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10 Hidden Gems And Must-Do Activities In Danshui, Taiwan

Published: August 28, 2024

by Jayne Carpio

Looking for a unique travel experience in Taiwan? Danshui, also known as Tamsui, offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located at the northern tip of Taiwan, this charming town is famous for its scenic waterfront, historic sites, and vibrant night market. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or someone who loves nature, Danshui has something for everyone. From exploring Fort San Domingo to enjoying a sunset at Fisherman's Wharf, you'll find plenty of hidden gems and must-do activities. Ready to discover what makes Danshui special? Let's dive into the top 10 things you shouldn't miss!

Discovering Danshui's Hidden Gems

Danshui, also known as Tamsui, is a charming town in northern Taiwan. With its rich history, scenic views, and vibrant culture, there's no shortage of things to see and do. Let's dive into some of the hidden gems and must-do activities that make Danshui a unique destination.

Historical Sites to Visit

Danshui's history is deeply rooted in its architecture and landmarks. Here are some historical sites you shouldn't miss.

Fort San Domingo Originally built by the Spanish in 1629, this fort has seen various rulers. Its well-preserved structure offers a glimpse into Danshui's colonial past.

Danshui Old Street Wander through this bustling street filled with traditional shops, food stalls, and historical buildings. It's a perfect place to soak in the local culture.

Little White House This picturesque building served as the residence for the British Consulate. Its white walls and red roof make it a popular spot for photos.

Scenic Spots for Nature Lovers

Danshui boasts beautiful natural landscapes that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some spots to enjoy nature.

Fisherman's Wharf Known for its stunning sunsets, this wharf offers a relaxing atmosphere with its boardwalk, cafes, and the iconic Lover's Bridge.

Bali Left Bank Take a ferry across the river to Bali Left Bank, where you can rent a bike and explore the scenic riverside paths.

Danshui River Mangrove Nature Reserve This protected area is home to various bird species and lush mangroves. It's a peaceful spot for a leisurely walk or bird-watching.

Unique Cultural Experiences

Immerse yourself in the local culture with these unique activities and experiences.

Danshui Fisherman's Wharf Night Market This night market offers a variety of local delicacies, handmade crafts, and live performances. It's a lively spot to experience Danshui's nightlife.

Tamkang University Visit this historic university known for its beautiful campus and panoramic views of Danshui. The university's architecture and gardens are worth exploring.

Danshui Art Gallery This gallery showcases local artists and their works. It's a great place to appreciate the creativity and talent of Danshui's art community.

Fun Activities for Families

Danshui offers plenty of family-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy.

• Danshui Fisherman's Wharf Amusement Park This small amusement park has rides and games suitable for children. It's a fun place to spend an afternoon with the family.

Danshui is a town that offers a mix of history, nature, culture, and fun. Whether you're exploring its historical sites, enjoying its scenic spots, or immersing yourself in local culture, there's something for everyone in Danshui.

Discover Danshui's Unique Charm

Danshui offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Stroll along the Danshui Old Street for local snacks and souvenirs. Visit Fort San Domingo to learn about its colonial past. Enjoy a peaceful moment at Fisherman's Wharf while watching the sunset. Explore the Danshui Fisherman's Wharf for fresh seafood and scenic views. Don't miss the Danshui River cruise for a different perspective of the town. The Danshui Hot Springs provide relaxation after a day of exploring. For a touch of nature, Bali Left Bank offers biking trails and riverside parks. The Danshui Historical Museum gives insight into the area's rich history. Lastly, the Danshui Night Market is perfect for trying local delicacies. Each of these spots adds to the unique charm of Danshui, making it a must-visit destination in Taiwan .

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Top 7 Places to Visit in Taiwan on Your Next Visit

Last Updated on February 15, 2024

Are you planning a trip to Taiwan? This beautiful country is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant city life. From bustling cities to serene natural wonders, Taiwan has something to offer every traveller. In this guide, here is my pick of the 7 top places to visit in Taiwan, ensuring that you make the most of your next adventure. Whether you’re seeking Taiwan tourist attractions, cultural experiences, or breathtaking landscapes, I’ve got you covered.

1. Taipei 101

Taipei 101, previously recognized as the Taipei World Financial Center, stands tall as an iconic tourist attraction in Taiwan that should be on every traveler’s list. Standing at 508 meters (1,667 feet), it held the title of the world’s tallest building until 2010. The panoramic vista from the 89th-floor observation deck presents awe-inspiring views that capture Taipei City and the surrounding mountains. It’s especially enchanting during the evening when the city lights up. Inside, you’ll find a luxurious shopping mall with international brands and a wide array of dining options, making it a fantastic destination for sightseeing and shopping.

2. Taroko Gorge National Park

Taroko Gorge National Park is a natural wonderland in Taiwan that captivates visitors with its stunning marble cliffs, deep canyons, and emerald-green rivers. The park covers an area of over 920 square kilometers (355 square miles), and it’s a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Some must-visit places within the park include the Swallow Grotto, to witness the Liwu River cutting through marble cliffs, and the Eternal Spring Shrine, to pay tribute to the workers who lost their lives during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. The park’s diverse ecosystems make it a hotspot for biodiversity, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Jiufen is a charming old mining town located in the hills of northeastern Taiwan. Steeped in history and culture, this picturesque town is famous for its narrow winding streets, atmospheric teahouses, and traditional red lanterns that illuminate the evenings. Jiufen’s unique blend of Japanese and Chinese influences is evident in its architecture and cuisine. Visitors can indulge in local street food, including the famous taro balls and sweet potato balls, while enjoying panoramic hillside views. Don’t forget to visit the A-Mei Tea House, an iconic tourist attraction perched on a hilltop that served as an inspiration for the Studio Ghibli movie, “Spirited Away.”

4. Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest body of water, is nestled in the lush Nantou County. The lake gets its name from its unique shape, resembling both a sun and a moon. Surrounded by mist-covered mountains, this place offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Visitors can take leisurely boat rides to explore the lake or rent bicycles to cycle around its perimeter, taking in the breathtaking scenery. Additionally, a visit to the nearby Wenwu Temple adds a cultural dimension to your experience, as it is dedicated to Confucius, Yue Fei, and Guan Yu.

5. Kenting National Park

Kenting National Park, located at the southern tip of Taiwan, is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a must-visit place for water sports enthusiasts, offering activities such as surfing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. The park also features lush forests and coral reefs, making it a diverse destination for nature lovers. At night, the Kenting Night Market comes to life with food stalls offering a variety of Taiwanese and international delicacies. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, this place has it all.

Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, is a treasure trove of historical sites and cultural landmarks. It’s often referred to as the “Capital City of Taiwanese Culture.” Some must-visit places include Chihkan Tower, a Dutch-era fortification that offers insights into Taiwan’s colonial history, and Koxinga Shrine, dedicated to the national hero who resisted foreign rule. Tainan is also famous for its street food, and you can savour local delicacies like oyster omelettes and shrimp rolls at the countless food stalls scattered across the city.

7. Alishan National Scenic Area

Alishan National Scenic Area is a mountainous wonderland that attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Known for its misty forests, ancient trees, and breathtaking sunrise views, Alishan offers a serene retreat from city life. Watching the sunrise from the Alishan Forest Recreation Area is a surreal experience as the sun’s first rays pierce through the sea of clouds. A network of well-maintained trails allows visitors to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region, making it a top place to visit in Taiwan for hiking and photography.

Embrace the Diversity of Taiwan: Your Perfect Itinerary Awaits

Taiwan is a remarkable destination filled with diverse experiences for travelers. From the bustling streets of Taipei to the serene natural wonders of Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, and other incredible destinations, this island nation has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in Taiwan tourist attractions, cultural explorations, outdoor adventures, or simply figuring out where to go in Taiwan , these top places to visit provide a comprehensive itinerary for your next visit. So, pack your bags and embark on a memorable journey to discover the beauty and charm of Taiwan.

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10 of the best places to visit in Taiwan

Oct 23, 2023 • 6 min read

Narrow down your travel plans with this guide to the best places to visit in Taiwan © kitzcorner / Getty Images

With dynamic night markets jam-packed with delectable street food, gorgeous beaches and soaring mountains, Taiwan offers lots in a small package.

Just 395km (245 miles) from top to bottom, travelers will find futuristic cities, historic temples and killer surf breaks – all connected by affordable high-speed rail. As one of the friendliest East Asian countries for LGBTIQ+ travelers, too, it's pretty much got everything. Here are the best places to visit.

1. Sun Moon Lake

Best place to bike

Located in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is renowned for hiking, boating, romantic walks and countryside temples. It’s also famous for its bikeways, frequently found on lists of the world’s most stunning biking paths in the world. There are multiple options, but we recommend the Shuishang Bikeway . This 1300ft-long route wraps so closely around the lake that whizzing around its perimeter feels like floating on water. 

2. Beitou, Taipei

Best place for hot springs

Although 130 hot springs spill across this volcanic country island, Taipei locals love Beitou hot springs for their accessibility. Just a 30-minute train ride away from the center of the capital, you can luxuriate in geothermal heat-fueled hot springs. Veiled in the sulfur mist, you'll find hotels outfitted with bathtubs gushing hot water, public baths and a springs-obsessed culture. 

Planning tip: Visit Thermal Valley, aka Hell Valley, for one of the world’s only two green sulfur hot springs. It reopened in July 2022 after a renovation featuring improved accessibility, additional facilities and upgraded seating areas. 

3. Taroko National Park

Best place to chase waterfalls

Journey to this popular national park for its famed 19km (12 mile) canyon, Taroko Gorge , which features marble cliffs carved through centuries by the Liwu River. Located around 145km (90 miles) southeast of Taipei, the gorge contains  hikes of all levels where you can view an abundance of waterfalls towering and small. 

Make sure to hit the Yindai, Baiyang and Lushui waterfalls for the most stunning views. Intermediate hikers should trek the 4km round trip (2.6 miles) Baiyang Waterfall Trail, featuring eight tunnels and the Shuiliandong Water Curtain. For photo ops at Taroko National Park , check the waterfall and pavilion at the Eternal Spring Shrine, a picturesque veteran’s memorial. 

Best surf spot

Jinzun is located in Taitung County, which is home to the lengthiest coastline in Taiwan, running approximately 175km (109 miles). This little fishing village is a 40-minute drive from Taitung and hosts the Taiwan Open of Surfing . Surfing conditions are decent year-round, but the best time to go is in the autumn and winter, when typhoons create optimal waves. Professional surfers consider the waves here to be world-class, and since surfing is a newer sport in Taiwan, Jinzun is ideal for surfers trying to beat the crowds. If you don’t want to catch waves, go fishing or sunbathe on the sandy beaches. You can also pop 10 minutes south to Dulan to visit the Amis tribal village and Xindong Sugar Factory.

5. Kaohsiung 

Best place to temple hop

Taiwan’s second-largest city crackles with energy, and many consider it one of the best places to live on the island for its convenience and safety. Despite Kaohsiung’s zippy streets, you can find pockets of tranquility in its parks, pagodas and temples. Visit Lotus Pond to see more than 20 temples – enter through the Dragon pagoda and exit the Tiger pagoda for good luck. 

Located on the north side of the pond is the Kaohsiung Confucius Temple – the largest Confucius temple in Taiwan, designed in the style of a Song Dynasty-era temple. After temple-hopping, visit the romantic  Love River and indulge in street eats at the Rueifong Night Market.

Best place for quiet

This beautiful haven for nature fans rests on Taiwan’s northeast coast. Here, mountains meet the sea with cold and hot springs, whale and dolphin-watching, scenic hikes and black sand beaches. Highlights include the Hsuehshan Tunnel – the second-longest highway tunnel in Asia, connecting Taipei to Yilan in just 50 minutes – and the Divine Trees Garden at MaKau Ecological Park. The garden is home to over a hundred indigenous, millennia-old Taiwan red cypress trees, hinoki and benihi trees.

Planning tip: Head to the world’s first quiet trail, Cuifeng Lake Circular Trail – accredited by Quiet Parks International (QPI). It’s a 7.4km round trip (4.6 miles) hiking path, ranging from 1890–1980m (6200–6500ft) above sea level, abutting Sun Moon Lake and winding through floors of dense moss – said to absorb sound. 

7. Ximen district, Taipei

Best place for LGBTIQ+ travelers 

Taiwan has become one of the most progressive Asian countries for LGBTIQ+ rights. As the host of Asia’s biggest Pride parade, it’s also the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. The Ximen district in Taipei is renowned for its gay scene found behind the historic Red House Theatre , built in 1908. At this first openly gay place in the city, there are countless gay bars, saunas, restaurants and open-air plazas for hanging out. 

Planning tip: Ximen district is a well-known shopping area, great for people-watching stylish youth and the high-end fashion of those living in what’s considered the richest city in Taiwan. It’s also likely you'll see cosplayers, impromptu street dances, performances and celebrities and pop stars hosting meet and greets. 

Best place for fresh seafood

This port city overlooking the Donghai Sea is about 30km (19 miles) north of Taipei. Known for fresh seafood, Keelung Night Market is the perfect place to sample many dishes at once. Munch on butter crabs, thick crab soup, oyster omelets, tempera fish paste, ding bian cuo – a meat and seafood stew with rice batter noodles, deep-fried crab and braised eel, to name a few. 

Continue your eating spree by trying the local street food delicacy, chikuwa , a charcoal-grilled fishcake treat, and leftover remnant of the Japanese occupation at the Zhengbin Fishing Port. Afterward, night owls can hit the Kanziding Fish Market, a large frenetic seafood market open from 10pm to 6am. 

Best place to island hop

Locals love the southwest Penghu archipelago as a holiday destination for its white sand beaches, illustrious basalt columns, and pristine coral reefs. It’s speckled with islands and accessible from Taipei via an hour's flight. You’ll probably land in Magong City, where there’s plenty to explore, like the Penghu Tianhou Temple , Shanshui Beach, and the Du Hang Shih Cun military village. Don’t leave without trying local specialties, such as brown sugar cake, peanut candy, fresh oysters and cactus ice cream.

Planning tip:  Sign up for an island-hopping tour with everything from half-day to multi-day itineraries available. History buffs will enjoy Wang-an island for Zhongshe Village, an ancient fishing village. For sunbathers and swimmers,  Jibei is a great stop for its stunning beaches . Other famous islands include Wiyu, Baisha and Huxi.

10. Green Island

Best place to be underwater

Snorkelers, freedivers and scuba divers enjoy Green Island’s hundreds of species of brightly colored coral and fish. Located southeast of Taitung , this volcanic island is a diving destination with options for both shore and boat dives. If you prefer being above water, eyeball stunning views from the Lyudao Lighthouse , soak in the Zhaori Hot Spring  or relish the island’s natural vistas. 

This article was first published Jan 9, 2023 and updated Oct 23, 2023.

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18 BEST Places to Visit in Taiwan! 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

In this Taiwan travel guide , I’m going to help you plan your trip by telling you the best places to visit in Taiwan , places to go in Taiwan and things to do in Taiwan based on my own 2 trips to Taiwan!

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here:

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.

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 !

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.

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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?

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

Trains in 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.

I hope this list of the best places to visit in Taiwan has helped you!

• 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. :)

Must see in Taiwan

Taiwan is officially the Republic of China (ROC), and it is a largely mountainous island nation in East Asia. This country is full of lush green landscapes, eclectic culture, tranquil temples, and tropical beaches. The breathtaking Pacific coastal cliffs and misty mountains also add to the country's beauty. The combination of all these elements enriches visitors' experience and enjoyment, making Taiwan a popular destination. Here are some of the destinations that should not be missed when visiting Taiwan.

15 most beautiful places in Taiwan

Flag of Taiwan

30 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In Taipei (Taiwan)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Last updated: June 20, 2024

Taipei, Taiwan is an extraordinary place to visit.

It is a combination of cultural roots and modern beauty.

There are thirty exceptional places to visit in Taipei you will love.

To help you on your way, there is a description of each site below.

Table of Contents

1. The Sensational Views From Elephant Mountain

Views From Elephant Mountain

You will have a stunning view of Taipei, Taiwan from the top of Elephant mountain.

If you take your hike during the afternoon, you will witness a stunning sunset and the incredible evening view.

The hike generally requires fifteen to twenty minutes to reach the top.

You can rest at the landing area after about ten minutes. There are restrooms and facilities available. You will encounter a lot of stairs.

Do not miss the wonders of the nearby Tonghua Night Market.

Address:  Alley 342, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

2. The Taipei 101 Observatory

View from Taipei 101 Observatory

Taipei 101 was once one of the world’s tallest buildings. The observatory offers a panoramic view of 360 degrees.

People come to Taiwan from across the globe to see the night view from the 83rd floor observatory.

You can place a couple coins in the telescopes by the windows to see a spectacular view of Taipei below.

You will discover artwork featuring Taipei 101, souvenirs and postcards for sale on the indoor observation deck.

Address: 89th Floor, No. 7, Xinyi Road Section 5, Taipei City, Taiwan

3. Day Trip To Jiufen, The Santorini Of Taiwan

One of the best things to do in Taipei is to visit Jiufen. The Japanese originally constructed this gold mining mountain town.

You will adore the maze of alleyways and lanes filled with rich culture. The buildings are a reflection of Japanese culture and architecture.

The town was originally an isolated and quaint village. There was a Japanese prisoner camp in the town during World War II. The prisoners were forced to mine gold.

Once the war ended, the town became a popular destination for tourists to celebrate the culture and history of Taiwan.

Address:  Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224

4. The Scenic Shifen Waterfall

Shifen Waterfall

The most famous waterfall in Taiwan is the Shifen Waterfall . Due to the horseshoe shape, the waterfall earned the nickname of Little Niagara after Niagara Falls.

The waterfall is forty meters wide, twenty meters high, extremely powerful and stunningly beautiful. You can walk almost to the bottom of the falls for incredible photographs.

The area encompasses two suspension bridges, exquisite green mountains, breathtaking landscapes, a gorgeous turquoise river, numerous photo opportunities and all the beauty of nature.

The Observation Point offers truly exquisite views. Unfortunately, a lot of people remain unaware of this breathtaking sight.

Address: No.11, Gankeng, Pingxi District, New Taipei City 226, Taiwan

5. Majestic Mount Keelung

Night view from Mount Keelung

You can see Mount Keelung when you first enter Jiufen because the mountain is 588 meters tall.

The 45 to 60 minute climb is an adventure filled with stone steps set right into the mountain.

As you hike, you will pass three pavilions. The view of Taipei is extraordinary.

The hike is strenuous but worth every single step. Once you reach the top, the panoramic views of Taipei will take your breath away.

Standing on top of Mount Keelung will make you feel as though you have conquered the world. Your night view of Jiufen is one of the most beautiful sights imaginable.

Address:  Qiche Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224

6. A Trip Into The Past At Bopiliao Old Street

Bopiliao Old Street

Bopiliao Old Street is a representation of the Qing Dynasty beginning in 1644 and concluding in 1911. The Japanese colonial period is represented from 1945 through 1949.

You will love the unique stores including a Chinese medicine store, a public bathhouse, a clock store, a Taoist shrine, a rice company and a tea house.

If you are interested in the history of Taipei, visit the Heritage and Culture Center. The three main buildings are the Story Hall, the Medical Hall and the Education Hall.

The models of old-fashioned Taipei homes, Confucius Temples and ancient boats are enchanting.

You can visit a classroom from the past and view an amazing assortment of Chinese herbs.

Address: No.101, Guangzhou St., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City 108, Taiwan

7. The Glorious Sunset At Fisherman’s Wharf (Danshui)

Fisherman’s Wharf (Danshui)

You will find Danshui on Taiwan’s northern coast, approximately forty minutes from Taipei. You will be enveloped in the unique cultures of both Japan and Taiwan.

Taipei tourists are drawn to the architectural and cultural attractions. Fisherman’s Wharf is just outside of Taipei, and renown for sunsets, party boats and amazing seafood.

The sunsets are spectacular. You will also find a variety of restaurants, traditional performers, street performers, shops, cafes and hawker stalls.

This is the entrance to the scenic North Coast of Taiwan.

Taking the time to visit the Tamsui Customs House Museum, Hongmao Cheng, the Hobe Fort and the Tamsui Museum is well worth the effort.

Address: Yuren, Tamsui Dist ,  New Taipei 22072,  Taiwan

8. The Crest Of Fort San Domingo

Fort San Domingo

No trip to Taipei is complete without visiting the most recognized monument in Tamsui. The Spanish built the monument in 1629.

The original intention of Fort San Domingo was to enable the Spanish to rule the Chinese in northern Taiwan.

In 1642, the Spanish were forced to flee the island when it was taken by the Dutch and replaced with a stone fort.

The British completely renovated the fort in 1867. The red tiles used for the roof combine with the red brick veranda for an incredible burst of color.

The scenery at the crest of Fort San Domingo is incredibly attractive when the sun sets. The fort is located in New Taipei City, overlooking the Tamsui River.

Address: No.1, Lane 28, Zhongzheng Road,Danshuei District ,  New Taipei 25158,  Taiwan

9. The Natural Wonders Of Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park can be found in northern Taipei City. The area houses several parks, famous hot springs, hiking trails and an exceptional variety of wildlife and plants.

You will discover numerous warm temperate and subtropical climate zones as you explore.

The influence of the Japanese is obvious due to the hot springs, Formosan sweet gum and black pines.

The spring is welcomed with cherry blossoms and rhododendrons covering the mountain. The weather of the summer is amazing with southwest winds and showers.

The red maple leaves and silver grass arrive by October. Winter in Taipei is a fairy tale world of drifting clouds. The Han Chinese once cultivated tea plantations in the area.

Address: Jhuzihhu Rd, Beitou District ,  Taipei 112,  Taiwan

10. The Hualien County

Hualien County

You can take a train from Taipei to Hualien County. One of the best representations of Taiwan are the phenomenal views found on this sensational island.

This is the largest county in Taiwan with a population exceeding 350,000. This is also one of the first destinations for travelers once they reach Taipei.

The azure skies, majestic peaks, diversity of the culture, scenic views and friendly local are delightful.

You will enjoy spending your days here visiting Taroko National Park for the amazing gorges and the East Coast National for the breathtaking natural landscapes.

The name Hualien comes from the beauty of the swirling currents as they kiss the sea.

11. National Palace Museum In Taipei

National Palace Museum

In 1965, the National Palace Museum opened their doors in Taipei. The quality of the museum has been compared to the Prado and the Louvre.

