Taiwan’s lively Raohe Night Market in Songshan still attracts visitors

On the one hand, the dangerous reality in the form of the constant threat of Chinese invasion, and on the other, appreciation that this lurking menace has the surprising effect of making the island a seize-the-moment, richly enjoyable place to visit, says a travel writer. 
 
Taiwan is a richly enjoyable place to visit, whatever the prevailing levels of tension; and we’re willing to bet it would be still, even if rapprochement were achieved tomorrow.
 
The people are friendly and generous, and the atmosphere is tranquil, even sleepy. People stroll relaxedly through the super-clean, surprisingly verdant streets, stopping in tiny cafes, serene shops and aromatic street food outlets. Relaxed young Taiwanese having fun in a Taipei night market. The young were nicely turned out and walked around, sipping bubble tea.
 
Marvelling at the composure of people on “the so-called most dangerous island on earth” may not be quite as crass as encouraging readers to cruise the Arctic before all the sea ice has gone or visit the Amazon before all the trees are chopped down – if only because the act of taking a trip to Taiwan won’t make any difference to the wider political situation whereas journeys to environmentally sensitive places are likely to exacerbate their problems.