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20 Places to Visit in Taiwan that I’m Obsessed With

In this article, I’ve shortlisted my 20 favorite destinations in Taiwan. It wasn’t easy!

After living in Taiwan for over 10 years, writing a book about it, introducing Taiwan’s attractions to the likes of BBC Travel, CNN, and National Geographic, and running a Facebook group about Taiwan Travel Planning , I’d like to think that I know Taiwan fairly well.

In this article, I’m really sticking to the sights that I truly love. Some are super obvious and famous, while others are off-the-beaten-track. All of them are places that I’m legitimately obsessed with and will keep returning to again and again.

Table of Contents

My Top-5 Places in Taiwan

Here I’ve hand-picked my personal top-five places to visit in Taiwan.

Taipei – The City with Everything

OK, so I’m biased (I lived in Taipei city , well technically New Taipei City , for a quarter of my life). But I freakin love Taipei.

Taiwan’s capital has it all: the best night markets in the country , the most famous attractions ( Taipei 101 , Longshan Temple , CKS Memorial Hall, Maokong Gondola , Elephant Mountain ), and the coolest neighborhoods ( Ximending , Dadaocheng , Tamsui, and more).

And there’s more – the biggest events, the best public transportation, the top restaurants, cherry blossom viewing , and hikes galore .

On its doorstep, it has active volcanoes in Yangmingshan National Park , hot springs at Beitou , beaches, aboriginal villages , tea plantations , and atmospheric old streets like this one .

You can never run out of things to do in this city, and that’s why I will never grow tired of exploring it. It’s no wonder it has chosen as the best city in the world for expats several times !

Most visitors start and/or end their Taiwan trip in Taipei. It’s even tempting to use the city as a base for your whole trip (see my recommended hotels ), but I do urge you to get out at some point – we still have 19 more awesome places to cover!

Alishan Region – Tea Farms & Bamboo Forests

It’s no secret that I’m in love with Alishan region in Chiayi county . I have a personal connection to Chiayi – it’s my wife’s ancestral hometown and we usually go there to visit her family for Lunar New Year.

I’ve been raving Alishan for years and the articles I’ve written about the area have helped to popularize some of its small villages among foreign visitors – I know because people tell me all the time in my Facebook group that they went there because of me.

Most tourists gravitate to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (even though getting there is a little complicated). It is known for its misty forests of ancient hinoki cypress trees, iconic Alishan Forest Railway Line, and stunning sunrises.

My personal favorite spot, however, is Shizhuo village , where I love staying in accommodations on tea plantations and hiking through tea farm. The tea produced there is Alishan High Mountain Oolong Tea , the most famous tea in a country that is especially known for its high quality teas.

I also love the cute market town of Fenqihu, with its fireflies, railway bento boxes, and bamboo forests. And we can’t forget about the epic sunrises and sunsets on Eryanping Trail .

I even have a plan to someday retire and open a killer guesthouse in Alishan region, so watch for that (in like 1 or 2 decades…). That’s how much I love this area!

Penghu Islands – Best Beaches

It’s super tough to choose only one of Taiwan’s offshore islands to put in my top-5. But that honor goes to the Penghu archipelago , which lies in the middle of the Taiwan Strait (the body of water between China and Taiwan).

Riding a scooter around the islands of Penghu – which include four main connected ones and many smaller ones – is one of my single favorite things to do in Taiwan.

Penghu has a unique, windswept landscape, with edible purple cacti (they make sorbet out of them!), the best beaches I’ve seen in the country , traditional courtyard homes made of coral, ancient heart-shaped weirs for catching fish, and towering volcanic basalt columns.

On top of all that, Penghu has the country’s best fireworks festival, which goes for several months from spring to summer, and some excellent snorkelling and scuba diving.

Oh, and did I mention it’s super easy to get to? There are oven a dozen flights every day from Taipei’s city-center Songshan Airport!

I’ve been to Penghu three times and would happily return at the drop of a hat.

The East Coast – The Ultimate Road Trip

The entire East Coast of Taiwan is more than just one place, but I’m lumping it together here because you’ll likely tackle it in one go – here’s how to rent a car and drive in Taiwan . For all the details, see my part 1 and part 2 guides to road tripping the east coast . But of course you can do it by train, too!

Taiwan’s east coast is wild, sparsely populated, and breathtakingly gorgeous. The continental shelf is just off the coast, so within a surprisingly short distance, towering mountains drop off to coastal buffs and continue descending rapid off the coast.

Currents are strong and that’s why you can’t swim on most east coast beaches – but you can spot whales there !

Starting from one of Taiwan’s best seafood harbors, Nanfangao, the highway passes the dramatic Qingshui Cliffs and the entrance to Taroko Gorge (Taroko is currently closed for an estimated one year due to the April 3, 2024 earthquake, but here are things you can still do in Hualien ).

South of Hualien city, the main base for visiting the region, Highway 9 follows the train line through the East Rift Valley. My favorite stops are Chishang for cycling among the rice paddies and Luye for tea farms and the incredible International Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Meanwhile, Highway 11 runs down the practically uninhabited coast, with Sanxiantai (Dragon’s Backbone Bridge) and Dulan surf town being the major highlights.

Southern Hualien and Taitung county are Taiwan’s most laid-back region and home to the highest concentration of aboriginal peoples. While it may lack the big-name attractions of other parts of Taiwan, I suggest you slow down here and really take it all in.

Tainan – Temple Hopping in the Old Capital

Taiwan’s original capital, Tainan , remains the country’s heart and soul and arguably the most authentically Taiwanese city. The history nerd and temple junkie in me will always keep me coming back to Tainan.

It will come as no surprise that Tainan has the country’s best collection of ancient temples and historic attractions. The Confucius Temple stands out as the most popular, but there are dozens of others, dedicate to concubines, the sea goddess, gods of water, wind, and medicine, and many more.

Over in Anping district , Anping Fort and Anping Tree House are also musts, while Anping Old Street is one of the country’s oldest and most traditional.

Not far out of the city, Sicao Green Tunnel is a good introduction to the marshlands and rare migratory birds of Taijiang National Park, Luermen Tianhou Temple is enormous, Cigu Salt Mountain is bizarre, Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields are stunning, and Guanziling Mud Hot Springs are one-of-a-kind.

Locals will also tell you that Tainan is the culinary capital of Taiwan. I love stepping into Tainan’s hole-in-the-wall shops and night markets to sample unique dishes like eel noodles, oyster rolls, Spanish mackerel stew, and traditional ice cream with fruit.

Other Destinations I Love to Visit

Here’s are 15 more Taiwanese attractions that I’ll never grow tired of visiting.

The Pingxi Line – Best Taipei Day Trips

The Pingxi Line is one of several old railway lines in Taiwan which have been converted from transporting timber and coal to transporting tourists.

The Pingxi Line is the closest one to Taipei and provides access to several extremely popular tourist attractions but also some great off-the-beaten-track ones.

On the touristy side, Jiufen Old Street (access from Ruifang Station, with train connections to Taipei) and Shifen Old Street (famous for its sky lanterns and Shifen Waterfall ) are two of the most popular tourist attractions in Taiwan – expect serious crowds.

However, my personal favorites include Badouzi (for Shen’ao Rail Bike ), Houtong Cat Village (I’ve been there a ridiculous number of times), Sandiaoling (my favorite waterfall hike in Taiwan), Pingxi (for the thrilling Pingxi Crags hike and known for Pingxi Lantern Festival ), and Jingtong (an off-the-beaten-track old street).

Yilan – Hot Springs & Kid-Friendly Activities

Yilan is a county on the northeast coast of Taiwan which is fully loaded with fun activities and attractions, especially for kids. This is why it is a favorite weekend getaway for Taipei families, mine included.

Jiaoxi village is home to some of the kid-friendliest hot spring spas in Taiwan – think hot spring slides, bright pink bubble gum or oolong tea scented thermal pools, and foot-skin-nibbling fish ponds. Jiaoxi also has waterfall hikes and hot springs ramen, where you can soak your feet while you eat.

Then there’s Luodong, which has some of the best minsus (local guesthouses) in Taiwan, like this one , and an excellent night market . We choose here as a base for taking our kids to leisure farms like Zhang Mei Ama’s Farm , eating green onion cakes at Sanxing, and trips to Taipingshan (see below).

On top of all that, Yilan has Northern Taiwan’s best surf beach at Wai’ao, award winning whiskey at Kavalan Distillery , a great brewery at Jim & Dad’s, and several excellent museums.   

Kaohsiung – Arts & Temples

Kaohsiung people hate me for not raving about their city as much as I do about Taipei. But they have a point – Kaohsiung is undeniably a cooler, more laid-back, and less pretentious city than Taipei, and I do love it, too.

Taiwan’s largest port city is also without a doubt the country’s street art capital. My favorite place is Pier 2 Art Center , where creative art installations line the docks, especially when they are lit up at night.

Everywhere I go in the city, I’m always stumbling upon amazing new murals covering entire sides of buildings – the city activity encourages graffiti. Weiwuying has a whole neighborhood covered in it. Dome of Art in Formosa Boulevard is also mesmerizing, while Cijin Island ’s coast is lined with art installations.

Kaohsiung is also about the grandiose – from the kitschy temples and god statues on Lotus Pond to Fo Guang Shan , the country’s largest monastery and Buddha statue, where I enjoyed an eye-opening temple stay many years ago.

One of my favorite souvenirs from Taiwan is the Hakka paper umbrella that I bought from Meinong Folk Village in Kaohsiung.

I admit that I don’t know Kaohsiung as well as many other parts of Taiwan – I have yet to visit the hot springs of Guguan, the huge seafood harbors on the coast, or see the swarms of purple butterflies at Maolin – many reasons for me to keep coming back.

Hehuanshan – Hiking & Sunrises  

Hehuanshan in Nantou is Taiwan’s most accessible high mountain area. There’s nowhere else in Taiwan, or in all of East Asia for that matter, where you can literally drive a car or take a public bus to 3275 meters above sea level (Wuling Pass).

Hehuanshan consists of five high mountain peaks, all of which are much easier to climb than almost all the other 100 Peaks of Taiwan.

I recently had an incredible stay at historic Songsyue Lodge , built for former president Chiang Kai-Shek at the base of the only ski resort Taiwan has ever had. That’s right – it even snows at Hehuanshan, at least once every year. When it happens, tourists and locals alike flock to see it.

Staying at the lodge, I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen, from right in front of the accommodation. It’s not easy to get a room there (click my link above to find out how), so many will stay at Cingjing Farm nearby and do a morning sunrise tour.

Lukang – Traditional Taiwanese Culture

Like a smaller and more off-the-beaten-track version of Tainan, Lukang in Changhua is a small town with loads of history.

Because a train line was never built to it (they didn’t want it), Lukang remains decidedly traditional to this day. It has some of the country’s best preserved ancient temples, a new temple made of glass, and a quirky temple with odd decorations and tunnels below it.

Lukang Old Street is also one of the country’s most traditional, with food specialties like miancha (flour tea), phoenix eye cakes, ox tongue cookies, and shrimp monkeys.

There are often traditional temple parades and festivals going on in Lukang, while the town’s Dragon Boat Festival celebrations are better than anywhere else in the country.

Yushan – Taiwan’s Tallest Peak

In my first year of living in Taiwan (2008), I joined a guided hike to the peak of Jade Mountain (Yu Shan), the tallest mountain in Northeast Asia. It beats out Mt. Fuji by 176 meters!

Yushan National Park is Taiwan’s largest non-marine national park. Most of it is remote and inaccessible. Biologists have even called it “The Ark” as it is a repository for rare species, including Formosan black bears and flying squirrels.

Needless to say, Yushan was one of the most incredible places I’ve visited in Taiwan. Sunrise from the peak was an experience I’ll never forget.

We were surrounded by seas of clouds in all directions, as the sun rose majestically above the horizon. On clear days, you can see as far as the sea.

The North Coast – Beaches & Harbors

Since this is supposed a list of places in Taiwan that I love to repeatedly visit, I can’t leave out the beaches on the North coast of Taiwan .

Because most of these can be reached in only one or two hours from Taipei, I return to them again and again every year. They may not be as picture-perfect as the beaches in the far south or on the offshore islands, but they are super convenient for a capital city dweller like me.

Qianshuiwan is my go-to place for easy access and restaurant-bars by the sea. Baishawan is a little further but a little better, while Fulong Beach stands out as the prettiest, not to mention its awesome sandcastle festival.

Besides beaches, I love cliff diving at Longdong (also known for rock climbing and scuba diving), feasting on seafood at Guihou Harbor (near the super popular Yehliu Geopark ), photographing Laomei Green Reef, swimming at the seawater pool on Heping Island in Keelung , and finishing off at Keelung Night Market , my favorite night market in Taiwan.

Sun Moon Lake – Aboriginal Culture & Tea Farms

Sun Moon Lake is probably the most divisive major tourist attraction in Taiwan – visitors either love it or hate it.

If you only do the tourist things at Sun Moon Lake – like riding a boat across the lake and taking the Ropeway to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village , then you might hate find it too touristy.

However, there are many gems around the lake, too. The tea plantations north of the lake make insanely good black tea (a rarity in a country that produces mostly oolong). The lake views from the top of Wenwu Temple or Ci’En Pagoda are unbeatable.  

For authentic aboriginal culture, avoid Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village and head to Ita Thao village instead.

The Thao Tribe Performance Center there is trying its best to preserve a culture which is on the verge of extinction (it’s one of Taiwan’s smallest tribes), while the food street in Ita Thao is one of the easiest places in Taiwan to try Taiwanese aboriginal foods and millet wine.

I love hopping on a bike at Sun Moon Lake. CNN has even called the paths around the lake one of the best cycling trips in the world (though I sort of feel that’s an exaggeration).

Last but not least, Shuiyuan Suspension Bridge south of the lake is quite possible the country’s most beautiful one, but it’s not super easy to get to.

Green Island – Scuba & Salty Hot Springs

Green Island off the coast of Taitung is another of my favorite offshore islands in Taiwan. This former penal colony stands out for me in two big ways today.

First, Green Island has some excellent snorkelling and scuba diving – the best I’ve done in Taiwan, but I haven’t tried it everywhere.

Secondly, Zhaori Hot Spring on Green Island is one of my favorite hot springs in the whole country . This is one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world. The hot spring pools are right on the coast, with some of the lowest pools right next to the sea.

Lying in one of those pools at night, gazing at stars to the sound of waves splashing into the hot pool, was one of my most sublime experiences in all my years of living in Taiwan.  

Taipingshan – Hiking on Old Logging Railways

As the fourth mountain on my list, you may be starting to gather that I really love the mountains in Taiwan.

Taipingshan is like Alishan’s lesser known cousin, among foreign tourists at least. It too is a former logging region-turned-tourist attraction.

The must-do tourist attraction at Taipingshan is taking a ride on the cutely named (and cute looking) Bong Bong Train. My personal favorite hike there is Jianqing Haigu Trail, which follows an old mining railway line that is now twisted and overgrown with vegetation.

Another highlight of visiting Taipingshan is hitting Jiuzhize Hot Spring on the down the mountain back to central Yilan. For a few bucks, you can cook your own hot spring eggs in the boiling thermal waters.

The public springs at Jiuzhize there are awesome,, too, with multiple private elevated tubs in the main pool. There’s an open air nude bath, too, if that’s your jam.

For the best experience, you’ll need to drive, hire a private driver , or take a tour to Taipingshan. There’s only one bus per day and it limits how much you can see.

Lion’s Head Mountain – Sleeping in a Temple

Shitoushan or “ Lion’s Head Mountain ” is an off-the-beaten-track destination on the border between Hsinchu and Miaoli in Central Taiwan.

This small mountain is dotted with Buddhist and Taoist temples, some of which are built into caves. The coolest thing about hiking this mountain is that you can sleep in one of the temples, Quanhua Temple on the Miaoli side.

I’ve slept in this temple a couple times, including once with my kids. Both times, I/we were the only ones there, making it a truly serene experience.

Nearby, Nanzhuang Old Street is one of the coolest old streets in Taiwan. It’s famous for its sweet osmanthus shaved ice and Hakka-style dried tofu.

This part of Miaoli is known for slow travel and for its many traditional minsus (guesthouses). We loved staying at this one and this one .

Orchid Island – Unique Aboriginal Culture

Lanyu (Orchid Island) is another remarkable offshore island in Taiwan. This one is best known as the home of the Tao people, Taiwan’s most isolated and traditional aboriginal tribe.

Tao culture is the main draw here – including the chance to see traditional hand-carved canoes, Tao underground houses, and activities related to the Flying Fish Festival, which takes place throughout spring.

Two of my best friends and I had a blast scootering around Lanyu and spotting the countless roaming goats on the island.

Orchid Island also has some great swimming holes, rock formations, and scuba diving. It’s best to fly here from Taitung, as the ferry ride is extra bumpy. Also, avoid winter, when almost everything shuts down.

Neiwan Old Street – Hakka Culture & Hot Springs

Neiwan Old Street is probably my favorite of Taiwan’s many old streets. Neiwan is the terminal stop on the Neiwan Line, another cute small train lines – this one sets out from Hsinchu.

Neiwan is an old Hakka village and former mining/logging town. Today, the old street is one of the best places in Taiwan to sample leicha or “pounded tea”. It is made by pounding tealeaves with various seeds, nuts, and spices, adding hot water, topped with puffed rice, and usually served with mochi.

The old street also has extremely delicious Hakka dried tofu and a famous old theater.

Nearby, my family and I loved spending a weekend camping or visiting hot springs in Jianshi district. This is a remote, aboriginal district with gorgeous scenery and some excellent hot spring spas like this one .

Kenting National Park – Beachy Getaway

In my early years in Taiwan, we used to make the annual journey down to Kenting National Park for Spring Scream Music Festival on the April long weekend .

Kenting occupies the southern tip of the country and has the best beaches and beach resorts on all of mainland Taiwan.

While Spring Scream has long ended and is now replaced with a free music festival put on by the local government on the main beach, it is still the unofficial place to party and laze on the beach for spring break.

Kenting’s beaches can feel a little crowded, but for me, it has always been a part of the package. I love Kenting Night Market , the only place in Taiwan you’ll see cocktail vendors wearing beach attire and blasting electronic music.

I also love cycling or scootering along the Kenting coast, finding new spots to try seafood, and hiking to natural infinity pools in the jungle . Thrill seekers can also try surfing, scuba diving, jet skiing, and more.

Xiaoliuqiu – Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

I’m finishing off this list with yet another offshore island. It’s one of the smallest but also best, and it goes by many names – Little Okinawa, Lambai Island, or as the locals say, Xiaoliuqiu .

Xiaoliuqiu’s biggest draw is its resident population of nearly a thousand giant sea turtles. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see them if you try – my kids and I even saw them swimming in the harbor from our hotel room balcony .

Even better, we had an intimate encounter snorkeling with the turtles in water – my kids’ first time ever snorkeling. Freediving is also very popular on Xiaoliuqiu.

The island is so small that you can scooter or cycling around it without difficulty, yet there are many little secret beaches and coves to explore.

Read This Before Renting a Car and Driving in Taiwan!

What to eat at ningxia night market in taipei (with map), 4 thoughts on “20 places to visit in taiwan that i’m obsessed with”.

Another excellent article! As someone who is also Taiwan obsessed, I appreciate you sharing your experiences. I will return to Taipei this May and your blog is giving me so much hype!

Thank you so much!

What awesome information, Nick! Thanks for all your research, experience and insights. I am using your website to help plan our trip to Taiwan in the first half of January 2025. Do you have suggestions for great things to do at that time of year, particularly outdoors? Thanks

Make sure to visit my “January in Taiwan” article with lots of ideas. It can be a little chilly in the north of Taiwan at that time, but any hikes are still fine (see my “best hikes in Taipei” article on my nickkembel site). In January there’s a chance of seeing snow if you head to Hehuanshan or hike Snow Mountain (permit needed). In the far south, which is more tropical, Kenting and Xiaoliqiu are lovely in January, with low crowds and it’s still warm enough to swim in the sea.

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

36 Must-Visit Attractions in Taiwan

Visitors to Taiwan are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do and places of incredible natural beauty to visit on the island – with so many attractions, it’s hard to figure out what to see. Let us do the hard work for you, with our list of the most beautiful tourist spots in Taiwan.

1. taipei 101.

2. National Palace Museum

3. taroko gorge.

Park, Shrine

5. Sun Moon Lake

Natural Feature

7. Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Buddhist Temple

8. Shilin Night Market

9. yangmingshan geysers, 10. longshan temple.

11. Rainbow Village

12. chiang kai-shek memorial hall.

Memorial, Building, Park

13. Kenting Street

14. fo guang shan buddha museum, 15. fort zeelandia, 16. the rocks of yehliu geopark.

17. The Taiwan Black Bear

18. jiufen gold mines.

Historical Landmark, Museum

19. Enjoy a wild hot spring

Swimming Pool

Yushan National Park

Another of the most beautiful national parks in Taiwan , Yushan National Park is the setting for the country’s tallest mountain along with several other picturesque peaks such as Sanqingshan.

Maolin National Scenic Area

South of Kaohsiung lies the region known as Maolin National Scenic Area. This is where you’ll find Purple Butterfly Valley, the wintering home for a million Euploeini butterflies. An incredible sight to behold if you’re lucky enough to arrive at the right time of the year.

