best places to visit in taiwan during summer

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

My Top-5 Places in Taiwan

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

Taipei – The City with Everything

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alishan Region – Tea Farms & Bamboo Forests

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

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

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

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

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

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

Penghu Islands – Best Beaches

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

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

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

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

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

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

The East Coast – The Ultimate Road Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tainan – Temple Hopping in the Old Capital

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

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

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

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

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

Other Destinations I Love to Visit

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

The Pingxi Line – Best Taipei Day Trips

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

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

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

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

Yilan – Hot Springs & Kid-Friendly Activities

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

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

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

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

Kaohsiung – Arts & Temples

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hehuanshan – Hiking & Sunrises  

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

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

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

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

Lukang – Traditional Taiwanese Culture

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

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

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

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

Yushan – Taiwan’s Tallest Peak

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

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

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

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

The North Coast – Beaches & Harbors

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

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

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

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

Sun Moon Lake – Aboriginal Culture & Tea Farms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Green Island – Scuba & Salty Hot Springs

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

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

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

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

Taipingshan – Hiking on Old Logging Railways

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lion’s Head Mountain – Sleeping in a Temple

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

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

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

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

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

Orchid Island – Unique Aboriginal Culture

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

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

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

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

Neiwan Old Street – Hakka Culture & Hot Springs

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

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

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

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

Kenting National Park – Beachy Getaway

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

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

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

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

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

Xiaoliuqiu – Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

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

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

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

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

Read This Before Renting a Car and Driving in Taiwan!

What to eat at ningxia night market in taipei (with map), 2 thoughts on “20 places to visit in taiwan that i’m obsessed with”.

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

Thank you so much!

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The Perfect Taiwan Itinerary And Complete Taiwan Travel Guide

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 5, 2024

Categories Taiwan

Did you know Taiwan has the largest number and density of high mountains in the world? While this island may be small in size, it has much to offer!

From beautiful beaches to modern skyscrapers and from colorful street art to delicious cuisine, Taiwan has it all.

This Taiwan itinerary will guide you around the highlights of this green island that used to be called ‘Ilha Formosa' (meaning ‘ beautiful island ‘ in Portuguese). A fitting name as Taiwan is absolutely gorgeous!

Taiwan itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Itinerary for Taiwan and Taiwan travel map

In the map below you can find our Taiwan itinerary, at the end of the post you can download this map.

Click here for the interactive map

The ultimate Taiwan itinerary

• Day 1-3: Kaohsiung
• Day 4-6: Kenting National Park
• Day 7-9:  Tainan
• Day 10-11:  Taichung
• Day 12-13: Sun Moon Lake
• Day 14-19:  Taipei (part I)
• Day 20-23: Hualien and the Taroko Gorge
• Day 24-29:  Taipei (part II)

Important things to know when planning a trip to Taiwan

Taiwan is a great destination year-round, however, Spring (March-April) and Autumn (October-November) are the most popular times to visit. From mid-May until September, monsoon season causes a lot of rain, especially on the East Coast. We visited in May and while we did experience some rain, the weather was good on most days. However, we did adjust our travel plans because of the (terrible) weather forecast, and instead of traveling the entire length of Taiwan's East Coast (in the pouring rain), we opted to spend more time in Taipei (where it was still sunny). During Summer (June until August) Taiwan is hot and humid with temperatures rising above 30 degrees Celsius. Winter is low season in Taiwan, though it usually doesn't get that cold (around 10 degrees).

The official currency in Taiwan is the  New Taiwan dollar  ( NT $) .   Here  you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 34NT$ and $1 approximately 30NT$.

Plan your Taiwan trip like a pro with these tools: ? Pick up an EasyCard for cashless payments and to use public transport. ? Book discounted tickets for Taiwan's high-speed rail. ? Stay connected with a  Taiwan Wifi router . ? Plan your journey with the  T aiwan Lonely Planet . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Klook or Get Your Guide . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Taiwan travel tips

In general traveling around Taiwan is very easy. This beautiful small country is safe and well-organized and, as I already mentioned, the people are super friendly.

Nevertheless, here are some travel tips to make your Taiwan trip even easier (and cheaper!).

Buy an EasyCard

I recommend that as soon as you arrive in Taiwan, you pick up an EasyCard .

You can use this pass all over Taiwan to pay for transport (MRT, bicycles, buses, trains, ferries, etc.). The Easy Card gives you a discount on transport fares and saves you the hassle of having to pay with coins.

You can top up your credit in 7-11 and Family Mart (you can also pay with your EasyCard in these shops and several others).

Pick up a Wifi router at the airport

During our trip to Taiwan, we used a portable Wifi router with unlimited data to stay online.

We could connect all our devices (and we have a lot ) and had excellent reception everywhere in Taiwan (except in the tunnels on the East coast). Click here to book your Wifi router .

You can pick up the router upon arrival at Taoyuan international airport or Kaohsiung airport and use it throughout your Taiwan trip.

You can simply return the device to the service counter where you picked it up, or use a 24-hour drop-off box available at the airports mentioned above if you happen to have to catch a flight outside of business hours.

Be prepared to use Google Translate a lot

While the people in Taiwan are very friendly and always willing to help, I was surprised to learn that many Taiwanese don't speak English. At all.

They will still try to help you through and Google Translate makes it a lot easier. You can download the app for free in the App Store or the Play Store .

Our Taiwan trip: facts and figures

• I traveled with my husband; our trip started in Kaohsiung and ended in Taipei. Our Taiwan trip itinerary was  29 days in   total.
• We traveled around Taiwan by public transport (train, bus, and MRT). In Kenting National Park and Hualien, we rented a scooter. In Kaohsiung, Tainan, Taichung, and Taipei we used the public bicycle rental systems, bus, and MRT to get around.
• During our trip around Taiwan, we spent approximately   2065 NT / €63 / $69 per day as a couple. If you want to know more about the costs of our Taiwan trip , check my budget breakdown .
• I have written detailed guides for most places we visited in Taiwan, in these guides you can find detailed information about our day-to-day activities, transportation, and detailed information about our accommodation . You can find the links to those posts in the itinerary below.

Where to find great budget accommodation in Taiwan

In the table below you can find our Taiwan accommodation. I’ve also written a separate post about the places we stayed in Taiwan with more details about these places.

Note: Prices for these hotels depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Use ‘click here' to see the latest prices on Agoda and Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.

* Unfortunately, the Airbnbs we stayed at in Kaohsiung and Taipei are no longer available due to Covid-19. I've done my utmost to find a suitable alternative (see table) .

How to spend a month in Taiwan

Ideally, if you have a month in Taiwan as we did, you'd make a full circle around the island. You can either start and end your trip in Taipei or in Kaohsiung, as these are the largest hubs for international flights.

As I mentioned above, unfortunately, we didn't get to finish our Taiwan loop because monsoon season started and the East Coast was soaking wet.

Nevertheless, we had a lot of fun during the additional time we spend in Taipei and I don't regret making this decision. Below you can find our day by day one month Taiwan trip.

If you have less time available to explore Taiwan, don't worry, I've got you covered. Further on in the post, I also suggest shorter options (5, 7, and 10 days, plus 2 and 3 weeks) for your Taiwan travel itinerary.

Day 1 – 3: Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung isn't a well-known city, at least I had never heard of it before traveling to Taiwan. Of course, that could also just be me being ignorant…

Anyway, Kaohsiung is the third-largest city in Taiwan and this is where we started our trip. Kaohsiung is an important harbor city but also has many interesting sights.

My recommended activities for Kaohsiung are:

• Cycle the bicycle trail along the Love River . Worthwhile stops are the Kaohsiung 228 Peace Memorial Park, Zhongdou Wetlands Park, Botanical Garden, and the Lotus Pond.
• Cycle around the Lotus Pond. Another great bicycle trail goes around the Lotus Pond, on the south side of the lake you can find the colorful Tiger and Dragon Pagodas.
• Visit Qijin Island . This small island is only a 5-minute ferry ride from the mainland. Here you can explore the Cijin Coast Park, admire the view from the Cihou Lighthouse and visit the Maritime Museum.

Book your Kaohsiung accommodation: 85 Good Time Hotel

Click here to read about more things to do in Kaohsiung .

Day 4 – 6: Kenting National Park

From busy Kaohsiung, we traveled to the green Kenting National Park, in the South of Taiwan.

Fun fact: did you know there are 9 National Parks in Taiwan ?

Kenting National Park is beautiful, the beaches are pristine and the empty roads through lush green jungle make it the perfect place for a scooter road trip.

Some of the best places to visit in Kenting are:

• Maobitou Park : a great spot to admire the beautiful ocean views and impressive rock formations.
• Hengchun night market: try out lots of typical Taiwanese dishes and snacks and wash them down with a boba (bubble tea).
• Kenting town: take an hour or so to explore the town, but leave plenty of time to relax on a pretty Kenting beach, with white sand and stunning blue water.

Book your Kenting accommodation: Light Blue Bed & Breakfast

Click here to read about more things to do in Kenting .

Day 7 – 9: Tainan

Our next destination was Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan and one with a Dutch history which made it extra interesting for us (being from the Netherlands and all).

Back in 1624, the VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie or United East India Company in English) built Fort Zeelandia in Tainan and used the city as their ruling and trading base.

Besides the Dutch Fort, there are many beautiful temples in Tainan. In fact, there are more Buddhist and Taoist temples in Tainan than in any other Taiwanese city! The top spots in Tainan you should visit are:

• Koxinga’s Shrine : an impressive shrine dating from 1663. Also, take a stroll around the stylish garden in front of the complex.
• Fort Zeelandia: this fort was built by the Dutch in the early 17th century and used as a trading outpost. It's a great place to learn about (part of) the tumultuous history of Taiwan.
• National Museum of Taiwan History : another excellent place to learn about Taiwanese history and its many invaders throughout the decades (the Portuguese, the Dutch, the Chinese, and the Japanese).

Book your Tainan accommodation: Tie Dao Hotel

Click here to read about more things to do in Tainan .

Day 10 – 11: Taichung

Unfortunately, it was raining during the majority of our time in Taichung. We made the most of it though and went to the movies, ate wood-fired oven pizza, and hung out in cute cafes.

However, if the weather is a bit nicer, you can easily spend three days here as there are many things to do in this interesting city! Highlights in (and around) Taichung are:

• Rainbow Village : a short distance from Taichung city center you can find what is perhaps the most colorful village in the world. Painted by Huang Yong-Fu in a desperate attempt to preserve his home that was about to be torn down by the government, this artsy village has now become one of Taiwan’s most famous attractions!
• Chun Shui Tang Cultural Tea House : the birthplace of Taiwan's famous boba, aka bubble tea. Here you can take a bubble tea-making class and learn how to create these delicious and highly addictive concoctions yourself.
• Taichung Second Market : an authentic wet market with 100 years of history. Here you can eat local dishes created from secret family recipes handed down for generations!

Book your Taichung accommodation: Modern Inn

Click here to read about more things to do in Taichung .

Day 12 – 13: Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is the largest lake in Taiwan and a very popular place to visit. It sure is a gorgeous place, unfortunately, the rain that found us in Taichung followed us to Sun Moon Lake.

We had planned to do lots of outdoor activities, like cycling around the lake and hiking up Mt. Shuishe.

Instead, we spent most of our time in the Starbucks in Shuishe Village, running outside whenever the rain stopped for a brief moment to take pictures of the still beautiful-looking lake.

Nevertheless, there are tons of things to do at Sun Moon Lake when the weather is nice:

• Follow (part of) the Yuetan Bike Path : a 29 kilometers bike route that goes around Sun Moon Lake. You can also opt for a shorter section of approximately 12 kilometers.
• Ride the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway‭: from the Ropeway, you can enjoy the best views over the lake and forested mountains.
• Visit the Wenwu Temple and Ci En Pagoda : these beautiful constructions‭ are highly worth a visit, and both can be reached with the  Round-The-Lake-Bus .

Book your Sun Moon Lake accommodation: Itathao Motel

? Discount : if you're planning a trip to Sun Moon Lake,  check out the Sun Moon Lake ropeway combo pass , which includes the ropeway, bike rental, and a boat trip over the lake.

Day 14 – 19: Taipei (part I)

I loved Taipei! I'm not usually one for big cities for a long period of time, but I really enjoyed our time in Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan. We spent 12 days there in total and still didn't run out of things to do.

What I loved most about Taipei is how easy it was to get away from the busy part of town and find some peace and quiet.

There is so much nature just a subway ride away from the center! For example, we hiked a mountain trail in the Maokong area and didn't come across anyone else.

I've written an extensive post about Taipei and a blog about day trips from Taipei , but to sum up, here are some of the main Taipei highlights to add to your Taipei itinerary.

Admire the view from the iconic Taipei 101

Go up to the observation deck on the 91st floor for marvelous birds-eye views of Taipei city ( purchase a fast-track ticket here ).

Explore the National Palace Museum

This huge museum houses one of the world's largest collections of ancient Chinese artifacts and is highly worth a visit. Click here to buy your ticket online .

Hike the Elephant Mountain trail

A steep but short walk to the top of Elephant Mountain (a 183-meter high hill) offering beautiful views over Taipei and the aforementioned Taipei 101.

Visit Chang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is a huge and impressive building. Try to time your visit to coincide with the changing of the guards (every hour on the hour from 10 am to 4 pm).

Also visit the nearby Gate of Great Centrality and Perfect Uprightness, National Concert Hall, and the National Theater.

Eat your way around Shilin Night Market 

Shilin Night Market is one of the best night markets in Taiwan, and also one of the largest in the country. Sample some famous street food dishes such as stinky tofu, fried buns, bubble tea, and oyster omelet.

There are so many food stalls you'll inevitably find yourself coming back a second night to try out more typical Taiwanese foods and snacks.

Take a day trip to Maokong

This is a pretty little village on the outskirts of Taipei that can be reached via the Maokong gondola ( buy your online ticket here ) or bus.

There are several great hiking trails around the village, which is known for the cultivation of high-quality tea.

Book your Taipei accommodation: Comma Boutique Hotel

Click here to read about more things to do in Taipei .

Day 20 – 23: Hualien and the Taroko Gorge

The East coast was my favorite part of Taiwan and I have only seen a small section! There are steep cliffs, a stunning blue ocean, marble mountains, and a green jungle.

It's much less populated than the rest of Taiwan, only 4% of the Taiwanese live on the East Coast. We spent 3 days in Hualien and used this relaxed city as a base to explore the famous Taroko Gorge and the area south of Hualien.

Some of the best things to do around Hualien are:

• Qinshui Cliffs : the combination of the steep cliffs and the vivid blue color of the ocean is a spectacular sight.
• Taroko Gorge: one of the most popular places to visit in Taiwan and rightly so, it's a beautiful place. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, rope bridges, and amazing views wherever you look. Click here to book a day trip from Taipei or take a Taroko tour from Hualien city .
• East Coast National Scenic Area : we rented a scooter and went for an adventurous drive along the coast and mountainous area south of Hualien.

Book your Hualien accommodation: Honey B Trip B&B

Click here to read about more things to do in Hualien .

Day 24-29: Taipei (part II)

Because of the approaching typhoon season, it was already very rainy on the East Coast. Therefore we did not continue south to Taitung ( cycling Taiwan’s east coast is a very popular option) but went back to Taipei instead.