There is a collection of art from the emperors of China including porcelain, paintings and calligraphy.

One of the most spectacular pieces found in the Taipei museum are pieces of jadeite carved into cabbage.

The oldest pieces include loop earrings and a stunning jade necklace. These pieces have been dated back in excess of 8,000 years.

A simple jade cup from the eastern Zhou dynasty is marbled with exquisite veining. The morning dew was sipped from this cup to secure immortality.

The porcelain pieces include Qing vases, Ju ware from the 11th century and Ming vases.

Address:  No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111

12. Celebrate Lunar New Year On Dihua Street

Dihua Street

The Lunar New Year is celebrated on Dihua Street in Taipei, Taiwan. You will be excited when you see hundreds of stands selling everything from trendy to classic.

The food trucks offer local delights while the chefs spend the weekends showing how they prepare their dishes for the New Year in Taipei.

You can take photos wearing adorable dog costumes or Vintage style garments. You can have a lot of fun making New Year’s banners and red envelopes with your family.

You can indulge in a delectable assortment of food or visit the Ningxia Night market or the Rongbin Shopping District.

This is your chance to immerse yourself in the history of Taiwan.

Address: Datong District ,  Taipei 103,  Taiwan

13. The Historic Heritage Of Taipei At Liberty Square

Liberty Square

Liberty Square is an enormous plaza located in the Zhongzheng District of Taipei. The square is dedicated to Chiang Kai-Shek.

This is where many of the public gatherings in Taiwan are hosted. Foreign dignitaries are greeted by the President of Taiwan in lavish and exciting red-carpet ceremonies.

The square fills with large crowds for the Taipei concerts and festivals. More than 800 events are hosted every year. You will find an event here nearly every time you visit.

There are ponds and colorful parks surrounding the beautiful paths of the square. Liberty Square serves as a poignant reminder of the Democratic progress made by Taiwan.

Address:  Democracy Blvd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

14. Releasing Sky Lanterns On Pingxi Old Street

Pingxi Old Street

You need to visit Pingxi Old Street when you visit Taipei, Taiwan. You will be delighted by the collection of street snacks and shops right by the Pingxi railway station.

The street is unique because it was built right into a hill. The overhead train track passes through the center where there are shops offering gifts and local foods.

You will be amazed by the shops constructed during the 1930’s and 1940’s.

You should take a moment to stand right on the tracks so you can release a traditional sky lantern at dusk and make a special wish.

Make sure you take a look at the wooden houses, originally built when the Japanese occupied the area.

Address:  Pingxi Street, Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 226

15. Rock Climbing At The Long Dong Dragon Cave

Long Dong Dragon Cave

There is a rocky stretch of coastline in Taiwan, about an hour’s drive from Taipei. The curves of the coast will make you think of a dragon.

The area is gorgeous with sandstone cliffs above the sea and thick green vegetation blanketing the valleys and hills. The setting is magnificent.

The area has become extremely popular for scuba diving in the crystal clear waters, hiking and rock climbing.

The rock originated during the Miocene Era over 3.5 million years in the past.

The thick sandstone is a natural for rock climbing. Protections have been placed for traditional and sport climbing.

Address: Longdong Street, Gongliao Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan

16. Beitou Thermal Valley

Beitou Thermal Valley

One of the most unique things to do in Taipei is visit Beitou Thermal Valley. This is one of the suppliers of the local hot springs.

The Beitou rocks contain radium, the only mineral on the globe named after a place in Taiwan.

The valley is covered with sulfuric steam. This is why it is referred to as Ghost Lake.

During the Japanese Occupation, Thermal Valley was deemed one of the twelve greatest sights of Taiwan.

No other Datunshan volcano group has temperatures as high as Thermal Valley.

You do not have to worry, the water is protected so you will not be able to fall in accidentally.

Address: Zhongshan Road, Near Wenquan Road ,  Taipei,  Taiwan

17. Incredible Beitou Hot Springs

Beitou Hot Springs

Beitou is located in Taipei. This area provides natural hot springs for the city.

The three types of hot springs in Beitou are the Ding Beitou transparent springs of iron sulfur, the milky white sulfur springs and the green sulfur you can only find in Akita, Japan and Beitou, Taiwan.

There are rules for every bath regarding the separation of genders you must follow. While you are enjoying Beitou, you may want to stay at one of the lovely resorts.

Once the waters have traveled from the main pond, they are cooler and the resorts enable you to enjoy the springs.

18. The Surreal Escape Of Daan Forest Park

Daan Forest Park

The Beitou Dann Forest Park is lined with beautiful trees including maple, cajuput, camphor and ficus.

You can lose yourself in the lushness of the flower beds and bushes all over the park. You will feel as though you have entered a grand forest.

The park is Taipei’s biggest green space offering a skating rink, several exercise areas and a charming playground.

If you travel to Taipei, Taiwan during the holidays, you can watch a show for free at the amphitheater.

Take a stroll through the park for an incredibly peaceful experience.

Address: No.1, Sec. 2, Xinsheng S. Rd., Da’an District., Taipei City, Taiwan

19. The Attractions Of Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

The Creative Park is located in the Taipei Zhongzheng District. This is considered the primary art center of Taiwan.

You will enjoy the performances, theater productions and large exhibits hosted here. This is where the artists come when they want to work on their creations.

Take the time to discover the indie brand shops, interactive and digital museums and bookshops. This area of Taipei offers amazing desserts and coffees.

The young musicians of Taipei provide mini concerts outdoors for those who truly love music.

Address:  No. 1, Section 1, Bade Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

20. Yehliu Geopark Rock Formations

Yehliu Geopark

One of the most gorgeous destinations in new Taipei, Taiwan are the rock formations of the Yehliu Geopark . The formations are part of the Daliao Miaocene.

You will adore the different formations such as Queen’s Head, Sea Candles, Kissing Rock, Ginger Rocks and Princess Head.

You will discover Yehliu Ocean World right next to the Geopark.

The Taipei oceanarium offers you an enjoyable afternoon with performances by sea lions and dolphins as well as numerous ocean exhibits.

You will also learn about the sea life of Taipei during your adventure.

Address: No.167-1, Kangton Rd.  |  Yeh Liu Village ,  New Taipei 207,  Taiwan

21. The Ximending Experience

One of the coolest areas in Taipei, Taiwan is Ximending. This neighborhood does not sleep and is known for their exciting nightlife.

Begin your day with a fantastic meal in a traditional breakfast shop.

There is a section of Emei Street with boutiques offering a nice selection of clothing to fill your afternoon in Taipei.

Once the sun has set, there is an amazing variety of food stalls and restaurants to tempt your taste buds.

There is a square not far from Red House with over twenty little cafes and bars. You can enjoy the local liquors and beers all night long.

22. The Infamous Wufenpu Shopping District

Wufenpu Shopping District

You will be breathless when you enter this wholesale clothing market in Taipei, Taiwan.

The enormous bargain outlet is a shoppers paradise with the best deals you will find anywhere in Taipei.

The lanes crisscross to form a maze of delights filled with clothing racks and shops.

You will need hours to look at the latest garments, trends and accessories. You will discover something for every gender and age.

Once you have finished shopping, have a quick bite at any of the delicious food carts or satisfy the largest of appetites at the Raohe Night Market in Taipei, Taiwan.

Address:  Alley 9, Lane 443, Yongji Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

23. The Underground Mall At Taipei Main Station

Underground Mall

There are several underground malls located at the Taipei Main Station. This is the connection point for Shuanglian Station, Zhongshan Station and the Taipei Main Station.

In addition to amazing shopping, you should take a look at the lovely works available at the free art gallery.

The Taipei Book Street portion of the mall is the longest underground book street in Taiwan. Your senses will be captured by the expanded inventory and the modern vibe.

There is even an area with a stage for teenagers to practice different types of dance and cheerleading.

Address: B1,No.100, Section 1, Shimin Avenue ,  Taipei,  Taiwan

24. Amazing Food Tour At The Shilin Night Market

Shilin Night Market

This is one of the most famous and biggest night markets in Taiwan. There is a superb selection of street foods to experience.

Try some of the local favorites offered at the food stalls or one of the fantastic restaurants.

The fish balls are deep fried and placed onto a skewer prior to being dusted with just a touch of fine pepper. Another favorite is the blow-torched steak.

After being diced into cubes, the steak is grilled then blowtorched for a unique and succulent flavor experience. The meat is enhanced with a nice smokey flavor.

Address: No.101, Jihe Road., Shilin District., Taipei City 111, Taiwan

25. Visit The Famous Longshan Temple

Longshan Temple

The Mengjia Longshan Temple is one of the most popular in Taipei, Taiwan. The temple was originally constructed by Fujian settlers in 1738 as a gathering place.

The temple was built in the old village section of Taipei. The Longshan Temple has survived several wars and natural disasters.

The temple is not dedicated to just one religion or deity. The Confucian, Buddhist and Taoists faiths all worship here.

You will enjoy the experience, the friendly locals and the ability to take photographs while walking through the temple. It is important to be respectful to the locals.

Address:  No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853

26. The Ornate Bao’an Temple

Bao’an Temple

The Bao’an temple is an exquisite structure in Taiwan filled with outstanding examples of traditional decorative arts.

If possible, visit Taipei from march through June during the yearly Baosheng Cultural Festival.

The celebrations include a birthday celebration for the Gods’, Taiwanese opera, parades, lion dances and Chinese medicine clinics.

Quanzhou immigrants from the Fujian province established the temple in 1760.

Address:  No. 61, Hami Street, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103

27. Wishing At The Confucius Temple

Confucius Temple

Wang Yi-shun is the famous craftsman responsible for creating this beautiful temple in Taipei, Taiwan.

You can learn about the history of Confucius including the Six Confucian arts such as riding and archery.

The confucius temple offers fun and interactive activities for both children and adults, an incredible plafond ceiling in Dacheng Hall and a 4D theater with a Confucius theme.

Do not miss the blooming flowers overflowing the vases in the Yi Gate courtyard during your trip to Taipei. You can even make a wish in the temple.

Address: 275 Dalong Street, Datong District ,  Taipei,  Taiwan

28. The Guandu Temple Of Taipei

Guandu Temple

The Guandu Temple of Taipei, Taiwan is a gorgeous, multi-story temple built in 1661. The temple was constructed into the side of the mountain.

The numerous tunnels are amazing and run directly through the mountain.

You will see two flights of steps at the back of the temple. Both offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the riverscape of Tamsui.

The temple features a jiannian rooftop and stone columns from the Qing era in the worship hall.

Stop by the food court on the riverside to sample a variety of delicacies from Taipei.

Address:  No. 360, Zhixing Road, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan 112

29. The Xingtian Temple Of Taipei

Xingtian Temple

The Xingtian Temple is visited more than any other temple in Taipei, Taiwan. Although the temple is classified as Taoist, Confucianism and Buddhist cultures are also observed.

The temple is dedicated to the red-face General of the Three Kingdoms Period in China, Guan Yu. This is the patron saint of businessmen.

This is the newest temple in Taipei, built in 1967. You should experience one of the most popular activities here, fortune telling.

Fortunetelling Street offers you a choice of numerous fortune telling stands. Many Chinese look for solutions through traditional religion.

Address: No.109, Section. 2, Minquan E. Road., Zhongshan District., Taipei City 104, Taiwan

30. The Taipei Zoo

The Taipei Zoo is a zoological garden located in the Wenshan District of Taipei.

Not only is this Taiwan’s most famous garden, it is the leader in recreation, education, conservation and research.

The zoo began with two pandas from China and an Asian bull elephant affectionately called Grandpa Lin Wang. The zoo has since greatly expanded.

The Taipei Zoo now features animals from Africa, Australia, Taiwan, the desert and the tropical rainforest of Asia.

You will be charmed by the Children’s Zoo and the 12,000 birds in the aviary.

The additional exhibits include a panda exhibit, a koala habitat, a reptile and amphibian house, a penguin habitat and a display of nocturnal animals.

Address: No. 30, Section.2, Xinguang Road., Wenshan District., Taipei City 11656, Taiwan

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Home » Asia » Taiwan » Taipei

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

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

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

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

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

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

These are the best places to visit in taipei, faq on the best places to visit in taipei, final thoughts on the best places to visit in taipei.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Beautiful landscaping
• Home to diverse creatures
• Educational exhibits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Interesting wildlife
• Pretty views
• Free attraction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cat town: top sight in Taipei!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Youthful vibe
• Energetic at night time
• Japanese influence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is a free place to visit in Taipei?

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

How many days should I spend in Taipei?

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

What is Taipei famous for?

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

Is Taipei an expensive place to visit?

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

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

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

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

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

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

And, most of all, have a blast!

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

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

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

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The 15 Perfect Places To Visit In Taiwan

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

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

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

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

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Why Should You Visit Taiwan?

Low crime rate

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

Friendly people

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

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

Captivating Sceneries

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

Great transportation system

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

Lovely festivals

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

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

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

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

Delicious foods

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

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

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

The oldest villages on these Islands are historical.

Great place for hiking

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

Beautiful temples

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

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

Filled with museums

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

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

What are the best places to visit in Taiwan? 

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

1. Taipei 

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

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

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

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

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

2. Sun moon lake

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

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

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

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

3. Rainbow Village

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

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

4. Longshan Temple

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

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

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

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

5. Tainan

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

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

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

6. Penghu

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

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

7. The high-heel church

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

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

8. The National Palace Museum

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

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

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

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

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

10. Alishan National Scenic Area

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

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

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

11. Taroko National park

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

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

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

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

12. Yangmingshan National Park

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

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

13. Beitou Hot Springs

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

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

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

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

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

14. Kaohsiung

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

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

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

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

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

15. Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

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

Top 5 night markets of Taiwan

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

1. Shilin Night Market

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

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

2. Raohe Night Market

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

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

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

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

3. Ningxia Night Market

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

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

4. Shida Night Market

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

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

5. Guangzhong Street Market

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

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

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

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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

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Shilin night market.

Tao-Yuan-Street Beef Noodle Shop

Longshan Temple

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Raohe Street Night Market

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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

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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.

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Lao Mei Green Reef

Shifen Waterfall

Jiufen Old Street

Wulai Falls

Juming Museum

Wulai Hot Spring

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The Dome of Light

Fo Guang Shan

Lianchi (Lotus) Lake

Cijin Island

Places to Visit in Tainan

Anping tree house.

Chihkan Tower

Anping Fort

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Guanziling Hot Spring

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Wanli ufo village.

Grand Matsu Temple

Lotus Lake Taoist Complex

The High Heel Church

Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival

Yehliu Geopark

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Taiwan , Tips & Inspo · June 12, 2024

Taiwan Bucket List: 25 Epic Things to Do in Taiwan

Are you headed to the land of stinky tofu and boba tea and wondering what should be on your list of things to do in Taiwan? I have some pretty neat ideas for your Taiwan bucket list! 

Taiwan is home to so many exciting things to do, including beautiful national parks, stunning beaches, bustling big cities, and picturesque small towns—the list is endless! Having lived in Taiwan for the past 13 years, I’ve had the chance to explore pretty much every corner of this stunning little island.

And that’s why, I decided to put together this list of must-do things to help you find the best places to visit in Taiwan on your trip! While this Taiwan bucket list only scratches the surface of what this island nation has to offer, it will give you a good overview of what not to miss on your Taiwan trip.

So if you’re ready to venture to one of the most underrated destinations in East Asia, here are some of the top things to do and places to visit in Taiwan! 

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Top 25 Things to Add to Your Taiwan Bucket List

Enjoy the views from taipei 101’s observation deck.

Taipei 101 is Taiwan’s most impressive landmark and a highlight on any itinerary for Taipei . It’s famous for being the tallest skyscraper in the country, and many people come here to enjoy the magnificent views over the city.

Another thing that makes visiting Taipei’s bamboo-shaped skyscraper a must is the chance to ride in one of the world’s fastest elevators. The elevator takes just 37 seconds to reach the 89th floor! The main observation deck is allocated here and offers panoramic views over the entire city.

While here, be sure to send a postcard from the world’s highest postbox, access a free audio and video guide tour, and check out the massive 660 metric-ton damper stabilizing the tower during strong winds. Not many tourists know this, but there’s a huge outdoor deck with stunning views over the city on the 91st floor. It’s accessible via the stairway. 

If you want to visit Taipei’s crown jewel, it’s best to come during the week. It’s one of the top things to do in Taipei City, and as a result, waiting times are often long. Therefore, purchasing a fast-track ticket in advance is always a good idea.

Visit Taiwan’s no.1 attraction, Taroko Gorge

Taiwan is well known for its wild beauty, and one of its finest examples is Taroko Gorge. Located on the island’s east coast in Hualien County, Taroko Gorge is arguably Taiwan’s most popular national park. And for a good reason. 

With stunning marble cliffs, deep winding tunnels, and the picturesque Liwu River flowing along the bottom, Taroko Gorge is a breathtaking 19-km gorge and a huge must on your Taiwan bucket list. Besides the amazing scenery, the park also features secret temples and a bunch of fantastic hiking trails catering to all levels.

Try the Eternal Shrine trail if you’re looking for something low-key. For something a bit more challenging (but absolutely worth the effort), the Shakadang trail is a must. It’s easy to explore Taroko Gorge independently if you have your own set of wheels. Alternatively, you can also join a guided excursion, like this  day tour from Hualien  or this  Taroko one-day tour from Taipei . 

Note though, Taroko Gorge is currently closed due to severe damage caused by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan in April 2024. However, the park is working hard to repair trails and roads. I’ll keep you posted!

Enjoy the scenery at Sun Moon Lake

No Taiwan bucket list is complete without visiting Sun Moon Lake — the island’s largest natural lake in central Taiwan. 

Best known as the ultimate cycling destination in Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is a popular day trip from Taichung  but it’s also a fabulous base to spend a few days. It features stunning mountain scenery and is definitely a place not to skip on your list of places to visit in Taiwan. Especially, if you’re into hiking, boating, and cycling. (Here’s a great tour from Taichung , but you can also check out this SML day tour from Taipei ). 

Other popular activities include visiting quaint temples, getting a birds-eye view of the entire lake from atop Ci’en Pagoda, riding the cable car to  Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village , indulging in various aboriginal snacks, and trying SML black tea.

For more insider tips, see my detailed guides on where to stay in Sun Moon Lake and exactly how to get there . This first-timer’s guide to Sun Moon Lake will also come in handy. 

Wander through the alleys of Jiufen

A visit to Jiufen is a must on any Taiwan bucket list. Located just a short distance from Taipei, Jiufen is an enchanting mountain town. It’s famous for its scenic views, narrow, steep streets lined with red lanterns, traditional tea houses, and delicious street food stalls. 

It’s one of Taiwan’s most atmospheric places to visit! Plus, the surrounding mountains and ocean views are beyond dreamy. While you can easily  travel between Jiufen and Taipei  independently or join  an organized day tour , it’s worth staying overnight as there are some cool hidden gems nearby. Highlights include hiking Keelung Mountain, Teapot Mountain, or Bitou Cape and visiting the Golden Waterfall and the Ying Yang Sea. 

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Jiufen, I highly recommend Jiufen 35 . The rooms are modern and comfy, and the views are amazing!

Visit Taiwan’s ancient capital, Tainan

Taiwan’s ancient capital, Tainan, is a treasure trove for history buffs. It has forts, century-old buildings, Japanese-inspired alleys, a giant tree house, and the largest concentration of temples anywhere on the island—with more than 1,000 to check out!

Of course, that’s not the only reason to add the country’s oldest city to your Taiwan bucket list! Tainan is also the foodie capital of Taiwan and it’s famous for a myriad of famous Taiwanese treats. Try dou hau (tofu pudding) and danzai noodles — both are must-eats!

Other unmissable things to do in Tainan include stopping by Anping Old Fort, Anping Tree House, Chikah Tower, Chimei Museum , Shennong Old Street, and the  Tainan Art Museum . If you plan to see a couple of these tourist attractions, it’s worth getting the  Tainan city pass . It offers fantastic discounts on the city’s major sights. 

Visit the tea farms

Tea is a big deal in Taiwan, and if you love all things tea, you’ll definitely love Tawain! There are dozens of tea shops in Taiwan, so you’ll never have to wander too far to find one. But for the ultimate treat, visit one of the gorgeous tea farms for a more authentic experience. 

Tea farms in central Taiwan

The most famous tea in Taiwan is Alishan High Mountain oolong tea, which grows in the island’s central region. The sleepy village of Shizhao, en route to  Alishan Forest Recreation Area , is one of my absolute favorite places to visit in Taiwan. And I’m sure you’ll love it too!

While the village is a little boring compared to neighboring Fenqihu, Shizhao’s charm lies in its picturesque setting featuring vast tea fields and impressive mountain backdrop scenery. There are a couple of fantastic trails you can follow through tea fields (don’t miss the Mist Trail), and if you’re up for it, you can even stay overnight at a tea farm. That way, you can wake up to a dreamy view and learn a little more about the tea-making process. (We loved staying at  Shan Ming Show B&B ). 

Nearby, a real hidden gem to check out is the Eryanping trail. The hillside trail runs along a wooden boardwalk through tea fields and a great spot to witness the sea of clouds. Other fantastic places to experience central Taiwan’s rich and varied tea culture are Cingjing and Sun Moon Lake.

Tea farms near Taipei

Closer to Taipei, you can  join a day tour of the tea fields around Thousand Island Lake . Alternatively, hop on the  Maokong gondola  over sprawling tea fields and pop into cozy teahouses. The charming lantern-strewn village of Jiufen (mentioned above) is another popular place for tea tasting . While there, don’t miss Amei Tea House. It’s arguably the most Instagrammable teahouse in Taiwan!

Browse the largest collection of Chinese Art

If you’re into history, there is one place you cannot skip on your list of things to do in Taiwan. And that’s the National Palace Museum. 

Located in Taipei City’s Shilin District, the National Palace Museum is as stunning on the outside as the treasures it holds within its walls. Resembling a Chinese palace with colorful green tiled roofs and a striking yellow facade, it houses the biggest collection of Chinese artifacts and artworks anywhere in the world, with more than 700,000 pieces on display. Pretty impressive, right? 

If you want to visit, it’s best to avoid weekends. Another insider tip I have for you is to avoid visiting the museum between 10 am and 3 pm, as it can get very crowded with tour groups. If you want to save some money (and skip the long lines), purchasing an  e-ticket  in advance is a good idea, but the  Taipei Pass  also covers entry.

