tourist spots in taiwan 2023

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Tourist Places in Taiwan

Quick navigation, must visit places in taiwan.

National Palace Museum

Rainbow Village

Taroko Gorge

Sun Moon Lake

Yangmingshan National Park

Beitou Hot Springs

Best of Philippines

Dragon Tiger Tower

Xinshe Sea of Flowers

The Lin Family Mansion and Garden

Zushi Temple

Wusheng Night Market

Chimei Museum

The Pier-2 Art Centre

Best of Hong Kong

Places to Visit in Taipei

Shilin night market.

Tao-Yuan-Street Beef Noodle Shop

Longshan Temple

Huaxi Street Night Market

Raohe Street Night Market

Best of Manila

Miramar Entertainment Park

Nangang District Hiking Trail

Places to Visit in Taichung

Carton king creativity park.

Chungbuk Fall Pine

Gaomei Wetland

Lihpao Land

FengJia Night Market

Best of Macau

PaoChueh Temple

National Museum of Natural Science

Art Stock 20

Donghai night market.

Dakeng Scenic Area

921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan

Places to visit in xinbei, tian yuen temple.

Best of Vienna

Lao Mei Green Reef

Shifen Waterfall

Jiufen Old Street

Wulai Falls

Juming Museum

Wulai Hot Spring

Places to Visit in Kaohsiung

Best of Kaohsiung

The Dome of Light

Fo Guang Shan

Lianchi (Lotus) Lake

Cijin Island

Places to Visit in Tainan

Anping tree house.

Chihkan Tower

Anping Fort

Best of Taipei

Guanziling Hot Spring

Other Places to Visit in Taiwan

Wanli ufo village.

Grand Matsu Temple

Lotus Lake Taoist Complex

The High Heel Church

Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival

Yehliu Geopark

Best of Taichung

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The Ultimate Taiwan Itinerary (2023)

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Having completed our own amazing two week Taiwan itinerary exploring the cities, mountains and scenic areas of Taiwan we’ve put together our recommended Taiwan itinerary. From chaotic Taipei to the beauty of Taroko Gorge to the natural wonder of Alishan, Taiwan is breathtaking and one of our favorite places to visit in Asia.  For those of you planning your own Taiwan itinerary, we wanted to share our Taiwan travel guide including the best things to do and what to see in Taiwan. 

Table of Contents

Taiwan Itinerary and Route

Most visitors touring around Taiwan either pick up a rental car and self-drive or use a mix of high-speed trains, tourist shuttles and taxis/private drivers to explore the country.

By rental car: With its excellent roads and good driving standards, Taiwan is the perfect country for a road trip. We followed a circular route starting and ending in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital city and the point of arrival and departure for most Taiwan travellers – check prices now!

By public transport:  this Taiwan itinerary can also be completed by a mix of trains and buses. On the west coast of Taiwan, the major cities are serviced by High-Speed Rail – check prices here!

  Click here to reserve Taiwan Rail tickets!

Taiwan Route and Map

Here is a map of the route we recommend taking around Taiwan.

The Route:  Taipei – Taichung – Alishan – Kaohsiung – Kenting – Taitung – Taroko Gorge – Taipei

Click here for the Google map

How to Use This Google Map:  Click on the grey star at the top of the map and this map will be added to your Google Maps account. You can then view it on your phone or computer in Google Maps by clicking on the menu button, going to “Your Places” and selecting this map. We use these maps all the time as you can set out your itinerary ahead of time and quickly reference the saved maps.

Renting a car in Taiwan

Navigating Taiwan by rental car is relatively easy and we highly recommend renting a car in Taiwan if you are comfortable driving. The roads are high-quality, driving standards are generally good and fuel is extremely cheap (compared to the UK and Ireland).

We’re huge fans of road trips and have driven rental cars in over 40 countries so we have a lot of experience renting cars in foreign countries. Klook.com is a great option as it includes international rental car companies as well as some local options. Book your car now with Klook.com  where you will find the best rental car prices.

Taiwan itinerary tip: An International Driving Permit is mandatory when renting a car in Taiwan so make sure to get an IDP in your home country before departure if you are planning on driving a rental car.

Book your rental car with Klook!

Taiwan itinerary tip: Taipei is extremely well serviced by public transport and its subway is easy to navigate. As such, a rental car isn’t necessary in the city. If you are starting your Taiwan itinerary in Taipei, we recommend only picking up a car after you’ve explored Taipei rather than reserving at the airport on arrival. We picked up our rental car on our last morning in Taipei and left the city immediately for Taichung.  

Sim Card & Internet

As with most countries, having mobile data during a trip is invaluable for navigation and research. There are lots of options on arrival at Taipei’s Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) – we reserved a Chunghwa Telecom 4g sim through Klook who offer a slightly discounted rate on the airport price – click here for prices!

Taiwan itinerary tip: the Chunghwa desk only opens at 8am so make sure your flight times will work if you reserve in advance.

  Click here to reserve a SIM card!

How long to spend in Taiwan

From the chaotic Taipei to the magnificent sunrises in Alishan, the peaceful Taroko Gorge and the colourful Taichung there’s a lot to squeeze into a Taiwan itinerary. We recommend budgeting around 14 nights to explore Taiwan at a leisurely pace. This will allow you enough time to visit all the major sights and explore each destination fully.  You might wish to cut some things out if you have less time.

Best Time To Visit Taiwan

Depending on your tolerance to high temperatures, you may want to plan your visit to coincide with the cooler months! During the summer, temperatures are consistently over 30° and typhoon season is in full force. Spring and Autumn are a great time to visit Taiwan and its mild winters also mean the winter months are a good option.

Taiwan itinerary tip:  We visited Taiwan at the end of September and we managed to experience a heatwave as well as some typhoons which luckily changed direction at the last minute! The temperatures in Taipei were stifling and we had to retreat to air-conditioned buildings until late in the afternoon.

Daily Taiwan Itinerary

We’ve outlined our day to day Taiwan itinerary as a starting point for planning your own Taiwan experience.

Days 1 to 4: Taipei

Taiwan’s capital city really surprised us with the wide variety of things to see and do. After arriving at Taipei’s Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport we recommend spending the next three or four nights in Taipei. This will allow you to explore the main sights and to enjoy everything that this fun and chaotic city has to offer. We took the train from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Taipei Main Station – click here for tickets

Click here for MRT tickets to Taipei

An EasyCard makes travel around Taipei and Kaohsiung incredibly easy. The EasyCard is a travel card that you can pre-order in advance and pick up in Taoyuan International Airport. You can preload the card with credit and use it on the metro and buses in Taipei. You can also bundle it with a sim card option that you can pick up at the same time – check prices now!

Buy your EasyCard now

From toilet-themed restaurants to colourful temples, stunning nature and awesome day trips, there’s plenty to squeeze into 4 days in Taipei. Check out our round-up of the best things to do in Taipei for more detailed information and photos of each of the attractions. Also check out our detailed Taipei itinerary to help you plan your time in the city. If you are travelling with kids make sure to check out our guide to the best things to do in Taipei with kids .

Where to Stay in Taipei

There are many great accommodation options in Taipei.

• CityInn Hotel Plus Ximending Branch–  we stayed in the CityInn Ximending branch and highly recommend both the location and the hotel. Rooms are compact but fantastic value, service is excellent and the hotel is just a few moments walk from the MRT, a Taipei essential  –  check prices now!
• Taipei Garden Hotel – another great option located close to Longshan Temple and Ximending –  check prices now!
• Dandy Hotel, Daan Park – clean, comfortable and located across the street from Taipei’s biggest park, Daan Forest Park –  check prices now!            

Click here for the best Taipei hotel prices

Day 1: Taipei 101, Maokong Gondola and Shilin Night Market

Start the day with a trip to the observation deck of Taipei 101, Taipei’s most iconic building. The 101 story building resembles a giant bamboo stick and the 91st-floor outdoor observation deck offers amazing 360-degree views of the city.

We booked our tickets for Taipei 101 via Klook and highly recommend it. You can reserve your timeslot in advance and for the best price using the Klook app. It’s super simple and avoids waiting in extra lines when Taipei 101 gets busy.  Taiwan activities were mostly discounted when we booked in advance –  check prices now!

Click here to book your Taipei 101 ticket

From Taipei 101 make your way to the Taipei Zoo MRT Station where the scenic Maokong Gondola cable car departs. The 30minute glass-bottomed cable car stops at the colourful Zhinan Temple before continuing to the quaint mountaintop village of Maokong known for its tea plantations and tea shops.

Taiwan Itinerary tip:  We purchased combo tickets for the Maokong Gondola and an evening double decker sightseeing tour from Klook in advance and it was awesome value. The gondola is closed most Monday’s so make sure to plan your trip around the gondola’s opening hours – click here to purchase the gondola and night tour combo tickets!

Click here to purchase Gondola tickets

Finish the day with a visit to Shilin Night Market, Taipei’s largest night market with over 500 stalls. There are some incredible Bid Gourmand stalls serving dishes such as Hai You Pork Ribs and Bin Small Sausage in Large Sausage, where the sausage wrapped in sticky rice is a huge hit. There’s a lot more to Shilin than just food and you can do everything from playing arcade games to praying in the temple located in the centre of the market.

Day 2: Elephant Mountain, CKS Memorial Hall, Ximending and Raohe night market

Start the day with a short but steep sunrise hike up Elephant Mountain which rewards with some of the best views of Taipei. The trail is well maintained with plenty of rest stops and some awesome viewing platforms.

After admiring Taipei from Elephant Mountain it’s time to explore the history of Taiwan with a visit to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The CKS Memorial is an important Taiwanese landmark erected in honour of the first president of Taiwan.

A themed cafe is a Taipei staple and a trip to the Modern Toilet Restaurant in Ximending is as novelty as they come. The entire restaurant is toilet themed. Meals are served in toilets, drinks in bedpans and the seats are full-sized toilets! Having filled up on poo themed dishes take a stroll around Ximending, one of Taipei’s quirkiest neighbourhoods.

If you prefer a serious foodie treat, eat at the Fuhung Noodle Restaurant. The shop is located just north of Ximending and is home to some of the best noodles we’ve ever had.

Longshan Temple is next on the agenda. Longshan is Taiwan’s most famous and well-loved temple and is located in the historic neighbourhood of Wanhua.

If you still have some energy, the Raohe Night Market is a short MRT ride away and is perfect for an early evening walk through.

Taiwan itinerary tip: our favourite dish in Raohe was the Fuzhou Shizu Black Pepper Buns. They are not to be missed!

Day 3: A Taipei park, the world’s highest Starbucks and Beitou Hot Springs

Start the morning with a visit to one of Taipei’s parks. Our favourites are Daan Forest Park, Taipei’s largest park, the Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a repurposed art, design and cultural venue and 228 Peace Memorial Park, a poignant tribute to the thousands of Taiwanese who died in the February 28, 1947, massacre.

Visit the world’s highest Starbucks which is located on the 35th floor at Taipei 101 and offers spectacular views of Taipei. A visit to Starbucks at Taipei 101 requires a reservation and the coffee shop has a minimum spend for visitors.

Taiwan itinerary tip:  The Starbucks at Taipei 101 requires a telephone reservation. Ask you hotel desk to make the reservation as you will likely need to speak Mandarin.

Spend the afternoon at the Beitou Hot Springs which are just 30 minutes outside Taipei and accessible via the MRT. There is a wide range of options for bathing in the hot springs: there are less expensive public hot springs as well as private baths and upscale hotels and resorts. As well as bathing, the scenic Beitou Hot Spring Park is beautiful to explore together with the Hot Spring Museum and Library which are located within the park.

Day 4: Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu Geopark

Taipei is surrounded by amazing natural beauty and a day trip outside the city is an essential addition to any Taipei itinerary. Shifen, Jiufen and the Yehliu Geopark are a great combination to discover a taste of Northern Taiwan.

The Yehliu Geopark contains a fascinating collection of unique geological formations in an otherworldly landscape created by sea erosion. It’s a beautiful coastal walk and a very popular stop outside Taipei.

The old street in the charming town of Jiufen is a tourist magnet with visitors indulging in local specialities such as glutinous rice cakes, peanut ice cream and fish balls in between souvenir shopping. The A-Mei Tea House is one of the most prominent landmarks in Jiufen and offers both great tea and great views!

Shifen is famous for both its old street and its scenic waterfall. The old streets of Shifen, located around the railway track, are where visitors congregate to release colourful lanterns bearing their wishes in life.

Taiwan itinerary tip : we visited Jiufen, Shiefen and Yeuhliu Geo Park using our rental car. If you prefer to use a tour, Klook offers a great shuttle bus options which ferries passengers between the key sights of Jiufen, Shifen and the Yehliu Geo Park on the North East coast of Taiwan –  click here to reserve shuttle bus tickets!

Click here to reserve shuttle bus tickets

Days 5 and 6: Taichung

After a few days of exploring Taipei, it’s time to head south to Taichung, Taiwan’s second-largest city. Taichung is busy and colourful and was a surprise hit in our Taiwan itinerary! There are lots of things to do Taichung and it is also the gateway for the immensely popular Sun Moon Lake, one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist attractions.

Where to Stay in Taichung

Taichung is a surprisingly large city and choosing where to stay can be tricky. We recommend:

• CityInn Hotel Plus – Taichung Station Branch – we loved the CityInn brand in Taiwan. Located in east Taichung beside Taichung’s main train station, the CityInn Hotel Plus is a great option. Rooms are clean and modern and the extra facilities like free common areas with coffee/refreshments and on-site laundry are invaluable –  click here to book now!
• La Vida Hotel – Regularly rated as one of the best hotels in Taichung, La Vida Hotel is a great option for those who want easy access to the Feng Chia Night Market. With European designed rooms the hotel is super comfortable and great for a stay in Taichung –    click here to book now!
• The Hung’s Mansion – where we chose to stay in Taichung and it’s a great option if you are driving like we were. With free parking, large comfortable rooms and great food, Hungs Mansion is also a short walk to the incredible Feng Chia Night Market – click here to book now!

Click here for the best Taichung hotel prices

How to get to Taichung

I t took us around 2 hours to drive between Taipei and Taichung .  I t takes one hour to travel by High-Speed Rail between Taipei and Taichung –  click here to buy rail tickets!

Click here to buy tickets to Taichung

Things to do in Taichung

Taichung deserves at least one full day to explore and, if we were to return, we’d allow two days! Start the morning at Rainbow Village , Taiwan’s most colourful neighbourhood before heading north of the city to the beautiful Zhongshe Flower Market. As well as a sea of flowers, props such as pianos, swings, and tractors make for great fun and great photo opportunities.

Taiwan itinerary tip:  tour buses arrive at Rainbow Village shortly after its 8am opening so we recommend arriving as close to 8am as possible. Zhongshe Flower Market tends to get busy in the afternoon when families congregate for barbeques.

Animation Alley is a great pit stop with its cartoon and Magna themed street art.

The 921 Earthquake Museum is a poignant place to visit: it is located on the site of a former junior high school and crosses the fault on which the earthquake occurred. The exterior remains as it did after the earthquake on Tuesday, 21 September 1999.

There are endless food and drink options in Taichung: our three favourites are Chung Shiu Tang, the touted home of Taiwan’s famous bubble tea, Miyahara for its Pineapple Cakes and I’m Talato, an ice cream shop with an ice cream floatie filled pool.

Round up the day with a trip to Feng Chia Night Market where the food is good and the clothing unique.

Day 7: Sun Moon Lake

How to get to Sun Moon Lake: Sun Moon Lake is a 1hour 15-minute drive from Taichung and is easily accessible by bus from both Taichung (approximately 2 hours) or Alishan (up to 3.5hours).

The cycle path surrounding the turquoise blue waters of Sun Moon Lake is one of the most popular ways to explore the Sun Moon Lake area. There’s also a scenic gondola cable car that offers beautiful views of the lake and connects it with the Formosa Aboriginal Cultural Village.

Our other favourite stops were the Ci-En Pagoda and the Wen-Wu Temple . The 8 story Ci-En Pagoda requires a short uphill hike and is renowned for its views over the lake while the Chinese style Wen-Wu is vibrant and loud and there are lovely views of the lake over the burnt orange rooftops.

Finish the day with some street food at Ita Thao before returning to Taichung for the night.

Taiwan itinerary tip: the drive between Taichung and Sun Moon Lake takes about 75 minutes so we preferred to base ourselves in Taichung. Sun Moon Lake accommodation tends to be more expensive given its tourist draw and we were happy to drive.

Where to stay in Sun Moon Lake

If you wish to stay in the Sun Moon Lake area, some good options are:

• Fleur de Chine Hotel Sun Moon Lake: expensive but excellent with beautiful views over the lake – check prices now!
• Mei Jen House: homestay with great rooms, a vegan breakfast and an awesome sunrise tour. A great small but budget-friendly option in Sun Moon Lake – check prices now!

Click here for the best Sun Moon Lake Hotel prices

Day 8: Alishan

A mix of wilderness and tea plantations characterize the mountainous Alishan National Scenic Area. The Alishan sunrises are legendary in Taiwan and our time in Alishan was a highlight of our trip. From chasing the ‘Yun Hai’, the coveted sea cloud sunrise, to the historic railway and the stunning hiking trails Alishan is an excellent addition to any Taiwan itinerary.

Where to Stay in Alishan

• Alishan House/Alishan Hotel – the best hotel in the Alishan National Scenic Area and where we spent our night in Alishan. Rooms are expensive but the location is outstanding. It is worth the extra for the upgrade from the dated standard room in the old building to a superior room in the new building. Guests are not allowed to drive into the Scenic Area but the hotel runs a regular shuttle bus between the car park and the hotel – check prices now!
• Wankou Hotel: 5 minutes walk from the train station, Wankou Hotel is a good less expensive option to Alishan House. Nice views, clean rooms and good value accommodation – check prices now!
• Cing Shan Hotel : basic option located close to the train station, rooms are compact – check prices now!

Click here for the best Alishan Hotel prices

How to get to Alishan

The High-Speed Railway takes less than 40 minutes between Taichung and Chiayi Station and, from Chiayi, the bus takes 2 hours. Direct buses from Sun Moon Lake take up to 3.5hours. The drive from Taichung took around 3 hours in total.

Things to do in Alishan

There are 5 Wonders of Alishan and, although luck and weather dependent, most visitors strive to see them all. The 5 Wonders of Alishan are:

• Alishan Forest Railway
• The forest trails
• The sea of clouds

Taiwan itinerary tip: With some planning it’s possible to see Alishan’s Wonders during a one-night stay. If you wish to explore more extensively or at a more leisurely pace then extend the stay to two nights.

Aim to arrive in Alishan in the afternoon and take advantage of some of the stunning hiking trails in the area. Our favourite hike was to the Sacred Tree, estimated to be 3,000 years old before it collapsed in 1997. It’s located at the Sacred Tree (Shenmu) Railway and the trails pass giant red cypress trees which are over 1,000 years old.

After exploring the Alishan trails make sure to catch a famous Alishan sunset – we watched it from the amazingly located observation deck at the Alishan House Hotel , one of the best sunset spots in the Alishan Scenic Area.

Click here to reserve the Alishan House Hotel

It’s an early start in order to catch the legendary Alishan sunrise. We arranged our shuttle bus to the train station through the Alishan House Hotel on arrival the previous afternoon. After a 4:30 am wake-up call, we boarded the train to Chusan and watched the sunrise from the viewing platform.

