage, about a hundred guests hopped from table to table to offer calling cards and introduce themselves, seeking to attract hundreds of thousands of Filipinos to visit Taiwan. 

“In the post-pandemic era, travelers seek slower, reflective travel, and more customized experiences, like local, in-depth, and theme-centered packages,” Ambassador Michael Peiyung Hsu of Taiwan said.

This has prompted Taiwan to pivot towards railway tourism, ecotourism, culture tourism, and food tourism. With the expansion of new travel experiences, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office hoped to draw in even more Filipino tourists.

“In 2019, more than half a million Filipinos traveled to Taiwan,” Hsu said. “In the coming year, I sincerely anticipate the number of Filipino tourists in Taiwan will exceed the pre-pandemic level.”

Abe Chou, director of Taiwan Tourism Bureau in Kuala Lumpur, added that since Taipei is only two hours away from Manila, and visa rules have relaxed, “it’s very convenient and easy for Filipinos to visit Taiwan now.”

The event on Thursday, organized by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, came after Taiwan had begun easing its tight travel restrictions. Starting September 29, 2022 until July 31, 2023, Filipinos were allowed to travel to Taiwan visa-free, and could stay up to 14 days. 

Taiwan also recently ended its mandatory quarantine in government facilities. Arriving travelers from October 13 onwards will now undergo a seven-day period of self-monitoring. The “0+7 self-initiated prevention” approach means that travelers will be responsible for testing and reporting any change to their health status.

Upon arrival, travelers will receive four rapid antigen kits. As per government regulations, tourists must self-administer the antigen test on the day of arrival, and every two days after.

For instance, the first test will be taken on arrival, or Day 0. Tests must again be performed on Day 3, 5, and 7 of the visit. No tests are required after the first week. Travelers who test positive must seek medical attention as soon as possible through a telemedicine session. Travelers are also expected to shoulder all medical expenses.

Travelers must also comply with pandemic precautions throughout their stay. While tourists may leave their accommodations during the self-initiated prevention period, they must have a negative rapid test result taken at least two days before going out. Those sharing accommodations must remain the same throughout their stay. Tourists should also avoid dining with local residents, and should follow general guidelines such as mask-wearing indoors and social distancing. – Rappler.com

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Philippines to Taiwan: Travel Requirements, Visa-free Entry, Quarantine, Etc.

Taiwan is reopening under a visa-free travel scheme to select countries starting September 12. by WindowSeat.ph | September 26, 2022

Being just a 2.5-hour flight away from the Philippines, Taiwan is a favorite Pinoy travel destination. It’s an ideal international country to visit especially when you’re on a budget: there are plenty of free things to do, affordable stays, natural attractions, tourist spots, and most importantly, incredible food. If you’re planning to head to Taiwan soon, here’s everything you need to know:  

Table of Contents

• Who can travel from Philippines to Taiwan?
• Do Filipinos need a visa to enter Taiwan?
• Philippines to Taiwan travel requirements
• Quarantine rules

Current Taiwan COVID situation

Is taiwan open to tourists.

Yes, Taiwan reopened its international borders for tourists starting September 12 . According to Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), the gradual reopening of the country’s borders is to promote social and economic exchanges. In addition, a cap of   50,000 arrivals will be allowed weekly and the ban on group tours remains.  

Starting September 29 , Filipinos will be allowed to travel to Taiwan visa-free.

Who can travel from the Philippines to Taiwan?

Starting September 29 , Filipinos will be allowed to travel to Taiwan visa-free. They will be allowed to stay in Taiwan for up to 14 days. This rule does not apply to those with diplomatic or official/service passports.

Do you need a visa to enter Taiwan?

Filipinos do not need a visa to enter Taiwan.

Requirements to travel from the Philippines to Taiwan

Those eligible for travel to Taiwan need to prepare the following:  

• Passport with remaining validity of at least six months as of the date of entry  
• Confirmed return air/sea ticket of air/sea ticket and a visa for the next destination (if it applies), and a confirmed seat reservation of flight departure  
• Holders of the Philippines, Brunei, Thailand, and Russia passports must have proof of accommodation booking, sufficient travel funds, and a host or sponsor’s contact information  
• Online immigration arrival card , to be accomplished before arriving in Taiwan

Taiwan Quarantine Rules

International travelers have to undergo a mandatory three-day quarantine and an RT-PCR test upon arrival in Taiwan. Travelers also have to observe themselves for four days.  