Miramar ferris wheel

Located in the Miramar Entertainment Park, the Miramar ferris wheel dominates the local skyline. And with very few tall buildings to obstruct the scenery, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

One of Taiwan’s most popular weekend trips is a trip to the archipelago of Penghu. This sandy tropical paradise has plenty of beaches scattered throughout its islands and is a must for seafood lovers.

Chimei Museum

This private museum was established by the Chimei corporation in 1992 but moved to its current location in 2014 and contains a large collection of Western art, musical instruments, and weapons. Its design is heavily influenced by European architecture, making it one of a kind in Taiwan.

Fulong beach

While Taiwan is not quite a go-to surfing destination like Bali or Hawaii, there are still some great spots around the island that boast waves all year round. One such spot is Fulong beach which is also a popular destination for day-trippers from Taipei keen to spend some time on the sand. As it is on the Northeast coast, Fulong gets some great swells throughout the year but in particular from May to October, just pay attention to the weather as this also coincides with typhoon season.

Xinmending shopping district

One of the coolest neighborhoods in Taipei, Ximending is known as the place to be for the younger generation. But that doesn’t mean tourists can’t also enjoy the scores of shops selling everything from hats to anime figures. A great place to grab an alternative kind of souvenir.

Everyone loves a good sing song but it Taiwan they take it to a whole new level. There’s no need to worry about bothering others with your renditions of the latest pop tunes as in the local Karaoke Television (KTV) clubs you get a private soundproofed room that even has its own bathroom. Fancy something to eat or drink? Pick up the phone, and the wait staff will bring it right in.

Attend a cultural festival

The people of Taiwan love a good celebration, and as a result have a pretty impressive calendar of festivities throughout the year. In spring you have Penghu Ocean Fireworks Festival , Baosheng Cultural Festival and the Bunun Tribe’s Ear Shooting Festival. Come summer it’s all about Taiwan International Balloon Festival , Fulong Sand Sculpting Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Keelung mid-summer Ghost Festival . In autumn you have Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival , Yunlin International Puppets Arts Festival and National Yimin Festival, while winter welcomes iconic lantern festivals, Christmasland and the Lunar New Year. Read our guide to the best festivals in Taiwan and plan your trip accordingly.

Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms

While Japan is often the go-to tourist spot for cherry blossoms , not many people realize that Taiwan is actually a great place to witness the yearly blossoming. The island is full of cherry blossom trees and you need only go to a local park to find yourself surrounded by these beautiful trees. But perhaps one of the best locations to take in the blossoms is Sun Moon Lake . Here there are hundreds of the trees throughout the area making for some incredible photo ops. March and April are usually the best time of year to see the trees in full bloom.

The Most Unusual Things to do in Taiwan

Go zorbing in kenting.

There are many ways to descend a hill, but one of the most unusual has to be in what can only be described as an inflatable hamster ball. Zorbing down hills in Kenting is a thing – and it’s huge fun if you don’t suffer from motion sickness.

Play with some sheep

OK, while visiting a farm may not initially seem unusual, Qing Jing Farm in Nantou is a little different. Here you can wander around the farm (which is located in stunning surroundings, by the way) and play with the sheep. They are free to roam the mountainside, and you are free to accompany them, stroke them and maybe take a selfie with them!

Eat some penis-shaped goodies

Phallic images and symbols are quite prevalent throughout the island, but it’s the penis waffle that has really captured the imagination of a nation. Head to any night market, and the chances are that someone somewhere is selling a penis waffle and more often than not there will be a queue of locals waiting to take some very NSFW photos with them. Taiwanese people certainly know how to have fun.

Buy betel nuts from a scantily-clad lady

It’s the only place in the world where you will see ladies dressed in skimpy clothing selling betel nuts on the side of the road. The betel nut girls of Taiwan are a bit of a contentious issue, as some politicians feel that they are shameful, while most of the general population consider them a harmless custom. You’ll have to head out of Taipei City to see them though, as they are not allowed to sell within the capital city’s limits.

Go paragliding in Wanli

Not something that many would expect to find just outside of Taipei but it’s just a short bus ride to Wanli where local paragliding clubs take tourists up for tandem rides around the bay. Kitted out with a GoPro, thrill seekers can record their trip to prove to the folks back home that they really did it.

Visit a haunted prison

Green Island’s Bagua Building was once home to political prisoners, and it’s said that during the White Terror period between 1949 and 1987 many of these prisoners died in most unpleasant ways. Locals say their spirits haunt the buildings and tourists jump at the opportunity to visit the abandoned buildings at night.

Have a sleepover in an aquarium

The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium have come up with a novel way to allow visitors to enjoy the fish after the building has shut down. They allow a limited number of guests to sleep in various sections of the aquarium each night. Imagine waking up to the sight of a shark swimming overhead. Pretty magical.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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17 things you need to know before visiting Taiwan

Oct 29, 2023 • 7 min read

Taiwan is a breeze to visit, but it doesn’t hurt to know a few things before you go © Getty Images / iStockphoto

Taiwan is a breeze to visit, with easy-to-navigate transport systems, handy convenience stores at every turn, and endless restaurants that just hit the spot. 

That said, it doesn’t hurt to prepare a little before you go. Here are some tips from a Taipei resident of seven years.  

1. Book accommodation early

Taiwan’s sweeping range of lodgings means you can live like a multimillionaire or a monk, although it's at the midrange hostels and B&Bs that you’ll get the best deals.

Rooms sell like hot dumplings during summer, Lunar New Year and national holidays. Book at least two months ahead. In Kenting , Jiufen  and Alishan , spots favored by local vacationers and glampers, early reservation is key. Aside from pitching a tent, the cheapest sleeps are at temples with guest rooms.

To hike Taiwan’s highest mountains , you’ll need a permit or two, and the process can take weeks. If you want to stay in the cabins , you’ll need to apply for those as well. The process may not be a walk in the park, but Taiwan’s breathtaking high mountains will reward you generously.  

2. Make restaurant reservations

Eating will be an important part of your trip, and reservations are strongly advised for weekend dining. A few days will do for most restaurants, though Michelin-starred tables, such as RAW and Le Palais , need to be reserved a month or two in advance. Book by phone or on Facebook. A growing number of places will also let you reserve with Google. For walk-in-only hotspots, get there early or get ready to see Taiwan’s famous queue culture in action. 

Dinner service usually begins at 5:30pm and starts winding down in less than three hours. This means your restaurant options grow thin after 8pm — but then street food-filled night markets are always an option.

3. Tap and go with EasyCard or iPass

EasyCard is Taiwan’s contactless smartcard that you can use on the metro, local buses and trains (except high-speed rail), as well as convenience stores and supermarkets. You’ll also need it (and a local phone number) for Youbike, Taiwan’s electronic bike-sharing service. The card itself costs NT$100, and you can top up at any metro station or convenience store. Any unused money is refundable, so don’t lose your card.

iPass is Kaohsiung ’s version of Easycard, which is issued by Taipei. The two are interchangeable. 

4. Download those transportation apps

The government’s bilingual apps are wonderful for checking routes, fares, arrival and departure times, and even whether or not you can bring your cello on board. You can purchase digital train tickets via T Express  (for high-speed rail) and 台鐵e訂通  (for railway), or simply use the apps for information and buy tickets at the station counters.

Taiwan’s metro systems are straightforward, but apps like Taipei's  台北捷運Go  can help you make better decisions about whether to get the day pass or whether you should just bus it. Taiwan’s bus apps give similar information to Google Maps but with more accurate arrival times.

5. Convenience stores are little shops of wonder

Taiwan’s convenience stores let you buy prepaid phone cards, print and photocopy, buy train and concert tickets, send and pick up local packages and use the ATMs.  You can do most of this on an automated kiosk while basking in the aroma of tea-infused eggs, roasted sweet potatoes or whatever decent-tasting rice or pasta dish a fellow customer happens to be reheating for indoor-seated enjoyment. Bear in mind not all kiosks have full English translations, so ask a staff member for help if you need it. Many convenience stores have toilets open to the public, too.

6. Pack enough prescription meds for your trip

If you’re on a specific antidepressant drug, blood pressure medication,or contraceptive pill, bring enough with you to be safe. If you need flu and cold medicine, head over to Watson’s or Cosmed for Tylenol or its local equivalents.  

Sanitary products can be easily purchased from supermarkets and drugstores. Some cafes and restaurants even provide them for free in the women’s toilets. 

7. Be considerate on public transport

The metro  and  buses  have priority seating that's a different color from the other seats. Most Taiwanese who are not elderly, pregnant or physically challenged would never think of sitting there, but in recent years, detractors have been questioning whether age and appearance are accurate reflections of need, arguing that it’s fine for anyone to use the seats until someone needier comes along. Whatever you choose to do, it helps to be aware of these dynamics.

Taiwanese metro commuters take the 'no eating and drinking' rule very seriously. Chewing gum and sips of water are frowned upon. Carriages are also quiet. Your chances of overhearing someone’s life story are disappointingly low. 

8. Tipping is not customary (but it is appreciated)

You are not expected to tip at restaurants, whether or not they levy a 10% to 15% service charge (many do). Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, but you may hear a brighter " xie xie"  (thank you) if you round up to the next dollar. It is courteous to give the porter at better hotels NT$100. If you’re happy with a massage or a tour guide, add 10% to the bill. 

9. Wear whatever you like, but dress respectfully at temples 

While middle-aged Taiwanese tend to dress conservatively, young urbanites in Taipei and Kaohsiung are sartorially quite open-minded. That said, clothes that show more skin, such as crop tops or halternecks, are much less commonly worn than in London or New York, for example, and may get some stares.

It’s a different story when you visit a temple – here, wearing clothes that cover the thighs, shoulders and midriff is regarded as a sign of respect. 

10. Take off your shoes when entering homes 

Taiwanese do not wear outdoor shoes inside their homes. If your host offers you a pair of slippers, accept or propose going with socks. 

It is not customary to remove shoes before entering a temple, especially in urban temples, though the rule may be enforced in a particular hall housing a sacred relic or a fragile heritage building.

11. You can get by without much Chinese

Most Taiwanese in the major cities know at least some English. Naturally, the further you go from the metropolitan areas, the less prevalent the language is. But with the friendliness and hospitality of the Taiwanese, and some help from good old Google Translate, you can get pretty far.

12. Bring your reusable water bottle

Taiwan’s tap water is officially deemed safe to drink; however, it’s hard to know for sure if the pipes in a particular building are up to par. 

Using your own drinking water bottle is by far the cheapest, greenest and safest way to hydrate. There are water fountains in all metro and train stations, public facilities, such as information centers, libraries and museums, and even temples. When checking in at your lodging, ask reception where the water dispenser is.

13. Taiwan is affected by frequent natural disasters

This includes earthquakes, typhoons, floods and landslides. Avoid mountainous areas after quakes and heavy rains. Strong winds often mess up sailing schedules to and from Taiwan’s islands, and cross-island buses may stop running after a landslide. Check with the relevant authorities before heading to the station or pier with your umbrella. 

14. Be wary of where you smoke

Smoking is banned in all indoor public places, such as hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and metro stations, and this is strictly enforced. Smoking at alfresco cafes is common.

15. Taiwan is great for solo women travelers 

Taiwan has a very low crime rate, and many solo women travelers report feeling safer here than in other destinations. Some train and metro stations have nocturnal women-only wait zones that you can take advantage of, especially if traveling alone at night. 

16. Taiwan is a welcoming place for LGBTIQ+ travelers

The first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, Taiwan is friendly and progressive, especially Taipei, home of the Chinese-speaking world's most vibrant Pride parade. Kaohsiung, which has its own Pride, comes a close second. In terms of nightlife, however, Taipei wins hands down. Useful resources include Utopia , Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline Association  and Taiwan LGBT Pride .

17. Taiwan is fantastic for toilets

Free and usually spotlessly clean facilities are everywhere. While most public toilets are the squat style, there are usually at least one or two stalls with sit-down facilities. They often also have toilet paper. Western-style toilets are standard in hotels and apartments. Many restaurants ask you not to flush used toilet paper but to put it in the wastebasket beside your throne.

This article was first published Oct 22, 2022 and updated Oct 29, 2023.

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The 15 Perfect Places To Visit In Taiwan

Having a rich number of mountains, beaches, canyons, and food, Taiwan attracts a massive number of tourists each year. The East Asian Island has it all to capture your attention.

September to November are the best months to lay your foot there. Having chilly, pleasant, and dry surroundings, you will surely enjoy visiting it more than usual.

You can go around enjoying their culture, architects, history and many more. What’s more interesting is that you can get a visa-free trip if you stay there for a short period.

The number of places to visit in Taiwan is uncountable. This article will give you information regarding every attractive spot you can find on this Island. So, let’s get into it. Why is Taiwan a trip-friendly country? Before knowing where to go, how about knowing why to go? Well, there are so many reasons why your trip to Taiwan won’t be disappointing. Here are some of them.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Why Should You Visit Taiwan?

Low crime rate

Having a low crime rate, Taiwan is the second safest country to visit. Although crimes like drugs, vandalism, robbery, bribery, and others exist, the rate is unnoticeable. So, you are not threat-prone when you visit this place.

Friendly people

Taiwanese people are extremely friendly and hospitable. They are polite and help their tourists. These people are honest enough to take your belongings to the nearest police station if they get a grab on them.

Some of them learned English to communicate and guide the tourists.

Captivating Sceneries

Taiwan is rich with scenery that will mesmerize its tourists. The country is green because it consists of forests in every nook and corner. If you are a mountain, hill, and forest lover, your eyes will get blessed by its greenery.

Great transportation system

If you are scared of going east to west or north to south in a new place, don’t worry. Taiwan has one of the safest public transportation. Once you get a good idea about it, you can travel all alone. There are plenty of rails and buses for you to hop on.

Lovely festivals

Their colorful festivals around the year will fascinate you a lot.

Around January and February, they hold a lantern festival. On this occasion, they release paper lanterns in the air.

They have an annual folk fest called Matsu Pilgrimage that gets hosted in March. They cover 300 kilometers in only nine days.

The Dragon Boat Festival in June takes place in local rivers.

Delicious foods

Taiwanis famous for its variety of cuisines and food. There are so many street food markets with their unique dishes. The stinky tofu, bubble tea, braised pork rice, and mango shaved ice are a blast to eat. But the highlights are undoubtedly beef noodles and seafood.

There are so many mysterious outlying Islands in Taiwan. So many tourists visit these every year that they are not damaged.

Ludao (known as the Green Island) is known for saltwater. Lanyu (Orchid Island) is known for its volcanic land. 

The oldest villages on these Islands are historical.

Great place for hiking

You will get top-notch hiking places in Taiwan. It consists of two-thirds of the mountains which makes it a hiking paradise. Jade Mountain and Snow mountains are the tallest ones in Taiwan. If you are a hardcore hiker, you can choose one of these.

Beautiful temples

Taiwan is full of beautiful temples built up to maintain culture and worship. Longshan and Guandu are the famous ones with metro systems.

Besides you can find so many more small, big, attractive temples around there.

Filled with museums

This beautiful land is filled with numerous museums. The National Palace Museum is considered to be the best of all.

Other museums give a variety of religious, cultural, and scientific visuals.

What are the best places to visit in Taiwan? 

There are literally so many places to visit in Taiwan . You can continue to go on visiting one after another yet the list won’t come to an end. To make your trip a bit easier, here’s a list of the top attractive places to visit in Taiwan .

1. Taipei 

It is the capital of Taiwan. This city is mesmerizing to take a stroll around. It is the center of the economy and politics of Taiwan. However, it is also filled with culture, festivals, architecture, etc. 

The main attraction of this city is Taipei 101 . Built in the year 2004, it earned the fame of being the tallest building in the world. You can take a look at the stunning old temples situated amongst the skyscrapers in this building.

Besides, you can find delicious food in restaurants, bars, and shops around the city. Taipei zoo is one of the most attractive tourist places in this area. Moreover, there is a botanical garden for botany lovers.

Not to exclude, the temple of Hsing Tian Kong earned quite a fame from its tourists. And do you know the best part? These captivating places are on offer.

In fact, there are nighttime street markets as well as so many museums. The National palace museum is here. You can get exhausted from taking a tour in Taipei, but it will surely be worth it.

2. Sun moon lake

Located in Nantou, a couple of hours away from Taipei city, Sun moon lake is an extraordinary tourist place. It is said to be the largest water body in Taiwan.

The place is named Sun Moon lake because the west of it depicts the sun, and the east resembles the moon.

You will find parks, forests, hotels, and yachts helping tourists move from one place to the other. Besides, you can go for a cable car ride to see the entire view of the lake. Or you can also take a ferry ride to enjoy the visuals.

As there are hills around it, you can go hiking. But in case you are a lazy person, you can choose to enjoy the boat ride on the lake. Moreover, you can also visit the temples nearby. They are the definition of beauty. The interesting part is that it remains open 24/7, and the entry is absolutely free.

3. Rainbow Village

It is an ex-military village. A former soldier named Huang Yung-Fu decided to paint the neighborhood to give it life. He turned it into an art with paintings of birds, animals, people, and other things. His artistic values turned it into a tourist place.

Although there is nothing mentionable to see here, a stroll around the colorful streets and houses will surely soothe your eyes. If you go to Taiwan, you should at least go once to Rainbow village. You need to reach408, Taiwan, the Taichung City of the Nantun District for a visit here.You require no entry free to go there and the visit hours are 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening.

4. Longshan Temple

Chinese settlers from Fujian built this temple in the 18th century. During world war two, it got away with an air raid. It now has many gods who got demolished with the temples in the neighborhood. It is one of the top-most places to visit in Taiwan.

If you are into religion or need spiritual peace, you must pay a visit here once. Moreover, it serves many religions and sets a unique example of unity.

Are you a weird lover of different kinds of smells? If yes, you will get intoxicated by the smell of incense sticks out there. In fact, the wooden design in the interior is very beautiful.

They have a belief in finding answers. According to them, when you roll two wooden blocks and they reach the ground, you will find the answer to the question you had back then. This place is situated in No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853.

5. Tainan

It is the oldest city in Taiwan. The city is full of folk cultures, cuisines, temples, etc. And if you are a music lover, be glad to know that it is filled with pieces of music. The museums and parks around there are amazing to pay a visit to.

You can visit the Taiwan Confucian temple. It protects the values of ancient Confucian values and cultures. They keep the necessary musical instruments in the storeroom and perform rituals there.

Besides, you will find the National Museum of Taiwan history and literature and the national cheng Chung university museum. Fort provinta (also known as chikan tower), built in 1653, is another tourist spot in Tainan. You can have tons of shopping and recreation out there. It has boutiques, stores, and shopping malls all across the city. They hold a firework festival with beehives.

6. Penghu

This place is undoubtedly a national scenic area. The transparent sea water will mesmerize your eyes to its finest. The striking cliffs out there look amazing. You can chill on the pure beaches. Also, what’s more, soothing to the eyes than a place with blue water and a beautiful blue sky?

It has many temples worth a visit. There are beautiful Chinese style-homes. And if you are a foodie, the seafood caters will not disappoint you for sure.

7. The high-heel church

This building gives off a striking vibe because of its design and architectural polishing. It was formerly built up with the heel shape for women as a church. However, due to its eye-catching design, it turned into a photoshoot and wedding spot.

Once you go there, you will see the maple leaf and loveseat benches designs. Talking about the location, it’s here at Haixing Street, Budai Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan 625.

8. The National Palace Museum

It is one of the biggest museums in the world which flexes Chinese artworks. It has almost 8 lacs of ancient pieces of artworks preserved there for display.

These ancient masterpieces include paintings, statues, jades, calligraphy, and much more. Jadeite Cabbage is the most demanding masterpiece kept on display all the time. Fortunately, they will provide you with an English tour guide.

The museum remains closed on Monday. And it is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening. However, you need to pay an entry fee of 350 US dollars per person. This museum is located in No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111.

The Japanese built this ancient Jiufen town. Earlier, people knew it as a gold mining town. It is located in the east of Taipei in the Ruifang District. This city is filled with a vast history and ancient buildings. Do you remember the famous movie spirited away?

They say the buildings in it were inspired by Jiufen city. You will find many tea houses and narrow alleys out there. There are streetfoods stalls also. The Shengping Theater is a tourist attraction. It was built in the 1990s.

10. Alishan National Scenic Area

If you are a nature lover, this is a must-to-go place for you. Its cloud-ringed peak is a blessing to the eyes. Besides, the green valleys look astonishing.

It is situated in central Taiwan. This place is home to tea trees. They planted the trees around the hill, and you will also see some clearings. This place is perfect for hiking. And the more you will hike through it, the more surprises you will find.

There are many more breathtaking plantations around the valley. On top of that, you will run into the Tsou people. They are friendly and hospitable. They offer tea to their guests. And their tea is delicious as they have their own recipe (sometimes even with fruits).

11. Taroko National park

This place is, of course, the best go-to spot for mountain lover people. Mountains continuously raised their heads and made the place so captivating.

Located in Taroko George, it is not any less beautiful than the six other national parks in the country. The park’s name is derived from the George running through it.

You can drive around the place to enjoy the breathtaking view. In fact, cycling around the place might be a better idea. Over the Eternal Spring, there’s a shrine worth seeing. It depicts honor to the veterans of world war ii.