After checking out we stopped by the Alishan Post Office and posted a traditional Alishan wooded postcard before leaving for Kaohsiung.

Day 9: Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is a large port city in Southern Taiwan. Although we used it as a stopover between Alishan and Kaohsiung, we soon discovered it is vibrant and charming in its own right.

Where to stay in Kaohsiung 

• Grand Hi La –  one of the best hotels in Kaohsiung. With a perfect location in the centre of the Sanduo shopping district, Hotel Cozzi has luxurious rooms and high-end furnishings which make for a truly amazing stay – check prices now!
• Hotel Cozzi  – this large luxury hotel is conveniently located above a shopping mall right in the centre of Kaohsiung and is a great option for exploring the city. There are lots of restaurants close to the hotel –  check prices now!
• Hotel Dua –  g reat transport connections via the adjacent MRT station the Hotel Dua is a great location for exploring the city  –  check prices now!

Click here for the best Kaohsiung Hotel prices

How to get to Kaohsiung

Take the bus from Alishan to Chiayi Station (journey time is around 2 hours 10 minutes) and, from there, take the train to Kaohsiung, a further 2 hours 10 minutes. Our drive time was around 3 hours in total.

Things to do in Kaohsiung

We only had a half day to explore Kaohsiung as we used the city as a stopover on our journey between Alishan and Kenting. The city deserves at least to days to see properly and if you are staying in the city, some of the best things to do in Kaohsiung are:

• Kaohsiung Night Markets: the Ruifeng Night Market is considered one of the best night food markets in Taiwan and its stalls serve up a mouth-watering array of local delicacies.
• Lotus Pond and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas: visitors to Kaohsiung are encouraged run into the mouth of the dragon and out of the tiger’s jaws at the 7-story twin Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. The reward is a reversal in fortune and a turn from bad luck to good.
• Cycle Cijn Island: Cijn Island is a black sand beach on a narrow strip of island in the city. The island, accessible by ferry or bridge, is a popular day excursion in Kaohsiung.
• Dream Mall: Kaohsiung’s Dream Mall is the largest in Taiwan and East Asia and even boasts an amusement park with a Ferris Wheel on its rooftop!
• Pier 2: once an abandoned warehouse site, Pier 2 now houses a large scale open air public art display. The quirky sculptures and artworks are a real treat and the area is vibrant and lively and one of the best places to visit in Kaohsiung.

Day 10 and 11: Kenting

The seaside town of Kenting is located at the southern tip of Taiwan and is famous for its picturesque beaches and lush green national park.

Where to stay in Kenting

Accommodation in Kenting is a mix of resort-style beachside hotels and smaller, boutique-style options.

• Caesar Park Hotel – resort hotel with direct beach access and an abundance of kids activities including a kids recreation centre in the basement –  check prices now!
• Chateau Beach Resort – located by the beach, just 5 to 10 minutes from Kenting Main Street. The hotel has stunning ocean views and a nice pool area – check prices now!
• Amanda Kenting – we opted for the smaller Amanda Kenting Hotel. The Moroccan themed hotel has great rooms, a lovely indoor pool and free exotic costume rental for photos! – check prices now!

Click here for the best Kenting Hotel prices

How to get to Kenting:

take the Kenting Express Bus from Kaohsiung’s Zuoying HSR station to Kenting. The journey time varies between 2 and 3 hours. The drive time is less than 2 hours.

Things to do in Kenting

Kenting is the perfect spot for some rest and relaxation. While we didn’t follow a strict itinerary, our favourite activities included:

• a ride on the Kenting Hai World Semi Submarine with its glass-bottomed panoramic views of the Kenting coral reefs
• paddling in the tidepools and shallow swimming spots
• visiting Baisha White Sand Bay, a beautiful beach which featured in the movie The Life of Pi
• exploring Kenting National Park and its lighthouse
• standing at the southernmost point in Taiwan which is marked by an observation station
• indulging in the street food, clothes and carnival games at the Kenting Night Market
• Snorkeling in Wanlitong Beach

Day 12: Taitung

Taitung is a sprawling, coastal town and a popular stopover between Kenting and Taroko Gorge. It is home to the Beinan Cultural Park, one of the largest and most important cultural sites in Taiwan. Taitung also acts as a gateway to the volcanic islands of Green Island and Orchid Island.

Where to stay in Taitung

• Kindness Hotel – clean and comfortable option with good breakfast and evening night snacks in Taitung city –  check prices now!
• Papago International Resort – although one hour outside Taitung it is a great location for a stopover between Kenting and Taroko Gorge. Lovely outdoor pool, hot tub and hot springs with a children’s playground – check prices now!
• Inn by the Village – located close to the railway, rooms are modern and spacious and the breakfast decent – check prices now!

Click here for the best Taitung hotel prices

How to get to Taitung:

take the bus from Kenting to Fanglaio (journey time 1 hour). From there, take the train between Fanglaio and Taitung (90 minutes). The drive time is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Things to do in Taitung

If you have time to explore Taitung some of the best things to do are:

• Beinan Cultural Park: the largest and most important cultural site in Taiwan. It was excavated in the 1980s when thousands of slate coffins were unearthed together with jewellery, pottery and tools.
• Brown Road: home to the famous Mr Brown Taiwanese Coffee and surrounded by rice fields and mountains.
• Orchid Island and Green Island: volcanic islands off the coast of Taitung famous for snorkelling, hot springs, coastal scenery and strong Aboriginal culture.

Day 13 and 14: Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is another stunning stop in Taiwan. Taroko means magnificent and splendid and the mesmerizing scenery makes it more than deserving of the name. The steep mountains are covered in thick forest and a deep gorge carved out by the Liwu River, winds through the forest floor.

Where to stay in Taroko Gorge

Visitors to Taroko Gorge can stay in the Taroko National Park, close to the entrance to the park or in nearby Hualien where the trains from Taipei arrive and depart. We recommend staying in the park for both the close to nature experience and the convenience for sightseeing.

• Silks Place Taroko: we treated ourselves to a gorge view room in the luxury Silks Place Taroko which is located in the heart of the Taroko National Park. The facilities are amazing: there’s a rooftop outdoor pool (where we enjoyed a movie screening in the evening) and hot tubs, an indoor pool and tennis courts – check prices now!
• Taroko Village Hotel: located less than 1km from Swallow Grotto, the Taroko Village Hotel is a less expensive option to Silks Place for guests wanting to stay inside the Taroko National Park – check prices now!
• Chateau de Chine Hotel Hualien: if you opt for Hualien the Chateau de Chine Hotel is a good choice with its colourful exterior and spacious themed rooms– check prices now!

Click here for the best Taroko Gorge Hotel prices

How to get to Taroko Gorge:

we drove from Taitung to the Taroko National Park (around 4 hours). Public transport services the nearby city of Hualien, a 4-hour bus journey from Taitung. If you are arriving from Alishan you can take the bus to Taroko Gorge. If you are arriving from Taipei, an express train serves Hualien.

How to get around Taroko Gorge: there are a few options for navigating Taroko National Park. We used our rental car to explore. Many guests use a taxi/private car or rent a motorbike. If you are based in Hualien, it’s easy to join a tour – reserve a Taroko Gorge tour here!

Things to do in Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is all about nature and most visitors spend the day hopping between its best short trails, bridges and viewpoints!

Begin the day with a hike through the relatively easy 4km Baiyang Trail which rewards with a stunning water curtain as well as magnificent views of the gorge along the way. Start early to avoid the crowds, bring a flashlight to navigate the tunnels and beware of the monkeys! Due to loose rock visitors are only allowed to the entrance of the first Water Curtain.

The next stop is the ever-popular Swallow Grotto, one of the best places from which to view the gorge. It is a short and flat footpath in the middle of the park and the surrounding river walls are lined with swallow nests

The Taroko Eternal Spring Changchun Shrine is one of the most popular sites in the park. The stunning temple sits atop a natural spring and was built in honour of the many who lost their lives building the highway through Taroko National Park.

We also loved the Chingxi Suspension Bridge and the Cimu Bridge. On the way out of the park make sure to stop at the stunning Qinghui Cliffs where visitors have the opportunity to admire the three distinct color tones that make up the Pacific Ocean

Taiwan itinerary tip: some of the trails in Taroko Gorge are closed due to weather damage so make sure to check the official website for the latest trail availability. There is a Visitor’s Centre at the entrance to the park which also provides trail information.

Day 15: Depart Taipei

Day 15 is a day of leisure until it’s time for your flight from Taipei.

How to get to Taipei: take the bus from Taroko Gorge to Hualien or Xincheng Station and then hop on the train to Taipei. The drive took around 3 hours.

For more on Taiwan

• Check out our round up of the best things to do in Taipei!

16 thoughts on “The Ultimate Taiwan Itinerary (2023)”

My husband and I are planning a trip to Hong Kong & Taiwan in December. The plan was 7 days each; however, after reading your itinerary it is beginning to look like I’m going to have to wrangle more days in Taiwan. The experience looks amazing!! Also, I really like the layout of your page. It gives me what I’m looking for without having to hunt through the fluff. Thanks!!

Thanks Amy, so happy you liked the post. Taiwan is amazing, Hong Kong too!

Have an awesome trip!

My husband and I are also going to HK & Taiwan at the end of November into mid-December. We are spending 8 days each that’s because we have friends and relatives in HK so we planned 3-4 days meeting people. However, I think 8 days in Taiwan is still too short to explore and enjoy, every where we go is going to be a rush. We are skipping the east side of the island. If you have not finalize your trip, I would suggest to spend less time in HK since it’s a much smaller city, and allocate more days in Taiwan. Enjoy your trip!

How did you find travel with the little one, was it mostly pram friendly or did you use a carrier?

We used a mix of carrier and stroller. Sometimes on the subway it was easier to carry him than search for an elevator!

Overall, it was a really baby friendly trip! We cover our family travels on Show Them the Globe , there’s some Taiwan articles over there too!

Hi Elaine – great blog post! We are thinking of traveling to Taiwan, possibly next Dec and would like to hire a car for convenience, rather than use public transport. Are hotels with cheap/free parking easy to find outside Taipei? How about parking in general at tourist sites (esp. at Taroko Gorge)? Are tourist sites/viewpoints signposted at Taroko Gorge? Many thanks for any info you could supply!

Hi Elizabeth

Parking was included in places like Alishan (the public car park where the hotel shuttles pick up from), Taroko Gorge, Kenting. It was only included in a few hotels in Taichung but i guess that’s to be expected in a city. In Taroko Gorge, parking was easy to find at some viewpoints but there are only a few spaces at the smaller view points so you might have to wait. We did some of our sightseeing before breakfast and had the viewpoints almost to ourselves!

Have a great trip Elaine

Hi Elaine, Great blog. Thanks for sharing all this information on Taiwan. Can you please share something else? Did you book all your accomodation in advance or were you able to just drive into a place and find accom when you got there? I look forward to your reply as we are headed to Taiwan at the end of December this year. Thanks Janie

It was really busy when we were there in September. I’m sure you get accommodation as you go but, for the more popular places, I’d probably reserve in advance.

Great post. A question: what is the best season to tour Taiwan based on your research or experience? Many thanks. I probably will have more question as we go deeper into our planning. Many thanks.

Spring or Autumn. Winter is fine if you don’t mind low temperatures. Summer is hot and humid and avoid typhoon season. We got caught in the tail end of the season in late September but it was ok.

Did you every drive in the taipei city area? Is it easy to drive and to find parking?

Planning to rent car over there since we have elderly with us. Thank you

Hi Nabihah, yes we drove in and around Taipei City during our time in Taiwan. Driving was surprisingly easy and while parking was tricky if you plan it in advance there are parking spaces in most places. Have fun

We are thinking of going with our little one when she turns one in Sept/Oct (hopefully that is okay time,probably Oct though is better?). Since you have 3 little ones, do you have recommendations with traveling with a little one? She is currently 4 months old and we just booked our flight from Canada to Hong Kong. We plan to add Taiwan in there as well. It’s great to hear that your trip was baby friendly!

Oh one more question, is it better to fly with little ones during the day or night!?

I much prefer night flights so the kids can sleep through most of it. We just flew 10 hours from Dublin to LA and back over Christmas and the daytime flight was so hard trying to entertain our one year old! She just wants to be free to run around and explore! The night flight was so much easier as she slept for 90% of it. I’ve always been really lucky with night flights but you do run the risk that they won’t sleep at all – if you think there’s a good chance they won’t sleep I’d probably stick to a daytime flight.

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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), 2 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!

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36 Hours in Taipei, Taiwan

By Clarissa Wei Updated March 16, 2023

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Taipei, the Taiwanese capital, is a literal urban jungle — ferns and large elephant ear plants sprout through the crevices of roofs and sidewalks with wild abandon. Hiking trails abound on all sides of this glittering metropolis and tech hub. Taipei is experiencing a quiet renaissance even amid regional tensions . Young artists, chefs and curators are redefining and embracing Taiwanese identity as its own distinct category , with a conscientious pursuit of food and design endemic to the island’s history. With low crime and brightly lit convenience stores everywhere, the city is safe to meander at all hours. A word of advice: Sleep in. With the exception of breakfast shops and wet markets where locals go for their early grocery runs, many stores and coffee shops don’t open until well after 11 a.m.

Recommendations

• Chifeng Street is a fashion-forward shopping street flush with vintage clothing stores and cute coffee shops.
• Dadaocheng is Taipei’s oldest neighborhood and a picturesque place to load up on textiles, dried goods and bamboo crafts.
• Yangmingshan National Park is a grassy mountain range, home to wild hot springs and volcanic peaks.
• Nkụ is a fine-dining restaurant that serves locally sourced cuisine with a Scandinavian flair.
• Sinchao Rice Shoppe offers a rich and indulgent take on fried rice in an Art Deco-inspired space.
• Hermit’s Hut is a peaceful refuge where novices can master the art of meditative tea brewing and sample Taiwan’s wide range of oolong teas.
• Chao serves vegan stir-fries that pair well with ice-cold beer.
• Fridge Bar is a discreet bar behind a sandwich shop where the bartenders skillfully craft cocktails infused with local fruits and flowers.
• Placebo is a quirky cocktail bar with decor reminiscent of an old Chinese apothecary.
• Lao-A-Bei is renowned for its assortment of traditional seafood soups.
• Maji Treats is a store with a wide selection of household tools and artisanal food products.
• Travis Vintage and Used Clothing is a haven for vintage fashion enthusiasts. Among its notable finds: 1960s Taiwanese bomber jackets.
• Ningxia Night Market has a vibrant cluster of open-air food stalls.
• Lin Feng Yi has been selling beautifully woven bamboo baskets for over a century.
• InBlooom Together creates contemporary textiles inspired by a wide range of Taiwanese motifs.
• Qixing Mountain is a dormant volcano and the tallest mountain in Taipei.
• Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is a tobacco-factory-turned-creative hub, with rotating art exhibitions focused on local design.
• Xia Hai City God Temple has statues of more than 600 deities and draws young singles seeking blessings from the god of love.
• National Center of Photography and Images showcases the talents of contemporary photographers in an old Japanese colonial-era building.
• Taipei’s subway and bus systems are top-notch, impeccably clean and can be easily navigated with Google Maps. Every subway stop has bilingual ticket machines available for use. Taxis and Ubers are easily accessible and affordable. Taipei is also very walkable and is safe at all hours.
• Villa 32 , perched on Taipei’s far northern outskirts, is a luxurious resort with therapeutic geothermal baths and lush greenery. It’s a 30-minute drive from the city center. Five suites have hot spring waters piped directly into the rooms. Double rooms start from about 19,400 New Taiwan dollars, or $633.
• Kimpto n Da’an is a stylish and centrally located boutique hotel on a hushed residential street right next to a metro stop. It has one of the best Western-style breakfast options in town, and is within easy walking distance to many major attractions. Doubles start from about 8,500 Taiwan dollars.
• For something a bit more quirky, Originn Space in Dadaocheng is a very small inn in a century-old faux baroque-style mansion with vintage furniture. There are only four rooms, starting from 2,880 Taiwan dollars.
• Star Hostel Taipei Main Station is a comfy, central hostel that suits both families and solo travelers. There’s a well-equipped shared kitchen and ample amounts of lounge space. Shared rooms start from 680 Taiwan dollars per person and private rooms start from 2,150 Taiwan dollars.

An earlier version of this article misstated the price per night for a room at the Originn Space inn. Prices start from 2,880 Taiwan dollars, not 1,440 Taiwan dollars.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Taiwan

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 15 best experiences you can have in Taiwan

Oct 19, 2023 • 12 min read

From soaking in hot springs to sampling all the flavors at the night markets, here are Taiwan's top experiences © iStockphoto / Getty Images

Taiwan is a country with more facets than the 11-headed Guanyin you’ll see inside its temples.

On a single trip, you could be cycling between skyscrapers, drinking coffee at plantations, sun-bathing, forest-bathing, soaring on luscious homegrown whisky, or reeling from rocket fireworks and the repertoire of a night market. The options are endless. 

So whether you’re a first-time visitor or coming back for more, deciding what to do might just be the hardest part of your trip. Here are some of the best experiences in Taiwan.

1. Take your pick of 15,000 temples

Pick a couple, if not more. Be they incense-filled and packed to the eaves with idols and art or a dusky roadside shrine, whether Taoist, Buddhist, Confucian or folk, temples offer a fascinating glimpse into Taiwan’s spiritual life.

You’ll see devotees, including a surprising number of young people, praying and giving thanks. They burn joss paper for the departed, toss moon blocks to seek divine guidance on whether to buy a car, and make offerings of guava, orchids and sesame crackers to a pantheon of deities.

During festivals, temples offer up a smoky and noisy slice of local life. On quiet days, with their relics, sculptures and caisson ceilings, temples are museums in their own right. 

Both Tainan and Lukang are home to a wealth of old structures, from understated Confucius temples to Mazu temples rich in southern Chinese folk decorative art.

Some favorites from all over the country are Taipei’s Unesco-award winning Bao'an Temple , Lukang’s graceful Longshan Temple , Penghu’s old Tianhou Temple , Tainan’s fierce City God Temple , and Changhua’s Nanyao Temple with its Doric columns.

Local tip: Entering and leaving a temple the proper way – through the "dragon door" on the right-hand side and exiting through the "tiger door" on the left – means you go into protection and leave danger behind. The center door is reserved for the gods, the abbot and the president.

2. Sunbathe on Jibei Sand Tail, Penghu Islands

The windy collection of islands known as Penghu is distinctive yet hard to pin down. Set along its roaring coastlines are sea-facing temples, coral stone-walled villages where vendors sell seashell pendants and prickly pear sorbet, and beaches good for water sports. In winter, Penghu becomes a windsurfing hot spot for top-class athletes the world over. 

Added to this mix are geological wonders, a large aquarium  and remnants of ancient sea trade in all their desolate splendor. Further still, Penghu cuisine is celebrated for its delicious simplicity and plentiful seafood. If you come out of season, the golden spit known as the Jibei Sand Tail could be all yours.

3. Explore urban Tainan on foot

Urban Tainan has such a tight weave of attractions that walking is the best way to take everything in. Cafes, restaurants and dessert shops are liberally tucked into the fabric, offering abundant options for a refuel. And should you need some tiding over, there’s the T-bike and bus.