Starting September 29, travelers can undergo their three-day quarantine in a residence occupied by others, so long as they have their own room and attached bathroom.

If the COVID-19 situation does not worsen, mandatory quarantines will be scrapped starting on October 13. Instead, travelers will be asked to self-monitor for seven days after arrival.

For more up-to-date information, don’t forget to visit the following pages:

• Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)
• Special Entry Permit Application

​Looking for other places to explore? Join WindowSeat.ph’s official Facebook community  What’s Your Trip PH ​ for more recos!

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Psa: take note of these revised immigration requirements for international travel, icymi: visa-free entry to taiwan for pinoy tourists is extended until 2024, bookmark: 11 must-visit taiwan tourist attractions in 2023, post a comment cancel reply.

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Taiwan targets 700,000 Filipino tourists in 2024

• Malou Talosig-Bartolome
• February 10, 2024
• 1 minute read

TAIWAN has recently launched an aggressive tourism campaign in the Philippines, hoping to attract 700,000 Filipino travelers this year.

Around 120 participants from various Philippine travel agencies and other stakeholders attended Taiwan’s first tourism workshop Thursday in Pasay City.

“We see a great potential in the Philippine tourism market,” Wallace Minn-gan Chow, deputy chief of Mission of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office said in his speech.

In 2019, before the pandemic, Filipino tourists who visited Taiwan have reached 509,000. 

Last year, the number of visitors from Manila has reached 315,000.

Sarah Chen, division chief of Taiwan Tourism Administration, they are “going all out of their way” to double that figure, above the prepandemic levelss.

“We are planning to establish an office in Manila,” Chen revealed, referring to the TTA office whose marketing arm for Philippines is based in Bangkok.

The TECO official said with the target to exceed the prepandemic levels, he thinks that Taiwan will extend the visa free travel privileges again to the Philippine passport holders.

Last year, the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry announced that nationals of the Philippines, Thailand and Brunei will be exempted from securing visas upon arrival in Taiwan.

The visa-free entry is set to expire on July 31, 2024. 

“In my personal experience, I think it is very likely that the visa-free entry will be extended to our Filipino friend. It is mutually beneficial if we provide you this visa-free program,” Wallace told BusinesMirror.

He added that the Taiwanese government will make the announcement sooner to give Filipino travelers more time to prepare.

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7.4 magnitude quake hits Taiwan, strongest in 25 years

By Nectar Gan , Wayne Chang , Jerome Taylor, Antoinette Radford, Deva Lee and Maureen Chowdhury , CNN

Our live coverage of the Taiwan earthquake has moved here.

Search and rescue efforts continue after 7.4 magnitude earthquake rocks Taiwan. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

Rescuers are working to free dozens trapped after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the east coast of Taiwan — causing landslides and collapsed structures.

At least nine people have died , more than 900 others are injured and over 100 buildings have been damaged.

The quake is the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years .

Here's what else we know:

• The quake:  The earthquake  hit  at 7:58 a.m. local time, 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city of Hualien at a depth of 34.8 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey.
• Aftershocks : The quake was followed by 29 aftershocks greater than a magnitude of 4.0 near the epicenter of the earthquake in east Taiwan so far, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Tremors have been felt across the island, including in Taipei. Tremors as high as magnitude 7 are  expected  in the following days.
• Hualien County:  The region where the quake struck, Hualien County, has a population of about 300,000, around 100,000 of whom live in the main city of Hualien. But many in the region live in remote coastal or mountain communities that  can be hard to reach , so it might take time to understand the extent of Wednesday's quake.
• Trapped miners: Taiwan's national fire agency said that 71 people are trapped in two mines in Hualien.
• Power cuts : More than 91,000 households were without electricity, according to Taiwan's Central Emergency Command Center.
• Medical facilities: Hospitals across Taiwan’s capital , Taipei City, are operating normally despite being damaged by Wednesday’s earthquake, according to the Municipal Government.
• US monitoring: The Biden administration is monitoring the earthquake in Taiwan overnight and is prepared to offer assistance, a National Security Council spokesperson said Wednesday. 

71 miners trapped in 2 mines in Taiwan after earthquake, national fire agency says

From CNN's Shawn Deng

Taiwan's national fire agency said that 71 people are trapped in two mines in Hualien after a powerful earthquake struck the island. 

In the Heping mine, there are 64 people trapped, and seven more are trapped in the Zhonghe mine, the fire agency said in a news conference on Wednesday. 

Video shows man swimming in a rooftop pool when massive earthquake hit 

When a magnitude of 7.4 earthquake rocked Taiwan on Wednesday, it struck during the morning commute.