You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking through the canyons or you can go river rafting. Not to skip the highlight, taking a bath in the Baiyang Waterfalls will give you a chill you never asked for. If you want to see the majestic views of this park, lay your feet on the Eternal Spring Shrine and the Swallow Grotto. Also, you can be a part of their Taroko music festivals. Their culture and hospitality will surely make you happy.

12. Yangmingshan National Park

It is situated outside of Taipei and is one of the most beautiful national parks in Taiwan (out of 8 others). This is a natural place with beauty all around it. There are so many beautiful flowers out there. Besides, you will find waterfalls and lakes in Yangmingshan park. There are also ridges and hillocks all over the park.

The dream lake full of serene water is a treat to the eyes. To add, the volcanic Xiaoyoukeng peak is equally attractive. As a tourist, you can go fishing, hiking, or swimming in the park. You can surely explore the place a lot and the experience will be one of the most satisfying.

13. Beitou Hot Springs

This place is one of the extremely relaxing spots in Taiwan. You must visit this scenic area to calm and ease your mind, to take a break from exhaustion.

Situated in North Taipei, this hot spring came into existence by being on the top of two continental plate fault lines.

There are private baths for people who want it their way. But if you run low on budget, there are public baths too. However, you have to wear a swimsuit in public baths, unlike the private ones.

There are a total of six pools there. Out of the six pools, 4 are hot springs and 2 are cold springs. They have flowers all around them.

You have to pay an entry fee of 40 dollars here. It is open every day of the week. However, the timings differ.

14. Kaohsiung

It is one of the most desired tourist places for foreigners and locals. This city always has something to offer to the people which makes it unique.

You will feel lively and energetic in this vibrant city full of peace. This city grabbed third place for being the most populous in Taiwan.

They have indulged in trade and commerce so much that you can see the effect on their mixed culture and cuisines. The good news for food lovers is that there are cuisines on offer.

Kaohsiung offers the most beautiful weather and scenery around the year. You can go hiking and cycling through the city to enjoy its views the most.

This city is full of history. Over time, more and more museums are growing over there.

15. Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

It is also known as Dragon Tiger Tower. These pair of towers are ancient Chinese temples. The buildings look mesmerizing with the mixture of red and yellow color tiles on them. Its interior is designed with paintings related to history. It is located in Zuoying, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The tower remains open all days of the week starting from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening.

Top 5 night markets of Taiwan

Night markets are one of the most attractive places to visit in Taiwan offering diversified foods and cuisines to their customers. There are notably more than 70-night markets in Taiwan. However, most of them are in Taipei. If you are a nighttime owl, here are some of the mentionable night markets in Taiwan for you to take a stroll.

1. Shilin Night Market

Situated in the Shilin district of Taipei, it is known as the biggest night market in Taiwan. It opens at 4 PM. This market has many food trucks, small restaurants, and other shops with items inedible for sale. It is famous for bubble tea, oyster omelet, stinky tofu, Taiwanese tempura, and many other dishes.

• Address: No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
• Phone : +886 2 2881 5557

2. Raohe Night Market

This night market is about 600 meters long. There are like three sections in the market. You will find daily necessary items in the first sections of the carts. You will get a grab on the physical goods( flowers, bouquets, etc.) in the second section.

Finally, in the third section, you will find food with amazing cuisines and fruits.

Their pepper buns, pork sparerib noodle/soup, Japanese steak, and fried milk got the attention of many customers.

• Address: Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
• Mobile: +886 2 2766 8876

3. Ningxia Night Market

Customers get really excited every time they get a grab on the farm animals out there. Though the place is small, their food is delicious. Lemon aiyu, mango shaved ice, and chicken cutlets are the heartthrob of that place. Every food and fruit smells heavenly. The restaurant opens at 5 pm and shuts down at 1 am.

• Address: 103, Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Ningxia Rd, 寧夏夜市
• Phone: +886 987 456 794

4. Shida Night Market

Located in District, Taipei, Shida Night market has 4-star reviews. It has outstanding foods, restaurants, and clothing stores for its customers. Pork buns, pineapple buns, creepers, etc. are their signature dishes. It opens at 4 pm.

• Address: Lane 39, Shida Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
• Phone:   +886 901 111 319

5. Guangzhong Street Market

This market is very vibrant with its diversified arrangements for its guests. You can find many kinds of food vendors, shops, restaurants, and game-in in the Guanzhong market. Fried eggs and fish flour mixed with wasabi or red sauce caught the attention of many guests.

• Address: Guangzhou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
• Phone: +886 2 2550 5220

Hopefully, this article helped you to know which places to visit in Taiwan to enjoy your best. 

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10 Best Places to Visit in Taiwan

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on October 3, 2023

Located to the southeast of China , the island nation of Taiwan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and its bustling and vibrant cities are full of beautiful old temples, fantastic museums and lively night markets which offer up a stunning array of delicious cuisines. Away from its busy streets, many visitors enjoy exploring Taiwan’s incredible nature such as the beautiful Sun Moon Lake and spectacular Kinmen Island.

A bastion of democracy and human rights, Taiwan has long been at loggerheads with China which still lays claim to the country and the Taiwanese are friendly and welcoming people who proudly uphold their independence.

With such a vast array of diverse things to do, visitors to Taiwan will have their time cut out trying to fit everything into a memorable trip. Explore this Asian island with our list of the best places to visit in Taiwan.

10. Kaohsiung [SEE MAP]

A bustling city, full of life and energy, Kaohsiung has something for everyone to enjoy and consequently it is a favorite tourist destination with foreigners and locals alike. Acting as both the maritime and industrial hub of the country, it is the third most populous city and commerce and trade have ensured that there is a wide mix of peoples, cultures and communities, which is reflected in the delicious cuisine on offer.

With great weather all year round and beautiful scenery surrounding it, it is a fantastic place to do outdoor activities, and both hiking and cycling will take visitors to many of the best viewpoints. In addition to all of this, Kaohsiung is home to lots of historic sites, and more and more museums are sprouting up each and every year.

9. Wulai [SEE MAP]

Located in the south of New Taipei City, Wulai is home to the Atayal people and is famous throughout Taiwan for its hot springs. As such it is now a tourist town and many people come here to wallow in the warm waters, learn more about the rich indigenous culture and explore the surrounding nature.

With loads of outdoor activities on offer, you can go hiking in the forests, go fishing in the river and also camp amongst the wild while enjoying the delightful scenery. Visitors can also buy some of the indigenous arts and crafts on sale and try some of the local food.

The undoubted highlight of any visit to Wulai is wallowing in the hot springs which are so abundant and the town’s mountainous setting only makes sitting back and taking in the view all the more magical.

8. Kinmen Islands [SEE MAP]

This group of islands is located in between Taiwan and China and is famous for being the site of a battle between the Nationalists and Communists in 1949, although it is now more commonly known as a popular tourist destination.

With loads of lovely scenery to be found on the islands, it is sometimes called ‘the park in the sea’ as there are so many bright flowers, forests and nature reserves for visitors to enjoy, with Kinmen National Park being the most popular on offer.

Historic buildings abound in Kinmen. There is lots of delightful old architecture for tourists to gaze upon, and a number of wonderful beaches can be found scattered about here and there. Famed for its local products and its delicious cuisine, the Kinmen Islands are certainly worth a visit when in Taiwan.

7. Kenting National Park [SEE MAP]

Considered by many to be the oldest national park in the country, Kenting is located in the south of Taiwan on the Hengchun Peninsula, and is a very popular tourist destination. With loads of lovely scenery on offer, visitors mostly come to enjoy the wonderful beaches and the tropical climate that makes it so appealing.

Bathed in beautiful sunshine, Kenting is marvelous to explore and there is loads of fauna and flora on show. One of the must-see attractions is the huge Eluanbi Lighthouse, which towers over its surroundings. A fabulous national park to visit, Kenting also hosts the famous Spring Scream festival which attracts thousands of music lovers every year.

6. Alishan National Scenic Area [SEE MAP]

A wild and wonderful place, the Alishan National Scenic Area is very mountainous and actually contains twenty-five mountains that tower to a height of two thousand meters or more. Exploring the hills, valleys, waterfalls and forests is a magical affair, and the scenery is stupendous to behold.

There are numerous trails and paths that will take you to some of the best viewpoints. A great way to see a lot of the reserve in one go is to take the Alishan Forest Railway, which snakes its way through forests and along mountainsides before stopping off at Fenqihu, a picturesque village with the ruins of a Shinto temple.

Home to the Tsou people who are renowned for their tea making, Alishan is an absolutely gorgeous place to visit and your visit will live long in your memory.

5. Lukang [SEE MAP]

The second oldest town on the island is a mesmerising place to visit, and it is particularly renowned for its delicious local cuisine and stunning architecture.

Located in the northwest of the country, it was once an important seaport and trading center, although its standing has long since declined. Thankfully that has meant that its historic buildings remain intact and there are remarkably over two hundred temples for tourists to visit, with Longshan and Matzu being among the most popular.

There is a wide range of architectural styles on show. Among the dishes that visitors to the city just have to try are the ox tongue cakes and oyster pancakes, which are specialties in the region.

4. Tainan [SEE MAP]

Formerly the capital of imperial Taiwan, this ancient city is well worth a visit and there are loads of interesting sights and cultural landmarks for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular parts of the city to visit is the Anping District, which is the historic heart of Tainan.

This area has lots of beautiful old temples scattered about, as well as Fort Zeelandia which was built by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. There are a number of great museums, such as the Chimei and Koxinga Museums, and there is loads of fantastic shopping to be had. Stop off at the night markets for some of the local cuisine.

With lots of lovely nature surrounding Tainan, you can easily take a day trip to the Nanhua or Hutoupi Reservoirs, or even head off to Taijian National Park.

3. Taroko National Park [SEE MAP]

Full of beautiful nature and incredible landscapes, this national park takes its name from that of the impressive gorge that runs through it, and as such it is well worth checking out when in Taiwan. Carved out over centuries and millennia by the winding Liwu River, it is Taroko Gorge that is the undoubted highlight of the area, along with the steep valleys, mountains and more features throughout the park.

With a number of great outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy, you can be river rafting one minute, hiking through the canyons the next and be bathing in the Baiyang Waterfalls later that same day.

The scenery on show is absolutely gorgeous wherever you go, and some of the best views are from the delightful Eternal Spring Shrine and the Swallow Grotto. A great time to visit is during the Taroko Music Festival, when you can explore and experience the culture and traditions of the people and communities that live in the area.

2. Sun Moon Lake [SEE MAP]

The delightfully named Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of water in the country and is a popular tourist destination amongst locals and foreigners alike. As such there are loads of hotels and resorts located along the lake’s shores and there are numerous restaurants, shops and bars that cater to the visitor’s every need.

With lots of outdoor activities on offer, you can go sailing on the lake, go for a delightful hike or bike ride in the hills surrounding it or relax on a boat trip across its tranquil waters and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. In addition to the stunning nature, there are some great temples for visitors to visit and there is also a cable car ride that offers up unforgettable views of the lake below.

1. Taipei [SEE MAP]

The capital of Taiwan is a marvelous place to visit, with a plethora of things for visitors to see and do. It is not only the political and economic hub of the island, but also the cultural one, as there is a lively arts and culture scene.

With an intoxicating mix of old and new to be found in the delicious food and stunning architecture, it is a captivating city to visit. Old temples are located amidst the skyscrapers, and the towering Taipei 101 actually used to be the tallest building in the world.

Fantastic restaurants, shops and bars abound in this bustling city, and there are loads of attractions on offer such as the Taipei Zoo, the Botanical Garden and the wonderful temple of Hsing Tian Kong.

For an authentic look at the local culture, head to the fun and friendly Raohe Street Night Market for some great food and entertainment, while numerous museums such as the National Palace Museum are on hand to help you delve further into the rich cultural heritage of Taiwan. After your time in Taipei, you’ll come away tired but happy at all of the amazing things that you’ve seen and done.

Map of Taiwan

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The 26 Best Things to See and Do in Taiwan

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Taiwan is a beautiful country filled with beautiful national parks, white-sand beaches, and lots of history. But surprisingly, you’ll find very few foreign tourists here. It can also be really difficult to find information about things to see and do in Taiwan as it tends to be off the typical tourist track.

So we’ve made a list of all the top things to do in the country, organized by region, to help you plan your trip to the spectacularly beautiful island of Taiwan!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Tawan Travel Basics

How long to spend in taiwan.

Taiwan is fairly small, and it is easy to travel the length of the country quickly thanks to the high-speed rail system. That being said, there is a lot to see and do in Taiwan, especially in Taipei.

For a one-week Taiwan itinerary , we recommend sticking to Taipei with maybe a couple of day trips to nearby highlights, such as Jiufen or Pingxi . If you’re able to visit Taiwan for two weeks or more, then you can add some of the highlights in the south, such as Kaohsiung, Sun Moon Lake, or Kenting National Park.

Getting Around Taiwan

Taiwan has an incredibly efficient public transportation system that allows you to easily get pretty much anywhere you need to go. The Taiwan High-Speed Rail runs along the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung and turns a 5-hour trip into just 1.5 hours. Be sure to book your ticket in advance for any long-distance trips to ensure that you get a reserved seat.

Taiwan also has Uber and surprisingly honest taxi drivers. And since the taxi drivers almost always put you on the meter, you can expect to pay approximately the same whether you take a taxi or an Uber. But most taxi drivers don’t speak English so we found it easier to use Uber to bypass any communication issues.

Currency in Taiwan

The currency of Taiwan is known as the “New Taiwan Dollar“ and is shortened to NTD or NT$. At the time of writing the exchange rate was about NT$31.35 to $1 USD. So if something costs NT$100, that’s just over $3 USD.

Languages Used in Taiwan

The primary languages spoken in Taiwan are Taiwanese Mandarin, Mandarin Chinese, and Standard Mandarin. And most of the signs around the country use Chinese characters. And we found that very few people actually spoke English. You may have some trouble ordering at restaurants or getting around without Google Translate.

The Top 26 Sights in Taiwan

Highlights of northern taiwan, 1. visit the buddhist temples of taipei.

In Western Taipei, near the Tamsui River, are several beautiful Buddhist Temples that you won’t want to miss during your trip to Taiwan! Lungshan Temple (also spelled Longshan) is the most popular and crowded of the three temples that are within walking distance.

The nearby Qingshui Temple is a small but beautiful temple where you’ll find far fewer visitors. And if you want a peaceful experience and beautiful views, then head to Bangka Qingshan Temple. Here you can climb up several flights of stairs to a small balcony at the top which overlooks the neighborhood.

2. Check out the View from the Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is the most iconic building in Taipei and a must-visit during your trip to Taiwan! Built to resemble a bamboo stalk, it was officially the tallest building in the world from its opening in 2004 until 2010 when Dubai surpassed it. And the elevator, which takes only 37 seconds to get from the 5th to the 89th floor, was the world’s fastest from 2004 until 2015. It’s quite exhilarating, but expect your ears to pop!

There is an indoor observation deck on the 89th floor where you can get spectacular views of the city from the floor-to-ceiling windows. You can also climb to the outdoor observation deck on the 91st floor that is occasionally open, weather permitting.

One of the sights that you shouldn’t miss during a trip to Taipei 101 is the large steel pendulum at the center of the building, suspended between the 87th and 92nd floors. The pendulum serves as a damper against strong wind gusts or earthquakes. The largest sway ever recorded by the damper was 39 inches and occurred in 2015, during Typhoon Soudelor.

You’ll want to book your online ticket to Taipei 101 in advance and select a specific time that you plan on visiting. Once you arrive, you’ll pick up your physical ticket on the 5th floor and then wait in the long queue for a green screen photo and the elevator. If you get hungry, there are several small carts around the observation deck as well as overpriced restaurants on the lower floors.

Book a Taipei 101 Ticket in Advance

3. Eat at the Taipei’s Night Markets

Taiwan is famous for its bustling night markets where you can score a great deal on clothes, shoes, and other odds and ends. But the best thing to do in Taiwan’s night markets is to sample the delectable cuisine! You’ll find much of Taiwan’s best food come from its night markets – stinky tofu, steam buns, seafood and vegetable skewers, bubble tea, mango snow ice, and everything in-between. Bring cash and a hearty appetite!

We thought the best night market in Taipei was the Raohe Street Night Market as the food scene there was pretty incredible (check out these 5 Michelin-recommended eats in Raohe Night Market ). And although it seemed a bit more touristy, we found prices to be totally reasonable. If you’re looking for clothing or souvenirs, this is a great place to get them as well.

Tonghua Night Market is also an interesting night market to visit in the Da’an District (one of the best Taipei neighborhoods to stay in ). Tonghua is very local so don’t expect to see many foreigners here. It can also be rather difficult to figure out what food to order as the food options are confusing and not very appealing.

4. Explore the Ximending District

This up-and-coming neighborhood is particularly popular with the young and hip Taiwanese locals. The walking street is full of trendy boutiques, bubble tea shops, and claw machines packed with stuffed toys. You’ll love wandering around Ximending, checking out the shops, and people-watching all afternoon. There are a few specific spots that you must check out while exploring Ximending:

• Snow King Ice Cream – where you can order strange and enticing ice cream flavors like “basil”, “Taiwanese beer”, and “pork floss”. But choose carefully because they don’t allow you to sample before you buy.
• Modern Toilet Restaurant – the menu at this quirky restaurant is poo-themed so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a hilarious dining experience. The food isn’t outstanding but the portions are big and prices are moderate.
• American Street – check out the unique Taiwanese street art both on American Street and in the small park just off the street. It’s a popular spot for photoshoots so you may have to wait your turn.

Where to Stay in Ximending

Tango Inn Taipei Ximen

If you want to stay in the heart of the hippest area of Taipei, then Tango Inn Taipei Ximen is the place to stay! Most of the hotels in the Ximen area are busy hostels but the Tango Inn is peaceful, cozy, and modern. You’ll love heading back to your room after exploring Ximen to relax in your ultra lush bed with loads of amenities right at your fingertips.

Check Prices on Booking.com

5. Win a Claw Machine Prize

You’ll see toy claw machines all over the streets of Taiwan and in the night markets. The cost is generally 10 TWD (~$.30 USD) to try to win one of the various prizes. But keep in mind that they are quite tricky so your chances of actually winning are slim. But it’s fun to give it a try regardless!

6. Drink Bubble Tea

Bubble tea (also known as bubble milk tea and boba tea) is a drink that is popular all over the world but actually originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. So you absolutely must drink it here! Plus, there are bubble tea shops on pretty much every corner of Taipei so you’ll have countless options to choose from.

The drink is made up of a tea of your choosing, milk, and sugar (some shops allow you to customize the amount of sugar added). Flavored tapioca balls and ice are added to complete this tasty treat.

Xing Fu Tang in the Ximen District is arguably the most popular place to get brown sugar milk tea as there is always a long line. But our personal favorite bubble milk tea spot was Chachago as the bubbles were better and the tea was a bit sweeter. Plus, we didn’t have to wait in line!

7. Try Stinky Tofu

Stinky Tofu is a must-try food in Taiwan and is exactly as it sounds. Very very stinky fermented tofu. You’ll mainly find this in the night markets or at roadside food stalls, but not in restaurants as it is generally eaten as a snack. It is usually served deep-fried, grilled, or in a soup. It’s easy to spot the stinky tofu stands when browsing the night markets, just follow the smell of dirty feet and garbage!

Legend has it that stinky tofu was created by accident during the Qing Dynasty when Wang Zhihe had an abundance of unsold tofu. He put it into a jar. When he opened it several days later, he found that the color was greenish and it had a horrible odor but was surprisingly delicious!

We tried deep-fried stinky tofu fries drizzled with chili sauce at the Raohe Street Night Market. We found that it tastes pretty much exactly as it smells. It’s pretty unlikely that you’ll fall in love with stinky tofu but you can’t visit Taiwan without trying it at least once!

8. Climb to the top of Elephant Mountain

Elephant Mountain (aka Xiangshan Hiking Trail) is arguably the best place in Taipei to watch the sunset. It’s a relatively short hike and should only take about 20 minutes to reach the top. Although, it is quite steep. You’ll be ascending stairs all the way up so be sure to bring a bottle of water. Take plenty of breaks too along the way.

But once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the city of Taipei. Sunset is the best time to visit not only because of the views but also because you can escape the intense afternoon heat.

Elephant Mountain is also relatively easy to access from anywhere in the city. Take the red-line train to Xiangshan Station and then follow Google Maps the .8 miles to the start of the trail. The hike is quite popular with tourists so expect to share your epic views with a few others.

9. Visit the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (or CKS Memorial Hall) is set at the center of a beautiful, peaceful park with ponds filled with coy fish, walking paths, and trees to provide shade in the heat of the day. A grand gate sits at the entrance to the park with the National Theater and National Concert Hall to the left and right of the CKS Memorial Hall straight ahead.

The memorial hall was built in honor of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of the Republic of China who died in 1975. He is a controversial figure. His popularity in Taiwan is divided along political lines due to his involvement in thousands of innocent deaths as well as his dictator-style of ruling.

The CKS Memorial Hall is a large, white building that is shaped like an octagon as the number 8 is generally associated with fortune and wealth. There are two sets of 89 steps that lead to the entrance of the hall, representing his age at his death. And a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek is the central focal point of the hall. There are also exhibitions on each side containing historical information.

