top places to visit taiwan

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.

To visit many of these places by tour, see my most recommended Taiwan tour deals . For a family-focused list, see our favorite things to do in Taiwan with kids .

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 Fenqihu Old Street , with its railway bento boxes, bamboo forests and fireflies at night. 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 ( rent on KKday or Klook ) of Penghu – which include four main connected ones and many smaller ones – is one of my single favorite things to do in Taiwan. I also love island hopping to the smaller islands in the archipelago.

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 or day tour , 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 (see on KKday or Klook )!

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.

Heading to Taiwan? Make sure to learn these Chinese phrases for travelers !

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).

There are many high value day trips to these attractions such as this one on KKday or this one on Klook .

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 (see on KKday / Klook ) or stargazing 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.

I recommend using Taiwan Outdoors to arrange your Yushan visit.

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 (one of the capitals of adventure sports in Taiwan , with snorkeling, scuba, rock climbing, and paddle boarding).

Nearby, I love 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.

There are multiple day tours to Sun Moon Lake from Taichung, such as this one which also includes Cingjing Farm or this one which focuses on the lake only.

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 like this one or this one 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 ( try on KKday or Klook ) – 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!

Visiting puli on the way to sun moon lake or cingjing farm, 9 thoughts on “20 places to visit in taiwan that i’m obsessed with”.

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

Thank you so much!

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

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

Hi Nick! I’ve been studying your website intently as I am planning a trip to Taiwan this Dec with my family. We are thinking of visiting Yilan for 5 days to visit Taipingshan and the Cilan Divine Trees. However, our local driver advised us against doing outdoor activities in Yilan in Dec, due to the northeast monsoon. But I am so reluctant to miss out on the hiking! How bad is the monsoon in Dec?

There is no monsoon in Taiwan in December. December is one of the driest months of the year in Taiwan. Please see the precipitation chart I made here: https://www.taiwanobsessed.com/best-time-to-visit-taiwan/#The_Best_Months_to_Visit_Taiwan (December has the lowest rainfall on average).

Although rain is still possible in any month of the year in Taiwan, if it rains in December, it is light rain, not heavy rain like in summer. Taiwan has a mini monsoon in May-June (Plum Monsoon) and typhoon + heavy rain season is July to September.

December is the start of winter in Taiwan. By late December, it’s rare but possible to have some light snow or ice on the roads in the high mountains, including Taipingshan and Qilan area. I feel this would be a bigger concern for driving there. The roads going up to those places are very steep. If there’s snow or ice on the road, it could be dangerous to drive. This is what the driver should be concerned about, not rain.

This is rare though. It usually only snows at Taipingshan maybe once per year, and it’s usually in January or February, the coldest months (but December happened last year I believe). When it happens, many locals want to drive up there to see the snow and it becomes very crowded for a few days. If the conditions are dangerous for driving, the park could close the road or they could require vehicles to have special chains on their wheels to prevent slipping.

Great information, thank you Nick! My wife and I will be in Taiwan from Nov 22 to Dec 8. We like to cover your top five places at least, and a few others. Do you have any suggestions for how should we go about it – sequence, time of stay and transportation in particular?

thanks so much for this! I was looking for a small traditional town to visit and explore and thanks to you I learned about Lukang!

It would take me a long time to answer this question. I offer paid consultation service for itineraries – please contact me if you are interested. Otherwise, I suggest you do a little more research, create a rough itinerary, and share it in my Taiwan Travel Planning group of Facebook for feedback.

Leave a Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

18 BEST Places to Visit in Taiwan! Taiwan Tourist Spots!

Categories Asia , Taiwan

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

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

Best Places to Visit in Taiwan

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

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIRST TIMERS GUIDE TO TAIWAN

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

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

GETTING AROUND TAIWAN

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

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

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

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

4. Yehliu Geopark

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

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

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

5. Beitou Hot Springs

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

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

6. Yangmingshan National Park

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

7. Kaohsiung

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Taichung

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Sun Moon Lake

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

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

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

10. Dakeng Hiking Trails

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

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

11. Hualien  

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

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

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

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

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

12. Taroko National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 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?

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

Trains in Taiwan

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

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

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

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

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

High-Speed Train from Taipei to Taichung.

High-Speed Train from Taipei to Tainan.

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

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

TAIWAN ITINERARY HELP

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

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

TAIWAN ON A BUDGET

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

Car Hire in Taiwan

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

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

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

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

Best Time of Year to Visit Taiwan

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

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

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

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

If you liked this please share it! 🙂

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

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 Best Things To Do In Taiwan

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

National Palace Museum

Taroko gorge.

Park, Shrine

Alishan Scenic Mountain Area

Natural Feature

Sun Moon Lake

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $1,200 on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Buddhist Temple

Shilin Night Market

Yangmingshan geysers, longshan temple.

Rainbow Village

Chiang kai-shek memorial hall.

Memorial, Building, Park

Kenting Street

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

The Taiwan Black Bear

Jiufen gold mines.

Historical Landmark, Museum

Enjoy a wild hot spring

Swimming Pool

20. Yushan National Park

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

21. Maolin National Scenic Area

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

22. Miramar ferris wheel

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

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

24. Chimei Museum

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

25. Fulong beach

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

26. Xinmending shopping district

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

27. KTV Clubs

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

28. Attend a cultural festival

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

29. Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms

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

The Most Unusual Things to do in Taiwan

30. go zorbing in kenting.

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

31. Play with some sheep

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

32. Eat some penis-shaped goodies

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

33. Buy betel nuts from a scantily-clad lady

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

34. Go paragliding in Wanli

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

35. Visit a haunted prison

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

36. Have a sleepover in an aquarium

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

The Top 10 Things To See And Do In Daan, Taipei

The 4 Best Seaside Towns to Visit in Taiwan

The 19 Most Beautiful Places In Taiwan

Unique Souvenirs You Can Only Buy in Taiwan

7 Things You Should Know About Longshan Temple

The Best Farm Stays in Taiwan

Sample the Best Tea in the World With Culture Trip

Beautiful Towns to Visit in Taiwan

A Guide to Yangmingshan National Park

The 5 Most Beautiful Temples in Taipei

The Best Hiking Trails in Taiwan

Culture Trip Summer Sale

Save up to $1,200 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

• Post ID: 1316265
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Taiwan , Tips & Inspo · June 12, 2024

Taiwan Bucket List: 25 Epic Things to Do in Taiwan

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Top 25 Things to Add to Your Taiwan Bucket List

Enjoy the views from taipei 101’s observation deck.

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

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

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

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

Visit Taiwan’s no.1 attraction, Taroko Gorge

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

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

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

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

Enjoy the scenery at Sun Moon Lake

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

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

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

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

Wander through the alleys of Jiufen

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

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

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

Visit Taiwan’s ancient capital, Tainan

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

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

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

Visit the tea farms

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

Tea farms in central Taiwan

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

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

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

Tea farms near Taipei

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

Browse the largest collection of Chinese Art

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

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

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

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

Swim with sea turtles at Xiaoliuqiu

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

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

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

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

Indulge at the night markets

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

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

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

Visit Taiwan’s many temples

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

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

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

Relax at the beaches

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

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

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

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

Visit Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall

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

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

Explore Taiwan’s Harbor City, Kaohsiung

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

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

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

Walk across Sanxiantai Dragon Bridge

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

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

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

Cycle through the Chishang Rice Fields

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

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

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

Relax in the hot springs

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

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

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

See the rock formations along the North Coast

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

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

Chase waterfalls

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

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

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

Go island-hopping

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

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

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

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

Green Island

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

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

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

Watch the sunrise

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

Alishan Sunrise

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

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

Hehuanshan Sunrise

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

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

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

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

Watch the sunset

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

Sunset spots in Taipei

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

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

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

Sunset spots in Southern Taiwan

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

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

See the cherry blossoms

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

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

Sample some Taiwanese food

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

Must-try Taiwanese foods

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

Venture off-the-beaten path

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

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

Attend Lantern Festival

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

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

Taiwan Bucket List in Conclusion

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

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

Liked this Taiwan bucket list? Don’t forget to save it so that you have easy access to the best things to do in Taiwan!

join the club

You’ll also love.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Top 18 Things to Do in Cape Town in 2024

Trending now.

Follow @ Hoponworld

Copyright © 2024 Hoponworld · Theme by 17th Avenue

updated on July 11, 2024

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

10 Best Places to Visit in Taiwan

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on October 3, 2023

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

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

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

10. Kaohsiung [SEE MAP]

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

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

9. Wulai [SEE MAP]

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

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

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

8. Kinmen Islands [SEE MAP]

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

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

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

7. Kenting National Park [SEE MAP]

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

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

6. Alishan National Scenic Area [SEE MAP]

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

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

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

5. Lukang [SEE MAP]

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

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

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

4. Tainan [SEE MAP]

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

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

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

3. Taroko National Park [SEE MAP]

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

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

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

2. Sun Moon Lake [SEE MAP]

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

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

1. Taipei [SEE MAP]

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

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

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

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

Map of Taiwan

Share this post:

Taking on the 7 Waterfalls Hike in Juayua

29 Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia

15 Best Things to Do in Ethiopia

10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Uganda

A Guide to Climbing Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador

15 Best Things to Do in Mongolia

10 Best Countries to Visit in Africa

10 Best Cape Verde Islands

10 Best Places to Visit in Uruguay

10 Fun Things to Do in Mostar

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

A Comprehensive Taiwan Travel Guide and Itinerary for First Timers

Taiwan is a compact but extremely rewarding travel destination. This East Asian island country will tempt you with its welcoming people, track record for safety, convenient transportation, unbeatable street food, stunning natural scenery, and outdoors activities. If you’re in the early stages of planning your Taiwan trip, you’ll uncover a wealth of information in this Taiwan Travel Guide, including when to go and for how long, how to plan your trip, the top attractions, the ideal itinerary, plus more tips and FAQs.

This article was written by Nick Kembel , who has been living in and traveling around Taiwan for over a decade. He’s written a book about Taiwan, manages two websites about the country, and moderates the Taiwan Travel Planning Group on Facebook.

Taiwan Trip Planner and Guide

When is the best time to visit taiwan, how many days do you need for taiwan, how to plan your trip to taiwan, around taipei, taroko gorge.

Sun Moon Lake

Taiwan Travel Itinerary

Will i need cash in taiwan how much, what’s easycard, which kind of transportation should i take and when should i book it , is taiwan suitable for vegetarians, share this:.

Pin this Taiwan Trip Planner and Travel Guide to plan for your Trip to Taiwan

If you want the perfect combination of good weather and small crowds in Taiwan, choose March, April, October, or November.

May and June are the rainy season in Taiwan. Summer (July to September) is uncomfortably hot and humid, not to mention that your travel plans may be ruined by a typhoon.

December is the most popular month of the year for tourism in Taiwan, mainly because visitors from nearby Asian countries flock there for Christmas events, New Year’s Eve fireworks, and because they want to experience cooler weather for their winter holidays.

Winter (January to March) is a little cold in Taipei and the north, but the south of Taiwan remains tropical year-round. It’s a good time for hot springs and cherry blossom viewing.

However, avoid visiting during Lunar New Year, when everything closes, flight prices skyrocket, and all trains and hotels will be fully booked. But consider visiting for the Lantern Festival (15 th day of the lunar year), one of the most impressive traditional celebrations in the country.

Red Paper Lanterns in Taiwan | Photo by Henry & Co. on Unsplash

Many visitors only book one week or less for Taiwan. This is not nearly enough. With this amount of time, you’ll probably only be able to visit Taipei plus one or two other places. I’s not enough to do a full loop around the country.

In order to travel in a circle around Taiwan and visit all the main attractions along the way, two weeks is the ideal amount of time. If you can extend it to three weeks, that will be even better. Then you’ll be less rushed and you can even include some more off-the-beaten-track stops.

But two weeks is a decent chunk of time to work with, and I’ll introduce the perfect Taiwan two-week itinerary in this Taiwan Travel Guide.

Taiwan is not an ideal country for just showing up and figuring it out as you go. It’s a crowded country with millions of locals who also like to travel around on weekends and holidays, not to mention the 10 million+ tourists who show up every year.

It is common for all the hotels to sell out at destinations in Taiwan. This is especially true for Alishan , the country’s most popular mountain resort, and one of the Best Places to visit in Taiwan . The hotels there are limited and sometimes all the rooms sell out weeks in advance. This is especially true for weekends, holidays, and cherry blossom season (mid-March to early-April in Alishan).

This can also happen at Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge , but only at the busiest times of the year (long weekends and Lunar New Year holiday). And for December, the busiest month for international tourism in Taiwan, I’ve even heard of travellers having difficulty finding rooms in major cities like Taipei.

RaoHe Night Market, Taipei | Photo by Clement Souchet on Unsplash

The main lesson here in this Taiwan Travel Guide and Itinerary is: book your Taiwan hotels in advance! Personally, I usually start making my itinerary and looking at hotels about six months before my trip. However, I sometimes don’t actually book them until about 2-3 months before. Unfortunately, some hotels in Taiwan, especially smaller ones, tend to not release their rooms until 2-3 months in advance. This can be a little pesky when you’re hoping to secure a room at a famous location like Alishan.

As for trains, that is a whole different story. Figuring out which trains to take around the country is going to be one of the more complicated parts of your trip. Because there’s so much to say about that, I’ll cover it in the FAQs section below.

But for now, suffice to say that you can buy regular (TRA) train or High Speed Rail (HSR) tickets 28 days in advance (or 29 days in advance for Saturday trips and 29 days for Sunday trips). The tickets for a new day are released at precisely midnight (Taiwan time – you’ll need to figure out what time that is in your country).

These are important details, because some popular train routes and dates in Taiwan can sell out within minutes of being released. For others, you don’t even need to book them – you can buy tickets or swipe an EasyCard (a reloadable smart card for transportation in Taiwan) just before boarding.

There are a few other things you may want to book before arriving in Taiwan. These include a Taiwan SIM card , entrance to popular attractions in Taiwan , and a Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass . All of these can be booked on Klook . You can also buy them when you get there, but then you’ll need to use more cash.