Video shows highway roads shaking and even a man being heavily swayed and rocked on a rooftop pool.

Watch the moment here:

Taiwanese semiconductor facilities will resume production overnight following earthquake

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC), the chipmaking giant, said on Wednesday that its facilities which were impacted by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake are expected to resume production overnight. 

TSMC reported that their overall tool recovery is at more than 70% within 10 hours of the earthquake striking the island. Safety systems are also operating normally, TSMC added.

The company noted that a small number of tools were damaged but that there was no damage to its extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) tools. Work at construction sites will resume after further inspections are complete, TSMC said.

Earlier, a TSMC spokesperson told CNN they had evacuated some manufacturing plants. All personnel are now safe, TSMC said in an update.

Biden administration monitoring Taiwan earthquake, White House says

From CNN's Sam Fossum

The Biden administration is monitoring the earthquake in Taiwan overnight and is prepared to offer assistance, a National Security Council spokesperson said Wednesday. 

"We are monitoring reports of the earthquake impacting Taiwan and continue to monitor its potential impact on Japan. The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance. All those affected are in our prayers," a statement from National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

7 major earthquakes have hit Taiwan over the last 50 years

The 7.4 magnitude earthquake that killed at least nine people and injured hundreds Wednesday, is the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years .

Over the last 50 years, the island has experienced a total of seven major earthquakes, the last being a 7.1 magnitude quake in 2006 in Pingtung County in southern Taiwan.

The island sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire , which makes it prone to earthquakes.

See a full list of the earthquakes that have hit Taiwan:

29 aftershocks above 4.0 magnitude have occurred near epicenter since earthquake, US Geological Survey says

From CNN's Sara Tonks 

There have been 29 aftershocks greater than a magnitude of 4.0 near the epicenter of the earthquake in east Taiwan so far, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Of these aftershocks:

• One was above 6.0
• 13 have been at or above 5.0
• 14 have been above 4.0.

Forecast during recovery efforts: Tonight's forecast in Hualien City, near the epicenter, calls for increasing cloud coverage. Thursday is looking at mostly cloudy skies with afternoon showers and rain Thursday night and Friday during the day.

Rainfall totals should be relatively light for Taiwan, with models calling for under 25 mm (less than 1 inch) by Friday evening local time.

Watch landslide engulf road after 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits Taiwan

A dashcam camera has caught the moment a large landslide came down a mountain in Taiwan, triggered by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday morning.

The quake is the strongest to have rattled the island in 25 years, killing at least nine people and leaving more than 150 trapped.

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Taiwan is hit by its strongest earthquake in nearly 25 years

John Ruwitch

In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, residents rescue a child from a partially collapsed building in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday. AP hide caption

In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, residents rescue a child from a partially collapsed building in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday.

TAIPEI, Taiwan — A major earthquake struck Taiwan during the morning rush hour on Wednesday, collapsing buildings and triggering tsunami warnings in Japan and the Philippines.

At least 9 people were reported dead and 963 were injured in the strongest earthquake that has not seen since 1999, Taiwanese officials said.

The Picture Show

Photos: see the aftermath of the taiwan earthquake.

The quake hit near the eastern city of Hualien at 7:58 a.m. local time (2358 GMT) and had a magnitude of 7.4, according to the U.S. Geological Survey , making it the strongest quake to hit since 1999. The depth was about 35 kilometers (22 miles), which is considered shallow. Taiwan's earthquake monitoring agency gave the magnitude as 7.2.

Strong shaking was felt in Taipei, the capital, some 100 miles away, with aftershocks continued for roughly two hours. And there were reports in China that people as far away as Shanghai, about 500 miles to the north, could feel the earthquake.

Earthquakes happen all over the world. Here's how to start preparing for one

Images on television showed extensive damage, including buildings listing to the side after having been shaken off their foundations. The authorities suspended work and school in Hualien, an area with about 300,000 residents. Officials also closed down eight power plants for safety, and 87,000 residents in Hualien, the epicenter, were without power, though electricity remains on for the rest of the island.

TSMC, the world's leading maker of cutting edge microchips, temporarily evacuated production lines after the quake.

In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, a partially collapsed building is seen in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday. A powerful earthquake rocked the entire island of Taiwan early Wednesday, collapsing buildings in a southern city and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. TVBS via AP hide caption

In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, a partially collapsed building is seen in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday. A powerful earthquake rocked the entire island of Taiwan early Wednesday, collapsing buildings in a southern city and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands.