Many sights are clustered around the roads radiating from the Tang Te-chang Memorial Park roundabout in central Tainan. You’ll see the Museum of Taiwan Literature in a gorgeous Japanese colonial building, and the Altar of Heaven .

Slightly further out are the Neoclassical Land Bank , the art deco Hayashi Department Store , the old and the new Tainan Art Museums, the Confucius Temple with its red walls, and the City God Temple.

Further out still are the Great South Gate , Koxinga’s Shrine , Chihkan Towers , the Official God of War Temple  and the Grand Mazu Temple . 

From the roundabout, a 15-minute stroll northwest takes you to Shennong Street , an art village with shophouses repurposed into boutiques and cafes. Sharing the ‘hood with the hipsters are the Wind God Temple , the Water Fairy Temple and the King of Medicine Temple . 

Planning tip: Famous Anping Fort and the old streets sagging with traditional snack shops near it are 15 minutes away by T-bike or 45 minutes by bus from Shennong Street.

4. Hike along Swallow Grotto at Taroko Gorge 

Taiwan's top tourist draw is a walk-in Chinese painting. Rising above the froth of the blue-green Liwu River, the marble walls (yes, marble!) of Taroko Gorge swirl with the colors of an artist's palette.

Add grey mist, lush vegetation and waterfalls seemingly tumbling down from heaven and you have a truly classic landscape. Walk along the Swallow Grotto to see the gorge at its most sublime, or brave the Zhuilu Old Trail, a vertiginous path 500m (1,640ft) above the canyon floor.

5. Cycle or drive along the breathless East Coast at Hualien

Cycling is Taiwan’s national sport, and cyclists favor the stunning and unspoiled east coast for multi-day trips. Love the sea? Then ride the gorgeous coastline along the Pacific Ocean between Yilan and Hualien or Hualien and Taitung . It’ll leave you breathless in more ways than one. 

There are dramatic elevation changes in Taroko Gorge, and portions of the highways are subject to landslides after heavy rain. But the beauty is unparalleled, and you'll pass beaches, fishing harbors, indigenous towns and art villages.

Like the mountains? Ride the East Rift Valley and watch cloud drama unfold on glistening rice paddies or seas of orange daylilies. Both routes have indigenous guesthouses and restaurants, campgrounds, prehistoric sites and hot springs. No matter which you choose, a wonderful time awaits.

Local tip: If you charter a car from Taipei, the driver will stop at scenic spots and attractions. 

6. Do a homegrown coffee crawl and buy beans

Blessed with good soil and a climate and altitudes conducive to arabica trees flourishing, Taiwan has become the coffee mecca of Asia, bagging awards worldwide for its beans that range from peanutty to tea-like.

You can sip them at their source in Gukeng and Dongshan if you’re hiking nearby, but it's more fun to try different cafes that serve killer homegrown brews and also roast and sell beans. A bonus is the setting, which can range from retro Taipei and hipster book-and-bean to Nordic minimalism. 

Detour: Cacao farms in Pingtung grow beans and craft some of Asia’s finest chocolates. You can tour the premises, learn about the bean-to-bar process, and make your own sweets at Choose Chius and Fu Wan Chocolate .

7. Enjoy a feast at Miaokou Night Market, Keelung 

Grazing is a useful technique to have on the road, and Taiwan’s night markets are great for honing this skill. Fulfilling the need for food and entertainment (to say nothing of socializing), the markets bring happy crowds every night of the week to gorge on a bewildering array of snacks and dishes.

Check out harborside Miaokou Night Market in Keelung, in many ways the biggest and best of them all, for the quintessential experience of grazing (on seafood especially!) and people-watching.

8. Get a taste of gourmet Taiwan in Mountain and Sea House, Taipei

Taiwan may be one of the world’s street-food capitals, but don’t just limit yourself to casual eats – the country’s dining landscape has plenty more to offer.

Taiwan is steadily making a mark on Asia's culinary landscape. In the 2022 Michelin Taiwan, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Taipei and Tainan came under scrutiny and earned the country 38 stars, up from 20 and only Taipei being assessed in 2018. 

The lists don't just honor French-style cooking, expensive Japanese or meticulous Cantonese kitchens, but also solidly executed Taiwanese cuisine such as Taipei’s Mountain and Sea House .

Besides this, a growing number of chefs with or without awards are working magic with local produce from oolong tea to sakura shrimp, like Pingtung’s AKAME , which specializes in Rukai cooking.

Planning tip: Make your reservations at least a month in advance for famous restaurants – Michelin-honored and otherwise. 

9. Be wowed by the National Palace Museum, Taipei

Taiwan houses one of the greatest collections of dynastic Chinese artifacts in the world. With ancient pottery, bronzes and jade, Ming vases, Song landscape paintings and calligraphy that even those who are not art lovers can appreciate, Taipei's National Palace Museum isn't merely a must-visit, it's a must-repeat-visit.

Why? Out of the nearly 700,000 pieces in the museum's collection – spanning every Chinese dynasty, in addition to prehistory and the modern age – only a fraction is ever on display at one time.

10. Delve into military history while enjoying art at Alien Art Center, Kaohsiung

The military outposts of Kinmen and Matsu Islands, with their tunnels, forts and artillery displays, will please hardcore military buffs. But if you want something softer and unique enough that everyone can enjoy, head to Kaohsiung.

The dark and mysterious national relic that is the Imperial Japanese Navy Wireless Communication Station has finally found peace but for tent shows and exhibitions. Alien Art Centre , housed in a former hostel for young men departing for military service, is one of Taiwan’s strongest contemporary art museums. Cihou Fort  on Cijin Island was used by the Qing Empire, the Japanese, the Nationalist Army, and more recently, tripod-wielding sunset photographers. 

The engaging Military Dependents’ Village Museum shows how the families of soldiers of the Chinese Nationalist Army lived after their retreat to Taiwan post-1949. The high-rises of Guomao Community are the 2.0 version of such villages.

Do as the locals do – go there to enjoy authentic regional Chinese cuisines at the restaurants. In a compound next to Taiwan’s largest naval base, the Story House of Naval Base Zuoying details the area’s military heritage. 

Detour: New Taipei’s Human Rights Museum , sitting on the site of a former detention center for political dissidents, is recommended for insight into how far democratic Taiwan has come. The English audio guide is helpful. The museum’s sprawling branch on Green Island, a former penal colony, can be visited by booking a guided tour. 

11. Join locals in hazmat suits at the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival

Attending a traditional folk festival is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience local culture. Taiwan has a slew of these – solemn, bizarre, carnivalesque, you name it.

You don’t have to be a believer to go – the locals are inclusive and welcoming, but be respectful, of course. It is not uncommon to see pilgrims and visitors from all over Taiwan and abroad at the most spectacular festivals.

The nine-day annual Mazu pilgrimage sees hundreds of thousands of people escorting a palanquin containing a statue of the goddess Mazu through 50 towns. The triennial Burning of the Wang Yeh Boats features powerful spectacles over eight days that end with the burning of a celestial boat on a beach.

The strange Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is a blowout in which thousands in protective gear (or not) place themselves willingly in a melee of exploding fireworks. 

Planning tip: The Mazu Pilgrimage takes place in the third lunar month; the Boat Burning Festival in October or November, with the next one happening in 2024; and Yenshui’s fireworks go off on the 14th or 15th day of the first lunar month. If you attend the last, bring goggles, a motorcycle helmet and protective clothing if you don’t want to pay for overpriced gear on-site or end up in the hospital.

12. Follow ancient hunting trails through forests in Wulai

Taiwan is 50% forested, and asphalt gives way to the real thing astonishingly quickly – consistently  a delight for nature lovers. In the mountainous Wulai township, old indigenous hunting trails cut through misty tropical forests. 

Take a break from your trek to enjoy crystal streams or deep swimming pools, and repeat this experience all over the island. Taiwan is also two-thirds mountainous, with hundreds of peaks soaring above 3,000m (9,842ft) and well-established hiking routes all over.

Jade Mountain (Yushan) is the highest peak in Northeast Asia, but the second highest, Snow Mountain, is a more picturesque climb.

13. Understand Indigenous Taiwan at the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines

There are 16 recognized indigenous tribes in Taiwan. Though long suppressed, tribal culture and pride have made a remarkable turnaround in the 21st century. Begin your understanding at the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines in Taipei or the Museum of Prehistory in Taitung.

See their paintings and installations at the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts , a world-renowned authority on Austronesian art, and hear them read their poems at Tainan’s Museum of Taiwan Literature. 

Then check into an underground homestay run by Yami islanders on beautiful Lanyu Island, preferably during the flying fish season, or consider a visit to the communally run Smangus, a high-mountain center of Atayal culture.

In summer, head to the east coast for indigenous surfer towns and exuberant festivals celebrating harvests, coming of age, and a deep love of live music. 

Local tip: Sample Amis delicacies in Hualien . You can do so at the indigenous stalls in Dadongmen Night Market or at Amis-run Mu-Mang. 

14. Relax in Beitou’s hot springs 

Taiwan's ground surface has plenty of fissures, which gives rise to an abundance of spring sources hard to match anywhere on the globe. Locals believe the waters are effective for everything from soothing muscles to conceiving. 

If you like to soak in stone, wood or marble pools with mountain views, head to Beitou , Wulai or Taian. For wild impromptu dips, tread deep into valleys for a pristine wild spring like Lisong Hot Spring  (often considered the most beautiful of them all), or make your way to Green Island for one of the world’s three seawater hot springs. 

15. Tour the Kavalan Distillery to see how Taiwan’s single malts are made 

Whisky lovers, you’re in luck. Taiwan is a country of whisky drinkers, and they’re not only sipping imported Laphroaig or Hibiki – Taiwan’s own award-winning Kavalan is a huge favorite. The world seems to agree – at the Asia round of World Whisky Masters 2022, the homegrown label scooped up 10 golds plus a Master Medal.

You can try Kavalan on the rocks or in a smoky martini at one of the country’s many exquisite cocktail bars, such as Taichung’s Goût and Taipei’s Ounce , but you can also tour the distillery in Yilan for free and sample the single malts. 

Local tip: Taiwan has a lively craft beer scene with microbreweries popping up all over, but it’s best to taste homegrown beer in a bar such as Zhangmen , Le Blé d’Or and Taihu .

This article was first published November 2022 and updated October 2023

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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. :)

• 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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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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66 Unmissable Things to Do in Taiwan in 2024

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

Welcome to the ultimate Taiwan bucket list! Taiwan is a small country that packs in a seemingly unlimited number of awe-inspiring attractions, from the towering skyscrapers of Taipei to isolated aboriginal tribes on offshore islands .

Here I’ve compiled my favorite things to do in Taiwan, all things I’ve personally done (most of them several times) in my 10+ years living in this country . These include the most popular Taiwan attractions as well as my favorite off-the-beaten-track things to do in Taiwan.

Deciding what to do in Taiwan can be tough, with so many famous tourist spots as well as lesser-known ones. Whether you’re only here for a quick stopover in Taiwan or staying for weeks, the possibilities just seem endless!

The suggestions below are organized into sections covering Taipei, the North, East Coast, Central Mountains, and the South of Taiwan. To find out how to map out the below attractions for your visit, please see my recommended Taiwan itinerary for 1-3 weeks .

For everything else you need to know about visiting the country, here’s my general guide to traveling in Taiwan and my Taiwan-focused website, TaiwanObsessed .

Have questions about traveling in Taiwan? Read these Taiwan FAQs or ask your questions in my Taiwan Travel Planning group !

Table of Contents

Taiwan Essentials

• I recommend Insubuy or Safety Wing (see why in my guide to insurance for Taiwan ) and Kiwi.com for flights (see how to find budget flights to Taiwan ). Also check if you need a visa for Taiwan .
• Use Klook to find great deals and discounts on attractions, transportation, and more around the country. I highly recommend it and use it all the time! Sign up here to get NT$100 off your first booking. Also read my guide to other useful apps for traveling in Taiwan .
• Consider getting a Taipei Fun Pass , which can save you money if used well.
• If you decide the above pass isn’t worth it for you, you can simply buy an EasyCard , which covers public transportation in major cities in Taiwan. See my EasyCard user’s guide .
• I recommend picking up a copy of the best Taiwan travel guidebook and reading these facts about Taiwan .
• Pre-pay for your portable WiFi device or local SIM card for pickup at the airport. Read my guide to picking up your SIM at the airport and whether you should get an eSIM for Taiwan .
• If you plan to travel by High Speed Rail , you can buy discounted HSR tickets online – read how to book seats with them here .
• If you’re short on time, you can squeeze in Taiwan’s top sights on this 5-day Taiwan tour or let Life of Taiwan plan a fully customized luxury tour of Taiwan for you. Tell them Nick sent you over!
• Check out the best cooking classes in Taiwan here .
• Find out about Taiwan’s money and when to tip in Taiwan .

When to Travel to Taiwan

There is no distinct high or low travel season in Taiwan; tourist numbers go up and down by the month and depend on a lot of factors. What’s more, the weather and climate varies considerably from north to south and seaside to high mountain areas.

Do you want to bask in Taiwan’s summer heat? See cherry blossoms? Soak in hot springs? Go hiking in mild weather? Avoid typhoons and the rainy season? To help you decide the best time to visit, I’ve written articles covering each month of the year in Taiwan, which are summarized in my post on the best time to visit Taiwan .

If you only have a short stay, read my guide to Taoyuan Airport and doing a stopover in Taiwan . Now, let’s get to the top attractions in Taiwan!

Taiwan’s Top Experiences

The below are what I consider the most unmissable experiences in Taiwan. In the following sections, I’ll cover the more specific places to visit across Taiwan, from north to south.

Legendary Night Markets

If someone asks me what to do in Taiwan, but I can only choose one answer, it would be to visit a night market. Taiwan is known across Asia for its night markets, and many foodies visit the country JUST to dine in its night markets.

I’ve made it my mission to visit every major night market across Taiwan (this may be a lifelong endeavor, as there are hundreds!) Here are my guides covering the best night markets in Taipei , night markets in Taichung , night markets in Tainan , and night markets in Kaohsiung . For vegetarians and vegans, here’re my vegetarian night market recommendations .

To get a taste of what you’ll be eating, I’ve compiled 101 Taiwanese foods you’re most likely to encounter there. Taiwan is also famous for its teas , and there’s even an underground chocolate culture in Taiwan .

Over 100 Major Hot Springs

Taiwan is a thermal hot spring paradise. Sitting on the Ring of Fire, the island nation has one of the highest concentrations of natural hot springs in the world.

You can experience Taiwan’s hot spring culture by hiking to wild springs, soaking in Japanese-era bathhouses, or getting a luxurious private hot spring room with your loved one.

Find out everything you need to know in my guide to the best hot springs in Taiwan . I’ll be introducing specific individual ones below.

Welcoming People & Unique Culture

Taiwanese pride themselves on being super friendly and welcoming to foreign visitors, and they really are. They want the world to know that their country exists, and to this end they welcome outsiders enthusiastically. Taiwanese society is one of the freest in Asia, and the country was the continent’s first to legalize equal marriage rights.

Taiwan is also known for its convenience store culture, with one of the highest concentrations of convenience stores in the world. Grabbing a cold beer and instant noodles from 7-Eleven to enjoy at a nearby park is a classic Taiwan experience, while the “ding dong” of the automatic 7-11 door is a sound that most Taiwanese associate with home.

To learn more about Taiwanese culture, read my guide to Taiwanese language and (more related articles coming soon!) Also, please don’t confused Taiwan with Thailand, like so many people do. To clear this help, here’s my article explaining the many differences between Taiwan and Thailand .

Unbeatable Hiking and Outdoor Activites

Taiwan is one of the world’s great hiking destinations. In fact, the country has the world’s highest concentrations of high mountains, with 268 peaks above 3000 meters (9843 ft), including Yushan, which is taller than Mount Fuji. Over 2/3rd of the island consists of mountains!

Amazingly, some of the best hikes in Taiwan can be found right in and around the capital. Here’s my guide to the best hikes in Taipei . Several of these are located on Yangmingshan , a semi-dormant volcano right in the city! I’ve also written about the best hikes across the island here and here .

Besides hiking, some other popular outdoor activities in Taiwan are river tracing , riding hot air balloons , whale watching , scuba diving , surfing , and more.

Beaches and Offshore Islands

While Taiwan isn’t quite as famous for its beaches as countries like Thailand or the Philippines, it still has its fair share of good ones.

Here I’ve compiled my favorite beaches near Taipei . In the south of Taiwan, there’s so good surfing to be had, while Kenting National Park at the southern tip of Taiwan has some of the best beaches on mainland Taiwan.

But it’s no secret that Taiwan’s outying islands have the best beaches in Taiwan. The Penghu Islands and Green Island are top contenders here. I’ll be covering Taiwan’s offshore islands in individual entries below, as there is much more to them than just beaches.

Colorful Festivals and Events

The Taiwanese calendar is dotted with exciting festivals and events, from traditional Chinese festivals to pool dance parties, and everything in between.

In this article, I cover the 60+ festivals in Taiwan , in the order they will come from January to December. Lunar New Year is the biggest holiday in Taiwan, but can also be a challenging time to travel.

Mesmerizing Temples

Taiwanese temples must be seen to truly understand. Most of them are explosions of color and detail, known for their intricate carvings and details. These are living places of worship, with equally complex rituals and prayers taking place daily. They are free to enter for all.

Temples in Taiwan may fall under Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, folk religion, or, more often than not, a combination of two or more of the above.

Learn more in my guide to the best temples in Taipei and temples in Tainan , the spiritual and historical heart of Taiwan. I will cover a few more notable temples in Taiwan further below.

Things to Do in Taipei

Taipei is such as enticing city that you could easily spend weeks there and never run out of things to do. It’s no wonder so many visitors end up getting stuck there for life, myself included!

For even more ideas, check out my articles on unmissable things to do in Taipei City .

I’ve also got articles covering where to stay in Taipei , the best hostels , Taipei day trip ideas , and my recommended itinerary for 2 days / 3 days / 4 days / 5 days .

Survey the capital from Taipei 101

Ride one of the world’s fastest elevators to the 89th floor observation deck for a 360-degree bird’s eye view of Taipei from Taipei 101 ( read my Taipei 101 guide for more info than you’ll find here!)

This famous Taiwan landmark is a skyscraper shaped like a stalk of bamboo. Be sure to check out the enormous 730-ton stabilizer ball in the center, which keeps the once tallest building in the world from falling in the event of an earthquake. Don’t miss the excellent souvenirs sold there too.

Save money and buy your ticket in advance online , and choose ‘Express Pass’ to skip the long lines. For a more thrilling experience, try the Skyline 460 Observation Deck (read about my Skyline 460 visit here ), which is on the actual roof of Taipei 101, and includes entry to the regular Observation floors. You can also get a massage inside Taipei 101 , with an epic view!

The Taipei 101 Observatory is also included on the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass , which is a great way to save money while traveling in Taipei. See my guide to the fun pass here . After visiting Taipei 101, dine at Taiwan’s most famous restaurant nearby.

Also don’t miss one of the events of the year in Taiwan in December , when fireworks shoot from the sides of Taipei 101 to celebrate New Year’s Eve! Find the best spots to view the Taipei 101 fireworks here .

Some of the best luxury hotels in Taiwan are around Taipei 101.