In Taipei, we had mostly sunny days for the remainder of our trip and there was a lot more to do in and around Taipei so this was the best option for us.

But I sure would love to see more of the East coast of Taiwan!

Alternative Taiwan itineraries (5, 7, and 10 days + 2 and 3 weeks)

Taiwan itinerary 5 days.

If you just have 5 days to travel around Taiwan, don't worry! While you cannot see everything the island has to offer, you can get a taste and feel of the country.

This is how I would spend a Taiwan 5 day itinerary:

• Day 1-2: Taipei
• Day 3: make a day trip from Taipei (such as Beitou, Tamsui, Wulai, Maokong , or Yehliu Geopark )
• Day 4: travel to Sun Moon Lake
• Day 5: explore Sun Moon Lake and return to Taipei

Taiwan itinerary 7 days

For a 7-day Taiwan itinerary, I'd suggest the following:

• Day 3: make a day trip from Taipei (such as Beitou, Tamsui, Wulai, Maokong or Thousand Island Lake and the Shiding tea township )
• Day 5: explore Sun Moon Lake and travel to Taichung ( book HSR tickets with a discount here )
• Day 6: Taichung
• Day 7: Taichung and return to Taipei

With this Taiwan 1 week itinerary, you will get to explore the buzzing capital as well as Taiwan's second-largest city, Taichung, and one of Taiwan's absolute highlights: the beautiful Sun Moon Lake.

Taiwan itinerary 10 days

This 10 day Taiwan itinerary not only includes the two major cities of Taiwan (Taipei and Taichung), but also the two most beautiful natural sights: Taroko Gorge on the East Coast and Sun Moon Lake in the middle of the Island.

• Day 3: make a day trip from Taipei (such as Beitou, Tamsui, Wulai, or Maokong )
• Day 4: travel to Hualien
• Day 5: visit Taroko Gorge
• Day 6: travel to Sun Moon Lake
• Day 7: Sun Moon Lake
• Day 8-9: Taichung
• Day 10: Return to Taipei

For days 4-10 of this Taiwan 10 day itinerary, it's easiest to rent a car as this will allow you to explore Taroko Gorge independently.

It's also the easiest way to travel from the East Coast to the West coast. If you opt to travel via public transportation, the best way to travel from Hualien to Sun Moon Lake is via Taipei.

Taiwan 2 week itinerary

If you have 2 weeks in Taiwan, I'd recommend traveling either from North to South or vice versa. Your 2 week Taiwan itinerary could look like this:

• Day 1-3: Taipei
• Day 4-5: Sun Moon Lake
• Day 6-7: Taichung
• Day 8-9: Tainan
• Day 10-11: Kenting National Park
• Day 12-14: Kaohsiung

This 2 week Taiwan itinerary is especially suitable for people looking to travel in one direction instead of a loop.

Taiwan 3 week itinerary

If you don't mind a fast-paced itinerary, you could make a complete loop around Taiwain in three weeks. For this 3 week Taiwan itinerary, I'd suggest the following route:

• Day 6-8: Taichung
• Day 9-10: Tainan
• Day 11-13: Kaohsiung
• Day 14-15: Kenting National Park
• Day 16-17: Taitung
• Day 18-20: Hualien and Taroko Gorge
• Day 21: Return to Taipei

You will be traveling a lot with this 3-week itinerary for Taiwan and I'd recommend avoiding monsoon season (which is especially bad on the East Coast).

This itinerary for 3 weeks in Taiwan will show you very different sides of Taiwan. You'll explore several interesting cities, spend enough time at the most beautiful lake in Taiwan and also visit two National Parks (Taroko and Kenting).

Planning a trip to Taiwan: in conclusion

I had a great time in Taiwan and hope this post will help you plan your trip to this wonderful little island.

You can download the map and table with the transport information below. If you have any questions, leave a comment or send me a message !

This post was updated in November 2022.

ViaTravelers

Tuesday 7th of September 2021

Hello, Lotte! Thank you for thsi great blog! Taiwan is such a fascinating place to visit, and I love the Itinerary you gave. It makes an almost two-week trip to Taiwan packed and great!

Monday 4th of October 2021

Thanks for your kind words about my Taiwan itinerary:-) It's such a great country, too bad it's been closed since Covid... Anyway, enjoy your time in Amsterdam (I saw you went on a canal boat trip on your IG).

Monday 18th of January 2021

Thanks so much for sharing such an amazing post of your experience in Taiwan! I've always wanted to visit this country, and your post helped me add even more to my Taiwan must-visit list.

Sunday 24th of January 2021

Thank you for reading my Taiwan post and great to hear it's inspired you (even more) to visit this amazing island. I really loved our time there and would love to go back to explore more (and eat more delicious food...) One day!

Sunday 3rd of January 2021

Thank you so much for all this information. I truly appreciate it! I have been Virtual traveling since C19 and once this pandemic is contained and global green light turns on, Ilike to take my boys (husband and son) to Taiwan. Stay safe and god bless. Thank you

Sunday 10th of January 2021

Hi May Twu,

Thank you for reading my post and most welcome! For now, virtual travel is what will have to do... Hopefully, things will improve in 2021 with vaccine campaigns starting up. I hope you can visit Taiwan in the near future!

Stay safe and thanks again! Lotte

Tuesday 14th of May 2019

Hi. Thanks for the very informative itinerary!

May I know which month did you went to Taiwan? Thanks.

You are welcome! We went to Taiwan in May and left at the start of June. Have a nice trip:-)

Thursday 22nd of February 2018

Thank your for post, it's very useful! Taiwan looks really amazing.

Saturday 24th of February 2018

Thank you, Taiwan is amazing indeed:-)

The 26 Best Things to See and Do in Taiwan

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

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

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

Tawan Travel Basics

How long to spend in taiwan.

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

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

Getting Around Taiwan

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

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

Currency in Taiwan

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

Languages Used in Taiwan

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

The Top 26 Sights in Taiwan

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

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

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

2. Check out the View from the Taipei 101

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

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

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

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

Book a Taipei 101 Ticket in Advance

3. Eat at the Taipei’s Night Markets

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

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

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

4. Explore the Ximending District

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

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

Where to Stay in Ximending

Tango Inn Taipei Ximen

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

Check Prices on Booking.com

5. Win a Claw Machine Prize

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

6. Drink Bubble Tea

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

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

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

7. Try Stinky Tofu

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

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

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

8. Climb to the top of Elephant Mountain

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

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

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

9. Visit the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

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

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

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

10. Lounge in Beitou Hot Springs

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

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

Where to Stay in Beitou Hot Spring

Hotel Royal Beitou

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

The Gaia Hotel

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

11. Stroll Down the Jiufen Old Street

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

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

12. Launch a Sky Lantern in Shifen

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

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

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

13. Visit the “Little Niagra of Taiwan”

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

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

14. Hike the Pingxi Crags (Xiaozishan Trail)

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

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

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

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

15. Trek the Sandiaoling Trail

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

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

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

Highlights of Central Taiwan

16. summit the sixiu mountains.

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Enjoy Sun Moon Lake

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

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

Where to Stay Near Sun Moon Lake

Shaoguang 188

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

18. Visit the Rainbow Village

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

Highlights of Southern Taiwan

19. explore kaohsiung city.

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

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

Where to Stay in Kaohsiung

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

20. Reverse Your Luck at the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

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

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

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

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

21. Admire the Dome of Light

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

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

22. Check out the View from the 85 Sky Tower

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

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

23. Find Religion at the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

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

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

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

24. Trek in the Kenting National Forest Recreation Area

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

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

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

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

25. Lounge on the Beach

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

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

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

26. Check out the View From Longpan Park

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

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

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

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About the Author:

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

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

This really helped me on my trip to Taiwan.

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

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

Categories Asia , Taiwan

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

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

Best Places to Visit in Taiwan

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

FIRST TIMERS GUIDE TO TAIWAN

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

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

GETTING AROUND TAIWAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day Trips from Taipei

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

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

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

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

4. Yehliu Geopark

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

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

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

5. Beitou Hot Springs

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

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

6. Yangmingshan National Park

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

7. Kaohsiung

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Taichung

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Sun Moon Lake

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

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

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

10. Dakeng Hiking Trails

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

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

11. Hualien  

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

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

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

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

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

12. Taroko National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. Taitung

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

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

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

15. Kenting National Park

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

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

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

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

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

16. Green Island

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

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

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

17. Penghu Islands

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

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

18. Keelung

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

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

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

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

How to Get Around Taiwan?

Trains in taiwan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

High-Speed Train from Taipei to Taichung.

High-Speed Train from Taipei to Tainan.

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

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

TAIWAN ITINERARY HELP

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

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

TAIWAN ON A BUDGET

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

Car Hire in Taiwan

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

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

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

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

Best Time of Year to Visit Taiwan

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

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

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

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

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Friday 27th of December 2019

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

TheWanderingQuinn

Tuesday 7th of January 2020

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

• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

36 Must-Visit Attractions in Taiwan

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

1. taipei 101.

2. National Palace Museum

3. taroko gorge.

Park, Shrine

5. Sun Moon Lake

Natural Feature

7. Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Buddhist Temple

8. Shilin Night Market

9. yangmingshan geysers, 10. longshan temple.

11. Rainbow Village

12. chiang kai-shek memorial hall.

Memorial, Building, Park

13. Kenting Street

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

17. The Taiwan Black Bear

18. jiufen gold mines.

Historical Landmark, Museum

19. Enjoy a wild hot spring

Swimming Pool

Yushan National Park

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

Maolin National Scenic Area

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

Miramar ferris wheel

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

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

Chimei Museum

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

Fulong beach

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

Xinmending shopping district

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

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

Attend a cultural festival

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

Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms

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

The Most Unusual Things to do in Taiwan

Go zorbing in kenting.

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

Play with some sheep

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

Eat some penis-shaped goodies

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

Buy betel nuts from a scantily-clad lady

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

Go paragliding in Wanli

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

Visit a haunted prison

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

Have a sleepover in an aquarium

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

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

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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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Asia , Itineraries , Taiwan · January 22, 2020

Taiwan Itinerary: 2 Perfect Weeks in Taiwan

Are you planning a trip to Taiwan? If so, this 2 weeks in Taiwan itinerary is just what you need to plan an epic trip!

Taiwan is a fascinating little island with so many amazing things to do and places to go. To help you discover all of Taiwan’s best bits, I’ve compiled this super detailed Taiwan itinerary.

In this travel guide, I’ll cover how to plan the perfect 2 weeks in Taiwan itinerary, what to do in Taiwan, and where to go in Taiwan. I’ve also included handy tips and tricks on how to navigate the top places in Taiwan, where to stay, and which tours to consider during your two weeks in Taiwan. Moreover, I’ve also shared additional recommendations if you’re spending three weeks 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 Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Planning a Taiwan Itinerary

2 weeks in Taiwan is not nearly long enough to see everything this beautiful, colorful island has on offer. However, it will give you a good taste of Taiwan and allow ample time to see all of Taiwan’s best bits.

This 2-week in Taiwan itinerary will enable you to sample all of Taiwan’s highlights – from the colorful temples, the crazy cuisine, the bustling cities, the chaotic night markets , and of course, the beautiful landscapes.

During these two weeks in Taiwan, you will experience Taiwan’s most popular attractions, local life, and get the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. There will be opportunities for exploring, hiking, feasting, and relaxing, making this the perfect 14 day Taiwan itinerary!

As already mentioned, this guide is jam-packed with all the best things to do in Taiwan and includes loads of incredibly useful Taiwan travel tips. If you’d like to skip these tips and go straight to my Taiwan 14 days itinerary, you can do so by navigating your way around the table of contents.

Ready to discover how to spend 2-3 weeks in Taiwan and see Taiwan’s top attractions? Let’s go!

2 Week Taiwan Itinerary – Quick Overview

This 2-3 week itinerary can easily be tailored or extended to suit your traveling needs. Here’s a quick overview of what’s covered in this Taiwan itinerary.

• Taiwan Itinerary Day 1-3: Explore vibrant Taipei & Surroundings
• Taiwan Day 4-5: Visit scenic Hualien & go hiking in Taroko Gorge
• Itinerary in Taiwan Day 6-7: Visit Taichung & Sun Moon Lake
• Taiwan Day 8-9: Trek through lush Alishan
• Day 10: Visit there ancient city of Tainan
• Taiwan Itinerary Day 11-12: Explore Taiwan’s art hub, Kaohsiung
• Day 13-14: Soak up the beach vibes at Kenting
• Day 15: Back to Taipei or explore more of Taiwan’s hidden gems with an extended 3 weeks Taiwan itinerary. (See details below)

Taiwan Itinerary Pre-Travel Tips

Before you jet off on a whirlwind trip around Taiwan, you’ll need a few essential things in place first. Here are my top pre-travel tips to help you craft the perfect Taiwan intinerary:

• Plan your stops:  Taiwan is a relatively small island, but proper planning is essential. Traveling from A to B can waste a considerably large chunk of your time in Taiwan. Therefore, it’s best to map out your stops and consider using  a mix of transport  modes to maximize your time in Taiwan. If you’re traveling during weekends or peak seasons, be sure to book train tickets online. Tickets are available 28 days in advance. 
• Language barrier:  Learn a   few basic Chinese phrases to help you get by easily. Downloading  Google Translate  is also highly encouraged. And, make sure to download Traditional Chinese for a smooth journey. 
• Sim Card:  Order a local  SIM card to pick up at the airport   upon arrival to access maps, schedules, translations, and much more without the headache of searching for wifi hotspots. 
• Easy Card:  To save time and the hassle of bothering with small change, I highly encourage ordering an  Easy Card . That way, you can tap-and-go on buses, trains, a nd the MRT . You can also use it to pay for some taxis rides or goods at convenience stores.  
• Fun Pass:  If you’re planning on visiting many of Taipei’s top attractions, consider grabbing an  Unlimted Fun Pass . The Fun Pass allows you to save money on transport and entry fees. 
• Travel Cover:  Taiwan is a very safe country, even for solo female travelers. However, things can and do go wrong when you travel.  World Nomads  offers coverage for more than 150 activities, as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Extra reading:  If you want to know more about the island, its history, and people, I found  this guidebook  tremendously insightful and useful. 
• Travel Apps: Download these travel apps for Taiwan to help you plan, communicate and navigate around the island.

How to Get in

Taiwan has several international airports, but you will most likely arrive at  Taoyuan International Airport . Taoyuan Airport is located just 45 minutes from the capital, Taipei. From here, you have several options to access the city, the most accessible being the MRT. ( Grab your MRT ticket here to skip the queue ). 

However, if you are traveling with heavy luggage, consider a  private transfer  to make things a little bit easier. Taxis are reasonable and plentiful, too, and buses frequently run to the central bus station from the airport’s bus terminal. Read my detailed guide on how to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei for more tips. 

How to Get Around Taiwan

Buses & trains.

Taiwan has an exceptionally well-planned public transit system, offering buses, trains, and taxis for convenient travel. TRA trains can connect you to all corners of the island, but the high-speed rail along the island’s western coast can significantly reduce traveling time, allowing you to maximize your time. Major cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung also have an extensive Mass Rapid Transit system. Buses in Taiwan are cheap and frequent, but finding information in English can sometimes be challenging. That said, taking a local bus is relatively straightforward if you plan to visit top tourist spots like Alishan, Jiufen, Yehliu, Sun Moon Lake, and Taroko.