As mentioned before, the museum is huge. So set aside at least a few hours to explore the various exhibitions and surrounding gardens. Don’t miss the Meat-Shaped stone dating back to the Qing Dynasty. It is one of the museum’s most prized artifacts. Oh, and insider tip: the museum’s most famous piece, the Jadeite Cabbage, has recently been moved to the museum’s southern branch. If you want to see it, you’ll need to venture to Chiayi. 

Swim with sea turtles at Xiaoliuqiu

Did you know there is a beautiful coral island 40 minutes  from Kaohsiung by fast ferry  where you can swim with sea turtles? Welcome to Xiaoliuqiu! 

Xiaoliuqui, also known by several other names, such as Lambia Island, Little Liuqui, or simply Liuqui, is a tiny island famous for its incredible marine life, bright corals, and the chance to see giant sea turtles up close. 

Most people visit the island on a day trip from Kaohsiung. However, I highly recommend spending at least two to three days here instead. In addition to snorkeling,  scuba diving , freediving, and  kayaking in a clear kayak , Xiaoliuqiu has several unique caves to explore. There is also a cool mushroom-shaped rock jutting out of the sea, incredible sunrise and sunset viewing spots, and pretty beaches where you can easily laze around for days. 

Since it’s one of my absolute favorite places in Taiwan, I’ve written a complete Xiaoliuqui travel guide . It covers everything you need to know about visiting this dreamy gem. 

Indulge at the night markets

It would be an absolute shame to visit Taiwan without at least checking out one of its bustling night markets to sample local street food. It’s a must on any Taiwan bucket list and one you should definitely not skip! 

Major cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung have some of the best night markets on the island. Many of them actually offer food tours, so you don’t even need to plan a thing. Plus, you’ll get the inside scoop on the best street eats! (Check out this  Michelin Night Market tour to Ningxia  or this  Shilin Night Market walking tour ). However, many smaller ones are worth visiting in places like Hualien, Keelung , and Danshui.

Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a unique cultural experience, you’re guaranteed to have a wild time at any of Taiwan’s night markets! Read my detailed guide on the best Taiwan night markets for all my insider tips. 

Visit Taiwan’s many temples

Taiwan has an estimated 15,000 temples in all shapes and sizes dedicated to various gods and folk heroes. That’s pretty impressive, right? Most are associated with Chinese folk religion, with Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism as the three main religions. 

Two of the most famous temples in Taiwan are  Longshan Temple  (the oldest temple in Taipei) and Fo Guang Shan (the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan). Other must-sees include Sanfeng Temple, which has hundreds of dangling red lanterns, Wuji Tianyuan Temple (Taiwan’s prettiest cherry blossom viewing spot), and Bishan Temple, which offers incredible views over Taipei City. If you prefer something less touristy, check out two of my favorite hidden gems: Baiyang Temple of Heaven and Xianfo Temple . 

Even if you’re not into religion, you should try to visit at least one or two of Taiwan’s stunning temples — even if it is just to admire their colorful and intricate details and ornate carvings. Unlike other temples in Asia , temples in Taiwan are free to enter and don’t have strict dress codes. However, since they are still living places of worship, it’s a good idea to dress modestly. 

Relax at the beaches

Taiwan might not be famous for its beaches, but it’s home to oodles of pretty beaches ready to welcome sunseekers, surfers, paddleboarders, and snorkelers.  

You’ll find some of the island’s loveliest beaches in and around the Kenting National Park . Located at the southern tip of the island, Kenting is hands-down Taiwan’s most popular beach area. It sports a fine selection of cozy nooks and vast white sand beaches with stunning views. For the ultimate beach day, head to the dreamy beaches of Baishawan or Xiaowan. Both offer soft white sand, crystal clear water, and fun watersport activities! 

Of course, there are many other beautiful beaches in Taiwan . You’ll find a good selection of beaches accessible on a day trip from Taipei, such as Fulong Beach , Dawulan Beach , Baishawan Beach (yes, there’s another one up north), Laomei Green Reef , and Zhongjiao Bay. 

Further afield, Neipi Beach and Dongao Bay in Yilan County are also worth a visit. And if you ever find yourself on the east coast of Taiwan, you must visit the stunning pebble beach of Qixingtan just outside Hualien City. It’s one of the prettiest places in Taiwan and a top attraction in Hualien !

Visit Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of Taipei’s most important landmarks. Dedicated to Taiwan’s former leader, this impressive 76-meter-tall structure in blue and white is a real must-see. Within its main hall, you can catch the changing of the guards or browse an extensive exhibition about the former president’s life and legacy. 

While you’re here, check out the beautiful traditional Chinese-style National Theater and Concert Hall. Both are great photo spots! 

Explore Taiwan’s Harbor City, Kaohsiung

Taiwan’s largest port city, Kaohsiung, is located in the southwestern corner of the island. It’s home to some of the island’s most Instagrammable spots, such as the Dragon & Tiger Pagodas, Pier-2 Art Center, the Dome of Light, and Fo Guang Shan. 

Besides all the cool photo spots, Kaohsiung also has awesome temples, night markets, shopping streets, and a charming waterfront perfect for cycling or strolling. If you’re up to it, I highly recommend hopping on one of the tourist boats that sail along the Love River. It’s one of the best things to do in Kaohsiung at night, when all the bridges are illuminated. 

If you only have limited time in Kaohsiung, read my 2-day Kaohsiung itinerary to help you maximize your time. This guide on how to get to Kaohsiung will also come in handy. 

Walk across Sanxiantai Dragon Bridge

Most tourists visiting Taiwan’s east coast make a beeline for Hualien and Taroko Gorge. While they should definitely be on your Taiwan bucket list, a little further down the coast is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful and underrated areas, Taitung. It’s home to stunning beaches, swaying rice fields, cool geological sights, and Duoliang — the prettiest railway station in Taiwan. 

Another real must-do in Taitung is to see the magnificent Sanxiantai Bridge for yourself. It’s one of the coolest places to visit in Taiwan and resembles a Chinese dragon. The bridge has eight arches stretching over the ocean and connects the mainland to a small island that serves as a nature reserve with several beautiful trails to explore. 

While Sanxiantai is a bit remote, you can reach it by scooter, bus, or  a guided tour . I rented a scooter in Taitung, and it took me roughly 1h30 to drive there. Would I do it again? Absolutely! The stunning views along the way 100% made up for the effort! 

Cycle through the Chishang Rice Fields

Another scenic spot in Taiwan is Chishang, located in the East Rift Valley. Although Chishang is largely considered the rice basin of Taiwan, producing some of the best rice on the island, it has remained a relatively hidden gem. 

Located about 30 minutes by train from Taitung, Chishang is a picturesque small town and the perfect place to spend a day or two slow traveling and biking. There are several interlinking bike paths weaving through emerald-colored rice fields to explore. The most popular landmark here is Brown Boulevard. And if you visit, it’s obligatory to snap a photo underneath the famous Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree. The tree got its name from a famous Japanese-Taiwanese actor filmed here sipping tea underneath the tree during an EVA Airways commercial.

For more tips, check out my guide covering everything you need to know about cycling in Chishang . 

Relax in the hot springs

If you fancy soaking in a steamy hot spring, you’re in for a real treat. Taiwan has more than 100 hot springs scattered around the island, making it a fantastic thing to do if you visit Taiwan in winter . 

The highest concentration of hot springs lies in northern Taiwan. And Beitou, just outside Taipei City, is among the most famous. It’s home to countless hot springs hotels and resorts. Try Beitou Public Millenium Hot Spring if you’re looking for an outdoor setting. Alternatively, check out The Gaia  if you fancy something more private. 

Other great Taiwanese hot spring areas to add to your bucket list include Wulai , Jiaoxi, Ruisui,  Guanziling  (the most famous mud hot spring on the island), and Zhaori Hot Springs (one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world). 

See the rock formations along the North Coast

Seeing the Queen’s Head at  Yehliu Geopark  for yourself is a must-do day trip from Taipei . But did you know there are oodles of other unique geological rock formations, in all shapes and sizes, scattered along Taiwan’s North Coast worth checking out?

Among the most notable is Nanya Rock, a peculiar sandstone with a beautiful striped pattern. Another cool formation is the Twin Candlesticks , which juts from the sea. Although Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock has sadly eroded and lost its “trunk” in late 2023, it is still worth visiting to see the odd mushroom-shaped rocks there.

Chase waterfalls

Taiwan is littered with pretty waterfalls, some a little more accessible than others. If you want to check out the most unique and famous one, plan to visit Shifen Waterfall . It is the widest waterfall in Taiwan and is easily accessible on a day trip from Taipei.

While the waterfall is certainly impressive, another popular activity in the nearby village is setting off a sky lantern with a special wish written on it. Since Shifen is one of the best places to go near Taipei, you can easily  join an organized day tour  from the city. Most of the Shifen tours typically include stops at Jiufen and Yehliu, too.   

Other unmissable waterfalls include Wulai Waterfall, Sandiolang Waterfall, and Songlong Rock Waterfall. And if you really want to get off the beaten path, don’t miss Frog Rock Waterfall , Qikong Waterfall, and Qingshan Waterfall . See my guide on top waterfalls in Taiwan for more must-visit falls. 

Go island-hopping

Okay, so I’ve mentioned Xiaoliuqiu (who doesn’t love turtles, right?), but that’s actually not the only awesome island you need to check out while visiting Taiwan. In fact, there are several beautiful Taiwan islands easily accessible from the mainland. And if you love island vibes as much as I do, you simply have to visit at least one! 

The  Penghu Archipelago , just off the western coast of the island, is easily accessible by a short flight from Taichung or Taipei. But you can also catch a fast ferry from Chiayi . Read my guide on how to get to Penghu or check flights on Skyscanner .

About 90 islands and islets make up the archipelago, although only a few are inhabited. On the main island of Magong, you can check out the historic coral village, see a temple covered in an ancient banyan tree, visit cool basalt columns, or enjoy some beach time.

A short boat trip from there, you can access the beautiful Qimei Island , home to a rock formation resembling Taiwan’s shape and the twin hearts stone weir. Another worthwhile island here is Jibei , home to a pretty tear-shaped beach with soft white sand and turquoise waters. 

Green Island

Green Island is another unmissable island, although a little more challenging to reach. Located off the coast of Taitung , Green Island is  accessible via ferry  or flight. It is home to some of the best diving spots in Taiwan and one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world!

Of course, there are many other amazing things to do in Green Island besides  diving  and soaking in a hot spring! Among the most notable are checking out the White Terror Memorial Park,  snorkeling in the blue cave , free diving , hunting for cool rock formations, and tackling a grueling hike down to the Sleeping Beauty Cave. (It’s 100% worth it, though!) 

Other must-visit Taiwan islands include Orchid Island, Matsu, Kinmen, Cijin , and my ultimate fave, Turtle Island , where you can see the incredible milky sea phenomenon. 

Watch the sunrise

The sunrises in Taiwan are really special, and whether you’re an early bird or not, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you simply shouldn’t miss while traveling in Taiwan. Two of the most famous sunrise viewing spots on the island are Alishan and Hehuanshan.

Alishan Sunrise

The most famous place to see the sunrise in Taiwan is Alishan. This mystical mountain area rises more than 2200m above sea level! The main sunrise viewing spot here is  Zhushan Sunrise Observation Deck . It sits at an elevation of 2400m and is accessible via a small forest railway within the Alishan National Recreation Area. The train usually departs around 4 am to 5 am, depending on the season and weather. Note though, train tickets are  only  sold the day before.

To witness the famous Alishan sunrise, planning well in advance is key. I recommend basing yourself within the Alishan National Recreation Area, particularly at  Alishan House , to make things easier. For more tips, read my detailed Alishan travel guide and this one on how to get to Alishan . 

Hehuanshan Sunrise

While Alishan is certainly the crown jewel of sunrise viewing spots in Taiwan, Hehuanshan Mountain is a close contender! If you can’t make it to Alishan or are just not a fan of crowds, Hehuanshan is your best bet. 

Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area  was the first recreational park in Taiwan, established in the early 60’s. It’s famous for providing access to three of  Taiwan’s 100 Peaks , its beautiful alpine scenery, and is actually one of the few places in Taiwan where you can see snow in the winter. But that’s not all! It’s also home to the highest accessible road in Taiwan (Highway 14), with an altitude of 3275m! 

Unfortunately, there is only one place to stay in the park ( Song Syue Lodge ). And yes, you guessed it! Since it’s practically the highest hotel in Taiwan, it’s often booked out months in advance. Therefore, a better bet is to base yourself in Taiwan’s very own little European-style hillside village, Cingjing , about a 40-minute drive away.

If you don’t have your own set of wheels, the easiest way to see the sunrise is to join a  sunrise tour from Cingjing . It usually lasts about 4 hours. That’s what I did, and I cannot recommend it enough! Not only will you enjoy a truly remarkable sunrise, but you’ll also get to see the Milky Way at  Dark Sky Park .

Watch the sunset

Another unmissable bucket list item for your list of things to do in Taiwan is watching the sunset! The best part? There are loads of awesome places to watch the sun dwindle over the horizon. Here are my top picks!

Sunset spots in Taipei

If you’re in the Taipei area,  Elephant Mountain  and  Danshui  (Tamsui) are among the best sunset viewing spots. 

To access Elephant Mountain, you can take the MRT red line to the Xiangshan MRT stop. From there, you’ll need to walk about 20 minutes to reach the trailhead and hike up the mountain. The trail consists of VERY steep stairs, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart! There are several viewing platforms along the way, each offering a picture-perfect view over Taipei City and Taipei 101. If you’re up to it, go all the way to the top. There are some cool boulders to scramble on to get a better view and snap some epic Instagram photos.

If hiking is not for you, head in the opposite direction to the very end of the MRT red line. Tamsui is a lovely seaside area with a bustling promenade lined with food stalls, vendors selling knick-knacks, and cozy eateries. Lover’s Bridge is the most popular spot to watch the sunset here. But a great alternative is to watch the sunset while enjoying an ice-cold beer or cocktail. Try LB Cafe, La Vie Revee Des Anges, or ORO Pizzeria if that’s your vibe.  

Sunset spots in Southern Taiwan

Beyond Taipei, Cijin Island , just off the coast of Kaohsiung, offers some of the dreamiest sunset views in all of Taiwan. The island can be accessed via a short ferry ride from Gushan Harbor. Several places offer great viewing spots, like Cijin Beach, atop Cihou Fort, and my personal fave Sunset Bar.

And, if you’re in Kenting , don’t miss Guanshan Cafe. It’s a super laidback cafe with a lush jungle vibe and pretty views over the ocean. It’s just around the corner from Maobitou, but you’ll need wheels to get there.

See the cherry blossoms

If you’re visiting Taiwan during late winter or early spring , seeing cherry blossoms is a real bucket list item not to miss. Cherry blossom season usually runs from mid-January to early April, and you can see these beauties all over the island.

Wuling Farm , Alishan National Forest, Cingjing Farm , and the  Formosan Culture Village  at Sun Moon Lake are among the most famous places to see cherry blossoms. That said, there are many other places to enjoy blushing blooms! Wuji Tianyuan Temple in Taipei is one of my all-time favorite spots for cherry blossom viewing, while Wanggao Tea Garden in Nantou is a real hidden gem with minimal crowds. I’ve written a complete guide on the top cherry blossom viewing spots in Taiwan , so be sure to read it for more tips.

Sample some Taiwanese food

If you enjoy trying local dishes from different countries, you’ll love Taiwan. Taiwanese love to eat and your food plays a huge role in their culture. Pork, tofu, leafy vegetables, rice, and noodles are the staples, but there are dozens of variations and other unique dishes to try. And if you’re up for it, you can join an  authentic Taiwanese cooking class  in Taipei! Here are my top picks.

Must-try Taiwanese foods

• Beef noodles  are tender beef chunks served with chewy noodles in a spicy, sweet, dark broth. For a real treat, try it with  dao xiao noodles  (hand-cut noodles) instead of thin noodles. 
• Xiaolongbao , aka soup dumplings, are small, bite-sized steamed buns stuffed with pork, shrimp, or vegetables. Michelin-starred  Din Tai Fung  is the most famous and popular place to try them! 
• Bubble milk tea , also known as boba or pearl milk tea, is the most popular drink to try in Taiwan . It consists of black tea, milk, ice, and chewy tapioca pearls. 
• Danbin  is an egg pancake stuffed with various fillings, such as bacon and cheese, pork floss, tuna, or corn. 
• Scallion pancake:  a chewy yet crispy pancake topped with scallions. Add an egg and some spicy sauce for a dream combo! 
• Fried chicken steak:  Yes, I know South Korea has the best fried chicken. But if you’re in Taiwan, you’ve got to try its version. It’s similar to a schnitzel, which is basically a huge flattened chicken steak coated with secret spices and deep-fried. You’ll specifically want to try Hot Star Fried Chicken at Shilin Night Market.  
• Lu rou fan consists of small cubes of braised pork served over hot steamed rice.
• Gua bao:  the Taiwanese version of a hamburger. It consists of braised pork stuffed in a soft and fluffy steamed bun. 
• Hotpot:  a dish consisting of thinly sliced meat, seafood, tofu, dumplings, and vegetables that you cook in boiling broth. 
• Stinky tofu:  deep-fried fermented tofu topped with chili sauce, garlic sauce, and pickled cabbage. You’ll need to muster up some courage to try this one, though! 

Venture off-the-beaten path

Most travelers to Taiwan stick to the common tourist spots. But there are dozens of places in Taiwan that are stunningly beautiful, albeit a bit harder to reach. If you have time and want to make an effort, here are some of the most unique places to see :

• Sun Link Sea :  A beautiful forest area full of towering trees, idyllic hiking trails, perfectly manicured gardens, and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Taiwan—Songlang Rock Waterfall. I joined this day tour , which was great fun!
• Xitou Monster Village  is a quirky Japanese-inspired village featuring huge monster sculptures, a red Torri gate, dangling lanterns, and baked goodies. The village is a bit out of the way but accessible by Nantou bus from nearby Sun Link Sea or Sun Moon Lake. Alternatively, consider joining this  2-day Sun Link Sea and Xitou Tour  if you’d rather not plan a thing. 
• Houtong Cat Village , also known as Taiwan’s Cat Village, is a gorgeous mountain village. It’s famous for its 200+ free-roaming cat residents.
• Yingge  is a laid-back town roughly 30 minutes away from Taipei. It is home to dozens of stores selling pottery and ceramics. Here’s a  day tour  that includes visiting the impressive Ceramics Museum and Historic Ceramics Street. 
• Jingzijiao Salt Fields  is the oldest surviving tile-paved salt field on the island, built during the Qing dynasty. Here’s a  great guided tour  with stops at the salt fields, Chigu Salt Mountain, and Dadong Night Market. 
• Shenkeng Old Street  is famous for stinky tofu and ancient houses from the Qing Dynasty and Japanese occupation. You can visit Taipei’s tofu street independently, but this  private day tour to Shenkeng Old Street & Maokong is a great option if you don’t want to figure out how to get there. 

Attend Lantern Festival

One of Taiwan’s most notable festivals is the Lantern Festival, which typically happens towards the end of winter. The exact date varies a little every year as it’s based on the Lunar Calendar. However, it always falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month. In 2025, the Lantern Festival will be on February 12. During the weeks leading up to it, massive lantern displays are set up in almost every city and county across the country. It’s a great time to admire and snap photos of beautiful lanterns in all shapes and sizes.

While you could attend any major lantern festival event and have a grand time, a truly special one is the Pingxi Lantern Festival. During it, hundreds of lanterns with special wishes written on them are released into the sky. The exact dates for the 2025 festivities have not been announced yet, but I’ll keep you posted!

Taiwan Bucket List in Conclusion

There you have it — my ultimate Taiwan bucket list! Although Taiwan is one of the smallest islands in Asia , it’s incredible diverse with a whole bunch of awesome things to do! From wild beauty, beaches, hikes, and night markets, there are plenty of cool activities to add to your Taiwan bucket list! 

Do you have other must-visit places or things to do in Taiwan that deserve a spot on this list? Share them in the comments below! 

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Our 20 Favorite Things to Do in Taiwan with Our Kids

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

My two kids were born in Taiwan – their mommy is Taiwanese and I’m a Canadian who lived there for over a decade.

Some of my kids’ earliest memories from their toddlerhood include famous Taiwanese attractions like riding the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway and looking down at the city from Taipei 101 Observatory. But they also loved off-the-beaten-track activities like staying on a tea farm in Shizhuo and snorkeling with giant sea turtles on Xiaoliuqiu .

Now we live in Canada, where my kids are still studying Mandarin , and make trips back to Taiwan every year. My kids are almost tweens, so nowadays they’re more interested in ke ai (kawaii) culture and Taiwanese food than anything else.

In this article, I’ll introduce my children’s favorite things to do in Taiwan, from those early days till now. At the end, I’ll also give some lists of the best kid-friendly hot springs, hikes, themed cafes, amusement parks, playgrounds, playcenters, museums, zoos, aquariums, and hotels across the country.

For the logistics of your trip, see my guide to planning your trip around Taiwan with kids .

Table of Contents

My Kids’ Top Experiences in Taiwan

The following are my kids’ favorite experiences in Taiwan, according to them.

Meeting Felines at Houtong Cat Village

My kids are huge cat lovers, so they insisted that I put Houtong Cat Village in the #1 spot of this article.

Houtong is a former coal mining town turned cat-themed village. Locals residents have taken in hundreds of strays, which can be seen lazing about in the tiny village and cat-shaped tunnel connecting it to the train station.

The village also has cat souvenir shops, snack shops with cat-shaped cookies, and cat latte art.

Houtong is on the Pingxi train line , so it is easily combined with popular destinations like Jiufen Old Street , Shifen Old Street , and Shifen Waterfall . By adding Houtong, you can make this classic day trip from Taipei more fun for your kids.

My kids have been to Houtong several times and would happily go back again any day. 

Finding Ke Ai Things

As my kids get older, they are becoming less interested in “baby places” like playgrounds and playcenters, and more interested in finding ke ai things. 可愛, like Japanese kawaii , means “cute”.