Taiwan's transportation authorities said train service was suspended island-wide, as well as subway service in Taipei. Videos from the epicenter show rockslides covering roads and houses that were knocked off-kilter.

An initial tsunami warning issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency was lifted later on Wednesday. The AP reported that a wave of 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) was detected on the coast of Yonaguni island about 15 minutes after the quake struck. JAMA said waves likely also hit the coasts of Miyako and Yaeyama islands.

Taiwan earthquake briefly halts chip factories that power the global economy

In the Philippines, no tsunami warning was issued, but residents in various coastal areas were advised to move to higher ground or move inland.

According to Taiwan media, the last earthquake of a magnitude 7 or greater to hit the island was the Sept. 21, 1999, "Jiji" earthquake that measured 7.3, which destroyed thousands of buildings and killed more than 2,400 people.

John Ruwitch contributed reporting from Beijing.

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What We Know About the Earthquake in Taiwan

The quake set off aftershocks and damaged dozens of buildings, killing nine people and leaving many injured or trapped.

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By John Yoon

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that rocked Taiwan during the morning commute on Wednesday was the strongest quake to hit the island in 25 years.

It initially triggered forecasts of tsunami waves in China, Japan and the Philippines, but those warnings were later canceled. There were more than 100 aftershocks and more were expected over the next three to four days.

Here’s what we know about the earthquake and its aftermath.

What is the death toll?

The earthquake killed at least nine people and injured more than 930 others, Taiwan’s fire department said Wednesday evening. Dozens remained trapped.

Among the dead were at least three hikers who were hit by falling rocks on a trail in Taroko National Park, according to the state-owned Central News Agency.

What parts of Taiwan were affected?

The heaviest damage was in Hualien County on the east coast near the epicenter , which was about 11 miles south of the city of Hualien, the county seat. All nine people who died were in the county, the authorities said. But the quake was felt throughout Taiwan.

Buildings shook for more than a minute in the capital, Taipei. Rail services were halted across the island. Airlines canceled or delayed dozens of flights. More than 360,000 households lost power at one point on Wednesday, according to Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operation Center.

Map: 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Taiwan

View the location of the quake’s epicenter and shake area.

What was damaged?

The worst damage was in the city of Hualien, where several buildings were tilted over with their ground-floor levels crushed. One of the buildings, a 10-story structure that housed a mix of homes and shops, was one of the centers of the rescue efforts.

Throughout Taiwan, the quake and its aftershocks caused 15 buildings to collapse partially and damaged 67 others. One building in Changhua County, on the west coast, collapsed entirely, according to Taiwan’s fire department.

The quake also set off at least nine landslides on a major highway in Hualien, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency, which said part of the road had collapsed.

How prepared was Taiwan?

Taiwan has improved its level of preparation over decades of experiencing destructive earthquakes. It has refined its early warning system since the 1980s. It also updated its building codes in 2022, requiring owners of vulnerable structures to install reinforcements.

Taiwan established an urban search-and-rescue team and opened several emergency medical operation centers after an earthquake in central Taiwan killed nearly 2,500 people in 1999. The government also ordered a wave of building inspections in 2018 after 17 people died in a quake in Hualien.

Why has Taiwan had so many earthquakes?

Many deadly earthquakes have struck Taiwan in the past century. The island sits on several active faults, which are associated with seismic activity. It is near the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area the U.S. Geological Survey says is the most seismically and volcanically active zone in the world.

John Yoon is a Times reporter based in Seoul who covers breaking and trending news. More about John Yoon

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Fierce earthquake rattles Taiwan, killing 9 and injuring more than 1,000

Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in nearly 25 years rocked the island during the morning rush hour Wednesday, leaving seven people dead. Damage was reported around the island but tsunami threats in Taiwan and Japan were later lifted. Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency gave the magnitude as 7.2 while the U.S. put it at 7.4.

Taiwan’s Vice-President viewed the damage caused by the earthquake in Hualien City on Wednesday. The quake, which killed at least nine people and injured hundreds, was centered off the coast of rural, mountainous Hualien County, where some buildings leaned at severe angles, their ground floors crushed.

Emergency services on Wednesday continued rescue operations at the scene of a partially collapsed building at the epicentre of Taiwan’s earthquake zone in Hualien City. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in nearly 25 years has so far caused the deaths of at least nine people. The quake, which also injured hundreds, was centred off the coast of rural, mountainous Hualien County, where some buildings leaned at severe angles, their ground floors crushed.