Train Travel Tips

• During weekends or special holidays, trains tickets sell out quickly. So, remember to book train tickets online. It’s important to know, though, that tickets are only available 28 days in advance.
• Single journey tickets can be purchased at all train stations. But, you may want to grab a  Joint Train Pass  to save money and enjoy a hassle-free Taiwan itinerary. Currently, there is only a 5-day joint pass, but it is well worth considering. 

Taxis are cheap and plentiful in bigger cities whereas you’ll see less in smaller towns. Like in most other major cities, you can flag down a cab from the street. 

If you’re in a rush, the easiest way to get a taxi is to order one from the iBon machines located in any 7-11 islandwide. There is no English language option on the device, so if you can’t read Chinese, it’s best to ask one of the staff members for assistance. Also, make sure to have your destination’s address handy  in Chinese , as most taxi drivers can’t speak English well 

If you prefer to use Uber, that’s also an option for you, especially in bigger cities like Taipei, Hsinchu, Taichung and Kaohsiung. Just a heads up, you might need the Chinese address for the app. 

In most cities, you’ll also find Youbike stations scattered around town where you can pick up a bike and then drop it off at any other station. You do, however, need a local number, which is where investing a  local sim card  and an  Easy card  comes in handy. 

If you’re planning on using the biking system in Kaohsiung or Tainan, remember to register online first. Elsewhere, YouBike is the most common biking system. It’s important to know, though, recent changes to Youbike’s T’s & C’s now require a deposit to activate the registration. 

Car or Scooter Rental

Since Taiwan has a highly efficient public transport, it’s not necessary to rent a car on your Taiwan trip. Unless you want to, of course. In general, you can rent a car at the airports, HSR stations and even at bigger train stations. And, you’ll need a  valid international driver’s license  to do so. 

Similar to renting cars, it is also possible to rent a scooter. In places such as Kenting, Sun Moon Lake, Xiaoliuqiu, Hualien, and Taroko, renting a scooter is a fun and easy way to get around. Again, make sure you have a  valid international driver’s license for a scooter , otherwise this will not be an option for you.

The Perfect 2 Weeks in Taiwan Itinerary: What to do in Taiwan

Although this guide covers all the best bits of Taiwan, it can easily be tailored to your traveling needs. Feel free to mix things up by adding stops, flipping your Taiwan trip around, or staying longer in one destination. But remember to keep traveling time and the weather in mind.

The weather can vary quite a bit depending on your location in Taiwan. For instance, it could be hot and sunny in one region but rainy in another. Therefore, always keep an eye on the weather forecast. After reading this post, however, you will have a pretty good idea of what not to miss on your Taiwan itinerary.

Taiwan Itinerary Day 1-3: Explore Taipei and surroundings

A fascinating history, beautiful architecture seamlessly blending old and new, and a fast-growing food scene are among the many reasons that Taipei, Taiwan, is becoming an increasingly popular destination in Asia. 

There are so many incredible  things to do in Taipei , but getting a bird’s-eye view of the cityscape at Taipei 101, the tallest skyscraper in Taiwan, learning more about the country’s turbulent past at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and browsing the ancient treasures at the National Palace Museum are all obligatory. If you plan to visit lots of touristy places in Taipei, grabbing an unlimited fun pass can help you save money in the city.

When it comes to food, Taiwan is just the place for a culinary journey! Whether you’re keen to join a  food tour in Taipei  or prefer to snack your way through the bustling night markets – there are plenty of choices to keep your taste buds wanting more! Whatever you do, don’t forget to stop by Taiwan’s most revered Michelin Star Restaurant, Ding Tai Fong – a must for dumpling fans! If it’s nightlife you’re after, be sure to check out these fun  things to do in Taipei at night !

Besides using the MRT (subway), the  hop-on hop-off bus  is another excellent way to see most of Taipei’s attractions. The bus has two routes taking you to all of the highlights in the city. 

With  3-5 days in Taipei , you could easily do a quick side trip to one of the unique villages nearby. Some of the  best Taipei day trips  include visiting  Keelung ,  Jiufen ,  Laomei Green Reef ,  Wulai ,  Shifen Waterfall , and Yangmingshan National Park. If you’re visiting Taiwan with kids, the  Xpark Aquarium  is another fun place to go. 

TIP: There are a few things you should know before going to Taipei, so be sure to also read my Taipei travel tips guide. Another thing to note is that Taipei 101 is always busy, and the queues can be a real pain. To save time and skip the lines, I strongly suggest grabbing an  observatory priority pass online .

Where to Stay in Taipei

Taipei has a fantastic selection of accommodation options, but staying near an MRT stop is highly encouraged. See my top picks for where to stay in Taipei or search the best hotel deals here.

T o make the most of your time in Taipei, sleep in Ximending, Xinyi, Daan, or near the central station. All of these areas are well connected to transit options and many of the top sights in Taipei. 

Here are some of the best picks near Taipei Main Station:

CityInn Hotel   offers excellent value for money and is steps from Taipei Main Station. Besides the hotel’s fun, quirky interior, there are many shops and restaurants nearby, making it a great base.

Travelers looking for something a bit more posh may wish to check in at  Palais de Chine Hotel   located just 300m from the central station.

While shoestring travelers looking to stretch their dollars without sacrificing style and comfort can stay at  Flip Flop Hostel  – a bright and uber-modern hostel offering clean, stylish accommodations. 

popular tours in taipei

• Explore Taipei City
• Taipei City, Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour
• Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen Day Tour 

After exploring the bustling capital city of Taipei and sampling some of the fantastic days drips on offer nearby, it’s time to get close to nature and explore the rest of the island. 

Taiwan Itinerary  Day 4 & 5: Hualien and Taroko Gorge

From Taipei, it’s a 2h30 train ride to Hualien – a charming seaside city and the gateway to Taroko Gorge. Make sure you catch a Puyuma or Taroko train to Hualien. Both these lines will get you to Hualien in the shortest amount of time. If budget isn’t a problem, you could consider flying while shoestring travelers may hop on the new direct bus from Taipei.  For more tips, see my guide on getting to Hualien from Taipei .

Although most visitors rush through Hualien rather quickly on their way to Taroko, the city itself and its nearby attractions are well worth exploring.

Stop by the iconic Qingshui Cliffs, relax at Taiwan’s revered pebble beach, Qixingtan, and enjoy a stroll at Liyu Lake. More adventurous travelers can try some of the exciting adventure sports nearby. River tracing, paragliding and whale watching are just a few of the exciting activities you can enjoy while in Hualien. Although one day in Hualien is a bit tight, it will allow ample time to get to know the city a little bit b etter. And, of course, see most of the city’s highlights .

Also, be sure to read this  Hualien first-timer’s guide   for more tips on what to do in and around Hualien. 

Where to stay in Hualien

To make the most of your time in Hualien, it’s best to stay near the train station. This way, you’ll have easy access to the Taroko shuttle bus and train .

Meci Hotel   is an excellent option for travelers looking for a clean and trendy stay within walking distance from the train station . While budget travelers could find cheaper dorm-style rooms at  Wow Hostel   without sacrificing style and comfort. Alternatively, the  Fullon Hotel   is an alluring, 5-star hotel, a bit further away from the train station. 

popular hualien tour s

• Taiwanese Aboriginal Cooking Class 
• Hualien Day Tour from Taipei
• River Tracing Experience in Hualien

Taroko Gorge

The highlight of any Taiwan itinerary has to be the island’s stunning limestone gorge, Taroko Gorge , which spans 19km. This natural wonder is the top tourist attraction in Taiwan, offering hidden temples, sublime nature, and fantastic hiking opportunities. 

Some obligatory stops include the Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow Grotto, and tackling the Shakadang Trail – a beautiful 4km trek that takes you past azure-colored pools and lush jungle. For serious hikers, the Zhuili Old Trail is a huge must. You’ll need to apply for a permit online in advance. But to save the headache, you can also join this  guided tour .

To get to Taroko from Hualien, rent a scooter, join a tour, or hop on the local shuttle bus. Although there are a few hostels and budget accommodation options near Taroko, most are a bit run down. It’s best to base yourself in Hualien, where you’ll likely find more choice and value for money. However, if you prefer staying within Taroko Gorge, I highly recommend staying at the beautiful Silks Place .

popular taroko Tours

• Taroko Gorge Day Tour with Round-trip Flight from Taipei
• Taroko Gorge, Swallow Grotto, & Seven Star Lake Day Tour

Taiwan Itinerary Day 6 & 7: Taichung & Sun Moon Lake 

On the sixth day of your 14 day Taiwan itinerary, head out to Taichung. A s the second largest city in Taiwan, Taichung also serves as the gateway to Sun Moon Lake and dreamy Cingjing Farm.

Taichung is a fascinating hub offering a whole host of fun things to do, from museums, galleries, and hipster hangouts. It’s also home to Taiwan’s biggest night market, Feng Chia, and colorful Rainbow Village.

Spend your Taichung itinerary browsing the cities unique architecture and public spaces , like the National Museum of Natural Sciences, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the National Theater. If you want to explore the city’s outskirts, the options for day trips from Taichung are endless. Don’t miss Gaomei Wetlands, Lavender Cottage, and Xinshe Sea of Flowers.

Make sure also to read my detailed guide on how to get to Taichung and discover the Taichung’s top IG spots here.

Where to stay in Taichung

Sof Hotel  is a beautiful boutique hotel right in the heart of the city. The hotel offers clean, modern rooms and easy access to the city’s top attractions. 

Travelers seeking upscale accommodation may wish to stay at the top-rated, 4-star premises of  Hotel 7 Taichung  while solo travelers can find clean, trendy dorm rooms at  Ease Single Inn .

popular taichung tours

• Historic Downtown Taichung Tour 
• Qingjing Farm Day Tour from Taichung
• Taichung One Day Tour including Gaomei Wetland, Rainbow Village, and Miyahara 

Sun Moon Lake

After you’ve explored Taichung, hop on a bus to Taiwan’s largest natural lake – Sun Moon Lake. The bus ride takes 90 minutes, but you could also book a private driver or even join a day tour if you prefer. See all my insider’s tips on how to get to Sun Moon Lake here.

Spending 24 hours in   Sun Moon Lake   is more than enough time to see all the main attractions. The two main villages situated at opposite ends of the lake are Shuishe Village and Ita Thao. Besides its natural beauty, Sun Moon Lake is famous for its many excellent biking paths taking you around the lake, aboriginal food, and of course its temples .

One of the most remarkable temples not to miss while in Sun Moon Lake is Wenwu temple – a centuries-old temple offering magnificent views over the lake. Further afield, Ci’ En P agoda is yet another great spot to get a bird’s-eye view of the area.

Most of the top sights are easily accessed by Round-the-lake shuttle bus or boats. And, bike rentals are cheap and plentiful too. If you want to be right in the hustle and bustle of Sun Moon Lake, base yourself in Shuishe Village. Travelers seeking something a bit more laidback may wish to stay in Ita Thao instead. Here you’ll find a booming aboriginal street food market, and have easy access to the Sun Moon Lake Cable Car. 

Exploring Cingjing Farm en route to Sun Moon Lake? Read my detailed Qingjing Travel Guide , as well as this guide on how to get to Cingjing !

Where to stay in Sun Moon Lake

Fleur De Chine Hotel  is a lavish property offering superb amenities and mind-bending views of the lake. 

Hotel Del Lago   is an excellent choice for mid-range travelers who’d like to stay   on the lake’s shore.

If you’re looking for something a bit more secluded, stay at the romantic  Timing House.

For more options, see my complete guide on the best places to stay in Sun Moon Lake .

popular sun moon lake tours

• Sun Moon Lake Full-Day Tour
• Sun Moon Lake Adventure One Day Tour  

Taiwan Itinerary Day 8 & 9: Alishan 

To maximize your two weeks in Taiwan, I highly recommend catching the direct bus from Sun Moon Lake to Alishan. Alternatively, you could head back to Taichung and, from there, take the HSR to Chiayi. From Chiayi, you’ll need to take yet another bus or  join a shared shuttle  to get to the Alishan Forest Recreation Park. As you can see, this will take considerably longer, so I wouldn’t advise following this route. 

Alishan is one of the most-visited national parks in Taiwan, and no trip to Taiwan is complete without visiting it. Nestled high up among several of Taiwan’s most iconic mountains, Alishan offers excellent hiking opportunities through towering cypress trees and misty forests. Besides the terrific views on offer, Alishan is also well-known for its iconic old forest railway line and the best sunrise viewing spot in Taiwan. 

Although it is possible to see Alishan in as little as a day, it means you would probably miss the sunrise. Therefore, settle overnight so that you, too, can experience this beautiful phenomenon.

For more in-depth tips on visiting Alishan, read my mammoth guide covering  everything you need to know about visiting Alishan and this one on how to get to Alishan . 

Where to stay in Alishan

Unfortunately, there aren’t too many options when it comes to choosing where to stay in Alishan.  Alishan House  is undoubtedly the best hotel within the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area and your safest bet.  

popular Alishan tours

• 2D1N Alishan Forest Railway Day Trip
• Alishan Day Trip from Chiayi
• Discover Alishan Mountain

Taiwan Itinerary Day 10: Tainan

After exploring the lush forests of Alishan, take the local bus to Chiayi HSR station. Hop on a high-speed train and make your way to Tainan – the next stop on your 14-day Taiwan itinerary. 

Taiwan’s ancient capital city, Tainan, packs the perfect mix of history, temples, architecture, and phenomenal food. With a deep-rooted history dating back nearly 400 years, Tainan is steeped in tradition and culture. Visiting Chihkan Tower, Anping Old Fort, and Shennong Old Street are just a few of the  incredible things to do in Tainan . Besides these, wandering through a few of the ancient temples (there are almost 1000 temples in Tainan!) is also obligatory. 

Tainan also boasts a booming food culture influenced by several cultures. Some of the most notable dishes to try while visiting Tainan include almond tofu pudding and Danzai noodles. 

Be sure also to read my detailed guide on  getting to Tainan  for more transport tips.

Where to stay in Tainan

Tainan is a sprawling city and has a great selection of hotels and hostels. To make the most of your 1 day in Tainan, I recommend staying near the city center. This way, most of the attractions, as well as the train station, will be nearby.

FX Hotel   is at a perfect central location, and offers excellent value for money.

Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel  is a modern 5-star hotel close to some of Tainan’s top attractions. 

Those looking for slightly cheaper accommodation, may wish to check in at the stylish 158Hostel   instead.

popular tours in Tainan

• Tainan Classic Attractions Day Tour

Taiwan Itinerary Day 11 & 12: Kaohsiung 

There are lots of options to visit in Taiwan’s largest port city, Kaohsiung. While  2 days in Kaohsiung  isn’t nearly enough time to explore all its corners, it will allow ample time to see all the top sights and enjoy the city’s booming art scene and laidback hipster vibes.  You can also find out how to get to Kaohsiung here.

Start your trip by visiting some of  Kaohsiung’s most Instragrammable places , such as the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, and Pier 2 Art Center. Further afield, don’t miss the opportunity to tour the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan, Fo Guang Shan where you can get a closer look at some of the treasures housed in the memorial hall, or admire the giant bronze buddha.