Last but not least, if you plan to visit any famous upscale restaurants like those with Michelin stars, you may need to reserve them several months in advance.

PS – Useful Travel Resources to use while heading to Taiwan to tick off these Best Things to do in Taiwan as shared in this Taiwan Travel Guide and Itinerary  – 

• Book your Rental Car in Taiwan on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
• Book the best Taiwan Tours at Klook
• Book your Accommodation in Taiwan on Agoda or Booking.com
• Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
• Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to Taiwan, to enjoy premium Airport Lounge Access.
• Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free road trip vacation in Taiwan.

Top Attractions in Taiwan

Longshan Temple | Taipei

For most visitors, their journey starts and ends in the capital city, Taipei. Some of the top highlights include the Observatory at Taipei 101 (once the tallest building in the world), Maokong Gondola (a glass-bottomed gondola with views of the city and tea farms), Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (one of the city’s most impressive landmarks, dedicated to a former dictator), and Beitou Hot Springs .

Of course you also can’t miss the city’s famous night markets, where hundreds of food stalls dish out mouth-watering delicacies every night of the year. The city’s five biggest ones are Shilin Night Market, Raohe Night Market, Ningxia Night Market , Tonghua Night Market , and Nanjichang Night Market , but there are many small ones, too. The city also has a huge range of hotels, from excellent hostels to some of Taiwan’s top luxury hotels .

Unlock Massive Savings on different attractions and activities in Taipei by getting the Klook Pass Taipei (save upto 41%).

If you are a foodie, you have to try out the different yummy street foods in Taipei, and guess what, with this Klook Pass – Taipei Must Eat Food , you can save upto 49% , while trying out 5-6 different kinds of Taipei Street Food.

Jiufen Old Street | Photo by Danielle Hoang on Unsplash

Some of the country’s most famous attractions are within a few hours of Taipei. The most popular attractions among them are Shifen Old Street (where tourists write wishes on paper lanterns then send them up to the sky), Shifen Waterfall, Jiufen Old Street (an old mining town with traditional teahouses), and Yehliu Geopark (with interesting shaped rock formations on the coast. Another popular day trip is Yangmingshan National Park , an active volcano right next to the city.

Taroko Gorge – The Grand Canyon of Taiwan

The “Grand Canyon of Taiwan” is the most famous natural attraction in Taiwan. This deep, dramatic gorge features stunning hikes, impossibly perched shrines, thrilling suspension bridges, and roaring waterfalls. Taroko Gorge is the top sight in Hualien county on wild east coast of Taiwan.

Cycling in Chishang in Taitung County

Remote Taitung county sits in the quiet, primarily rural southeastern corner of Taiwan. This is the land of epic bicycle paths through rice paddies, taking it easy, and meeting local Taiwanese aboriginal peoples. The county also boasts two incredible islands, Green Island (great for scuba diving and with a unique saltwater hot spring) and Orchid Island (home to the country’s most isolated aboriginal tribe).

Unlock Massive Savings on different attractions and activities in Taitung by getting the Klook Pass Taitung (save upto 45%).

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Kaohsiung is the largest city in Southern Taiwan and country’s largest port. It features some of the country’s more grandiose attractions, including Fo Guang Shan (Taiwan’s largest Buddhist monastery and tallest Buddha statue), Lotus Pond (a manmade lake surrounded by temples, including the ever-popular Dragon and Tiger Pagodas), and the best street art in the country – graffiti is legal here! From Kaohsiung, you can also make side trips to Xiaoliuqiu island for snorkelling with giant sea turtles or Kenting National Park for some of the  best beaches in Taiwan.

Unlock Massive Savings on different attractions and activities in Kaohsiung and Xiaoliuqiu Island by getting the Klook Pass Kaohsiung (save upto 30%) and Klook Pass Xiaoliqiu (save upto 28%) respectively.

A traditional temple in Tainan

The ancient capital of Taiwan , Tainan is rich in historical architecture. Come here to see some of the oldest and most important temples, forts, and Japanese-era architecture in the country. Locals consider Tainan the culinary capital of Taiwan , too, so there are plenty of good eats to be had.

Unlock Massive Savings on different attractions and activities in Tainan by getting the Klook Pass Tainan (save upto 50%).

Towering trees in Alishan – Taiwan’s Most Famous Mountain Resort

Alishan is Taiwan’s most famous mountain resort . Sitting at 2200 meters above sea level, the area features towering ancient cypress trees, sunrises over a sea of clouds, and the chance to ride on the cute red train cars of a former logging line, the Alishan Forest Railway . The region is also known for Alishan High Mountain Oolong Tea , Taiwan’s most famous tea.

Here we have the largest and most enticing lake in Taiwan . This tourist hot spot boasts a wealth of activities, from boat rides across the lake and epic views from Sun Moon Lake Ropeway to fantastic cycling and temples overlooking the lake. In February, visitors flock to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village , an aboriginal theme park, when thousands of cherry blossoms bloom. In September, thousands of locals do a mass swim across the lake, the only time of the year that swimming is allowed.

Lanterns in Taichung

The largest city in Central Taiwan is a haven for foodies with a sweet tooth, with the likes of Miyahara (over-the-top ice creams in a Harry Potter-like setting), Taiwan Sun Cake Museum (honouring a local cake that was invented in the city) and Chun Shui Tang Siwei Original Store (the supposed birthplace of pearl milk tea). Taichung is also a convenient base for venturing to attractions outside of the city like Rainbow Village (a traditional house painted in vibrant colours by a former Chinese soldier), Gaomei Wetlands (for amazing sunsets on the coast), and Zhongshe Flower Market (for seas of various flowers).

Unlock Massive Savings on different attractions and activities in Taichung by getting the Klook Pass Taichung (save upto 60%).

Days 1 and 2: Spend these days overcoming jetlag and exploring the many sights, activities, and night markets in Taipei.

Day 3: Use this day to make a day trip from Taipei . The most popular option is a day trip to the east, including an eclectic mix of stops like Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, Houtong Cat Village, Yehliu Geopark, and finishing at Keelung Night Market before returning to the city.

Day 4: Travel to Hualien , check in to a hotel, and explore Dongdamen Night Market .

Day 5: Full day tour of Taroko Gorge , including stops at Qingshui Cliffs (some dramatic coastal bluffs) and Qixingtan Beach (a pretty pebble beach). 

Day 6: Cycling among the rice paddies in Chishang , the most picturesque town in Taitung county.

Days 7-8: Explore the main sights of Kaohsiung on day 7 then do a day trip to snorkel with sea turtles on Xiaoliuqiu island on day 8.

Day 9: Catch the train + bus to Alishan and do some hiking before sunset.

Day 10: Wake up super early for the famous Alishan sunrise, then do a little more hiking before check-out time. Catch the afternoon bus to Sun Moon Lake.

Day 11: Explore Sun Moon lake by bike, gondola, bus, and/or boat.

Days 12 and 13: Tour the main sights in Taichung city on day 12, then make a day trip to Rainbow Village, Zhongshe Flower Market, Gaomei Wetlands, Lihpao Discovery Land, and/or Lukang (a very traditional old town) on Day 13. Make sure not miss Feng Chia Night Market, one of the largest in Taiwan.

Day 14: Return to Taipei or go directly from Taichung to Taoyuan International Airport for flying out.

Some common Taiwan FAQs

Typical travellers will spend TWD 1000 to 2000 per person per day in Taiwan. This is not counting hotels.

Taiwan is still very much a cash-loving society. Although you can use EasyCard and credit cards for some things (international credit cards only sometimes seem to work), you’ll still need cash for most things. Even if you book all your hotels on platforms like Booking, most budget and some mid-range hotels will still expect cash payment on arrival.

Luckily, there are ATMs everywhere in Taiwan, so you can withdraw money as you go. They allow you to take out quite a lot at once, so make sure to check your bank’s upper withdrawal limit before you go. If you’re bringing foreign cash, exchange it at the airport. There’s only a small fee per transaction, and it’s much more convenient than going to banks in the city. Banks don’t carry certain currencies, too.

Most people in Taiwan use a very handy reloadable smart card called EasyCard . You can buy one for TWD 100 at any convenience store or MRT station, including the Airport MRT for getting from Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei ).

EasyCard – Taiwan

On top of the non-refundable 100 deposit, you can load as much money as you want onto the card. You’ll use this a lot in Taipei for riding the MRT to explore the city. You can also use it to pay for local buses, trains (for example on day trips from Taipei), to pay for items at convenience stores, and some taxis take it.

If you follow the above itinerary, here are some tips:

• In Taipei, you’ll mainly ride the MRT. Just load some money onto an EasyCard for swiping into and out from the stations. You can also use EasyCard for the Airport MRT.
• When you do day trips from Taipei, you’ll mostly be riding local trains. Those don’t have seat numbers, can’t be booked, and you can just swipe EasyCard to board them.
• For Taipei to Hualien, the express train (2 hrs) is extremely popular and often sells out. Try to book this on the official TRA site 28-30 days in advance. If the express train sells out, you’ll have to ride a slower one (3 to 4 hours).
• From Hualien to Chishang and Chishang to Kaohsiung, it’s the same as above. Trains on the west coast are more limited, so book early.
• To travel from Kaohsiung to Alishan, ride train (no booking needed if you choose a local one, only 1 hour) from Kaohsiung Station to Chiayi Station. From Chiayi, take the bus (swipe EasyCard ) to Alishan (2 hours).
• There’s only one bus per day from Alishan to Sun Moon Lake, departing 1 PM and arriving 4 PM, swipe EasyCard .
• The bus from Sun Moon Lake to Taichung takes 90 minutes. Again you can swipe EasyCard .
• For Taichung to Taipei (or to Taoyuan for transferring to the Airport MRT), try taking a ride on the super-fast High Speed Rail. These tickets can be booked in advance on the official HSR site for an early bird discount or on the spot (non-reserved ticket) right before boarded. Non-reserved section is cars 10-12, but a seat is not guaranteed.

Yes, Taiwan is a vegetarian-friendly country. There are hundreds of vegetarian restaurants in Taipei and around the country. Most traditional Taiwanese vegetarian food is also vegan. Many vegetarian restaurants have the character for vegetarian (素) prominently displayed. You can easily find them by searching on GoogleMaps or using websites like HappyCow.

Some Final Taiwan Travel Tips

• English is limited in Taiwan, so I recommend preparing a translation app like GoogleTranslate or Papago. These can be used to scan signs/menus or even translate conversations as you try to communicate with locals.
• Taiwanese are very polite and generally love foreigners. Young people tend to be shy, but most people will help if you need it.
• When it comes to local etiquette, don’t make any noise (even talking should be a whisper) on buses & trains, the dark blue MRT seats are for the needy, stand only on the right side of escalators, and wave at buses if you want them to stop to pick you up.
• Pay restaurant bills at the front of the restaurant before leaving, and there’s generally no tipping in Taiwan.
• Taiwan is an extremely tolerant country and the only place in Asia where same-sex marriage is legal.
• Dress as you wish, but don’t go barefoot or wear beach attire unless you’re at the beach.
• Unlike Japan, tattoos are fine for hot springs but you may need to wear a swimming hat.

And if you are wondering, Where to stay in Taiwan? All you have to do is, fill in your dates, the destination and click on the search button in the box below, and save upto 50% on the Best Hotels and Resorts in Taiwan.

Don’t forget to Pin this Taiwan Travel Guide featuring the Best Things to do in Taiwan along with a 14 Day Taiwan Travel Itinerary , which will help you plan for your Trip to Taiwan.

Pin this Taiwan Travel Guide and Itinerary and Save it for planning for your Trip to Taiwan

Also, if you like reading the content I create and curate, I will be really thankful if you could take a moment to

LIKE | COMMENT | SHARE and SUBSCRIBE 

Also, if you’re on Facebook, I would love to have you as a part of 

the Eat Travel Live Repeat Travel Community

Type your email…

• Kale by LyraThemes.com.

Privacy Overview

• Best Time to Visit
• Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Guide
• Best Taiwan Hotels
• Top Things to Do in Taiwan
• Best Beaches
• Food to Try
• Top Things to Do in Taipei
• Best Museums
• Best Restaurants
• Nightlife Guide
• Getting Around Taipei
• Day Trips From Taipei
• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Destinations

The Top 15 Things to Do in Taiwan

A compact 245 miles from its northern to southernmost tips (and 90 miles wide at its thickest section), it's easy to traverse the entirety of Taiwan in a day thanks to its sleek High Speed Rail system . But why rush it? There are plenty of cities and natural wonders alike to take in here including Jiufen—the picaresque cliffside village that inspired Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away"—and coveted wedding and honeymoon destination Sun Moon Lake.

While there are hundreds of activities, places, and things to see and do in Taiwan, here are our current 15 musts.

Get a Bird's-Eye View From Taipei 101

Frankly speaking, Taipei lacked the sophisticated, modern city planning and grandeur of Hong Kong and many of mainland China's capital cities until the early 2000s. Oh how things have changed! Now you can take in the glorious skyline and juxtaposition against nature from 1,474 feet in the air via the Taipei 101's observation deck.

The world's tallest skyscraper when it opened in 2004 (as of 2020, it ranks as 10th), it also has a unique, suspended golden-hued 730-ton damper globe (which keeps the tower balanced in event of an earthquake). On the lower levels, there are shops and restaurants like Din Tai Fung, the gold standard for Taiwanese-style soup dumplings.

Enjoy Tea and Cinematic Views in Jiufen

It's not often a Japanese animated classic comes to life, but wandering the winding, sloping hillside alleys and stairways of Jiufen is just like entering the world of Studio Ghibli's fantastical, Oscar-winning film "Spirited Away" (albeit without the spirits and dragon). A former gold rush town—and actual setting for 1989 historical drama, "A City of Sadness"—Jiufen is equal parts tranquil, picaresque, and bustling thanks to its ocean and lush mountain views, rustic architecture, historic (and wonderful) teahouses, and endless vendors of street food, crafts, and souvenirs.

Chill Out in a Hot Spring

Like Japan, Taiwan is peppered with mineral-rich natural hot springs, ranging from economical and no-frills to family-friendly to luxurious, exclusive resorts nestled by nature. To experience a hot spring without leaving Taipei, you only need to visit the Beitou district. Consider the appropriately-named Grand View Resort (which boasts indoor and outdoor white sulfur springs or the comparatively low-frills 24-hour Kawayu hot springs.