10. Lounge in Beitou Hot Springs

Beitou Hot Spring (also known as Xinbeitou) is located just a 30-minute drive north of Taipei. It is a popular place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Many people just visit for the day. We would highly recommend spending at least one night at one of the many hot spring hotels that have large, relaxing bathtubs fed by hot spring water.

There are several things to do in the area besides lounging in your hotel tub. The Beitou Hot Spring Park has a hot spring creek that runs through the park. It is also a nice place to go for a stroll. And the Beitou Public Hot Spring (also called Millennium Hot Spring) is a public pool where you can relax for a small fee. While the entrance fee is nominal, just $40 NT/person, they have a very strict swimsuit policy and most board shorts don’t pass muster. So men are often required to purchase one for a steep $250 NT.

Where to Stay in Beitou Hot Spring

Hotel Royal Beitou

Hotel Royal Beitou is a beautiful hotel that provides the perfect getaway from the city. Guests can take advantage of their private ensuite hot tub, or the public bathing pool onsite. There is also a spa and a well-equipped gym. You’ll never want to get out of your bathrobe and check out of this amazing hotel!

The Gaia Hotel

The Gaia Hotel has unbelievably comfortable, classically decorated rooms with every amenity you could ever want. And with a gym, hot spring, sauna, hydrotherapy pool, outdoor pool, and spa all located onsite, there’s no reason to ever leave this relaxing hotel!

11. Stroll Down the Jiufen Old Street

Jiufen is arguably the most popular day trip from Taipei, and also the most crowded spot in all of Taiwan. The covered old street is a narrow walkway filled with shops, food stalls, and tea shops. And hordes of tourists are slowly strolling along the street, stopping to sample the local fare.

If fighting your way through a small, crowded space doesn’t sound appealing to you, you’ll probably prefer to head straight for one of the popular tea shops with a great view. The prices aren’t outrageous and it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset! Amei Tea House is the most famous one in Jiufen so get there early if you want a good view.

12. Launch a Sky Lantern in Shifen

Shifen is a small town located along the historic Pingxi train line . It has gained notoriety among tourists as it is a popular spot to paint paper lanterns with your wishes for the future before launching them into the sky.

The streets lining the tracks are filled with food and drink vendors. The tracks are filled with tourists releasing their colorful lanterns into the sky. And whenever the train rolls by everyone scurries off to the edges to let it pass before descending on the tracks once again.

It’s an entertaining place to eat some tasty deep-fried squid and watch the lanterns floating by. But before purchasing one for yourself, you should note that many of the lanterns don’t actually burn. They drop back down to the ground and create a bit of a litter problem in the neighboring areas. We opted not to contribute to the mess.

13. Visit the “Little Niagra of Taiwan”

Shifen Waterfall is located right outside the town of Shifen. It is lovingly referred to as the “Little Niagara of Taiwan” due to its half-circle shape. Of course, Shifen Waterfall is not nearly as large or as impressive as Niagra. However, it is certainly the most scenic waterfall in the country.

It’s a short, 30-minute walk to the falls from the train station. Don’t worry about packing water or snacks, plenty of vendors line the entrance to the observation area. The main viewing platform gets quite crowded. If you continue along the path, you’ll find several others that you’ll probably have all to yourself.

14. Hike the Pingxi Crags (Xiaozishan Trail)

The Pingxi Crags hike (called the Xiaozishan Trail on Google Maps) is one of the best hikes that are easily reachable from Taipei in a day.

Start with a trek up Mt. Xiaozi on the Xiaozishan Trail. It is a short but strenuous walk up a series of concrete steps. You’ll begin at the base of the staircase, right near the Pingxi Railway Station. There is a map there that outlines various trails and scenic spots in the area.

After climbing for a bit you’ll come to another map and a split in the trail. Here you’ll continue up the stairs to the right. And once you come to a landing, you’ll see several steep staircases with ropes on each side to help you stay balanced. Take the set of stairs to the left of the small yellow sign. It’s the most obvious choice as the other staircase on the right is unfinished at the top. And once you reach the next landing, both sets of stairs lead you to the mountain peak.

The final ascent to the peak is not for the faint of heart. A ladder leads you up the steepest section. There are drop-offs on either side of the small lookout at the top. But the views are incredible and you’ll have secure ropes to hang on to. From the top, you can see stairs leading up to two other mountain peaks, Cimu Mountain and Putuo Mountain, in the distance. Both can also be climbed if you have the time and energy.

15. Trek the Sandiaoling Trail

The Sandiaoling Trail is a perfect place to enjoy Taiwan’s spectacular scenery while stretching your legs a bit. This flat, easy trail takes you past 3 lovely waterfalls – Hegu Waterfall, Motian Waterfall, and Pipa Cave Waterfall.

You’ll want to get off the Pingxi Line at the Sandiaoling Station and then follow Google Maps to the trailhead. Then, you’ll follow the tracks for a bit before you see a sign that points you in the right direction. You’ll reach the first waterfall, Hegu, after about 3/4 of a mile. The waterfall is impressive but unfortunately, you have to enjoy it from a viewing platform. You can’t get very close to the falls.

From there you’ll cross a few picturesque suspension bridges before coming upon Motian and Pipa Cave Waterfalls. The entire hike is just 1.5 miles each way (although the walk from the train station is about 1/2 mile). It should take you around three hours to complete. Even if you don’t make it to all three falls, it’s worth doing a portion of the hike. The surrounding scenery is quite beautiful.

Highlights of Central Taiwan

16. summit the sixiu mountains.

The Sixiu Mountains are 4 peaks located in Sheipa National Park in Central Taiwan. You can summit all 4, with or without a guide, but you’ll need to secure a permi t first. You’ll also need to book your huts quite far in advance, especially if you plan on hiking during the high season.

The bus drops at Hoya Resort and Hotel . From there you can take a tourist bus (NT$150 per person) that runs every hour and a half to get to other destinations in the park. Or you can try your luck at hitchhiking which is a very viable option as the park gets a lot of car traffic.

The most convenient place to stay is Wuling Villa (also called Wuling Lodge) , as it is right at the trailhead of Taoshan Trail. They provide dinner and breakfast the next morning. You can rent camping gear at the Camping Service Center but it is 2 miles from the Taoshan Trailhead. They do not have stoves or anything for water purification and their tent selection is minimal so you may want to bring your own.

Most people hike the Sixiu Mountains in either 3 or 4 days, depending on physical ability. There are two huts (that double as campgrounds). If you hike to Xinda Hut you can leave your backpack there and then summit Chihyoushan and Pintianshan Mountains. The other hut, Taoshan Hut, is right below the summit of Taoshan. You can leave your backpack there to hike to both Taoshan and Kelayeshan Mountains. Evenings are chilly so bring a jacket and long pants.

The most popular route starts at the Taoshan Trailhead and takes the Chihyoushan Trail up to Xinda Hut. It’s a difficult, vertical climb that gains almost 5,000 feet in elevation. You’ll want to start early, around 4:30am, and then just relax when you get to the hut. There’s a rain tank where the water runs from the roof of the hut to the tank but you’ll need to boil or purify it before drinking. On day 2 you should wake up early, leave your bags at Xinda, and summit Pintianshan. Grab your pack on the way out to Chihyoushan and if you feel comfortable, just leave your bag at the trailhead to the summit.

From there, hike to the Taoshan Hut to stay the night. Wake up early again the next day, leave your backpack at the hut, and start by summiting Taoshan. From there you’ll do the long, grueling hike to Kelayeshan. Once finished, retrieve your backpack from the Taoshan Hut and take the Taoshan Trail back down the mountain. It’s a grueling but insanely beautiful trek!

17. Enjoy Sun Moon Lake

Located in the Yuchi Township in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of water in the country. The lake and surrounding countryside are incredibly beautiful which is why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Taiwan and a great addition to any Taiwan itinerary .

Most people choose to stay near Shuishe Pier as‭ it has plenty of hotels and restaurants to choose from. It is also a good place to rent a motorbike so you can cruise around the lake. During your trip to Sun Moon Lake you’ll most certainly want to take a boat trip across the lake, as well as check out the Wenwu Temple‭, the ‬Ci En Pagoda‭, ‬and take a ride on the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway‭.

Where to Stay Near Sun Moon Lake

Shaoguang 188

Shaoguang 188 is an absolutely stunning hotel located right near the Shuishe Visitors Center. Rooms have very sleek, modern decor and all the amenities you could wish for. The beds are incredibly comfortable and bathrooms have a unique, open-air layout. You’ll feel right at home at Shaoguang 188!

18. Visit the Rainbow Village

The Rainbow Village is a quirky, colorful little village in the Nantun District of Taichung. Huang Yung-Fu began painting these houses to keep them from being demolished, and it has since become an off-the-beaten-path tourist destination in central Taiwan. Bring your camera, you will want to take countless photos in the Rainbow Village!

Highlights of Southern Taiwan

19. explore kaohsiung city.

Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s second-largest city but somehow it feels much less crowded than Taipei. It’s the perfect place to spend a few days dining on delicious Taiwanese cuisine, exploring temples and pagodas, and generally enjoying the culture of the country. There are a few specific spots that you must check out while exploring Kaohsiung city:

• Liuhe Night Market – where you can get fresh, delicious seafood at the many enticing food stalls that line the streets.
• Gao Xiong Po Po Shaved Ice – for arguably the best snow ice in the country! Just make sure you order “snow” which is shaved milk ice, rather than regular ice.
• Love River – where you can stroll along the banks of this lovely, peaceful river while soaking in the sights.

Where to Stay in Kaohsiung

Brio Hotel is a beautifully decorated, comfortable hotel with chic decor. Its central location is right near the tourist night market and walking distance to many of the top sights of Kaohsiung. Plus you’ll love soaking in the view of the city from their onsite restaurant!

20. Reverse Your Luck at the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Located on the Lotus Lake in Kaohsiung city, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are not to be missed during a trip to Southern Taiwan!

The twin 7-story towers are approached by a zigzagging bridge. It is believed that visitors should enter the towers through the mouth of the dragon on the left, and then exit through the mouth of the tiger on the right for good luck. And you’ll see by the paintings on the walls that the luck of those being portrayed begins very badly near the dragon and gets progressively better as you reach the exit.

Of course, you should also climb the spiral stairs all the way to the top of at least one of the towers (the view is more or less the same from both) to get a beautiful view of the lake and the Kaohsiung skyline on the opposite bank. And make sure to snap a photo in front, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are one of the best Instagram spots in Kaohsiung !

And be sure to check out the many other temples sitting on the bank of Lotus Lake including the Spring and Summer Pavilions and Zuoying Yuandi Temple.

21. Admire the Dome of Light

The Dome of Light is tucked inside the busiest metro stop in Kaohsiung, on the B1 level of the Formosa Boulevard Station. But at nearly 100 feet in diameter, it’s pretty difficult to miss. And you shouldn’t miss it, because the Dome of Light is the largest work of glass art in the world!

The Dome of Light was designed by the Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata and in its 4,500 glass panels is the story of human life shown through water, earth, light, and fire. It is also meant to honor the birth of Taiwan’s democracy. If you’re lucky, your visit may correspond with one of the daily light shows that attract large crowds and lasts for about 5 minutes.

22. Check out the View from the 85 Sky Tower

The 85 Sky Tower in Kaohsiung is an 85-story, 1,140-foot skyscraper with an observation deck so it is the perfect place to check out the city from above. It was the tallest skyscraper in Taiwan until the Taipei 101 was completed in 2004.

While the 85 Sky Tower does have several bars and restaurants in the building, they are not located on the highest floors. The best way to get a view of the city is to head up to the observation deck on the 74th floor. Adults will pay NT$250 to access the observation deck.

23. Find Religion at the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

The Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is a massive complex located in Kaohsiung. When you walk through the main entrance you’ll be amazed by the number of restaurants and shops. No need to eat before you visit, there is a delicious upscale vegetarian restaurant on the first floor and a very modestly priced vegetarian buffet on the second floor.

Once you proceed through the doors and into the complex the first thing that will catch your eye is the huge Buddha statue located at the far end of the courtyard. There are buildings lining the walkways but you’ll want to head directly to the museum at the far end. Here you’ll find countless exhibits that will give you more insight into the Buddhism religion and history.

The complex houses a relic that is incredibly important to devout Buddhists – a tooth that once belonged to Buddha himself. Construction began in 2001 and it took 10 years to complete. If you want to explore the entire area, be sure to give yourself several hours and bring a sun umbrella.

24. Trek in the Kenting National Forest Recreation Area

Kenting National Park is a large area of land taking up the southernmost tip of Taiwan. Here you’ll find beautiful beaches, scenic hikes, and a bustling night market in the center of town. Once you arrive in the town of Kenting you’ll want to rent a motorbike from one of the many vendors that line the streets so that you can cruise around the park at your own pace.

We had a good experience renting motorbikes from Feng-Xiang Motorcycle Rental (No. 243 Kending Rd.) and were able to rent a scooter for 24 hours for $500 NT.

The U-Shaped road that connects the northern and southern ends of town is a popular place for motorbiking and also hiking. We found the caves hike to be quite lovely, and mostly shaded which allowed us to escape the intense afternoon heat.

You’ll park at the ticket office and then take one of the trails through the park. A few not-to-be-missed highlights of the area include the Seaview Tower and the Fairy Cave. You’ll enjoy getting a chance to see the beautiful nature of the area as you get off the motorbike and stretch your legs!

25. Lounge on the Beach

The town of Kenting has several lovely beaches, right nearby! Little Bay Beach is on the southern end of town and is a good place to go if you want to rent an umbrella and spend the day lounging. And South Bay Recreation Area is a large beach in the north with lots of bars and restaurants to keep you fed and hydrated. Both are popular with local and foreign tourists although very few Taiwanese people actually venture into the water.

And if you’re looking for some solitude, Kenting Beach is a long stretch of sandy beach with zero amenities. You won’t be able to rent an umbrella or buy a beer here, but you’ll probably have the entire beach all to yourself!

Be sure to check out the town of Kenting when the sun goes down. The main drag comes alive with vendors selling all types of delectable Taiwanese cuisine. Make sure you come hungry because you’ll want to eat everything in sight.

26. Check out the View From Longpan Park

Longpan Park is a small area located on the eastern side of the Kenting National Park peninsula. The views of the rugged coastline from here are superb and it’s a popular place to watch both sunrise and sunset in southern Taiwan.

We hope you have a wonderful trip to the beautiful island of Taiwan!

Planning a trip to Taiwan? Check out our favorite travel guides!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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2 thoughts on “the 26 best things to see and do in taiwan”.

This really helped me on my trip to Taiwan.

Love this list, a lot of good info but…how could you leave out Tarik gorge and Hualien?? That should be top 5 in Taiwan, for sure.

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18 Best Places to Visit in Taiwan in 2024! Taiwan Tourist Spots!

Categories Asia , Taiwan

Taiwan may be a small island but it is full of incredible places to visit in Taiwan! Taiwan Tourist Spots include  cultural-historic cities , port cities,   modern cities , National Parks and Islands , Taiwan really has it all!

Best of all, it’s easy to travel around Taiwan by train and bus and thanks to the size of Taiwan island, it’s possible to see a lot of Taiwan in 1 week or 2 weeks . Although if you have 1 month in Taiwan to spare, I’d say to go for it as you won’t regret visiting Taiwan!

Best Places to Visit in Taiwan

Related Posts:  2 Week Taiwan Itinerary!  / 1 Week Taiwan Itinerary! / How Much I Spent in Taiwan!

FIRST TIMERS GUIDE TO TAIWAN

I’ve been to Taiwan twice. I love the country so much! I have written lots of posts to help you visit Taiwan, start with my 8 Helpful Tips For Planning a Trip to Taiwan from Start to Finish and the Best Places to Visit in Taiwan !

TAIWAN SIM CARD The best way to stay connected in Taiwan is to buy this EasyCard & Sim Card package deal in advance . You’ll need an EasyCard to get around on transport in Taiwan anyway and at the same time you can get a Taiwan Sim Card with 4G and pick them up at Taipei Taoyuan Airport when you land!

GETTING AROUND TAIWAN

The Metro within cities in Taiwan is really great, easy to use and so safe. You’ll need an EasyCard which you top up with credit to use the metro and buses. To get around Taiwan, I loved travelling by train . As a tourist, we can’t use the direct Taiwan train booking system. Instead you can go to a train station a few days before and purchase your ticket, or book online in advance using 12GO Asia !

Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan and in all honesty, although Taiwan has so much to offer as you’ll see below, spending just 2-3 days in Taipei will give you a really good insight into what Taiwan is like and if you happen to decide to spend longer in Taipei, like 5 days in Taipei, you’ll have plenty of things to do in Taipei as it’s the biggest out of the Taiwan Tourist Spots!

I think Taipei is one of the most underrated cities in Asia and one of the best places to visit in Taiwan !

Related Post:  12 Taipei Travel Tips and Things To Know about Taipei!

I love Taipei because it’s a really easy city to get around. There are plenty of Taipei attractions and things to do in Taipei to keep you busy but because it’s not a super popular city and apart from the Taipei 101, which you must visit, there are no other super iconic places which make sightseeing in Taipei pretty relaxed.

If you’re interested in what to do in Taipei you can sightsee at places like the Taipei 101 and Chiang Kai-Shek Monument Hall which is probably the second most iconic place in Taipei . But you can also visit the themed cafes of Taipei like a toilet restaurant and the Friends cafe. Hit up a night market in Taipei like Shilin Night Market and Raohe Night Market which Taiwan is very famous for, and go hiking up Elephant Mountain.

Aside from the must-see places in Taipei , other reasons I love Taipei is because the Taipei Metro (MRT) is incredibly efficient and easy to use, it’s a safe city, the people in Taipei are lovely and there’s so much accommodation making it the best welcome to Taiwan that you can have!

Recommended days to spend in Taipei: 2-5 days.

Day Trips from Taipei

What’s really great about Taipei is how many places to visit near Taipei there are! Here are some of the most popular day trips from Taipei and places near Taipei that can be visited in just a few hours and are also best places to visit in Taiwan :

To learn about the Japanese colonisation to modern-day Taiwan and eat some amazing street food, visiting Juifen from Taipei is a good idea as it’s one of the biggest Taiwan tourist spots.

Explore the Northeast Coast of Taipei and stroll through Jiufen Village. Learn about Taiwan’s mining history and enjoy a scenic tour along the Northeast Coast.

If you’ve seen photos of an old street with street lanterns near Taipei, this is Shifen, definitely one of the most popular and best places to visit in Taiwan!

4. Yehliu Geopark

You’ll be mistaken for even being in Taiwan here! Here is my friends guide on h ow to get to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei !

It’s very possible to see Juifen, Shifen and Yehliu in one day on a day tour , in fact, this is the best way to do it so keep this day tour from Taipei in mind when planning your Taipei itinerary.

Join a group tour from Taipei to North Taiwan, where you’ll discover Yehliu Geopark’s rock formations, Jiufen’s mountain village, and launch sky lanterns in Pingxi.

5. Beitou Hot Springs

Closer to Taipei than you’d think, this slice of nature with actual hot springs is a good half-day trip from Taipei.

Explore the volcanic terrains of Yangmingshan National Park, visiting numerous historically and culturally important sites like the Beitou Hot Spring Museum.

6. Yangmingshan National Park

To go hiking in Taipei and for another one of the best places to visit in Taiwan , head to this National Park near Taipei!

7. Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is a port city in Southern Taiwan and if you don’t fly into Taipei you’ll probably fly into Kaohsiung or out of Kaohsiung as it has the second biggest airport in Taiwan. 

Kaohsiung’s tourism is increasing a lot, it used to be a city that tourists didn’t go to, but not anymore. This is now one of the  best places to visit in Taiwan!

Related Post: Best things to do in Kaohsiung & 2-3 Day Kaohsiung itinerary

For things to do in Kaohsiung, if you like temples, there are plenty of temples in Kaohsiung to visit, especially around Lotus Pond which used to have the perfect Feng Shui, plus there’s an incredibly huge and impressive Buddhist Monastery near Kaohsiung.

There are 3 brilliant night markets to visit, a unique and cool creativity park called Pier 2 , and you can catch a ferry over to Cijin Island which will make you feel like you’re on holiday!

Kaohsiung is easy to get around thanks to its MRT system and although many of the Kaohsiung attractions may seem far apart, by MRT they are all really easy to get to.

Recommended days to spend in Kaohsiung: 2-3 days.

To help you plan your trip around Taiwan, have a look at all of my Taiwan Blog Posts here!

8. Taichung

To be honest, Taichung is pretty hard work to visit but I have to include it in this list of best places to visit in Taiwan because the best reason to go to Taichung is for its day trips!

Related Posts: 1-3 Day Itinerary for Taichung &  How To Do a Day Trip from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake.

As a city, there are not many tourist attractions in Taichung and it’s hard to get around as everything is very spread out and there’s no metro system, not like in Taipei or Kaohsiung.

Things to do in Taichung include visiting the Rainbow Village which is really nice to visit although very small so it takes an hour max, and it takes about 30 minutes by taxi from Taichung city to the Rainbow Village or a lot longer by bus.

Taichung has a few night markets and Fengjia Night Market is the largest one in Taiwan, and that’s saying a lot so this is worth visiting.