As elsewhere in Taiwan, Kaohsiung has many bustling night markets, with Luihe Night Market being the top pick among tourists. Seeing that Kaohsiung is a seaside city, definitely feast on some of the fantastic seafood on offer here!  If you need more ideas, this guide on what to do in Kaohsiung will also come on handy.

Travelers seeking a quick nature break can hop on a 5-minute ferry ride to dreamy Cijin Island . The best way to see all this little island has on offer is by bike. There are many bike shops right in front of the 7-11 when you disembark the ferry, but you could also pick one up near the Art Pier.

Some of the highlights on Cijin include dropping by the Rainbow Church and snacking your way through the old street. For sweeping views of the island and harbor, don’t miss Cihou Fort or the Kaohsiung Lighthouse on your visit. 

Where to stay in Kaohsiung

Just Sleep  offers modern mid-range accommodation, located near Kaohsiung Station. 

For travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Kaohsiung,  FX Inn   is a perfect choice and offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations.

Treat yourself at  Silks Club , a posh 5-star hotel near some of the city’s top attractions. 

popular Tours in Kaohsiung

• Kaohsiung Classic Attractions Day Tour
• Fo Guang Shan and Cheng Ching Lake

Taiwan Itinerary Day 13 & 14: Kenting

Catch the Kenting shuttle bus at exit 2 of the Kaohsiung HSR station to Kenting (2 hours). Be sure to use your Easy Card  as the price will be much cheaper. Tickets are also open-ended, meaning you can return whenever you please.  (For more transport options, check out my guide on how to get to Kenting ).

You can’t come to Taiwan without at least stopping by the dreamy seaside village of Kenting. On weekends Kenting buzzes with tourists and locals who’ve come to enjoy the laidback beach vibes, excellent water sports, and tasty treats at the night market. 

Most of the  activities in Kenting  include taking in the magnificent views, enjoying some beach time, and eating as much seafood as you possibly can! Whatever you decide to do, don’t miss exploring the scenic parks nearby. Maobitou and Longpan Park both offer mind-blowing vistas. 

Other popular activities include visiting the Eluanbi lighthouse, stopping by the most southern point of Taiwan, and simply lounging on the best beaches in Taiwan !  More adventurous travelers may consider joining some of the excellent water sports activities, such as diving, snorkeling, or  surfing nearby.

TIP: The best way to explore Kenting is by scooter, but to do so, you’ll need a  valid international driver’s license . If that is not an option for you, you might still be able to rent an electronic scooter at some of the shops. 

Where to stay in Kenting

There are heaps of places to stay in Kenting , but the three main areas are Chuanfanshi, Kenting Street, and Nanwan. If you want to be right in the heart of Kenting, it’s best to stay near the main street. 

Kenting Seawall 112 an excellent mid-range option with modern interiors and epic ocean views. For something a bit more upscale,  Howard Beach Resort  or  Caesar Park Hotel  are both fantastic 5-star options. 

Kenting can, however, get quite crowded on weekends, so if you want to skip the crowds, stay at Chuanfanshi instead.  Hold On Bed and Breakfast   and  Chuanfanrock Haku Beach Days Inn   both offer stunning ocean views and beautiful modern rooms. 

popular tours in kenting

• Kenting Classic Attractions Day Tour
• Best of Hengchun Peninsula

Taiwan Itinerary Day 15: Back to Taipei

Since you’ll be traveling from south to north (roughly 4-5 hours) , you won’t have a lot of time to do m uch on your last day of 2 weeks in Taiwan. So, be sure to get an early start so that you can enjoy a bit more of Taipei.

Once back in Taipei, relax at your hotel, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy a gentle stroll t hrough suburbia where you’re bound to get a c loser look at locals going about their daily life. 

Extended 3 week Taiwan Itinerary 

Taiwan is a beautiful country filled with many hidden gems. If you have longer than two weeks in Taiwan, there is plenty more to see and do! With three weeks in Taiwan there is more than enough time to enjoy a round-island Taiwan itinerary. Follow the same steps as above, but instead of going to Taroko Gorge on Day 4-5, leave this as your final stop before making your way back to Taipei. 

Here are a few more options you might want to add to your Taiwan itinerary if you have three weeks in Taiwan.

Explore Taitung

After exploring laidback Kenting, make your way to one of Taiwan’s most scenic treasures – Taitung. From here, you can catch a local TRA train to Hualien (and access Taroko Gorge) before finally making your way back to Taipei. 

Taitung is mainly an untouched slice of Taiwan, and not many travelers venture out this far. Partly because of the traveling time involved to get there. But if you have a few extra days on your three weeks in Taiwan itinerary exploring this scenic coastal area will be well worth your time. Besides the mind-blowing landscapes on offer, there will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy the beach vibes, soak in the nearby hot springs, or cycle through rice paddies.  Read my detailed guide on things to do in Taitung . This guide on exactly how to get to Taitung will also come in handy.

Since 2-3 days is s ufficient time to explore Taitung, you could easily adjust the rest of your Taiwan itinerary. For instance, spend an extra day in Taipei or even more time relaxing at the beach or exploring Taroko Gorge. 

Visit the Islands

Another option to consider on a Taiwan 3-week itinerary is visiting some of Taiwan’s dreamy islands dotted not too far from its shores. Most of them are easy to reach and accessible via ferries or direct flights. Here are my top picks.

Penghu Archipelago 

Penghu is a cluster of 90 islands and islets with Magong being the biggest. It’s a 30-minute flight from Taichung and a 1-hour flight from Taipei. If you’re interested in exploring all the top attractions in Penghu , be sure also to read up on how to get to Penghu .

Green Island

If you’re spending a few days along Taiwan’s southeast coast, you should definitely visit Green Island!

Green Island, also known as Lyudao, is a beautiful little volcanic island just off the coast of Taitung . It’s a diving and snorkeling hot spot, but there are tons of awesome things to do and see. To access the island, you’ll need to get to Taitung first and, from there,  take a ferry to the island  from Fugang Harbor. The ride is comfortable and only takes about 50 minutes. If boats aren’t for you, flying from Taitung Airport is also an option.

For more tips, read my super detailed Green Island guide which covers absolutely everything you need to know about visiting the island.

Xiao Liuqui

Near Kaohsiung, take a day trip or perhaps even spend a night at Taiwan’s coral island, Xiao Liuqui. You can catch a ferry (40 minutes) at Donggang Ferry Harbour in nearby Pingdong County. 

Xiao Liuqui is a tiny island, and it takes less than 1 hour to drive around the entire island. Still, it has a wealth of activities to entice travelers – from snorkeling and  scuba diving  to exploring caves and watching epic sunsets. Read my detailed guide to Xiaoliuqiu to discover all of its best bits.  

When to Visit Taiwan

Taiwan is generally a great destination to visit year-round. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your Taiwan itinerary. First of all, there are four distinct seasons in Taiwan, spring (Mar-May), summer (June-Aug), autumn (Sept-Nov), and winter (Dec-Feb). These vary in temperatures, precipitation, and humidity, not only by season but also by location.   If you’re not sure what to pack for your trip, check out my super detailed Taiwan packing list .

Taiwan Seasons

Expect the most pleasant weather in Taiwan during spring and autumn. Accommodation prices are very reasonable, and in general, you won’t see that many tourists during these seasons.  During spring you’ll also have a chance to see the cherry blossoms in Taiwan !

Summer is the peak season in Taiwan , but you should know that it can be sweltering and extremely humid. Rain and typhoons (especially Jul-Sept) aren’t uncommon, which could also impact your travel plans. So remember to check the weather forecast in advance and plan your stops accordingly.  Summer in Taiwan is, however, a great time to cool off in some of Taiwan’s best waterfalls !

During winter , temperatures dip quite a bit, and it can be rather unpleasant. However, that does not mean you shouldn’t visit Taiwan in winter since you’ll still get some sunny days. Ultimately, it boils down to what you consider as cold weather. A s a South African , I still find winter in Taiwan freezing. However, if you come from a colder country you’re likely to have a different opinion.

Visiting Taiwan during Chinese New Year

The only thing that could considerably impact your Taiwan trip during winter is the Lunar New Year celebrations. (Check the exact dates online, as it varies from year to year). During Chinese New Year, traffic is heavy, tourist spots crowded, and accommodation and trains very hard to come by.

If you must visit during CNY, you can book trains tickets up to 28 days in advance. It will also be wise to book accommodation a few months before your trip. You should also know that many shops and tourist attractions will be closed during these festivities.

Budget Tips for Taiwan

Traveling in Taiwan is generally very reasonable, and I have found your money goes a lot further here than in many other Asian countries like  Japan  or  Singapore . 

Here are a few extra tips and tricks, combined with the ones above to help you save a few bucks on your Taiwan itinerary:

• Taiwan has an  excellent choice of hotels and hostels , catering to all budgets and preferences. Generally, you don’t need to worry too much about booking well in advance, unless you are traveling during Chinese New Year or other special holidays. But, know that last-minute booking deals might not guarantee you the best place to stay.  
• Food is relatively cheap in Taiwan , especially if you eat at night markets . Also, tipping is not required in Taiwan. Expect a 10% service fee to be already worked into your bill if you’re eating somewhere fancier . Oh and, prepare for higher prices in Taipei and overly touristy places, while eating out in the south is less expensive.
• Use a mix of public transport  to help you stretch your dollars. Buses, trains, and the MRT are generally much cheaper than taxis and the high-speed rail. Don’t forget your Easy Card!

That wraps up this 2-3 weeks Taiwan itinerary. Have you visited Taiwan yet? What tips or suggestions do you have for fellow travelers planning to explore Taiwan in 14 days or more? Drop your comments below. 

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May 17, 2023 at

hello! just wanted to check whats the suggested way to reach Taichung from Hualien, do we train back to Taipei then train to Taichung? Thank you! 🙂

May 25, 2023 at

Hey Wen, you can catch a train directly from Hualien to Taichung. Just make sure you get one of the faster trains, like Puyuma, which takes around 4hrs. You can easily check schedules and rates on the Taiwan Railway app.

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12 Best Places to Visit in Taiwan

Taiwan is a small island to the east of China that has become a huge travel destination. With the scenic mountains, beautiful bodies of water, and tasty food, it’s easy to see why more and more people choose to visit Taiwan every year.

If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, odds are that the Taoyuan International Airport will be your first stop. Thus, the Taoyuan airport review can be a useful resource for information on all the airport has to offer and for getting into Taipei.

Where to go in Taiwan

Taiwan might be small, but there are plenty of interesting attractions in Taipei (the nation’s capital), and even more if you venture around the island. With so many forests, beaches, hot springs, museums, and other amazing attractions, you’re going to have a long list of things to see and explore during your trip to Taiwan.

The problem is that deciding what to do and see when you visit Taiwan can be a challenge. There are so many jaw-dropping landscapes, historical museums with fascinating artifacts, and other attractions to choose from. I’ve been there, which is why I wrote this article.

Read on to find out what I consider to be the best places to go in Taiwan.

Map of the best places to visit in Taiwan

Depending on your travel style, you can take a guided tour, use my pre-done 14-day Taiwan plan , or design your own itinerary. Although you’re probably better off with a guided tour if you have limited time, because they plan everything. Example: This tour shows you many top places in Taiwan in only 5 days, including Sun Moon Lake, Foguangshan, Kaohsiung, Kenting, Taitung, the East Coast, and Taroko.

Whichever way you choose to travel, you won’t go wrong if you add some of these must-see attractions to your itinerary.

ⓘ TIP: For more about getting around in Taiwan, read this article .

1. Shilin Night Market

Taiwanese culture wouldn’t be the same without its night markets, and Shilin Night Market is the oldest, largest, and most well-known night market in Taipei. Located  close to MRT Jiantan Station, it is a maze of sprawling alleyways packed with all manner of food and merchandise vendors, quaint shops, and carnival games.

The centerpiece of the market is a food court with 539 stalls, offering a variety of dishes to appeal to every food craving. Some of the more interesting menu offerings include lemon aiyu jelly, fried fish balls, stinky tofu, Fuzhou Ancestor Pepper Pie, Hometown Barbecue Chicken, Good Friend Cold Noodles, and Jian Ji Papaya Milk.

Stroll along the maze of dense alleys and what you will find might surprise you. It is the perfect spot to learn about the food and culture of the Taiwanese people.

ⓘ TIP:  For other city highlights, read 8 Best Things to See in Taipei in One Day. It visits the most popular tourist attractions, such as Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum, as well as several other iconic sights.

2. Fulong Beach

If you want to experience the beaches of Taiwan, this is the beach to go to. Golden beaches are rare in Taiwan, and this beach is covered with beautiful gold sand.

Only an hour east of Taipei, this beach is a favorite for locals and tourists during the summer, and concerts and events often occur on the beach.

3. Shei-Pa National Park

Taiwan is known for its lush greenery, and the Shei-Pa National Park is a great place for anyone interested in seeing the natural side of the country.

Encompassing over 50 peaks of Hsuchshan and Dabajian Mountains, this park has some of the best alpine scenery in Taiwan. Its 768-sq-km area is filled with hot springs, rivers, rare animals, and native plants. Much of it is prohibited to ordinary travelers, but there are three sections you are permitted to enter: the forest recreation areas of Wuling, Guanwu and Xuejian.

If you’re a hiker or enjoy camping, Shei-Pa National Park is even more of a must. It offers some fantastic multi-day trails that lead deep into the rugged interior of the park.

4. Wuling Farm, Heping

Wuling Farm is also known as Wuling Forest Recreational Area. It may be a part of Shei-Pa on paper, but Wuling Farm has more to offer than nature.

Take the trails to view the scenic flower gardens, a vegetable plantation, fruit orchards, a tea plantation, and fish farming. This is a great way to see another aspect of Taiwanese life while still experiencing breathtaking views and a little history.

The cherry blossom and tea garden in Wuling Farm was created in 1963 as a place where retired servicemen could find employment. Now it is a beautiful farm that offers camping grounds for people to stay on during their visit.

5. Taroko National Park, Xiulin County

Arguably the most popular tourist destination among the nine national parks in Taiwan, Taroko National Park is the most visited spot on the east coast.

Taroko is a favorite day trip from Taipei, as well, mainly because of its landmark Taroko Gorge. One of Asia’s 7 wonders, this amazing canyon features marble cliffs, deep winding tunnels, and an enchanting river flowing through the bottom.

Another of the park’s most picturesque spots is the Eternal Spring Shrine. The classic shrine is a memorial for veterans and worth a stop for its beautiful views of the mountains and never-ending waterfall.

ⓘ TIP:  Get Your Guide offers a variety of day trips to Taroko Gorge .

7. Sun Moon Lake, Nantou County

Ask any local to name the best places to visit in Taiwan, and Sun Moon Lake will always make the list. Known for its beautiful, clear blue water, this lake has a romantic feel and is a favorite spot for couples and honeymooners.

Many of the attractions here are run by an aboriginal tribe who have inhabited the area for centuries. This is a must-go location for any couple.

7. Shanlinxi Forest Recreation Area

Shanlinxi Forest Recreation Area offers hotels, restaurants, shops and stores that visitors can enjoy during their visit. With bus touring and hiking paths, people can enjoy the waterfalls, caves, greenhouses, and other features that this area offers.