Bathe in Beitou’s thermal waters

Visiting Taiwan in winter ? Beitou is the only MRT-accessible hot spring in Taiwan. It sits at the base of Yangming Mountain in northern Taipei City. Learn how to spend an amazing day exploring the area in my guide to Beitou Hot Spring .

Beitou’s hot springs were first developed by the Japanese. Several Japanese-built structures remain, including the Xinbeitou train station, Hot Spring Museum, Beitou Museum, and Puji Temple.

Public Millennium Hot Spring in the Hot Spring Park is the cheapest choice, while Spring City Resort has the best family-friendly hot spring facility.

For a classier soak, try Hotel Royal Beitou .

Exlore Ximending, the “Shinjuku of Taipei”

Ximen, Taipei’s funkiest neighborhood, has been cool since Japanese times. The pedestrian shopping district attracts crowds of local youths and travelers.

It is here that you can find cosplay cafés, piercing and tattoo parlors, ice cream shops with weird flavors, and MTV parlous (private rooms to watch a movie). Ximen is also home to Taipei’s largest LGBT district, historic Red Theater, a weekend arts and craft market, and over a dozen movie theaters.

Get more ideas in my article on weird things to do in Ximending , find out what to eat in Ximending , and read about my experience getting a knife massage in Ximending .

Learn more in the city’s excellent museums

For starters, you can’t miss the National Palace Museum , arguably the most important museum in the Chinese-speaking world. The colossal structure houses some 700,000 artifacts. If you book your ticket online , it includes entrance to the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum in Chiayi .

Next door, you’ll find the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aboriginals. You can save money by getting this combined ticket .

For art lovers, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Taipei Fine Arts Museum are musts. If you are visiting Taipei with kids , consider the Land Bank Exhibition Hall of the National Taiwan Museum, which houses a dinosaur exhibit, or the Miniatures Museum of Taipei .

Admission to numerous museums and art galleries in Taipei are covered with the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

Ride a YouBike along Taipei’s riverside parks

Renting a YouBike is a quintessential Taipei experience! The signature yellow and orange bikes (produced by Taiwan’s own Giant Bicycles) are available from literally hundreds of drop-off points throughout Taipei City and New Taipei City .

As a foreigner, it can be a little tricky to rent one. Although many people don’t realize this, you can actually rent one without an EasyCard and local SIM/phone number. I explain how to do it in my YouBike guide .

Some of the best riding to be had in the city is along the city’s numerous riverside parks. A favorite ride of mine is to rent a bike at Yuanshan MRT station, riding past the Taipei Fine Arts Museum and Lin An Tai Historical Home to reach the Dajia Riverside Park, continuing along to Raohe Night Market and Songshan Ciyou Temple.

YouBikes are also available in major cities across Taiwan.

Ride a glass floor gondola over tea fields

The Maokong Gondola ascends from Taipei Zoo MRT station into the foothills surrounding Taipei, where light, fruity Baozhong oolong tea is grown. To ride in a glass floor gondola, make sure to get in the line marked “Crystal Cabins.”

You can get off at Zhinan Temple station for commanding city views from a stunning temple, or continue to the final stop, Maokong station, from where you can walk to numerous tea houses overlooking tea farms and hiking trails.

Don’t forget to try the tea-flavored soft serve ice cream!

Use your EasyCard to ride the Moakong Gondola, and return tickets are included if you get the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

You can also get a deal on Maokong + Taipei Zoo tickets here.

Admire CKS Memorial Hall, one of Taipei’s most iconic structures

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall honors Taiwan’s former dictator and is the city’s most prominent historic landmark. The imposing, octagonal, 76-meter blue and white structure is definitely worth a visit.

In the same large square sit the classical Chinese-style National Theater and Concert Hall. Teens can often be seen practicing dance moves on the walkways around the two buildings.

The best view of the square can be had from Liberty Square Arch on the NW side of the square.

CKS Memorial Hall is included on this Taipei Double Decker Bus Tour .

Explore Taipei’s world-famous food streets

Besides its famous night markets, Taipei is also known for several food streets.

Shenkeng Old Street is otherwise known as the “stinky tofu street” or “tofu capital of Taiwan. This is the best place to try stinky tofu, Taiwan’s most infamous snack.

Yongkang Street is known for its mango shaved ice , traditional teahouses, and high concentration of excellent local restaurants, while Burma Street (also called Zhonghe Myanmar Street) in New Taipei City has the country’s best collection of Burmese restaurants.

Last but not least, Addiction Aquatic Development is an unmissable spot for anyone who loves seafood, whether you want it in seafood hot pot, BBQ, stand-up sushi bar, or an economical sashimi plate to take away.

Play with kitties in a cat cafe

Did you know that the cat cafe trend started in Taiwan? Find out where it all began in my guide to the best cat cafes in Taipei and around Taiwan .

Since there, there are over a dozen good ones in the city, not to mention several more in cities across the country. Some of these are just regular cafes with a few cats hanging out inside, while others are full on affairs where you pay to spend time with dozens of furballs, including rare breeds.

If you still haven’t found your accommodation in Taipei, read my guide to where to stay in Taipei or see this list of the best Taipei hotels .

Things to Do in Northern Taiwan

Northern Taiwan is dominated by Yangmingshan National Park , a huge dormant volcano massif. The North Coast Highway (Provincial Highway 2) is dotted with enticing attractions ranging from beaches and cliff diving to night markets and historic villages.

New Taipei City, a huge city surrounding Taipei, is home to some of the best day trips from Taipei , while Taoyuan city and Hsinchu county offer possibilities for getting off the beaten track.

Take in a romantic sunset in Tamsui

Tamsui (Danshui) is a district of New Taipei City with a popular riverside promenade at the end of the Taipei MRT red line. It’s a lovely spot where the Tamsui river, which flows through Taipei, meets the sea.

The promenade is lined with food stalls and children’s games, while in the evening it takes on the air of a seaside night market. There are also a few historical sights in Tamsui, including the Fort San Domingo . Entrance is included in the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

Catch a river boat (also included on the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass or swipe with EasyCard ) to Fisherman’s Wharf, a large dock that is famous for having some of Taipei’s best sunsets. The prime spot is Lover’s Bridge, which connects the dock to the shore.

Gorge on seafood at Keelung Night Market

The night market in Keelung, northern Taiwan’s largest port, is so special that it gets its own entry here. Not only does it specialize in delicious seafood (there’s something for everyone if you don’t like seafood), but also every stall has its specialty marked in English, and it is easily Taiwan’s most photogenic night market. Find my food recommendations in my food guide to Keelung Night Market .

The market’s Mandarin name is Miaokou (or “Temple Entrance”) Night Market, named after the large temple at its core. You can reach Keelung in 40-60 minutes from Taipei on the regular train, or visit it after a day trip to Jiufen (see below).

Besides the night market, there are many other interesting things to do in Keelung . See my Keelung guide for more info. Find even more ideas in this article by my friend.

Photograph oddly shaped rock formations at Yehliu

Yehliu Geopark is the most popular day trips from Taipei. It is a narrow cape jutting out into the sea, with unusual rock formations carved out by sea winds. It’s a stunning, almost lunar landscape.

The most popular formation is shaped like a queen’s head and typically has a long line of visitors waiting to take a selfies in front of it. If you arrive on your own, you can skip the entrance line with this online admission ticket .

Yehliu is also included on this day tour to Jiufen and Shifen waterfall and the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

Find out why everyone thinks Jiufen inspired Miyazaki’s Spirited Away

The former gold mining town turned atmospheric tourist market called Jiufen snakes its way up the mountain, commanding impressive views of the sea. It is easily the most popular of the many day trips from Taipei.

Here’s my guide to Jiufen and all the info you need for getting from Taipei to Jiufen on your own.

You can skip the line at Amei Teahouse , Jiufen’s most iconic building. Jiufen is also part of this Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen tour .

The same public buses that go to from Taipei or Ruifang to Jiufen also continue 10 minutes further to the Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park , which offers impressive views, mining history, a golden waterfall, and a hike to the remains of Shinto shrine. You can even eat ice cream topped with real gold flakes there!

Hang out with cats at Houtong Cat Village

The 9-stop Pingxi small train line provides access to some gorgeous mountain villages that make for a pleasant day trip from Taipei as well as some incredible hiking. After getting on the train at Ruifang, the first notable stop is Houtong, otherwise known as Taiwan’s “cat village”.

Once a coal mining town, Houtong’s modern claim to fame is its 100+ resident cats.

It all began in 2008 when a local cat lover began taking care of resident strays. Visitors today can buy cat-themed souvenirs, snacks and drinks, and of course, pet and photograph tons of cats.

The tiny village occupies either side of Houtong train station, with a cat tail-shaped tunnel connecting the two sides. See my Houtong Cat Village guide to plan your visit.

Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan’s widest

Shifen, another stop on the Pingxi train line after it veers inland, is famous for Shifen waterfall, the widest in the country and sometimes called the “Niagara Falls of Taiwan.” The narrow train station is very atmospheric and popular among tourists.

Many visitors like to set off paper lanterns at Shifen train station. This practice is associated with Pingxi, three more stops in on the train line. Pingxi is the site of the annual Pingxi Mass Sky Lantern Release , one of the most famous festivals in Taiwan. You can also access the Pingxi Crags (see next entry) from Pingxi Station.

Find out how to get to Shifen Waterfall here or consider joining this very convenient tour to Shifen, Yehliu, and Jiufen .

Ascend vertical crags on three amazing hikes

Taiwan as a whole is a paradise for hikers, and there are three hikes in the Greater Taipei area that stand out if you are looking for adventure. As scary as they may look, all of them are easy enough for anyone who is relatively fit.

The first is the Pingxi Crags, a series of trails leading up a cluster of sheer vertical crags. All the ascents are fitted with ropes and ladders and it is very safe. Still, your heart will be in your throat.

The second is Huangdi Dian hike in Shiding District, which is a little tougher, as it involves a long uphill slog before the trail reaches the peak, which features a gorgeous and incredibly picturesque ridge walk.

Third, and probably the pick of the bunch, is Wuliaojian trail in Sanxia district, a incredibly varied hike that includes rope ladders, cliffs, ridges, views, and pretty much everything that can make a hike awesome and fun. Again, it’s a little challenging (mentally, more than anything, if you dare to look down), but anyone who is in decent shape can do it.

Bathe in colorful water at Jiaoxi Hot Spring in Yilan

Among the many hot spring villages in Taiwan, Jiaoxi Hot Spring in Yilan County is my personal favorite for its many colorful, scented hot spring tubs and herbal steam rooms. Besides soaking in springs, you can also hike to impressive waterfalls, eat hot spring ramen, and drink local craft beer while soaking your feet in a hot spring creek in Jiaoxi.

Find out how to do all of this and more in my guide to Jiaoxi Hot Spring . Also see my Yilan travel guide and find more fun things to do in Yilan .

Yilan is also known for its cool guesthouses & B&Bs .

Sample award-winning whiskey at Kavalan Distillery

Did you know that Taiwan produces some of world’s best whiskeys? The World Whiskies Awards named Kavalan’s Vinho Barrique the world’s best single malt whisky in 2015 and the Solist Amontillado Sherry Single Cask Strength the World’s Best Single Cask Single Malt Whisky in 2016.

Entry and a tour of the distillery are free, or you can enjoy a more intimate tour in English with unlimited sampling and make a bottle of your own blend of whiskey to take home on this Kavalan Distillery tour .

The Kavalan Distillery is located in Yilan County and can easily be visited as a day trip from Taipei. Consider to combine your visit with Jiaoxi hot springs (see last entry) then visit Luodong Night Market before heading back to Taipei.

If craft beer is your thing, then the excellent Jim & Dad’s Brewing company is just down the road.

Experience aboriginal culture and hot springs in Wulai

Wulai District of New Taipei City is home to Taiwan’s northernmost aboriginal tribe, and the closest one to Taipei City. Wulai is many local expats’ favorite day trip from Taipei, for its riverside thermal hot springs, awesome hiking and river tracing, wild scenery, and delicious aboriginal treats.

Read my guide to Wulai for all the details.

Spend a day at Leofoo Village, Taiwan’s most famous theme park

While Taiwan has loads of great amusement parks , Leofoo Village in Hsinchu county remains the most famous. It began as a safari park and still has a safari section, but now also includes four huge themed areas of rides as well as a great water park. Don’t miss the screaming condor, a totally insane inverted rollercoaster.

You can save nearly 50% of your entrance fee by buying your ticket online before you go.

Shop for ceramics in Yingge

Yingge is the undisputed pottery capital of Taiwan. Here’s my guide to Yingge .

There are more than 800 businesses specializing in ceramics around Yingge Old Street. Here you can find tea sets and all manner of pottery ranging from cheap and functional to pieces of art that belong in museums.

In fact, there is a museum in town: the Yingge Ceramics Museum, and it is one of the best museums I’ve ever been to.

If you prefer to visit with a knowledgeable guide, check out this Taiwanese folk arts tour .

Things to do on the East Coast of Taiwan

The rugged east coast of Taiwan is know for its wild scenery. Going south from the plains of Yilan, the coast becomes increasibly dramatic, culminating at the Qingshui Cliffs and Taroko Gorge in Hualien County . Continuing south to Taitung brings visitors to remote Taitung County, the bread (or rice) basket of Taiwan, where you can surf year-round.

Click here for even more ideas on  things to do in Hualien and things to do in Taitung .

Test your nerves at the Qingshui Cliffs

On the rugged and wild east coast of Taiwan, the infamous Suao to Hualien highway, especially the portion known as the Qinshui Cliffs, is the most dramatic.

You’ can take in the cliffs as a part of a Taroko Gorge day tour from Taipei , a less rushed tour from Hualien , by hiring a driver (my preferred option), or by renting a scooter in Hualien and going there on your own (international license or local Taiwanese scooter license needed).

Here you can stop at the side of the highway and gaze down to the sea hundreds of meters below. The Qingshui Cliffs are included on most tours of Taroko Gorge, as they are just a short drive from the entrance to Taroko Gorge.

Find out how to plan this and other hualien activities in my suggested Hualien itinerary .

Marvel at dramatic Taroko Gorge, the “Grand Canyon of Taiwan”

If you only visit one place in Taiwan outside of Taipei, make it Taroko Gorge in Hualien, the country’s premier scenic wonder. Traveling up between the dramatic, vertical walls of this narrow canyon is an experience you cannot miss. Here’s my detailed guide to Taroko Gorge .

The most impressive sights in the gorge include Eternal Spring Shrine built to honor those who died building the highway, the sapphire blue waters of Shakadang Trail, and cliff-hugging Zhuilu Old Trail.

Island Life Taiwan offers the best day tours of Taroko Gorge , with English speaking guides and aboriginal lunch included.

Spend the night in a cabin in a small aboriginal village Taroko Village Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ), or stay in the classiest hotel in Taroko Gorge: Silks Place Resort ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ).

The easiest and fastest way to get there is this direct flight from Taipei’s Songshan Airport to Hualien .

Take an aboriginal cooking course

Hualien is also home to a large number of aboriginal people, including the Amis, the largest of Taiwan’s 16 recognized aboriginal tribes, and the Truku (Taroko) tribe, after which Taroko Gorge is named. One great way to experience Taiwanese aboriginal culture is by taking an aboriginal cooking course in Hualien.

In this highly recommended course, in which you can learn how to cooked local vegetables grown right in their garden, and finish them class by having a stiff local drink with the hosts. A vegetarian class is also available upon request.

Do adventure sports in Hualien

Wild, stunning Hualien County is filled with opportunities for adventure sports. One of the most exhilarating things to do in Taiwan is white water rafting in Hualien . The most popular route is on the Xiuguluan river, the only river in eastern Taiwan that cuts through the coastal mountain range. The 3 to 4 hour route includes over 20 rapids.

Other adventure activities in Hualien include whale/dolphin watching and paintballing .

Take a road trip through the East Rift Valley

While cycling or riding a scooter all the way around Taiwan is a local rite of passage, most would agree that the most pleasant and scenic portion in the east coast, especially the East Rift Valley in Hualien and Taitung Counties.

The East Rift Valley is a wide plain separating the Central and Coastal mountain ranges, and is famous for its quaint rural scenery, rice paddies, fruit orchards, hot springs, aboriginal culture, and cycling opportunities.

See my article on the east coast of Taiwan for information on planning your road trip.

You can also visit the East Rift Valley on this tour .

Cycle through rice paddies at Brown Boulevard in Chishang

One of the best ways to experience Taitung and the East Rift Valley is by cycling through its bucolic scenery of rice paddies and mountains.

The most popular place to do this is in a small town called Chishang. The area was catapulted to fame after an EVA airlines commercial starring a handsome Japanese-Taiwanese actor was filmed there. Now Taiwanese people love to go cycling through the rice paddies there to a tree named after him.

Learn how to do it in my guide to cycling and other things to do in Chishang, Taitung .

Be blown away by the Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival

One of the best places in the East Rift Valley, and one of my favorite places to visit in Taiwan, is Luye, which is famous for the Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival held every July in Taiwan and August in Taiwan .

At this time, dozens of hot air balloons, many shaped like cute animals or characters, get blown up on the gorgeous Luye Highland. Currently it isn’t possible for tourists to book a full balloon ride, but you can take a shorter, tethered ride here .

Even if you’re visiting outside of summer, the area around Luye is a gorgeous and laid back region for cycling, walking, or visiting tea farms. You can also visit Luye on a day tour from Taitung , and there are reasonably priced domestic flights from Taipei to Taitung .

See my article on Luye and the Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival for more information.

Check out the surf in Taitung

Taiwan’s may not be famous as a surfing destination, but it should be. The beach in Dulan, an enclave of artists, backpackers, surfers, and aboriginals on a gorgeous stretch of the coast in Taitung, offers some of the best surf in Taiwan year-round.

See my Dulan article for more information on where to surf, eat, and stay in Dulan.

Soak in a saltwater hot spring on tropical Green Island

Green Island, located 33 kilometers off the coast of Taitung, has a distinct tropical/holiday feel, and is one of the best places in Taiwan to go snorkelling and scuba diving (see this Advanced Open Water course on Green Island). They’ll provide everything you need, with variable quality, or you consider bringing your own mask .

Green Island is also home to Zhaori Hot Spring, one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world. Sitting in the rock pools of this hot spring at night, listening to the ocean waves crashing beside us is one of my top experiences in Taiwan.

Get your Green Island ferry tickets here.

Things to Do in the Central Mountains of Taiwan

Taiwan has the largest concentration of high mountains in the world, with 286 peaks above 3000 meters. This includes Yushan in the Central Mountain Range, the tallest mountain in Northeast Asia.

Head to the central mountains to see snow in a subtropical country, find out where the best oolong tea in the world comes from, or see sunrises over seas of clouds.

See snow at Hehuanshan or Snow Mountain

Taiwan is a subtropical country (bordering on tropical in the south, as the Tropic of Cancer runs right through the country), but it is possible to see snow on mountaintops in the Central Mountain Range in winter.

Hehuan Mountain is the most popular place to do so, and every time there is a report of snow (usually around January or February ), Taiwanese rush up the mountain to see it and clog Highway 14, Taiwan’s highest automobile pass at 3275 meters.

The best way to go is on this sunrise tour from Cingjing Farm (see next entry) or this private tour from Taichung . Here’s my guide to seeing snow at Hehuanshan . There’s only one hotel at Hehuanshan (a former ski lodge!) and it’s hard to book. Find out how in my guide to booking a room at Songsyue Lodge .