Here are some of our favorite ke ai places in Taiwan:

• Hello Kitty spots at Taoyuan Airport (Hello Kitty check-in at T2 Departures Hall behind counters 16-17, Hello Kitty departure gate C2) and Sanrio Store (also at C2). Although my kids no longer think Hello Kitty is cool…
• Pokémon Center Taipei (寶可夢中心 here ) at 3F of Shinkong Mitsukoshi A11 near Taipei 101
• The giant 3D Cat in Shilin Night Market

• Donguri Republic (Totoro store) inside a large toy store at 4F of Shinkong Mitsukoshi A8 near Taipei 101, also has slime making station (see DIY activities section below)
• Themed 7-Elevens in Taipei like Hello Kitty 7-Eleven here and here , Snoopy 7-Eleven here , BugCat Capoo 7-Eleven here , Fumeancats 7-Eleven here

• Bugcat Capoo House (咖波屋), nearby Foam Cat Café , and Painted Animation Lane (動漫彩繪巷) in Taichung
• Totoro Bus Stops : The famous one in Taichung is gone, but there are new ones here in Taoyuan , here in Tainan , and a very hidden one here in Keelung .

Eating Taiwanese Food

Now that my kids are getting a little older and we live in Canada, the one thing they talk about most before our Taiwan trips is the food.

Taiwanese food is generally very kid-friendly, as in it’s not usually spicy or too oily and is easy to chew.

If your kids are used to hot dogs and chicken fingers, then sure you can find those in Taiwan – even many breakfast shops have them. But here are some of the local foods my kids love the most:

• Breakfast shops – especially green onion crepes ( danbing ), steamed buns ( mantou ), and steamed buns filled with pork or other ingredients ( baozi) . Here’s how to order at breakfast shops and the best breakfast shops in Taipei .
• Xiaolongbao – My kids can never get enough of soup dumplings. Din Tai Fung is the most famous chain and is kid-friendly, but any of the other shops will do.
• Noodles and ramen – the thing they talk about the most

• Sushi – the other thing they talk about most. We especially recommend the conveyor belt places where kids can help themselves. Sushi Express is everywhere, but Hama Sushi and Sushiro have better quality sushi and iPads to order, while Kura Sushi has prizes and ice cream.
• Bubble Tea – Taiwan did invent it, after all.
• Night Markets – We recommend Shilin Night Market in Taipei for the best children’s games area. Any night market will do, but we always recommend going early (5 to 7 PM) before it gets too crowded.

• Braised Pork Rice – My son’s single favorite food in Taiwan is this simple side dish consisting of stewed pork gravy on a bowl of rice.
• 7-Eleven and FamilyMart – our kids could eat at Taiwan’s convenience stores every day and never get tired of it. From egg sandwiches, instant noodles and onigiri (rice balls) to soft serve ice cream and fresh fruits, there are tons of kid-friendly foods and these convenience stores are everywhere.

• Wheel cakes (車輪餅) – Taiwan’s version of Japanese Imagawayaki, these wheel-shaped cakes are stuffed with custard or red bean and my kids always love them. Sold from street vendors.
• Shaved Ice – Especially in summer, nothing beats a huge mango shaved ice – one is big enough for the whole family.

Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

One of my children’s most memorable experiences in Taiwan was snorkeling with giant sea turtles on Xiaoliuqiu Island in Pingtung.

My kids were only 6 and 8 at the time (the minimum age is 3 but must be comfortable in the water). They were a little nervous at first but soon became comfortable with it.

We saw several giant sea turtles up close (it’s pretty much guaranteed). They were super buzzed and wouldn’t stop talking about the experience for months after.

We loved staying at this Ocean Dream (see on Booking / Agoda ) on Xiaoliuqiu, which is walking distance from the ferry and arranged our snorkeling trip. We even saw turtles swimming in the harbor from our hotel room balcony!

Interacting with Animals at Leisure Farms

Leisure farms (休閒農場) are a huge industry in Taiwan. These are tourist oriented farms where city folk can meet farm animals or get a taste of country life.

There are dozens such farms across Taiwan and they are usually lots of fun for kids. Some are real working farms, while others are essentially small petting zoos. Besides meeting and feeding animals, some also offer fruit/vegetable picking and various DIY activities.

Here are some of our favorites and the most popular ones:

• Zhang Mei Ama’s Farm in Yilan : Small but extremely popular leisure farm with exotic animals like Valais blacknose, capybaras, alpacas, grass mud horses, and lowland pacas. DIY cooking and vegetable harvesting activities also available.
• Dancewoods , Bambi Land , Sinbow , Toucheng Leisure Farm , and Shangri La Leisure Farm : other similar ones in Yilan. The last two have overnight stays.
• Greenworld Ecological Farm in Hsinchu : Alpacas, toucans, flamingos, butterflies and more more animals in a spacious natural setting – this is one of the better animal viewing options in Taiwan.

• Flying Cow Ranch in Miaoli : The closest to a real North American-style farm in Taiwan, also with overnight stays .
• Cingjing Farm in Nantou : Very popular but aging high-elevation farm with mountain views and sheep shearing/horsemanship shows. Day trip or overnight trip from Taichung .
• Bunun Leisure Farm in Taitung : Aboriginal leisure farm with dance performances, archery, and aboriginal food – no animals, and more of a cultural experience.

Fruit and Vegetable Picking

U-pick farms are also very popular in Taiwan, and the best season for this is going to be autumn and winter.

The best experience we’ve had is picking strawberries, which can be done in Miaoli, Taichung, or Taipei. But you can also pick apples, oranges, and other fruits in Taiwan.

Here are some of the best fruit picking places in Taiwan:

• Strawberry picking in Dahu , Miaoli : Dahu is the strawberry capital of Taiwan. The strawberries there are huge and there are dozens of U-pick farms, best visited from December to April. There’s also Dahu Wineland Resort, which has all kinds of strawberry flavored foods and drinks.
• Strawberry picking in Taichung and Taipei : There are also strawberry farms in Taichung (try here or at Zhongshe Flower Market) and in Neihu district of Taipei city (try here or here ). Besides fruit picking, some also offer DIY jam making sessions.
• Orange picking here in Hsinchu : Orange picking from November to February.

• Persimmon Picking in Hsinchu: Try here or here from September to December. You can also see thousands of persimmon drying in the sun at this farm from October to January.
• Fushoushan Farm in Taichung : This high mountain farm is a fruit picking hot spot in winter, but it requires a long drive from either Taichung city, Yilan, or Hualien to get there. You can pick apples, pears, and persimmons there in autumn.
• Cacao Farms in Pingtung : We stayed at Fuwan Chocolate Farm 福灣莊園 (see on Booking / Agoda ), a hotel on a cacao farm with small chocolate shop & museum and picked cacao at Choose Chius (see below pic), a half-hour taxi ride away.

Getting Hands-On with DIY Activities

If you enjoy hands-on activities with your kids, you will spoiled for opportunities in Taiwan. Taiwan is a family-oriented society, and there are hundreds of businesses and centers across the country focused on DIY activities with kids.

Here are some of our most recommended ones:

• Pineapple cake making in Taipei : Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry in Shilin district offers two-hour classes making Taiwan’s most famous treat. Maximum one child per adult. The class also includes the chance to dress up in traditional Taiwanese clothing while the cakes are baking.

• Paper making in Taipei or Puli : Suho Paper Memorial Museum in Taipei offers paper making classes in a small paper museum. There are also DIY paper and printing activities at this paper center in Puli as well as this one . You’ll pass Puli on the way to Sun Moon Lake or Cingjing Farm.
• Slime Making in Taipei : There’s a slime making station in the giant toy store toy store at 4F of Shinkong Mitsukoshi A8 near Taipei 101, near Donguri Republic (the Totoro store).

• Wooderful Life : A wood themed shop with wooden souvenirs, indoor playing areas, and DIY craft making. There are locations in Taipei (Xindian location is by far the best), Taichung, and Kaohsiung . Check the reviews first – only some have DIY activities and playcenter. The one in Xindian is fantastic.
• Cooking classes in Taipei or Hualien : Here are a variety of cooking classes in both cities. Filter for “family friendly” to find the ones that allow kids.
• Kili Bay Pearl Milk Tea Cultural Center in Yilan: Learn how to make bubble tea at this center in Yilan.
• Lucky Art Crayon Factory in Yilan: Making crayons and other DIY activities in this crayon-focused playcenter.
• ENFUN in Kaohsiung: DIY craft-making like blankets, teddy bear statues, painted balloons, and more. Contact here .

Riding Rail Bikes and Cycling

Cycling is hugely popular in Taiwan. Besides traditional cycling, you can also find family electric bikes and two “rail bikes” – little cars that you can cycle along decommissioned railway tracks.

Learn more about the best places to cycle with kids in my Taiwan cycling guide .

Best Places to Cycle with Kids

• Taipei’s riverside parks : rent children’s bikes or adult bikes with toddler seats here , here , or here .
• Dongshan Mr. Brown Avenue in Yilan: Rent adult or child bikes here then cycle past the rice paddies.
• Houfeng Bikeway in Taichung: regular bikes, electric bikes, and family bikes available here and several other shops around it. It’s an easy ride along an old train line, with a couple tunnels and bridges. From Taichung, take a train to Fengyuan then taxi or bus from there.
• Sun Moon Lake : rent children’s bikes or adult bikes with toddler seats in Shuishe (the main village on Sun Moon Lake, there are at least a dozen shops), then cycle on this path west of Shuishe village, which is the safest/flattest cycling path beside the lake.

• Brown Boulevard in Chishang : The most beautiful rice paddy cycling destination in Taiwan, with options for regular bikes or electric family bikes.
• Cijin Island in Kaohsiung: Rent individual or electric family bikes for cycling to the beach or art installations along the coast on this long and skinny island in Kaohsiung Habor.
• Dapeng Bay in Pingtung: Rent a bike here to cycle along a pretty Dapeng Bay in Donggang (the town where you catch a ferry to Xiaoliuqiu) – perfect if you’re staying at Fuwan Chocolate Farm . There are some cool artworks along the coast.

• Shen’ao Rail Bike in New Taipei City : Ride from seaside Badouzi to Shen’ao station. Minimum age 3 and must be above 90 centimeters, two people per car, each rider must cycle, must be booked in advance on official site or here on KKday . Get to Badouzi by bus from Keelung or by train from Ruifang. See my Shen’ao Rail Bike guide for more details.
• Old Mountain Line Rail Bike in Miaoli: Rail bike experience at historic Shenxing Station on another old railway line with bridge crossings, 4 riders per car, minimum age 3 and must be above 95 centimeters. Book tickets here . No public transportation so you need to drive here.

Going to the Beach & Swimming

From around June to September, Taiwan is so hot that your kids are going to want to be in water. And in the tropical south of Taiwan, it’s beach weather all year round.

Here are some of our family’s favorite beaches and swimming spots in Taiwan.

• Taipei Water Park : Taipei’s only outdoor children’s waterpark, best for toddlers or young kids, only open in July and August.
• Best spray parks : Try here in Taipei , here in Sanchong or here in Nangang district of New Taipei City, and Dongshan River Water Park in Yilan (the best one). All are summer only. Kids can also play in the water in The Spring in Tainan city.
• Best Beaches in the north : From Taipei city, the best beaches for kids are Qianshuiwan and Baishawan (bus or taxi ride from Hongshulin or Tamsui MRT), or Fulong and Wai’ao (both train rides from Taipei). Read more about each of these beaches .

• Cold Springs in Yilan : If driving from Taipei or Yilan to Hualien in summer, stop to swim in the famous cold springs of Suao ( here , here , or here ) or at the more off-the-beaten-track Dongyue Cold Spring .
• Heping Island Seawater Wading Pool in Keelung : Swimming pools made from natural seawater on Heping Island just off the coast of Keelung city. Take the tourist shuttle from Keelung city center.

• River swimming spots in Hualien : After touring Taroko Gorge (where swimming is not allowed), take your kids swimming in the river here near Taroko Gorge or here near Hualien City (driving required for both).
• Swimming spots in Taitung : In Taitung city, you can swim in Living Water Lake (活水湖) here in Taitung Forest Park.

Best Beaches in the south : Kenting National Park on the southern tip of Taiwan has the best beaches on the main island of Taiwan. Here are my most recommended beach resorts in Kenting .

Offshore islands : There are also excellent beaches on the offshore islands, especially Penghu and Xiaoliuqiu.

Spotting Crabs at Gaomei Wetland

My kids had a blast walking on the long boardwalk out onto the sea at Gaomei Wetland in Taichung. On the sides, they spotted all kinds of migratory birds, crabs, mudskippers, and other invertebrates.

At the end of the dock, we walked out onto the sand, where our kids played in the shallow water. Read my guide to Gaomei Wetland for planning your visit.

Gaomei is famous for its sunsets overlooking rows of wind turbines on the coast, so it’s best to come here in the late afternoon and stay for sunset.

Buses to Gaomei are slow, so consider to hire a driver and make a day trip including a few of the following:

Carton King Creative Park , cycling at Houfeng Bikeway, going on rides at Lihpao Discovery Land , see flowers at Zhongshe Flower Market , Gaomei Wetland, and finish at Feng Chia Night Market .

Fireflies and the Bamboo Forest at Fenqihu

Taiwan is one of the best places in the world to see fireflies, with 65 different species of them. The best season to see them is in spring and summer.

My kids and I have seen fireflies a couple times in Taiwan. The first time was at a remote campground in Hsinchu – not the easiest for travelers to replicate.

So the experience I recommend most to travelers is staying at Fenqihu in Alishan region, perhaps for one night on your way to Alishan.

If you stay at Fenqihu Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda ) like we did, the hotel offers a free nightly firefly watching walk just after sunset (not available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

Fenqihu is also worth visiting for its incredible bamboo forests. Our family had a blast walking the small trails around the village. It was hard enough to challenge the kids but not so hard that they couldn’t make it.

More than anything they just loved being out in nature, with almost no one else around, and being able to be noisy – the calming effect of the bamboo forest didn’t seem to work on them…

See my guide to Fenqihu Old Street for all the info you need to plan your visit.

Leofoo Village

Leofoo Village is Taiwan’s oldest and most famous theme park. It’s an easy day trip from Taipei, but it’s a full day.

Leofoo features four large themed areas of rides and attractions, suitable for all ages. There’s also a large animal area, including the chance to see rare white tigers, my kids’ favorite part. In summer, there’s a large waterpark on site as well.

You can even spend the night at Leofoo at Safari Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda ), where rooms overlook animals.

Buy a day pass with return transportation from Taipei here – it’s much cheaper than buying at the door. I’ll introduce other theme parks in Taiwan further below.

Riding the High Speed Rail

What kid won’t be excited about riding a real bullet train? Taiwan’s High Speed Rail system technology is indeed based on Japan’s Shinkansens (bullet trains). Taiwan’s version, the HSR, travels at speeds of up to 300 km/hr (190 mph) down the west coast of Taiwan.

My kids always love riding the HSR. Watching the country zip by, enjoying 7-Eleven snacks in the spacious seats, and noting the crazy high speeds indicated on the digital display at the front of each train car are all part of the fun.

Like most transportation in Taiwan, kids under 6 ride free but don’t get a seat. Age 6-12 get half priced seats (or you can buy this kind if you want a seat for your 0 to 5 year old). You can book seats here on Klook for a 20% discount.

Read my guide to buying HSR tickets in Taiwan to figure out whether you want to book your seats in advance or just show up and wing it.

If your kids are serious HSR fans, then also check out the Taiwan High Speed Rail Museum near Taoyuan HSR station (we’ll get to more museums below). It’s free to visit but you must book a spot in advance .

Visiting Taiwan’s Famous Attractions

We have traveled around the country and visited all the famous tourist places with our kids multiple times.

To be honest, I’m a sucker for even the most touristy attractions in Taiwan, with only a few exceptions. Our kids have thoroughly enjoyed all the below places.

So when you visit Taiwan, even if you stick to the typical tourist itinerary and don’t necessarily seek out kid-focused attractions, your kids will probably still have a great time, too. Here are my recommendations in clockwise order around Taiwan.

• In Taipei , our kids loved riding Maokong Gondola and going up to Taipei 101 Observatory. Kids age 12+ can try the Skyline 460 Experience .
• When planning a day trip to New Taipei City , Shifen and Jiufen are the most popular but also most touristy places. Teach your kids environmental awareness by NOT doing the lantern release at Shifen or by choosing eco-friendly sky lanterns . Jiufen is full of stairs and not stroller friendly. Consider to add more kid-friendly stops like Houtong Cat Village or Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park.
• Yilan county is fully loaded with kid-friendly attractions , including animal farms, kid-friendly hot springs, museums, easy hikes, and more. You can do it as a day trip from Taipei or spend a few nights there on the way to Hualien.

• In Hualien , all the main stops and trails in Taroko Gorge are easy enough for kids. I recommend hiring a private driver to go at your own pace (note that Taroko Gorge has been closed since the devastating 2024 earthquake).
• Down in Taitung , my kids had a blast riding an electric family bike around. Read about it in my Chishang guide .
• When in Kaohsiung , kids will appreciate the outdoor space to explore at Lotus Pond, Fo Guang Shan Monastery , and Pier 2 Art Center . But do them a favor and plan a side trip to Kenting National Park or Xiaoliuqiu island .

• In Tainan , kids can play in water at The Spring, while Anping Treehouse is very cool for kids of any age. More off-the-beaten-track spots include Guanziling Mud Hot Spring , Cigu Salt Mountain, and Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields – it’s best to drive to those.
• At Sun Moon Lake , my kids enjoyed riding the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway, boats across the lake, and playing on the docks on the shore. See my Sun Moon Lake guide .

• In Chiayi , kids won’t love the winding bus ride up to Alishan , but once there, the main trails in the forest are easy enough for kids. My kids also really enjoyed riding the short Alishan Forest Railway lines in the park.

• In Taichung , 921 Earthquake Museum (in a school that was destroyed by it) is an educational experience, while Rainbow Village and Zhongshe Flower Market are a fun backdrop for family photos.

• Last but not least, Miaoli , Hsinchu , and Taoyuan are off-the-beaten-track for most visitors, but actually have tons of family-friendly places to visit.

Other Kid-Friendly Places in Taiwan

Besides our personal highlights above, there are so many other great things to do with kids in Taiwan. Here are many more ideas, arranged by activity type.

Best Hot Springs for Kids

Taiwan has one of the highest concentrations of thermal hot springs in the world. Hot spring spas come in different varieties, including wild/natural ones, nude Japanese-style bathhouses, private hot spring rooms, and public (mixed sex spas). The latter two are the best choices for families.

Here are some of the best ones we’ve enjoyed with our kids:

• Chuan Tang Spa in Yilan : Some of the best kid-friendly hot springs in Taiwan are in Jiaoxi town in Yilan county. Chuan Tang Spa is our family’s favorite – they have a warm children’s water play area, foot skin-nibbling fish pond, and over a dozen scented/colored hot spring baths, such as pink bubble gum and purple lavender. The flagship location (see on Booking / Agoda ) is the best one, while the older location (see on Booking / Agoda ) is similar but older. Even if you don’t stay there, you can simply pay to enter the hot spring area. Swimming caps are required and sold at the desk, as well as small towels.

• Art Spa Hotel in Yilan : Another great hot spring for kids in Jiaoxi is Art Spa Hotel. This one also has a young children’s water play area, and for older kids a 3-storey hot waterslide. They have colored/scented pools also, but not as many as Chuan Tang. See on Booking / Agoda .

• Spring City Resort in Taipei : This mixed-sex public spa is the best (and only) kid-friendly hot spring in Beitou, Taipei’s hot spring village. It has a shallow toddler pool, cold swimming pool, and variety of hot pools, all outdoors. Use this deal for a big discount for adults, but kids can get cheaper prices at the door. You can also spend the night – see on Booking / Agoda ).
• Yangmingshan Tienlai Resort in New Taipei City : A popular hot spring resort on the back (ocean) side of Yangmingshan National Park , with waterslides for kids. See on Booking / Agoda .

• Huilai Hot Spring Resort in Hsinchu : A remote hot spring resort near Neiwan Old Street, with lovely outdoor pools beside a river and a kids water play area (summer only). You’ll need to drive. See on Booking / Agoda .
• King’s Resort & Spa (錦水溫泉飯店) in Miaoli : A super friendly/welcoming family-run hotel with lovely hot spring pools in remote Tai’an hot spring village. Stay here after picking strawberries at Dahu. Also need to drive. See on Booking / Agoda .

Kid-Friendly Hikes

Taiwan is a paradise for hikers. However, with 2/3 rd of the island consisting of high mountains, a lot of hikes in Taiwan are steep, steep, steep!

Fortunately there are many easy options, too. Here are some easy hikes that we’ve done with our kids.

• Elephant Mountain : Taipei’s most famous hike provides epic views of Taipei 101 and the city, but the whole hike is steep, uphill stairs. I did take my son as a toddler, but carried him much of the way. Thus, I only recommend this hike for older kids unless you can carry your kid up lots of stairs. An adult can make it up to the main viewpoint in 20 to 30 minutes from Xiangshan MRT – kids will of course take longer. See my Elephant Mountain guide .

• Qingtiangang Grassland : The easiest and best hike for kids in Yangmingshan National Park . It’s mostly flat, about an hour long, and you will see buffalos grazing on the plateau. To make it longer, connect to Juansi Waterfall Trail next, which is what we did.
• Sandiaolong Waterfall Hike : On the Pingxi Line but much less famous or crowded than Shifen Waterfall, Sandiaoling Waterfall Hike includes 2 easy-to-reach waterfalls. After walking along some train tracks then up a few stairs, it’s mostly flat the rest of the way and never busy.

• Shifen Waterfall : The 60 to 90-minute return walk from Shifen Old Street to Shifen Waterfall easy and is doable with kids. It’s one of the most touristy places in Taiwan, though. See my Shifen Waterfall guide .
• Silver Stream Cave (Yinhe Cave) : More suitable for older kids, a relatively short hike from Maokong Gondola to a small temple and waterfall buried in the jungle, but it does have some stairs and can be easy to get lost.

• Bitoujiao Trail : A coastal hike with Instagram-worthy set of stairs leading to a cape on the sea. Some stairs, but kids can manage fine.
• Wufengqi Waterfall in Yilan : A super easy waterfall hike just outside of Jiaoxi hot spring village (which also has the best kid-friendly hot springs). Take a taxi from town.

• In Taroko Gorge , all the main stops like Eternal Spring Shrine, Tunnel of Nine Turns, Buluowan Terrace, and Tianxiang Recreation Area have short walks easy enough for kids. If you want to do a longer one with kids, go for Shakadang Trail. Older kids can handle Baiyang Waterfall Trail and Curtain Cave, where water falls down through the cave onto your head (bring an umbrella!) There are some stairs at all stops and trails, so use a carrier instead of stroller. Note that Taroko Gorge is currently closed.