This is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to make more than a day trip and wants to see the nature of Taiwan.

8. Alishan National Scenic Area

Located in the Alishan Mountains, this scenic area is home to Tsou aboriginal villages, highly regarded for their tea making. This area allows you to take in the local nature of Taiwan including the fallen Alishan Sacred Tree.

With the Alishan Forest Railway, a narrow train makes its way through the forest as well. Enjoy the tropical views and beautiful mountains in this location.

9. Guanziling Hot Spring, Tainan City

Fire and Water Cave is a geological phenomenon and is the most interesting, if not one of the best things to see in Taiwan. This cave outflows with a combination of methane gas and hot spring water, creating a fire which burns on water!

This popular hot spring is located in Tainan City. It has been attracting people for almost three centuries.

10. Chimei Museum

Of all the things to do in Tainan, Chimei Museum is a must-see attraction, especially if you’re interested in art.

This privately owned museum has five exhibits spanning a wide range of interests. The Western Art exhibit features a large collection of weapons, paintings, and sculptures. Other sections include Natural History, Antiquities and Artifacts, Arms and Armour, and Musical Instruments. The latter exhibit showcases one of the largest violin collections in the world.

11. Fort Zeelandia Museum

Tainan City’s Fort Zeelandia was built between 1624-1634 by the Dutch East India Company. During the 17th century, it became a vital transit city. It is now a museum where people can experience and learn about different aspects of history and Taiwanese culture.

If you’re wanting to learn more about the history of Taiwan, this is a great place to go. You will learn a lot while taking in all the historical artifacts and one-of-a-kind views.

12. National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium

This museum and aquarium is located in Checneny Township and displays three exhibits to inform visitors about different aspects of marine life. The three pavilions are

• Water of Taiwan, which covers the native marine life of Taiwan.
• Coral Kingdom, which showcases coral reef habitats.
• World Waters, which discusses the ancient oceans during the beginning of Earth’s history.

This is a great location for families or anyone interested in learning about Taiwan’s aquatic life.

These are some of the top Taiwan attractions

If you’re planning your next trip or heading to Taiwan soon, consider adding these 12 spots to your itinerary. You are sure to have a memorable visit.

Every place on this list offers you a diverse experience that will make your trip to Taiwan unforgettable. With a wide range of things to do there is sure to be something on this list for everyone to enjoy.

Where to stay in Taiwan

Explore the best of Taiwan and find the perfect place to stay with this easy-to-use search widget.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Taiwan

When is the best time to visit taiwan.

The best times to visit Taiwan are in the spring (February–April) and fall (October–December). You can take advantage of the warm, subtropical weather and some of Taiwan’s best events during these two seasons, which bookend the hot summer and typhoon season.

Is Taiwan cheap to travel?

Taiwan is a cheap place to travel, especially if you plan ahead. Taiwan is less expensive than Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan, but not as cheap as Vietnam, Malaysia, or Indonesia. Apart from hotels, Taiwan is also cheaper than South Korea, except when it comes to lodging.

How much should I budget for a trip to Taiwan?

Most visitors spend around NT$2,920 ($97) per day on average, although much depends on your travel style. Backpackers have reported spending as little as $599.82 in 27 days.

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Written by James Wilson

James Wilson is the founder of Gotoawesomeplaces , where he shares his experiences about traveling, destination information, and adventures. Visiting Go to Awesome Places will help make your trip easier and give you more bonding experiences.

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4 thoughts on “12 best places to visit in taiwan”.

All the places mentioned in this post are amazing. Nature lovers must visit Wuling Farm to see the full greenery.

Thanks for the tip!

I kind of miss some spot in the east side of the country. Taroko National Park comes to my mind as a likely must see everybody should think to visit in Taiwan. I would add some of the amazing hikes Taiwan can offer…it is indeed a fantastic country for mountain lovers!

Thanks – we always appreciate new ideas!

Comments are closed.

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Places to Visit in Taiwan - Every Question Answered

When Is the Best Time

Exceptional, beautiful, and fascinating: Taiwan! The mountainous island is utterly safe for travelling and a great place to meet some of the friendliest people on our planet. Read my season tips and a complete guide with tips for every spectacular place in Taiwan!

When is the best time? You can travel to Taiwan throughout the year but consider typhoons are likely to happen from July to October. The driest months are from November to April. These are the best months to travel around the entire island. During summer (July and August), Taiwan is overrun by the Taiwanese. 

Weather Overview

If travelling to Taiwan, you have to consider that it frequently rains throughout the year. There is much more precipitation on the east side due to the high mountain range. Most rainfall occurs from May to October. In these months, Taiwan gets hit by typhoons regularly, especially in the east and in the central mountain range.

The northern part of Taiwan and the Taipei area is colder than the south, like in Kaohsiung and Kenting. Being there for quite a while, we learned that the weather forecast gives you an indication. Still, often it's better than predicted, especially in the drier season from November to April. Find more weather details here: Monthly Weather Taipei - Taiwan North — Monthly Weather Tainan - Taiwan South

Spectacular Sunrise and Sunset

Taiwan is famous for its spectacular sunsets and sunrises. I give you insider tips for the popular spots and show you the hidden gems as well. Just mesmerizing! We visited the fantastic island already a couple of times, and we still can't get enough of the attentive people and adventurous hikes.

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

Alishan is famous but also an extremely crowded spot to view the sunrise. If you depend on public transport, it's one of the view sunrise spots where you can get to. However, it's utterly crowded, which makes it hard to enjoy the sunrise. You can't watch the sunrise in Alishan only on the 2.489 m high Zushan mountain. Take the sunrise train which runs just once from the Alishan station early morning. If the train is not fully booked, you can get tickets from 1 pm to 4.30 pm the day before. The departure of the train depends on the time of the sunrise. Each afternoon at 4.30 pm, the exact time will be mentioned. Ask at your hotel reception for the departure time. When booking the hotel, ask them to make a reservation for the sunrise train for you the next morning. It's a short ride up almost to the summit of Zushan. To catch the train, you have to get up very early between 4, and 5 am. It's a bit of a hassle during the sunrise, but you can take an amazing pictures.

The rest of the day shuttle buses are offered but only every 2 hours. 9/11/13/15. The Zushan area is also beautiful in the daytime, and the views are awesome. Take the sunrise train or the bus later in the day to the top and walk back through the forest to Alishan. Consider frequently the clouds already rolling in before midday. Therefore, you may be covered in clouds from midday onward. 

Tip : Stay in Alishan if you want to watch the sunrise; otherwise, you have to get up in the middle of the night. The hotels here are fully booked very far in advance, although most of them are not outstanding. The best one perfectly located in Alishan is the Alishan Hotel **** .

An excellent budget option is the Legendary Bed and Breakfast in Fenqihu. The owners; Mr and Mrs You walk an extra mile for you. We prefer Fenqihu, which is much quieter and located close to the Dadongshan Trail.

More information and details about Alishan and Fenqihu can be found in our detailed description of the Central Mountain Range. 

More Beautiful Sunrise and Sunset Places Without Crowds

Besides Alishan, there are even more outstanding locations in Taiwan to experience a gorgeous sunrise above the horizon or a mesmerizing sunset in the evening. Let us show you the best ones:

Cherry Blossom and Sakura Season

This is the most famous time of the year in Taiwan. Depending on the elevation level it usually takes place between the end of February until mid-April. The most popular places are Yangmingshan and the Wuji Tianyuan Temple, Wulai Waterfall, Sun Moon Lake and, Alishan. All these places get utterly crowded, especially during the weekend.

Season Details

Before we dive into our adventure experiences and ideas for your next visit, let us give you a detailed season overview. What to expect in terms of climate, highlights, and crowds:

Spring (March-May)

In terms of weather March and April are often sunny while heavy rainfall starts in May. March has pleasant temps above 20°C but not too hot. Temps are Increasing in April and May, as it's already hot with high humidity. However, rain showers can always occur. March and April are perfect months if you'd like to see Taiwan in full bloom. In April and May, we highly recommend visiting Guanwu for the rhododendrons.

Summer (June-August)

Temps are above 30°C, and it's not a pleasant time. During the Computex in June, the biggest IT show in Asia, it's heavily crowded in Taipei. July and August is the peak season because the residents go on vacation. Much Taiwanese travel either to the cooler mountains or to the sea. Often to Kenting in the south to escape the heat. Expect high humidity and lots of precipitation. These are the wettest months on the entire island and typhoons can occur.

Autumn (September-November)

There is still lots of rain until the end of October, and typhoons are likely to occur until the end of September. October gets drier but not on the east side. November is one of the driest months with pleasant temperatures above 20°C, but it's often cloudy in the north. We can't recommend travelling in September, due to the rainfall. October and November are much better and not very crowded except in Taipei.

Winter (December-February)

The temps in winter are still pleasant at day time, roughly around 20°C and sometimes slightly below. The temperatures in the mountains are pretty chilly during the night from December to March. In January and February, the peaks are often covered with snow. Snow is something special for the Taiwanese, and many travel to higher elevations like Hehuanshan or Alishan.

Avoiding Crowds

Tourists from non-Asian countries still overlook so many regions of Taiwan. Of course, the famous attractions in Taipei, like the World Trade Center or the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, as well as Taroko Gorge, Alishan, and Kenting, are popular and crowded. In general, Taipei is extremely busy during the summer between July and August and from the end of December until early January. Weekends are always super busy. The Taiwanese have very few holidays. That's the reason for the very crowded weekends almost everywhere on the entire island. It tends to get busy from Friday midday onwards. Even worse is Xitou , which is busy even on weekdays due to retired hiking people. However, the hinterland and not well-known places by tourists are just visited by residents. What did we do to dodge the crowds? We went on adventures and deep into nature. Particularly on weekends to get away from the masses. That's how we shared beautiful nature with very few people only. Tip for the famous spots: If you'd like to visit the popular places, get there early in the morning to dodge the most crowds.

These are my recommended tours via GetYourGuide with 24 hours advance cancellation policy. Thx for booking via my website! With your support, I am able to provide all information first-hand. Tour prices are at no extra cost!

Best Months to Visit

Related Topics

Location and Tips

The mountainous island of Taiwan is a great destination to meet some of the friendliest people on our planet and utterly safe to travel independently. The variety of food and different tastes are exceptional. Nature is mind-blowing, and there are outstanding hiking pearls often not well known. You won't believe it, but central Taiwan has 286 mountains more than 3000 meters high and the highest density of mountains in the world. The coral reefs are so colourful, and you even may be surrounded by green turtles while snorkelling. Mobile network connectivity is almost everywhere, even at the remotest campground.

I am very much fascinated by this island and its people. The reason it became my biggest guide of all. I inserted a "Table of Content" to give you an overview about my entire guide:

Taipei is a vibrant city with an estimated population of almost 3 million people. For two very famous spots, visit our helpful articles:

Yangmingshan

Location: North of Taipei, situated on a geological fault. Perfect for a day trip from Taipei. Famous for volcanoes, hot springs and, first of all, hiking. The most popular trail is the climb up to Mount Qixing. At 1.120 m, it's the highest peak in the Yangmingshan National Park. Shuttle buses inside the National Park are provided, weekdays roughly every half an hour and weekends more often every 10 to 20 minutes.

How to get to Yangmingshan: Take the red line to R15 Jiantan (There is an information centre as well) and just outside catch bus 5.

Crowds at Yangmingshan : As everywhere in Taipei, weekends and bank holiday are the busiest days. Spring is the most popular time of the year due to the cherry blossom season, and it gets crowded everywhere. Summer is also a popular time, but Yangmingshan is often covered in clouds, and it's raining at the extinct volcano. January to March/April are the best months, followed by November and December for a Taipei visit regarding crowds and weather. However, it may be sunny in Taipei while Yangmingshan is hidden in clouds.

Parking at Yangmingshan: There is traffic control during weekends and holidays. Getting to one of the available parking lots is recommended on weekdays only. Erziping Visitor Center  Link for Google Maps, one of seven inside the park. Guanyinshan National Scenic Area - Special Tip

Climbing to the top of Mount Qixing is spectacular on a clear day. Although it is sunny in Taipei, the Yangmingshan National Park may be covered in clouds. An alternative is the Guanyinshan National Scenic Area on the opposite of the Tamsui River in the Bali District. The trailhead starts at the visitor centre to the top of Yinghan Peak. The view from the summit of the 609 m high Yinghan to Yangmingshan and Taipei City is stunning. Watch the skyline in the evening and walk the easy trail back. Bring a torch for the descent.

Depending on your fitness level, you need half an hour up to an hour for the ascent, mostly just a steep climb on steps. If you are into hiking, there are a couple of trails at Guanyinshan. Ample parking is available around the visitor centre where you find facilities as well. Close to the top of Yinghan are also restrooms.  Crowds at Guanyinshan : During the weekend, many residents climb up here doing their exercises but very few tourists only. During the week, the walk is less frequented. We climbed up twice and had nice chats with Taipei residents. How to get to Guanyinshan: Easy to reach by car even during the weekend. By public transport, take the orange line until Luzhou Station (last station) and take the O20 Taipei City Real-Time Bus to Lyngyun Temple. Visitor Center  Google Maps

Dalongdong Baoan Temple and Confucius Temple

Maokong Gondola

One of the most popular attractions in Taipei. You get here via MRT red line until Daan, then change into brown line BR last exit Taipei Zoo. The gondola was built in 2007 and is four amazing km long. The views are spectacular to the jungle and Taipei City . There are 30 cabins or so, all equipped with a glass bottom. When you arrive at Maokong, you first have to line up for a ticket where your gondola time is mentioned. There are two lines to queue, one for the ordinary cabins and one for the glass bottom cabins. Come early on weekdays at 9 am and weekends at 8.30 am to avoid queuing for hours. They don't operate on Mondays.

The Best Hotels in Taipei

We highly recommend a hotel close to the MRT red line in Taipei. We'd chosen the Papersun in Shilin at our second visit close to the red line, the Shilin Night Market, and the Huarong Day Market. For us perfectly and quietly located where breakfast was included. They prepare an excellent coffee for you with self-roasted coffee beans in the afternoon. These rooms are newly renovated former dormitory rooms.

Other great hotel options along the red line: 

• Dandy Hotel-Daan Park Branch ; The hotel is located opposite of a forest park in walking distance to the red line and restaurants. Airport shuttle is available, which was very helpful for us on our first visit. Breakfast is included, and the staff is just wonderful. 
• Folio Daan Taipei ; The hotel also has an excellent location with restaurants nearby. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, some even with a balcony. An airport shuttle is available. The Daan metro station is right around the corner. 

More Places to Visit (Around Taipei)

There are awesome places around Taipei, often easy to reach by public transport or rental car. To experience the lush vegetation of Taiwan, you don't need to travel far. Taipei is an impressive city, but the surroundings give you an idea of the nature Taiwan has to offer. 

Teapot Mountain

The trailhead is just a 10 km drive from Elephant Trunk Rock. Location Teapot Mountain   Google Maps trailhead at the Jinguashi Gold Ecological Museum. Trail duration; roughly four hours at a slow pace, included are stops for taking pics. Exposed hike, not well marked and maintained, pretty hot on a sunny day and slippery if it's raining. The trail can be slippery and muddy. The northeast of Taiwan experiences the most precipitation. More details about the hike.