Elsewhere in Taiwan, Yilan County's Jiaoxi Hot Springs entails a large range of facilities including a giant public pool for soaking one's feet. Zhaori Hot Spring on Green Island —accessible via a 50-minute ferry ride from the southeast coast's Taitung—is one of the world's three saltwater hot springs, heated by volcanic lava and surrounded by glorious ocean views.

As with a Japanese onsen or a Korean spa, Taiwan's same-sex facilities have a mandatory no-clothing policy.

Savor Taiwan's Distinctive Soup Dumplings

Although the steamed soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) hail from mainland China—and are most frequently associated with Shanghai–Taiwan put its own spin on things. Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung has perfected and defined Taiwanese-style xiaolongbao: a fig-sized pouch with a precise 18 folds in its chewy dough skin, which contains a succulent nugget of pork and savory broth.

Of course, there are many varieties of xiaolongbao at hundreds of venues across Taiwan, from decadent truffle to bitter melon to shrimp, although none are as literally colorful as those at Paradise Dynasty. A Singapore-born chain, the Taipei location must have poached its staff from a Din Tai Fung, since their signature eight varieties, all featuring different colored skins,are utterly precise, consistently excellent. Don't miss the black garlic, red Sichuan pepper, and yellow cheese—its pork bursting with gooey, stringy cheese.

Hike Taroko National Park

This national park, located in Hualien county just south of Taipei, is a gem for outdoorsy types and nature lovers. There are dozens of trails for hiking, mountaineering, bicycling, and simply taking in scenic views. The most famous are the dramatic Taroko Gorge and the stunning, Tunnel of Nine Turns trail (which was reopened in 2019). Longer, more advanced trails include barrier- and rail-free Zhuilu Cliffs' hiking trail. These trails are indeed difficult so be sure to consult the Park's website or consider a guided tour in advance: several are offered by Silks Place Tarako , a five-star hotel located within the park itself.

Get Zen At Kaohsiung's Fo Guang Shan Monastery

Southwest Taiwan's major port city of Kaohsiung (population over 2.773 million) is a draw for Buddhists and temple seekers thanks to its Fo Guang Shan Monastery and Buddha Museum . Highlights of Taiwan's largest Buddhist temple and campus include a towering 120-meter high golden statue of Buddha Amitabha and more than one thousand additional Buddha incarnations, deities, and other statues spread across its shrines, four temples, and other buildings. The museum's pagodas include fantastic selections of relics, exhibitions, and more.

Experience Taiwan's Annual Lantern Festival

Chang Hsiu Huang / Getty Images

Taiwan's annual lantern festival sees thousands of imaginative and colorfully decorated floating paper lanterns take to the skies in cities and towns all over the island. However, the most famed and oldest incarnation—the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival—which takes place an hour or so east of Taipei in the hillside town of Shifen, is a truly magical experience thanks to its tradition of releasing lit rice paper lanterns into the sky with your wishes written on them. Summertime's Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival is also quite the Instagram-worthy spectacle.

Eat Your Way Through Taiwan's Incredible Night Markets

Reportedly dating back to the Tang Dynasty in the 9th century, Taiwan's night markets are filled with the scents of street food, from frisbee-sized crispy chicken cutlets to "coffin bread" stuffed with various fillings, and the unmistakable national favorite stinky tofu. You'll also be able to find trinkets, clothing, craft beer, and home goods at these markets. Everyone has their opinions on which night market is the best, but a few essentials for your list include Taipei's Shilin and Raohe, Taichung's Fengjia and Yizhong, and Kaohsiung's Ruifeng. No matter which local night market you visit, however, you're guaranteed at least a few tasty bites!

Take in Taiwan's Creative Art and Culture Parks

Taiwan has seen former factories, abandoned industrial eyesores, and government compounds transformed into vibrant, creative, family-friendly destinations in a growing number of cities. In Taipei you'll find the trailblazing Huashan 1914 Creative Park ; Songshan Creative Park , which boasts a boutique hotel, bookstore, and arthouse cinema from Eslite; and Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab , opened in 2018 in the former Republic of China Air Force headquarters.

Opened in late 2015, Tainan's Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park is chock full of colorful contemporary murals and installations, and shops within former heritage houses. Mural lovers will also enjoy a stroll and plenty of selfies around Kaohsiung's Pier-2 Art Center . In Taichung's South District, an early 1900s brewery is now The Cultural Heritage Park, largely dedicated to culture-related exhibitions and activities in its dozen-plus buildings.

Explore Quirky Themed "Villages"

Some quaint and heritage villages throughout Taiwan have been turned into quirky attractions worth a detour. Taichung's Rainbow Family Village lives up to its name thanks to village elder and erstwhile military man Huang Yung-Fu, who painted streets, houses, and pretty much every surface with all types of critters, people, and patterns.

Taipei's rustic and cliffside Treasure Hill Artist Village (built during a housing shortage circa the 1940s for immigrants) is now home to dozens of artists, who transform the winding lanes and houses into murals, ever-changing art installations, and shops.

A bit off the beaten track but worth it for retro architecture lovers, Wanli UFO Village is populated by flying saucer-esque, abandoned 1960s Futuro and Venturo houses, while Nantou's lush and comparatively lively Xitou Monster Village draws its inspiration from Japanese ghosts and creepy creatures (and even boasts a boutique hotel or two for overnighters).

Explore the History of Taiwan's Former Capital

Taiwan's capital city from 1683 to 1887, Tainan is home to the National Museum of Taiwan History, which explores its indigenous culture and history of occupation by the mainland Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and Dutch. The Dutch influence can be found and explored at Fort Zeelandia, aka Anping Old Fort.

Try Some Stinky Tofu

Exactly what it sounds like, this soy-based delicacy is to Taiwan what durian is to Thailand and what stinky cheeses are to France. Fermentation gives the tofu a funky, pungent stench and it's a staple at Taiwan's many night markets. If you're a fan, or adventurous eater, be sure to visit New Taipei's Shenkeng Old Street, which is basically dedicated to an endless array of variations, including spicy, fried, filled, and even some non-stinky tofu treats like ice cream and cake.

Experience Taiwan's Booming Craft Beer Scene

Still under the radar internationally, Taiwan's craft beer makers have nonetheless received recognition and awards, including a World's Best Dark Altbier honor in 2020. Taipei in particular is booming with dedicated craft beer bars and restaurants with local selections on tap, including the excellent Sunmai (the longan honey lager is a must). Yet surprises await all over Taiwan. Northwest Taiwan's Dahu township is best known for its abundant, delicious, oversized strawberries—January and February are peak tourism times for visiting and picking—and its Dahu Wineland Resort produces a juicy seasonal strawberry beer.

Relax at Sun Moon Lake

Wan Ru Chen / Getty Images

Almost smack dab in the middle of the country in Nantou County, Sun Moon Lake is a major destination for wedding portraits, romantic and family getaways, and outdoor activities. Sun Moon Lake got its name from sections shaped like a round sun and crescent moon and is Taiwan's largest natural alpine lake. It's nestled within lush mountains, features a small island in its middle, while a bikeway weaves around the perimeter. Another unique aspect of Sun Moon Lake is its indigenous tribes, the Thao and Bunan who share their cuisines and various cultural experiences with visitors.

Snap a Picture at High-Heel Wedding Church

Courtesy of Tourism Bureau, Republic of China (Taiwan)

Located between Taichung and Tainan, Chaiyi County features an offbeat treat in this striking, high heel shoe-shaped 17-meter high wedding venue. Constructed from 320 panes of blue glass in Chiayi Budai Seascape Park, this secular "chapel" pays tribute to a comparatively somber bit of history: the blackfoot disease epidemic that struck Taiwan's southwest coast circa 1969, which resulted in many young women's feet being amputated. Opened in 2016, now people of all identities can enjoy a wedding inside glamorous high heel, or just snap a photo of it.

Related Articles

More related articles.

Best things to do in Taiwan

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com
• best-things-to-do-in-taiwan

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 03.07.2024

Taiwan remains largely undiscovered and seriously underrated by Western travellers, but those that make it here are in for a real treat. Modern Taiwan – an eclectic mix of Chinese, Western, Japanese and indigenous cultural influences. Keeping the diversity of this country in mind, we have compiled a list of the best things to do in Taiwan.

1. Sun Moon Lake

3. hot springs, 4. kenting national park, 5. taroko national park, 7. lanyu (orchid island), 8. aboriginal culture, 10. surfing, 11. chung tai chan monastery, 12. alishan national scenic area, 13. national palace museum, 14. dajia mazu pilgrimage, 15. climbing yushan - one of the most exciting things to do in taiwan, 16. east coast national scenic area, 17. night markets, 18. bubble tea, 19. taipei 101, 20. chiang kai-shek memorial hall.

This article is inspired by our Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for travelling the world.

Travel ideas for Taiwan, created by local experts

Nature's adventure in Taiwan

Taiwan was formerly known as Ilha Formosa - "beautiful island" and it's easy to see why: lush rivers, tropical forest, and imposing sea cliffs, this itinerary focuses on Taiwan's nature. Start in cosmopolitan Taipei before heading to Taroko National Park, coastal Hualien and finally Sun Moon Lake.

Treasures of Taiwan

Explore Taiwan's diverse culture and fascinating landscapes in this itinerary covering the whole island. Starting in Taipei you will move on to Sun Moon Lake before heading to Alishan. Discover monasteries and national parks on the Southwest coast before heading back to Taipei.

The Essentials of Taiwan

Looking for a compact Taiwan itinerary? Look no further. In just under a week, this itinerary allows you to explore Taipei and nearby national parks. Expect waterfalls, panoramic walking trails and thermal springs, all while enjoying the amazing food scene, a blend of Chinese & Japanese cuisines.

Hemmed in by lush tiers of mountains in the heart of Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is the island’s largest freshwater body. Its calm, emerald-green waters create one of the best things to do in Taiwan for enjoying mesmerizing landscapes. The lake’s name was inspired by its distinctive shape, with a rounded main section likened to the sun and a narrow western fringe compared to a crescent moon.

Encircling it all is a 33km road, dotted with fascinating temples and picturesque pavilions, each offering a unique perspective on the waters below, while the cable car provides a stupendous panorama of the whole lake. The lake is also the ancestral home of the Thao (pronounced “Shao”, meaning “people”), Taiwan’s smallest officially recognized aboriginal tribe.

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan © CHEN HSI FU/Shutterstock

Kinmen Island is shaped like a dumbbell, spanning only 3km from north to south at its centre. Most visitors make the main commercial hub of Jincheng their first base, but there are plenty of enticing homestays across the island. By renting a scooter, car or bicycle, you could probably take in most of the main attractions in four or five days: double that if you’re relying on public buses.

In 1995, much of the island became Taiwan’s sixth national park, the only one dedicated to the preservation of historic monuments and battlefield memorials. Many once important military sites have been decommissioned and are now open to the public. For the most part, Kinmen’s beaches remain underdeveloped, but there are some attractive stretches of sand in the south of the island.

• For B&B: Eighty-eight B&B
• For historical charm: Feng Mao Lin Zhi

Find more accommodation options to stay on Kinmen island

Sunset at Cih lake, Kinmen, Taiwan © Philos Chen/Shutterstock

With over 150 locations scattered all over the island, Taiwan has the world’s second-highest concentration of hot springs after Japan. Many were developed commercially during the Japanese occupation and offer the same quality, scenery and therapeutic effects at a fraction of the cost.

Several of the most famous springs are piped directly into hotel rooms and spa pools, where you can sample the waters via public baths or private tubs. Also, there are still places, usually in the mountains, where springs gush naturally from rocks or rivers and can be experienced for free.

Looking for a compact Taiwan itinerary? Look no further. In just under a week, this tailor-made trip to the Essentials of Taiwan allows you to explore Taipei and nearby national parks. Expect waterfalls, panoramic walking trails and thermal springs, all while enjoying the amazing food scene, a blend of Chinese & Japanese cuisines.

Lisong hot springs, Taiwan © totogo1015/Shutterstock

Straddling Taiwan’s southern tip and bounded by the sea on three sides, Kenting National Park attracts millions of visitors each year, lured by its warm tropical climate and magnificent beaches. The park covers most of the Hengchun peninsula, which sits at the confluence of fault lines and tectonic plates.

As a result, the peninsula has been pushed, pulled and twisted into a complex network of low-lying mountains, grassy meadows, steep cliffs, sand dunes and elaborate coral formations. Despite its remarkably varied natural scenery, most Taiwanese tourists cling to the amusement park atmosphere of the main tourist area around Kenting Town and nearby Nanwan, leaving the rest of the park relatively quiet.

Kenting beach, Taiwan © Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

Framed by sheer ocean cliffs and majestic inland mountain peaks, Taroko National Park is Taiwan’s most diverse national park and one of the island’s top tourist destinations. Visiting the narrow Taroko Gorge is one of the best things to do in Taiwan for good reason: stretching some 20km, with marble walls that soar several hundred metres above the Liwu River, the canyon offers some of Taiwan’s most awe-inspiring scenery.

To appreciate the national park you need to get hiking. Alongside the road through the canyon are several easy trails, providing superb vantage points for some of the most spectacular features and giving a greater sense of scale. Though the gorge is Taroko’s claim to fame, it is only a small part of the park, which contains some of Taiwan’s most challenging mountain climbs, including Qilai Ridge and the revered Nanhushan.

Taiwan was formerly known as Ilha Formosa - a "beautiful island" and it's easy to see why: lush rivers, tropical forest, and imposing sea cliffs, this tailor-made adventure in Taiwan focuses on Taiwan's nature. Start in cosmopolitan Taipei before heading to Taroko National Park, coastal Hualien and finally Sun Moon Lake.

Taroko, Taiwan © Watchara Tawongsa/Shutterstock

One of Taiwan’s oldest port towns, Lugang has preserved much of its architectural and cultural heritage, partly thanks to the efforts of its famously conservative inhabitants. Lugang’s historic temples are wonderfully atmospheric, but much of the town’s fame derives from its tasty local snacks and its traditional handicrafts, fashioned by the greatest concentration of master craftsmen in the country.