For hikers, Snow Mountain (Xueshan) is a great opportunity to see snow. When I did the hike in February several years ago, we didn’t just spot snow; we had snow dumped on us and trudged through waist deep snow to reach the peak.

Taipingshan in Yilan is another mountain that recently received snow, while a few times snow has even fallen on Yangmingshan in Taipei! See here for more info on where to see snow in Taiwan .

Stay on a high altitude farm

Cingjing Farm is one of the most unique attractions in Taiwan; where else in Asia can you stay in a European-style farm on the top of a high mountain range?

The area around Cingjing was originally cattle land of the Seediq people. Later in 1961, it was converted to farmland for demobilized soldiers of the Republic of China army. An overnight stay at Cingjing comes with epic views and lots of farm animal spotting.

You can visit Cingjing Farm on this private tour from Taichung . Here’s my Cingjing Farm guide , how to get there from Taichung , and reasons I don’t really love Cingjing Farm , even though the region undeniably pretty.

Cycle or Scooter around Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is the gem of the Central Mountain Range, and the road around it has been called one of the best cycling routes on earth. The lake is famous for its gorgeous panoramas, aboriginal culture, beautiful temples overlooking the lake, and the annual mass swim. May in Taiwan , June in Taiwan , and September in Taiwan are, in my opinion, the best times to visit.

Many visitors also come to ride the Sun Moon Lake Cable car to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Park , which includes an amusement park that is a great place to view cherry blossoms in spring . Based on my research, this is the best day tour available of Sun Moon Lake , departing from Taichung.

Also see my in depth articles covering things to do at Sun Moon Lake , whether to buy the Sun Moon Lake Pass , best Sun Moon Lake tours , and Sun Moon Lake tea .

Spend the night on a tea farm

Taiwan’s most famous tea, Alishan High Mountain Oolong tea , is mainly grown around the villages of Shizhuo (Shizhao) and Fenqihu, near the end point of the Chiayi -to-Alishan small gauge railway. For more information, see my my guide to Taiwanese teas .

It is possible to spend the night at one of several guesthouses located on incredibly scenic Alishan tea farms. The area also features a network of hiking trails among the tea farms and has gorgeous sunsets. Another popular trail through tea fields, called Eryanping , is nearby.

We stayed at Cuiti guesthouse ( see on Booking / TripAdvisor ), while another beautiful option that we hiked to is Longyun Leisure Farm ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ).

Witness the sunrise over a sea of clouds phenomenon at Alishan

Alishan National Scenic Area is one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist attractions, but for good reason. The area is famed for its high mountain tea, cherry blossoms , misty old growth forests, and sunrises over seas of clouds.

You need a bit of luck to witness the phenomenon. You can learn about the best sunrise points and more in my guide to Alishan . You’ll also find information on escaping the tourist crowds at Alishan, including a mesmerizing hike through a bamboo forest.

Another exciting aspect of visiting Alishan is riding the small gauge railway from Chiayi, but beware that part of the railway is out of operation since it was damaged by a typhoon. Find out more my article on how to get to Alishan . Note than there is a small entrance fee to Alishan, which you can pay online in advance with this deal that includes a famous lunch box en route to Alishan and an electric bus ticket to the sights in Alishan.

You can also get to Alishan by day trip from Taichung . If you take this 2-day Alishan tour, you can stay at Alishan’s best hotel for a reasonable price.

Climb Yushan, Northeast Asia’s highest peak

At 3952 meters, Yushan (Jade Mountain) is taller than Mt. Fuji by just under 200 meters, but lacks the crowds. Climbing Yushan is relatively easy for anyone who is reasonably fit, including older children. See here for a detailed guide to hiking Yushan .

Yushan National Park is the remotest in Taiwan, and is home to an abundance of flora and fauna.

The ascent is usually done in two days, with most people hiking the final 1.2km from Paiyun lodge to the peak for sunrise before descending. I saw an incredible sunrise over a sea of clouds when I did the hike in my first year in Taiwan.

You need to apply for a permit well in advance, or contact me for information on an organized tour, as the number of daily trekkers is strictly limited.

Explore quirky Xitou Monster Village

In the remote mountains of Nantou county , there’s an unusual attraction: a Japanese monster-themed village. The story behind it goes back to the Japanese occupation, honoring a friendship between a Japanese and Taiwanese man. Learn about this and more in my Xitou Monster Village post .

In the village there’s a Monster-Themed Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ), while visitor’s to the village can also try spooky snacks like stinging nettle baked buns.

You can visit Xitou Monster Village on this Monster Village Day Tour from Taichung , which also includes a stop at a Mochi Museum and bamboo forest.

Bathe in a mud hot spring at Guanziling

Another hot spring experience that makes it onto my list of best things to do in Taiwan is the mud hot springs at Guanziling in Tainan city . There you can bathe in muddy hot spring water, do a DIY mud facial, or rub thermal mud on your body. It’s said to be great for the skin!

The best resort in town to try it is King’s Garden Villa ( see on Booking / Agoda / Klook / TripAdvisor ). Nearby, you can also see an unusual natural phenomenon at Fire and Water Spring.

Learn everything you need to know in my guide to Guanziling .

Things to Do on the West Coast of Taiwan

While Taiwan’s east coast is wild, the west coast is mostly developed, with never-ending cities and industrial areas blending together.

Still, there are a few green escapes to be had, and the area is rich in cultural attractions tied to the region’s Hakka and aboriginal cultures, modern arts, and some of the country’s oldest histrical sights.

Off the coast, the remote Penghu archipelago is halfway between Taiwan and China.

Experience Hakka culture in Hsinchu and Miaoli

The Hakka are a Han Chinese people who originated in central China. A number of Hakka migrated from southern China to Taiwan, and today they comprise 15% of the population of Taiwan. The Hakka mostly live in hilly or rural areas and are known for working hard but also taking time to relax. Their food tends to be hearty and filling.

In Hsinchu, a good place to get a taste of Hakka culture is the Neiwan Old Street, where you can find local specialties such as mochi, ginger lily-flavored glutinous rice, and lei cha , or Hakka pounded tea. Beipu is another popular Hakka town with an interesting Old Street.

In Miaoli, the Hakka Round House is built in the style of a traditional Hakka walled village, while the Hakka Courtyard is a beautifully preserved Hakka sanheyuan (three-sided southern Chinese courtyard home). Last but not least, the Hakka village of Nanzhuang is famous for its sweet osmanthus-flavored foods such as shaved ice. Find more details in my Miaoli travel guide and other things to do in Miaoli .

Order your HSR tickets to Hsinchu or Miaoli in advance and get an early bird discount.

Hike to cave temples on Lion’s Head Mountain

A 10-minute drive from Nanzhuang, Lion’s Head Mountain is one of the most underrated attractions in Taiwan. A network of easy hiking trails link a large number of temples, some of which are built into cliff walls or in caves.

The mountain is crowded with local hikers or weekends and practically empty on weekdays. Few foreign tourists ever make the trip. If you want to spend the night as we did, you can stay in the simple temple accommodation at Quanhua Temple, one of the most beautiful on the mountain.

See more information in my complete article on Lion’s Head Mountain and Nanzhuang .

Go strawberry picking in Dahu

During strawberry season (January and February), the small town of Dahu becomes a tourist magnet for locals who come to pick strawberries in the numerous fields that line both sides on the highway in and around the town. You can read all about our experience picking strawberries in Dahu .

The strawberries grown in Dahu are huge, very sweet, and are an extremely popular item across Taiwan when in season.

There’s more to the Dahu strawberry experience than just picking them. The Dahu Wineland Resort is a giant complex dedicated entirely to strawberries. Here you can try a huge range of strawberry-flavored foods, such as beer, noodles, popcorn, sausages, shaved ice, popsicles, tea eggs, and more. The strawberry wine made on site is especially delicious.

Only 20 minutes away from Dahu, Tai’an hot spring village is one one of our favorites in Taiwan, where we strongly recommend King’s Resort Hot Spring Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ).

Take part in the world’s largest pilgrimage to a goddess

Religious parades and processions seem to be taking place every other week wherever you are in Taiwan, but the biggest of them all is the 10-day Matsu Pilgrimage. The 300-kilometer pilgrimage to the Goddess of the Sea culminates on Matsu’s birthday, the 23rd day of the third lunar month (usually in April), and is one of the world’s great pilgrimages .

Raucous celebrations begin and end at Zhenlan Temple in Dajia, a coastal town in Taichung. Some 20,000 pilgrims then walk across 21 townships in three counties carrying Matsu in a sedan. Pilgrims are fed and housed by locals along the route, and foreign visitors are welcome to join in the festivities.

Become an Instagram star at Rainbow Village

If you’re seeking a colorful, psychedelic background for your Instagram selfies, look no further than Rainbow Village in Taichung city. The walls of this traditional courtyard home were painted by the 100-year-old resident (as of 2023), a former Chinese solider in the KMT army.

Known as “Rainbow Grandpa,” he could for years be seen there maintaining the paintings on the walls of his home, which is entirely open to visitors. See here for my original guide to Rainbow Village (based on a 2018 visit) and my new guide to Rainbow Village (based on a late 2023 visit) after it was vandalized and most of the original murals were lost.

Rainbow Village is also on my list of best things to do in Taichung , and you can find out how to plan your trip in my Taichung itinerary post and Taichung travel guide . Consider stopping at Feng Chia Night Market , the largest and most famous in Taichung, on your way back to the city!

When it reopens, Rainbow Village is usually included on this Taichung attractions day tour .

See an unbelievable sunset at Gaomei Wetlands

On the coast of Taichung lies the beautiful Gaomei Wetlands, a 300-hectare area of preserved wetlands with huge wind turbines. Walk the wooden paths and see what kind of creatures you can find on the shore. Make sure to stick around for what is without a doubt one of the best sunsets in Taiwan. Here’s my detailed guide to Gaomei Wetlands .

Gaomei Wetlands is one of the most popular day trips from Taichung .

For the easiest way to visit, try this full-day tour , this other one , or this half-day sunset tour .

Experience traditional Taiwanese culture in Lukang

Lukang, a coastal town in Changhua county , is one of the best places in Taiwan to experience traditional Taiwanese culture. The town is historically significant but didn’t modernize as much as others because it was decidedly not given railway access.

Lukang is famous for its Old Street, which features very traditional foods made by vendors going back multiple generations. The Lukang Matsu Temple is one of the country’s most important, while the Lukang Glass Temple is a one-of-a-kind modern variety.

Learn everything you need to know in my detailed guide to Lukang .

Delve into Taiwan’s colonial history in Tainan

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and was the country’s capital before it was moved to Taipei in 1894. There are loads of historical sights in Tainan , from Dutch Forts and centuries-old temples to Japanese-era Hayashi Department Store and 321 Art Alley Settlement, a military housing coming turned artist’s village.

On top of that, Tainan has some of the oldest temples in Tainan and several first kinds of their type in the country. Learn more in my guide to Tainan’s temples .

As if that weren’t enough, Tainan is also widely considered the culinary capital of Taiwan, with some of the best street eats to find in Taiwan. Explore the city’s best with my guide to Tainan’s night market scene .

You can visit Tainan’s colonial sights on this one-day tour or by hopping on the Tainan double-decker sightseeing bus . You can also save money by getting a Tainan Historical Sites Pass .

Hang out in a real-life treehouse in Anping

Anping Tree House is one of the most famous attractions in Anping, a coastal district of Tainan City. The treehouse is an abandoned warehouse on the site of Former Tait & Co. Merchant Warehouse, which once imported and exported sugar, opium, and other goods from Taiwan. After it was abandoned, it was taken over by banyan trees.

Today, visitors can walk along a series of elevated platforms through the treehouse to admire it from different angles. There’s also a cute cafe on site. The site is a short walk from Anping Old Fort , the original Dutch fort from when they colonized Taiwan.

Entrance to Anping Treehouse is only 50 NT, or even cheaper if you book your ticket online .

Shop for traditional snacks on the oldest street in Taiwan

Anping Old Street is a market street in Anping, the historic coastal district of Tainan City. It is adjacent to Anping Fort .

Today, Anping Old Street is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors flock there to sample local specialties like traditional candied fruits, shrimp crackers, deep fried wontons, and oyster rolls.

The Old Street is surrounded by cute narrow lanes and historic residences. You can also spot emblems of a lion with swords in its mouth, which once served as house markers and are now a symbol of Anping. Visit the area using my self-guided Anping Old Street walking tour .

Float through a stunningly beautiful green tunnel

Sicao Green Tunnel is a bit of a tourist magnet, but there’s no denying that it is incredibly beautiful. The tunnel is a semi-natural natural canopy of branches and trees (humans have helped a little to create it) over a calm canal in Taijiang National Park, a wetlands region in Tainan City.

Tourists pile onto rafts to float down through the tunnel on a 30-minute tour. The tunnel is located in Annan district, a short drive north of famous Anping district. In my guide to Sicao Green Tunnel , I cover how to get there, and whether it is worth the trip.

If you do make the journey, you can combine it with a visit to Luerhmen Matsu Temple, the largest Matsu temple in the world.

Take part in the world’s most dangerous festival

On the same day that people in northern Taiwan are flocking to Pingxi to set off sky lanterns (the 15th day of the Lunar New Year), the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is rocking southern Taiwan.

See here for my write-up on the Yanshui Fireworks Festival and more information for planning your trip to Taiwan at this time of year in my guide to visiting Taiwan during Chinese New Year .

Participants crowd into the streets to get shot by barrages of bottle rockets fired from layered towers, some of which are round, resembling beehives, and shoot in all directions at once.

Even though full safety gear is a must, injuries are common. Personally, I’m glad I did it once, but I don’t think I’m brave enough for a second time.

Climb a salt mountain and photograph salt fields

Salt used to be one of Taiwan’s most important exports, with a 7200-hectare region of salt production lying in the north of Tainan City. Thriving since 1665, the industry went into sharp decline and came to an end in 2002, unable to compete with cheap imports.

Some interesting relics of Tainan’s salt industry remain, notably the 20-meter Cigu Salt Mountain and nearby Taiwan Salt Museum. Besides learning more than ever wanted to know about salt, you can taste salted foods such as salty ice cream, popsicles, dou hua (soft dessert tofu), and coffee (don’t worry, they aren’t too salty).

Meanwhile, photographers flock to the Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields, where photogenic cones of salt dot the horizon on a traditional salt production field. The fields are especially stunning at sunset.

You can visit all three salt-related attractions on this Taiwan salt history tour or by chartering a private vehicle from Tainan .

Find out everything you need to know about visiting both attractions in my detailed guide to Cigu Salt Mountain and the Tainan Salt Fields .

Hang out in Penghu’s houses made of coral

The windswept archipelago of Penghu (Pescadores Islands) lies about halfway between the Taiwan mainland and China in the Taiwan Strait and boasts a high concentration of temples, as well as some of the most beautiful and remote beaches in Taiwan.

Due to a lack of building materials in Penghu, which is dry and desert-like in places, locals incorporated materials from the sea such as corallite into their constructions, and you can spot seashells in the walls and fences on many homes.

A great place to see this is Erkan Old Residences on Hsiyu Island, where residents of such homes have set up cafés and shops in their homes. Penghu also hosts a huge fireworks festival in spring.

Learn how to plan a trip to the islands in my Penghu travel guide .

Things to Do in Southern Taiwan

The far south of Taiwan is noticeably more tropical than the north. Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s largest port, seems to be becoming a cooler city every year, while Kenting National Park in the far south is the perfect beach getaway.

To truly get off the beaten track, head to one of the offshore islands, some of which are a stone’s throw from China.

Admire the arts & culture Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung, the largest city and port in Southern Taiwan, was included on Lonely Planet’s list of best cities to visit in the world in 2018, for its awesome arts districts, lovely waterfront, and improving urban transportation networks. For more information than I’ll cover here, see my guide to Kaohsiung and the best things to do there .

Kaohsiung has been called the “street art capital of Taiwan” as the city government not only permits but encourages street art in particular zones. Some of the best spots to check out local works include Jiuru Street Art Factory, which is an old train station, and the art zone at Pier 2 Art Center . The city also regularly hosts street art festivals. Here’s an article with photos and details on how to find some of the best street art in Kaohsiung .

Kaohsiung is also known for its excellent night markets and amusement parks, including E-Da Theme park ( get a significant discount by purchasing your ticket online ) and SKM Park, which includes Go-Kart racing .

Ride a bike across Cijin Island

Cijin Island (also spelled Qijin) is a long skinny island that protect the port of Kaohsiung, the largest port in all of Taiwan. It only takes 10 minutes on the ferry to reach Cijin, after which the best way to explore it to hop on a bicycle.

Cijin’s many attractions include a long, black sand beach, the excellent Cijin Sunset Bar, Cijin Fort, and several art installations along the coast. There is also lots of fresh seafood to be enjoyed.

Spot wild macaques at Monkey Mountain

Two mountains sandwiched between central Kaohsiung City and the sea, Chai Shan and Shou Shan, are home to a large number of wild macaques. One only has to take a few steps out of the city to spot them.

The macaques are quite accustomed to human gawkers, but beware that they are prone to stealing items from people. The best time to see the macaques is in the early morning or late afternoon. The mountain also features the famous LOVE Lookout of Kaohsiung, or you can hike down to Chaishan Secret Beach. The Kaohsiung City Zoo is also located on Shou Shan.

You can spot macaques as you climb Shoushan on this guided hike .

Spend the night at Fo Guang Shan monastery

Fo Guang Shan is one of the four major Buddhist organizations of Taiwan, and its enormous headquarters is located 30 minute’s drive east of the Kaohsiung city center. It is the largest monastery complex in Taiwan, covering over 130 hectares of land.

The original monastery complex is enormous and features tens of thousands of Buddha statues. Visitors can even spend the night in the Pilgrim’s accommodation. Read all about my experience staying overnight in the temple in my guide to Fo Guang Shan Monastery and Buddha Museum .

In 2011, an even larger addition was made: the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, which houses a Buddha tooth relic and has the largest Buddha statue in Taiwan, at 108 meters.

Snorkel with sea turtles and explore the coast of Xiaoliuqiu

Xiaoliuqiu, also known as Little Liuqiu, Little Okinawa, and Lambai Island, is a small island within easy reach of central Kaohsiung, perfect for a day or overnight trip. It is Taiwan’s only inhabited island made entirely of coral, not to mention one of the best places in the world to see giant sea turtles.

Popular activities on the island include snorkelling or scuba diving with sea turtles , freediving, beach hopping, cruising around on a scooter, exploring the coast, and hike through coral caves. For all the info, read about more things to do on Xiaoliuqiu island .

See millions of migrating butterflies at Maolin

Every year from December to March , millions of butterflies descend on Maolin National Scenic Area in Kaoshiung and Pingtung counties, lending the park the name “Purple Butterfly Valley.”

The park has worked to conserve the butterfly’s environment, and visitors can take photos by following the necessary precautions to not disturb the butterflies.

Watch locals burn an entire boat for the gods

In a ceremony called the Burning of the Wang Yeh boats, people torch an entire large boat throughout the night. The festival dates back over 1000 years to China and is conducted for the Wang Yeh deities, who are thought to prevent diseases.

The festival happens in autumn (usually October and November in Taiwan ) once every three years, in the year of the Bull, Dragon, Goat and Dog, with the next festival taking place in autumn of 2024.