• Alishan National Forest Recreation Area : The main tourist trails at Alishan , such as Sister Pond Trail and Giant Tree Trail, are perfect for kids. Kids just won’t like the winding bus ride to get there. Older kids may enjoy the steeper hikes through tea plantations at Shizhuo or Eryanping , or the bamboo forest hike at Fenqihu.

• Shoushan Mountain in Kaosiung : See wild macaques on “Monkey Mountain” in Kaohsiung. The trail starts here and includes stairs. It won’t take long before you see them. Kids need to be watched carefully and not carry any snacks or toys. The monkeys are known to grab things.

Themed / Animal Cafés

There are countless themed and especially animal cafés in Taiwan. While you may have ethical concerns about the animal cafés, if you do decide to go, your kids will undoubtedly love visiting them as much as mine do.

Many of these cafés are actually aimed at adults, but the ones I recommend below all allow kids.

Themed Cafés

• Modern Toilet ( Ximending and Shilin locations in Taipei): Toilet and poo-themed restaurant
• Miyahara Eye Clinic : Famous Taichung ice cream and Taiwanese packaged snacks shop which is said to look like a Harry Potter movie set.

Animal Cafés

• Capybara Knight : Capybara café in Tucheng, New Taipei City (Taipei MRT Blue Line). See my full list of capybara cafes in Taiwan .
• Genki Café Maine Coon cat café and Le Mao Chef munchkin cat cafe in Taipei. Read more about the best cat cafes in Taipei here , including which ones allow kids.
• Meerkat75 Café : Meerkat café with two branches in Taipei

• Pythonism (玩蟒人生): Reptile café in Taipei, with dozens of snakes and a few other reptiles that you can hold at your table.
• David & Alpaca : Alpaca Café near Yangmingshan National Park in Taipei
• Cat’s Day (貓的生活提案): Cat café in Luodong, Yilan county
• Mogu Kabi (夏威夷豆塔專賣店): Capybara café in Tainan

Theme Parks & Amusement Parks

Taiwan has over a dozen theme parks of varying size and quality.

While we aren’t much of an amusement park family, I’ve personally visited most of them (Travel in Taiwan magazine once commissioned to write an article series on Taiwan’s theme parks). I’ve also compiled the best and worst amusement parks in Taiwan here .

Here are the ones we think are best:

• Taipei Children’s Amusement Park : The most convenient one, right in Taipei City. It’s probably the cheapest amusement park in Taiwan – simply swipe EasyCard to enter or buy a day pass , but avoid weekends if possible.
• Leofoo Village in Hsinchu : Taiwan’s most famous theme park, with 4 themed areas of rides, waterpark (summer only), animal safari, and a safari hotel (see on Booking / Agoda ) overlooking animals. Buy a day pass with return transportation from Taipei here – it’s much cheaper than buying at the door.

• Lihpao Discovery Land in Taichung : Taiwan’s newest theme park, tallest Ferris wheel in Taiwan, colorful outlet mall modeled on a seaside Italian village, and hotel (see on Booking / Agoda ). Buy tickets here with option to add transportation from Taichung city center.
• Carton King Creative Park in Taichung : paper-themed park with small train, climbing structures, restaurant, and paper statues of famous Taiwan landmarks and others from around the world. Buy tickets here . Not the most convenient location so you’ll need to drive or take a taxi. Note there is a smaller branch closer to city center as well as an even smaller branch at Cingjing Farm.

• Xitou Monster Village in Nantou : A remote Japanese monster-themed village in the mountains, with monster statues, chocolates, and a monster-themed hotel. Read my Monster Village guide .
• Ten Drum Cultural Village in Tainan : drum-themed culture park with elevated walkways, rides, archery, and drum performances. More info and tickets here .

• E-Da in Kaohsiung : Southern Taiwan’s largest theme park, with department store and two hotel options (here and here)
• SKM Park in Kaohsiung : The city’s newer theme park, with rides, go-cart track, and family-focused mall with kids’ bowling, trampoline park, indoor playcenters, and more.

Best Playgrounds

My kids are on the verge of not caring about playgrounds anymore, but I remember a time when playgrounds and playcenters were a part of our daily life, and I know important this can be for visiting families with kids.

Here are some of the best ones we’ve enjoyed around the country.

• In Taipei , we love the playground and pond with cool birds and fireflies at Da’an Forest Park . Stay in Dandy Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda) , which has awesome views of the park – it’s like Taipei’s version of Central Park in NYC and even offers free stroller rentals.
• Expo Hall Playground near Yuanshan MRT is another very good one. Not too far away, this playground in Xinsheng Park has a huge climbing feature. After, visit covered Maji Square nearby for something to eat and children’s cars that can be rented
• The best playground we’ve seen in Taiwan is here at New Taipei City Metropolitan Park . It has dozens of tall slides and climbing features.

• In Taichung, Taichung Park has a pond with paddle boats and lots of space to run around. In Chiayi, there’s this cool playground in Chiayi Park. In Tainan try Tainan Park and in Kaohsiung go for this playground at Lotus Lake or this one in Central Park in the city center.
• On the east coast, Hualien has this pirate ship themed park on the coast of Hualien city.

Indoor Playcenters

Some great indoor playcenters have come and gone over the years since our kids were born. Besides the below list, there are also many small government-run playcenters where parents can bring babies or toddlers to play.

• Wooderful Life (Xindian Location), AKA Wooderful Land: In our opinion this is currently the best indoor playcenter in the greater Taipei region. There are tons of hands-on games, toys, rides, and DIY crafts, all wood focused. Book a spot here (you’ll need to use a translator) or just show up and hope for a spot, on a weekday ideally.
• Yukids Island Kids Playground in Taipei here : Small but fun indoor playground on the 5 th floor of Shinkong Mitsukoshi A8 Department store near Taipei 101, same floor as a giant toy store and DIY slime making station .

• Tom’s World : Video game arcade and simple rides with locations across Taiwan .
• Taiwan Toy Museum in New Taipei City here : A museum of antique toys that kids can actually play with. They can also rent toys for playing with outside and there’s a large white sand pit. It’s in a small historic complex turned into arts park in Banqiao district.

• Austin Land in New Taipei City here : Typical indoor playcenter for younger kids, also in Banqiao district.
• Gloria Outlets in Taoyuan : There’s a Snoopy Play Center in Gloria Outlets (next to Taoyuan HSR station) and a Chiao-Hu Wonderland (every toddler in Taiwan knows Chiao-Hu) in the same building as Xpark Aquarium next to the outlets.
• SKM Outlet in Kaohsiung here : A whole department store focused on children, including Austin Land indoor playcenter, Viveland Virtual Reality Center, Crazy Jump Trampoline Park, and Sports Area with batting cage and children’s bowling. Outside there’s a small theme park and go-kart track.

Best Museums for Kids

There are lots of museums in Taiwan, and different ones have appealed to my kids at different ages. Here are some of our personal favorites.

• National Taiwan Science Education Center in Taipei: probably the most hands-on museum in Taipei. The Taipei Astronomical Museum and Taipei Children’s Amusement Park are both nearby.
• National Palace Museum in Taipei : The country’s most famous and important museum. A wide range of Chinese artifacts. There’s a newer Southern Branch in Chiayi. Both branches have a Children’s Gallery.
• National Taiwan Museum and Land Bank Museum in Taipei : The main museum covers tons of animals and natural history of Taiwan, with a toddler zone at B1. Across the street, the associated Land Bank Museum is all about dinosaurs.

• Taiwan High Speed Rail Museum in Taoyuan : Next to Taoyuan HSR station. Free but needs to be booked in advance here (Mandarin only, use translation app).
• National Center for Traditional Arts in Yilan : Sprawling main outdoor complex focusing on traditional Taiwanese culture, art, architecture, with DIY activities. The Moment Hotel is connected and has children’s playrooms.
• National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung : Huge museum with moving/growling animatronic dinosaurs, plus other exhibits, gardens, 3D cinema, and more.

• National Museum of Taiwan History in Tainan : Taiwan’s best historical museum, with English signage, play area for kids, and large park outside.
• Chimei Museum in Tainan : Large private museum that looks like the White House, with large collections of weapons, musical instruments, and more. Book tickets here .
• Hamasan Museum of Taiwan Railway in Kaohsiung : small train-focused museum, with small train kids can ride outside and an extremely cool model train with various train types (HSR, TRA, MRT) traversing all of Taiwan over different periods of time. Book tickets here .

Zoos and Aquariums

When our kids were babies and toddlers, we went to Taipei Zoo frequently. This is Taiwan’s largest and best zoo, so you can easily spend half a day there.

Because it’s spread out and built on a hill, there are two smart ways to tackle it . One is to enter from the main entrance, visit the animal areas on the immediate left and right, then the panda house, then ride the small train up to the top of the zoo and work your way back down.

Another smart approach is to ride Maokong Gondola first, take a walk at the top and enjoy some tea-flavored ice cream, ride back down and get off at Taipei Zoo South Station (the second last stop), which is a small entrance the top of the south. Then you can visit the zoo in a downhill direction to the main entrance at the bottom.

Don’t miss the Taiwanese animals area in the zoo, Panda House, Butterfly House (with live butterflies flying around), and small indoor dinosaur area. There are free maps at the Info Center.

There’s also a small zoo in Hsinchu which houses mainly rescued animals, as well as medium-sized Shoushan Zoo in Kaohsiung .

The largest aquarium in Taiwan is the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium in Kenting National Park . It’s very large but out of the way and takes some time to get to. Besides normal entrance , they offer a sleepover experience . While this aquarium is huge, we find that the facilities are getting a little old.

We actually prefer the smaller but newer Xpark in Taoyuan (see my Xpark guide ). This one has much newer and nicer facilities and is much easier to get to. The penguins, jellyfish, and huge glass tank filled with marine creatures are especially impressive. They also have timed animal performance shows in an outdoor theater.

Book tickets here and overnight stays here .

There’s also a good aquarium on Penghu Islands , marine theme park called Farglory ( see here ) in Hualien with hotel and sleepover experience ), and high diving performances at Yehliu Ocean World .

For a more natural experience, you can go dolphin and whale spotting cruise in Yilan or in Hualien – late spring and summer are best for this, but heads up for families who easily get sea sick.

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels

Every city and county in Taiwan has numerous kid-focused hotels with indoor playrooms, themed rooms, and so on.

In Taipei , Roaders Plus (see on Booking / Agoda ) has playrooms, free snacks in the lobby, and impressive city views.

In the luxury category, Regent Taipei (see on Booking / Agoda ) and Grand Hyatt (see on Booking / Agoda ) are good for kids (read about our experience staying at grand Hyatt Taipei ).

At Beitou Hot Spring , Asia Pacific (see on Booking / Agoda ) has a VR and games room (best for older kids) and children’s swimming pool. See my Beitou guide for more info.

In New Taipei City, we had a great stay at Fullon Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda ) on Fulong Beach during the beach’s famous International Sand Sculpture Event. The hotel has a kid-friendly pool with water spray guns.

In Taoyuan, Cozzi Blue (see on Booking / Agoda ) is connected to Xpark Aquarium and even offers an aquarium sleepover experience . The hotel has a marine theme and robots that delivery room service.

At Taoyuan Airport , Novotel (see on Booking / Agoda ) is the official airport hotel and has children’s pool and playroom. Here’s more info about staying near Taoyuan Airport .

Yilan , which I like to call “Taiwan’s kid-friendly county” , there are tons of local minsus (guesthouses) with kid-friendly facilities. Try The Moment Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda ), Check Inn Magi Kids (see on Booking / Agoda ), FairyTale Yisu Kids (see on Booking / Agoda ).

Silks Place Yilan (see on Booking / Agoda ) in Yilan city is the best luxury hotel in Yilan county but also also super kid-friendly, with kids cars, play area, and more.

See my Yilan guide and things to do in Yilan for more info.

In Hualien, try Just Sleep (see on Booking / Agoda ), Happy Wing (see on Booking / Agoda ), Two Home Inn (see on Booking / Agoda ), or Farglory Resort (see on Booking / Agoda ), which is connected to Farglory Ocean Park.

In Taichung, Red Dot (see on Agoda ) has a slide that your kids can ride into to the lobby.

Down in Tainan, Hotel Cozzi (see on Booking / Agoda ) is the best choice, with a large playing area and sand pits on the roof. it’s the same chain as Cozzi Blu, which I recommended above in Taoyuan.

In Kaohsiung, Fish Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda ) has an aquatic theme and small playroom, while La Hotel-Baseball Theme Hotel (see on Booking / Agoda ) is a baseball themed hotel. Explore other options in my guide to where to stay in Kaohsiung .

Last but not least, Kenting National Park has the best kid-friendly beach resorts in Taiwan. Caesar Park (see on Booking / Agoda ) is my top pick but Howard Beach Resort (see on Booking / Agoda ) next to it is just as good.

Fullon Resort (see on Booking / Agoda ) is a little ways from the main town and night market in Kenting but has the best waterslides. Find more info in my guide to choose the best beach resorts in Kenting .

What to Eat at Tonghua (Linjiang Street) Night Market in Taipei

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

36 Best Things To Do 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.

National Palace Museum

Taroko gorge.

Park, Shrine

Alishan Scenic Mountain Area

Natural Feature

Sun Moon Lake

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Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Buddhist Temple

Shilin Night Market

Yangmingshan geysers, longshan temple.

Rainbow Village

Chiang kai-shek memorial hall.

Memorial, Building, Park

Kenting Street

Fo guang shan buddha museum, fort zeelandia, the rocks of yehliu geopark.

The Taiwan Black Bear

Jiufen gold mines.

Historical Landmark, Museum

Enjoy a wild hot spring

Swimming Pool

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. KTV Clubs

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.

28. 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.

29. 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

30. 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.

31. 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!

32. 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.

33. 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.

34. 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.

35. 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.

36. Have a sleepover in an aquarium

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

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10 Best Places to Visit in Taiwan

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on October 3, 2023

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

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

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

10. Kaohsiung [SEE MAP]

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

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

9. Wulai [SEE MAP]

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

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

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

8. Kinmen Islands [SEE MAP]

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

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

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

7. Kenting National Park [SEE MAP]

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

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

6. Alishan National Scenic Area [SEE MAP]

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

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

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

5. Lukang [SEE MAP]

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

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

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

4. Tainan [SEE MAP]

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

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

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

3. Taroko National Park [SEE MAP]

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

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

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

2. Sun Moon Lake [SEE MAP]

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

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

1. Taipei [SEE MAP]

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

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

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

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

Map of Taiwan

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TRAVEL, WELLNESS & LIFESTYLE

Travel, WELLNESS & Lifestyle

We're a couple whose passionate about helping others nourish life through travel, holistic wellness and joy! Our mission is to share the travel & wellness tips we learn along the way with our 80K+ annual readers — providing advice to support optimal wellness and inspiring you for peak living. Check out our Youtube channel where we share our qigong exercises , daily routines, and wellness practices.  From couple luxury travel, to nature adventures, to experiencing places spiritually, follow along as we help others grow holistically and explore boldly! We look forward to meeting you one day. 

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February 13, 2024

By Jade and Deeshen  •

  Updated Monthly

Visiting Taiwan for the best taiwan itinerary for 7 days? We’ve got you covered! As Taiwan travel writers and having lived in Taipei as a local, we have traveled extensively in Taiwan to experience the area’s best hikes, nature spots, food, hot springs, tourist attractions, and spiritual spots. We’re sharing them all with you! Still largely undiscovered by travelers, Taiwan has some of the best hikes in Northeast Asia, rich culture, welcoming locals, best night markets in the world,, and home to the world’s most diverse butterflies discovered (over 400+ butterfly specifies). It’s also the origin of Boba Milk Tea and is one of the safest places to travel in all of Asia . The list goes on! Home to one of Asia’s highest mountains, Jade Mountain, Sun Moon Lake, lush hikes and lakes, white sand beaches in Kenting, vibrant city and night market life… it’s no wonder Taiwan was named “Formosa”, meaning beautiful, by Portuguese explorers. Once you visit Taiwan, you’ll keep dreaming of coming back! If you’re looking the perfect destination to nourish your soul, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we share our ultimate Taiwan itinerary for one week with the most soulful spots this enchanting island country has to offer. Consider this our love letter to Taiwan, and our way of giving back so you can fall in love in Taiwan too!

🌟 My Top Taiwan Recommendations Before we dive into this guide, here are a few things you can’t miss on your trip to  Taiwan!

🏙️ Enjoy skyline views from Taipei 101: Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest buildings, is one of the best places to see Taipei city views. Do not miss the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful architectures in the world that merges modern and traditional culture! Book your Taipei 101 ticket .

🚄 Take the High Speed Rail to Explore Taiwan: Taiwan is so much more than just Taipei. Travel to Kaohsiung, Tainan, Chiayi, Taichung in a matter of hours . Pre-book your high speed rail ticket in advance or get a multi-day unlimited HSR pass at a steal of a price! The ticket is valid for up to 90 days after booking so if you need to change your reservation, you can easily do it online.

👨‍✈️ Hire a Private Car Charter: The best way to explore Taipei is by private car charters . Experienced car charters will take you to wherever you want to go, save you time. You can choose a preferred language of English, Korea, Japanese of Chinese, and even ask your driver for attraction recommendations. Best private car charter in Taipei and to Yilan and Qingshui Geothermal Park .

🌃 Our favorite places to stay: A panoramic city view with 5 star resort amenities at the Taipei Regent Hotel (Michael Jackson’s favorite hotel when he visited Taiwan!), or a luxury mountain view suite at Tango Taipei Hotel Shilin conveniently located near Taipei’s Shilin Night Market , or a downtown friendly hotel suite with gorgeous avant-garde design ambiance near Ximending shopping area at Wonderwall Ximending or book a VRBO vacation home near Taipei main station.

Table of Contents

• • Taipei Taoyuan Airport (TPE) Ultimate Guide – Where to get ATM Cash, SIM Card, Pocket Wifi & Car Transfer
• • Taipei Hotels | Where to stay in Taipei
• • Day 1 in Taiwan: Hike Pingxi Crags, fly a sky lantern in Pingxi Old Town, and eat Taiwan food
• • Day 2: Hike Taipei’s Elephant Mountain, Taiwan Tea, and and Shilin Night Market
• • Day 3: Visit Keelung Mountain, Jiufen Old Town, Houtong Cat Village, Long Shan Temple, and Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
• • Day 4: Beitou Hot Springs, Teapot Mountain Hike, and Best Taipei Vegan Food
• • Day 5: Lao di fang Taipei hike, best breakfast in Taipei, and HSR bullet train to Kaohsiung
• • How to take the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) bullet train from Taipei to Kaohsiung
• • Day 6: Kaohsiung attractions – Nature Retreat, Vegan Food, and Shopping in Kaohsiung
• • Day 7: Fo Guang Shan, Nature, Relaxation, and Culinary Delights in Kaohsiung and Taiwan Hot Springs
• • 7 or 10 Days Itinerary in Taiwan
• • Final Thoughts: Taiwan Travel Guide: 7 Day Taiwan Itinerary with 46 Best Things to do in Taiwan

Taipei Hotels | Where to stay in Taipei

First, where should you stay? We recommend to base yourself in Taipei for your first time in Taiwan. Taipei, the vibrant capital, serves as the quintessential introduction to Taiwan’s captivating blend of tradition and modernity. Taipei pulses with energy day and night, inviting exploration of its bustling night markets, savory street food, and captivating art, cultural scenes, and day trips within awe inspiring views. From its the iconic Taipei 101 to its historic temples, Taipei offers a seamless fusion of the old and the new, embodying the essence of Taiwan’s rich cultural history. Taipei travel is extremely safe, as is all of Taiwan. Learn about safety precautions in Taiwan from out insider tips. Our favorite places to stay: A panoramic city view with 5 star resort amenities at the Taipei Regent Hotel (Michael Jackson’s favorite hotel when he visited Taiwan!), or a luxury mountain view suite at Tango Taipei Hotel Shilin conveniently located near Taipei’s Shilin Night Market , or a downtown friendly hotel suite with gorgeous avant-garde design ambiance near Ximending shopping area at Wonderwall Ximending or book a VRBO vacation home near Taipei main station. Many other bloggers will recommend that you stay in hotels near Taipei Main Station, however we do not. Taipei Main Station is the busiest and largest MRT subway station in Taiwan, and so every time you head out/return, you’ll be faced with a sea of people. Our go-to hotel when we visit Taipei is Tango Taipei Hotel Shilin, near Shilin Night Market. It’s tucked away in a quiet corner, walking distace to the MRT station on the main red line, steps away from the best night market in Taipei, Shilin Night Market, and one of the best morning hikes in Taipei, JianTanShan (with famous views of laodifang).

Now on to the best things to do on your Taiwan vacation and Taipei Travel!

Day 1 in Taiwan: Pingxi Crags, fly a sky lantern in Pingxi Old Town, and eat Taiwan food

1. pingxi crags (xiaozi shan).

Start your first day in Taiwan with a thrilling adventure to Pingxi Crags Hike, also known as Xiaozi shan (平溪小三尖). With its jaw dropping vertical cliff faces and three peaks to climb, it’s one of the best hikes in Taiwan. It was great fun hauling ourselves up there! At first sight it does not look easy to climb but there are plenty of footholds, railing, and ropes to grab at. It was very safe, and we even saw plenty of fit elders climbing later in the day as well. Witness breathtaking views at the top of the 3 peaks, serene buddha statues, and kickstart your journey surrounded by the beautiful Taiwan views!

2. Pingxi Old Street

After an invigorating Pingxi Crags hike, immerse yourself in the charm of Pingxi Old Street , a mere 10 minute walk away from the trailhead. Explore the narrow lanes filled with traditional shops, local crafts, and the distinctive atmosphere of this historic area. It’s also much quieter than the tourist packed Shifen Old Street.

For a taste of local Taiwanese cuisine, dine at the little blue restaurant called 平溪祖傳切仔麵 nestled at the beginning of Pingxi Old Street. Do not miss this restaurant – it was one of the best Taiwanese food meals we had in Taiwan! Pro-Tip: Use our Daily Google Maps guides. Some must-eats restaurants and best Taiwan tourist attractions in Taiwan are only available in Mandarin Chinese names on Google maps. Don’t worry if you can’t read Chinese because we’ve created a free daily google maps guide at the end of every section with all the Taiwan attractions for that day for you! You’ll thank us later as you indulge in authentic Taiwanese food, savoring the rich and diverse flavors that will leave your taste buds delighted and body nourished. Check out our in-depth guides on all the things you should to do at Pingxi old street and what to eat in Pingxi, Taiwan !