But while the town is eulogized in Taiwan as the epitome of classical China, the historic centre is relatively small and is surrounded by modern urban development. Adjust your expectations accordingly and Lugang can still make a fascinating trip from Changhua or Taichung. All the more so if you choose to stay overnight and see the old town when all the day-trippers have left.

Wen Wu Temple, Lugang, Taiwan © chungphoto/Shutterstock

Jutting sharply out of the sea some 91km southeast of Taitung, Lanyu is one of Taiwan’s most picturesque destinations. This volcanic island consists of a green-velvet mountain surrounded by a flat, narrow coastal plain, which stretches into some of the most unspoilt coral reefs in Asia.

There are few tourist sites per se – the main attractions are the rich tropical scenery, the Tao villages with their signature semi-subterranean houses and some of the world’s most underrated snorkelling. One of the best things to do in Taiwan is to simply take a scooter or bicycle around the island, stopping at your leisure to swim, snorkel or just soak up the captivating coastal scenery.

Find accommodation options to stay in Lanyu

The Rough Guides to Taiwan and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Aboriginal canoe, Lanyu, Taiwan © werelion/Shutterstock

Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, divided into fourteen officially recognized tribes and several other distinct groups, have their own vibrant cultures quite separate from the Chinese majority. Taiwan’s indigenous tribes form part of the Austronesian cultural and linguistic family. The origins of Taiwan’s aborigines are still fiercely debated, though most agree that they are descendants of Neolithic peoples.

The most radical theory, and the one currently in favour in Taiwan, claims that the island is the homeland of all Austronesian people – that migrations from Taiwan would eventually, over thousands of years, colonize the entire Pacific.

Taiwanese aborigines Totem © Shutterstock

Historic Tainan, just a few kilometres inland from the southwest coast, is a city that contains many of the best things to do in Taiwan: ancient monuments, delicious food and, above all, temples. There are more gods worshipped, and more festivals and rituals are observed in Tainan than in any other place in Taiwan. Much of this is a legacy of its two-hundred-year history as Taiwan’s capital city – during the seventeenth century.

The oldest and most absorbing parts of Tainan are Anping, on the west side of town by the sea, and the cultural zones in the heart of the old city. The latter was created specifically to make things easier for visitors, with English information, signs and maps. The Chihkan, Dong-an Fang, Five Canals and Confucius Temple cultural zones contain the richest concentration of sights – reckon on spending at least two days to do them justice.

• For price and quality: Kindness Hotel - Tainan Chihkan Tower
• For couples: JOY Tainan No.1

Find more accommodation options to stay in Tainan

Tainan park, Taiwan © The HippoZoom/Shutterstock

Although Taiwan’s surf is not of the same calibre and consistency as the likes of Hawaii, Indonesia or Sri Lanka, anyone who has surfed the island on a good day will tell you that it can be nothing short of inspiring. Rideable waves can be found from tip to toe of Taiwan, but in general, those that travel across the Pacific to crash against the eastern coastline are the ones to look out for – especially in the days preceding a typhoon.

The beaches best kitted out for travellers looking to surf are Daxi on the northeast coast, Dulan and Donghe on the east coast and Nanwan and Jialeshui near the island’s southern tip. There are several other possible surf spots along the east coast, but you’ll need your board, private transport, time to scout out the coastline and plenty of experience navigating the reef.

Explore our list of the best beaches in Taiwan and find some perfect surfing destinations for your holiday.

Surfing in warm turquoise waters is one of the best things to do in Taiwan © Wayne0216/Shutterstock

Just a few kilometres north of Puli, the Chung Tai Chan Monastery is one of the world’s most lavish modern monuments to Chan Buddhism, fusing ancient tradition with contemporary building techniques. Designed by C.Y. Lee (the architect of Taipei 101), at an estimated cost of US$110 million, the monastery is worth a good half-day of exploring.

The monastery complex is dominated by the massive, 37-floor central building, surrounded by a series of ancillary halls and statues. The 150m central tower is its most distinctive feature, flanked by two sloping dormitory wings and topped by an ornate gold pearl, set on gilded lotus leaves.

Chung Tai Chan Monastery, Nantou, Taiwan © Suchart Boonyavech/Shutterstock

Stretching from the foothills of western Taiwan, the extraordinarily diverse Alishan National Scenic Area covers kilometres of picturesque tea plantations, tranquil homestays and inviting Tsou aboriginal villages. Confusingly, there is no single mountain called Alishan; the actual peak that attracts the most viewers at sunrise is named Zhushan.

It’s the centrepiece of the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, the region’s main tourist hub, which most Taiwanese refer to – similarly confusingly – as just “Alishan”. The spectacular Alishan Forest Railway is one of the scenic highlights of Taiwan, but sadly only half of it was running at the time of writing, due to successive typhoon damage.

Explore Taiwan's diverse culture and fascinating landscapes with this tailor-made trip to Treasures of Taiwan covering the whole island. Starting in Taipei you will move on to Sun Moon Lake before heading to Alishan. Discover monasteries and national parks on the Southwest coast before heading back to Taipei.

Sunset in Alishan mountains, Taiwan © NH/Shutterstock

The National Palace Museum is the most famous attraction in Taiwan, pulling in over two million visitors a year with its unparalleled collection of Chinese art, a priceless treasure trove going back five thousand years. The museum also owns hundreds of documents, pieces of furniture, rare books and official decrees issued by the Imperial Chinese government.

The museum’s collection of over 655,000 pieces is still too large for everything to be displayed at the same time, but there’s always plenty on show. The museum is arranged thematically, but there’s often a chronological order within each section. It’s perhaps most rewarding to start on the third floor and work down, alternatively, the daily tours in English offer a more digestible introduction to the main exhibits.

Gugong National Palace Museum, Taiwan © Avigator Fortuner/Shutterstock

The annual eight-day Mazu Holy Pilgrimage from Zhenlan Temple in Dajia to Fengtian Temple in Xingang is one of the greatest of all Taiwan’s religious festivals. The event has also become a veritable media circus, attracting ambitious politicians and even street gangs who in the past have ended up fighting over who “protects” the goddess during the procession.

The pilgrimage has its origins in the early nineteenth century when Taiwanese pilgrims would cross the Taiwan Strait to the Mazu “mother temple” in Meizhou in Fujian every twelve years.

Dajia Mazu Temple, Taiwan © Lewis Tse Pui Lung/Shutterstock

Taiwan’s most untarnished breadth of the backcountry, Yushan National Park is an archetypal mountain wilderness with a seemingly endless proliferation of 3000m peaks, separated by yawning river valleys. The park is primarily known for the majestic Yushan (Jade Mountain) – the tallest peak in northeast Asia at 3952m.

Climbing to the summit is one of the most exciting things to do in Taiwan, and not as challenging as it might sound, although obtaining a permit requires significant planning. Spring and autumn are generally considered the best seasons for climbing, but you should always come prepared for fickle weather.

Yushan mountain, Taiwan © Shutterstock

The East Coast National Scenic Area, the prime indigenous territory is scattered with idyllic fishing villages, rice paddies, herds of water buffalo and some of the best surf breaks in Taiwan. Buses ply the highway, and you can visit the main spots on public transport, but to make the most of the area, and particularly to hop between the coast and the Rift Valley, you’ll need your transport.

If you’re visiting in late summer and hope to witness some of the many indigenous festivals held each July and August, private transport is essential. One of the joys of coming at this time is whipping from one festival to another on a scooter, soaking up the boundless seascapes along the way.

Taitung Island, Taiwan © Chen Liang-Dao/Shutterstock

Strolling Taiwan’s night markets (yèshì) is one of the best things to do in Taiwan to sample local food at budget prices . They’re usually located along streets lined with both permanent shops and temporary stalls, though in some cities, a few markets have specially built premises. Things only really get going after 5 pm and start to wind down after 11 pm, though many stay open till the early hours, especially at weekends.

Language is not a problem – just point and get stuck in. The crowds can be suffocating at weekends, but that’s all part of the experience and probably the reason why most night markets also feature foot massage centres.

Street food in Taipei, Taiwan © Baiterek Media/Shutterstock

Teahouses are an important part of contemporary Taiwanese culture, ranging from the traditional to the ultra-chic, and Taiwan is regarded as a global leader in tea innovation. Bubble tea (pàomò hóngchá) originated in Taichung and the city remains home to some of the island’s grandest teahouses, often huge establishments with carp ponds, miniature gardens and cosy pavilions.

Bubble tea served in Taiwan © Shutterstock

Looming over Xinyi, and indeed the whole of Taipei, the 508m-tall Taipei 101 tower became the world’s tallest building on completion in 2003 – it was surpassed six years later by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa (828m). A whopping 101 storeys high, it looks surprisingly delicate, given its size, having been designed by Taiwanese architect C.Y. Lee to resemble a stalk of bamboo.

The tower sits atop a large shopping mall, which remains up there with the best in the city, though the luxury shops, aimed at mainland Chinese who are no longer arriving in huge numbers, are now a bit empty. In the basement is a great food court, as well as a branch of Din Tai Fung.

• For modern stays: MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel Taipei Zhongxiao
• For elegance: arTree hotel

Find more accommodation options to stay in Taipei

Taipei, Taiwan © Sean Hsu/Shutterstock

The collection of the monumental architecture surrounding Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of Taipei’s grandest sights. It doesn’t seem to matter that all this was completed in the 1980s – these buildings are some of the largest examples of classical Chinese architecture anywhere in the world. The memorial hall sits at the centre of a grand plaza (known as “Liberty Square” since the DPP renamed it in 2007).

The plaza’s striking 70m octagonal roof is designed to resemble the Temple of Heaven in Beijing and is covered with blue glazed tiles. Start by climbing the 89 granite stairs to the main hall, which contains a giant bronze statue of the Generalissimo under an elegant red-cypress wood ceiling; though it seems a bit like a mausoleum, Chiang isn’t buried inside.

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall © Shutterstock

Find more inspiring ideas for your exotic journey in our guide to the most exotic places to travel in the world . Also, take a look at China, where you will also find plenty of exciting things to do .

For more inspirational travel tips check our Rough Guide books .

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Taiwan without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

We may earn a commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

• Nature & Wildlife
• Authentic Experiences
• History Culture Heritage
• Inspiration
• See & Do
• Where to stay

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Travel advice for Taiwan

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Taiwan

• Eating and drinking in Taiwan
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Taiwan
• Culture and Etiquette in Taiwan
• How to get to Taiwan
• Getting around Taiwan: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Taiwan for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Taiwan

Find even more inspiration for Taiwan here

Ready to travel and discover taiwan, get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

The 26 Best Things to See and Do in Taiwan

• Facebook 434

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!

SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST

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.

Related Posts

10 Unmissable Things to do in Taipei

Complete Guide to the Pingxi Line, Taiwan

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.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

17 Things to See and Do in Taiwan

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Your Trip to Taiwan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

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

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

• Formosa 101
• Meander Taipei

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts

GET YOUR  FREE TRAVEL STARTER KIT

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Visa Application Helpline

Subscribe to our newsletter

Learn how to live a sustainable long-term travel lifestyle.

By signing up, you agree to the our terms and our Privacy Policy agreement.

Top 27 Places to visit in Darjeeling, Explore the Beautiful Hills of Darjeeling

Top 10 things to do when traveling to shimla: shimla travel guide, the ultimate paris travel guidelines for first timers | top attractions & things to do.

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. 

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Kuala Lumpur itinerary 5 days. How to spend 5 days in…

What to buy in Zhangjiajie? 15+ top Zhangjiajie souvenirs & best…

Seoul autumn foliage 2024 forecast — The timeframe & 13+ best…

Busan fall foliage forecast 2024 — When & 6+ best places…

The complete Seoul subway guide: How to use, lines, fares for…

How much does it cost to travel to Korea? Tips on…

The ultimate guide to NETS FlashPay Card: What is it, how…

How much will it cost to go to Singapore? Tips on…

13 best, most famous & popular bubble tea in Taiwan

Where to eat in Penang? 17 best places to eat &…

Best bubble tea in Taiwan — Top 11 most famous &…

29+ must-try foods in Thailand

11+ best homestays in Kuala Lumpur near famous tourist attractions

Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives reviews. The detailed review of my vacation…

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa reviews. The resort is highly…

+7 luxury resorts you must stay in Danang, Vietnam

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Where to go in taiwan — 19+ must-see & best places to visit in taiwan.

Taiwan is a small island nicknamed Formosa – a beautiful island with a population of 23 million people. Although it is an island nation, most of Taiwan’s territory is covered with green forests and mountains. The perfect natural scenery has created captivating landscapes, attracting a large number of tourists from all over the world. So, where should I go in Taiwan, where to go in Taiwan and where to visit in Taiwan? Let’s check out our suggested top places to visit in Taiwan and best places to go in Taiwan, best places to see in Taiwan, best places to travel in Taiwan, best places to visit in Taiwan which including 10 best places to visit in Taiwan, must go places in Taiwan, must see places in Taiwan, must visit places in Taiwan, top 10 places to visit in Taiwan, beautiful places to visit in Taiwan as follows!

• Where to travel in Taiwan? — 21+ must-go & top places to visit in Taiwan
• Get lost in Xuanzang Temple — A temple worshiping the Master monk Tang Sanzang near by Sun Moon Lake
• Rainbow Village Taichung blog — How to get & how to visit the most colorful village in Taichung, Taiwan
• What to do in Taipei 101? — The fullest Taipei 101 guide, a place that captivates Taipei visitors

Taiwan fall foliage forecast 2024 — When & 9+ best place to see autumn leaves in Taiwan

Join us to discover some of Taiwan’s tourist attractions that impress visitors with their dynamic and futuristic vibes. On top of that are majestic natural landscapes of long picturesque coastlines, overlapping mountains, vast forests, and calm rivers and lakes.

Tourist attractions in Taipei (#best places to visit in taiwan)

Taipei 101 tower is the pride of the Taiwanese people and one of the symbols of Taipei City. After 5 years of construction at a cost of up to 1.76 billion USD, this was once the tallest tower in the world.