They actually burn boats in several coastal areas, but the largest and most famous by far is the boat burning at Donggang in Pingtung County .

Visit Kenting, Taiwan’s first national park, on the southern tip of Taiwan

Kenting National Park is Taiwan’s premier beach resort and occupies the southern tip of the country. It is rich with beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and, on the long weekend in April , some of the best beach parties and events in Taiwan.

Kenting has the most beautiful beaches in all of Taiwan (with the exception of the offshore islands). You can also visit Taiwan’s best aquarium, the Kenting National Museum of Marine Biology . At night, Kenting Night Market is Taiwan’s most party-esque night market, with electronic music and cocktail vendors alongside the usual Taiwanese snacks.

You can get to Kenting in a couple hours by taking this bus from Zuoying High Speed Rail station in Kaohsiung. See my Kenting guide and where to stay in Kenting for more information!

Visit remote Orchid, Kinmen, or Matsu Islands

Orchid Island is a volcanic island located off the southwest coast of Taiwan. It is home to the Yami (or Tao) people, one of the smallest tribes of Taiwan and also the furthest removed from Mainland Taiwanese culture. They are known for the Flying Fish Festival in spring and beautiful handmade canoes. Here’s my complete guide to Orchid Island .

Kinmen consists of two main islands just off the coast of Xiamen, China, so close that you can easily see China from the islands. The main sights are related to military history, as this is a battlefront between Taiwan and China, but you can also spot rare migratory birds in Kinmen National Park.

The Matsu Islands, named after the goddess of the sea, are also extremely close to China. There you can explore fascinating tunnels, forts, and the habitat of birds including the Chinese crested tern, previously though to be extinct.

Well, that sums up my list of the best things to do in Taiwan! I know I couldn’t include everything, but if you feel I’ve made a major omission, please let me know in the comments below!

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15 thoughts on “66 Unmissable Things to Do in Taiwan in 2024”

Nick this list is awesome! Not too far either; we arrived in Bangkok this morning. Good to be back in SE Asia! All booked up for this trip but I will see Taiwan down the road and enjoy some of this awesome-ness.

Hi Nick, This is a really comprehensive guide, thanks for sharing. I’d add Tainan Sicao Green Tunnel my kids loved it, and in Tachung the Liuchuan Riverside Walk stopping by Painted Alley and The Literature Museum.

Thanks a lot Shannon! I do mention Liuchuan Riverside Walk in my Taichung article. I haven’t been to the Green Tunnel yet but I’ve heard about it, so I definitely need to check it out ASAP!

Hello, I live in Taoyuan and I would recommend DaXi old street be on the list since it’s famous for 豆乾(dried tofu) and the old buildings from the 19th century. And it’s not hard to reach-you could easily take a bus from Taipei and do it in one day. If you have one day for it, actually you could also visit Shimen Reservoir (absolutely beautiful during spring season!) and Cihu-where they butied Chiang Kai-shek and his son, Chiang Ching-kuo. Both of them were dictators but had influenced Taiwan so much.

Hi there, and thanks for your input! I have actually recommended Daxi, Shimen, and Cihu in my article on the best day trips from Taipei: http://www.nickkembel.com/day-trips-from-taipei/ In the future, I will consider putting it in this article too. I did really enjoy this unique area of Taiwan! – Nick

Great! BTW I am going to leave some suggestions there and you may take a look!

Thank you for your passion and love for Taiwan! The article is too splendid! You really like a local! Thank you for your sharing!

Thank you so much Angeri!

I’ve been binging on your web for few days already. Great content, pleasant style, useful information. Been living in Taiwan for quite a long time myself, many of things around lost their novelty values long time ago, yet, thanks to your guides, I can find some places fresh again. Diversity of possible experiences here is rather unusual. I learnt that you left the island. Hope that you and your family find home wherever you decide to anchor yourselves. Big appreciation for these tones of articles and pictures you have provided. All the best!

Hey Michal, thanks a lot for your comment and I’m glad you’ve been enjoying my site! We’ve been living in my hometown in Canada since early 2020, but planning to come back to Taiwan frequently once things are normal again. Take care, and enjoy exploring Taiwan further!

Wow! I love this comprehensive list! My itinerary is so long! I hope I can do everything in 5 days. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together! I’ll write another comment after I leave Taiwan^^

Thanks for reading!

Thanks so much for these amazing tips – never made me want to visit a country so badly! Seems like it has it all – thank you for taking the time and providing this free of charge in a beautiful format!

Looks like Olivia at Light Program Red House is no longer doing knife Massage. Any alternatives that you recommend?

You can find knife massage in Taipei City Mall (also called Y Mall), one of the underground walking streets below Taipei Main Station.

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Taiwan itinerary 4 days — suggested 4 days in taiwan itinerary for what to do in taiwan for 4 days.

Besides the modern architecture of a futuristic city, the unique cultural features have made Taiwan so charming, attracting a large number of tourists from all over the world. If you are planning a trip to Taiwan for 4 days and 3 nights, let’s continue reading to come up with a detailed itinerary and helpful tips for your vacation. So, how many days in Taiwan is enough and what to do in Taiwan for 4 days? Let’s check out our suggested Taiwan itinerary 4 days 3 nights (4 days in Taiwan itinerary, Taiwan travel itinerary 4 days, Taiwan itinerary 4d3n) to find out the answer!

Explore Fenqihu old street — What to do in Fenqihu in a day trip?

• What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best things to do in Alishan, Taiwan
• Alishan travel blog — The fullest Alishan travel guide for first-timers
• Gingtiangang Grassland Yangmingshan — The ultimate guide on how to go & top things to do
• When is the best time to visit Taiwan? — The best, worst, cheapest & best season to visit Taiwan

About the island of Taiwan (# taiwan itinerary 4 days)

Taiwan is a small island in East Asia, located about 100 nautical miles off the southeast coast of China. As an island with a strong growth rate, dubbed the “Dragon of Asia”, this destination has a fairly developed economy and tourism industry. Owning a series of interesting attractions with breathtaking natural landscapes, including immense blue seas, vast forests, magnificent rivers and lakes as well as countless scenic spots and unique architectural works.

Taiwan is also a shopping and dining paradise with many of the busiest markets in Asia. Taiwan is a combination of cities with modern and lavish sights, but one must not forget the villages characterized by exotic cultural identities. With these interesting features, Taiwan has become a trendy place that any travel enthusiast wants to experience once.

What is the best time to travel to Taiwan? (# 4 days in taiwan itinerary)

Taiwan always has an irresistible attraction because this place puts on a different appearance each season, which will bring you different memorable experiences.

However, the most ideal time for a self-planned 4D3N vacation to Taiwan is during the spring. From March to May, the weather in Taiwan is quite pleasant. The night remains cool while the day is sunny with little rain. The scenery becomes very poetic and the natural landscape is full of life.

Or you can also visit Taiwan in the fall from September to November. At this time of the year, the weather is clear with a cool and windy atmosphere. Especially, this is the season when the flowers bloom like they are changing new clothes, creating a picturesque scene.

How to get to Taiwan (# taiwan itinerary 4 days 3 nights)

Traveling to taiwan by air (# taiwan itinerary 4 days).

Currently, the flight routes to Taiwan are being exploited more and more popularly. You can easily find the right flights for you among various carriers, such as Vietnam Airlines, Eva Air, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and so on. Make a quick search on Google to book flight tickets to Taiwan with affordable rates and many attractive promotions.

From the airport, you can choose to take the MRT or bus to go to different locations in the city. Or if traveling in a group of 3-5 people, you can travel by taxi for convenience and time efficiency.

Transportation in Taiwan (# taiwan travel itinerary 4 days)

For a great 4D3N trip to Taiwan, you need to choose a means of transport to move around many tourist attractions, making your journey to explore Taiwan more convenient and enjoyable.

In Taiwan, you have three main means of transportation: bus, MRT, and bicycle. Taiwan HSR (Taiwan High-Speed Rail), buses, and trains are intercity vehicles.

Bus (# taiwan itinerary 4d3n)

The public bus system in Taiwan is modern. Buses are chosen by many tourists because of their cost savings and extensive system, by which you can move to most tourist attractions in and out of the city.

Train and Taiwan HSR

Train and HSR are always the perfect choice for visitors traveling between cities.

The MRT stations in the city in Taiwan are often located near tourist attractions, so it is convenient for sightseeing and shopping.

Visiting Taiwan, you will see public bicycles near bus stations, MRT, or convenience stores. You should register for an ‘easy card’ with a phone number in Taiwan to be able to use this vehicle and visit the city.

Where to go and what to do in Taiwan for 4 days

Let’s check out the following 4D3N itinerary to visit Taiwan with a tight budget.

Day 1: Airport – Taipei (# taiwan itinerary 4 days)

Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, you will be picked up to visit:

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Zhongzheng District – a commemorative place of the late President Chiang Kai-shek and an important landmark in Taiwan’s history.

Take pictures outside the National Palace Museum.

Visit Taipei 101 Tower – the most famous building in Taiwan with 101 stories (get to the 89th floor of the tower at your own expense). You can explore this bustling shopping mall with countless luxury brands from around the world.

Day 2: Taipei – Taichung (# 4 days in taiwan itinerary)

Shifen Cultural Village is famous for hosting the sky lantern festival. Here, you can choose a lantern and release it into the sky, carrying your prayers for peace and prosperity.

Yangmingshan National Park – 45 minutes by car from Taipei. It is one of the eight major national parks of Taiwan with unique volcanic terrain mixed with peaceful valleys and rich populations of flora and fauna. At the same time, you will be able to see the wonderful cherry blossoms in full bloom from late February to early March here.

Pineapple cake shop: Here you can learn how to make pineapple cakes and try to make them yourself.

Day 3: Taichung – Kaohsiung (# taiwan travel itinerary 4 days)

Sun Moon Lake (Riyue Tan) – You can take a cruise on the largest and most beautiful natural lake in Taiwan, admiring the beauty of the mountains and waters. The eastern part of the lake has a round shape like the sun, while the western part is curved in a semicircle. Therefore, it was named Sun Moon Lake.

Sun Moon Lake Wen Wu Temple (Riyue Tan Wen Wu Miao) is a place to worship Confucius and Lord Guan located on the northern shore of Sun Moon Lake in Taichung. This is one of the famous temples in Taiwan. Wen Wu Miao impresses visitors with its architecture on the hillside, stretching from a low to high altitude.

Go sightseeing and shopping for specialties at Ganoderma (Lingzhi) and green tea shops.

Day 4: Kaohsiung – Flying home

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum – This attraction is famous for the tallest bronze statue in the world today with a height of 108 meters.

Lotus Pond with Spring and Autumn Pavilions – a beautiful pond where you can zoom out to admire the scenery of Kaohsiung and breathe in the cool fresh air with the fragrance of lotus flowers blooming in the water during the lotus season. You will have the opportunity to see the beauty of the famous Love River of Kaohsiung City when the car passes by.

Take photos at Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, typical of Chinese architecture.

Where to stay when traveling to Taiwan? (# taiwan itinerary 4d3n)

For a 4D3N itinerary to Taiwan, visitors should book a hotel in Taiwan at least one month in advance. Remember to choose a suitable accommodation for the schedule that offers a good rate.

You can do a quick search to book hotels at favorable prices, along with many attractive promotions. It is recommended that you choose accommodation near the Taipei Main Station area for convenient transportation. Or you can choose a place in Nanyang – Xuchung area, which is a dining spot near the Main Station to easily discover Taiwanese cuisine.

Check out some of the hotels that are highly rated by travelers in Taiwan, including:

Grand Hyatt Taipei ( Agoda , Booking )

Grand Hyatt Taipei is located in a vibrant area one kilometer from downtown Taipei. From the hotel, guests can easily move to tourist attractions, shopping centers, and markets. Especially, advanced design and 5-star standard service allow you to have a memorable experience.

Address: No. 2 Songshou Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Northern Taiwan

Courtyard by Marriott Taipei ( Agoda , Booking )

Courtyard by Marriott Taipei will bring guests the experience of a high-end vacation in Taipei. With a location right around the corner from CityLink Nangang, the hotel space is lavish and modern, along with extraordinary meals and services.

Address: No. 359, Section 7, Zhongxiao East Road, Nangang District, Nangang, Taipei City, Northern Taiwan, Taiwan

Caesar Park Hotel Banqiao ( Agoda , Booking )

Immerse yourself in the vibrant city of Taipei, Caesar Park Hotel Banqiao will be your ideal choice. Because it is situated in the center of Banqiao District, the surroundings offer interesting shopping and dining spots.

Address: No. 8, Section 2, Xianmin Blvd., Banqiao District, Banqiao, New Taipei City, Northern Taiwan, Taiwan

Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport ( Agoda , Booking )

Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport is one of the luxury hotels, but the price is totally reasonable.

Address: No. 1-1, Hangzhan South Road, Dayuan District, Dayuan, Taoyuan City, Northern Taiwan, Taiwan

Check out more top and best hotels in Taipei on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Taiwan is a country rich in natural sceneries and modernistic cities besides the charm of ancient Chinese cultural heritage and traditions. This Taiwan itinerary 4 days is a great opportunity for you to discover all the quintessence of this island. Don’t forget that we always accompany you with our travel experiences to make your journey convenient and complete. Also, remember to book your hotel room in advance for the most favorable deals.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Taipei you can refer to

• Taoyuan Airport Private Transfers (TPE) for Taipei
• Sedan Taoyuan Airport Transfers (TPE) for Taipei
• [SALE] Taoyuan Airport MRT Ticket & Exclusive Shopping Coupon
• Luxury Taoyuan Airport Transfers (TPE) for Taipei
• Explore Taipei City
• Taipei Free Walking Tour Historic Route
• Taipei Double Decker Bus Tour
• Taipei Popular Sightseeing Private Car Charter : Jiufen, Pingxi, and North Coast (Chinese/English/Korean)
• Northeast Coast Scenic Day Tour
• Jiufen Shuttle Bus from Ximen
• Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen Day Tour with Korean and English Speaking Guides
• Taipei: Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall Day Tour
• EasyCard (TPE Airport Pick Up)
• Klook Pass Taipei (For international travelers)
• Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
• Maokong Gondola Ticket
• Yeliou, Jinguashih, Juifen and Shihfen Join Day Tour
• Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass
• Taipei: Beitou and Yangmingshan One-Day Tour
• [10% Off + 1 Extra Free Day] 4G SIM Card (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan from Chunghwa Telecom
• 4G SIM Card (TPE Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan from Far EasTone Telecom
• 4G WiFi (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan
• 4G Portable WiFi for Taiwan from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Portable WiFi for Taiwan from WiFiBB (Unlimited Data)
• 4G LTE WiFi (TW Airport Pick Up) for Japan
• [Sale – Taiwan Food Promo] Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Discounted Ticket from Taipei
• Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Consecutive Unlimited Pass (2 or 3 Days)
• Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Discounted Ticket from Taoyuan
• THSR Exclusive Discount One Way Ticket from Taoyuan (Two Tickets for the Price of One)

Are you finding more top things to do in Taipei: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Taipei itinerary 4 days — How to spend 4 days in Taipei & what to do in Taipei for 4 days perfectly ?

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17 Things to See and Do in Taiwan

I lived in Taiwan for a few months as an English teacher. I loved my time there and have always felt the country was really under-appreciated. Carrie Kellenberger is an expat who has been living in Taiwan for ten years. She runs My Several Worlds and in this guest post she lists out all the amazing things you should see and do there!

Every country in Asia is beautiful, but Taiwan is special for many reasons. The people are warm and hospitable, it’s incredibly budget-friendly , and, according to the UN’s yearly World Happiness Report, Taiwan consistently ranks as one of the happiest places in East Asia .

While it might be a small island, you would be amazed at the never-ending variety of sights and fun things to do here. With over a hundred mountain peaks above 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), over a hundred hot springs scattered around the island, both golden and black-sand beaches, nine national parks, world-class museums, glittering skyscrapers, stunning temples, and a huge number of night markets that are second to none, Taiwan has something that everyone can enjoy.

Here’s my list of the best things to do Taiwan to help you plan your trip and make the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

1. Eat, Eat Eat (Especially at the Night Markets)!

2. experience taiwanese tea culture, 3. check out the northern coastline, 4. hit the beaches, 5. soak in the hot springs, 6. go island hopping, 7. visit tainan, taiwan’s oldest city, 8. see old taiwan, 9. get off the beaten track on orchid island and green island, 10. explore the mountains, 11. go hiking in taroko national park, 12. head east, 13. witness some chaos, 14. see tianhou temple, 15. explore fo guang shan monastery, 16. visit a taiwanese aboriginal village, 17. take part in the pingxi lantern festival.

There are over 30 night markets in Taipei , New Taipei, and Keelung (and over 70 night markets across Taiwan). My personal favorites are Shilin, Keelung, and Raohe Street in Taipei.

Don’t miss eating xiao long bao, also known as soup dumplings, a favorite staple food here. They are made out of a thin pastry folded into a type of bag that is then stuffed full with a meat-and-vegetable mixture and a tiny amount of soup, then garnished with raw ginger and soy sauce. Biting into one of these is a flavor explosion in your mouth.

If you’d like to really dive deep into the different sides of Taiwanese cuisine, take a guided food tour . On this food tour, you’ll first dine at the Michelin-starred Din Tai Fung (famous for their xiao long bao) and then experience the Raohe Street night market, all with a local guide.  

The Taiwanese also have their own type of tea ceremony that takes elements from both Chinese and Japanese tea ceremonies while adding their own cultural flair. Here, tea ceremonies are less focused on the rules and more about bringing people together.

Jiufen, Jwu Jiu Teahouse, and Pinglin are some of the best places to visit if you want to sample tea and learn more about how it’s made. You can also ride the Maokong Gondola up a mountain to a secluded teahouse where you can take in the amazing views while enjoying some tea.  

Guided tours are also available . The benefit to these tours is that you’ll have someone explain what you’re seeing. Signage isn’t great. If you can, I would definitely recommend a guided tour.  

Beaches may not be the first thing that you think of when Taiwan comes to mind. But with almost 1,000 miles of coastline (it is an island after all!), a great beach is never that far away.

Each region of the country offers something different. For example, the north is best known for its golden and black-sand beaches, while Kenting on the southern tip of the island offers a lively beachside nightlife. White Sand Bay is the most popular and a great place to soak up the sun, swim, snorkel, or even go diving (just keep an eye out for jellyfish!). Other great beaches are South Bay and Little Bali Bay.  

As part of the Taipei metro area, Beitou is easily reachable by metro. Prices start at 60 TWD per person for a soak in Beitou Public Hot Spring, making it a very affordable choice for anyone looking for some R&R. If you’d like to splash out, there are plenty of more upscale hotels and resorts too.  

The beautiful islands of Penghu just off Taiwan’s western coastline comprise the biggest archipelago and are especially well known for their golden beaches. All of the islands are distinct, and you can take a boat that will drop you off at one island for a few hours and then take you to the next one, so you can literally go from snorkeling to observing sea turtles to wandering through traditional villages made out of coral in a single day.  

This is Taiwan’s oldest urban area, established by the Dutch East India Company in 1624. Located in the south near Kaohsiung, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan from 1683-1887. There are all kinds of temples to visit here (don’t miss the Confucius Temple), several night markets, a historic old town, and a massive department store reminiscent of the Ginza district in Tokyo. There is also a nearby mangrove and wildlife reserve (it’s part of Taijiang National Park) just 30 minutes away by car.  