Emergency services were on Wednesday carrying out rescue operations at the scene of a partially collapsed building at the epicentre of Taiwan’s earthquake zone in Hualien City. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in nearly 25 years has so far caused the deaths of at least nine people. The quake, which also injured hundreds, was centred off the coast of rural, mountainous Hualien County, where some buildings leaned at severe angles, their ground floors crushed. (AP video by Johnson Lai)

Owner and her dogs woken up by tremors as Taiwan hit by strongest quake in nearly 25 years

Rescue workers stand near the site of a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, Taiwan, on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush hour Wednesday. (AP Photo/Johnson Lai)

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In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, a partially collapsed building is seen in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. A powerful earthquake rocked the entire island of Taiwan early Wednesday, collapsing buildings in a southern city and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (TVBS via AP)

In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, a partially collapsed building is seen in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. A powerful earthquake rocked the entire island of Taiwan early Wednesday, collapsing buildings in a city and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on Japanese islands. (TVBS via AP)

Rescue workers stand near the site of a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush hour Wednesday, damaging buildings and highways (AP Photo/Johnson Lai)

Passengers wait to board a south bound train as some train services were suspended in the aftermath of an earthquake in Taipei, Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

In this photo released by the Taiwan Air Force Command, members of a search and rescue team prepare to deploy on a Taiwan Air Force C-130 from southern Taiwan’s Pingtung military air base en route for Hualien on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush hour Wednesday, damaging buildings and highways. (Taiwan Air Force Command via AP)

In this photo released by the Hualien City Government, a leaning building is cordoned off in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (Hualien City Government via AP)

In this photo released by the National Fire Agency, members of a search and rescue team prepare outside a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (National Fire Agency via AP)

In this photo released by the National Fire Agency, members of a search and rescue team look for victims inside a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (National Fire Agency via AP)

In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, residents rescue a child from a partially collapsed building in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. A powerful earthquake rocked the entire island of Taiwan early Wednesday, collapsing buildings in a southern city and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (TVBS via AP)

In this photo released by the National Fire Agency, members of a search and rescue team prepare to enter a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush Wednesday, damaging buildings and creating a tsunami that washed ashore on southern Japanese islands. (National Fire Agency via AP)

People walk along a sidewalk by a TV showing a breaking news on tsunami for Okinawa region and Earthquake damage in Taiwan Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Tokyo. Japan issued tsunami alerts Wednesday after a strong quakes near Taiwan. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Rescue workers stand near the site of a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush hour Wednesday, damaging buildings and highways. (AP Photo/Johnson Lai)

A rescue worker stands near the cordoned off site of a leaning building in the aftermath of an earthquake in Hualien, eastern Taiwan on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century rocked the island during the morning rush hour Wednesday, damaging buildings and highways. (AP Photo/Johnson Lai)

HUALIEN, Taiwan (AP) — The strongest earthquake in a quarter-century rocked Taiwan Wednesday morning, killing nine people, stranding dozens at quarries and a national park, and sending some residents scrambling out the windows of damaged buildings.

The quake, which injured more than 1,000, struck just before 8 a.m. and was centered off the coast of rural, mountainous Hualien County , where some buildings leaned at severe angles, their ground floors crushed. Just over 150 kilometers (93 miles) away in the capital of Taipei, tiles fell from older buildings, and schools evacuated students to sports fields as aftershocks followed.

Rescuers fanned out in Hualien, looking for people who may be trapped and using excavators to stabilize damaged buildings. The numbers of people missing, trapped or stranded fluctuated as authorities learned of more in trouble and worked to locate or free them.

Some 70 workers who were stranded at two rock quarries were safe, according to Taiwan’s national fire agency, but the roads to reach them were damaged by falling rocks. Six workers were going to be airlifted on Thursday.

In the hours after the quake, TV showed neighbors and rescue workers lifting residents, including a toddler, through windows and onto the street. Some doors had fused shut in the shaking.

Strongest earthquake in 25 years rocks Taiwan, killing 9 people and trapping 70 workers in quarries

AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports on a strong earthquake in Taiwan.

Taiwan is regularly jolted by quakes and its population is among the best prepared for them. But authorities expected a relatively mild earthquake and did not send out alerts. The eventual quake was strong enough to scare even people who are used to such shaking.