Another thing Taichung is popular for is its fame for being the creator of Bubble Tea. Chun Shiu Tang on Siwei Street is the original Bubble Tea store in Taichung and a popular place to visit in Taichung. In all honesty, though, Chun Shiu Tang is a chain of Bubble Tea stores in Taiwan and the tea you’ll get in here will be the same and there’s nothing particularly special about the Chun Shiu Original Store in Taichung, and it gets busy!

Recommended days to spend in Taichung: 1 or 2-3 if you want to take day trips.

9. Sun Moon Lake

It’s really easy to get a bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake and do a day trip to Sun Moon Lake from Taichung.

At the bus stop, they sell Sun Moon Lake passes which include bus travel, a boat ticket, a ropeway ticket and they can include bike hire too. It takes 1.5-2 hours to travel from Taichung City to Sun Moon Lake and once you’re there you need about 4-5 hours to see the lake and head over to Ita Thao Village. Even though you don’t need long, based on my trip, its still one of the best places to visit in Taiwan and a big Taiwan tourist spot!

Related Post:  How To Do a Sun Moon Lake Day Trip from Taichung!

10. Dakeng Hiking Trails

From Taichung you can also get a bus to Dakeng Hiking Trails.

There are a number of hiking trails and they are numbered, note that some of them are harder than others and the Dakeng trails in Taichung can get very busy on weekends so it’s the best time to go hiking in Taichung is on a weekday if you can. The easier trails get particularly busier than the harder trails too.

11. Hualien  

Hualien is a city along the East Coast of Taiwan, the city itself doesn’t offer much in terms of Taiwan tourism but it is a great base to see more of Taiwan’s impressive East Coast from which one of the big attractions in Taiwan!

If you are confident in riding a scooter/moped, this is the best way to get out from Hualien and explore the coast. Places to visit near Hualien on Taiwan’s East Coast include Beibin Park,   Nanbin Park  and Four-Eight Highland .

In addition to this, for things to do in Hualien, I found the Hualien Night Market to be good so make sure you make time to eat there one evening.

If you don’t want to hire a scooter or a car, I found the bus system is a pretty good way of how to get around Hualien and I used the public bus to go to Taroko National Park .

Recommended days to spend in Taichung: 2-3 including Taroko National Park

12. Taroko National Park

I visited Taroko National Park as a day trip from Hualien and it’s one of the best places to visit in Taiwan if you want to go hiking in Taiwan !

Related Post:  How to Do a Day Trip to Taroko National Park via Bus from Hualien!

To hike some of trails in Taroko National Park you need to get a permit which can be tricky to get, however it is possible to hike many of the trails in Taroko Park without a permit, including the famous Taroko Gorge , and there’s even a regular bus service throughout the park if walking isn’t for you or you want to walk and get the bus (which is what I did, you can read about this here).

The centre of Taiwan is full of nature and hiking in Taiwan is one of the popular things to do in Taiwan for tourists and for locals.  Taroko National Park is one of the most visited National Parks’s in Taiwan due to its ease so I think this should be on your Taiwan itinerary to show you another side of the Island to the big cities.

Tour Taroko Gorge, an Asian wonder, in a day from Taipei, guided by your personal driver. Experience striking attractions and scenic trails.

Note that Taroko, like all of Taiwan’s hiking trails and National Parks, gets very busy on weekends as lots of Taiwanese like to venture out hiking too so if you have the flexibility I’d recommend that the best time to visit Taroko National Park is during the week.

Recommended days to spend at Taroko National Park: 1 day.

Tainan used to be the capital of Taiwan back in 1683–1887 but it’s still the cultural capital of Taiwan now and therefore a good place to visit in Taiwan. Although initially, the city seems pretty similar to Taichung in architecture once you reach the centre you’ll start to see the history.

Tainan has a big Dutch influence thanks to the Dutch occupying the South of Taiwan for a number of years and this can be best seen at Fort Provincia and Chihkan Tower which used to be a Dutch outpost and are popular things to do in Tainan. Shennong Street tucked between the many normal streets of Tainan is a pleasant surprise filled with little shops and restaurants and many Chinese lanterns. This may be the Taiwan you have been thinking of.

More things to do in Tainan include visiting  Anping where you can visit Fort Zeelandia and Anping Tree House for fairly unique places to see in Taiwan as no other city I’ve seen has these kinds of attractions. Finally, Tainan isn’t short of night markets and the most popular night market in Tainan is the Flower Night Market .

The only downside to Tainan, in my opinion, is its lack of metro like Taichung and the fact that Uber doesn’t currently work in Tainan so you have to use the buses (which can be tricky to work out in Taiwan I’ve found) or get a taxi by the meter so keep this in mind when planning your best places to visit in Taiwan!

Recommended days to spend in Tainan: 1-2 days.

• Related Posts:
• 2 Week Taiwan Itinerary!
•   1 Week Taiwan Itinerary!
• How Much I Spent in Taiwan!

14. Taitung

Taitung is much less visited than other cities in Taiwan but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go and if you are not a ‘city person’, Taitung will be a good place to visit because you can hire a scooter and be in Taitung county seeing nature and more of the East Coast of Taiwan in a short amount of time.

One of the popular Taitung attractions is the aboriginal tribes and people, in Taitung you’ll be able to learn about them and taste some of the local aboriginal food, one of the big reasons it’s one of the best places to visit in Taiwan!

Recommended days to spend in Taitung: 1-2 days.

15. Kenting National Park

Kenting is in the very Southern tip of Taiwan and closest to Kaohsiung. Some blog posts recommend that you can visit Kenting National Park on a day trip from Kaohsiung but the bus takes a few hours so it will be a long day.

The best way to see Kenting is to hire a car or get the bus to Kenting from Kaohsiung and hire scooters but do be sure to look into the situation around driving licences. 

Kenting does look beautiful online with incredible white beaches and Kenting Town is full of restaurants and bars, but I heard from 2 different travellers that they didn’t enjoy it that much which is what made me decide not to go.

I don’t think Kenting is a good place for solo travellers to visit in Taiwan due to how to get around, but it does seem good for families or a group.

Recommended days to spend in Kenting National Park: 2-3 days.

16. Green Island

Taiwan is not just about the mainland, there are islands in Taiwan to visit too! Green Island Taiwan is a volcanic island located on the south-east coast of Taiwan and is accessible by boat from Taitung or by plane from Taipei or Taitung airports.

The best way to get around Green Island is by electric scooter, you can explore the island in just a few hours due to its size and explore the beaches on Green island, its local villages and its history at places like the Human Rights Memorial.

Recommended days to spend on Green Island: 2-3 days.

17. Penghu Islands

Located on the western side of Taiwan are the  Penghu Islands which are one of Taiwan’s best-kept secrets! The Penghu Islands are made up of 90 islands, although a number of these are uninhabited. Things to do in Penghu Island include surfing and windsurfing in its awesome waves. Penghu also has the world’s first submarine postbox you can dive or underwater helmet-walk to send a waterproof postcard.

Recommended days to spend in Penghu Islands: 2-3 days.

18. Keelung

Keelung is in the very North of Taiwan and is another Taiwanese port city. I docked here for a day on a cruise trip around Japan.

There are a few things to do in Keelung like visiting Temples , Chung Cheng Park , an abandoned building and it’s night market but in all honesty, there are not many tourist attractions in Keelung so if you are on a tight itinerary for Taiwan , I’d recommend leaving Keelung or going on a day trip from Taipei to Keelung as there are much better cities in Taiwan to visit.

Experience Keelung on foot with a local, savoring Taiwanese street food at the Night Market, featuring delicacies like herbal tea and curry noodles.

Recommended days to spend in Keelung: 0.5-1 day.

How to Get Around Taiwan?

Trains in taiwan.

Now you know the best places to visit in Taiwan, how easy is it to get around Taiwan?

It’s actually very easy! Taiwan is connected by train the whole way around the island . There are train lines that loop of the outer edge of the island. Trains in Taiwan are fairly inexpensive (not like Japan!), and for most train journeys in Taiwan, you can choose from the TRA which is a local train but is still very quick and comfy, or HSR which is the high-speed rail train. The high-speed trains in Taiwan are extremely fast and they do cost more than the TRA. However, due to the small size of Taiwan, all trains will take between 1-4 hours.

For tourists in Taiwan you can buy train packages like this which give you unlimited train travel in Taiwan for a certain amount of days:

3 Day Tourist Rail Pass for Taiwan’s High-Speed Trains.

5 Day Tourist Rail Pass for Taiwan’s Local and High-Speed Trains.

You can also buy train tickets online via Klook for Taiwan’s trains for example:

High-Speed Train from Taipei to Taichung.

High-Speed Train from Taipei to Tainan.

12GO Asia is another way you can book trains in Taiwan and check the running schedule. 12GO Asia is the biggest transport booking platform in Asia, so book your Taiwan train here !

Buses are another way to get around Taiwan and buses connect all of the major cities . For example, Taipei to Taichung is a popular bus route in Taiwan.

TAIWAN ITINERARY HELP

Here are my top Taiwan itinerary posts to help your plan your trip:

• 1 week Taiwan Itinerary!
• 18 Best Places to Visit in Taiwan!
• How to Plan a Trip to Taiwan!

TAIWAN ON A BUDGET

Taiwan isn’t the cheapest country but it’s not the most expensive either and can be travelled on a reasonable budget. Here’s my post on the cost of travel in Taiwan and how to travel Taiwan on a budget !

Car Hire in Taiwan

Hiring a car in Taiwan is very popular, the roads and driving in Taiwan is extremely good, not like many other Asian countries which foreigners can find hard to drive in. I met a few people who had hired a car in Taiwan so I recommend looking into this to give yourself total freedom.

When it comes to getting around Taiwan cities, as mentioned above, Taipei and Kaohsiung have the MRT metro which is easy and reliant to use. Other cities without a metro have a bus system, Uber also works in most places in Taiwan.

To get around on public transport in Taiwan you’ll need an EasyCard which can be used throughout the country.

If you are flying into Taoyuan Taipei Airport you can buy an EasyCard and Sim Card package deal at the airport to save you time and hassle!

Best Time of Year to Visit Taiwan

I have visited Taiwan in March and early November which are both great times to visit Taiwan as the weather was good, not wet and not too hot.

In the summer months, Taiwan gets extremely hot and sweaty as well as bringing rainy season with it so summer in Taiwan is not a good time of year to travel to Taiwan. In winter in Taiwan, the country cools down, especially in Taipei in the North however it doesn’t get too cold.

The best months to visit Taiwan are during Spring and Autumn I say

• More of my Taiwan Posts:
•   2 Week Taiwan Itinerary!
• 1 Week Taiwan Itinerary!
• ALL TAIWAN POSTS

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Friday 27th of December 2019

Dear Ellie, I just found your amazing blogs and vlogs! I will be going to Taiwan in April and I will be definitely sourcing from your precious articles. Also, you gave me lot of courage to travel solo since all my family is scared about it. I love your style of travelling. Thank you so much! I would have one question.. do you recommend any site for searching the train/ bus timetable? I will not rent a car and would like to round the island clockwise :) Have a great travels and thank you for inspiring! Simona (Prague)

TheWanderingQuinn

Tuesday 7th of January 2020

Hello, this is so nice to hear and thank you for letting me know. Taiwan is so incredibly safe and the people are really nice so you will be fine. To be honest, I have always found it hard to find train times online, I don't think people book them online there. The best thing to do is to go to the station when you arrive and ask then and book a ticket for a few days time. It seems like everyone does it and I have never had a problem with trains or buses being fully booked in advance. :)

The Best Time to Visit Taiwan: A Month-by-Month Guide

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

So you’ve got your sights set on Taiwan, and now you’re wondering what the best time to go to Taiwan is. Well, I’ve just spent the last several weeks typing up guides to visiting Taiwan in every season and month of the year, and all of that information is summarized right here on this page.

My recommendations come from 10+ years of living in , traveling around, and writing about the beautiful island nation that I consider my second home.

The short answer is that there is no single best time to travel to Taiwan. It’s hard to even narrow it down to a season or a few months, because each of them will appeal to people with different interests and different preferences when it comes to the weather. Every month of the year also comes with a variety of festivals and events to choose from .

If you’re just heading to the capital, I’ve also got this Taipei-specific post on when to visit Taipei City .

Essential resources for visiting Taiwan – Read my recommended Taiwan itinerary , guide to planning a Taiwan trip , top 55 things to do in Taiwan , and how to visit Taiwan with kids . – Join my Taiwan Travel Planning group on Facebook. – See my guides to Sun Moon Lake , Alishan Scenic Area , Taichung City , Yilan County , Jiufen Old Street , Hualien County , and Taroko Gorge . –  Sign up for Klook to enjoy sweet deals and discounts while traveling around Taiwan, and consider getting the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass and Sun Moon Lake Pass .

Table of Contents

When Is High Season in Taiwan?

There is no distinct high, low, or shoulder season in Taiwan. Visitor numbers bounce up and down by the month, and you must consider when the locals are traveling around the most (Lunar New Year, weekends, summer) because everything can get really crowded at those times.

Summer gets more rain by volume, thanks in part to typhoons, while winter often brings chilly drizzle and spring has a mini rain season of its own. Summers can be brutally hot, but some love (or are just used to) that kind of heat. Traditional festivals and cultural events are spread throughout the year and can fall in different months each year because they are tied to the lunar calendar.

For all these reasons, it’s hard to really declare a best time to visit Taiwan, and I think that websites that do this are oversimplifying things. Therefore, I’m going to walk you through what each season and month of the year is like in Taiwan so that you can decide for yourself. At the end, I’ll reveal my personal favorite! Hopefully this helps you decide when to visit Taiwan.

When Is the Best Season to Visit Taiwan?

When deciding which season to visit Taiwan, start by considering what you want to do during your trip. Winter is best for hot springs and flower viewing, spring and autumn are great for hiking or cycling, while summer is best for beaches and water-based activities.

Rain can fall in virtually any season in Taiwan, so its always good to have some possible indoor activities lined up, such as taking one of the great cooking courses in Taiwan .

See my guide to the best Taiwan apps for my recommended weather app in Taiwan.

Taiwan in Winter (December to March)

In Taipei City and the subtropical north of Taiwan, winters are chilly and damp. Hazy, overcast skies (from both clouds and air pollution) and drizzling rain are common. Taipei’s night markets are open every day of the year, helping you to keep warm with steamy foods in winter.

In the tropical south of Taiwan, winter is much drier, and temperatures are a few degrees warmer. In the far south, the sea is warm enough to swim in year round.

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy Taiwan’s vast array of thermal hot springs , such as Beitou , Wulai , Jiaoxi , and Wenshan . If you’re prepared to do some serious hiking or driving up into the high mountains, you can even see snow in Taiwan . You can still visit high mountain resorts like Alishan and Cingjing Farm in winter, but prepare for near freezing temperatures. You’ll want to avoid the offshore islands, which can be cold, windy, and many services are closed.

I put December as both a winter and autumn month, because the month is unpredictable and can show traits of both seasons.

The Lunar New Year comes in winter (late January to late February) but can make travel a little tough. The Lantern Festival , on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, is an event to remember. See my guide to surviving Chinese New Year in Taipei and other things to know about Lunar New Year in Taiwan .

Winter also offers the chance to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan .See here for my detailed guide to going to Taiwan in winter .

Taiwan in Spring (April to June)

From April until June, the weather across Taiwan seems to get hotter by the day, but remains pleasantly bearable compared to what’s to come in summer. A mini rain season called the Plum Rain or East Asian Monsoon brings a lot of rain and gray skies for most of May and sometimes early June. If you must visit at this time, see my guide to surviving rainy days in Taipei .

The warm weather makes spring a great time for visiting just about any corner of Taiwan, including the offshore islands, where the weather is fine but summer crowds have yet to arrive. It’s also a good time to visit the country’s many outdoor theme parks .

This is one of the least busy seasons of the year, so at least it won’t be too crowded.

See here for my detailed guide to going to Taiwan in spring .

Taiwan in Summer (July to September)

If you want to face mother nature head on see what you’re made of, come to Taiwan in summer. Soaring temperatures combined with crushing humidity result in sauna-like conditions that people seem to love or hate (most locals hate it, myself included).

Summer is also typhoon season in Taiwan, with 3-4 major typhoons striking per year, often causing extensive damage and deaths. Historically, August and September have the highest number of typhoons. It is still safe to visit Taiwan during typhoon season, but you’ll need to follow some precautions if one does strike during your trip (see my articles on July, August, or September for more information).

One great thing about summer in Taiwan is the plethora of beaches, water-based activities, and summer-related festivals. If you enjoy tropical heat, you may love summer in Taiwan, but if you aren’t used to the climate, traveling around in it can be exhausting. High mountain resorts like Alishan offer the perfect escape from the lowland heat.

See here for my detailed guide to going to Taiwan in summer .

Taiwan in Autumn (October to December)

By late September, the intense heat finally gives way to pleasant, warm autumn days. By mid-November you’ll need a sweater or light jacket. True “winter” doesn’t usually hit until mid- to late-December.

Autumn is also the driest and season of the year. The mild and relatively clear weather makes it the perfect season for hiking or other outdoor activities. While it is possible to enjoy some autumn foliage in Taiwan, you will have to travel to some national parks or national scenic areas, which are not always super accessible or easy to get to on public transportation.

See here for my detailed guide to going to Taiwan in fall .

Read my guide to where to stay in Taipei or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan .

When Is the Best Month to Visit Taiwan?

Taiwan can really vary by the month, and depending hugely on where you are in the country. I hope the below details help you to decide which month is the best to visit Taiwan for you!

January in Taiwan

January can be outright chilly in Taipei, with skies that seem to always gray. It’s the perfect time for visiting hot springs. The south of Taiwan is drier and a few degrees warmer than Taipei in January. In 2020, Lunar New Year fell on January 25, but on most years it comes in February.

Cherry blossoms first start blooming in some parts of the country around mid-January. See the locations here .

See here for my detailed guide to spending January in Taiwan and how to travel around Taiwan during Chinese New Year .

February in Taiwan

January’s damp, chilly weather continues throughout February. Lunar New Year most commonly falls in February (Feb. 12, 2021, Feb. 1, 2022). Lunar New Year is primarily a family-focused holiday, so much of the country shuts down for the roughly week-long holiday, all traveling can be tough with locals filling up the highways and hotels.

The Lantern Festival , on the 15th day of the Lunar new Year, along with several associated events and activities (including the wild Yanshui Fireworks Festival ), is much more interesting for visitors. This usually falls in February, but in some months can be in early March.

February and March and the best months to see cherry blossoms in Taiwan . See here for my detailed guide to spending February in Taiwan and how to travel around Taiwan during Chinese New Year .

March in Taiwan

In Taipei, the uninspiring weather often drags on into March, but usually starts warming up by the end of the month. Weather in the south can already be quite warm in March, but the offshore islands remain too windy or chilly for comfort.

Several types of flower, including cherry blossoms, bloom in March, with a particularly inspiring display at Tianyuan Temple in New Taipei City , one of the most impressive temples in Greater Taipei . March is likely the last month you’ll  think about seeking out hot springs in Taiwan.

See here for my detailed guide to spending March in Taiwan .

April in Taiwan

Spring has officially arrived in Taiwan, and this is kick started with some music festivals across the country, a tradition that started in Kenting National Park . Besides the free music festival on the beach there, find out more things to do in Kenting and see my recommended resorts and hotels in Kenting .

The warm weather and relatively dry weather (with plum rains and summer typhoons just around the corner) make April one of the most popular months of the year to visit Taiwan.

See here for my detailed guide to spending April in Taiwan .

May in Taiwan

Warm usually turns to hot in May, with ideal weather for visiting many corners of Taiwan. May is, in my opinion, the best month to visit offshore islands such as Green Island, Penghu , Xiaoliuqiu , or Orchid Island , before they get too hot and loaded with domestic tourists in summer.

The plum rains usually start falling in Taipei and northern Taiwan in May, which can result several days in a row of constant rain. The center and south of the country remain comparatively dry. See my suggested things to do in Taipei when it’s raining .

See here for my detailed guide to spending May in Taiwan .

June in Taiwan

June is usually the first month of the year when I feel too hot. The plum rains bring heavy rain to the south of the island in June, not to mention the near daily late-afternoon downpours that result after the heat and humidity build up in the daytime. Taipei gets hotter and hotter by the day.

Still, it’s not a bad month to visit Taiwan; you can enjoy summer-like conditions minus the crowds (and typhoons) of actual summer. It’s also one of the least busy months in terms of tourist numbers; people are either scared off by the rains or waiting for their time off in July. The Dragon Boat Festival is an event worth checking out.

See here for my detailed guide to spending June in Taiwan .

July in Taiwan

Taiwan is July is characterized by crushing heat, and humidity that makes it feel even more intense. It’s the hottest month of the year in Taiwan. Get our early (or in the evening to explore the night markets and nightlife), and try not to plan too much sightseeing for the daytime; you’ll just wear yourself out. Dress in thin, light clothing and stay hydrated.

Some ways to beat the heat include water parks, beaches (here are my favorite beaches near Taipei ), river tracing, and icy deserts. Also don’t miss the Fulong International Sand Sculpture Festival and Taitung International Hot Air Balloon Festival .

The first typhoon of the year often arrives in July.

See here for my detailed guide to spending July in Taiwan .