As you continue your culinary exploration, don’t miss the chance to try Yu Yuan, featuring taro and sweet potato balls, and indulge in a delightful peanut ice cream at 平溪橋頭花生捲冰淇淋. These sweet treats are a perfect blend of traditional Taiwanese flavors.

3. Pingxi – Fly a Sky Lantern

Make your day magical by participating in the tradition of releasing sky lanterns in Taiwan.Write your wishes and intentions on all sides of the lantern, and release them spiritually to the universe! Add a touch of romance with a red date drink as you marvel at the lanterns illuminating the sky. Read our sky lantern experience gu ide to learn where to fly a sky lantern in Taiwan, and the prices in Pingxi.

Pro Tip: You can go to Pingxi during February for the sky lantern festival, but we recommend going any other time of the year (in early mornings) to have the place to yourselves.

4. Best Massage at Like.Villa in Taipei

After a long flight and a day filled with adventure, unwind and pamper yourself at Like.Villa Massage. Relax your senses and rejuvenate for the exciting days ahead. Relax with a Pressure Point Massage: Unwind after a long day of walking and exploration with a Villa.Like Massage and spa experience. This is our favorite massage spot in Taipei with multiple locations all over the city, we went to the Renai location. Start with a free foot massage followed by your full body Oriental Pressure Point massage. Book the best massage in Taipei .

End your day with a delightful meal at a local restaurant, savoring the diverse and mouthwatering dishes that Taiwan has to offer. Reflect on the day’s experiences and look forward to more unforgettable moments on your Taiwan journey. Day 1 sets the tone for an incredible adventure – full of exploration, flavors, and cultural wonders.

Day 2: Hike Taipei’s Elephant Mountain, Taiwan Tea, and and Shilin Night Market

1. elephant mountain in taipei (xiang shan) and the four beasts peaks.

Begin your second day in Taipei with a hike to the majestic Elephant Mountain (Xiang Shan). The trailhead starts at Daitiandian Lingyun Temple, leading you to the iconic Xiangshan Six Boulders Observation Deck. Marvel at the breathtaking views of Elephant Peak and explore the interconnected peaks of the Four Beasts Scenic Area, including Lion Mountain, Leopard Mountain, and Tiger Mountain.

Escape the crowds as you follow the trails that connect these peaks, offering a serene experience amidst nature’s beauty. Opt for the Elephant Mountain trail to Guanyin Pavilion, continuing north to Lion Mountain and connecting to Leopard Mountain Trail. This scenic route takes you past stone carvings, small colorful temples, and offers panoramic views of Taipei 101 , culminating in a descent to Yongchun MRT. Access the MRT using your pre-booked EasyCard , the easiest way to pay for transportation in Taiwan.

Recharge with a delectable meal at Bafang Dumpling with its multiple locations across Taipei, savoring the flavors of authentic Taiwanese dumplings.

2. Pinglin Tea Plantation for Traditional Tea

In the afternoon, head to Pinglin for a traditional Taiwanese tea ceremony experience with this Shiding and Pinglin Tea Plantation Tour . Explore Pinglin Old Street, immerse yourself in the rich tea culture of the region. Visit the Pinglin Tea Museum to deepen your understanding of Taiwan’s tea heritage.

3. Taipei 101 Sunset and Evening Views

The tour ends and drops you off right in front of Taipei 101, where you can catch the spectacular night views of Taipei. Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest buildings, is one of the best places to see Taipei city views. Do not miss the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful architectures in the world that merges modern and traditional culture! Highly recommend to pre-book your Taipei 101 ticket , skip the line, and save time for night market exploration afterwards!

4. Eat the best Taiwan food and snacks at Shilin Night Market, including Stinky Tofu

After the dreamy views at Taipei 101, take the MRT metro to Shilin Night Market, a paradise for food enthusiasts. Indulge in the iconic Taiwanese stinky tofu, refreshing papaya milk, flavorful Taiwanese cold noodles, and the delightful Oyster Vermicelli or Oyster Misua! And yes, we love stinky tofu! 🙂 The vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of street food will make this night market experience truly unforgettable. How to get to Shilin Night Market from Taipei 101 ? From Taipei 101, take the MRT directly from Taipei 101 station to Jiantan MRT Station. The Shilin Night Market is just one minute walk from Jiantan station.

Other famous night markets in Taiwan are Feng Chia Night Market in Taichung, and Raohe Street Night Market in Taipei. Day 2 combines the best of nature with a culinary journey through Taipei’s iconic peaks and flavors. Enjoy every moment as you uncover the beauty and taste of Taiwan.

🧖‍♀️ Soak in Beitou’s Thermal Hot Springs: Soak in Beitou’s natural white sulphur hot springs to soothe your body and mind. Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! This is one of the best hot springs that allow mixed sex which is perfect for couples, families, and friends. Best Beitou hot spring .

🍜 Dine at Din Tai Fung: Eat quintessential Taiwanese dumplings at Michelin Star restaurant Din Tai Fung. Try all 8 types of Xiao Long Bao dumplings. Best Din Tai Fung deal .

🌿 Relax with a Pressure Point Massage: Unwind after a long day of walking and exploration with a Villa.Like Massage and Spa experience. Start with a free foot massage along with your Oriental Pressure Point body massage. Best Massage in Taipei .

👨‍✈️ Hire a Private Car Charter: The best way to explore Taipei is by private car charters . Experienced car charters will take you to wherever you want to go, save you time, and are much more comfortable than a taxi or a large tour bus. This option is perfect if you have 2 or more people in your group as a family, friends or couple. You can choose a preferred language of English, Korea, Japanese of Chinese, and even ask your driver for attraction and food recommendations. Best private car charter in Taipei and to Yilan and Qingshui Geothermal Park .

Day 3: Visit Keelung Mountain, Jiufen Old Town, Houtong Cat Village, Long Shan Temple, and Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

1. keelung mountain trail for the best taiwan hike.

Kick off your third day in Taiwan with a magical sunrise hike at Keelung Mountain Trail , a personal favorite Taiwan hike of ours. Let the morning hues paint the sky as you immerse yourself in the breathtaking sunrise views from this picturesque trail.

2. Jiufen Old Street for the best food

Next, venture to the enchanting town of Jiufen Old Street for a food heaven adventure! This is our favorite town to eat in Taiwan. Don’t miss our Jiufen Food Guide on all the best eats and our favorite tea house 芋仔蕃薯! (They’re the earliest open tea house which is perfect after a sunrise hike! Dive into the culinary delights, savoring the Misty Cake puff pastries, yuyuan, taro pastries, and peanut ice cream that Jiufen Old Street is famous for. Jiufen used to be a gold mining town so you’ll see lots of rich history around every unique corner. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets, absorbing the charming atmosphere.

Be sure to save our best souvenirs to buy in Taiwan . (there’s so many!) You can get all your food souvenirs, gifts, and mandatory personal food stash 😊 at Jiufen and at amazing prices!

3. Houtong Cat Village

Houtong Cat Village , in Taiwan is the a perfect day trip from Taipei for couples, travelers, and cat lovers! Continue your day with a visit to this meow-gical town where over a hundred adorable feline friends roam freely and explore the cat themed shops. Explore the Ruisan Coal Transportation Bridge and enjoy scenic views along the Keelung River. This charming cat village in Taiwan is one of the best things to do in Taiwan. Be warmed, it will steal your heart!

4. Longshan Temple Taipei

Whether you seek spiritual solace, cultural enrichment, or simply a moment of quiet reflection, Long Shan Temple welcomes you with open arms. Longshan temple is an incredible temple with a sacred ambiance, making it a must-visit destination in Taipei. If you go early in the morning, you’ll catch the locals and monks chanting their morning prayers.

5. Visit Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

Head to Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, a must-visit tourist attraction to see the national monument built in memory of Chiang Kai-shek, former President of Taiwan. The monument, surrounded by the most beautiful park in Taipei, stands at the east end of Memorial Hall Square. The memorial park also houses a beautiful grand arch entrance, The National Theater, National Concert Hall, beautiful flower grounds. Be sure to walk around the upper exterior of the National Theater and National Concert Hall, where you can observe the cultural scene and local gatherings. These groups include young and old people gather to practice Taichi, Taichi Sword, Stretching, hip hop dance and more. The locals are very friendly, and some will even welcome you to join in! It’s a perfect way to observe local traditions and culminate your day of cultural exploration.

6. Dinner at Yuan Vegetarian Buffet Restaurant 原素食府

End your day with a culinary extravaganza at the Yuan Vegetarian Buffet Restaurant 原素食府 in Banqiao! Here, you can try over 70+ vegetarian dishes, ranging from traditional Taiwanese food, dim sum, herbal soups, bao buns, cakes, to international cuisines. The buffet is located just outside of the MRT station. Reservations are required so be sure to call or book a reservation on Open Table app .

Not into buffets? Eat world famous Taiwanese dumplings at Michelin Star restaurant Din Tai Fung . Try all 8 types of Xiao Long Bao dumplings with this Din Tai Fung meal deal that also helps you to skip the 1.5 hour wait time. Day 3 promises a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and the warmth of Taiwanese hospitality. Enjoy the diverse experiences as you create lasting memories in Taiwan.

Day 4: Beitou Hot Springs, Teapot Mountain Hike, and Best Taipei Vegan Food

1. brunch at nationwide healthy vegetarian buffet.

Start your day with a delightful Nationwide Healthy Vegetarian Buffet where for around 100 NTD ($3 USD). The best part is you get to enjoy over 25+ vegetarian and tofu dishes. Moreover, can enjoy unlimited bowls of soup, rice and porridge. We went to the location at the Zhongshan Jinxing Branch, but they are a renowned chain all across Taiwan. We were super impressed with all the offerings vegan, vegetarian and protein options! Indulge in a variety of healthy and delicious vegetarian dishes to fuel your energy for the day ahead.

2. Explore Beitou Hot Springs Resort, Beitou Library, Thermal Valley, and Beitou Hot Spring Museum

Embark on a journey to Beitou District, known for its natural hot springs and historical charm. Begin with a visit to Thermal Valley, Beitou Library and the Beitou Hot Spring Museum. Both experiences are free and a serene haven for cultural enthusiasts. Visit one of the our favorite Beitou hot spring resort , and soak in soothe your body and mind. Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a natural white sulphur hot spring! Spring City Resort is one of the best hot springs in Taipei that allow mixed genders, which is perfect for couples, families, and friends.

Meditate on the naturally heated stones in the Thermal Valley and witness mother nature show off the hot springs! Note, the Thermal Valley is boiling hot, and not safe for swimming.

End your night at the local Beitou night market, a 5 minute walk from Xin Beitou MRT Station.

3. Adventure to Teapot Mountain Trail and Qitang Old Street

Next, embark on the Teapot Mountain Trail in Ruifang. Challenge yourself with this invigorating hike, rewarded by panoramic views at the summit. After conquering Teapot Mountain, dive into the historical charm of Qitang Old Street. Visit the Chuen Ji Hall Temple, adorned with a captivating dragon and phoenix statue. Capture colorful moments at the Rainbow Steps (彩虹階梯). Explore charming cafes like Cafe & Me or 金瓜石 祈堂小巷 景觀CAFE館. Rainbow steps is different than Rainbow Village in Taichung city.

Immerse yourself in the remnants of Taiwan’s mining history, and cap off your journey with a well-earned meal at one of the local eateries.

4. Visit a Tea house in Jiufen Old Street in the evening

As the day transitions to evening, take an Uber to the nearby Jiufen Old Street for a delightful exploration of evening snacks, tea, and dinner. Conclude your day with dinner at our favorite Jiufen Tea house 芋仔蕃薯 , where you can savor the unique flavors of Jiufen’s culinary delights in a tranquil tea house setting. Trust us when we say, you’ll want to dine here both in the morning and in the evenings! The views in the morning are absolutely stunning with sea to mountain views, and the vibe at night with the lanterns is gorgeous!

Day 4 promises a perfect blend of adventure, history, and culinary exploration. Enjoy the diverse experiences as you continue to uncover the wonders of Taiwan. Be sure to save our best souvenirs to buy in Taiwan for all the must-buy gifts and personal food stash 😊!

Day 5: Lao di fang Taipei hike, best breakfast in Taipei, and HSR bullet train to Kaohsiung

1. morning bliss at jiantanshan trailhead, one of the best hikes in taipei.

Embark on an invigorating start to your fifth day in Taiwan with a visit to the Jiantanshan trailhead in Shilin, Taipei. On the way up, you’ll pass many spots where elders gather and sing karaoke, and working out to their morning exercise routines. The locals are extremely friendly so feel free to join in on their morning exercise. We were even invited to share a cup of tea with elders! Watch for signs to visit the two most two best viewpoints below.

From Jiantanshan, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Taipei, Songshan Airport, and the iconic Yuanshan Grand Hotel Taipei where you can also do a traditional qipao experience or take a tour of Grand Hotel’s secret passages . Don’t miss the detour to 北眼平台 (White North Eye Platform), a pretty white sphere lookout offering one of the best views of Taipei, planes flying off, and a unique perspective of this wonderful city. The climax of the trail awaits at the Plane Spotting Platform, also known as Laodifang Lookout. From the North Eye Platform, keep hiking another 30 minutes to Laodifang (老地方 aka Old Plane Airplane Observation Deck). While there are not many official trail signs on this trail, there are many handmade signs by hikers that point you in the right direction to Laodifang (老地方觀機平台). Along the way, you’ll see all types of beautiful butterflies and friendly little lizards.

From Laodifang, instead of hiking back the same way you came from, hike down easefully to Tongbei St. There you’ll find a peaceful residential area and a Family Mart as a pit stop before heading to breakfast. Pick up some freshly steamed sweet potatoes at Family Mart, our favorite delicious and healthy snack after a good Taipei hike!

2. Best Taiwanese Breakfast in Taipei at Sihai Soy Milk

Head to Sihai Soy Milk for the best Taiwanese breakfast, a perfect way to fuel up for the rest of the day. Do not miss this must-eat Taiwanese breakfast spot! At Sihai Soy Milk, we highly recommend the shaobing yuotiao 燒餅油條 the most iconic breakfast item in Taiwan and vegetarian friendly, along with the freshest soy milk squeezed daily. Shaobing  also called huoshao, is a type of baked, unleavened, layered flatbread in Taiwanese cuisine. Jade also loved the Xiao Long Bao and Shaobing with green onion pancake.

How to take the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) bullet train from Taipei to Kaohsiung

Taiwan is so much more than just Taipei. A trip to Taiwan is not complete without visiting multiple cities! After breakfast, take the High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Kaohsiung in Southwest Taiwan. How do you book an HSR trail ticket in Taiwan? Travel to Kaohsiung, Tainan, Chiayi, Taichung in a matter of 1-2 hours by pre-book your high speed rail ticket in advance or get a multi-day unlimited HSR pass at a steal of a price! By pre-booking, you’ll get 20% off your ticket. The ticket is valid for up to 90 days after booking so if you need to change your reservation, you can easily do it online. How do you get to the highspeed rail HSR in Taipei? Navigate to HSR Taipei Station on Uber and ask your driver for a convenient drop-off inside the parking garage, the closet stop to the HSR. This is the closet drop off spot next to the HSR, and will save you so much time and energy if you have luggage. If the driver won’t go inside the parking garage, ask for a drop off near the HSR Taipei Station M1 & M2 exit entrances, which are the closest entrances to the high speed rail HRR. How far in advance do you have to arrive at Taipei Main Station before your high speed rail (HSR) departure time? Be sure to arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before your departure time as Taipei Main Station is the largest and busiest train stations in Taipei. The trains are very punctual and there is assigned seating. There is also plenty of shopping and good eats in Taipei Main Station. They do sell food on the train, however we prefer the bentos and baked breads sold at Taipei Main Station as you have a lot more options. Is there a place to put luggage on the HSR train? There are compartments at the back and front of every train block, however the space usually only holds 4 large luggage so if you have large luggage, we highly recommend to arrive at least 20 minutes to get in line. Upon arrival at Kaohsiung Zuoying Train Station, secure your luggage in lockers. If the lockers inside the station are full (which we found often to be the case), head outside the station towards the shopping mall next door where you’ll find a large 7/11 storefront. Right before entering the 7/11, you’ll find large lockers on the left hand side. The lockers are indoors right before the escalators leading upstairs to the mall and Uniqlo. Follow the provided map link for ease of navigation. It was around 60 NTD (2 USD) for 3 hours, which was very reasonable and a better rate and more spacious than the lockers inside Zuoying train station.

4. Visit Dragon & Tiger Pagodas, Lotus Pond, and Drink Milk Tea Boba

Continue your exploration in Kaohsiung with a visit to the nearby Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and Lotus Pond Scenic Area. Don’t miss the Dragon Tiger Tower, a must-see attraction in Kaohsiung. The appearance is truly unique, and it is spectacular to see from a distance! There is a belief that entering through the dragon’s throat and exiting through the tiger’s mouth, turns bad luck into good fortune. After soaking in the cultural and scenic beauty, treat yourself to some boba at 嚮茶 Shiny Tea, where you’ll find some of the freshest and chewiest boba in Taiwan.

Conclude your day with some leisurely by heading back to Zuoying Station for some shopping at Uniqlo and Air Space Lady where you can find trendy and comfortable clothing options for both men and women. After shopping and dinner, pickup your luggage and head to your hotel in Kaohsiung.

Day 5 promises a dynamic mix of trail adventures, delectable breakfast, and a smooth transition to the vibrant city of Kaohsiung. Enjoy the journey!

Day 6: Kaohsiung attractions – Nature Retreat, Vegan Food, Shou Shan Hiking, and Shopping in Kaohsiung

1. nature retreat at golden lion lake butterfly gardens.

Start your sixth day in Taiwan with a delightful Taiwanese breakfast, savoring the traditional rice ball, Fan Tuan, shaobing, and soy milk to kickstart your day with local flavors. You’ll find Taiwanese breakfast available in every local neighborhood, by simply looking on google maps or asking around. With plenty of vegetarians in Taiwan, you’ll also find at least 1-2 vegetarian Taiwanese restaurants in every neighborhood.

Embark on a nature retreat at Jinshih Lake Butterfly Garden and Golden Lion Lake Butterfly Garden . Here you’ll see over 100+ types of butterfly species in its outdoor flower garden and 3 indoor gardens. You’ll also get to see the life cycle of caterpillars as they crystalize to turn into a majestic butterfly. This is a completely free activity, perfect for couples and families. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of these beautiful spots using the provided map link for easy navigation.

2. Eat like a local at this 綠饌食 Vegan Taiwanese restaurant in Kaohsiung

For lunch, indulge in a delightful vegan experience at a local restaurant called 綠饌食, where you can eat traditional Taiwanese food such as fragrant mushroom rice (vegan luruofan), dan dan noodles, sweet and sour soup, small plates, and more. Follow the provided map link to discover this hidden gem that offers a diverse range of tasty plant-based delights.

3. Hike at Shou Shan Hiking Trail and meet Monkeys

In the afternoon, challenge yourself with a hike along the Shou Shan Hiking Trail. The Shou Shan Hiking Trail is famous for monkey spotting, and it doesn’t disappoint! As soon as you enter the parking lot and start the hike, you can see a families of local resident monkeys, along with mama and baby monkeys.

We spotted over 100+ monkeys on our hike and some very playful ones hopping from one car to the others in the parking lot! The monkeys here were bold but super friendly and non-aggressive. It was surreal to see monkeys so up close and personal. Brace yourself for adorable encounters with playful monkeys as you explore the scenic beauty of this trail. One of our favorite memories in Kaohsiung, Taiwan was observing baby monkeys eating pink flowers at Shou Shan hiking trail! Be sure to keep loose belonging, snacks, sunglasses, and food in the car.

4. Shopping at Uniqlo Taiwan in Kaohsiung Gangshan

After a day of outdoor adventures, take a break for some more shopping at UNIQLO Kaohsiung Gangshan Store and Air Space Lady. The Gangshan stores are much bigger and have a larger section, which is also where we did most of our shopping in Taiwan. You might be wondering – is the Uniqlo in Taiwan any different than Japan or US stores? We found we loved the men’s section in Taiwan as it had cloths more suitable for warm weather, versus the one in Japan had more cloths suitable for winter. This big shopping area offers a plethora of options, and ample parking space is available for your convenience. Deeshen loved shopping at Uniqlo in Taiwan! Jade absolutely loved shopping at Air Space Lady, with beautiful women’s dresses and tons of unique pink outfits. We basically did all her shopping for the next year there!

Day 6 promises a perfect blend of nature exploration, culinary delights, and leisurely shopping in Kaohsiung. Enjoy every moment as you continue to uncover the diverse experiences Taiwan has to offer. Use the map link for a hassle-free journey.

Day 7: Fo Guang Shan, Nature, Relaxation, and Culinary Delights in Kaohsiung and Taiwan Hot Springs

1. visit the majestic fo guang shan buddha museum in taiwan.

Commence your seventh day in Taiwan with a journey to Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (佛光山寺), also known as Buddha’s Light Mountain Monastery. Fo Guang Shan, located in Kaohsiung, is the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan, and a must-visit destination that adds cultural richness to any Taiwan itinerary. The museum stands as a testament to Buddhist art and philosophy, featuring a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and teachings of Buddhism. Its stunning architecture, garden grounds, and the towering Fo Guang Big Buddha that measures 5 meters tall, creates a serene and spiritual atmosphere that captivates any visitor. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this temple using the provided map link for easy navigation.

What time should I reach Fo Guang Shan by? We recommend reaching Fo Guang Shan at least 20 minutes before opening at 9am, so that you can enjoy the temple peacefully and also head to Tainan afterwards to enjoy amazing hot springs in Taiwan! Visiting Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum was one of the BEST things we did in Taiwan, and it’s one of the unmissable top attractions in Kaohsiung.

2. Rejuvenation at Joy Day Villa with Hot Springs and Healing Therapies

After a morning of temple exploration, indulge in ultimate relaxation at Joy Day Villa in Tainan. There are no hot springs in Kaohsiung, however one of the best things things locals love to do in Kaohsiung, is to go up to Tainan to enjoy the best hot springs in Taiwan! Enjoy a rejuvenating experience with over a variety of hot springs, free natural face masks, and the unique Doctor Fish therapy. Joy Day Villa offers one of the most unique hot spring experiences in Taiwan, where you get to bathe in 20+ different hot springs in all temperatures, electromagnetic waves, herbal bath, cold plunge, water massage, and more.