With the height of a skyscraper and unique architecture, it is one of the world’s architectural landmarks and a tourist destination in Taiwan that you cannot miss. In addition to admiring the building’s grandeur, visitors can experience the high-class services inside the tower.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (#best places to visit in taiwan)

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a monumental destination that marks the ups and downs of history. Along with it is the distinctive traditional Chinese architecture that invites visitors to learn about its story and great design.

Located in a large square, the memorial site is a white-walled building with blue tiles, and inside is a statue of Chiang Kai-shek. Coming here, you will be able to admire and take pictures of the vast amazing landscape as well as have the opportunity to learn more about Taiwan’s history.

Ximending Night Market (#where to visit in taiwan)

If you want to enjoy the crowded and bustling atmosphere while shopping and trying delicious street foods, Ximending Night Market will be your promised land. Ximending Night Market is a bustling tourist destination in Taiwan, attracting millions of travelers to visit and shop. Especially, this is also home to various specialties that you can purchase as gifts for your family and friends.

Yangmingshan (#top places to visit in taiwan)

Conquering Yangmingshan is the dream of many travel nomads who love exploration and adventure. During the journey to conquer the mountain, you will have to walk along a small path on the mountainside. The landscape on the road features reed meadows and poetic lily fields, which will make your trip more memorable.

Moreover, when reaching the top of Yangmingshan, beautiful nature scenery opens up in front of you with an immense and astonishing observation point. Challenge yourself once with a trekking tour to conquer Yangmingshan.

Jiufen Village

One of the famous attractions in Taiwan that draw millions of visitors every year is Jiufen Village in the Taipei metropolitan area. It is an ancient tiny village located halfway up the mountain with only one small entrance path. Along the road, unique scenery and many snacks and souvenirs for sale will make you fascinated.

In addition to sightseeing and taking photos at nostalgic corners, don’t forget to enjoy the famous specialties here such as Yuyuan, Cao Zhi Gao, Hei Tang Gao, Yuwan, and so on.

Fulong Beach (#must visit places in taiwan)

Since it is an island, the beautiful beaches are the top-notch places in Taiwan that visitors cannot miss. During your trip to Taipei, you should visit the impressive Fulong Beach with its long stretch of white sand and clear blue sea.

Particularly, Fulong Beach has pale yellow quartz sand, which creates a sense of pleasure at the touch. Moreover, you can visit the occasional festival here to build sand statues in large and small scales with vivid shapes.

At Fulong Beach, there are many interesting activities that you should participate in such as sailing, surfing, and water sports. The ticket price to the amusement park is about NT$100.

Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark receives a lot of positive feedback from tourists as an ideal tourist destination in Taiwan if you are interested in learning about nature and geology. Here, you will have the opportunity to admire the artistic masterpiece of nature such as boulders eroded by the sea wind, creating unique and interesting shapes.

To arrive at Yehliu, you should visit Taipei first then take a taxi or bus to travel a distance of about 41 km.

The name Yehliu came from the Spanish abbreviation “Punto Diablos” which means Devil’s Nose. Yehliu Geopark has a length of 1.7 kilometers and the widest part of the mainland reaches more than 300 meters.

Tourist attractions in Taichung (#best places to go in taiwan)

Sun moon lake.

A well-known sightseeing place in Taichung is Sun Moon Lake. This is the largest freshwater lake in Taiwan, located at an altitude of over 760 meters. The scenery here is really lyrical and you can enjoy a truly relaxing vacation.

In addition, you can try other activities at Sun Moon Lake such as mount climbing, cycling, and kayaking, or check out some Taiwan tours for more interesting experiences.

Taroko National Park (#best places to go in taiwan)

Taroko National Park is located in the gorge of Mount Taroko, extending from Taichung through Nantou to Hualian with an area of almost 1 million square kilometers. Coming here, you will be overwhelmed by the majestic beauty of the mountains when enjoying the sense of harmony with nature.

This famous Taiwan tourist destination possesses craggy mountains, evergreen forests, majestic waterfalls, and wild pristine sceneries. The place best suits travelers who love to explore the primal natural beauty.

Wen Wu Temple (#where to go in taiwan)

Wen Wu Temple, which worships Guan Gong and Confucius, is located in Taichung near Sun Moon Lake. This temple was built according to the typical architecture of temples in Northern China.

With a massive scale, the ornaments and sculptures here will take visitors’ breaths away. Coming here, you will feel like you are lost in a fairyland. Everything is so light and pure, helping you get rid of all your sorrow and worries about life.

Cingjing Farm (#where should i go in taiwan)

Cingjing Farm in Taichung is also one of the best attractions in Taiwan which welcomes a lot of tourists annually. Cingjing Farm is located on a large steppe, highlighted by long stretches of green lawns. Just coming up here to breathe in the air will definitely make you feel at peace. Besides, you will have the opportunity to admire the lovely sheep running around in the meadow, which is an image that visitors never forget.

Not only that but Cingjing Farm is also considered “Switzerland in Taiwan” because of its height of over 1,700 meters above sea level. This makes the climate of Cingjing Farm fresh, cool, and pleasant. More specifically, you can see the sheep shearing show performed by the staff at this farm. If you have time to stay longer, you can enjoy the delicious fresh cabbage and bamboo shoot soup.

Tourist attractions in Tainan (#where to go in taiwan)

Qigu salt mountain (#where should i go in taiwan).

The next Taiwan tourist destination is located in Tainan metropolitan area. Qigu Salt Mountain is a popular place that provides more than 60% of total salt production in Taiwan. Although it is a bit far from the town which takes you about two hours for two bus lines, Qigu is a place worth your experience.

With an area of ​​more than two hectares, the entire place is covered with a white color of salt that looks like snow. There are stairs for visitors to easily climb to the top of the salt mountain to have the best view and take photos of this unique mountain.

Confucius Temple – Fuzhong Ancient Street (#beautiful places to visit in taiwan)

Confucius Temple is a place for the altar and worship of Confucius and his sages. On the left side of the temple is the national school of literature while on the east and west sides are the halls called “Daoli” and “Dacheng”. Though situated in the busy downtown street, you will feel the sanctuary and serenity here as you step through the temple gate.

Fort Zeelandia – Anping Old Fort

Fort Zeelandia, also known as Anping Old Fort, is a construction built by the Dutch in the 17th century. The exterior of the fortress was made from ancient red bricks that look really solid. Above it is an observation tower, but currently, visitors are not allowed to enter this area.

On the premises, there stands a statue of General Zheng Chenggong, who reclaimed Tainan from the Dutch. Inside the fortress displays many ancient artifacts and provides information on the history of Tainan. This is an ideal place to visit in Taiwan for those who would love to learn about history.

Cijin Island (#beautiful places to visit in taiwan)

In Kaohsiung, Cijin Island is a destination that attracts many foreign and local tourists. This place is known for the impressive landscape of the ocean and the fresh seafood dishes.

Here, visitors can also participate in activities such as kite flying and visiting the windmill farm, the Cihou lighthouse, or the fortress nearby.

Fo Guang Shan

This is one of the top spiritual tourist destinations in Kaohsiung known as the “Buddhist capital”, which welcomes a large number of tourists. Fo Guang Shan is home to hundreds of statues of all sizes and many massive temples in an area of more than a hundred hectares.

Right from the gate, you can see the massiveness and magnificence of this construction with many exotic penjing. Eight stupas of 88 meters high stretch on both sides of the gravel road, shaded by green trees and flowers. The most significant artifact here is the bronze Buddha statue “Fo Guang Big Buddha” – the world’s tallest Buddha statue reaching 108 meters high.

The tourist attraction Lotus Pond, also known as Lianchihtan, will take you to a fairyland like the one you see in an incredible watercolor painting. This is a grand artificial lake surrounded by twenty temples with majestic dragon and tiger statues in front of the gates.

Spring and Autumn Pavilions

Spring and Autumn Pavilions, or Chunqiu Ge, are prominent Taiwanese tourist destinations located right in Kaohsiung City. This complex is about 700 meters from the dragon and tiger pagodas of Lotus Pond. The pavilions were constructed in 1953 with the purpose of building a place to worship Guan Gong in Taoism.

Spring and Autumn Pavilions are famous for their unique design and the beauty of this building is still preserved to this day. Besides, their location on the open lake is also an attractive feature for many tourists. After visiting Lotus Pond, you can easily go to Spring and Autumn Pavilions.

The island of Taiwan has many attractive and interesting destinations, from the natural scenery and culture to cuisine and people. With the above list of 18 tourist destinations in Taiwan, this post will help you find the best options for a trip full of fun experiences and memories.

Check out more information for your next journey to explore a new land. If you need to book cheap flights, hotels, and tours to Taiwan, don’t forget to search for great activities and offers in advance.

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

• [SALE] Taoyuan Airport MRT Ticket & Exclusive Shopping Coupon
• Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen Day Tour with Taiwanese Pastry Making.
• Taipei Popular Sightseeing Private Car Charter : Jiufen, Pingxi, and North Coast (Chinese/English/Korean)
• Northeast Coast Scenic Day Tour
• Jiufen Shuttle Bus from Ximen
• Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen Day Tour with Korean and English Speaking Guides
• [10% Off + 1 Extra Free Day] 4G SIM Card (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan from Chunghwa Telecom
• 4G SIM Card (TPE Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan from Far EasTone Telecom
• 4G WiFi (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan
• [Sale – Taiwan Food Promo] Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Discounted Ticket from Taipei
• Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Consecutive Unlimited Pass (2 or 3 Days)
• Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Discounted Ticket from Taoyuan
• THSR Exclusive Discount One Way Ticket from Taoyuan (Two Tickets for the Price of One)

Are you looking for more Jiufen travel guide and top things to do in Jiufen: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Jiufen day trip from Taipei — How to spend 1 perfect day in Jiufen? and  Jiufen Shifen itinerary: Jiufen Shifen day trip — How to visit Jiufen and Shifen in one day from Taipei ?

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Kuala lumpur itinerary 5 days. how to spend 5 days in kl with friends, seoul autumn foliage 2024 forecast — the timeframe & 13+ best places to see autumn leaves in seoul, busan fall foliage forecast 2024 — when & 6+ best places to visit in busan during autumn.

Jeju fall foliage forecast 2024 — The timeframe & 6+ best places to visit & top things to do in Jeju autumn foliage season

Japan fall foliage forecast 2024 — The timeframe & 41+ places to visit in Japan during autumn

Tokyo fall foliage forecast 2024 — When & 13+ best place to see autumn leaves in Tokyo

Hokkaido autumn travel blog — 15+ top things to do & best places to visit in Hokkaido during autumn

Kyoto fall foliage forecast 2024 — The timeframe & 15+ best place to see autumn leaves in Kyoto

Editor picks.

Kuala Lumpur itinerary 5 days. How to spend 5 days in...

What to buy in Zhangjiajie? 15+ top Zhangjiajie souvenirs & best...

Seoul autumn foliage 2024 forecast — The timeframe & 13+ best...

Popular posts.

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

What to buy in Korea? — Top +23 cheap, famous &...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1530
• Trip Inspiration 468
• Food + Drink 223
• Thailand 217
• Coasts + Islands 202
• South Korea 179
• Vietnam 172
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

• South Africa
• Philippines
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Western Australia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Solomon Islands
• Itineraries
• About Travel2Next
• Hotel Reviews
• Travel2Next TV
• Travel Shop

• Destinations

20 Stunning Towns and Cities in Taiwan You Never Knew About!

- This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

As a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, it is easy and convenient to visit many of Taiwan’s cities and towns. Beyond its capital city of Taipei, Taiwan is a special place filled with amazing scenery, people and food. There are many other cities in Taiwan worth exploring, and the good news is it’s easy to travel around this small island nation. No matter where you go in Taiwan, you are guaranteed to have an amazing time and learn a lot about the culture and history of this beautiful island nation.

To travel to cities such as Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Hualien or Kaohsiung, use public buses or the MRT metro (only in Taipei and Taichung) to sight-see within these cities. Renting a scooter or car is recommended if you visit smaller cities such as Taitung and Pingtung. You must have an international driver’s licence to rent a scooter or car. Even though smaller cities and towns do not have the convenient public transit as larger cities, they are still worth visiting for amazing food, culture and gorgeous scenic destinations, especially on the east coast (think giant mountains with cliffsides dropping into the Pacific Ocean). 

• Getting Around Taiwan

Taiwan’s public transportation will take you anywhere you want to visit, with the High-Speed Rail (HSR) on the west coast and Taiwan Railways (TRA) on both the east and west coasts.

• The HSR only operates on the west coast because the east coast of Taiwan is too mountainous to have a high-speed train, and the TRA on the east coast travels significantly slower than the HSR, making it a safe mode of transportation on the east coast.
• The TRA is also more affordable than the HSR, so if you want to save money, you can still take the TRA on the west coast.
• HSR round trip tickets can reach up to 3000 NTD, while TRA ticket prices vary on destination but are less expensive than HSR tickets.
• You can also take long-distance buses if you’re on a tight budget, but the trains are faster and more convenient.

2- Kaohsiung

3- taichung, 5- new taipei, 6- hsin chu, 12- pingtung, chulu pasture, green island, orchid island, 15- chenggong, 17- magong city, penghu islands, 18- nangan, matsu islands, cities in taiwan.

• Ultimate Taipei Sightseeing Tour
• 5-Day Best of Taiwan – Sun Moon Lake, Tarako Gorge, Kaohsiung and Taitung.
• 1-Day Tour Taichung and Gaomaei – explore the highlights.
• Private 3-Day Southern Taiwan Tour – explore Tainan, Kaohsiung and Kenting.
• 3-Day Northern Taiwan Tour – discover Taipei, New Taipei City and Yilan County.

20 Taiwanese Cities And Towns To Visit In 2023

In the north, Taipei city is the capital of Taiwan.

This metropolis has fantastic and inexpensive public transportation, great hiking trails in the mountains surrounding the city, art and history museums, a fun nightlife with many clubs and bars to choose from, and of course, great shopping areas for souvenirs or anything else you may need.