August in Taiwan

July’s intense heat persists in August, and the month has a higher probability of typhoons. Still, many summer festivals and events take place, including Ghost Month, when locals believe the spirits of the deceased return to the earth and need to be appeased with offerings.

See here for my detailed guide to spending August in Taiwan .

September in Taiwan

Summer heat and humidity continues well into September; some find it still too hot, while others love it. Along with August, September has the highest probability of typhoons. With everyone back to work or school, though, September is one of the least crowded months of the year, making travel easier and beaches practically empty.

The Mid-Autumn Festival (or “Moon Festival”) usually falls in September, but in 2020 it was on October 1. Locals celebrate by having family barbecues on the street in front of their homes and by eating moon cakes.

See here for my detailed guide to spending September in Taiwan .

October in Taiwan

October weather in Taiwan is warm, clear, and relatively dry, making it ideal for hiking, cycling, and general sightseeing. Double 10 Day, the National Day, is a national holiday celebrated with a ceremony at the Presidential Building in Taipei (don’t go out of your way for it).

Halloween isn’t much of a thing unless you’re teaching kindergarten kids in Taiwan, but it can be a wild weekend to dress up and hit the night clubs in Taipei.

See here for my detailed guide to spending October in Taiwan .

November in Taiwan

The same thing happens every year; the weather remains lovely until around November 16, my birthday, when it suddenly becomes cold in Taipei. It’s easy to remember, because my birthday gathering often coincides with the first time of the year I have to wear long pants and a hoodie.

Still, like October, November tends to have mild and dry weather, so it is also a great time for hiking. Beach season is officially over in the north, though. You’ll also probably want to avoid the offshore islands from this month on, too.

See here for my detailed guide to spending November in Taiwan .

December in Taiwan

December can be a wild card in terms of weather. Often it feels like a continuation of autumn, and in recent years, we’ve even had strange bouts of unusually hot, shorts-and-T-shirt weather in December.

Christmas has sort of caught on in Taiwan, in terms of decorations, but the actual day is still a normal working day. Young people may exchange gifts or go out for a meal with friends, but it’s not a family event like in the West. Banqiao, a district of New Taipei City (where I happened to live for 5 years), puts on an over-the-top Christmas lights display; it’s worth battling the crowds just to see it once. An Asian Santa Claus even makes an appearance at some 5-star hotels in Taipei.

At some point in December it does usually start getting cold, though, and hundreds of thousands of people freeze their buns off while standing in the streets around Taipei 101 for the epic fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. Expect long lines and a steep cover charge to party anywhere that night.

See here for my detailed guide to spending December in Taiwan .

My Personal Favorite Season and Month in Taiwan

As someone who has lived in Taiwan for many years, I look forward to each season of the year for different reasons. I really love hot springs, and look forward to that aspect of winter. I also enjoy the break from hot weather, and as a multi-cultural family, I love that we get to celebrate both Christmas and Lunar New Year within a few months.

Warming weather in spring is always nice, and while I struggle with the heat and humidity in summer, nothing is more satisfying than a cold beer, or jumping into a cold river, in the middle of summer. Enduring a summer in Taiwan (typhoons included) is, in my opinion, the quintessential Taiwan experience.

But if I have to choose a single season that I love most, it is autumn, and October would have the be my personal favorite month of the year, thanks to those warm days and clear skies. It’s one of the few months of the year when I feel 100% comfortable outside and it is perfect for hiking and city explorations, my favorite activities.

Conclusion: When Is the Best Time to Visit Taiwan?

As you can see, there is no clear answer to the question “When is the best time to travel to Taiwan?” Many websites make claims or automatically generate a best month to go to Taiwan based on the least rain and middle-ground temperatures. But as I’m sure you can see after reading this article, the reality is more complex than that, and I personally believe each month of the year can be a perfect month to visit Taiwan for certain traveler types.

Just choose one that stands out for you, book it, and make the best of your trip. I’m sure you will love Taiwan; I’ve never met a traveler who didn’t.

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5 thoughts on “The Best Time to Visit Taiwan: A Month-by-Month Guide”

Thanks Nick for the recommendations.

Thank you for sharing! This is detailed and informative 🙂

Thanks Nicks for the recommendation. Plan to visit Taiwan in De

Hi Nick, great website you’ve put together 🙂 I have a trip booked from May 6th to 21st, and until now, completely overlooked that this is Plum Rain season. After 5 days in the Taipei area, I was planning to take the train to Hualien and Taitung where I would then start a road trip through Kenting and up to Alishan. Would it be wise to reschedule, or is there a chance the weather will be good (and safe) enough to enjoy Taiwan’s natural beauty to the fullest? Thank you!

No one can predict the weather perfectly, even professional weather forecasters. The best you can do is look at the month averages, which I’ve compiled (see my Taiwan in May article linked to in this article) and make an educated guess. Generally the rains start in the north then move south in late May to early April. But every year is different. As I write this (first week of May) it’s already raining off an on every day – not necessarily part of the Plums Rains yet, but rain like this can happen in any month of the year in taiwan.

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Home » Asia » Taiwan » Taipei

19 BEST Places to Visit in Taipei (2024 • MUST-SEE SIGHTS)

Taipei is the modern capital of Taiwan. The diverse city has a great infrastructure and it’s easy to explore the key places of interest in Taipei as well as travel to nearby cities and towns. From one of the tallest towers in the world and a globally renowned zoo to places of natural interest and terrific shopping, Taipei offers plenty for everyone.

Taipei doesn’t feature on many travellers’ radars, particularly people from outside of Asia, and is often overlooked in favour of other East Asian cities. It can be difficult to find information on what to see and do if you are planning a trip to Taipei, especially if you want to hit up more offbeat attractions and head off the beaten path.

With this ultimate list of the best places to visit in Taipei, you’ll be able to make sure to cover all the top attractions. No matter your age or travelling style you’ll find plenty of reasons to add Taipei to your travel wish list.

Warning: some of these best places to visit in Taipei are sure to surprise you!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Taipei:

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Datong is the perfect place to stay if you are travelling on a shoestring budget. It is located just north of Zhongzheng and remains very central to explore Taipei’s many destinations.

• Take a look at the humble features of the Confucius Temple
• On the contrary, marvel at Bao’an Temple, one of Taipei’s most ornate temples
• Try some local delicacies at the Ningxia Night Market

And now onto the fun stuff …my top picks for where to go in Taipei:

Ready for the breakdown of Taipei’s must-see places? Don’t miss these gems. These are the top things to see for crafting the ultimate Taipei itinerary!

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#1 – Taipei 101 – One of the most amazing places in Taipei

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• Eco-friendly structure
• Among the world’s tallest towers
• Rich symbolism
• Sweeping views

Why it’s awesome: This is top of the Taipei places to visit list for good reason. Up there, you feel top of the world! Shaped like a traditional pagoda and standing at 508 meters (1,667 feet) tall, the soaring Taipei 101 was once the world’s tallest tower. It’s is still said to be the biggest green building in the world, both because of the coloured glass on its facades and due to its many environmentally friendly features.

Steeped in symbolism, the impressive tower has 101 floors. One hundred is usually viewed as perfection, so this gleaming modern tower goes one step beyond being perfect! There’s a large and luxurious shopping mall next to the tower and inside there are various offices, an observation level, displays, a conference centre, and a VIP Club.

What to do there: Ride in the super-fast elevators to reach the observation levels, with both indoor and outdoor viewing areas to enjoy. Feast your eyes on the sweeping city views and see interesting displays related to the tower’s construction, use, and symbolism. Spot various symbolic features around the tower and see many of the best places in Taipei from a completely different perspective.

#2 – Taipei Zoo – Awesome place to visit in Taipei with kids

• Beautiful landscaping
• Home to diverse creatures
• Educational exhibits

Why it’s awesome: The largest zoo in Asia and one of the biggest zoos in the world, the modern and well-kept Taipei Zoo is often said to be among the best zoos on the planet. Spread over a large area, the zoo is home to an abundance of interesting species from across the globe.

Admission costs are low and it’s a fantastic place to spend a fun-filled day with the kids. Indeed, it’s one of the best places in Taipei for a family outing. There are various places to eat and drink throughout the zoo and the terrain is stroller friendly. Lush gardens, wide, open spaces, and educational displays add to the appeal.

What to do there: Plan to spend at least half a day (if not a whole day) exploring the large zoo. Seeing the cute pandas is often a highlight for many visitors, though don’t be disappointed if they are resting in the air conditioning! The children’s theatre, insectarium, and nocturnal animal house are also often popular with younger visitors.

#3 – Shilin Night Market – A must-see in Taipei for foodies!

• Array of items
• Lively vibe
• Lots of street food
• Popular with locals and tourists

Why it’s awesome: Large and lively, Shilin Night Market draws many locals and tourists alike every day of the week. Stalls spread through a maze of streets, and you’ll find a great selection of local goods and international brands, usually at discount prices.

Some places have fixed prices and there are somewhere you can haggle so make sure you perfect your haggling skills . It’s especially worth asking for discounts if you’re buying in bulk. It’s not only a great place for shopping, though; Shilin Night Market is also one of the top spots in Taipei for delicious street food. It’s veritable foodie heaven!

What to do there: Stroll along the streets, letting your senses guide you as you sample a huge selection of local cuisine. Inhale the rich aromas, watch as vendors cook up dishes on the spot, and see an exciting array of delicacies set out to tempt the hungry.

Sink your teeth into things like fried buns, dim sum, stinky tofu, tempura, grilled meats, oyster omelet, and much, much more. Once you think it couldn’t get any better, pop into the underground Shilin Night Market Food Court for even more mouth-watering treats! It really is one of the best places to eat in Taipei.

Another famous night market in Taipei if you liked the Shilin Night Market is the Ningxia Night Market which is another great place to try some street food.

Discover Taiwanese culture and cuisine on this exclusive tour . Sample a variety of snacks including pineapple cake, grilled octopus, mango shaved ice and more to experience the flavours of Taiwan.

#4 – Longshan Temple – One of the most religious places to see in Taipei

• Long history
• Gorgeous architecture
• Spiritual ambience
• Ornate statues

Why it’s awesome: Built in the late 1730s by people from Fujian, Taipei’s Longshan Temple became a major spiritual and community centre for settlers from mainland China; it was built in honour of an ancient temple in their home province.

Still an active place of worship today, it is also one of the most significant religious landmarks in Taipei. The Longshan Temple features ornate and colourful details and the vibe is tranquil and serene. It’s a place to go in Taipei to have a breather from the city.

What to do there: Admire the striking building from the outside, feasting your eyes on the decorative pillars and roof, statues, and grand doorways. Step inside, where you’ll likely see people praying and making merit, inhale the sweet smells of incense, and see even more spiritual statues and artwork.

Wander through the grand halls and pause to take in the details of the various altars. There are shrines to various Chinese gods and goddesses as well as to the Lord Buddha. As far as cultural places in Taipei go, this is one of the best.

Explore the origins of Taipei, experience authentic Taiwanese culture, discover the fascinating stories of our folk gods and learn how they influence the lives of believers in Taiwan during this Taiwan Cultural Walking Tour with a local guide.

#5 – Danshui River Mangrove Nature Reserve – One of the most underrated places to see in Taipei

• Interesting wildlife
• Pretty views
• Free attraction

Why it’s awesome: A short train ride from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Danshui River Mangrove Nature Reserve is an interesting and peaceful outdoor spot.

One of the coolest lesser-visited attractions in Taipei, there is no charge to explore the nature reserve. Also known as Tamsui River Mangrove Nature Reserve, the area protects the large Hongshulin mangrove swamp as well as all the creatures that call the salty swamp home.

What to do there: Step into the small but informative education centre to learn more about the swamp and its eco-diversity before wandering along the boardwalk. Peer into the mangroves to spot an array of flora and fauna. Some of the most unusual creatures to look out for are the curious mudskippers – fish that can walk on land.

You’re also likely to see crabs and many types of birds. The ambiance is calm and there are great views of city life in the distance.

#6 – Jiufen – A very cool place in Taipei to go for a day

• Great shopping
• Plenty of photo opportunities
• Stunning vistas
• Historical vibe

Why it’s awesome: Jiufen is an old gold mining town in the wider Taipei area. Built by the Japanese, it is perched on the craggy mountainside near the coast. Easy to reach by road and rail from the heart of the city, it’s one of the most picturesque places of interest in Taipei.

There’s an olde-worlde vibe and plenty to see and do. The covered shopping area is especially popular and the views are beautiful. The town has featured in a number of movies and TV shows and if you’re backpacking Taiwan , be sure to include Jiufen on your itinerary.

What to do there: Visit the ornate Chinese temple and soak up the sense of spirituality and stand at the nearby observation point to enjoy beautiful views out over the water. Explore the two main hillside pedestrian streets of Shuchi Street and Jishan Street, pausing to look in the assortment of shops filled with an array of goods.

Stop for refreshments in a charming tea house and refuel in one of the traditional restaurants.

Although no longer open to visitors, you can see the outside of the historic Taiyang Co. Ruifang mining Operation Office and the now-derelict Jiufen Shingpeng Theatre, which was one of the earliest theatres in Taiwan. Feeling active? Go hiking up Mount Jilong and enjoy the terrific vistas!

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#7 – National Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall – Possibly one of the most important places to visit in Taipei

• Magnificent building
• Interesting and educational displays
• Traditional guards
• Beautiful grounds

Why it’s awesome: Among the most famous places in Taiwan, the National Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is a well-known city landmark and a popular tourist attraction. Located at one end of the large Liberty Square, the iconic blue and white building is an attractive sight.

Open since 1980, it was constructed to honour the memory of the late president. Inside there is a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai Shek, guarded by solemn-looking soldiers in ceremonial uniforms, as well as educational displays and a library.

What to do there: Climb the 89 steps that lead to the upper level of the memorial hall, noting that the number of steps represents the age at which the former leader died. See the large statue of the late leader and snap some pictures of the smartly dressed guards. Descend back to ground level to learn more about the leader and Taiwan’s history in the museum.

There are many interesting objects and artifacts and comprehensive information is provided in English as well as Chinese languages. It’s one of the best places to visit in Taipei to get more of a sense of the culture and history of Taiwan.

#8 – Fort San Domingo – One of Taipei’s coolest historical sites

• One of Taiwan’s oldest buildings
• Controlled by various powers throughout history
• Informative displays
• Pleasant gardens

Why it’s awesome: Located in Tamsui, the striking red-colored fortress of San Domingo stands on the site of an earlier wooden fort. The original fortress was built by the Spanish, while the present building was constructed in the 1640s by the Dutch. It was later expanded and fortified further by the Qing regime and served as the British consulate from 1868.

It was occupied by the Japanese during the Pacific War, then later passed back to British control. One of the oldest buildings in Taiwan, today it is a National Historic Site and among the most popular tourist attractions in Taipei’s district of Tamsui.

What to do there: Pay the reasonable admission fee and climb the shaded steps to reach the entrance to the historic fortress. See the flag flying proudly above before following the sightseeing route through the fortress’s diverse areas.

In addition to the red fort, the site also has the original gate that was constructed during the Qing era, leafy gardens, and the English-style former residence of the British Consul. You can learn more about Taiwan’s history and see varied displays, period furnishings, and artifacts.

#9 – Houtong – Quite the quirky place to visit in Taipei!

• Former mining town
• Home to many cats
• Unusual features

Why it’s awesome: A short train ride from the heart of Taipei brings you to Houtong, an old coal-mining town built by the Japanese that is now known for its many felines. The hillside town was abandoned when the mines dried up, leaving cats to roam free, multiply, and claim the space as their own.

Today, Houtong is a Taipei must-see for any animal lover, particularly those with a penchant for cats. Volunteers care for the animals and have created many cool and quirky cat-themed attractions. I dunno about you, but this is my personal best place to visit in Taipei!

What to do there: Get up close and personal with the friendly cats that call Houtong home. You can buy food to pamper the kitties, but don’t feed them human treats as it can make them sick.

See the feline-themed artworks that adorn many walls, spot the small houses built to afford shelter to the strays, and enjoy snacks and drinks in one of the quaint cafes. There are plenty of great photo opportunities and you can purchase a range of cat-themed memorabilia.

Cat town: top sight in Taipei!

#10 – Beitou – Great place to visit in Taipei for couples

• Unusual sights
• Diverse museums
• Places of natural interest in Taipei

Why it’s awesome: Although soaking in hot springs may not be the most obvious choice of things to do when experiencing hot and humid conditions, taking a dip is surprisingly relaxing and soothing. Beitou Hot Springs has a number of well-maintained and clean hot springs, with private changing areas and lockers.

Signs clearly state the temperature of each pool. It’s one of the best public hot springs around the city, though you will also find some private hot springs if you want a more exclusive experience. Beitou also boasts stunning geothermal features and several interesting attractions.

What to do there: Melt your problems away! If you’re looking for things to do in Taipei to take your mind off all those measly problems you left back home, this is the place to go!

Marvel at the milky blue steaming waters of Beitou Thermal Valley, also known as Hell Valley (closed on Mondays), set in beautiful natural surroundings. Discover more about the area at Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Ketagalan Culture Center, and Beitou Library. Stroll through the scenic Beitou Hot Spring Park and Plum Garden, visit the small and secluded Puji Temple, and soothe away any aches and pains in the hot springs.

#11 – Ximending – A great place in Taipei if you love to shop!

• Youthful vibe
• Energetic at night time
• Japanese influence

Why it’s awesome: Ximending is one of the best places to visit in Taipei if you’re looking for cool shopping with a trendy and youthful vibe. Lively by day and by night, it has a wealth of recreational and leisure options too. Made popular when there was a heavy Japanese presence in Taiwan , it has gone from strength to strength since the 1980s.

It’s easy to spot the Japanese influences still today, though there is also a strong local feeling too. Brimming with clothes shops and accessory stores, the area also has cool karaoke joints, cinemas, and eateries.

What to do there: Spend hours browsing in a large variety of stores in Ximending, trying not to get swept away in the exuberant crowds. It’s an especially great place to shop in Taipei for alternative styles and items generally associated with various sub-cultures. Try out new fashions and perhaps add some funky pieces to your wardrobe. Stop for a bite to eat in one of the local restaurants and, as night falls, sing your heart out in one of the KTVs.

#12 – Ghost Mask Museum – One of the more unique places to visit in Taipei

• Quirky attraction
• Cultural and spiritual insights
• Hand-made items
• Lesser-visited museum

Why it’s awesome: The Ghost Mask Museum started life as one man’s private collection of hand-made ghostly masks. Nestled down a quiet alley, visitors can peer at some 1,500 unusual masks, with some that are rather grotesque and others that border on the comedic. Seeing the creepy collection of masks is definitely among the most unusual things to do in Taipei!

What to do there: Gaze in curiosity at the large collection of masks created by sculptor Wu Jyh Chyang and appreciate the effort and passion that must have gone into painstakingly creating each item by hand. Some masks are embellished with various items, including animal hair, cigarette butts, and scraps of cloth.

The museum provides insights into local ghost beliefs and some seek to teach valuable life lessons and warn of punishments that await one in the afterlife if people fail to live a righteous life. This may not be the top must-see in Taipei for those with a deep-seated fear of their own mortality… but I think it’s awesome!

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#13 – Taipei Botanical Garden – One of the nicer places in Taipei to sightsee!

• Centre for botanical research
• Pleasant walking trails
• Various gardens
• Wide selection of plants

Why it’s awesome:   Switching gears from Taipei’s more morbid attractions, the Taipei Botanical Garden is home to some 1,500 species of plants… and super pretty! Established as a botanical garden by the Japanese in the early 1920s, there has been a garden at the same place for many decades. The pretty and peaceful garden is split between 17 different areas, with historical buildings, sparkling ponds, and well-maintained footpaths too.

What to do there: Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque botanical garden, admiring a wide range of plants and flowers from different parts of the world. There are species native to the island of Taiwan, as well as those from neighbouring nations and farther afield. Some species are rare and there’s good information provided about the various flora.

#14 – Taipei Fine Arts Museum – A great place to visit in Taipei if you are alone/traveling solo

• Lovely building
• Interesting art works
• Activities for kids
• Learning opportunities

Why it’s awesome: The Fine Arts Museum is a Taipei must-do for anyone interested in art. A great place for solo travellers to immerse themselves in visual creativity, the museum has been capturing people’s interest since 1983. It was Taiwan’s first art museum to focus on contemporary and modern art. Now located at Taipei Expo Park, it’s a cool place to go in Taipei to escape the heat and enjoy a few hours in air-conditioned comfort.

The building has interesting architectural elements and there are many thought-provoking and stimulating art pieces to enjoy. There are regularly changing temporary displays in addition to the permanent exhibits, and the museum often hosts a range of special events.

What to do there: Wander along the tube-like suspended corridors, soaking up the Chinese influences, peer out through the gigantic windows to see nearby landmarks and open spaces, and, of course, feast your eyes on an abundance of fascinating art. Pieces span from the start of the twentieth century to the present day and there are works by both local and international artists.

Aiming to take visitors through the history of art in Taiwan, the museum also houses a number of antiques alongside modern works. If you’re visiting Taipei with children, don’t miss popping into the Children’s Art Education Centre too because kids love museums of fine art!

If you want to visit some more sites in the area, the Taipei Confucius Temple is just a ten-minute walk away and is a really stunning Chinese temple that doesn’t take too long to see.