In this image taken from a video footage run by TVBS, a man checks a partially collapsed building in Hualien, eastern Taiwan, April 3, 2024.(TVBS via AP)

“I’ve grown accustomed to (earthquakes). But today was the first time I was scared to tears by an earthquake,” said Hsien-hsuen Keng, who lives in a fifth-floor apartment in Taipei. ”I was awakened by the earthquake. I had never felt such intense shaking before.”

At least nine people died in the quake, according to Taiwan’s fire agency. Most of the fatalities were caused by falling rocks, including four people who were struck inside Taroko National Park, according to the state Central News Agency. One died in a residential building that was damaged, the news agency said.

A small tsunami washed ashore on southern Japanese islands but caused no damage.

At least 1,011 people were reported injured. Authorities initially lost contact with 50 hotel employees in minibuses in the park after the quake downed phone networks; three employees walked to the hotel, while the others remained stranded. About two dozen tourists were also stranded in the park, the state news agency said.

The quake and aftershocks caused many landslides and damaged roads, bridges and tunnels. The national legislature, a converted school built before World War II, and sections of the main airport in Taoyuan, just south of Taipei, also saw minor damage.

Hualien Mayor Hsu Chen-wei said 48 residential buildings were damaged in the city, which shares a name with the county. Hsu said water and electricity supplies were in the process of being restored.

Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency said the quake was 7.2 magnitude while the U.S. Geological Survey put it at 7.4. It struck about 18 kilometers (11 miles) from Hualien and was about 35 kilometers (21 miles) deep. Multiple aftershocks followed.

Traffic along the east coast was at a virtual standstill after the earthquake, with landslides and falling debris hitting tunnels and highways. Train service was suspended across the island of 23 million people, with some tracks twisted by the stress of the quake, as was subway service in Taipei, where sections of a newly constructed elevated line split apart but did not collapse.

The initial panic quickly faded on the island, which prepares for such events with drills at schools and notices issued via public media and mobile phone. Stephen Gao, a seismologist and professor at Missouri University of Science and Technology, said Taiwan’s readiness is among the most advanced in the world and includes strict building codes and a world-class seismological network.

By noon, the metro station in the busy northern Taipei suburb of Beitou was again buzzing with people commuting to jobs and people arriving to visit the hot springs or travel the mountain paths at the base of an extinct volcano.

The earthquake was felt in Shanghai and provinces along China’s southeastern coast, according to Chinese media. China and Taiwan are about 160 kilometers (100 miles) apart.

People evacuate to higher ground after a tsunami warning following a powerful earthquake in Naha, Okinawa prefecture, Japan, April 3, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami of 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) was detected on the coast of Yonaguni island about 15 minutes after the quake struck. Smaller waves were measured in Ishigaki and Miyako islands. All alerts in the region had been lifted by Wednesday afternoon.

Taiwan lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean where most of the world’s earthquakes occur.

Hualien was last struck by a deadly quake in 2018 that killed 17 people and brought down a historic hotel. Taiwan’s worst quake in recent years struck on Sept. 21, 1999, with a magnitude of 7.7, causing 2,400 deaths, injuring around 100,000 and destroying thousands of buildings.

The economic fallout from the quake has yet to be calculated. Taiwan is the leading manufacturer of the world’s most sophisticated computer chips and other high-technology items that are highly sensitive to seismic events. Parts of the electricity grid were shut down, possibly leading to disruptions in the supply chain and financial losses.

Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC , which supplies semiconductors to companies such as Apple, said it evacuated employees from some of its factories in Hsinchu, southwest of Taipei. Hsinchu authorities said water and electricity supplies for all the factories in the city’s science park were functioning as normal.

Bodeen and Mistreanu reported from Taipei, Taiwan. Associated Press journalists Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo, Ken Moritsugu in Beijing, Lorian Belanger in Bangkok, Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu, and Fu Ting and Didi Tang in Washington contributed to this report.

This story has been updated to correct that the 70 people stranded are in rock quarries, not coal mines.

Taiwan 7.2 earthquake updates: At least nine dead, hundreds injured

Buildings collapse in Hualien, as multiple aftershocks reported in Taipei.

This live page is now closed.

• An earthquake measuring 7.2 magnitude hit off Taiwan’s eastern coast at 7:58am (23:58 GMT) and was felt in the capital Taipei as well as in southern Japan, eastern China and the Philippines.
• At least nine people have been confirmed dead and more than 900 injured with the worst damage reported in the eastern city of Hualien and the mountainous countryside surrounding it. Dozens of people are trapped.
• The earthquake was the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years.
• Authorities in Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines issued tsunami warnings, which were later lifted.