Notable destinations include the National Palace Museum, featuring art pieces and artefacts from ancient China, Taipei 101 , the tallest building in Taiwan and a beautiful feature in the city’s skyline.

Dihua Street is one of the oldest streets in Taiwan and is filled with souvenirs and traditional goods.

Elephant mountain is a hike with excellent views of Taipei 101 and the city.

There are also many night markets, such as Roahe, Shilin and Ningxia.

Recommended tour: Ultimate Taipei Sightseeing Tour

Stay at: Evergreen Laurel Hotel Taipei

In southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s largest industrial centre.

Kaohsiung has numerous tourist attractions, such as renting a boat and enjoying a nice ride on the Love River, hiking at Shoushan (Mt. Shou), visiting the Xiziwan Bay, taking pictures at the scenic Lotus Pond, and exploring the Old City of Zuoying.

At nighttime, visit the Dome of Light, the world’s largest public art installation made from individual pieces of coloured glass created by renowned artist Narcissus Quagliata.

Scooter or taxi to the Fo Guang Mountain Monastery, which features a golden giant Buddha and many Buddha statues.

Recommended tour: Private Custom Kaohsiung Day Tour

Stay at: H2O HOTEL

Taichung was home to the Atayal aborigines and several Taiwanese Plains Aboriginal tribes (including the Taokas, Papora, Pazeh, Hoanya and Babuzas), hunter-gatherers who later lived by cultivating millet and taro.

Famous destinations include the serene Sun Moon Lake , the Gaomei Wetlands (go at sunset!) and the National Museum of Science.

Recommended tour: 1-Day Tour Taichung and Gaomaei

Stay at: Spring Rhapsody Hotel

On Taiwan’s southwest coast, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan from 1683 to 1887 under the Qing Dynasty and was also the main port during Japanese colonisation.

Tainan is a rich historical city with centuries-old fortresses, temples, and landmarks like Chihkan Tower.

Chihkan Tower is an 18th-century Chinese complex with gardens, intricately carved towers and a temple erected on the foundations of Fort Provintia, a Dutch outpost from their colonisation period in the 1600s.

Tainan is a beautiful city to walk through, with temples everywhere and amazing restaurants.

It’s also famous in Taiwan for its yummy food, snacks, and night markets.

Recommended tour: Private 3-Day Southern Taiwan Tour.

Stay at: Crowne Plaza Tainan

New Taipei city surrounds Taipei city and is relatively newer in development.

New Taipei City has great hiking destinations, such as Yangming Mountain, which crosses over both Taipei and New Taipei.

Yangming Mountain National Park is one of Taiwan’s nine national parks in and is also an active volcanic site.

The mountain is also the residence of a water buffalo herd.

You can take pictures with them and watch them graze. Another destination in New Taipei city is Tamsui, the last MRT stop on the red line.

Tamsui has wonderful sunset views as it is where the Tamsui River meets the Pacific Ocean.

You can even take boat rides across the river to visit Dali, a small town with traditional snacks and a small beach.

New Taipei city is very close to Taipei city, so it is easy to visit both places on the same day.

Recommended tour: Northern Taiwan 3-Day Tour.

Stay at: Something Easy Inn

• 20 Landmarks In Taiwan
• 20 Beaches In Taiwan
• 20 Things To Do In Taiwan
• Taiwan Itinerary For Kids
• 20 Things To Do In Taipei
• 18 Towns and Cities in Taiwan
• 9 Taiwan National Parks

Hsin Chu is to the southwest of Taipei and can be visited from Taipei for a day trip.

Hsin Chu city has an amazing Glass Museum, which you should not miss.

This museum houses different glassworks, interactive displays, and a fun glass-blowing DIY workshop.

The Glass Museum is in Hsin Chu park, the most beautiful park in the city, and during the spring, this park is also an amazing cherry blossom viewing spot.

Another nice area to explore is Hsin Chu Moat park, especially at night to see pretty lights, stroll along the river bank, listen to live music and explore different food booths.

Stay at: Holiday Inn Express Chiayi

Taoyuan is east of Taipei and has the only international airport in Taiwan (so you will be in Taoyuan when you land).

Before you make your way to Taipei, make sure to visit some notable sites in this city, such as Longtan lake and its beautiful Buddhist Temple in the centre.

If you enjoy art, then visit the Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum, home to the Craftsman Story House, built in 1941, and houses many different cultural items.

Carmine Gallery is another must-visit place that introduces Chinese artists to the international art scene and advocates for the coexistence of contemporary life and art culture.

If you prefer to see more traditional places, visit Daxi Old Street on Heping Road.

This street was created during Japanese colonisation and has Japanese baroque-style carvings in the shops, where you can buy wood carvings and other traditional souvenirs.

Stay at: Tao Garden Hotel

Sitting on the northeastern coast of Taiwan, Keelung not only has fun city vibes but also great beaches and scenery.

Keelung city has northern Taiwan’s largest port and is the second-largest in all of Taiwan after the port in Kaohsiung.

At night, after you visit the Miaoku night market and try Keelung’s famous paopaobing (a wonderful dessert that resembles ice cream but is made out of finely shaved ice).

Take a side detour to see the Khóo Tsú-song Old Mansion (the ruins of a 1913 house that is overgrown with vegetation) and make sure to go to the port square to see the ship lights and also the “Keelung” neon sign on the side of the mountain to the right side of the port.

Recommended tour: Yehliu Geopark and Keelung Harbor Guided Tour.

Stay at: Drizzle Inn

Hualien city sits between the Central Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean to the east of Taipei, making it a stunning city with lots of nature and hiking.

Hualien is famous for Taroko Gorge, the largest marble canyon in the world.

Hike throughout the gorge and see towering marble cliffs, waterfalls, the turquoise Liwu River, and mountain-to-mountain suspension bridges.

If you love swimming in crystal clear water, you should also check out the Mugua River Gorge, with its beautiful forest, waterfalls and blue waters.

Afterwards, go for a walk along Coastal Highway 11 on the beach and then visit Hualien’s night market for dinner.

Recommended tour: Private Taroko Gorge Day Tour from Hualien .

Stay at: Kindness Hotel Hualien

Yilan is a city south of Taipei and to the east, right on the Pacific Ocean.

Yilan has it all: beautiful beaches such as WaiAo Beach, great trails in Taipingshan National Forest, and delicious food such as chicken thigh skewers at the Luodong night market.

You can also plan a tour and boat ride to Turtle Island in the north.

Yilan is also known for its plentiful and lush tea farms, where you can spend a morning picking tea and learning about the different growing methods, varieties and flavour profiles.

Many tea farms also have B&B, so you can relax near the mountains.

Recommended tour: Northern Taiwan (Taipei, New Taipei City, Yilan County) 3-Day Tour .

Stay at: Evergreen Resort Hotel – Jiaosi

Located in southwestern Taiwan, Chiayi is the gateway to Alishan, a beautiful mountain range that is a top attraction.

Before going to Alishan, check out some cool destinations in Chiayi city, such as Hinoki Village, which were dormitories for the Forest Department Taiwan during the Japanese Colonial era.

Today, these dorms have been transformed into a fun forest, cultural and creative park featuring tea houses built from Taiwanese cypress trees and many retail boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

Another notable destination and a great place for photos is the Song of the Forest, a large-scale landmark made with local materials made by Chiayi artist Wang Wen-Shi.

Before you leave Chiayi, make sure you try their delicious turkey rice.

Pingtung City is south of Taitung in Pingtung county, home to the most southern point in Taiwan.

Pingtung is close to beautiful white sand beaches, where you can go surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Drive or scooter from the city to Kenting National Park, Taiwan’s first National Park, and hike along beautiful forest paths with waterfalls.

From Pingtung, a stunning place to visit is the beautiful Xiaoliuqiu Island, a haven for the endangered green sea turtle.

You can snorkel and scuba dive with these peaceful animals, but touching them is illegal, so make sure you respect the turtles’ space.

You can rent electric bicycles, or ride a scooter around Xiaoliuqiu, or Little Xiaoliu or Lumbai Island, which also has excellent seafood restaurants and amazing mango shaved ice.

Pingtung is also known for culinary specialties, such as Linbian Township’s sweet black pearl wax apple, Wanluan’s tasty chewy pig’s feet, and Donggang’s savoury bluefin tuna.

Stay at: Victoria Manor

13- Taitung

Taitung is a must-visit city on the scenic east coast, which sits between a beautiful mountain range and the Pacific Ocean.

It’s convenient and easy to do typical city activities such as relaxing in cafes or tea shops and fun outdoor activities like hiking, swimming or soaking in hot springs.

Taitung city is known for its Tiehua Music/Culture Village, a cute area next to the Taitung stadium and old train track.

Tiehua is only open in the evenings, Thursday to Sunday, but some bars and restaurants in Tiehua have different opening times.

Tiehua features live music, artisan crafts, great handmade souvenirs, little snacks and the Tiehua hot air balloon lanterns that line the entire area.

Taitung is also home to five Indigenous groups, making it a great place to learn about Indigenous culture.

Rent a car or scooter when visiting Taitung, as there is not much public transportation in this small city.

There are coral reefs off the coast of Taitung, so bring your snorkel.

Taitung is also the gateway to some of Taiwan’s hidden gems: 

Not far from the city to the north is Dulan, the surfing capital of Taiwan. 

There are many hostels that have surfing instructors, lessons and equipment to rent. And when you’re tired from surfing, relax on soft black sand beaches.

Tip: Stay at the hostel where you are getting your lessons, so you don’t have to worry about transportation before your morning lessons.

Also to the north of Taitung, Chulu Pasture is a fun attraction for families, where you can feed horses and cows peacefully grazing in the green fields.

Green Island is a small island off the coast of Taitung and can be reached by boat from Fugang Harbor in Taitung.

You will need to bike, scooter, or rent a taxi once on the island because it does not have public transportation.

Green Island is known for its beautiful scenery and crystal-clear waters, making it an amazing scuba diving and snorkelling destination.

The coral reef at Green Island is a part of the same coral reef chain that creates the Great Barrier Reef.

Green Island does have a dark past, as it used to be where prisoners were sent during the White Terror.

Another stunning island off the coast of Taiwan, Orchid Island, is larger than Green Island and is the home of the Tao Aboriginal tribe.

Orchid Island is known for having the best preserved Indigenous culture in Taiwan, with its beautiful Tao-made handcrafted and painted canoes, which are not allowed to be taken off the island.

Orchid Island is volcanic, with massive mountain peaks and beautiful cliffs dropping into the ocean.

Snorkelling is a must here, while scuba diving is pricier than on other islands such as Green Island and Xiaoliuqiu.

Recommended tour: 5-Day Best of Taiwan .

Stay at: Ren House

Jiufen is a small town in the north that can be reached by public bus from Taipei city for a day trip.

Jiufen Old Street is an atmospheric narrow alley filled with tea houses, food stands, souvenir and pottery stores.

Red lanterns hang throughout the alleyway from the traditional-style buildings, making Jiufen look like a ghost village.

Fans of the anime film Spirited Away by Japanese director Miyazaki should visit (many shops have cute Spirited Away paraphernalia).

It also has amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and northern Taiwan’s mountains, making the many different tea or dessert shops the perfect places to try Taiwanese treats while enjoying the view.

Recommended tour: Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour .

Stay at: Sunshine B&B

Chengong is on the east coast and is about a two-hour scooter drive to the north of Taitung city.

The drive from Taitung to Chenggong is a scenic one along the Pacific Ocean.

Chenggong is the town next to Sanxiantai, or the famous Dragon Bridge, a beautiful bridge resembling the curved body of traditional Chinese dragons between the mainland and a small islet that can be hiked.

Wear good walking shoes if you plan on doing the short hike because even though it is short, it is steep in some areas, and you also must walk over sharp volcanic rock.

If you go to the Dragon Bridge in the morning, you can enjoy one of Chenggong’s many seafood restaurants for lunch.

The seafood in Chenggong is incredibly fresh and affordable, but it should be noted that most restaurants are family-style, so make sure to go with a larger group so you can order more dishes.

Stay at: Hai Lei Jiang Yue

Ruisui in southern Hualien County and is mainly populated by Taiwanese Aboriginal groups, the largest of which is the Amis.

Ruisui is a great place to learn about Amis culture and sustainable agricultural and fishing practices.

Agriculture is a major industry in Ruisui, and you can scooter around the rice fields and fruit orchards.

During March and April, pomelo flowers bloom and the air is fragrant. 

You can also buy agricultural products that Indigenous farmers grow, such as alcohol and snacks made from millet.

Ruisui is also known for its beautiful hot springs and the Siouguluan River Basin, where you can kayak or tube down the river. 

Stay at: Yen Hotspring

Penghu is an island group of 90 islands on the western side of Taiwan and can only be accessed by plane or ferry.

Penghu is filled with history, culture, and fun outdoor activities, making it a great place to visit during your trip to Taiwan.

Penghu has many temples worth visiting, such as the Magong City God Temple, Tianhou Temple (the most famous in Penghu), and marvel at their beautiful colours and architecture.

Around Tianhou Temple, you can find some interesting art and relics on display from the Ming Dynasty.

At Magong City (where Magong City Temple is), you can walk around in little alleyways lined with traditional red lanterns and shop at various artisanal stores.

Afterwards, go to Shanshui Beach to swim and relax. 

Stay at: Discovery Hotel

Matsu is a group of islands between Taiwan and China and has historically been a military post for Taiwan.

Thousands of years ago, stone age peoples lived on these islands, and after they disappeared were later inhabited by Chinese fishermen from 900 to 1200 AD during the Song Dynasty.

Matsu is known for its fresh and savoury seafood and for the bioluminescence organisms in the Ocean (peak time is April).

Nangan is the capital but you’ll want to visit Qinbi Village in Beigan, known as the “Mediterranean Village” because of the architecture of the buildings and their location on the side of a mountain.

Most houses were built using Fujian and Fuzhou traditional style with local granite and sandstone found on the islands.