#15 – Yehliu Geopark – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Taipei

• Natural attraction
• Splendid views
• Brilliant photo opportunities
• Coastal setting

Why it’s awesome: Yehliu Geopark is a fascinating natural attraction to add to your bucket list when you travel to Taipei. Although fairly remote, it is easy to reach by bus, making it an ideal day trip from Taipei. There are many interesting geological formations, created by the mighty powers of Mother Nature over thousands of years. The unusual landscapes are photogenic and there are amazing views out over the ocean so make sure you bring your camera !

What to do there: Walk along the coast, soaking up the views and marvelling at the unusual rocky landscapes. The cape runs for around 1,700 metres (5,577 feet), and highlights include features named the Kissing Rock, Sea Candles, Ice Cream Rock, Elephant Rock, Fairy Shoe, and Ginger Rocks. Take plenty of pictures of the stunning Queen’s Head. You can also pay a visit to the nearby Yehliu Ocean World where you can observe an interesting selection of aquatic creatures.

#16 – Dahu Park – A cool place to see in Taipei with friends

• Enjoy being outdoors
• Lake and mountain vistas
• Varied activities
• Home to local wildlife

Why it’s awesome: Located in the Neihu District of Taipei, Dahu Park was established in 1979. One of the city’s prettiest parks, it is known for its large and scenic lake. The park sits in the shadow of Mt. Bailushi. There are various leisure options and it’s one of the best Taipei vacation ideas for families and groups of friends looking for somewhere to unwind in nature.

Combining natural and man-made features, there’s plenty to keep you occupied for several hours and it’s also one of the best places to stay in Taipei . If you visit Taipei on the weekend you’ll likely find the park teeming with local families, but if you go on a weekday you can enjoy a quieter ambiance.

What to do there: Cross the pretty Jindai Bridge that spans the large Egret Lake and enjoy the views of the lake and the surrounding nature.

Follow nature trails through the park and spot diverse flora and fauna, relax in the traditional Chinese-style pagoda next to the water’s edge, have a go at fishing, unwind in the heated swimming pool, and enjoy a little TLC in the sauna and steam room. If you’re feeling active, climb Mt. Bailushi for terrific views over the area.

#17 – Taipei City Mall – The Underground Mall in Taipei

• A great place to shop for boutique clothing and souveniers
• Easily connected to Taipei Main Station
• The oldest market in Taipei
• A cool place to pass the time

Why it’s awesome: Taipei City Mall is an underground mall between the Daan and Zhongzheng districts in Taipei City. It was the first underground market to open in Taipei City though it’s had its share of history. In the 90s, the government decided to knock down the original market and build a new one. It opened in the year 2000, eight years later, and provided shops for the 810 market stalls that originally stood there.

Now, the 825-meter long underground mall is composed of modern shops, filled with boutique brands and traditional stalls intertwined. It connects to Taipei Main Station and the metro, which is right underneath the mall. So it’s pretty easy to get to.

What to do there: shop until you drop! It’s a mall, so of course, it’s the place to be to buy clothing and souvenirs. You can find contemporary brands or something a little more traditional, or you can find a cafe or restaurant to relax in and enjoy some good food.

#18 – Yangmingshan National Park – The Most Beautiful National Park in Taipei

• One of the 9 National Parks in Taiwan
• A great place to enjoy nature and being outdoors
• Hiking and wildlife activities available
• A quiet place to escape the busy city center

Why it’s awesome: The Yangmingshan National Park is one of nine national parks in Taiwan and is conveniently located between Taipei and New Taipei City. 

Historically referred to as Caoshan (which means Green Mountain in English) the national park is a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are some nice scenic spots in the park to enjoy a nice picnic or you can just enjoy being out in nature.

You’ll find hiking trails that take you through stunning gardens, over rolling landscapes and past the hot springs. If you are staying in Taipei City for more than a week I would definitely recommend taking the trip up here.

If you don’t have a lot of time and you want to see some nature, consider checking out the Elephant Mountain hike. The Elephant Mountain is located within the city close to the Xiangshan MRT Station.

What to do there: As it’s a national park, the best thing to do here is to unwind in nature and just stroll around the hills and gardens. 

If you’re visiting on a weekend, you can only get to the national park by bus. From Taipei Main Station, take the 260 bus or the Red 30/208 from Jiantan MRT Station. These buses will drop you off at Yangmingshan bus station where it’s just a 700 meter walk to the park entrance.

#19 – National Palace Museum – The Largest Collection of Chinese Artifacts in The World

• Largest collection of Chinese artefacts in the world
• In a gorgeous building that’s worthy of Instagram photos
• Located in the Shilin district, perfect for those who want street food after
• A nice, quiet indoor activity to do when it rains

Why it’s awesome: The National Palace Museum is known for its permanent collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of Chinese artwork, relics, and artifacts. This is the largest collection of its type in the world. 

Spanning 8,000 years of Chinese history, mostly from the Ming and Qing dynasty, but also dating as far back as the neolithic age. The collection of high-quality pieces was usually collected by Chinese emperors, and they are now on display for public viewing. 

Many of the artifacts used to be housed in the Forbidden City in Beijing, but during the Civil War in China, many items were moved to Taipei to protect them from getting destroyed in the conflict.

A total of 2,972 crates of artifacts were moved from the Forbidden City, which was only 22% of the original number of crates due to be sent here, but it is said that the pieces that made it to the National Palace Museum represented some of the very best of the collection.

What to do there: Walk around and enjoy the incredible artifacts, from pottery and ceramics, weapons, paintings, clothing, and tools. There’s so much to see here, it could easily take you a whole day. 

The exterior is also one of the most beautiful buildings in Taipei City. You should take your time to admire the outside as well as inside. It’s also located in the Shilin District, so if you go in the afternoon, you can head to the night market for some food after.

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Find out what people want to know about the where to go in Taipei.

What is a free place to visit in Taipei?

The Danshui River Mangrove Nature Reserve is free to visit and a beautiful area in Taipei.

How many days should I spend in Taipei?

Taipei is a city you can see in a long weekend. 2 or 3 days is enough to see all the main highlights, but you might want to hang around longer if you want to do the hikes too.

What is Taipei famous for?

Taipei is famous for being the capital of Taiwan and the birthplace to bubble tea.

Is Taipei an expensive place to visit?

Yes, Taipei is generally quite expensive. However, it is still cheaper than Japan.

So, Taiwan is awesome and so is the capital; Taipei is filled with beautiful places to see indulging in rich culture and vibrant history.

I’d even say that Taiwan is criminally unexplored when compared to its other East Asian neighbours.

There’s no shortage of secrets in the city if you’re aching to break away from Taipei’s tourist attractions. Even if you stick to visiting Taipei’s popular places, you’re still going to have an awesome time!

Taiwan is a fantastic little island and another gem of East Asia with its own unique history.

When you get there, make sure you soak it up. Go to some places, hit up Taipei’s best destinations, and, most of all, eat yourself into that mother of all food comas at one of the incredible night markets, because there are so many. Whether you go to the Shilin Night Markets, Raohe Night Markets or Ningxia Night Market, don’t be afraid to try some BBQ.

And, most of all, have a blast!

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I want to buy a large paper map of Taipei that has the street names written in pinyin. Do you know where I can buy this kind of map?

I’m curious but I’ve read that the Ghost Mask Museum now has been closed. Do you know anything about this?

We haven’t heard about this. We don’t have anybody on the ground to go and check so if you find anything, please do let us know!

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6 Destinations to Visit in TAIWAN Other Than Taipei

Taiwan has a total land area of 36,000 square kilometers and is divided into four regions: Northern, Central, Southern, and Eastern (and offshore islands). These four areas have distinct characteristics, serving visitors with a buffet of unique travel destinations.

Navigating Taiwan is easy. The transport system is one of the most efficient in the world, so efficient that it is possible to travel from north to south and back within a day! To give you a clear picture, going from Taipei to Kaohsiung, the island’s southernmost city, can be completed in as short as 1hr 36mins (96mins) via Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR).

Taiwan’s capital and largest city is Taipei. Since we’ve been gushing over Taipei in our previous posts, this article will focus on the destinations in the other three regions. Taipei is connected to the other cities through their extensive railway and highway network, but you can also reach many of these cities by air. If you’re coming from Manila, you can fly to Kaohsiung, Hualien, and Tainan with EVA Air, but it will also connect in Taipei.

If you want to know more about Taipei, here’s our Taipei Budget Travel Guide or if you are curious about the free things to do and places to see there, discover these 10 FREE Things to Do in Taipei .

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Nearest Airport: Taichung International Airport Train Station: THSR Taichung Station (in Wuri District); TRA Taichung Station (in Central District)

Central Taiwan is characterized by a mixture of verdant natural scenery, vibrant modern metropolis, and nostalgic cultural heritage. Taichung, the third largest city in Taiwan, best represents the region with its well-preserved historical and cultural sites, thriving trade and business scene, and lush surroundings. All these and its relatively drier climate and cheaper housing costs elevate Taichung to its status as an international-class city.

If coming from Taoyuan Airport, here’s how to get there.

• From Taoyuan International Airport, take the newly opened Airport MRT System going south to THSR Taoyuan Station (NT$30; 20 mins). Another option is to take the airport shuttle bus (NT$15-NT$30 one way; 25 mins).
• From THSR Taoyuan Station, purchase ticket going to THSR Taichung Station (NT$260-NT$805; 30 mins).
• From THSR Taichung Station, you can either ride a local train going to Taichung Station (TRA Western Line/Mountain Line) located in Central District, Taichung City (6 mins) or take a free shuttle bus (for THSR passengers only) going downtown and to the university district.

Klook is offering 20% discount for a one-way THSR ticket for this journey. All you need to do is present your printed or mobile voucher and your passport at the THSR Ticket Counter. For non-reserved seat, you can claim your ticket anytime you want on the chosen date.

Top Taichung Attractions

• Chung-she Flower Garden . Central Taiwan is also popular for its numerous flower markets. Chung-she Flower Garden treats its guests with visual feast any time of the year. It is notable for its success in growing tulips in low altitude areas of Central Taiwan. The place provides not only colorful getaway for families and friends but also a romantic backdrop for couples. Ready your cameras! Admission Fee: NT$150 Operation Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm (Monday to Friday); 9:00am – 9:00pm (Saturday & Sunday) Location: No. 469-13, Sanfeng Road, Houli District, Taichung City
• Rainbow Village . In order to save the remaining veteran villages that were slowly being demolished to give way to modern buildings, one veteran Kuomintang soldier, Mr Huang Yongfu, decided to paint the walls and alleys with different colorful figures. This small area unexpectedly gained so much attention from locals and foreigners alike. Get a chance to see Mr Huang in action and support his craft. The vibrant paintings are very welcoming. Admission Fee: FREE Operation Hours: 8:30am – 6:00pm (Daily) Location: Lane 56, Chun’an Road, Nantun District, Taichung City
• Chun Shui Tang Teahouse . Taichung is the birthplace of the widespread phenomenon that is bubble tea! Teahouse owner Liu Han Chie got his idea of serving cold teas in the early 1980s while his product development manager, Lin Hsiu Hui, thought of adding tapioca balls. Bubble tea (or locally known as “bobi”) was officially introduced to the market in 1988, starting what would eventually become one of Taiwan’s trademark drinks. Today, pearl milk teas are popular, with many different versions popping up, not only in Taiwan but also internationally. Operation Hours: 8:00am – 10:00pm Location: No. 30, Si Wei Street, Taichung City
• Maple Garden
• Fushoushan Farm
• Calligraphy Greenway
• Taichung Metropolitan Opera House
• National Museum of Natural Science
• Tunghai University
• Fenjia Night Market

Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon lake is the largest lake in Taiwan. Locals and foreigners alike flock to this lake, making it one of the most popular attractions. The east side of the lake looks like a sun, while the west side resembles a moon; it figures. The lake is located in Nantou County, but you can still go here on a day trip from other cities.

If you’re staying in Taichung and you want to visit Sun Moon Lake on a day tour without worrying much about getting there and going around the area, Klook offers a hassle-free Sun Moon Lake Day Tour inclusive of boat cruise plus insurance, lunch, and hotel pick up and drop off. Places and activities covered are:

• Shuiwatou Trail (20mins)
• Xiangshan Visitor Center (30mins)
• Sun Moon Lake Boat Cruise (60mins)
• Visit food and souvenir market (30mins)
• Ci’en Pagoda
• Hiking trail (20mins)
• Visit Wenwu Temple (60mins)

Alishan National Scenic Area

Nearest Airport: Chiayi Airport Admission Fee: NT$200 (Weekend/Holiday); NT$150 (Non-holiday/Weekday/Visitors who arrive on public transport/More than 20 full price ticket purchase); NT$100 (Students/Children/Servicemen); NT$10 (Senior Citizen/Children under 120cm); FREE (PWD) Operation Hours: 24 hours (all year round) Location: Alishan Township

Southern Taiwan is characterized by tropical weather, various plantations, sandy beaches, and mountains (although not as intimidating as those in Central Taiwan). Chiayi County has some of the notable tourist attractions in Taiwan, but the most significant one is the Alishan National Scenic Area, one of the three major national parks in the county, which covers almost the entire Alishan township.

Alishan National Park is tailor-fit for those who favor communing with nature as a way of restoring their zest for life and adventure. The best time to go is during summer and cherry blossom season.

Other Attractions in Chiayi: Southwest Coast National Scenic Area, Siraya National Scenic Area, Meishan Park, Haomeiliao Wetland, Ping Huang Coffee Museum, Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, and many more.

If you’re coming from Taoyuan Airport, here’s how to get there.

• From Taoyuan International Airport, take the newly opened Airport MRT System going south to THSR Taoyuan Station (NT$30; 20 mins). Another option is to take the airport shuttle bus (NT$15 one way; 25 mins).
• From THSR Taoyuan Station, purchase ticket going to THSR Chiayi Station (NT$445-NT$1260; 63 mins). Since THSR Chiayi Station is located in Taibao City, which is the county capital, it’s easy to get to where you want from here.

If your destination is Alishan National Park, at Chiayi Station, you can take the train or the bus.

• By Train. Via Alishan Mountain Railway Chiayi Station to Fengqihu Station; NT$384, 2 hours. Then, take coach bus from Fengqihu to Alishan.
• By Bus. Bus service from THSR Chiayi Station to Alishan; Around NT$300, 2.5 hours.

Securing your tickets and slots can be a bit tedious. Train tickets get easily sold out, sometimes stretching for days. Klook is offering Alishan Mountain Tour inclusive of pick up and drop off, so you don’t have to worry about your transportation. Other inclusions are:

• Tsou Dance Performance ticket
• Services of an English-speaking guide
• Aboriginal lunch

One-Day Trip Option Itinerary: Starts at 9am. Pass by Zhongpu, Aboriginal meal at Longmei, Tsou dance performance, Alishan Forest Recreation Area. Ends at 5pm or 6pm.

Two-Day Trip Option Itinerary: Day 1 itinerary + take train to see sunrise at 4am (optional), Alishan visitor center, Fenqihu Old Street, Lunch, Yanping Mountain waterfall trail, Chukou (Everlasting Bridge). Ends at 5pm or 6pm.

Nearest Airport: Tainan Airport Train Station: THSR Tainan Station (in Guiren District); TRA Tainan Station (in the old town square of Tainan)

Tainan is not only an important place in the southern region but also in the whole of Taiwan. It is the oldest city in the country and, understandably so, the birthplace of Taiwan. Many historic sites can be found here. Here’s how to get there from Taoyuan Airport.

• From THSR Taoyuan Station, purchase ticket going to THSR Tainan Station (NT$575-NT$1590; 65 mins).
• From THSR Tainan Station, you can either ride a local train going to Tainan Station (TRA Western Line/Mountain Line) located in the city center, or take a free shuttle bus (for THSR passengers only) going to the city center.

Tainan Historical Tour

If you want to explore more of Tainan’s history and heritage, Klook is offering a tour inclusive of hotel pick up and drop off (hotels in downtown Tainan, Tainan Railway Station, and Tainan HSR Station), admission tickets, and insurance, among others. One of the stops is Old Merchant House of Tait & Co , where visitors will learn about how foreign trade and industry in Taiwan started and flourished before the Japanese came. The places covered are:

• Eternal Golden Castle
• Old Tait & Co. Merchant House & Tree House
• Local place to eat Tainan snacks
• Wushantou Reservoir Scenic Area
• Xinhua Old Street

Other Tainan Attractions

• Anping Old Street . Yanping Street, also known as Anping Old Street, is the oldest merchant street in the area. As the original settlement of Dutch, it gained its title as “Taiwan’s First Street”, being first to be constructed by the Dutch people. Admission is FREE.
• Blue Print Culture and Creative Park . Opened to the public in 2015, this former Japanese government dormitory became one of the most visited and most photographed places in Tainan. The murals and graffiti, the art installations, art studios, and quirky shops make this compound a selfie-worthy destination. Do not miss the photo opportunity! Admission Fee: FREE
• Ten-Drum Rende Creative Park
• Chi Mei Museum
• Tainan Flowers Night Market
• Anping Great Fort

Nearest Airport: Kaohsiung International Airport Train Station: THSR Zuoying Station; TRA Kaohsiung Station (Western Line and Pingtung Line)

Another city in the southwestern part of Taiwan is Kaohsiung. It is the second largest city in Taiwan, gaining its status as an international metropolis of the south.

• From THSR Taoyuan Station, purchase ticket going to THSR Zuoying Station (NT$645-NT$1760; 75 mins).
• From THSR Zuoying Station, take MRT Red Line going to the city center (NT$20-NT$25).

E-DA Theme Park

Admission Fee: Adult, NT$899; Students/Children, NT$799; Senior Citizen, Children below 12y/o & Pregnant Women, NT$580; PWD, NT$450 Operation Hours: 9:00am – 5:30pm (Daily) Location: No. 10, Section 1, Xuecheng Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City

Although exuding youthful vibe, this Greek-inspired theme park is definitely for all ages. The theme park is one of E-DA World’s extensive vacation complex, consisting of shopping mall, university, and hotels, among others. It features not only outdoor rides but also indoor entertainment.

If you want to experience E-DA Theme Park for less, Klook is offering discounted tickets for foreign visitors. It is inclusive of:

• 2 E-Da Theme Park adult tickets
• 2 meals (Japanese Donburi)
• E-Da Theme Park postcard set
• E-Da outlet shopping mall coupon

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center

Admission Fee: FREE Operation Hours: 9:00am – 7:00pm (Weekdays); 9:00am – 8:00pm (Weekends) Location: No. 1, Tongling Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City

Built in the 1960s, this 30-hectare is the site of the biggest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. Literally means “Buddha’s Light Mountain”, Fo Guang Shan complex is surrounded by lush forest, eliciting a calming ambiance while you marvel at the massive pagodas and the golden Buddha statue.

If you have extra budget and time and you want to experience more, Klook is offering this tour plus a visit to Cheng Ching Lake inclusive of hotel pick up and drop off and insurance.

Kaohsiung Night Tour

If you fancy exploring Kaohsiung during nighttime, taking the Love River cruise is the best way to do it. Let the colorful lights illuminating the bridges reward you with fantastic view of the river and the skyscrapers. Klook is offering Kaohsiung Night Tour including hotel pick up and drop off, insurance, ticket admission, and more! Other places to visit are:

• British Consulate Residence
• Liouhe Night Market

Other Kaohsiung Attractions in Kaohsiung

• Xizi Bay Scenic Area
• Pier 2 Art Center
• Kaohsiung Rose Basilica
• Old City of Zuoying
• Meinong’s Hakka Village
• Reifeng Night Market

Taroko Gorge and Hualien City

Nearest Airport: Hualien Airport Train Station: TRA Hualien Station; TRA Xincheng Taroko Station

Unlike the crowded Western side of Taiwan, Eastern Taiwan is characterized by dense forest and unspoiled coastlines. The destination that best represents this lush region is none other than Taiwan’s biggest county — Hualien. With the Pacific Ocean greeting from the east side and the Central Ridge from the west, it is no wonder that Hualien has a great deal of national scenic areas that adventure-seekers will find satisfying.

• From Taoyuan International Airport, take the newly opened Airport MRT System going north to Taipei Main Station (NT$160; 35 mins). Another option is to take the bus (NT$65 one way; 55 mins).
• From Taipei Main Station, take the Puyuma Express (Tzu Chiang trains) going to Hualien Station. (NT$440-NT$500; 2hrs). Note that ticket for Puyuma Express should be booked online in advance.
• Get off at Hualien Station.

Top Hualien Attractions

We have separate posts for the attractions in Taroko Gorge and Hualien City. See links below:

• Taroko Gorge
• Hualien City

Where to Stay: Taiwan Hotels

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 7️⃣ • 2️⃣6️⃣ 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 3️⃣ • 2️⃣4️⃣ (Updated)

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For a 7 day trip, which of these places on your list would be your top picks?

For me, Taipei > Hualien (Taroko Gorge) > East Coast Scenic Area

Great! Thanks for your sharing. i’m going to Taiwan in this summer…kakaka keep posting.

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10 Beautiful Places to Visit in the Taiwanese Countryside

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My visit to Taiwan was a blast. The country has many beautiful features that resonated with me. From the dramatic mountain views to the peaceful scenes at its lakes, and from its colorful temples to its famous skyscrapers, Taiwan left me longing to return someday after our trip.