Shenao Elephant Trunk Rock

Parking at the Shenao Fishing Harbour. The harbour is quite popular for seafood, and it's crowded at lunchtime as well as at low tide. Elephant Trunk is more well known by Taiwanese people and gets busy from Friday midday onwards. The rock formations are similar to Yehliu Geopark but not that overrun. Access to the peninsula around low tide only. It's an outstanding alternative if you like to avoid the masses of tourists at Yehliu. Location Elephant Trunk Google Maps

Special Tip: Make a stop at the famous Nanya Rock along with the north-east coast road #2. Pretty busy and popular for wedding pictures. Location Nanya Rock Google Maps

Wulai Waterfall and Hot Springs

Wulai is located 25 km south of Taipei. It’s a popular hot spring area. It takes 20 minutes for the 1.6 km walk from Wuxi town to the picturesque 80 m high Wulai Waterfall. A little railway, in former times used to transport timber, leads to the falls as well.

During weekends Wulai is packed with locals. Wulai is famous for the hot spring spas, but you can also experience these natural hot springs in the river without an entrance fee.

You get to Wulai easily by car; ample parking is available. With public transport from Taipei, take the green line to Xindian and from here bus 849. It may take an hour to get to Wulai. Location Wulai Parking Google Maps

Day and Night Food Markets

One of the most culinary highlights in Taiwan are the daily food markets often night markets with budget prices around the island. Very popular is the Keelung night market northeast of Taipei. This market is open 24 hours and offers one of the widest varieties of food.

We loved the Shilin Night Market and the Huarong Market, a local day market one km north of the night market. Shilin Night Market and Huarong Day Market Google Maps Nevertheless, there are many more night markets around Taipei with plenty of choices for Asian food freshly prepared.

Our tip for Shilin: Stay in the Papersun Hotel, located in the middle of the night and day market in walking distance to the red MRT line.

Transport in Taipei

The Taipei Metro MRT operates from 6 until 24. It's very convenient to use, especially during rain. The Metro Main Station is mega huge with shops and a huge variety of food. Our favourite store is a sushi shop — one package for 100 Nt; less than 3 Euro.

There are five different lines available, and you can get almost everywhere. The red line in the centre was the one we used most. You get with Tamsui-Xinyi Line to Yuanshan, Chiang Kai-shek, the TWTC, and Elephant Mountain Hill. The different lines frequently depart every view minutes at least every ten minutes at day time. Taipei Metro passes for 24h/48h/ 72h are available. Metro Map and Timetable 

The most common transportation is the scooter like in other Asian countries. In some cities, it's an issue when driving a rental car. The scooters overtake cars on both sides. You always have to check twice before you turn right or left.

Hiking in General in Taiwan 

Taiwan has plenty of not well-marked hiking trails in the pure wilderness one of the reason why we love Taiwan. Locals often use these tracks. Therefore, it’s helpful having a mobile hiking app like “Locus Pro”. Although everything was in Chinese, we always figured out the correct trail back to our car. The popular walks are well marked even in English. There are always hikes closed for years due to extensive typhoon damage.

A permit is requested for longer and famous hikes especially trails situated 3.000 m above sea level. For some hikes, like in the Taroko Gorge, you need to apply for a permit minimum of three days before at the Taroko National Headquarter and the police as well. In other parks, it's one or two days before you plan to hike. The police want to inspect your hiking gear before handing over a permit. If you hike with a Taiwanese resident, it’s easier to get the permit. We experienced that the mentioned duration for hiking trails in National Parks and Forest Recreation Areas was often too high. Usually, you need half of the time or even less.

Central Taiwan - Mountainous Area

Taroko Gorge

You get to Taroko: either by bus from Taipei, or train to Hualian or Hualien south of Taroko or by train to Xincheng closest city to Taroko. From the train station, take a bus to the Taroko Gorge National Park. Stay close to Taroko at least two, better three nights if you like to explore some of the many hikes inside the park. Either rent a car in Taipei or a scooter after your arrival to explore Taroko independent.

4 Hikes in the Taroko Gorge 

Unfortunately, for most of the thrilling hikes, you need a permit which is pretty tricky to get. The following three short and famous tracks can be hiked independently but arrive either early or late in the afternoon when the crowds thin out. Hike number four is not known, therefore quiet. This hike was a tip of our host of the Stick-On B&B close to Taroko. He even gave us more ideas, but unfortunately, we only spent two nights here. There are guided hikes offered but pretty expensive.

Camping in the Taroko Gorge

Camping in Taroko is an awesome experience, though be prepared for rain in the late afternoon or evening. Mosquitos occur, so take precautions. There are two campgrounds close together; the Lushui and Heliu. Usually not busy located close to the main highway which leads through Taroko. Google Maps location for Heliu Campground

The campground is well equipped with water, toilets, cold showers, and electricity. It's a small camping area with 12 sites all on a platform protected from flooding rain. 

Tip: Don’t miss the beautiful Qingshui Cliff along the coastal Hwy 9 already part of the Taroko National Park.

It’s a 2.5 h to 3 hours drive through the Taroko Gorge direction Lishan in the mountains to get to the famous Mount Hehuanshan/Hehuan.

Mount Hehuan or Hehuanshan

Watching the sunrise from Mount Hehuan is an exceptional experience. It's easy to get here by car but not by public transport. The best months for a sunrise tour to the top of Hehuanshan are during the driest time of the year from December until March. The sunlight has a little variation from summer to winter rising in June shortly after 5 and in January around 6.40. The mountain area is also excellent for hiking. Like to figure out more? Read my detailed article about Hehuanshan sunrise ; how to avoid the crowds, where to stay, and many more.  

Sun Moon Lake 

The biggest freshwater lake is located in the heart of Taiwan almost 750 m above sea level. The lake is also home to the smallest aboriginal tribe of Taiwan; the Thao. It’s a roughly 3 hours drive from Taipei and one of the most visited places throughout the year. Weekends are super busy, and accommodation prices are at the highest level. The only exception is during wintertime in December and January when the crowds are bearable on weekdays. We visited the lake in December on a weekday, and except for some tour buses it was quiet here.

Tip : Around midday, most visitors are having lunch; the best time to enjoy one of the famous sights.

My 2 Favorite Sights at Sun Moon Lake

Festivities Around Sun Moon Lake

• September; Swimming is usually not allowed except for the Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival. It’s a race of about 3 km at the beginning of fall in September. A maximum of 25 thousand people from over the world take part annually. In 2018 the event took place for the 35th time.
• During October and November, fireworks are held.
• February is unique for the Cherry Blossom Season.  

Transport at Sun Moon Lake

Biking around the lake on the 33 km road is pretty popular. Plenty of public transport by ferry and bus around the lake is offered. The biggest villages are Ita Taho and Shuishe. Boat trips can be booked here, and a visitor centre is available, many restaurants and street food are offered. However, Shuishe is the hub for Sun Moon Lake. Day trips from the Lake to Xitou are offered, but we recommend staying at least a night at Xitou for hiking deep into the forest.  Sun Moon Lake Map and transportation overview

How to get to Sun Moon Lake?  Public transport map to Sun Moon Lake

Xitou Bamboo Forest and Recreation Area

Xitou is one of the most popular parks in Taiwan and an exceptional park for walking. Most of the paths are paved, but if you are into hiking, you can find an excellent steep trail up to the top with spectacular views of the mountain range. To experience the beautiful landscape of the park with fewer people, you have to hike far. It's pretty busy here with thousands of retired Taiwanese who like to do their exercises. Regarding the weather in Xitou, it's recommended to arrive early morning before the clouds roll in around midday. Curious about the not well-known loop trail in Xitou? Check out my detailed article about the Xitou Loop Trail and get the most out of your stay.

Alishan is the most popular area to watch the sunrise. Avoiding crowds is almost impossible. Even in the shoulder season during winter, it's busy here. There are a couple of well-marked trails in Alishan leading to ancient trees and a temple. 

Want to visit by car? There is limited parking with only 120 spots.

However, shoulder parking outside the Recreational Area is available, and shuttle buses pick you up frequently during the cherry blossom season. Expect many thousand visitors each day at the sakura season at the end of the winter and beginning of spring. 

East Taiwan - South of Taroko Gorge

East rift valley national scenic area.

It’s famous for rice paddies, hot springs, and river rafting. River rafting on Xiuguluan River depends on the water level; therefore only possible during the rainy season from the end of April until October. The tour starts in Ruisui but can be booked from Hualien as well. It’s a 1.5 h drive from Hualien south to Ruisui ( Google Maps Location )

Sanxiantai Arch Bridge  

Footbridge with eight arches leading to an island. Usually packed with tourists, weekends and summer are even worse. There are a huge parking area, a shop, and facilities. It’s a nice photo stop, but in our opinion, not worth a detour. ( Google Maps Location )

South-West Taiwan

Taijiang national park.

The endangered black-faced spoonbill can be spotted from September to March, only accessible by rental car or scooter from Tainan City. We spotted the spoonbills but in the far distance only. The outlook is very well made. Binoculars are provided. One of the National Park employees monitors the birds and let you have a closer look at the computer.

Kaohsiung City

It's the second biggest city in Taiwan, with an estimated 2 million people. It’s now home to the “ National Kaohsiung Centre for Arts ” Opened to the public on October 13 in 2018. It's the biggest of its kind in the world. However, here you may experience the worst pollution on the entire island.

South West and South East Islands -  Visit at Least One

• Ludao (Green Island) Green Island is popular to be one of the best diving and snorkel spots in Taiwan. You get here either by plane, a 15 minutes flight or by ferry, which takes almost an hour. Crowds: During weekends and summer holidays, thousands of people come here each day and reservations are essential. The island can be explored easily by scooter. If you come during winter, you may have the island for yourself. Rain occurs frequently. Flights and ferries are cancelled last minute if there is inclement weather predicted.  

South Taiwan

Kenting is popular for its beaches and attracts millions of visitors each year. Spring and especially summer are the busiest and, needless to say, the weekends. Anyhow, you may find a stretch of sand for yourselves. Snorkelling is a must-do with all the colourful corals, and you definitely escape the crowds. We haven’t seen many people snorkelling at the entire peninsula. Most people rent a scooter in Kenting for transportation.

The night market on the main road in Kenting is worth a visit. Interesting is the Chuhuo Special Scenic Area – natural gas fires which are most impressive in darkness (evening, night)

Camping in Taiwan

Camping is very popular, and campgrounds are well maintained. We experienced spotless facilities with few campers during the week, but weekends, summer, and the New Years holidays until the 2nd of January are overrun. The campsites are pretty small, and one tent is pitched to the next in the peak season. When we travel through Taiwan, we just book the first days in Taipei in advance. Let the weather decide where you are heading next. It wasn't any effort to find a campground and excellent site on the day of arrival, but we avoided weekends. Just hotels and guesthouses we booked two days before. This works well as long as you are travelling in the winter from November to April; except for Chinese New Year and the short New Years holidays.

Holidays in Taiwan

The residents are working hard and much. They don’t have many days off. That’s the reason that the weekends and the summer are super busy. In 2019 a weekend was included in the New Years holidays and five days off were an exceptional state. Everybody was travelling to the mountains or the sea. However, the service along the highways is very efficient. Although it was super crowded, no one had to queue for a restroom; more than 50 for each gender. Everything is very well organized on this island.

Transport in Taiwan and Rental Cars

The public transport in Taiwan and Taipei is excellent. All major cities and almost every town are connected by the TRA (Taiwan Railway Administration). The public transport by bus also works very well as long as you are travelling between bigger cities and towns. The remote hinterland (backcountry) is not well connected. The reason that we rented a car. Some of our favourite places are pretty remote and accessible either by rental car or guided bus trip. Renting a car is not common, but much easier than you might think. All traffic signs are in Mandarin and English as well. You have Wi-Fi on the entire island, even in the most secluded areas. Therefore, it’s pretty easy to navigate with Google around the island. The highway fees are affordable, roughly 20 Euros for two weeks if you travel around the whole Taiwan island. The handling with the rental car companies is always effortless. We'd always chosen Avis. The gas prices are almost everywhere the same and pretty cheap with less than 0,80 € for one litre. In big cities the traffic on highways is managed on two levels; the upper one with view exits and the ground level with more exits. Big traffic jams are rare.

Mobile 4G Internet Almost Everywhere 

Mobile network connectivity is almost everywhere available even at the remotest campground, including the islands and very affordable. Get it directly at the Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrival hall before customs. 

• Card Format: Nano, Micro or Standard sizes
• Validity period: 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, or 30 days once activated with unlimited data!
• Price roughly between $ 10 and $ 35.

Everything you need for your daily life is available at 7 Eleven Stores around the Island. From dairy products and cereals to small hot meals, cold and hot beverages, stationery, toilet tissues, umbrellas, mosquito repellent, and even an ATM can be found here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

When Is High Season in Taiwan?

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

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

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

When Is the Best Season to Visit Taiwan?

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

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

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

Taiwan in Winter (December to March)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taiwan in Spring (April to June)

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

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

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

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

Taiwan in Summer (July to September)

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

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

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

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

Taiwan in Autumn (October to December)

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

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

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

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

When Is the Best Month to Visit Taiwan?

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

January in Taiwan

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

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

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

February in Taiwan

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

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

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

March in Taiwan

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

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

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

April in Taiwan

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

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

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

May in Taiwan

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

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

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

June in Taiwan

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

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

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

July in Taiwan

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

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

The first typhoon of the year often arrives in July.

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

August in Taiwan

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

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

September in Taiwan

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

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

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

October in Taiwan

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

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

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

November in Taiwan

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

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

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

December in Taiwan

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

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

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

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

My Personal Favorite Season and Month in Taiwan

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

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

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

Conclusion: When Is the Best Time to Visit Taiwan?

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

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

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

Thanks Nick for the recommendations.

Thank you for sharing! This is detailed and informative 🙂

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

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

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

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The best time to visit Taiwan

Oct 25, 2023 • 6 min read

From white-sand beaches to wonderful celebrations, there's no bad time to visit Taiwan © PhotonCatcher / Shutterstock

A beautiful island that has everything from snow-dusted peaks and steaming hot springs to wildlife-filled nature reserves and neon-drenched cities,  Taiwan is one of Asia’s most popular destinations.

Foodies flock to  Taipei to sample some of the world’s tastiest street foods (don’t leave without enjoying a bowl of beef noodle soup, Taiwan’s unofficial national dish), while nature lovers come to explore its national parks, sky-scraping mountains and spectacular coastline. Wondering about the best time to go to Taiwan? The good news is that because of its topography and size, there’s no such thing as a bad time to visit.

Winters are relatively mild in this subtropical destination, and although light rainfall can occur throughout the year, these (usually short) precious rain showers are key to the lushness of Taiwan’s vibrant landscapes. Generally, September, October and November are the best times to explore the country’s great outdoors, while spring means endless opportunities to enjoy the stunning colors of nature and some of Taiwan’s top festivals.

November and December are fantastic times to explore cities like  Taichung and Taipei. Remember that the further south you go, the warmer it will be, and don’t make the mistake of ruling out a winter getaway – winter in Taiwan is much less severe than in  Japan or  China . And the best bit? You’ll never be far from a steaming hot spring in which you can ward off any winter chills – although the downside is that rates at hot spring hotels are higher during the colder months. Luckily, this doesn’t apply to other types of accommodation, which often offer brilliant discounts at this time of year. Here’s when to visit Taiwan.