Stay at: Dayspring Inn

For more incredible cities around the world, read:

• 20 Best Cities at Night
• 20 Best Cities in Mexico
• 20 Best Cities in Greece
• 20 Best Cities in Poland
• 20 Best Cities in Spain
• 20 Best Cities in Portugal
• 20 Best Cities in Ohio
• 20 Best Cities in Missouri
• 20 Best Cities in Indiana
• 20 Best Cities in Texas
• 20 Best Cities in Florida
• 20 Best Cities in Iowa
• 20 Best Cities in Illinois
• 20 Best Cities in Wyoming
• 20 Best Cities in Tennessee
• 20 Best Cities in Nevada
• 20 Best Cities in Alabama
• 20 Best Cities in Oklahoma
• 20 Best Cities in Idaho
• 20 Best Cities in New Mexico
• 20 Best Cities in Georgia
• 20 Best Cities in North Carolina
• 20 Best Cities in Vietnam
• 20 Best Danube River Cities
• 10 Best Party Cities in Canada
• 10 Best Cities in Canada For Kids
• 20 Best Cities in Hawaii
• 20 Best Cities in Romania
• 20 Best Cities in Finland
• 20 Best Cities in France
• 20 Best Cities in Taiwan
• 20 Best Cities in Turkey
• 20 Best Cities in Scotland
• 20 Best Cities in New York
• 20 Best Cities in England
• 20 Best Cities in Switzerland
• 20 Best Cities in New Zealand
• 20 Best Cities in Iceland
• 20 Best Cities in Netherlands
• 20 Best Cities in Belgium
• 20 Best Cities in Jordan
• 20 Best Cities in Italy
• 20 Best Cities in Ireland
• 20 Best Cities in Germany
• 20 Best Cities in Brazil
• 20 Best Cities in Armenia

Plan Your Trip

Rent A Car – Find the best car rental rates at Discover Cars . They compare car hire companies to provide you with the best deal right now.

Find A Hotel – If you’re curious about this article and are looking for somewhere to stay, take a look at these amazing hotels .

Editor's Picks

101 travel quotes – inspiring the journey, 60 luxury escapes for your bucket list, 25 australian landmarks, what's hot, 20 fairytale castles in scotland.

Top 7 Places to Visit in Taiwan on Your Next Visit

Last Updated on February 15, 2024

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

1. Taipei 101

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

2. Taroko Gorge National Park

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

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

4. Sun Moon Lake

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

5. Kenting National Park

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

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

7. Alishan National Scenic Area

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

Embrace the Diversity of Taiwan: Your Perfect Itinerary Awaits

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

Related posts:

• Travel Challenge: Is it possible to visit Tel Aviv on a budget?
• Five Places Foodie Travelers Need To Visit In Iowa
• From Pucon to Ushuaia: Our route through Patagonia
• Welcome to Colorful Colorado: What to Do in Colorado Springs

8 of the best things to do in Taipei

Oct 12, 2023 • 6 min read

City views, culture and history: here are the best things to do in Taipei © Nate Hovee / Getty Images

There's plenty to do on a visit to Taipei  – you could be admiring spectacular views over the city, experiencing the very best foods in the legendary night markets or learning all about Taiwan's history and culture in its many temples and memorial halls. 

Put these activities at the top of your list to experience the very best of Taipei on your next visit.

1. Take a hike in the wilderness surrounding the city

Taipei is a city surrounded by forested mountains and reaching the lush tracts of wilderness from the city center is surprisingly easy. The route I like best is the spectacular Jinmianshan Trail. It starts just a short walk from Xihu Station and connects with a large number of other trails, which means you can opt to hike for as little or as long as you like. But the most popular hiking route has to be the Xiangshan Trail weaving up the side of Elephant Mountain, which nudges right up against the city center.

Planning tip: The Xiangshan Trail is a one-hour circular route and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the city and of the Taipei 101 tower.

2. Admire the rarities at the National Palace Museum

Love a good artifact? You’ll love the National Palace Museum , which has 700,000 ancient imperial artifacts from both China and Taiwan. You’ll find plenty of rarities from China – the museum has close connections with the Palace Museum in Beijing’s Forbidden City, and many of the exhibits were originally displayed in the museum there. 

The museum is especially popular with art fans, who flock here to admire the enormous collections of decorative carvings, enamelware, ceramics, lacquerware and ceremonial bronzes. My favorite exhibit is the beautifully carved jade cabbage, complete with a locust hiding amongst its leaves. It’s believed the sculpture was given to a former emperor’s consort in the late 19th century.

3. Check out Taipei's beautiful temples 

Taipei lays claim to some of Asia’s most beautiful temples, many of which subscribe to the Southern Chinese style of Qing Dynasty architecture – a style you’ll probably recognize if you’ve been to Singapore. Most Taipei temples pay nods to Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, while a smaller number are dedicated entirely to Buddhism. 

To see the best ones, head to Taipei’s oldest neighborhoods  such as Wanhua, which was once a walled city (only one of the original city gates remain). This is where you’ll find the Bangka Longshan Temple , which dates back to 1738, and the Qingshan Temple , where you’ll find a statue of Zhang Gun – a Taoist deity whose eyes are said to follow visitors as they move around the temple.

Planning tip:  There’s no formal dress code, but remember to dress respectfully, remove shoes and step over each temple’s door sill, rather than on it. These sills are believed to ward off unwanted spirits and remind visitors they’re about to enter a sacred space.

4. Head up Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest buildings

Got a head for heights? Make a beeline for Taipei 101 , which claimed the title of world’s tallest building between 2004 and 2009 when it was eclipsed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. The 1,667-ft (508m) skyscraper has been designed to withstand strong earthquakes – handy considering it’s 600ft from a major fault line.

There are observation decks on levels 88, 89, and 91, although it’s worth noting that the one on level 88 has been designed mainly to provide visitors with a view of the (admittedly spectacular) mass damper – the largest and heaviest one in the world. This enormous steel sphere moves back and forth to counter any movement by the building itself. Head to level 91, which is open-air and has been the setting for several concerts, including performances by Japanese pop band AKT48.

5. Go shopping at a night market 

Taiwan’s night markets are legendary. You’ll find them throughout the city: sprawling clusters of stalls serving up traditional dishes such as braised pork rice, Taiwanese spring rolls and tempura. The most famous ones include Wanhua's Huaxi Night Market, where there’s a focus on traditional dishes (salty rice pudding washed down with snake wine, anyone?) although I'm also a huge fan of the market on Linjiang Street , known for its wallet-friendly cuisine. The offerings aren’t just limited to food either – market stalls sell everything from homeware to clothes.

Planning tip: Hardcore foodies should also squeeze in a visit to Ningxia Night Market, where specialties include oyster omelets, sesame-coated mochi and taro balls.

6. Eat at Din Tai Fung, Taipei's best dumpling restaurant

It’s said that you haven’t tried xiao long bao dumplings unless you’ve sampled the ones at Din Tai Fung , a chain of restaurants which dates back to the 1970s and was founded by Bing Yi-Yang, who moved to Taiwan as a youngster. In 2010, the Hong Kong branch earned a Michelin star – a first for a Taiwanese restaurant – and there are now restaurants in America, Europe and the Middle East. 

Planning tip:  The best place to try the dumplings is the branch at the base of Taipei 101 – a glass-walled kitchen allows visitors to watch chefs at work and waiting staff dash across the restaurant floor carrying wobbling towers of dumpling baskets. I recommend the original xiao long bao dumplings, although the braised beef soup is legendary, too.

7. Tour the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a national landmark and memorial erected to honor the late Chiang Kai-shek, the former president of China who fled to Taiwan in 1949 after Communists established the People's Republic of China. Once in Taipei, he established a government in exile and to this day remains Taiwan’s longest-serving leader, albeit a divisive one – his party was responsible for the imprisonment of 140,000 Taiwanese and it’s believed Chiang Kai-shek hoped to regain control of China until the day he died.

Many Taiwanese feel their country’s countless memorials to Chiang Kai-shek should be removed, but whatever your viewpoint, a visit to this one, with its bronze statue of Chiang and the emblem of the Chinese Nationalist Party adorning the vaulted roof, is a great option for anyone keen to learn more about Taiwan’s turbulent past.

8. Visit the National Dr Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

For a different insight into Taiwan’s past, visit the National Dr Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall , a tribute to the man who many see as the father of the Republic of China. He was a physician, revolutionary and political leader who helped overthrow the Qing dynasty in the late 1800s. He became the first President of the Republic of China in 1912 and is revered in both China and Taiwan, where his portrait hangs in parliament. 

There are several exhibition halls filled with Chinese art and a library stuffed with thousands of Chinese manuscripts. For me, though, the biggest attraction is the Central Hall’s hourly changing of the guard, when soldiers in immaculate white uniforms perform a choreographed routine in front of an enormous statue of Dr Sun Yat-Sen.

This article was first published Jan 6, 2022 and updated Oct 12, 2023.

Explore related stories

Wildlife & Nature

Nov 8, 2018 • 6 min read

Sometime before dawn, a group of dedicated travellers huddle in the dark cold of a small mountain train station. Little puffs of breath rise on the frosty…

Sep 28, 2016 • 5 min read

Aug 7, 2024 • 8 min read

Oct 26, 2023 • 11 min read

Oct 21, 2023 • 7 min read

Oct 15, 2023 • 6 min read

Jan 13, 2023 • 6 min read

Jul 26, 2022 • 4 min read

Jun 5, 2020 • 2 min read

Feb 14, 2020 • 4 min read

• Today's deals
• Search travel guides

Ultimate Family Adventure: Top 30 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Taiwan

Taiwan is a treasure trove of exciting and family-friendly activities that cater to both kids and adults alike. From its bustling cities to serene nature spots, this enchanting island promises countless adventures for families. Whether your little ones are history buffs, nature enthusiasts, or thrill-seekers, Taiwan has something to offer. Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring Taiwan with kids, filled with the best attractions and activities.

Day-by-Day Itinerary: Discovering Taiwan’s Wonders with Your Kids

Day 1: exploring taipei.

Start your family adventure in the vibrant city of Taipei. Kick off your morning with a visit to the Taipei Zoo , one of the largest zoos in Asia, where your kids can marvel at animals from around the world, including the adorable giant pandas. Don’t miss the Children’s Zoo section, where they can get up close and personal with friendly farm animals.

After a fun morning at the zoo, take a short ride on the Maokong Gondola to the scenic Maokong area. The gondola ride itself is an exciting experience, offering stunning views of Taipei. At the top, explore the tea plantations and enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the local teahouses, where both parents and kids can taste traditional Taiwanese tea and snacks.

In the afternoon, head over to the Miramar Entertainment Park and hop on the famous Miramar Ferris Wheel . Standing 70 meters tall, this Ferris wheel provides breathtaking views of the city and is a thrilling ride for kids.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration in Taipei

Begin your second day with a visit to the National Palace Museum , home to an extensive collection of Chinese art and historical artifacts. The museum offers interactive exhibits and activities designed specifically for kids, making it an educational yet enjoyable experience for the entire family.

Next, take a trip to the Taipei 101 Observatory . As one of the tallest buildings in the world, the observatory deck offers panoramic views of Taipei that will leave both kids and adults in awe. The indoor observatory has several interactive displays and a fun mascot, Damper Baby, that kids will adore.

For lunch, explore the bustling Jiufen Old Street , where you can sample a variety of traditional Taiwanese street foods. The quaint streets and old architecture will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

Day 3: Enjoying Nature and Outdoor Activities

On the third day, venture out to explore Taiwan’s natural beauty. Begin with a visit to Yangmingshan National Park , located just outside Taipei. This park is perfect for family hikes, featuring easy trails that lead to stunning waterfalls, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes.

After a morning of hiking, head to Beitou Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. Many of the hot spring resorts here offer private family baths, so you can enjoy this soothing experience with your kids. The warmth of the springs is both relaxing and therapeutic.

In the afternoon, explore the fascinating rock formations at Yehliu Geopark . The unique shapes of the rocks, such as the famous Queen’s Head, will captivate your kids’ imagination. Be sure to take lots of photos at this natural wonder.

Day 4: Historical Sites and Cultural Immersion

Begin your cultural exploration by visiting the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall in Taipei. The hall not only offers a peek into Taiwan’s history but also features beautiful gardens and changing of the guard ceremonies that are sure to pique your children’s interest.

Next, travel to Lukang , one of Taiwan’s oldest towns, renowned for its well-preserved temples and traditional architecture. Walking tours of Lukang can be both educational and fun, allowing your kids to learn about Taiwan’s history and cultural heritage. Don’t forget to visit the Lugang Mazu Temple and sample some local snacks at the old market.

For the evening, head back to Taipei and visit the Shilin Night Market . It’s one of the most famous night markets in Taiwan, teeming with exciting foods and carnival-like games. Your kids will love trying various street foods and participating in games to win prizes.

Day 5: Sun Moon Lake Adventures

On day five, travel to the stunning Sun Moon Lake , a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque scenery. Take a boat ride around the lake and visit Xuanzang Temple and Ci’en Pagoda . Both spots offer not only great views but also a bit of cultural enrichment.

In the afternoon, take a scenic bike ride around the lake. Sun Moon Lake has one of the best cycling paths in Taiwan, and it is well-suited for families. There are bike rental shops around the lake, including options for tandem bikes and kids’ bicycles.

Wrap up your day with a visit to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village , located near Sun Moon Lake. The park offers cultural shows, traditional dance performances, and amusement rides, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

Interactive Activities and Attractions

Amusement parks and zoos.

One of the highlights for families visiting Taiwan is undoubtedly the amusement parks. Leofoo Village Theme Park in Hsinchu combines the thrill of rides with the excitement of a safari park. Your kids will love riding roller coasters and getting the chance to see live animals up close.

Another must-visit is the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village near Sun Moon Lake. This theme park offers a unique experience that combines amusement rides with cultural education. Kids can learn about Taiwan’s indigenous cultures through interactive exhibits and traditional performances.

Complete your Taiwan zoo adventure with a visit to the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Pingtung. This expansive aquarium features diverse marine life exhibits and interactive touch tanks where kids can get hands-on experience.

Culinary Delights and Local Markets

Kid-friendly restaurants.

When it comes to dining in Taiwan, you’ll find a variety of kid-friendly restaurants that cater to young taste buds while offering delicious meals for adults. In Taipei, Din Tai Fung is a must-visit for its famous dumplings and friendly service. The restaurant is well-known for its efficient staff and welcoming environment for families.