Additionally, you’ll be able to see historical military sites like underground tunnels and bunkers hidden in the countryside, and visit insightful museums to learn more about the unique history of the islands. The region is also known as being the producer of Taiwan’s famous gaoliang (kaoliang) grain alcohol, made from fermented sorghum.  

Located just off the southeastern coast, these lush islands are a treat to visit. Here you’ll find hiking, swimming, and diving. The best way to explore these islands is by renting a scooter so that you can get further off the beaten path and have an adventure exploring at your own pace.

Green Island has amazing saltwater hot springs — one of only three such hot springs in the world! Orchid Island is home to the indigenous Tao people, Taiwan’s most isolated indigenous tribe. They’re best-known for their traditional hand-carved wooden canoes and underground homes.  

If you want to stretch your legs, climb to the summit of beautiful Jade Mountain and watch the sunrise (it takes two days to hike). This beautiful peak is almost 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level, giving it sweeping views in every direction.

Wuling Peak on Hehuan Mountain, around 3,275 meters (10,745 feet) above sea level, is another good hike for anyone looking to spend more time outdoors. But what really makes this place special is that the peak is so high, you can look down into a sea of clouds below!  

Ready for another city break? This national park covers 92,000 hectares (360 square miles) and offers visitors a chance to hike the numerous trails through mountainous terrain and dramatic gorges. You can stop to dip your feet in swiftly flowing mountain rivers and to marvel at the shrines and temples.

You can visit the park solo (which, if you’re staying in the nearby town, is easy to do) or as part of a full-day tour from Taipei . If you’re tight on time, the guided tour is the best option because it comes with transportation and a guide. Admission to the park is free.  

To really enjoy Taiwan’s majestic beauty, don’t forget Taiwan’s eastern coastline like most international visitors do! The east coast highway has some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the world, from plunging sea cliffs and splashing surf to beaches, nature reserves, and rural towns a world away from the big city.

For maximum flexibility, Taiwan’s East Coast is best explored on a road trip, though there are buses that go down the coast. There is also a train line that hugs the coast a bit when heading south from Taipei, though it then veers inland.  

The center of the neighborhood is the Red House, a well-known cultural landmark and marketplace where local artisans sell their wares. The massive outdoor plaza behind it is the epicenter of the city’s LGBTQ scene and is surrounded by many different welcoming bars and shops.

Give yourself bonus points for checking out all the super cool street art; you won’t find it on the main thoroughfares, but if you venture onto some of the smaller side streets, you’ll soon find yourself in a world of brightly decorated alleys and lanes.  

While you’re in Ximending, it’s worth stopping by one of the oldest temples in the city, Tianhou (also known as the Ximending Mazu Temple, after the in-house deity Mazu, goddess of the sea). Around since 1746, it’s one of three major temples in Taiwan from the Qing period. It’s located on a main thoroughfare but it’s very easy to miss the entrance.

Stepping through the entrance to this beautiful Taoist temple filled with mythological creatures, smoky incense, lucky goldfish, and people paying respect to the gods is truly a surreal experience. You’d never know this quiet oasis is in one of the busiest areas of Taipei !  

One of the central features of the complex is the Buddha Museum, which houses tooth relics of the Buddha himself along with various shrines, galleries, exhibitions, vegetarian restaurants, and even a Starbucks (really). Behind the museum lies the Great Path of Buddhahood, a broad pathway flanked by eight identical pagodas, leading up to the 108-meter-high golden Big Buddha.

I’ve been to many temples and monasteries in my lifetime, but this one takes the cake.  

If you can’t make it to Orchid Island (see above), there are plenty of other places to learn about indigenous Taiwanese tribes. The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village near Sun Moon Lake is the most popular destination. It’s the largest outdoor museum in the country and is half cultural village, half amusement park. Each of the nine small villages in the park represent and are run by a different tribe. In each, you can watch cultural performances and see how a variety of traditional crafts are made.  

One of the coolest events in Taiwan, the Pingxi Lantern Festival involves releasing hundreds of paper lanterns into the sky. (Many newlyweds also include this meaningful tradition as a part of their wedding celebration.) If you don’t want to brave the crowds, you can easily purchase a lantern and light one on any of Taiwan’s beaches. This is one of the biggest events in all of Taiwan so be sure to get tickets in advance to avoid the ticket lines.

Taiwan is very environmentally friendly, so make sure you go with the eco-friendly paper lantern options that disintegrate, leaving no residue, and don’t cause fires. The company My Taiwan Tour also currently offers biodegradable paper lantern tours in Shifen.

There are many things about Taiwan that make it an incredible place to live; it’s easy to take some of those things for granted once you’ve been here for a while. I frequently hear that people think Taiwan is very Westernized, and while I agree that it is to some extent, there are still plenty of authentic Taiwanese experiences to be had!

Taiwan is and continues to be an unexpected travel destination that continues to delight visitors to this day. There is no place like it!

Canadian expat Carrie Kellenberger has been living in Asia since 2003. She moved to Taiwan in 2006 and became a permanent resident in 2012. She loves entertaining guests and travelers to Taiwan. You can read about her adventures and life there at her blog, My Several Worlds .

Book Your Trip to Taiwan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner . They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Two of my favorite places to stay are:

• Formosa 101
• Meander Taipei

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Taiwan? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Taiwan for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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2023 Taiwan travel guide：Help you plan your Taiwan solo travel

Last Updated on 12-30-2023

Taiwan is a little island nation with a big punch. Despite its small size of 36,193 square kilometers, it boasts a population of 23.9 million people.

Are you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Taiwan, an East Asian treasure, has a rich history, vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery, and wonderful food. Taiwan has something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or a history buff. In this Taiwan travel guide, we’ll walk you through the top places, experiences, and advice for an unforgettable vacation to Taiwan in 2023, as well as assist you in planning your solo travel in Taiwan.

Why Taipei?

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Now you may ask, “Why Taipei?” As a foreigner coming to Taiwan for a solo trip, you may not know how to speak Mandarin. While Taiwan has many beautiful places, However, for travelers who are non-Chinese speakers, some of the more local places will be more difficult to explore. Therefore, areas like Taipei may be the best option for you for your first stop in Taiwan. It is super safe for both men and women, and moreover, English is fairly widely spoken there. Now let’s start with our recommended extended stay hotels for famous places.It boasts modern shopping malls, ancient temples, beautiful palaces, and night markets. Taipei is not only the political and economic center of Taiwan, but also the cultural hub of the island. There are plenty of attractions for visitors to eat, drink, and have fun.

Weather, festivals , and the operation hours of tourist sites must all be considered when deciding when to visit Taipei. In general, the fall months ( September to November ) and spring months ( March to May ) are regarded as the best periods to visit Taipei.

Autumn weather is pleasant with moderate temperatures, making it excellent for outdoor activities. During this time, Taipei’s bright blue skies and fresh air complement visits to sights such as Elephant Mountain and the Taipei 101 . Spring, on the other hand, is distinguished by the blossoming of flowers. Many parks and gardens organize flower-viewing activities, like as the cherry blossom season on Yangmingshan, which draw tourists to marvel at the magnificent floral displays.

Furthermore, the city’s festive festivities are important factors to consider when visiting Taipei. For example, one of Taipei’s most important traditional celebrations is the Lunar New Year, which is traditionally celebrated in January or February. Visitors may enjoy exciting events, shopping extravaganzas, and night market activities.

Before you pay a visit to Taipei, you must know about the weather in Taipei throughout the year.

Taipei has two airports, Taoyuan International Airport and Songshan Airport. Taoyuan International Airport is the main airport and the gateway to Taipei, while Songshan Airport serves mostly domestic flights and a few international flights. You can reach Taipei from many international cities, including Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, and more.

There are a wide range of accommodations available in Taipei to suit every budget and preference. From luxury hotels to budget hostels , you can find something that fits your needs. Some popular areas to stay in Taipei include Xinyi District, Zhongzheng District, and Daan District.

The mrhost provides a search tool to help users find the best hotel for their long stay in Taipei!

Taipei has a variety of monthly hotels and serviced apartments. There are several alternatives available, whether you choose a low-cost hotel, a hostel, or a more typical hotel or serviced apartment. Furthermore, Taipei is regarded as a secure city for lone female travelers and is recognized for its low rates, making it an ideal location for budget-conscious solo travelers.

The Denizen

The Denizen contemporary refuge for the modern traveler may be found in the nook of Da’an District. The Denizen redesigned the idea of live-work accommodation into studio spaces that encourage you to dive into the refined luxury of customized home living without sacrificing style, amenities, or personalized service.

Forte Green garden apartment

Forte Green Garden Apartment , located in the Songshan District, has various handy features like as a fitness center, free WiFi, and large rooms with flat-screen TVs. The Green Park Apartment (Business Residence), located in the center of the Dunhua financial area and minutes from the MRT, Zhongshan Expressway, and Songshan Airport, is a calm and lively atmosphere with spacious and comfortable bedrooms, providing you with a high-quality living space.

The transportation system in Taipei is efficient and easy to use. You can take the metro , buses, bike , or taxis to get around the city. The metro system is extensive, with lines that connect all parts of Taipei. To make transportation easier, Taiwan has a rechargeable smart card called the EasyCard . You can also rent a car to explore the city at your own pace.

1. Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is a landmark skyscraper in Taipei and was once the tallest building in the world. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck on the 89th floor.

2. National Palace Museum

National Palace Museum , one of the most popular museums in Taiwan. This museum is home to an extensive collection of ancient Chinese artifacts and artwork, including paintings, calligraphy, jade, and bronze. It’s a great place to learn about Chinese history and culture.

3. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Head to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall , a famous landmark in Taipei. The hall is dedicated to the former President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek. You can watch the changing of the guard ceremony or climb to the top of the hall to enjoy a panoramic view of Taipei.

4. Longshan Temple

After that, visit the Longshan Temple , one of the oldest and most famous temples in Taipei. The temple was built in 1738 and is dedicated to various Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian deities. Take your time to explore the temple’s beautiful architecture and religious relics.

5. Ximending Shopping District

Finish your day by exploring the Ximending Shopping District, a popular pedestrian shopping area in Taipei. You can find everything from trendy clothes to traditional snacks and souvenirs. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in Taipei’s modern culture.

1. Breakfast at Fu Hang Soy Milk

Start your day with breakfast at Fu Hang Soy Milk , a popular breakfast spot for locals and tourists alike. You can try their signature dish, the crispy scallion pancake, or their delicious soy milk.

2. Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Head to Din Tai Fung , a world-renowned restaurant that specializes in xiaolongbao, or steamed pork dumplings. The restaurant has branches all over the world, but the original store is in Taipei. You won’t regret trying these delicious dumplings.

• Monday to Friday 11:00 AM-8:30 PM
• Weekends 10:30 AM-8:30 PM
• Address: No. 194, Sec. 2, Xinyi Road, Daan District, Taipei City
• Nearby MRT station: 1 minute walk from Dongmen Station

3. Dinner at Maoyuan Restaurant

Maoyuan Restaurant is a well-known Taiwanese cuisine restaurant in Taipei with an almost 50-year history. It received great notice after getting the Bib Gourmand rating from the Taipei Michelin Guide in 2018. The restaurant, located near the Nanjing Fuxing MRT station, is famed for its traditional Taiwanese meals and has established itself as a culinary legend in Taiwan.

4. Night Market Tour

In the evening, go on a night market tour and taste some of Taipei’s best street food. You can visit popular night markets like Shilin Night Market, Raohe Street Night Market, and Ningxia Night Market. Try local favorites like stinky tofu, oyster omelets, and bubble tea.

Refer to our Taipei Night Markets article to learn about each of the most famous night markets in Taipei!

1. Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park , a mountain park with stunning natural scenery. You can hike the various trails, soak in the hot springs, and visit the flower clock and calla lily fields.

2. Elephant Mountain

Elephant Mountain, also known as Xiangshan , is a popular hiking trail in Taipei that offers stunning views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and take photos.

3. Beitou Hot Springs

Beitou Hot Springs is one of the most famous hot springs in Taiwan. You can relax in the various public and private hot spring baths, visit the Thermal Valley, or explore the hot spring museum.

4. Tamsui Old Street

Visiting Tamsui Old Street , a historic district with a scenic waterfront view. You can stroll through the old streets, enjoy local street food, and visit the Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf.

Some of the most popular souvenirs to buy in Taipei include pineapple cakes (鳳梨酥), oolong tea (烏龍茶), mini sky lanterns (小天燈), Taiwanese glove puppets (布袋戲偶), Chinese knots (中國結), Chinese paintings (國畫), oil paper umbrellas (油紙傘) and jade (玉). You can buy these souvenirs at many places in Taipei. Some of the most popular places include souvenir shops at tourist attractions such as Taipei 101 and Shilin Night Market. You can also find them at stores such as Chia Te Bakery (佳德糕餅), SunnyHills (微熱山丘), and Ten Ren Tea (天仁茗茶).

If you’re looking for something unique, you can visit a former factory and museum in Taipei dedicated to the art of traditional block printing3. You can also find anime figurines, manga, DVDs and CDs and posters at Taipei Main Station.

In addition to the above mentioned souvenirs, there are many other famous souvenirs from Taiwan that you should bring back to your hometown.

Travel to Taiwan’s largest city in the south: Kaohsiung

Let us tell you all about the fabulous city of Kaohsiung in Taiwan! It’s one of Taiwan’s top three cities, and boy, has it come a long way! From a humble settlement to a bustling metropolis with a whopping 12 districts, Kaohsiung is the place to be!

Kaohsiung was once a total rockstar in the industrial scene, boasting the world’s THIRD largest port. today, it’s not just about industries; Kaohsiung has reinvented itself with a trendy, modern vibe. Kaohsiung is a real player in the trade game too, thanks to its strategic location and the amazing Kaohsiung Port. It’s the beating heart of commerce.

Whether you’re into history, culture, or just looking for some epic adventures, Kaohsiung has it all.

From November to April is the best season to visit Kaohsiung, Taiwan, for perfect weather and a terrific vacation experience. The weather is most pleasant during these months, with moderate temperatures and less possibilities of precipitation. It’s the ideal time to see the city’s attractive attractions, such as Love River, Shoushan, and Sizihwan Bay, which will leave you speechless.

If you prefer milder weather, consider traveling in May, June, or July, but bear in mind that typhoons, also known as tropical cyclones, might occur in July. Due to excessive rainfall, August is the rainiest month and may not be the best time to come.

Consider traveling during the off-season, either during the winter or summer, to avoid crowds and get fantastic hotel discounts. The city provides a one-of-a-kind experience all year, so whether you visit during the lovely winter months or the warmer summer days, you’re in for a treat.

So, plan your trip to Kaohsiung carefully and you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable journey in this dynamic city! Travel safely.

Getting to Kaohsiung from other places is easy and convenient due to its well-connected transportation network. Travelers have various options to choose from:

• High-Speed Rail (HSR) : The Taiwan High-Speed Rail offers a quick and efficient way to travel between Taipei and Kaohsiung. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from Taipei Main Station to HSR Zuoying Station, located in northern Kaohsiung.
• Train: If you prefer a more affordable option, you can take a regular train from Taipei Main Station to Kaohsiung Main Station. The travel time is approximately 4.5 to 6 hours.
• Bus: Buses provide a cost-effective means of reaching Kaohsiung from Taipei. The travel time is around 5 to 6 hours, and you can catch the bus from Taipei Bus Station.
• Flight: For those coming from farther destinations or seeking a quicker option, flights are available from Taipei Songshan Airport or Taoyuan airport to Kaohsiung International Airport.

You can also refer to our 4 Simple Ways to Travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung article to know the best way to get to Kaohsiung from Taipei.

When planning a trip to Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s southern harbor city, you’ll find a variety of great places to stay. Whether you prefer the artistic vibe of Pier-2, known for its revitalized warehouses and creative atmosphere, or the convenience of the Kaohsiung Railway Station area, with bustling commercial activity and various hotels, there’s something for everyone.

For those seeking a more relaxed coastal experience, the harbor district offers a delightful blend of urban conveniences and beachfront scenery. Moreover, the Sanduo and Wufu Shopping Districts are excellent choices for travelers who enjoy shopping, entertainment, and a modern cityscape, with plenty of hotels catering to different budgets. Make the most of your Kaohsiung adventure by selecting the accommodation that suits your preferences and offers easy access to the attractions you wish to explore. Enjoy your stay and discover the best of Kaohsiung’s vibrant culture, delicious food, and beautiful green spaces!

👉Read more: Where to Stay in Kaohsiung Taiwan

Silks Club in Kaohsiung is a pinnacle of luxury and artistry, a collaboration between Yu-Ming Construction and the Regent Group. With 147 executive-level rooms, the hotel redefines opulence, starting from a minimum room size of 18 ping. The focus on “Visual Creativity,” “Regionalism,” and “Architectural Space” creates an enchanting ambiance. The Michelin-starred UKAI-Tei restaurant offers a remarkable culinary experience, while the infinity pool provides a panoramic harbor view. Silks Club is a sophisticated oasis, epitomizing excellence in Kaohsiung’s hospitality scene, making it a must-visit for those seeking a refined and artistic travel experience.

SaYo Hotel is a stylish and comfortable accommodation located in the elegant historical district of Yanchengpu, Kaohsiung. With its focus on providing a homely atmosphere and impeccable service, Sa-Yo Hotel is an excellent choice for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel features 70 spacious rooms and offers leisure facilities, a children’s game room, Wii gaming console, meeting rooms, and self-service laundry. Guests can also enjoy complimentary coffee at the welcome coffee bar from 10 AM to 10 PM. The hotel’s convenient location near Yancheng Public Market and attractions like Pier-2 Art Center and Love River makes it an ideal base for exploring the city.

To explore the city like a local, you can utilize the well-developed mass transportation system, including the MRT (Metro) , LRT (Light Rail Transit) , and buses. The Kaohsiung Metro currently has two routes, the red line and orange line, meeting at Formosa Boulevard Station, and trains operate at intervals of 5 to 10 minutes. Smoking, eating, and drinking are strictly prohibited in stations and on trains to maintain a pleasant riding environment.

For a unique experience, consider taking the Kaohsiung sightseeing bus, a double-decker bus, to explore the city’s unique charms. You can also enjoy water recreation facilities in Kaohsiung.

To navigate the city conveniently, it’s recommended to get an iPass or EasyCard, Kaohsiung’s transportation cards, which can be used to pay for fares in buses, MRT, and ferry boats. Additionally, the city aims to increase the percentage of electric buses, promoting low-carbon and green transportation.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s vibrant port city, offers an array of exciting activities and attractions that cater to diverse interests. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, a foodie, or an art admirer, Kaohsiung has something for everyone.

1. Explore Lotus Pond

Stroll around the picturesque Lotus Pond, known for its vibrant temples and scenic beauty. Admire the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, and the Confucius Temple, which create a serene atmosphere.

2. Visit Pier 2 Art Center

Immerse yourself in Kaohsiung’s contemporary art scene at the Pier 2 Art Center . This creative hub showcases various art installations, galleries, and trendy cafes, making it a perfect spot for art enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts alike.

3. Take a Ferry to Cijin Island

Take a boat to Cijin Island for a taste of culture, history, and beautiful beaches. The Cihou Lighthouse and the seafood booths along the shore, which provide some of the freshest catches, should not be missed.