That’s all from us today

Thank you for joining us for updates on the deadly earthquake that rocked Taiwan this morning.

You can read our up-to-date news story here , and our explainer here .

Here’s a quick recap

We’ll be closing this live page soon, so let’s remind you of what happened today:

• A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck at almost 8am off Taiwan’s eastern coast at a depth of 15.5km (9.6 miles).
• The epicentre was about 25km (15.5 miles) southeast of Hualien.
• The quake, the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years, was followed by several strong aftershocks, including one of magnitude 6.5.
• Several buildings in Hualien were severely damaged.
• At least nine people have been confirmed dead and more than 900 injured.
• Rescue efforts are under way to save more than 100 people trapped in tunnels or buildings, all in the area around the city of Hualien.

Taiwan, an island living with quakes

About 2,000 earthquakes with a magnitude of 4 or greater have hit Taiwan and its surrounding waters since 1980, according to the United States Geological Survey.

More than 100 of those measured a magnitude above 5.5.

“This high level of seismic activity will unfortunately continue for millions of years to come,” said Stephen Gao, the seismologist.

“This underscores the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of ongoing seismic risks,” he told AP.

How do earthquakes happen?

How well-equipped is Taiwan to deal with earthquakes?

The quake measuring magnitude 7.2 has damaged several buildings in Hualien but caused only minor damage in Taipei despite being strongly felt there.

It struck in the middle of the morning rush hour yet only slightly derailed the regular commute. Shortly afterwards, parents were again seen walking their children to school and workers driving to offices.

“Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness is among the most advanced in the world,” Stephen Gao, a seismologist and professor at Missouri University of Science and Technology, told AP. “The island has implemented strict building codes, a world-class seismological network and widespread public education campaigns on earthquake safety.”

The government continually revises the level of quake resistance required of new and existing buildings and offers subsidies to residents willing to check the quake resistance of their buildings.

After a 2016 earthquake in Tainan on the island’s southwestern coast, five people involved in the construction of a 17-storey apartment building that was the only major structure to collapse, killing dozens of people, were found guilty of negligence and given prison sentences.

Taiwan also is pushing quake drills at schools and workplaces while public media and cellphones regularly carry notices about quake safety.

“These measures have significantly enhanced Taiwan’s resilience to earthquakes, helping to mitigate the potential for catastrophic damage and loss of life,” Gao said.

What to know about deadly quake

Our colleagues at Al Jazeera Explainers have put together a piece containing all you should know about the earthquake that has rocked Taiwan.

Read it here .

Who are some of the victims?

Of the nine people confirmed dead so far, three were hikers who were killed in rockslides in Taroko National Park, which is in Hualien county.

Authorities said the three, who were part of a group of seven on an early-morning hike through the hills that surround the city, were crushed to death by boulders loosened by the earthquake, officials said.

Separately, the drivers of a truck and a car died when their vehicles were hit by tumbling boulders, while another man died at a mine.

No stranger to powerful quakes

Taiwan is located along the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, the horseshoe-shaped line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean where most of the world’s earthquakes occur.

The area is particularly vulnerable to temblors due to the tension accumulated from the interactions of two tectonic plates, the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate, which may lead to sudden releases in the form of earthquakes.

The region’s mountainous landscape can magnify the ground shaking, leading to landslides.

Several such landslides occurred on Taiwan’s eastern coast near the epicentre of today’s quake close to Hualien County, when falling debris hit tunnels and highways, crushing vehicles and causing several deaths.

How are earthquakes measured?

Trapped Germans rescued

The two Germans who had been trapped in a tunnel have been rescued, the German dpa news agency is quoting the fire brigade authorities as saying.

Photos: Some of the destruction left behind by the quake

Latest earthquake figures

• At least nine people are confirmed dead.
• Another 882 have been injured.
• More than 70 people remain trapped but are believed to be alive, including some in a coal mine.
• Fifty people on minibuses are missing after phone networks went down.

‘Our hearts with people of Taiwan’: Philippine president

Ferdinand Marcos Jr has expressed his country’s support to the people of Taiwan following the quake.

In a post on X, the Philippine president also said his government was “diligently ensuring” the safety of the nearly 160,000 Filipinos residing in Taiwan.

“We stand ready to assist and support our fellow Filipinos in Taiwan in any way possible during this difficult period,” he said.