January and February is cherry blossom season in Taiwan

Thought  the cherry blossom displays in Japan were spectacular? Cherry blossom season in Taiwan is just as stunning, and we guarantee there’s less chance of a stray selfie stick working its way into your sakura shots. Some of the best places to see cherry blossom displays are in and around Taiwan’s cities, and these floral extravaganzas are precisely why January and February are regarded by many as the best times to visit Taipei.

Hot spots for cherry blossom displays here include the gardens surrounding the city’s temples, such as Taipei’s Wuji Tianyuan Temple, where meandering alleyways are lined with Yoshino cherry trees.

The start of the year (and winter in general) is also an ideal time to soak in a hot spring – visitors can ease aches and pains in over 150 hot springs in Taiwan. Some of the best are close to Taipei, although there are several hot spring resorts in Guguan, a mountainous area close to the city of Taichung, a 2.5-hour bullet train ride from Taipei. Great public transport connections mean the  Beitou hot springs near Taipei are easily accessible, and crowds will be thinner in January and February.

Get a culture (and caffeine) fix between March and May

Springtime is all about nature in Taiwan. You’ll still see cherry blossoms in March and May, although it’s also a fantastic time to explore Taiwan’s more remote regions and coastal areas. Fancy a spot of pedal power? Consider exploring Taiwan by bike – temperatures are cooler than in summer and  the country’s national parks explode with color.

Spring is also a great time to visit Taiwan’s tea plantations (oolong is the most common variety produced here), which are at their most lush. Top tea destinations in Taiwan include  Chiayi , Miaoli and Taoyuan. There are fantastic festivals throughout the year, although several of the most important Indigenous celebrations take place in spring.

Our favorite? The Bunun tribe’s Ear-Shooting Festival in April or May (the exact date depends on the lunar calendar). This is when this Indigenous group’s coming-of-age ceremonies take place. Men will head into the forests to hunt wild deer, and an ear from the deer is then fixed to a wooden post. Young men will try to shoot the ear with an arrow – a symbolic act that represents the transfer of hunting knowledge to the group’s younger generations. Locals are happy for tourists to watch the ceremonies, most of which take place in and around rural villages in eastern Taiwan.

Explore Taiwan’s cities from June to August

June, July and August are great times to visit Taiwan, especially its cities. These months can be hot and humid, which is why the Taiwanese (especially those living in urban areas) tend to migrate to the country’s coastline during this time.

Cities will be quieter and less crowded, and the abundance of museums, galleries and indoor attractions make it easier to escape any rainfall – this is technically monsoon season in Taiwan, although showers are typically short and sweet (rainfall will be heaviest in southern Taiwan). We recommend booking ahead if visiting during these months, especially if you’re on a budget – hotel rates can increase by up to 50% during July and August (expect price hikes during the Chinese New Year, too).

When is typhoon season in Taiwan?

Typhoon season takes place between May and November. Also known as tropical cyclone season, typhoons are more likely during this time, but it’s worth noting that Taiwan is hit by an average of just 3.7 every year. The country’s infrastructure is more than capable of coping with these typhoons, and the vast majority only affect specific parts of the country.

The best approach is to keep an eye on weather forecasts and be flexible when it comes to plans. It’s worth bearing in mind that peak tourist season (between May and September) takes place during typhoon season – a reminder that Taiwan is still a fantastic destination to visit during these months.

August is the best time to go hiking

During August, expect average lows of 28°C (82°F) and average highs of around 32°C (90°F). It’s hot and humid and a great time to escape the heat  by heading to higher altitudes – to mountainous regions such as Yushan National Park, which has a network of walking trails. We also love the Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail – it’s close to Taipei and the well-marked walking routes weave around various waterfalls, providing plenty of opportunities to cool off.

Embrace fall in Taiwan’s nature reserves

Taiwan’s autumnal colors are spectacular – the thick swathes of forest in areas such as Nantou County’s  Aowanda Forest Recreational Area (the highlight of which is its beautiful Maple Trail) transform into endless expanses of gold, red and ochre. Fall is also a great time to sign up for a scenic train ride. We recommend bagging a seat on the Alishan Forest Railway – a century-old steam train that chugs through the forests and mountains surrounding Chiayi County, in south-western Taiwan. Another reason to visit during September and October? It’s shoulder season, when rates are significantly less for midweek hotel stays.

This article was first published January 2023 and updated October 2023

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The 19 Best Things to Do in Taiwan in 2022

Sightseeing

Taiwan, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean is steeped in Chinese traditions and culture offering a wealth of unique experiences and incredible things to do around the island. While opening a guide and picking the top ten attractions of Taiwan might seem like a good idea to tackle the island, in reality it's just touching the surface of experiencing Taiwan's many beautiful places and fascinating traditions. With a culture that's vastly different to other places in the world, there's some incredible experiences that make a trip to Taiwan so unforgettable. Don't leave Taiwan without trying some of these experiences and things to do.

table of contents

Grab a Taiwanese Breakfast

Explore taiwan's ancient capital, tainan, sample taiwanese tea at a traditional teahouse, beautiful beaches in taiwan, sun moon lake, eat at taiwan's largest night market, circle around taiwan - huandao, experience a taiwanese festival, explore taiwan's gorgeous east coast, take taiwan's most beautiful railway - pingxi line, soak in one of taiwan's hot springs, get a view of taipei 101 and the taipei skyline, experience taiwanese aboriginal culture, most unique starbucks, chang kai shek memorial hall, traverse taiwan's incredible national parks, shop for souvenirs under taipei main station, cingjing farm, the swiss alps of asia, travel to taiwan's outlying islands.

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Taiwanese breakfast is more than just a meal, it's an experience you just can't miss out on while visiting the island. Across Taipei you'll find stores grilling and baking breakfast foods from the early hours of the morning all over the city, almost every street is bound to have one, or three. Skip the unappetizing hotel buffet breakfast and head to the streets for one meal you won't want to skip. There's plenty to try, but these are some of the best Taiwanese breakfast foods you have to eat.

Photo by Krishna.Wu/Shutterstock

Journey back in time to Taiwan's ancient capital, from the forts of Anping to the quaint old streets, Tainan is teeming with history. Due to Tainan being the capital of the island for several hundred years, most famous Taiwanese foods first originated in Tainan. For food lovers visiting the island, taking a trip to Tainan, the food capital of Taiwan is a must. There's plenty of things to do around Tainan to warrant a visit, the grand Chimei Museum is just as incredible on the outside as the exquisite exhibits inside. The beautiful Taijiang National Park along the coast or Siraya Scenic Area inland are both a quick journey from the city.

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Tea connoisseurs around the world will no doubt agree that Taiwan produces some of the best oolong tea. Grown mostly on the slopes of Taiwan's mountainous region that cuts through the center of the island, the plants are given the perfect conditions to produce the sweet buttery oolong tea that Taiwan is famous for. Give it a try by sipping on cup after cup of oolong tea at a traditional tea house. There are plenty of tea houses around Maokong, an area where tea is grown in the mountains surrounding Taipei. You can find a number of tea houses here with beautiful views over the skyline of Taipei, perfect for watching the sunset while relaxing over some oolong tea. There's plenty more delicious types of tea in Taiwan to try as well.

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For those with a sweet tooth, Taiwan's bubble milk tea is a delectable treat. Although you can find it everywhere around the island, check out Chun Shui Tang, the original creators of bubble milk tea at their store in Taichung. Try pairing your tea with some pineapple cake, a sweet snack that goes wonderfully with the smooth taste of oolong tea.

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As an island nation, there are plenty of pristine beaches in Taiwan, you just need to know where to look. Baishawan and Shalun Beach are easy to reach from Taipei and if you're a beach lover visiting the capital, it's well worth taking a day trip to these beaches. They are not however the best beaches Taiwan has to offer and can also be a little crowded in the summer months.

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For the best beaches in Taiwan , you'll want to go further afield than Taipei and the surrounding area and head to some of the outlying islands. Places like Penghu and Xiaoliuqiu have beautiful azure waters surrounding the coast along with gorgeous white sand beaches that rival other top beach destinations in Asia. Some of the most scenic beaches are found along the east coast of Taiwan in Hualien and Taitung. The mountain meets sea landscape here at places like Qixingtan Beach is incredible. However with strong waves from the Pacific Ocean and often stony beaches, Taiwan's east coast beaches aren't quite as suited for a relaxing beach holiday.

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Some of Taiwan's most beautiful scenery can be found further inland from the coast. Surrounded by jagged peaks of Taiwan's central mountain range, this uniquely-shaped lake is one of Taiwan's most famous scenic spots. A center for aboriginal culture set in the heart of nature, there's plenty of incredible things to do around Sun Moon Lake .

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Shilin Night Market in Taipei might be the most popular amongst tourists visiting the country, but Taiwan's largest and often touted as best night market is in Taichung, called Feng Chia Night Market . Feng Chia is known as a trend setter, it's here where many of the dishes at night markets all over the island were first created and trying them at the source is a must. Clothes and goods are also usually much cheaper here than similar night markets in Taiwan. There are plenty of great reasons to visit Taichung on your trip too, from the Instagram favorite Rainbow Village to Taiwan's best nightlife scene.

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For those who want the ultimate experience of traveling around Taiwan, consider traversing the coastal roads all around the island. Known locally as 'huandao', it's almost a rite of passage amongst university students as something to do during summer vacations. While most people start in Taipei and loop round counter-clockwise, you can start anywhere and follow any direction you want. It's also recommended to get away from the coast and divert into the central mountains for a few days, although if you're cycling you might want to leave the bike for this part.

Photo by CHEN MIN CHUN/Shutterstock

While it depends on what time of the year you visit Taiwan, there's usually always something going on around the island. Some events may be postponed this year (2022) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan continues to employ stringent rules and regulations to stem the spread of COVID-19, which has helped to keep infections at some of the lowest in the world. While events and festivals this year will be mostly a scaled down affair due to COVID-19, there are still many that will go ahead. Taiwan was one of the few nations to hold New Year's Eve celebrations last year, limiting numbers of people around Taipei 101 for the firework show. Events are held at temples and cities all over the country for Ghost Month in August, an incredible way to see the culture first hand. The Taiwan International Balloon Festival is a popular event in Taitung that's well worth seeing along with dragon boat racing in June.

Photo by Ryan_Cheng/Shutterstock

Separate from the larger cities along the west coast by the Central Mountain Range that runs through the middle of the island, the lesser explored east coast is often missed off most people's itinerary for Taiwan. It's a shame as this is one of the most beautiful regions on the island. Both Hualien and Taitung offer a number of incredible scenic spots to visit but driving down the Suhua Highway from Yilan to Hualien is an impressive introduction to the sea meets mountain scenery common here.

Cutting through the mountains outside of Taipei, this once bustling railway line now serves as a memoir to bygone times when Pingxi and the neighboring towns thrived as a busy mining community. This train journey takes passengers through beautiful mountain scenery, towns with historic streets and delicious street snacks along a hundred-year-old railway. Along the route, Houtong Village is famous as one of the world's most popular 'cat villages' where felines roam the streets. A short journey from the first station is also Jiufen , one of the most popular towns in Taiwan, touted as being the inspiration for Studio Ghibli's popular movie, Spirited Away.

Photo by weniliou/Shutterstock

Taiwan is full of invitingly warm and relaxing hot springs around the island, perfect for taking a moment to rest while on your travels. If you're visiting during the colder winter months, side-tracking to one of Taiwan's hot spring towns is a must, but even during summer these baths are highly recommended. Many of them founded during the Japanese occupation, nowadays these towns are full of stunning hot spring resorts and hotels around Taiwan. The easiest to get to if you're visiting Taipei is Beitou, just a short ride on the MRT from the center of the city.

Best view of the capital of Taiwan, Taipei

Photo by travelwild/Shutterstock

It's no doubt Taipei 101 is Taiwan's most iconic building and the modern symbol of the city. Taipei 101 is 508 meters high and was the tallest building in the world for five years. Heading to the top of Taipei 101 is a great way to see the city from above, with stunning views of the mountains surrounding Taipei. However being on top of the tallest building in Taiwan means you won't be able to see the city's most iconic view of Taipei 101 and the skyline of Taipei such as the recent Taipei Nan Shan Plaza. Instead, head to the closest mountain to the tower, Xiangshan. Xiangshan is actually a short journey from Taipei 101, the next station along the MRT red line, and walking to the top is almost just as easy. It takes about 20 minutes to hike to the top of Xiangshan, well worth it to see what is Taipei's most beautiful city skyline view. This is where most of the famous photos of Taipei 101 and the Taipei skyline are taken, the view is absolutely gorgeous during sunset.

Photo by Atosan/Shutterstock

While nowadays the original residents of Taiwan make up a small portion of the population, aboriginal culture in Taiwan is still a large part of the island's culture, especially around a number of major tourism spots. A hot spring resort town in the mountains near to Taipei, Wulai has long been populated by Taiwanese aboriginals and is a great place to learn more about Taiwan's native population, along with trying delicious local snacks. Head to Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines in Taipei first for a comprehensive collection of aboriginal history and artifacts. To the south of Taiwan, Taiwan Indigenous Culture Park in Pingtung and Orchid Island are other popular places to see Taiwanese aboriginal culture.

While there are some interesting Starbucks buildings around the world, often to blend in with surrounding architecture, Hualien's offering is incredible both inside and outside. The famous coffee shop is built out of shipping containers with huge glass windows at the end, the unique appearance is worth checking out even for those who aren't fans of Starbucks. While there also used to be what was once the highest Starbucks in the world, on the 35th floor of Taipei 101, unfortunately it's now closed. We'll update this post if it does reopen.

Address: No. 505, Section 1, Nanbin Road, Ji’an Township, Hualien County

Photo by ESB Professional/Shutterstock

One of the most incredible feats of architecture in Taiwan, Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is a must-see for anyone visiting Taipei. The hall is the final resting place for Chiang Kai-shek, former President of the Republic of China, the official name of Taiwan, and was built in 1976 after his death. For decades the surrounding site has been a gathering place for demonstrations and historical movements, it's often seen as the birthplace of Taiwanese democracy. To honor the area's place in history, it was rededicated as Liberty Square in 2007.

Photo by www.shutterstock.com

Taiwan is covered in beautiful mountain scenery, dramatic coastline and mysterious forests, many of which are designated national parks around Taiwan. Alishan is one of the easiest to get to, being one of Taiwan's most famous national parks means there are regular buses heading to the park and in the area. Taroko Gorge is one of the easiest scenic areas to reach from Taipei, full of picturesque hikes and cycle routes to discover. Taiwan's tallest mountain, Mount Yushan also has its own national park, while it's often mistaken for being part of Alishan, Yushan is a fair distance from the Alishan area with no road access (but plenty of hiking trails). The hike to Yushan requires a permit and is usually done on a two-day hike to the top. While most of the dramatic mountain ranges are focused in the central belt of Taiwan, there are a number of national parks along the coast and beyond worth visiting too. One of which is Kenting National Park, the first national park in Taiwan, with some of the best beaches on the south coast.