4. Marvel at the Dome of Light

Witness the stunning Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard Station, one of the most magnificent metro stations in the world. With its elaborate glasswork, this stunning art piece will leave you speechless.

5. Enjoy Kaohsiung Sunset Cruise

Take a romantic sunset cruise, which provides spectacular views of the city’s cityscape as the sun sets over the horizon. Capture the gorgeous scene while learning about Kaohsiung Port’s history. If you are traveling with your family to Kaohsiung, you can check out 15 Best Things to Do with kids in Kaohsiung article for more tourist attractions for you and your family.

👉Read more: Kaohsiung’s Top Secret Attractions 2023: Sunset and Lakeside Forest

1. Ruifeng Night Market

Ruifeng Night Market , located in Kaohsiung’s Left Camp neighborhood, is a lively and dynamic night market that draws both residents and visitors. It has been a popular destination for more than two decades and provides a varied range of culinary, fashion, and entertainment options. There is a wonderful selection of tasty street cuisine to choose from. Okinawa crispy fried squid, Korean-style pancakes, Japanese teppanyaki, and a unique Taiwanese tea known as “店小二特濃鮮紅茶” are all must-tries. These scrumptious sweets can be enjoyed by visitors while browsing the market’s various stalls and sellers.

Ruifeng Night Market is open from 6:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It is strategically placed near the Kaohsiung Arena MRT Station, making public transit easy to use.

2. Liuhe Night Market

Liuhe Night Market , also known as Liuohe Tourist Night Market, is a renowned night market in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It offers a wide variety of delectable dishes and snacks, such as Zheng’s papaya milk and Ahma’s grilled rice cake. Visitors can shop for trendy fashion items and souvenirs while immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere. The market’s strategic location near the Kaohsiung MRT Formosa Boulevard Station makes it easily accessible. Operating from evening till early morning, Liuhe Night Market is a must-visit for food enthusiasts and shoppers alike, offering an unforgettable experience of Taiwanese street food and culture.

Besides the two night markets mentioned above, Kaohsiung has many other night markets with their own specialties, so check out our Kaohsiung Night Market Recommendations article to explore more of Kaohsiung’s local specialties.

3. Duck Zhen(鴨肉珍)

“ Duck Zhen ” is a duck meat speciality restaurant in Kaohsiung’s Yancheng District. With a 65-year history, this restaurant has become a traditional neighborhood favorite as well as an iconic street food hotspot in the area. “Duck Jane” is known for its tasty duck dishes, and its menu includes duck rice, duck noodles, duck winter melon soup, mixed offal with duck blood, and more. The duck rice with beautifully seasoned minced meat is the outstanding dish.

Notably, “Duck Jane” received a Michelin Guide endorsement in 2022, confirming its position in the culinary landscape. Locals and tourists alike travel to this business to sample its long-standing heritage of offering exquisite duck dishes, which has earned it a place in Kaohsiung’s culinary canon.

4. Bei Gang Tsai Rice Tube (Yancheng)

Kaohsiung Bei Gang Tsai Rice Tube is a popular snack restaurant in Kaohsiung’s Yancheng District. It was founded in 1956 and has almost 60 years of history. It is known as a must-try local delicacy. Long lines form outside the business at all hours of the day and night, demonstrating its popularity. The hallmark meals include tube rice cake and steamed egg soup, both of which are highly recommended and available at reasonable costs, giving clients outstanding value for money.

Bei Gang Tsai Rice Tube is not only well-known in Kaohsiung, but it has also achieved Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction, making it a symbol of Kaohsiung’s culinary scene. The shop, located beside the Love River in Yancheng District, serves unusual and excellent cuisine. Classics include the tube rice cake, steamed egg soup, and other delicacies such as the Flagfish Ring Soup.

1. Tardyhill Nature Park(漯底山自然公園)

Tardyhill Nature Park, also known as 漯底山 (Lào Dǐ Shān) or 凹底山 (Āo Dǐ Shān), is located in Kaohsiung’s Mituo District. This park has a large green area with woodland pathways. It was formerly an important military post during the Japanese colonial period. Climb up to the observation deck for sweeping views of Kaohsiung’s cityscape and shoreline. The park’s mudstone badland landscape is distinctive, and the park’s meandering pathways allow for observation of different natural biodiversity inside the wooded region. Within the park, there are also observation bridges, basketball courts, and a family play area.

2. Shoushan National Nature Park(壽山國家自然公園)

Shoushan National Nature Park is located in Kaohsiung’s Gushan District. It is a coral mountain on the city’s southern outskirts, near Sizihwan Bay. Shoushan, which has the most green space in Kaohsiung, is a popular natural attraction for locals. The park allows guests to get close to nature by delivering thrilling and natural activities. It is also popular among birdwatchers owing to the park’s rich biodiversity.

If I didn’t tell you, you wouldn’t know that Kaohsiung has many other secret attractions that you should explore!

1. Kaohsiung Bu-Er-Jia Bakery (不二緻果)

Kaohsiung Bu-Er-Jia Bakery (不二緻果) was founded in 1938, and the most well-known signature is the “Real Taro.” Two creamy layers of fresh taro cream mousse are sandwiched between three slices of sponge cake, creating a soft, rich, and sweet but not too sweet flavor. In addition to the “Real Taro,” Kaohsiung Bu-Er-Jia Bakery’s distinctive delights include mille-feuille and mung bean pastry.

2. JOY WELL CAKE SHOP (中外餅鋪)

Joy Well Cake Shop is a classic pastry shop that was founded in 1905; the area’s well-known “Chess Pastry” began here. The 32 pieces of delicious sweets that are generally seen on the chessboard are ideal companions for a good cup of tea. There’s also pineapple cake, yolk pastry, and date paste cake with walnuts.

3. Zhenfang Mullet Roe Experience Factory-Mullet Roe

The Zhenfang Mullet Roe Experience Factory is located in Kaohsiung’s Qianzhen District. It is one of Taiwan’s biggest mullet roe producers. Zhenfang Mullet Roe Experience Factory began almost fifty years ago as a modest business with only two ping of space. With exceptional manufacturing skills and a reputation for excellence, it rapidly evolved into a specialist mullet roe store. The plant, led by the second generation, clings to traditional production methods while also using contemporary professional procedures. Processing sections, a knowledge and culture zone, product areas, a presentation room, interactive zones, DIY schools, and a sunny glass drying area are all part of the facility.

Visitors may get a firsthand look at the mullet roe manufacturing process and history, as well as obtain professional information about mullet roe in an exciting way. This factory is the only themed narrative zone in the world centered on mullet roe, allowing visitors to participate in DIY mullet roe manufacturing and feel the fascination of historic traditional craftsmanship.

4. 志明花生糖 (Zhming Peanut Brittle)

志明花生糖 (Zhming Peanut Brittle) is a well-known local peanut brittle in Kaohsiung. It’s a typical snack that residents and visitors alike enjoy. Peanut brittle is a traditional and delectable memento.

Full List of Taiwan Monthly Hotel for 2024

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BOOKMARK: 11 Must-Visit Taiwan Tourist Attractions in 2023

From iconic landmarks to filming locations. by Ina Louise Manto | February 27, 2023

Located just a two-hour plane ride from Manila, Taiwan remains Pinoys’ favorite visa-free travel destination. Cityscapes, mountainous towns, delectable traditional food, rich history and culture, and vibrant night markets – here are just what waits for tourists to discover. Before the visa-free program ends in July 2023, take this as a sign to explore Taiwan. Here are some must-visit Taiwan tourist attractions, especially for first-timers:

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Location: No. 21, Zhongshan S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei

When visiting a new country or city, it’s always interesting to learn about its history, whether it’s through cultural experiences or museums. The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall opened to the public in 1980, five years after the death anniversary of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of the Republic of China. Its ground floor houses a museum and library where you can learn about Taiwan’s development and history.

While you’re in the area, you can also visit other neighboring landmarks in the Memorial Park: National Theater, Liberty Square Arch, and National Concert Hall.

Shilin Night Market

Location: No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei

Another way of getting to know a city is through food, which you can best experience at Shilin Night Market. It’s Taiwan’s most famous and largest night market, housing endless stalls of street food, arcades, karaoke bars, and even cinemas. After a day of sightseeing and visiting landmarks, feast on delectable local snacks! The night market opens at 4 PM and closes at around 2 AM. You can DIY visit, or book a guided food walk .

Location: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District

Formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, Taipei 101 is one of the most iconic landmarks you’ll find in Taiwan. After all, it used to be the world’s tallest building, until it was surpassed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. You can enter the building too and climb up to the observation deck on the 91 st floor. Not only that, you’ll also be riding one of the world’s fastest elevators. Tickets cost NT$600 or about P1,084 per head .

Ximending Shopping District

Location: Wanhua District, Ximending, Taipei

As its name suggests, this is where you can shop ‘til you drop. From food to shoes and cosmetics, Ximending is one of the best places to treat yourself and buy pasalubong for your loved ones. The district also houses unique cafes and restaurants such as Modern Toilet, which is a themed restaurant that lets you dine in a bathroom setting.

Elephant Mountain

Location: Xinyi District, Taipei

Up for a little fun in nature? Aside from Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain is one of the best spots to appreciate a panoramic view of Taipei City. Dress up in comfy clothing and shoes, since it’ll take a 20-30-minute hike until you reach the summit. Its most IG-worthy spot, the rock viewpoint, will require you to climb a 500-step flight of stairs. Tourists may also visit at night, and the sunset hike is a famous activity visitors go for.

Yehliu Geopark

Location: No. 167-1, Gangdong Road, Wanli District, New Taipei City

When you wish to take a break from the urban jungle, head to New Taipei City and discover the landscape that Yehliu Geopark offers. Boasting gigantic rock formations, the geopark is one of the most popular attractions in Northern Taiwan and is known to be one of the most Mars-like environments on Earth. Years of sea erosion led to the formation of honeycomb-like rock formations.

The ticket is NT$120, or around P215 per person.

Houtong Cat Village

Location: Ruifang District, New Taipei City

Located a 1-hour train ride away from Taipei, Houtong Cat Village is a neighborhood known for its prolific cat population. It’s a must-visit for cat lovers: the moment you alight the train, you’ll be welcomed by a feline-themed station. Enjoy a lovely stroll around the neighborhood with a stunning mountain and river view, and meet several feline friends along the way. There are plenty of cat-themed cafes and restaurants here too, as well as shops that sell themed stationery and trinkets. It’s feline heaven!

Note: Tourists are discouraged from feeding the cats as there are volunteers in the neighborhood already.

Shifen Old Street

Location: No. 81號, Shifen St, Pingxi District, New Taipei City

While Taipei boasts skyscrapers and urban life, Shifen Old Street will transport you back in time, with its famous railroad track. You’ll also find antiquity, unique shops, and cafes around the area. Shifen is also famous for its lantern festival, where tourist flock to write their wishes on lanterns, light them up, and send them to the gods.

Jiufen Old Street

Location: Jishan St., Ruifang District, New Taipei City

Studio Ghibli fans, here’s how you can have a whimsical experience outside of Japan. Jiufen Old Street is nestled in an old mining area near the mountains, this magical street looks straight out of Spirited Away . In fact, it’s one of the inspirations of the movie! Jiufen boasts Japanese architecture and just walking around will make you hungry. Try tea from quirky cafes and sample traditional food such as mugwort rice cake, taro balls, and meatballs. At night, the street looks more magical as the street lights up with lanterns and offers the same feeling of comfort when watching Spirited Away .

National Chung Cheng University in Chiayi

Location: No. 168, Section 1, Daxue Rd, Minxiong Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan

Here’s to the kids of the early 2000s who grew up watching Meteor Garden on local TV. While most of the series was filmed in China, there are also filming locations in Taiwan, such as National Chung Cheng University. It’s 5 to 6 hours away from Taipei but if you’re determined to visit the filming location, go for it. You can also lessen your travel time to two hours by taking the Taiwan High-Speed Rail.

Some famous filming locations include the basement of the Library and Information Building where you’ll find Sancai’s Locker 150, Tranquility Lake, the Administration Building, and Jiankang Road.

Maokong Gondola

Location: No. 8, Sec. 2, Xinguang Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei

Fancy a scenic view of Taipei’s mountainous areas and distant cityscape? The Maokong Gondola is a one-way crystal carriage that will let you explore one of Taiwan’s largest tea producers after the 20-30-minute ride. Take in nature and explore the fields and visit Yinhe Cave. These gondolas also offer an experience where you’ll feel like you’re flying as their floors are made of glass. Brave through your fear of heights!

The gondola ticket is NT$50/trip or PHP90.

Have you visited Taiwan before? What are your favorite spots? Share them below!

PSA: Taiwan is *Finally* Open to Pinoy Tourists; Here’s Where to Stay Under P3k/Night PSA: Taiwan is *Finally* Open to Pinoy Tourists; Here’s Where to Stay Under P3k/Night Ina Louise Manto | Dec 06, 2022

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

Ina Louise Manto

When she’s not writing, Ina’s busy curating playlists that will save her when words don’t work, reading, annoying her cat, or thinking of her next meal.

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Psa: you can win nt$5000 when you travel to taiwan, icymi: visa-free entry to taiwan for pinoy tourists is extended until 2024, psa: pinoys can now enter south korea visa-free in three destinations, leonita navarro.

I wish to visit Taiwan. I am very interested to teach English there and hoping too that I can get a chance.

April 10, 2023 at 9:50 am

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BOOKMARK: 11 Must-Visit Taiwan Tourist Attractions in 2023

From iconic landmarks to filming locations. by Ina Louise Manto February 27, 2023

Located just a two-hour plane ride from Manila, Taiwan remains Pinoys’ favorite visa-free travel destination. Cityscapes, mountainous towns, delectable traditional food, rich history and culture, and vibrant night markets – here are just what waits for tourists to discover. Before the visa-free program ends in July 2023, take this as a sign to explore Taiwan. Here are some must-visit Taiwan tourist attractions, especially for first-timers:

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Location: No. 21, Zhongshan S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei

When visiting a new country or city, it’s always interesting to learn about its history, whether it’s through cultural experiences or museums. The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall opened to the public in 1980, five years after the death anniversary of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of the Republic of China. Its ground floor houses a museum and library where you can learn about Taiwan’s development and history.

While you’re in the area, you can also visit other neighboring landmarks in the Memorial Park: National Theater, Liberty Square Arch, and National Concert Hall.

Shilin Night Market

Location: No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei

Another way of getting to know a city is through food, which you can best experience at Shilin Night Market. It’s Taiwan’s most famous and largest night market, housing endless stalls of street food, arcades, karaoke bars, and even cinemas. After a day of sightseeing and visiting landmarks, feast on delectable local snacks! The night market opens at 4 PM and closes at around 2 AM. You can DIY visit, or book a guided food walk .

Location: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District

Formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, Taipei 101 is one of the most iconic landmarks you’ll find in Taiwan. After all, it used to be the world’s tallest building, until it was surpassed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. You can enter the building too and climb up to the observation deck on the 91st floor. Not only that, you’ll also be riding one of the world’s fastest elevators. Tickets cost NT$600 or about P1,084 per head .

Ximending Shopping District

Location: Wanhua District, Ximending, Taipei

As its name suggests, this is where you can shop ‘til you drop. From food to shoes and cosmetics, Ximending is one of the best places to treat yourself and buy pasalubong for your loved ones. The district also houses unique cafes and restaurants such as Modern Toilet, which is a themed restaurant that lets you dine in a bathroom setting.

Elephant Mountain

Location: Xinyi District, Taipei

Up for a little fun in nature? Aside from Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain is one of the best spots to appreciate a panoramic view of Taipei City. Dress up in comfy clothing and shoes, since it’ll take a 20-30-minute hike until you reach the summit. Its most IG-worthy spot, the rock viewpoint, will require you to climb a 500-step flight of stairs. Tourists may also visit at night, and the sunset hike is a famous activity visitors go for.

Yehliu Geopark

Location: No. 167-1, Gangdong Road, Wanli District, New Taipei City

When you wish to take a break from the urban jungle, head to New Taipei City and discover the landscape that Yehliu Geopark offers. Boasting gigantic rock formations, the geopark is one of the most popular attractions in Northern Taiwan and is known to be one of the most Mars-like environments on Earth. Years of sea erosion led to the formation of honeycomb-like rock formations.

The ticket is NT$120, or around P215 per person.

Houtong Cat Village

Location: Ruifang District, New Taipei City

Located a 1-hour train ride away from Taipei, Houtong Cat Village is a neighborhood known for its prolific cat population. It’s a must-visit for cat lovers: the moment you alight the train, you’ll be welcomed by a feline-themed station. Enjoy a lovely stroll around the neighborhood with a stunning mountain and river view, and meet several feline friends along the way. There are plenty of cat-themed cafes and restaurants here too, as well as shops that sell themed stationery and trinkets. It’s feline heaven!

Note: Tourists are discouraged from feeding the cats as there are volunteers in the neighborhood already.

Shifen Old Street

Location: No. 81號, Shifen St, Pingxi District, New Taipei City

While Taipei boasts skyscrapers and urban life, Shifen Old Street will transport you back in time, with its famous railroad track. You’ll also find antiquity, unique shops, and cafes around the area. Shifen is also famous for its lantern festival, where tourist flock to write their wishes on lanterns, light them up, and send them to the gods.

Jiufen Old Street

Location: Jishan St., Ruifang District, New Taipei City

Studio Ghibli fans, here’s how you can have a whimsical experience outside of Japan. Jiufen Old Street is nestled in an old mining area near the mountains, this magical street looks straight out of Spirited Away . In fact, it’s one of the inspirations of the movie! Jiufen boasts Japanese architecture and just walking around will make you hungry. Try tea from quirky cafes and sample traditional food such as mugwort rice cake, taro balls, and meatballs. At night, the street looks more magical as the street lights up with lanterns and offers the same feeling of comfort when watching Spirited Away .

National Chung Cheng University in Chiayi

Location: No. 168, Section 1, Daxue Rd, Minxiong Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan

Here’s to the kids of the early 2000s who grew up watching Meteor Garden on local TV. While most of the series was filmed in China, there are also filming locations in Taiwan, such as National Chung Cheng University. It’s 5 to 6 hours away from Taipei but if you’re determined to visit the filming location, go for it. You can also lessen your travel time to two hours by taking the Taiwan High-Speed Rail.

Some famous filming locations include the basement of the Library and Information Building where you’ll find Sancai’s Locker 150, Tranquility Lake, the Administration Building, and Jiankang Road.

Maokong Gondola

Location: No. 8, Sec. 2, Xinguang Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei

Fancy a scenic view of Taipei’s mountainous areas and distant cityscape? The Maokong Gondola is a one-way crystal carriage that will let you explore one of Taiwan’s largest tea producers after the 20-30-minute ride. Take in nature and explore the fields and visit Yinhe Cave. These gondolas also offer an experience where you’ll feel like you’re flying as their floors are made of glass. Brave through your fear of heights!

The gondola ticket is NT$50/trip or PHP90.

Have you visited Taiwan before? What are your favorite spots? Share them below!

PSA: Taiwan is *Finally* Open to Pinoy Tourists; Here’s Where to Stay Under P3k/Night

PSA: Taiwan is *Finally* Open to Pinoy Tourists; Here’s Where to Stay Under P3k/NightIna Louise Manto

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