3. Must-eat in Taiwan: Stinky Tofu

As you drive back to your Kaohsiung hotel, stop by the locals favorite stinky tofu 台南六故乡鄉味關東 open til 10pm for a taste of authentic stinky tofu with a side of Taiwanese pickled cabbage. Delight your taste buds with the unique flavors that Taiwan has to offer. Plan to fly out of Kaohsiung International Airport in the late evening or the next day.

Day 7 promises a perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and culinary delights in Tainan. Enjoy the diverse experiences as you savor the final moments of your Taiwan journey. Navigate using the provided map link for a hassle-free journey. The soothing waters and natural treatments revive your senses!

We absolutely loved spending the afternoon at Joy Day Villa, and our skin felt so soft after their green tea and apple clay face masks! Many locals even bring their own ramen to eat in between hot spring sessions. You can pick a variety of ramen up at 7 Eleven and Joy Day Villa has hot water machines along with large eating areas.

7 or 10 Days Itinerary in Taiwan

Here’s a brief outline of the itinerary we just covered in this article and a 10 day version. Since so many visitors only visit Taiwan for a few days or a week, and try to squeeze in as much as you can. We’re providing options for both a slower 10 day version (recommended!) and a more rushed itinerary (7 day). Taiwan is so much more than just Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge! Did you know that you can’t even swim in Sun Moon Lake? We’ve shown you the most scenic places, must-do attractions in Taiwan, cultural scenes, must-do attractions in Taiwan, and hikes that any person in average shape can do. We’ve only include one tour on this entire itinerary. Why? We believe Taiwan is best experienced without masses of tourists. Taiwan is easily accessible by public transportation, Uber or hiring a private car charter in Taipei .

Taiwan in 1 Week: Nature/City/Culture-Focused

• Days 1-4: Taipei and day trips from Taipei. Include from these: Jiufen Old Town, Houtong Cat Village, Pinglin tea plantation, Beitou hot springs, Scenic hikes, and more
• Days 5: Lao di fang hike in Taipei, sample Taiwanese breakfast, and take HSR to Kaohsiung
• Day 6: Kaohsiung
• Day 7: Kaohsiung and Tainan, stay overnight for next day morning flight directly from Kaohsiung International Airport

Taiwan in 10 days: Relaxed Pace

If you are able to spend more than a week in Taiwan, you can visit all the main stops I mentioned above. But add an extra night at each for a more relaxed pace.

• Day 5-7: Kaohsiung
• Day 8-9: Tainan, Kenting or Orchid Island (Lanyu)
• Day 10: Back to Taipei or directly to Taoyuan Airport or Kaohsiung Airport

Taiwan Itinerary Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is 1 week enough for taiwan.

In one week, you can travel a lot of ground in Taiwan, even though you can’t see “everywhere” in that time. If you’re itching for a journey that’s more urban, divide your time between Taipei and Kaohsiung, using the Taiwan High Speed Railway (THSR) to get to places along the way. If not, spend a few days in Taipei and then take a road trip through the picturesque counties of Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, and Pingtung along Taiwan’s east coast. Alternatively, fly to one of Taiwan’s beautiful islands Lanyu. Check out this ultimate guide to visiting Orchid Island (Lanyu) in Taiwan from my friend Gillian. We’re certain you’ll fall in love with Taiwan, and will want to come back over and over!

How many days is enough for Taiwan?

In general, you ought to visit Taiwan for as many days as possible. On the other hand, I think it’s a good idea to allow yourself at least two weeks if you want to go on extensive vacations. Even with a week to spare in Taiwan, you will still need to make some selections.

What to do in Taipei for a week?

You can get a taste of what it’s like to live in Taiwan’s capital in just one week in Taipei. Get a hotel in a central district such as Shilin (our favorite hotel is Tango Taipei Hotel Shilin ), Da’an, Wanhua, or Zhongzheng, and use the remaining time to explore day trips from Taipei to Jiufen, Houtong Cat Village, Pinglin, and the nature hikes outlined in our guide.

What other places not mentioned on this list that I should consider visiting?

Taiwan is so beautiful and every city has its own natural charm. The most famous places in Taiwan are Jiufen, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, and Kenting, however we found these places quite touristy and recommend visiting other cities that we shared. We’ll be creating a Kenting guide in the future so stay tuned!

Is it worth it to visit Rainbow Village in Taichung City?

I visited Rainbow Village over 10 years ago, and it was so colorful and vibrant. We no longer recommend to visit Rainbow Village. The reason is because much of the village has been sadly destroyed by new development and vandalism since 2023, and Rainbow Grandpa passed away in 2024. (Rest in Peace) However, we know that there’s so many new beautiful things will surely sprout up here in the future and am grateful for the beautiful memories that Rainbow Village has served others for over 2 decades.

Do you need a visa to visit Taiwan?

Depending on the country you are traveling from, you may or may not need a visa to visit Taiwan. Check Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website for the latest visitor visa info. United States citizens can visit Taiwan without a visitor visa for up to 90 days, and Did you know that citizens from India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Lao can get a free and instant travel authorization certification (acts as a visa)? Apply here online ? It’s free, official, and allows stays for up to 14 days in Taiwan. It was a very easy process! Don’t miss our Taiwan safety guide to learn about how safe Taiwan is, and safety tips.

Final Thoughts: Taiwan 7 Day Itinerary Travel Guide & Tips

We hope this article has helped you narrow down your options for the best attractions and travel spots in Taiwan, Taipei and Kaohsiung.

If you’re looking for stunning nature, delicious Taiwanese food, and rich cultural heritage, you won’t be disappointed by any of the attractions on this list. As your incredible journey through Taiwan comes to an end, you’ve experienced the diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and mouthwatering cuisine that make this island country truly special. From flying sky lanterns in enchanting Pingxi, to eating delectable Taiwanese food, to walking down the mesmerizing lantern-lit streets of Jiufen old street, to climbing the trails of Keelung Mountain, each day brings new serendipitous adventures and discoveries. We hope you love Taiwan as much we do!

If you’ve spent time in Taiwan, we’re curious about which Taiwan activity is your favorite. Let us know in the comments.

If you’re planning an upcoming Taiwan trip, be sure to take a look at my other Taiwan and Taipei travel guides so you don’t miss our favorite hidden gems! We’ve no doubt that Taiwan will leave a life changing mark on your journey! ★ Is Taiwan safe to travel right now? Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world for solo travelers, women, Americans, foreigners and more. Nonetheless, there are a few possible risks, both natural and man-made. Learn about these in advance to increase the safety of your travel to Taiwan!

★ Houtong Cat Village : Immerse yourself in the adorable world of cats in this charming village. ★ Jiufen Food Heaven : Delve into the gastronomic delights of Jiufen, exploring its culinary treasures. ★ Pingxi Food Guide : Dive deeper into the culinary wonders of Pingxi with this dedicated blog on local food delights. ★ Pingxi Sky Lantern : Relive the magic of releasing sky lanterns in Pingxi and discover the beauty of this traditional festival.

★ Exploring Pinglin, Taiwan : Uncover the charm of Pinglin with its tea plantations and rich cultural heritage.

★ Choosing Between Keelung Mountain and Teapot Mountain : If you found yourself torn between two scenic trails, this blog helps you decide between Keelung Mountain and Teapot Mountain.

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What a great list of things to do in Taipei and a full itinerary. I’d love the Elephant Mountain hike with those great views of Taipei 101!

What a wealth of information! I enjoyed a quick trip to Taipei years ago but look forward to savouring slowly. Saving this blog post for then!

This is such a comprehensive list. My favorite on your list is the Shou Shan Hiking Trail with monkey spotting. I hope to be able to visit.

Your photos are really stunning. It looks so beautiful. Unfortunately I have only been to the airport in Taipei but look forward to a proper visit someday soon. Thank you so much for all the wonderful information you have provided.

Absolutely in love with this guide! I love, love, love that you include recommendations to avoid the busy tourist crowds! Saving this for when I cross Taiwan off my list!

This is such an amazing guide! I absolutely LOVE the photos. I’d love to visit Taiwan as soon as possible!

Wow, great guide! This was super useful, thank you!

This is incredible!! So much useful information for my upcoming trip to Taiwan. Just wanted to say thank you for all the tips!

Very interesting post! I have never been to Taiwan, but would love to visit now, especially to see Taipei 101, Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum.

Wow, this is such an amazing guide! I’ve been dreaming of going to Taiwan for a little over a year now. I think I’ll finally pull the trigger for next autumn, and will definitely be referencing this. Thank you for sharing so many great spots!!

Wow, you are amazing!! What a wonderful and detailed post and the photos are divine!! I will def keep this for planning my trip to Taiwan!!

This is such a great list of a trip to Taiwan. I have friends who have visited and just love it.

The Taipei 101 tower is truly a beautiful architectural building. I would love to do the hikes for the beautiful views. My son loves cats, so we would definitelu visit Houton Cat Village.

My bestie and I have dreeeamed of going to Taiwan together for so long so I love this. The temples, hot springs, mountains, and… Everything all look amazing! Also, appreciate where you’ve noted there are good vegan options

Stinky tofu sounds scary, but the rest of Taiwan looks amazing! :). Wonderfully detailed information! I’m saving and hopefully can visit soon.

This is such an awesome collection of spots – it’s making me miss Taiwan so much!! ❤️❤️❤️

Amaaaaazing post! I would love to visit Taiwan. My two favourite things on holiday are hiking and food – and Taiwan looks incredible for both of those! Oh and hot springs, and you mentioned them too!

I really love the modern architecture that retains a distinctive cultural twist like Taipei 101.

Such an in-depth and helpful guide! The Joy Day hot-springs look like the perfect place to relax after a few days of hiking and exploring. Will save this for when I get to go!

Gorgeous photos! I love how detailed this list is for a trip to Taiwan across 7 to 10 days. I’ll be saving this for a future trip. Thanks for sharing your recommendations!

Loving all the places listed and as an animal lover, what really caught my eye was the cat village! Your photos are great and it was like I was on vacation with you guys.

20 Comments on Taiwan Itinerary for 7 Days (from a local covering 48 Top Sights!)

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• 10 Popular Places To Visit In Taiwan You Must Not Miss On Your Trip

Taiwan is a country that is extremely rich in diversity. You have beautiful scenic landscapes and mountainous regions, you have highly modern cities, that still maintain a traditional heritage charm of old China, and is also a holiday paradise with so many holiday resorts and hotels that provide ultimate relaxation to its visitors. Apart from all these great things that await you on your visit to Taiwan, there are also many amazing attractions and places to visit in Taiwan , that will definitely suit your every mood. Whether you’re in the mood to explore nature, see some historical sites or to learn more about the culture of Taiwan, everyone will definitely find something they love in Taiwan.

10 Must-Visit Taiwan Attractions

If you are visiting Taiwan, and want to know what are the best attractions to see and the most popular places to check out, read our detailed guide below.

1. Yushan National Park

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For all you nature lovers searching for places to visit in Taiwan where you can experience the serenity and beauty of nature, enjoy trekking, hiking and other exciting sports activities, then Yushan National Park is one of the best places to visit in Taiwan. The park has a lot of tall peaks over 3,000 metres tall, and the park is also home to the tallest mountain in the country, the Jade mountain which stands tall at 3,952 metres and is also the fourth largest island mountain in the world! With so many mountains and hills in the park, there are a number of hiking and trekking trails to explore.

Location: Xinyi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 556 Timings: Open 24 hours Entry fee: The entry is free

Must Read: Chinese New Year: How And Why It Will Redefine #CelebrationGoals

2. Rainbow Village

Image Credit: allanlau2000 Pixabay

The Rainbow village is a unique street exhibit that is an important part of Taiwan tourism. The concept was originally started by a man named Huang Yung-Fu, a former soldier, with an affinity for art and painting. The project first started as a way to save the houses in his neighbourhood and restore them and has slowly started gaining attention due to the artsy, unique and colourful designs and patterns of birds, people and various animals as well. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or not, a visit to this region is recommended as it is an important part of Taiwan’s culture.

Location: Nantun District, Taichung, Taiwan Timings: 8AM–6PM Entry fee: The entry is free

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3. Shilin Night Market

The Shilin night market, one of the top places to see in Taiwan to get a real slice of life experience of the local people, is a night market that mostly focuses on street food. After the sun sets, tourists and local people alike visit the market to try some fried delicacies and local delights. Make sure to bargain with the street vendors as they try to make a profit off of scamming tourists. Apart from food items, vintage cassettes, arcade games and other interesting items are also sold in the market. If you are a person who wants to get the real Taiwan experience, and not just see the tourist attractions, this is definitely the place to visit.

Location: No. 101號, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 Timings: 4 PM – 12 AM on weekdays. 3 PM – 1 AM on weekends. Cost: Around INR 700 per person.

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4. Longshan Temple

For all those of you wanting to get in touch with your spiritual side, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Taiwan is the Longshan temple. The temple has a very spiritual and relaxing atmosphere right as soon as one enters, with authentic wooden interiors, the soothing smell of incense sticks and a very Zen Buddhist interior design. There is an age-old tradition in the temple which states that if you roll two wooden blocks on the floor and ask a question, the position of the blocks once they reach the ground will help you find the answers you need. The answers can be read with the help of the large deciphering scrolls found in the temple.

Location: No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853 Entry fee: Free of cost.

5. Keelung Zhongzheng Park

One of the top places to visit in Keelung, Taiwan, is this quaint and quiet little park which houses a lot of smaller temples, shrines, courts and statues, the most important of all being the 22-metre tall statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. Another important point of attraction in the park is the Zhuputan Temple, a colourful temple with intricate design patterns. There is also a folk museum in the park, which shows some of the traditional costumes of Taiwan.

Location: Shoushan Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan 202 Timings: Open 24 hours. Cost: The entry is free

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6. Sun Moon Lake

Located around two hours away from Taipei city, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nantou, Taiwan, the Sun Moon Lake. Around the lake are a park, beautiful forests, and exhibits of old weapons and handicrafts. There are a number of hotels and resorts around the lake which will make for a perfect relaxed weekend getaway for you and your family. To get a better view of the lake you can either take a ferry ride into the waters or take a cable car ride, a unique aspect of Taiwan tourism, to view the lake and the other scenery from a higher perspective.

Location: Yuchi, Nantou County, Taiwan Timings: Open 24 hours. Cost: The entry is free.

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7. Song of the Forest

Wood, rocks, ratan and railway sleeper were some of the ingredients that were used to make this exhibit, one of the best places to visit in Chiayi, Taiwan. Designed by Wang Wen-Chih, the exhibit was supposed to be a replicate of the timber capital of the city. The design is inspired by nature, and the exhibit is made to stand tall like a magnificent tree in the middle of the otherwise urban city, giving it a divine connect to nature. People who visit Taiwan definitely should not miss on witnessing this architectural marvel.

Location: Wenhua Road, East District, Chiayi City, Taiwan 600 Timings: Open 24 hours. Cost: The entry is free.

Suggested Read: Now You Can Win A Stay At The Great Wall Of China. Find Out How!

8. National Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

This monumental building, which was built as a tribute to Chiang Kai She, the president that was instrumental in the formation of Taiwan and served until his death in the year 1975. Today, the building stands as a memory of all that he had contributed to the development of Taiwan and making it the city that it is today. The most iconic part of the memorial hall, however, has to be the beautiful blue, octagonal roof!

Location: No. 21號, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100 Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM Entry Cost: The entry is free.

9. Shifen Waterfall

Also known as the Little Niagara falls of Taiwan, the Shifen waterfall is an integral part of Taiwan sightseeing. The waterfall is located in a beautiful, lush green forest, and is definitely a treat for sore eyes. The horseshoe-shaped waterfall is truly a marvel of nature and attracts a number of tourists to come here every year. Near the waterfall is the Shifen village, where at night, a beautiful lantern display is shown to tourists and the local people.

Location: 226, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Pingxi District, 乾坑10號 Timings: Open 24 hours, but recommended to visit during the day. Entry Cost: The entry is free.

Suggested Read: 10 Fun Things To Do In China That Will Let You Explore A Land Beyond The Great Wall!

10. Dragon and Tigers Pagodas in Kaohsiung

Last, but definitely not the least, on our list are the twin pagodas of Kaohsiung, the tiger and the dragon pagodas. Both the pagodas are 7 storeys tall and are extremely bright and colourful, and will capture your attention even from a distance. Not only can you view the pagodas from outside, but you can also climb to the top and get a great view of the lily pods on the ground level below.

Location: No. 9號, Liantan Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 813 Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM EntryCost: INR 40

Further Read: 10 Best Restaurants In China To Indulge In A Dreamy Fine Dining Experience

After reading this extensive list of places to visit in Taiwan, we are positive that you are dying to make Taiwan your next holiday destination. What’s stopping you? Browse the best travel packages on our website and take a trip to this beautiful city instantly!

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Taiwan

What is the most beautiful place in Taiwan?

Taiwan is a place of wonders where you will find a number of attractions to add to your bucket list. You will find a number of exciting things to do in Taiwan on your vacation. Here are some of the amazing places you should definitely add to your itinerary. Shimen Cave Taroko National Park Rainbow Village Sun Moon Lake Song of the Forest

Is Taipei a good place to visit?

Yes, definitely. It is a modern city in Taiwan where you get to enjoy the amazing food and nightlife. You will never be bored in Taiwan even if you are traveling alone.

Is Tainan worth visiting?

Your trip to Taiwan is not complete without visiting to Tainan. It is Taiwan’s one of the oldest and largest cities where you can expect to find culinary delight, traditional charm, and photography spots.

Is Taiwan a part of China?

There is a controversy regarding this issue because even though Taiwan claims itself as an independent country, China also claims its rule over Taiwan under Republic of China.

What is the oldest city in Taiwan?

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan, and also the fifth largest city on the island. You will find a juxtaposition of traditional charm and modernization in Tainan making it a must-visit place to explore.

Is Taiwan is a country?

Yes, Even though Taiwan is the 48th largest country in the world with population size just a bit smaller than North Korea, China claims to have control over it under ROC (Republic of China)

Is Taipei 101 worth visiting?

Taipei 101 is one of the tallest buildings in Taiwan where you get the panoramic views of the city. There is no culture value in visiting the place but it is definitely an example of Taiwanese excellence. If you like being on top, then you won’t mind visiting this place.

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The most scenic places outside Taipei to visit when in Taiwan

• By SG Magazine
• Oct 22, 2018

Taiwan is a beautiful country full of bustling cities, spectacular mountain attractions, and old cultural towns. On your next trip to this island country, don’t just stay in Taipei City (although it’s a great city to explore). Squeeze in a trip to these lesser explored, but highly accessible spots that make for ideal road trip destinations.  

Northern Taiwan: Jiufen, Shifen, and Yehliu

Just 45-minutes away from Taipei, you can discover the unique Taiwanese charm of the country’s northern towns. Your first stop will be to Yehliu Geopark, a coast filled with bizarre rock formations shaped by years of ocean waves and erosion.

Afterwards, head over to Shifen. This former coal mining town was a major stop for the Pingxi Train line; nowadays the train runs mostly for tourists. Here, travelers can write their dreams and wishes on a traditional sky lantern and watch them float into the sky.

Make a final stop to Jiufen, an old gold mining town that serves as the inspiration to Hayao Miyazaki’s movie, Spirited Away . Wander through the streets filled with generations-owned stores, before heading to The Grand Teahouse.  

Taichung: Alishan Forest

Alishan National Park is Taiwan’s most popular park, and it’s easy to see why. It’s mostly made up of lush mountains used for planting Taiwan’s famous Oolong tea. Don’t leave without having a cup (or several).

Within the park is a vintage, narrow-gauge train that was used during the Japanese occupation to deforest the mountains. Conservation laws have largely made the train obsolete, so it now runs for tourism purposes.

Enjoy a ride on the Alishan Forest Railway, and head to the Alishan Forest Recreational Area. Follow any of the different trails that’ll take you deep into the mountain and marvel where you will stumble upon thousand-year-old trees, tranquil ponds, and all sorts of other interesting sights.

From Taipei, you’ll have to take the High Speed Rail and get off at either Taichung or Chiayi, but the ride only takes about 40 minutes.  

Qingjing Farm

Another underrated Taiwan tour is a trip to Cingjing Farm in Taichung. This family-friendly destination is a great place to for the summer. Trade Taipei’s humid weather for cool mountain climate, and delight at the sight of all the adorable sheep.

Head over to the Green Green Grassland, or Taiwan’s “Foggy Eden” and see a sprawling grasslands, orchards, lush forests, and acres of colorful flowers. Stop by Hehuan Mountain, one of Taiwan’s tallest mountain areas. See snow-capped peaks, hike lightly along picturesque trails, and visit the charming tea-growing villages nearby.  

Yangmingshan National Park

Last but certainly not least on our list is Yangmingshan National Park. Of all the tours listed, this is probably the most accessible to Taipei City through public bus or MRT.

Yangmingshan is an oasis of nature just outside Taipei. The park is full of beginner-friendly hiking trails, flower gardens, and mountain sights. Trek to Xiaoyoukeng a post-volcanic geological park that’s about 805 meters above sea level. It’s famous for the mountain-side sulfur gas exhaust and hot springs. The views here are stunning, with certain vantage points overlooking Taipei and beyond.

Or, trek through the Qingtiangang Grasslands Trail which is just miles and miles of idyllic landscapes that are so high up, you can almost touch the clouds.

The area was formed from lava flows when Mt. Zhugao erupted, shaping this mountain-top flatland. The grasslands stretch on for miles and miles, you’ll completely forget about the city.

There’s so much to explore when you’re in Taiwan. Get out of the city, even for just a day, and see some of the country’s underrated gems.

A version of this story first appeared on KKday as  Beautiful places you must visit outside Taipei .

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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 see my family-focused list of best things to do in Taiwan with kids !

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, Cycling, and Outdoor Activities

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 .

When it comes to cycling, Taiwan is bike-obsessed. In fact, it is the birthplace of Giant and Merida! There are easy cycling spots around the country , like Houfeng Bikeway in Taichung, Sun Moon Lake, and Chishang in Taitung. For a serious cyclists, consider doing a huan dao (ride around the island). Rent your bike and all your gear at MatthewBike in Taipei (find them here on Facebook ).