Photo by EyeofPaul/Shutterstock

The main artery for transportation in the capital of Taiwan, most visitors to the island will pass through Taipei Main Station at some point. Head to the lower floors of the station however and you'll find a huge underground shopping mall. Perfect for buying souvenirs to bring back from Taiwan just before catching a train to the airport. A classic souvenir from Taiwan, pineapple cakes are a beloved snack on the island and among visitors.

Another of Taiwan's beautiful scenic spots in the central area, Qingjing Farm spans across dramatic mountain peaks and deep valleys. It even has a town with a beautiful European atmosphere, nestled on the mountainside Qingjing's Old English Manor is a small town resort with beautiful Tudor-style British architecture. It's often mistaken for places in Europe, when in fact it's actually in Taiwan. There's also actually a 'Swiss Garden' which isn't quite impressive as the manor, but still worth exploring. Qingjing Farm is also one of the few places on the island where you can see beautiful autumn foliage, being high up in the mountains allows red-leafed maple trees and other colorful trees to grow.

It's no secret Taiwan's best beaches and diving spots are mostly centered around the outlying islands of Penghu, apart from just Penghu there's many more islands around Taiwan that are well worth checking out. The Matsu islands or Kinmen are just a stone's throw from mainland China and to the north Guishan Island is the perfect spot for whale and dolphin watching. We've also compiled a list of the best offshore islands to visit around Taiwan.

The Best Time of The Year to Visit Taiwan

Taiwan can be brutally hot during the summer months from June to August. It's also during the summer where typhoons are most common, mainly around July to September with most arriving at the end of August and in September. A strong typhoon can ruin one or two days of your vacation, forcing you to just stay at the hotel. Although not quite as severe as a typhoon, May and June is plum rain season, which sees a high number of downpours, although the rain doesn't usually last for long periods in most places around the island. While winters in Taiwan are fairly mild, coastal winds can mean it feels a fair bit colder than you'd expect. The best month to visit Taiwan is April before the plum rain season starts, March and November are also pleasant times to visit as like April, the weather tends to be quite mild and temperatures range from warm to cool. If you do decide to visit Taiwan in the summer, make sure to check out one of these delicious mango shaved ice cafes in Taipei , it's perfect for combating the sweltering heat. Also check here for tips for surviving the summer weather in Taiwan.

Top Tip: Get an EasyCard When You Arrive in Taiwan

If you're mostly using public transport while in Taiwan, make sure to pick up an EasyCard (or iPASS) as soon as you arrive at the airport (Taoyuan Airport, Kaohsiung Airport and Songshan Airport and some others all have places you can purchase them from). Not only is it used for all metro systems (Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung) in Taiwan, you can use it on most Taiwan Railway trains around the island, for purchases in a number of stores such as 7/Eleven and FamilyMart, a number of restaurants and intercity bus systems across Taiwan. You can get the 100 TWD deposit back when you leave Taiwan easily from the airport or most metro stations.

Best Places to Stay in Taiwan

If it's your first time in Taiwan, staying in the capital Taipei is a must. One of the best areas to stay in Taipei is Ximending, a lively area of Taipei there's almost always something happening there. Check out our guide of the best things to do in Ximending here. For the ultimate luxury consider staying at the Mandarin Oriental Taipei, the rooms are absolutely stunning and one of the best hotels in Taipei.

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7 Best places to visit during Summer 2024

S ummer 2024 is around the corner, and it's time to plan a fulfilling getaway. Whether one likes exploring nature or soaking in the sun at the beach, the world has fantastic destinations for everyone to plan their Summer 2024 holidays. One can dive into a rich cultural heritage or just reminisce about beautiful sceneries.

Whether one wants to explore beautiful European beaches or hike across rocky mountains, the list curated below by the team at SportsKeeda includes beautiful and serene places. One can travel with their family or fly solo to these beautiful locations. The places mentioned below can be added to the bucket list of each individual.

7 must-visit places in Summer 2024

The summer season is meant for tropical destinations, sipping cool mocktails, or just taking a hike in the beautiful rocky mountains. One must visit the places mentioned below in the Summer 2024:

• Santorini, Greece
• Sydney, Australia
• Tangier, Morocco
• Rome, Italy
• Machu Picchu, Peru
• Barcelona, Spain

1) Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece, stands out as a top destination for Summer 2024. Their white buildings on the cliffs beside the deep blue sea are like a dream come true! The weather during Summer 2024 will be perfect for exploring the beautiful streets of Santorini. One can try delicious Greek food by the sea and watch the beautiful sunset over the caldera.

Santorini offers something for every traveler. Whether one wants to chill at the black sand beaches, learn history in places like Akrotiri, or go sailing around the Cyclades, there are a lot of activities one can do in Greece. The city provides the perfect itinerary for a memorable vacation in 2024.

Fiji is the ultimate destination to visit in Summer 2024. It has a perfect blend of tropical paradise and cultural richness. Known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, Fiji is an ideal setting for those who are looking for a sun-soaked vacation.

The island nation is known for its plethora of water activities like snorkeling, colorful marine life, and exploring hidden lagoons as well as waterfalls. The summer weather enhances the experience and provides ideal conditions for enjoying the outdoors. This can be a dream Summer 2024 getaway.

3) Sydney, Australia

Sydney is the ultimate destination one can explore in the Summer 2024. Known for its iconic beaches, such as Bondi and Manly, the city comes alive during the summer months with vibrant festivals, outdoor events, and a buzzing atmosphere.

Sydney is known for its stunning landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, and Sydney Harbour, which provide a picture-perfect moment against the beautiful skies. The city is known for its diverse culinary culture, from seafood to global delights. Sydney's energy, when mixed with natural beauty and cultural offerings, makes it a perfect destination for Summer 2024.

4) Tangier, Morocco

Tangier, Morocco, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and coastal experience. The Mediterranean climate brings out warm temperatures and a refreshing sea breeze during the summer months. This helps create an inviting atmosphere for travelers for relaxation and cultural exploration.

Tangier is filled with traditional cafes and bustling souks where people can sip delicious Moroccan mint tea . This experience can be a memorable summer escape with a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural discovery.

5) Rome, Italy

Rome beckons as a city renowned for its magnificent tourist attractions like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, alongside its delectable Italian gelato and mouthwatering Italian cuisine. This city has a perfect blend of history and modernity.

Rome's summer events include local festivals and add an extra layer of excitement. From open-air concerts to lively street markets, Rome is known to come alive with a festive spirit. One can immerse in the local culture, savor authentic Roman dishes, and visit pretty outdoor cafes. Rome is the perfect getaway destination for Summer 2024.

6) Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is the ultimate destination for Summer 2024. The warm and dry weather during the summer months makes exploring the ancient Incan citadel a magical experience. Machu Pichu is known for its intricate architecture and amazing views.

Machu Picchu is known for its greenery and beautiful sunrises. The hike to the iconic Inca Trail has fresh greenery that adds an extra layer of beauty. The Ican civilization sites are a must-visit if someone is planning to take a trip to Peru!

7) Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is an amazing place to go in the summer. It is known for its festivals, concerts, and cool street shows. One can wander down La Rambla and try tasty tapas. There are amazing buildings to explore, like Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí. One can also visit Barceloneta Beach, for a refreshing escape by the sea.

Barcelona is the perfect city to make beautiful memories with family during the summer holidays. It has a mix of culture, architecture, and beachy vibes, making it the perfect getaway for the summer.

One can visit any place from the list given above in the summer season. These seven global destinations can be the perfect places for relaxation and summery vibes. Every destination is packed with a lot of adventure, exploration, and lifetime experiences.

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Beat the heat: The ‘cool’ European destinations to visit in summer 2024

Here are the temperate alternatives to european hotspots that keep it cool – even in peak season, article bookmarked.

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Shade seekers can rejoice, holiday travel trends are changing and tan-refreshing, sunbed-stewing summer getaways are on the decline.

In light of the ongoing climate crisis , Brits – habitually inclined to boil abroad – are redirecting their wanderlust to European shores where they won’t be a prisoner to a hotel room’s air-conditioning or sweat over the midday UV index.

The shift to more moderate climates comes as no surprise. A furnace of Mediterranean holiday heavyweights, from Rhodes to Gran Canaria , were ablaze with wildfires during peak travel season 2023, and temperatures are continuing to break record highs year on year.

Now’s the time to swap searing Andalusia in mainland Spain for the cooler Canaries , trade Portugal ’s Algarve for Poland ’s Baltic coast, and replace big-hitting Greek islands with German variations.

With chasing scorching sun on the backburner, here are the destinations bringing a breeze to summer holidays from wind-whipped islands to northern Europe’s fine coastline.

Read more on Europe travel :

• The Spanish islands with sun and volcanic peaks that you should make your next holiday destination
• Greece travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go
• The best things to do in Valencia, from beach hopping to exploring by bike

Ostend, Belgium

• Average high in August: 21C
• Average low in August: 15C

Though best known for its chocolate, beer and the hub of EU democracy that is Brussels , it would be foolish to turn your nose up at Belgium ’s beach resorts. Let Flanders’s largest, Ostend , sweep you away to its golden sands this summer for mornings spent kitesurfing and afternoons filled with fresh oysters on the Albert I Promenade – all without the need to retreat from the heat.

Oslo, Norway

• Average low in August: 13C

The Norwegian capital is a tangle of hip districts – specifically buzzy Grünerløkka – boutique stores and al fresco dining spots fringed with by thick Marka forest (where you can go for active pursuits, including zip lining and mountain biking). Slick museums on the Oslo Pass, such as the Munch Museum, meet the culture criteria for a city break while taking a dip in seawater pools and drying off in Nordic saunas nails the R&R element of a standard summer holiday.

La Gomera, Canary Islands

• Average high in August: 28C
• Average low in August: 21C

While mainland Spain sizzles, an Atlantic onshore breeze blows through the Canary Islands , blessing balmy year-round La Gomera with inviting 20C days for holidaymakers to indulge in hiking, black-sand bathing and foodie feasts of melon lobster and marmalade rabbit. The bearable heat doesn’t sacrifice sunshine, with around nine hours of vitamin D on offer in August.

Tartu, Estonia

• Average low in August: 11C

Inevitably laden with sweaty vista climbs, winding refreshment queues and daily step tallies in the thousands, comfort is key on a city break, and the 2024 Capital of Culture , Tartu has just the climate for exploring Estonia . There is an elegant Town Hall Square primed for mass kissing events (yes, really), the sleek Estonian National Museum, and timber barges on the Emajõgi River for a sailor’s view of the peaceful landscape.

Sopot, Poland

• Average high in August: 22C
• Average low in August: 12C

Seafront Sopot, in the Tricity region of the “Baltic Riviera”, is an affordable alternative to the beloved big names further south  and  at its warmest come August. A short train ride from all the history of Gdansk , 4km of tempting beaches, Europe ’s longest wooden pier and stylish health spas dot the fairy tale-esque facades and locals hail Sopot for its beachfront nightlife scene and, of course, decadent waffles.

Sylt, Germany

• Average high in August: 20C
• Average low in August: 16C

A magnet for the German elite, the North Frisian Islands’ mild microclimate, pinstriped strandkorbs (hooded wicker seats wide enough for two) and pristine pale sands understandably attract travellers to Sylt’s west coast. A Michelin-rosette gastronomy scene, thatched cottages and lighthouse-scattered peninsulas make this balmy under-the-radar beach break one to add to your list.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Slovenia ’s most famous attraction sparkles under the summer sun and Lake Bled’s inviting turquoise glacial waters will help you keep your cool on climbs up to the medieval Bled Castle and romantic rows around the fantasy island. Where the legendary lakes of Garda and Como sweat with crowds in Italy , Bled’s slice of the Julian Alps, though inevitably busy, offers forest trails suited for secluded alpine hikes.

Machico, Madeira

• Average high in August: 26C

Leave the scorching Algarve for a more temperate Atlantic alternative on Portugal ’s Madeira archipelago. Sandwiched between mountains, far east Machico has a wave-battered artificial beach with golden grains imported from Africa , well-groomed gardens and a vision of terracotta roofs dotting its landscape. 

Pori, Finland

On Finland ’s west coast, the city of Pori is a centre for jazz music, Finnish street eats (including  porilainen,  an elevated sausage sandwich), and, star of Scandinavia, Yyteri Beach: 6km of white sand geared for windsurfing, bird watching, beach volleyball and barbecues. With the Kokemäenjoki River and Bothnian Sea National Park, this diverse destination has mastered sub-30C summer culture.

Haarlem, Netherlands

• Average high in August: 19C

Head to Haarlem for tulips, vinyls, hidden  hofje  courtyards and a fair share of canals. Amsterdam ’s less-crowded neighbour serves a slice of Dutch cool without the sweaty shoulder brushes with strangers. It has a popular shopping scene as well as a brewing culture backdating to the 14th century, and active pursuits can be found in the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. 

Skagen, Denmark

On Denmark ’s northeastern peninsula, the port town of Skagen has art museums and fine dining to rival the country’s effortlessly cool capital Copenhagen . Whisps of cloud paint the skies and wild nature patrols the pale grains of the Grenen sandbar that straddles the Baltic and North Sea. Better still, August’s T-shirt and light-layers weather is ideal for exploring this stretch of the Rabjerg Mile – a migrating coastal sand dune.

Hoping for a balmy UK summer? Here are the best secret UK beaches to visit for some peace and quiet

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Where are the cicadas? Use this interactive map to find Brood XIX, Brood XIII in 2024

In a few weeks, over a dozen states will be abuzz as trillions of periodical cicadas will emerge from their yearslong underground stay.

Broods XIX and XIII will emerge in a combined 17 states, mostly in the Midwest and Southeast, in a rare, double brood event . These two broods last emerged together 221 years ago, and after this year are not predicted to do so again until 2245.

Once conditions are right, the two broods will emerge in massive numbers to feed, make noise, mate and die. Here's what to know about where to find the 13-year Brood XIX and the 17-year Brood XIII.

2024 double cicada broods: Check out where Broods XIII, XIX will emerge

The two cicada broods will emerge in a combined 17 states across the Southeast and Midwest, with an overlap in parts of Illinois and Iowa. They will emerge once soil eight inches underground reaches 64 degrees, expected to begin in mid-May and lasting through late June.

The two broods last emerged together in 1803 , when Thomas Jefferson was president.

What is a periodical cicada?

Both the 13-year Brood XIX and the 17-year Brood XIII are periodical cicadas, which emerge every 13 or 17 years across North America. They differ from annual cicadas, which emerge every year.

You may remember the last periodical brood to emerge in huge numbers: the 17-year Brood X that was found in 2021 throughout the Midwest and Eastern Seaboard.

Annual cicadas, which are dark green to black with green wing veins, are  typically larger than periodical cicadas , which are recognizable for their red eyes, red legs and red wing veins, according to North Carolina State University Extension.

Periodical cicadas emerge earlier, usually in mid-to-late May as opposed to annual cicadas in July and August. According to North Carolina State University Extension, annual cicadas begin mating, " singing conspicuously " and lying eggs about two weeks after they emerge. Their first nymphs will fall to the ground and begin feeding on roots under the soil, and fully-developed nymphs will emerge two years later and molt into adults.

Above ground, periodical cicadas have a similar life cycle, appear in much larger numbers and are much louder. At the end of their season, the next generation of nymphs move underground and remain for either 13 or 17 years.