Our hearts are with the people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath of today's powerful earthquake. Rest assured, our Department of Migrant Workers is diligently ensuring the safety of the 159,480 Filipinos currently residing in Taiwan. We stand ready to assist and support… — Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) April 3, 2024

Fifty people on minibuses heading to national park missing

Authorities say they have lost contact with 50 people travelling on four minibuses heading to a hotel in Taroko National Park, 25km (15 miles) north of Hualien, after the quake downed phone lines.

Rescuers, meanwhile, were slowly evacuating people trapped in tunnels near the city, including two German nationals.

“At present, the most important thing, the top priority, is to rescue people,” President-elect Lai Ching-te said, speaking outside one of the collapsed buildings in Hualien.

Number of people killed rises to nine

The death toll has risen to at least nine people with 882 wounded, according to authorities.

Rescue operations are continuing.

What happened in 1999?

Today’s earthquake was the strongest in 25 years – but what happened a quarter of a century ago?

On September 21, 1999, Taiwan was devastated by an earthquake of magnitude 7.7, which struck at 1:47am.

About 2,400 people were killed and 10,000 injured. More than 100,000 people were left without a home as thousands of buildings collapsed while many roads and bridges were also damaged.

Foxconn says no damage to manufacturing gear

We also have an update from Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics maker and Apple’s largest biggest iPhone assembler.

The company said it closed some of its production lines for inspection after the quake but added that normal production operations had since gradually resumed, according to Reuters.

The earthquake caused no damage to manufacturing equipment, it added, while the operational and financial impact to the company was described as very slight.

TSMC shares down

We reported earlier that Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC said staff at its factories in Hsinchu, southwest of Taipei, have returned to work after some production line employees were evacuated according to procedure.

The company’s Taipei-listed shares closed trading down 1.3 percent following this morning’s earthquake.

TSMC supplies semiconductors to companies such as Apple and Nvidia.

‘It felt as if the house was going to topple’

In Hualien city, a woman running bed and breakfast accommodation said that fear spread as the quake hit.

“This is the biggest earthquake I have ever experienced,” the woman, who asked to be identified by her family name, Chan, told Reuters.

Meanwhile, Chang Yu-lin, a 60-year-old worker in a hospital in Taipei, described the shaking as “very strong”.

“It felt as if the house was going to topple,” Chang said.

WATCH: Deadly quake topples buildings

Buildings have been toppled in Taiwan after it was hit by its most powerful earthquake in a quarter of a century.

Watch the dramatic footage in our video report below:

‘Close to land and shallow’

As we reported earlier, there have been dozens of aftershocks since the early-morning earthquake.

Taiwanese officials have also warned that there will be more seismic activity in the days ahead.

“The earthquake is close to land and it’s shallow. It’s felt all over Taiwan and offshore islands,” said Wu Chien-fu, director of Taipei’s Central Weather Administration’s Seismological Center.

Taiwan president thanks first responders

Tsai Ing-wen says disaster response is under way following the earthquake and aftershocks.

“I’m deeply grateful for the messages of support we have received from around the world, and to our first responders for their life-saving work,” the Taiwanese president wrote on X.

“My heart is with everyone affected. Please keep in touch with loved ones, and stay safe,” Tsai said.

Disaster response is underway following this morning’s 7.2 earthquake and aftershocks. I’m deeply grateful for the messages of support we have received from around the world, and to our first responders for their life-saving work. My heart is with everyone affected. Please keep… — 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) April 3, 2024

‘The doctors’ desks had moved in all directions’

Anggi Sofiasyah Lacuba, an Indonesian woman caring for a grandmother in Taiwan’s Hualien, was not feeling well and had gone to visit the doctor in the county’s Ji’an township when the quake struck.

She found herself in the bathroom “in a really weak state” when the earthquake struck.

“The earthquake was really powerful. Because I was already sick, I just stayed there. Until the earthquake subsided,” she told Al Jazeera.

“When I went outside, things were falling, the doctors’ desks had moved [in all] directions, and the water dispenser had fallen. Everything had fallen. The doctors [and] nurses were all outside.”

They had all called for Anggi to get out of the building as they evacuated, but she hadn’t felt well enough to follow their advicce.

About an hour after the quake, Anggi posted a WhatsApp story. “It turns out that surrendering to life and death is peaceful,” she wrote.

Taiwan earthquake: Fast facts

• The magnitude 7.2 quake struck just offshore at about 8am local time (00:00 GMT)
• The epicentre was near the eastern county of Hualien
• At least seven people have been killed
• More than 700 were injured
• At least 77 are trapped, mostly in tunnels and collapsed buildings.