Besides hiking and cycling, 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 / TripAdvisor ), or stay in the classiest hotel in Taroko Gorge: Silks Place Resort ( see on Booking / Agoda / 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. Make your life easier by doing this through a local operator – I recommend Taiwan Outdoors for this .

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 / 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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The 14 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Taiwan

• 29 October 2022
• Amazing World , Asia

Discover the most beautiful places to visit in Taiwan, Asia’s hidden treasure. Its lively cities, temples and night markets are a must see!

2. kaohsiung, 5. alishan national forest, 6. ruins of the longteng bridge.

• 7. Taroko National Park
• 8. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial

9. Beitou Hot Spring

10. sun moon lake, 11. shimen cave, 12. yehliu geopark, 14. les chutes de baiyang.

The range of local landscapes is so disproportionate that it takes about a month to visit Taiwan. But if your journey is a little shorter, select your favorite places and add them to your odyssey.

Head for the bustling Taiwanese streets and night markets of Taipei , the country’s capital. Then, fly to the top 15 places to visit in Taiwan. Its dynamic cities are full of magnificent ancient temples, fabulous museums and places as wild as they are wonderful.

Crédit photo : Shutterstock – Atosan

Aboriginal tribe Located in southern New Taipei, Wulai is home to the Atayal . If you want to learn more about this culture and the different indigenous ethnic groups, go to the Wulai Atayal Museum.

What’s more, the small village of Wulai is famous throughout Taiwan for its hot springs. Tourists and locals meet there and relax for hours while admiring the surrounding mountain panoramas. As you walk around, you will inevitably come across a waterfall. You can also try your hand at the joys of river fishing, wild camping or zip-lining.

Photo credit: Shutterstock – asiastock

Departing from Taipei, board a high-speed train and fasten your seatbelts! The speed of this railway line can reach 300 km/h! In just 90 minutes, you will reach Kaohsiung: the third most populous city in the country. It is home to many skyscrapers, parks and walking paths.

Promenez-vous sereinement sur les berges de la Love River de nuit pour apprécier ses lumières scintillantes. Celle-ci devient vite un lieu très romantique à partager à deux. Enfin, visitez les Pagodes du Dragon et du Tigre, le Lotus Pond et le musée bouddhiste Fo Guang Shan. Des lieux inspirants, à ne pas louper si l’on vient visiter Taïwan.

Photo credit: Shutterstock – weniliou

Lukang is very famous for its delicious local cuisine and authentic architecture. Located in the northwest of the country, it was once a hub of maritime trade.

Luckily, its historic buildings have remained intact over the years. The crazy charm of its picturesque streets will make you fall head over heels! Don’t miss the Mazu and Longshan temples, the Glass Gallery and the Lukang Folk Art Museum. These charming places will allow you to discover all the charm of Lukang.

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Keitma

Former capital of the Taiwanese Empire, Tainan is worth a visit. One of the most interesting parts of the city to visit is the Anping district, the historic heart of Tainan. This sector has many ancient temples scattered all over the place, as well as Fort Zeelandia, built in the 17th century.

Follow the walking tour then stop at the restaurant of your choice to taste the oyster omelette, the region’s must-have dish. Finally, visit the beautiful Chimei Museum, named after its creator. First for its furiously neoclassical decor, but also for its vast collection of paintings, sculptures, ancient weapons, etc.

Crédit photo : Shutterstock – weniliou

Completely preserved for 70 years, this forest exudes an atmosphere of incredible strength and serenity. In particular thanks to its hundreds of thousand-year-old trees and its Japanese cherry trees. Wind through the mountainside Alishan Forest and explore its rugged landscapes, sometimes shrouded in mist. A day and a half would be ideal to fully enjoy Alishan Natural Park.

Nature lovers, don’t forget to include this natural setting in your list of things to visit in Taiwan.

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Richie Chan

Longteng Bridge Ruins are officially known as Yuteng Ping Bridge. In 1935, a devastating earthquake hit the region. The sublime Long-Teng Bridge was almost completely destroyed, except for its arched pillars.

En 1999, Sanyi a été frappé par un second tremblement de terre, celui de Jiji. Le cinquième pilier du pont s’est alors écroulé. Aujourd’hui appelé « Longteng », le pont témoigne de la puissance de ces deux tremblements de terre, en plus du charme d’antan.

7. Parc national de Taroko

Photo credit: Shutterstock – FenlioQ

Its gorges consist of superb waterfalls, tunnels and suspension bridges. In short, you will contemplate beauty as far as the eye can see! Hike trails that wind through the Rocky Mountains.

Une fois que la température de votre corps sera plus élevée, descendez quelques mètres plus bas et adonnez-vous à de nombreuses activités de plein air. Rafting, canoë, baignade dans les cascades de Baiyang : les sources de plaisir sont nombreuses. Et ce, comme les chutes d’eau qui s’échappent des failles rocheuses, d’ailleurs. Observez-les dévaler les parois abruptes des montagnes de marbre et de granit. Un moment plus que propice aux photos !

8. Mémorial Tchang Kaï-chek

Photo credit: Flickr – TitiFaitSonTour

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial is a place to visit in Taiwan, especially for those who like good surprises. This impressive Chinese-inspired white marble monument is a thrilling attraction accessible by subway.

Inside, you will find a memorial built on three floors culminating at 70 meters high. You can learn more about the life of Chiang Kai-shek and admire his theater and auditorium with typical Chinese architecture. Intrigued? We would be in your place too!

Photo credit: Shutterstock – topimages

Put on your bathing suits and head to the four boiling water pools and two cold water pools of Beitou Hot Springs! Once dressed, soak your feet and your whole body in baths ranging from 35 to 45 degrees. You will benefit from a moment of intense relaxation and an immersion in the life of the locals. In fact, these baths are very popular with locals. They come there with friends or family and stay there for a few hours.

The Taiwanese are exemplary kindness. So they won’t hesitate to give you expert advice or laugh with you.

Crédit photo : Shutterstock – Richie Chan

The “Lake of the Sun and the Moon” is the largest body of water in the country. This mythical place takes its name from an east face similar to the sun and a rather lunar west face. Don’t wait any longer to chat with local merchants: the restaurants, shops and bars will meet all your desires.

Many outdoor activities are offered on these calm waters: sailing, hiking or cycling, boat trips… In addition to breathtaking nature, let yourself be surprised by the visit of the mythical temples of the ‘Taiwanese History. Finally, don’t forget to take the cable car that flies over the lake and the island of Lalu.

Crédit photo : Shutterstock – beibaoke

La Shimen Cave (grotte en français) n’est pas du tout une grotte ! Il s’agit d’une arche en pierre formée par l’érosion de la mer. À son sommet, des sièges vous y attendent. De là, vous pourrez contempler le coucher du soleil ou apprécier la vue des nuages qui surplombent l’océan.

It is also an excellent spot for resting and observing fish, crabs and shellfish. An atmosphere that lends itself to the desires of both children and parents.

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Nguyen Xuan Vu

Yehliu Geopark is one of the top northern destinations to visit in Taiwan. It is made up of rock formations with more surprising shapes than each other. This colorful and sublime geological site has been created by nature over the years. Equally impressive is the view of the cliffs and the raging ocean.

In addition, you will only need 1h30 by bus from Taipei to see these unmissable landscapes of Taiwan.

Photo credit: Shutterstock – f11photo

This ancient city pronounced “Jioufen” is a city located on the top of a mountain on the northeast coast of Taiwan. Tantalize your taste buds on Jishan Street: try the peanut ice cream roll called A-Zhu , then sip the local craft tea at the A-Mei house.

Taiwanese sausages at all costs ‘s succulent Flower Lady But above all, taste Wu Di . This mouth-watering traditional cuisine will immerse you in the heart of the famous Spirited Away . Enjoy the famous Zhang Ji sticky rice cake traditional fish balls accompanied by the tasty Ah Lan . You guessed it: the city of “red lanterns” is a major place of culinary pilgrimage.

Baiyang Waterfalls are characterized by an abundant number of tunnels. While some of them are lit by the sun, others can leave you in the dark for several long minutes. It can therefore be very useful to take a flashlight with you to cross them all without difficulty.

From inside the tunnels, you will have magnificent views of Baiyang Green Mountain. The trails offered on site are accessible to beginners and experienced alike. Starting from the shuttle terminus, start on a fairly long, gently sloping path. Then, continue your walk on a very well marked wide path. This one will take you to a unique belvedere where you can admire a double waterfall to die for.

15. Donghe Bridge

Photo credit: Shutterstock – yuanj

Let’s finish our selection of the most beautiful places to visit in Taiwan with the Donghe Bridge. This bridge is composed of a new and an old bridge. Both cross the Donghe River and connect Chenggong Township with the Mawuku River. However, each has its own characteristics and a particular architecture.

Be charmed by the blue sky and the Taiyuan Valley reflected in the river under the ancient Donghe Bridge. A soothing place where tourists from all over the world come to relax.

Now you know what not to miss when visiting Taiwan. Have a good trip !

Mohamed SAKHRI

I am Mohamed SAKHRI, the creator and editor-in-chief of this blog, 'Discover the World – The Blog for Curious Travelers.' Join me as we embark on a journey around the world, uncovering beautiful places, diverse cultures, and captivating stories. Additionally, we will delve into mysterious and, at times, even bizarre destinations.

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• 30 July 2022

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15 BEST Places to Visit in Taiwan

• Pinterest 2.0K

In a nutshell, some of the best places to visit in Taiwan you should not miss during your Taiwan trip are Kenting National Park , Sun Moon Lake , the Fengjia Night Market , and National Palace Museum .

Filled with delightful dishes, beautiful scenery, serene temples, and friendly locals, Taiwan should be on the itinerary for everyone. Taiwan is also the home to excellent and modern architectural attractions like Taipei 101, which are just as stunning as decade-old temples found across the nation.

Whether looking for relaxing hot springs and a more relaxing getaway filled with evergreen parks or enjoying your Taiwan holidays shopping in the busy night markets, drinking craft beers that are locally brewed, and singing karaoke, Taiwan will get you covered.

Taiwan is a small island located towards the east of China and has been the major attraction among the Taiwan tourist places. With beautiful water bodies, scenic mountains, and delicious food, there is no lack of the best places to visit in Taiwan and no wonder why more and more tourists frequent it.

Where to go in Taiwan?

Well, do not underestimate the island with its size. There is no lack of the best destinations in Taiwan, and the nation’s capital, Taipei. With so many Taiwan beaches , forests, museums, hot springs, and other attractions, it might not be easy to narrow down the list of best destinations in Taiwan to see and explore on your trip.

So, here are some of the worth-see destinations in this Taiwan travel guide without further wait.

❗️ Be insured before your trip and get a SafetyWing FREE insurance quote 📚 Read our post about why you should always have insurance ✈️ Find out how to find cheap flights using Skyscanner or find deals now 🛌🏻 Book your accommodation through Booking.com , Expedia , or Agoda 🎭 Find awesome and hassle-free tours through GetYourGuide or Tourradar 🚘 Explore the surrounding areas on an epic road trip, here’s our snack guide 📱 Read destination reviews and other traveler tips on TripAdvisor

Table of Contents

What are the top places to visit in Taiwan?

New Taipei City is the political, cultural, and economic landmark in Taiwan and the island’s largest city. It is a world where history and modernity meet, as old temples meet the authentic gourmet restaurants and future-ready shopping hubs.

Some of the best places in Taiwan and attractions of the nation’s capital are Flora Expo Park, Taipei Zoo, and the Botanical Garden. It is one of the best destinations in Taiwan because of many museums and centers, where visitors can better appreciate and understand the history of the land.

You can explore the breathtaking view of the stunning city at The Maokong Gondola via cable car, which celebrates many festivals all year-round. Some of the attractions that you should not miss are the Puppetry Art Center, the Taiwan Handicraft Museum, the National Palace Museum, and the Discovery Center of Taipei.

Where to stay: Best hotels in Taipei

Changhua County

Changhua County is one of the first areas to be developed in Taiwan, and fertile land is sandwiched by the mountains on three sides and Taiwan Straits on the west.

The Bagua Mountain Range is ranked among the best places to visit in Taiwan and Changhua County. You can enjoy your time cycling or hike along the serene mountains . You can also walk along with the nearest orchards and try some fresh produce like carambola, litchis, grapes, guavas, and watermelon.

In Changhua County, some of the best landmarks are Longshan Temple, Baguashan Great Buddha, and Baozang Temple.

Keelung City in Taiwan is the leading port city around the busy city of Taipei. It is also known as ‘Rainy Port’ as it plays a vital role in the second largest seaport of Taiwan and its constant rainfall.

Along with Bisha Fishing Port, some of the best places to visit in Taiwan and Keelung are Chung Cheng Park, Keelung Cultural Center, the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, and Heping Island, Park.

There are different historical landmarks across the city, including Uhrshawan Battery, Pengjia Lighthouse, and Dawulun Fort. During the Mid-Summer Ghost festival , the city remains crowded every year since 1851.

Where to stay: Best hotels in Keelung

Yushan National Park

Yushan National Park is named after the Yushan summit, the highest peak in the world, stretching around 100,000 hectares. Along with many canyons, cliffs, and valleys, there are approximately 30 more peaks at Yushan National Park. Nanan, Tataka, and Meishan are three main centers you can enter from. It is one of the best places to travel to Taiwan for some reason.

You will get Taiwan to guide you along the park so you can get a close encounter with the flourishing species of flora and fauna. Some of the most popular animals are deer, sambar, black beers, and Taiwan macaque, along with other reptiles, mammals, and birds. The Yushan trail attracts visitors with stunning views of greens.

Chiayi is a settlement city to some of the earliest known Zhangzhou leaders. Visitors can witness a lot of well-preserved artifacts in the Yimin Temple and its rich history.

If you are an outdoor lover, you can have a great time in Lantan Holland Lake, Chiayi Botanical Garden, or Chiayi Park. The Alishan Railway can take you through scenic attractions in the forest.

There are several galleries and museums here, such as the Municipal Museum, Culture Center, or the Historical Archives, filled with beautiful exhibits to enjoy. Do not miss the Wenhua Road Night Market, where you can sample local dishes and know the residents.

Where to stay: Best hotels in Chiayi

Kinmen County

Kinmen County, popularly known as Quemoy, is a small island located off the coast of Taiwan, and it is highly reputed as one of the best places to stay in Taiwan.

It was once the fierce battleground of the war fought between the Communists and the Nationalist forces in 1949. These days, it is a well-known tourist attraction and often known as the ‘park in the sea’ because of lush greens and vivid flowers on the island.

In Kinmen County, visitors can buy some of the souvenirs that the island is famed for, including ceramic and porcelain products, and knives designed with old mortar shells.

You can purchase culinary dishes from oyster omelets and various seafood items to Cantonese congee and stuffed clay-oven rolls. These are some of the delightful things one should try.

Kenting National Park

Kenting National Park is the oldest national park in Taiwan as it was established in 1984. It is one of the best Taiwan destinations on the southernmost tip of the Hengchun Peninsula. The national park is very popular among both visitors and locals known for its Scenic Mountain, beach, sunshine, and tropical climate .

In the park, the diverse flora and fauna include mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish species. Some of them are rare bull sharks, hawksbill turtles, and more than 26 land crab species. The 70 ft. high Eluanbi Lighthouse is another attraction here that you shouldn’t miss, which was built in 1883.

Located on Hengchun Peninsula, Pingtung County, Taiwan, Kenting National Park covers Manzhou, Checheng, and Hengchun townships. It is the southernmost and oldest national park in Taiwan, covering the southernmost area around Bashi Channel.

Operated by the Ministry of the Interior by Executive Yuan, the national park is well regarded for its spring Scream, a rock band festival celebrated every year in March . It is one of the best places to see in Taiwan as millions of visitors frequent it every year.

Initially developed in the year 1723, Hsinchu City is one of the best places for Taiwan sightseeing well known for the science park, HSP, or Hsinchu Science Park, which is filled with prestigious research and academic institutions and houses over 370 high-end companies? It is a beautiful place to explore for visitors.

In Hsinchu City, some of the main attractions are the Shibajain Mountain Range, Green Glass Lake, the Hsinchu Zoo, and the Glass Museum of Hsinchu.

Also famed as Chenghuang Temple, the Hsinchu City God Temple is among the top-ranked temples in Taiwan. After exploring this stunning temple, you may walk through stalls around and try delicious Taiwan food, including the signature rice noodles.

Where to stay: Best hotels in Hsinchu

Hualien County

Hualien is the biggest county in Taiwan and is also known as one of the most scenic Taiwan destinations. With towering summits, azure skies, views of the Pacific Ocean, and scenic valleys, visitors are attracted to its natural beauty. Both locals and globetrotters flock here to visit the stunning natural attractions in the cool Taroko Gorge National Park or the East Coast National Scenic Area.

You may walk along the Tunnel of Nine Turns, which takes a half hour so visitors can enjoy the stunning views of some of the beautiful gorges, rivers, and marble cliffs. Hualien County is a well-known destination for marathon runners and cyclists due to its fresh air, stunning view, favorable weather, and a lot of well-paved bike trails. Every year, a lot of marathon events and cycling tournaments are held in Hualien County.

It is without saying that Taiwan is boasting with tons of stunning national parks .

The maritime and industrial capital, Kaohsiung, is a thriving city and metropolis for Taiwan vacation . The weather remains pleasant all year round, and the scenic attractions nearby have made it the best destination for Taiwan tourism.

Here, visitors can explore the well-known tourist sites like Xiziwan Bay, Love River, Lotus Pond, Mount Shoushan, and the Old City of Zuoying. You can experience the ocean, river, and mountain views via bicycling, hiking, and camping .

Visitors can experience various traditions and cultures and try different new foods. The Port of Kaohsiung is the busiest and largest harbor in Taiwan, and Kaohsiung International Airport ranks second in terms of passenger count. The city has excellent connectivity to several major cities by conventional and high-speed rail and various national freeways.

Kaohsiung city has a lot of natural attractions because of its geographical variations and large size, as it is bordered in the northeast by the Central Mountain Range and the South China Sea towards the southwest and west. The warm and year-round climate is ideal for coral reefs to grow across the harbor.

The small Shoushan Mountain is completely made of calcium carbonate and coral reefs, while the hilly districts include the highest mountain of Taiwan, Yushan. Some of the other natural and scenic attractions are Lotus Lake, Mt. Banping, and Dongsha Atoll National Park, which is closed to the public as the military occupies it.

Where to stay: Best hotels in Kaohsiung

Nantou County

Located in the heart of Taiwan, Nantou is the only landlocked county on the island. It houses more than 40 mountains, including Mount Jade of Yushan, the highest peak of Taiwan. The longest river in the island, Zhoushui winds along with the county and offers beautiful views.

You can also visit one of several recreational farms for a peaceful and pleasant stay in the countryside. You can enjoy your day at the stunning Sun Moon Lake. Some other attractions you should visit are the Ita Thao Lakeside Trail, the Aowanda National Forest, the Xitou Nature Education Area, and the monument, which is the own landmark of the geographical hub of Taiwan.

Miaoli County

Miaoli County in Taiwan attracts visitors from different parts of the world to explore the Shitoushan or Lion’s Mountain Head. It is one of the most beautiful temples in the nation, and visitors are recommended to spend at least a few days to find the ultimate relaxation and peace.

If you visit Taiwan, the combination of wood sculptures, ceramic products, seasonal fruit and tung blossoms, and a pleasant climate makes it an ideal stop. The Taian Hot Spring Scenic Area is a well-known tourist attraction along with the Mingde Reservoir Scenic Area and Dahu Strawberry Culture Park.

Taroko National Park

Taroko National Park was established in the year 1980 and named after the gorge of the park, which was carved well by the Liwu River. Visitors can raft along the soothing waters, walk the ruins of Tupido Tribe Trail, or take beautiful views of the Tunnel of Nine Turns.

Some of the brilliant attractions you should not miss are the Bridge of the Kind Mother, Eternal Spring Shrine, the Baiyang waterfalls Trail, Lioufang Chiao Bridge, and the Shakadang Trail. The national park celebrates the Taroko Music Festival every year, where one can enjoy the local traditions and meet the locals here.

Yilan County

Located only a few hours of drive from Taipei, Yilan County offers a lot of natural attractions to the tourists. Yilan County is filled with hot and cold springs where you can take a relaxing dip.

One of the best attractions includes the Qilan Sacred Trees Garden, which houses hundreds of ancient trees like the hinoki false cypresses of Taiwan.

Some other attractions are watching whales and dolphins, walking in Caoling Historic Trail, and camping in the Qilan Forest area.

FAQ’s about Taiwan travel

Is taiwan an expensive place to visit.

The answer is yes and no. That is perhaps not the answer you’re looking for but the thing is, it is all up to you and how you handle your finances while traveling.

The truth is, Taiwan is not the cheapest country to visit in Asia if you’ll compare it to less expensive countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia ( popular destinations for shoestring travelers ).

However, Taiwan is not as expensive as Japan, Korea , or Hong Kong. So, you’ll definitely get by on a budget! Just be mindful of your purchases and do your research before going.

So, is Taiwan expensive for backpackers? Again, it depends. If you have €50-100 a day to spend, you’ll do just fine around Taiwan but anything less than that, you might truly have to do a lot of research for your budget to be enough.

Here’s a good post on how to save money for travel .

Is 3 days enough in Taiwan?

It is sad to say but no. Even though with Taiwan’s effective public transport, it is definitely not enough to see the whole country.

However, if you’re only planning to visit Taipei, you’ll get a sneak peek of what the city is famous for. Sadly, unless you have superhuman powers and could transport from one place to another, it will be an exhausting journey.

Is Taipei worth visiting?

Absolutely! There are a lot of amazing things to do and experience in Taipei a lot of people would find interesting and unique. From delicious cuisine to stunning architecture and interesting culture and traditions – they are all worth learning and experiencing!

How long do you need in Taiwan?

We believe in the 1-week rule. If you’re not sure, stay for at least a week with a flexible date. If you like it, stay longer but if you think you’ve seen enough, you most likely can tell that in a week.

However, anything between 7-14 days is a good estimate to start with if you’re planning to check out all the places to visit in Taiwan. It is not a huge country to explore and with good public transport, you can get to any place in comfortable timings.

What cities should I visit in Taiwan?

You should not miss Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Hualien!

What is famous in Taiwan?

Taiwan is famous for many things and here are some of them:

• Stinky tofu
• Delicious cuisine
• Street food
• Taroko Gorge
• Night markets

Check out these activities in Taiwan

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