Motivated to revisit Taiwan, I started researching more destinations in Taiwan that might be worth exploring on my next visit. However, this time, I focused not on the top attractions, but on the lesser-known spots that could make my Taiwan trip more unique. I aimed for new discoveries, less busy attractions, and more relaxing destinations.

After some research, I found that most of these spots are located in the countryside. In this blog post, I’m going to share all the beautiful countryside destinations that I’ve discovered. Let’s go!

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a tiny commission at no additional cost to you.

Use the table of contents to skip to topics.

Check out my other posts about Taiwan !

If you need assistance in exploring Taiwan, you can begin your search for guides and tours here . If you’re looking for accommodation for your trip, this site offers the best hotel deals . Alright! Enjoy reading!

Here’s something useful : I’ve included the routes, tours, and activities for each destination. This information will help you plan your itinerary when visiting the various destinations in the Taiwanese countryside. Additionally, you’ll find tips to help you get the most out of your visit.

1. Cingjing Farm

“The Mixed European and Taiwanese Countryside Destination”

Cingjing Farm, also known as Evergreen Grassland, is a vast green pasture with a stunning mountain range in the backdrop.

Here at Cingjing Farm, visitors can see the core mountain tops of the Puli Basin, glowing slopes, and valleys. The unparalleled beauty of the natural surroundings of Cingjing Farm, its flora & fauna, and the emerald meadow will help you relax and make you forget about time.

As an Asian, what appeals to me most about Cingjing Farm is its Western vibe. The sights, the hotels, and the fields will make you feel as if you are in Europe or New Zealand. Because of this, I am thrilled at the prospect of returning to Taiwan anytime soon.

I am also somewhat excited to see the animals in Cingjing Farm that I have never seen before, such as the Aberdeen Angus cow, Barbado Sheep, Arab Horse, Corriedale lamb, and Hereford cow.

Cingjing Farm is located in Renai Township, Nantou County. To get to Cingjing Farm from Taipei, first take the THSR to Taichung. Then, board a bus bound for Nantou. Get off at the Puli stop and switch to a bus on the Puli-Songgang or Puli-Cuifeng (Cuifong) route. Request to be dropped off at Cingjing Farm.

• Cingjing Farm has many trails where visitors can spend time sightseeing, enjoying incredible mountain views, and breathing fresh air. Try the Mountain View Trail, Cuihu Trail, Tea Garden Walk, Great Wall Trail, and Backgammon Ascent Trail. However, don’t miss the Sunset Trail at sunset and the Cherry Blossoms Trail in spring.
• Try the 1.2-kilometer Cingjing Skywalk, situated 1700-2000 meters above sea level. It is the longest skywalk in Taiwan, connecting the Green Green Grassland and the Cingjing Guest House.
• Feed and interact with the sheep and cows roaming around the farm or the Green Green Grasslands. Animal feed can be bought from the dispenser machines for only 50 NTD.
• Watch the sheep shearing show (New Zealand-style) at the eastern edge of the Green Green Grasslands.
• Attend the show where the shepherds lead the sheep with shepherd dogs using fascinating commands and whistles.
• Take a quick journey to Switzerland by visiting the Small Swiss Garden. Walk around the garden under trees such as the green maple, formosana, beech, elm, and deciduous pine. There are adorable sculptures, flower-lined paths, and a miniature windmill to check out too. Enjoy the LED artificial sunflowers and illuminated fountains at night, which brighten the garden.
• See the Horsemanship Show Stage, where professional equestrians and acrobats perform. There, different horses from many parts of the world present enthralling tricks and fun for all audiences.
• Teach kids to ride ponies.

For more information, please see the official website of Cingjing Farm .

“Cozy and Soulful Countryside of Taiwan”

We never really planned to go to Jiufen when we visited Taiwan. I had heard it was already a mainstream destination, and many people flock to Jiufen daily. I wanted to have a peaceful getaway and avoid the crowds as well.

However, after a few weeks, my coworker also traveled to Taiwan. When he came back, he showed me his photos from Jiufen. I realized that it is a place I must visit the next time I go to Taiwan.

Jiufen is a town founded on the side of a hill, slightly inland from the Pacific Ocean. I can totally imagine the view from Jiufen, and I can already sense the awe I’ll get from it!

This town is well-known for its Bihai Mountain, Japanese-style nostalgic architecture, small alleyways in its old town, and street food treats. Jiufen’s historic downtown area, lined by two pedestrian streets: Jishan Street and Shuchi Street, is the main attraction for tourists.

With the beautiful Chinese lanterns hanging above, I know I will love the overall vibes that Jiufen has.

Jiufen is only an hour and a half northeast of Taipei (Ruifang District, New Taipei City). Most travelers get to Jiufen by bus. There are two routes available:

• From the Adventist Hospital bus stop on Bade Road in Taipei, wait for and take the Jiufen bus #1062.
• Take the same Jiufen #1062 bus from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT station Exit #1 or Songshan station in Taipei.

However, since Jiufen is in the north of Taiwan, you might want to consider visiting nearby places after Jiufen to make the most of your day.

• Visit downtown Jiufen (Old Street) – The district is known for its historic eateries, shops, and teahouses. It is the spot where tourists can relive the past by trying local specialties and buying handicrafts and other trinkets. The area also offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the harbor on the shores.
• Have tea at a Traditional Teahouse while watching the sunset – Jiufen’s traditional teahouses are exceptionally atmospheric. They offer a traditional tea experience, often with stunning coastline views. It is advisable to visit one just before sunset and watch as the towns along the coast begin to light up. Many say that the night view from Jiufen is better than during the day.
• Explore Keelung Mountain – Mount Jilong, also known as Keelung Mountain, is a quick but exhausting climb that takes most people about 30 minutes to reach the summit. But along the way and at the top, you’ll get panoramic views of Jiufen’s scenery and the mountains. Hiking can be tiring, but the views are simply priceless.
• Photo Ops with Traditional Chinese Clothing – Chipao Chinese Dress Rental, located across from the Jiufen bus stops, allows for the rental of Chinese clothes to match your vibe with Jiufen’s beautiful lantern-lighted streets.

For more information, please see the official website of Taiwan/Jiufen .

3. Jinguashi

“The Countryside Destination in Taiwan Where the Mountains and Sea Meet”

During my research, I found that the closest place to Jiufen is Jinguashih. If you walk, it’s only 30 minutes away from Jiufen’s Old Street.

Jinguashi is famous for its gold and copper mines. Like Jiufen, Jinguashi is located between mountains and coasts, offering incredibly beautiful views. The area is rich in historical artifacts from its mining days. This makes it a great place to visit in northern Taiwan.

If you plan to go directly to Jinguashi, you need to take a bus that is going to Ruifang Station. Once you reach Ruifang Station, there are buses that go straight to the Gold Ecological Park in Jinguashi.

• Visit the Museum of Gold. Visitors can learn about the history of gold mining in Jinguashi during Japanese rule. The parts of the museum that attract most visitors are the prison for the allied prisoners of war and the Benshan Tunnel. At the Benshan Tunnel, travelers can go underground and experience the daily lives of miners working in harsh conditions.
• Hike Teapot Mountain. Behind the Jinguashi Gold Museum is Teapot Mountain. As viewed from the direction of Jinguashi Geological Park, the peak resembles a teapot without a handle; hence, the location is also known as ‘Earless Teapot Mountain.’ Teapot Mountain reaches only around 600 meters in height. Because it is close to the north coast, travelers hiking the mountain can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the ocean, coastline, and hills.
• Take a look at the Golden Waterfalls. The Huangjin Waterfall, also known as the “Golden Waterfall,” is one of Taiwan’s most unusual waterfalls. This waterfall is not only relatively wide and tall, but it also has a vein-like percolating look and vivid brownish-orange underlying rocks.
• Stroll down Qitang Old Street. In early Jinguashi, Qitang Old Street was the most prosperous and bustling street. Walking down this street is like going back in time. During its early days, many shops thrived in Qitang. It was even known as the “Little Ginza.” Now, the street has long-standing general stores with old-fashioned cigarette display cases.
• Imagine the old Japanese Shinto Shrine. It was a shrine built by a Japanese Mining Company that took over the management of the Jinguashi mine during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. This is also known as the “Mountain God Shrine,” where many Japanese large-scale religious ceremonies and rituals were held. However, World War II destroyed the shrine, and now only pillars and gates remain.

4. Wuling Farm

“The Beautiful and Colorful Countryside of Taiwan”

Wuling Farm is one of the places in Taiwan where people appreciate nature the most. This is due to the stunning colors of the trees and flowers that fill the views of the farm all year round. Different flowers bloom, trees change colors, and bear fruit on Wuling Farm every month. This makes Wuling Farm a beautiful and colorful countryside in Taiwan.

• In January, you can see plum blossoms, maple leaves, and wax plums.
• In February, plum blossoms and Sakura are in bloom.
• March brings peach blossoms, pear blossoms, plum blossoms, and apple blossoms.
• In April, you can still see pear blossoms, plum blossoms, and apple blossoms.
• May is the time for wisteria and roses. In June and August, peaches are in season.
• September and October bring pears, apples, camellia, sage, cosmos, and lily flowers.
• In November, you can see maple leaves and ginkgo.
• December offers maple leaves, ginkgo, plum blossoms, and wax plums.

However, the most appealing months are February and mid-November to December. This is when Sakura and maple leaves are seen everywhere on the farm. As someone who lived in a country with eternal summer, I always wished to experience the four seasons. I long to see the leaves of the trees change their colors, and the trees bloom with lovely flowers.

Wuling Farm is located in Taichung, but it’s quite a distance from the city center. The farm is in the mountainous central region of Taiwan, situated 2000 meters above sea level. To get to Wuling Farm, you need to travel to three different TRA stations before taking a bus to the farm.

• At Fengyuan Station, board Bus 865 headed to Lishan. Once you arrive in Lishan, transfer to Bus Shuttle-2, number 866. Get off at the Wuling Farm Stop.
• If you’re at Yilan Station, take Kuo-Kuang Bus number 1751. Again, you should get off at the Wuling Farm Stop.
• From Luodong Station, hop on Kuo-Kuang Bus number 1764. Make sure to get off at the Wuling Farm Stop.
• You can enjoy the sights of nature. Wuling Farm offers breathtaking views of the nearby mountains. There are also pleasant walks to scenic locations, such as the Taoshan Waterfall.
• Consider spending a night glamping. Wuling Farm has a camping ground where visitors can set up camp and make campfires. This could be a great way to bond when traveling with family or a group of friends.
• Take some time to relax with tea. Wuling Farm has a tea garden and a Tea Village. Here, you can enjoy a warm cup of homemade tea.

For more information, here is the official website of Wuling Farm .

5. Gaomei Wetlands

“ Instagrammable countryside of Taiwan “

This is the spot in Taiwan where you can take beautiful mirror shots of windmills. It was one of the places on our list, but we failed to visit it. We miscalculated the time, so I just included it in my future destinations in Taiwan.

Many say the best time to visit Gaomei Wetlands is in the late afternoon when visitors can enjoy the sea breeze and watch the sun slip below the horizon. Well, I agree! Based on the photos I’ve seen, it could be one of the best sunset-watching spots in Taiwan.

The Gaomei Wetlands are located in the Qingshui District in Taichung. They are only an hour and 10 minutes away from the city center of Taichung by bus. The wetlands are situated at the mouth of the Dajia River and cover over 300 hectares of grassy, mossy, and muddy flat land.

To get there, you need to take Bus #309 from Taichung Station and get off at the Gaomei Wetlands at the No. 18 windmill station. Since the morning and noontime aren’t the best times to visit the Gaomei Wetlands, it’s a good idea to first travel to the Rainbow Village or Miyahara before heading to the wetlands.

If you plan to visit Gaomei Wetlands, not just for the sunset, here are some activities you can do:

• You can rent an e-bike. There are electric bike rental shops south of the visitor center where you can rent e-bikes for an hour to explore the area. An hour of e-bike ride costs only 150 to 200 NTD.
• You can watch animals in the wetlands. During low tide, you can see water species such as mudskippers, fiddler crabs, and other crustaceans crawling around. In some seasons, migratory birds flock to the area. It’s fun to watch them, especially when they are hunting for their prey.
• You can also photograph the windmills. The Gaomei Wetlands have saltwater, which tends to be more reflective and acts like a mirror. This provides a great photo opportunity for those who love to post on Instagram.

For more information, please check the official website of Gaomei Wetlands .

6. Taijiang National Park

“The Undiscovered Taiwanese Countryside Destination”

The main reason I like traveling to the countryside is the beautiful natural scenery that fills me with awe. When I was looking for more destinations in Taiwan, I saw a photo of the Mangrove Green Tunnel from Taijiang National Park, and I was instantly captivated. It is now a place that I really aspire to visit.

Taijiang National Park is the eighth and youngest national park in Taiwan. The park encompasses 50 square kilometers of land and 340 square kilometers of water in the coastal lands north of Anping Harbour. Here, visitors can see lagoons, tidal flats, mangrove swamps, and wetlands that are home to rare fish, crustaceans, and other animal and bird species, including the endangered black-faced spoonbill.

Taijiang National Park is located in Tainan City on the southwest coast of Taiwan.

To get there, you need to first reach TRA Tainan Station. Here, you can find Tainan City Bus #2 or #88. Board either of these two buses and get off at the Tourist Fish Market.

Alternatively, you can take the bus with the #99 Anping to Taijiang Route from TRA Tainan Station. Then, get off at either the Taijiang National Park Headquarters stop or the Sihcao Ecological & Cultural Area stop.

• You can explore the park using a bike. Cycling is a great activity in Taijiang because the climate is sunny for most of the year in southern Taiwan. The bike trails are mostly flat, so cycling won’t require much effort and won’t tire you out.
• You can also cruise along the green tunnel. This involves drifting along a river in a mangrove swamp, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of canopy trees above.
• Take a stroll at Anping Old Street. This street, founded by the Dutch, is Taiwan’s oldest. It’s filled with stalls, shops, and a maze of alleyways.
• Finally, you can explore the Anping Old Fort. This 17th-century stronghold, now a museum, is a place to learn about the history of the Dutch occupation. You can see artifacts like old weapons, uniforms, and sketches of historic ships.

Here’s the official website of Taijiang National Park to learn more.

7. Liyu Lake

“Peaceful Lake of Taiwan Countryside”

To me, Liyu Lake is a smaller version of Sun Moon Lake . It is situated at a higher altitude and is surrounded by majestic mountains, much like its larger counterpart. It also has a 4-kilometer bicycle path encircling the lake!

However, Liyu Lake seems more serene because it is less well-known, and fewer tourists visit the lake. This lake is also known as Carp Lake due to the abundance of carp in its 104-hectare waters. It is also the largest freshwater lake in Hualien.

Around the lake, visitors can see statues of Buddha, large Koi Carps, and other animals. There are also food stalls and BBQ stands. Based on its appearance and reviews, Liyu Lake seems to be a good camping site, offering visitors an authentic countryside feel.

But above all, what attracts me the most are the picturesque views of the lake and the mountains. I appreciate how tranquil it looks and how refreshing it seems.

Liyu Lake is located in the Shoufeng Township of Hualien County. It’s about 18 kilometers from Hualien City.

Visiting Liyu Lake is straightforward. Start by getting to Hualien Train Station. From there, transfer to Hualien bus 1139, which heads south. Get off at the Liyu Lake Visitor Center.

• You can have a picnic by the lake. The Visitor Center has barbeque stands, food stalls, and picnic tables.
• You can also enjoy water sports. The visitor center rents out paddle boats, kayaks, and motorboats.
• Cycling is a popular activity in the area. The visitor center allows visitors of all ages to rent bikes for just 100 to 200 NTD.
• Take a stroll around the lake. The pathway around the lake is four kilometers long and takes about an hour to walk. Reviews suggest that with the incredible views of nature at Liyu Lake, you won’t even feel tired after such a long walk.
• In some seasons, around April, you can watch fireflies at night. They roam around the lake, giving it a magical appearance.

For more information, check out the official website of Liyu Lake .

“The Unique Countryside in Southern Taiwan”

Taiwan is known for its rich culture and that inspires me to back to Taiwan. I have experienced two distinct cultures in Taiwan. One in Taroko and the other in Thao Village at Sun Moon Lake. And I want more!

Next on my list is the Hakka Culture in Kaohsiung City, located in southern Taiwan. Hakka translates to “guest families” in English. The Hakka People, who speak the Hakka language, practice this culture. They belong to a subgroup of Han Chinese. Their roots trace back to the Hakka-speaking provinces of China such as Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Sichuan, Hunan, Zhejiang, Hainan, and Guizhou.

Over the centuries, they have migrated to various parts of Asia, including Taiwan. It’s evident that Hakka culture flourishes in Taiwan, especially in a district named Meinong. Here, the Hakka people live in harmony with nature, produce stunning artworks, and prepare tasty dishes.

The vibrant culture, simplicity, and sincerity of the Hakka People have earned Meinong the title of Taiwan’s “Land of Smiles”.

Meinong is a place situated 45 kilometers to the east of Kaohsiung City. If you plan to visit, you need to start from either the Zuoying THSR Station or the Kaohsiung TRA Station. At these stations, you can find a bus that goes to Meinong. You should get off the bus at Meinong station.

• You can visit Turn Red Nature Life for a taste of traditional Taiwanese farming. Here, visitors can learn to make their own scarecrows and create ornaments by weaving straws and braiding wires. It’s a great place to experience rural life in Taiwan.
• Don’t miss out on the local food. Try famous Hakka dishes in Meinong such as stuffed bitter gourd, salt-baked chicken, stuffed tofu, and beef ball soup.
• Take a stroll down the old street of Meinong. This neighborhood is filled with old traditional buildings. It’s a great place to experience life from past centuries.
• Feeling creative? Visit Mr. Lee Ming-Hsiang’s store and paint paper umbrellas. The craft of making oil-paper umbrellas is a significant part of the Hakka marriage tradition, which you can experience in Meinong.
• If you’re a nature lover, Meinong Lake is the place to be. Enjoy the scenery, take photographs, bike around, and watch birds. The lake offers many leisure activities, including fishing.

Learn more about Hakka Town and Meinong (official website)

“The Idyllic Island Countryside of Taiwan”

If there is one place in Taiwan that is truly in the countryside, it would be Penghu. Also known as the Pescadores Islands, it’s a small archipelago composed of 90 islands and islets in the Taiwan Strait.

What interests me greatly about this Taiwanese countryside? It’s the Erkan Old Village, built from stones and corals. It’s quite unusual to see East Asian houses made from these materials.

Moreover, I’m curious to see a Chinese or Taiwanese town in the middle of the sea because they are typically located inland and in the highlands. However, it’s not just the houses that await us there.

In the photos I saw on the internet, there are beaches, sea caves, temples, and another fascinating old street in Penghu to explore as well. I bet this is going to be a truly unique experience in Taiwan.

Penghu is situated to the west of Taiwan’s main island. You have two options to get there: by plane or by ferry.

Several airports offer flights to and from Penghu. These include TPE Songshan, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Kinmen.

If you prefer a sea journey, you can take a ferry from the ports in Kaohsiung or Chiayi. These ports provide trips that will take you to Penghu.

• Take a walk through Zhongyang Old Street. This historic street is in Magong City, the only city in Penghu. Here, visitors can discover stores selling local delicacies, traditional tea houses, and various other shops.
• Head to the beach. Penghu is known for its crystal clear blue waters and white sand beaches. Visitors can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or rent a banana boat for a fun ride on the waves.
• Check out the rocks on the shores and islands. Penghu offers geological sites to explore, such as the sea erosion in Whale Cave and the Twin Heart Stone Weir.
• Visit Erkan Village. Here, you can see century-old residences built from rocks and corals. These houses have a unique look, different from traditional Chinese houses.

Learn more from the official website of Penghu .

10. Alishan

“The Heavenly Taiwanese Mountain Countryside”

Alishan is a beautiful mountaintop destination in the mountainous central regions of Taiwan. On our trip to Taiwan, Alishan was supposed to be our next destination after Sun Moon Lake. However, time did not permit us, so now I’m including it on my bucket list of countryside destinations in Taiwan.

To tell you honestly, I really wanted to go to Alishan mainly because I want to experience the heavenly phenomenon that occurs there, the sea of clouds.

Another reason is that Alishan has a gorgeous forest, through which an old-looking but charming train passes. It takes anyone who sees it back in time to the first industrial revolution. Lastly, I just love hanging around the forest. It’s so refreshing and soothing.

Alishan, also known as The Alishan National Scenic Area, is a mountain resort and nature reserve. It’s located in Alishan Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan.

If you’re looking for the quickest way to get to Alishan, you can take buses #7322C or #7322D. These buses depart from Chiayi Train Station.

• Start with a ride on the Alishan Forest Railway. This scenic train journey takes you through a lush forest that transforms into a haven of cherry blossoms in the spring.
• Don’t miss the chance to witness a stunning mountain sunrise. On clear days, you can enjoy a glorious morning view of a sea of clouds, making the mountain peaks look like islands above the clouds.
• Spend some quiet time at the sister ponds in the Alishan Forest Recreation Area. These two ponds offer a serene spot for visitors to connect with nature and rejuvenate.
• Take a forest bath on the Giant Tree Plank Trail. Here, you can see trees that are over 2000 years old and stand more than 40 meters tall.

Discover more from Alishan’s official website .

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