If you are in Kaohsiung, consider dining at Wu Pao Chun Bakery , which offers award-winning bread ideal for a hearty breakfast or snack. Kids will love picking out their favorite pastries.

Another great spot is the Modern Toilet Restaurant in Ximending, Taipei, where the quirky bathroom-themed decor will surely amuse your children while you enjoy a tasty meal.

Experience Local Night Markets

No visit to Taiwan is complete without experiencing its vibrant night markets. As mentioned earlier, the Shilin Night Market in Taipei is a fantastic spot for an evening adventure. With its wide variety of street foods, entertaining games, and bustling atmosphere, it’ll be a memorable experience for your kids.

Down south in Kenting, the Kenting Night Market offers plenty of food stalls and unique trinkets. After a day at the beach, strolling through this night market can be a relaxing way to end the day. Kids can enjoy local snacks like stinky tofu and bubble milk tea while you browse the colorful stalls.

You may also like

Unwind in Nature's Paradise: Exploring Yangmingshan Hot Springs in Taipei

Magical Adventures Await at Shanghai Disney: The Ultimate Guide to Attractions!

Top 5 Must-Buy Korean Souvenirs in Seoul: A Shopper's Paradise

Exploring Indonesia's Natural Wonders: Your Ultimate Guide to Eco-Tourism and Adventure

Experience the Enchanting Lotus Flower Throwing Ceremony in Bangkok: A Cultural Journey Not to be Missed

Discover Jakarta's Cultural Treasures: Must-Visit Museums in the Heart of Indonesia

Unveiling Barcelona's Best Beach Attractions: Sun, Sand, and Must-See Spots

Fun Things to Do in London: Experience the Best of the British Capital

Discover the Heart of Japan: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Osaka

Exploring Kota Kinabalu: Top Day Trips for an Unforgettable Adventure

Essential Packing List for Jakarta: What to Bring for an Unforgettable Trip

Souvenirs from Da Nang: Top Must-Buy Treasures for Every Traveler

Discover the Timeless Beauty of Shitennoji Temple: A Traveler's Guide to Osaka's Historic Treasure

Exploring Kuala Lumpur: Top Things to Do, See, and Experience in KL

Feast Your Way Through Gangneung-si: A Culinary Guide to Must-Try Eateries

Starlit Serenity: Exploring the Magical Night Views of Maokong in Taipei

Discover the Spirit of Gandhi Jayanti: Celebrating Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday in New Delhi and NCR

Exploring the Artistic Soul of Bali: A Journey Through Balinese Art and Culture

Exploring Malaysia Solo: The Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable Adventures and Hidden Gems

Unleash the Magic of Saigon: Ultimate Ho Chi Minh City Tour Package

Unlock the Best of Kansai: Ultimate Guide to Exploring Japan with the Kansai Thru Pass

Unwind in Nature's Paradise: Exploring Yangmingshan Hot Springs in Taipei

Discover the ultimate relaxation at Yangmingshan Hot Springs in Taipei. Our travel guide covers everything from the best hot springs to hiking trails, dining options, and practical tips.

Discover the best rides and attractions at Shanghai Disney with our ultimate guide. Explore Fantasyland, Adventure Isle, and more to make the most of your visit!

Top 5 Must-Buy Korean Souvenirs in Seoul: A Shopper's Paradise

Discover the best Korean souvenirs in Seoul with our ultimate shopping guide. From traditional crafts to trendy K-pop merchandise, find the perfect gift from your trip.

Exploring Indonesia's Natural Wonders: Your Ultimate Guide to Eco-Tourism and Adventure

Discover the best eco-tourism spots in Indonesia, from national parks to biodiverse islands. This guide covers everything you need to explore the natural beauty of Indonesia responsibly.

Discover the unique and vibrant Lotus Flower Throwing Ceremony in Bangkok, a cultural tradition that brings together locals and visitors alike in a sea of lotus blossoms. Plan your visit with our comprehensive travel guide!

Discover Jakarta's Cultural Treasures: Must-Visit Museums in the Heart of Indonesia

Explore the best museums in Jakarta. Discover Jakarta's cultural treasures including the National Museum, Museum Bank Indonesia, and more.

Unveiling Barcelona's Best Beach Attractions: Sun, Sand, and Must-See Spots

Discover the top beach attractions in Barcelona including must-see spots, beach activities, nightlife, and family-friendly beaches. Plan the perfect beach day in Barcelona with this comprehensive guide.

Discover the best fun things to do in London with our comprehensive guide covering top attractions, hidden gems, family activities, and more.

Plan your perfect trip to Osaka, Japan with our ultimate travel guide. Discover the best attractions, food, shopping, and cultural experiences in Osaka.

Discover the best day trips from Kota Kinabalu. Explore breathtaking nature, rich culture, and unique attractions in and around Kota Kinabalu.

Discover the essential packing list for your Jakarta trip. Plan your perfect adventure with our comprehensive guide to what you need to bring for an unforgettable experience.

Explore the vibrant world of Da Nang souvenirs. Discover the top must-buy souvenirs and where to find them in this comprehensive guide to Da Nang shopping.

Discover the Timeless Beauty of Shitennoji Temple: A Traveler's Guide to Osaka's Historic Treasure

Explore Shitennoji Temple in Osaka, one of Japan's oldest temples. Discover its history, architecture, key attractions, and practical travel tips.

Discover the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur, from sightseeing at the Petronas Towers to shopping at Bukit Bintang. Plan your amazing trip to KL today!

Discover the best places to eat in Gangneung-si with this comprehensive food guide. From local markets to fine dining, explore the culinary delights Gangneung-si has to offer.

Discover the enchanting night views of Maokong in Taipei. From scenic gondola rides to cozy tea houses, explore the best spots to enjoy the nighttime beauty of Taipei.

Discover the Spirit of Gandhi Jayanti: Celebrating Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday in New Delhi and NCR

Your complete guide to celebrating Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday in New Delhi and NCR. Discover events, historical landmarks, cultural activities, and more.

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Balinese art and culture in Bali. Explore traditional paintings, wood carvings, dance, and more.

Explore Malaysia solo with this ultimate guide. Discover unforgettable adventures, hidden gems, and practical travel tips for solo travelers in Malaysia.

Discover the best guided tours, historical sites, local cuisine, and vibrant markets with our ultimate Ho Chi Minh City tour package. Perfect for travelers seeking adventure and cultural immersion in Saigon.

Discover the ultimate guide to unlocking the best of Japan's Kansai region with the Kansai Thru Pass. Explore Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and more with unlimited travel.

Last Updated: September 11, 2024

Current language

All languages.

• Sun Moon Lake
• Jiufen and Pingxi Line
• Convenience Stores
• Privacy Policy

Taichung, Taiwan – 28 Things To Do Guide + Photos 2024

Taichung in Taiwan is changing! Once best known as an industrial city, it has undergone a total transformation in recent years and become famous for its food scene, quirky activities and arts scene.

Taiwan’s second biggest city, there are so many things to do in Taichung with new attractions opening all the time – for instance, opened in 2024, you can now visit the  Taiwan National Museum of Comics.

This post may contain affiliate links to tours and hotels. These help us earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Located on Taiwan’s west coast, Taichung is becoming increasingly popular with domestic and Asian tourists with heaps of attractions to suit all budgets and tastes.

On our first visit to Taichung years ago, we were practically the only westerners visiting here during our inaugural Taiwanese adventure but overseas tourism in Taichung is now booming!

This article was originally published on cktravels.com in May 2019.

Table of Contents

Taichung, Taiwan Overview

Given the scope of things to see and do in Taichung (and eat) in the city, Taichung should be high on your Taiwan hit-list.

Although not as well known as  Taipei ,  Tainan  or  Kaohsiung  on the tourist circuit, Taichung should definitely be a part of your Taiwan itinerary.

From the  Rainbow Village  to ship-shape churches, gorgeous green spaces to Instagram worthy ice-cream, there are plenty of top Taichung tourist spots and things to do.

Here is our things to the top things to do in Taichung, Taiwan in 2024.

You might like – Things to do in Kaohsiung, Taiwan >

Travelling to Taichung, Taipei

As Taichung is Taiwan’s second biggest city (after Taipei) plus one of the most populated places in Taiwan, there are many transport options to get here.

Going to Taichung via Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR)

We visited Taichung from Taipei on the Taiwan High Speed Rail train (HSR) which takes around 47 minutes.

You can buy discounted Taiwan High Speed Rail one way tickets between Taipei and HSR Taichung station (plus other stations) via this  Klook HSR booking link >

Please note these discounted Taiwan High Speed Rail 2024 tickets are exclusive to overseas tourists and you will need to show your passport upon redemption.

There is also a much cheaper TRA train from Taipei that arrives at Taichung station in downtown Taichung (the HSR station is a little further out of town). The journey takes just over 2 hours.

Taichung by bus

You can take a bus from Taipei to Taichung in two hours for as little as NT$260 one way (prices correct as of May 2024).

Book your Taipei to Taichung bus ticket here >

If you’d rather just do a day trip from Taipei to Taichung, check out this classic attractions and Gaomei Wetlands >

Taiwanderers Tip Grab a Taiwan EasyCard as a convenient way to use buses and public transport in Taipei and across Taiwan. They can be easily topped up at stations and convenience stores. Read more about how to use a Taiwan EasyCard, including how to top up >

You might like – 30+ cutest EasyCard designs in Taiwan >

Taichung accommodation

Mid-Range ($$) Park City Hotel Central Taichung Modern affordable hotel located a 10 minute walk from Taichung Train Station.  Check rates and availability on  booking.com  and  agoda.com

Luxury ($$$) Millennium Hotel Taichung Modern high-rise 5 star hotel. Facilities include a rooftop bar, outdoor pool, sauna and on-site restaurants. Check rates and availability on  booking.com  and  agoda.com

Check out the best hotels in Taichung via  booking.com  or  agoda.com

Things to do in Taichung and attractions

1. national taiwan museum of comics taichung.

Taichung’s newest thing to do and major tourist attraction, the National Taiwan Museum of Comics opened in early 2024, located in the grounds of a former prison.

The site has been extensively renovated and it is now a lush green open space with lots of exhibition rooms located across historic buildings.

Chock full of comic-book attractions, exhibitions, archives and cafes, the entire site will continue to expand until it fully opens in 2029.

From children reading comic books in the libraries to families collecting the stamps across the site, it was one of the busiest attractions in Taichung City. It also felt very reminiscent of the nearby Taichung Cultural Heritage Park – but WAY better!

From the history of the prison site to the buildings that are currently open,  read our Taiwanderers guide to visiting the National Taiwan Museum of Comics plus photos >

Try this – Top 10 Taichung tours with Klook and Get Your Guide

2. Bugcat Capoo Shop Taiwan and Foam Cat Cafe

Chances are if you’ve spent any time in Taiwan, you’ll have spotted the bright blue Bugcat Capoo comic character – so popular, there is even a themed Bugcat Capoo 7-Eleven store in Taipei .

Bugcat Capoo celebrates its 10th anniversary (soooo young) in 2024 so it is a perfect time to do all things Bugcat Capoo whilst in Taichung.

As well as two Bugcat Capoo shops (including a new one at Taichung Station), there is also a rather ‘purrfect’ Foam Cat Cafe, renowned for its latte art, plus a Bugcat Capoo pop-up at the above National Taiwan Museum of Comics.

Taichung’s Bugcat Capoo House is located in an old traditional Taiwan style building with wooden arches and tiles. It really is a charming set-up and has hundreds of Bugcat Capoo gifts and merchandise including exclusive postcards and even Bugcat moped helmets!

For the full low-down on all things Bugcat Capoo in Taichung (including the Foam Cat Cafe),  check out our Taiwanderers guide to Bugcat Capoo shops here >

BRAND NEW FOR 2024! Join our Facebook Taiwan Travel Tips Group! Need help with your Taiwan itinerary or have any questions? Head on over to our Facebook group and ask the experts! Click here to join our group >

3. Shen Ji New Village

Push your way through the hardcore hipsters and selfie snappers and this pretty independent retail village in Taichung is actually a rather enjoyable area to explore.

From boutique breweries to cute coffee shops, it is easy to spend an afternoon (and the contents of your wallet) at Shen Ji New Village, a top Taichung tourist spot.

Formerly a 1960’s dormitory complex for the Taiwan Provincial Government, Shen Ji New Village in Taichung retains its historical charm and you can still explore the nooks, crannies and mezzanine staircases to the second floor.

We visited Shen Ji New Village one afternoon during what we think was the last day of school or university as there were lots of students posing for graduation photos all over the village. The local youngsters love it here, especially posing in the British style red phone box.

You might like –  From Taipei: Taichung Instagram day tour >

4. Taichung River Walk

The Da’an River flows through the centre of Taichung and efforts have been made to make the central sections accessible, by creating paved walkways along either side of the river, as well as water sculptures and stepping stones across the river.

It has been really well done, and lots of local people hang out along Taichung River Walk having their lunch or walking with friends (very popular with young mums and their pushchairs). It is certainly one of the best (and most fun) free things to do in Taichung.

You might like – Our 1 day in Taipei guide or our best of Taipei 3 day itinerary

5. Miyahara Taichung

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice-cream! Miyahara is a beautiful and Instagrammable ‘olde worlde’ red brick building from the 1920s (a former ophthalmology clinic), which now houses an incredibly popular ice-cream shop, Miyahara, alongside a retail shop and high-end restaurant.

Taichung’s Miyahara n-’ice’ shop interior resembles Hogwarts from the Harry Potter movies and has to be seen to be believed – it is packed full of wall to-wall large bookcases and gleaming shop counters, with staff all besuited in immaculate uniforms.

At Miyahara, you will find local snacks such as pineapple cakes, plus luxury tea and coffee, cookies and gourmet chocolates, all presented in beautiful packaging and kept (tantalisingly) behind glass.

Upstairs at Miyahara, you’ll find a restaurant called  Moon Pavillion  which serves up old Taiwanese gourmet cuisine in a retro setting.

Eating one of Miyahara’s ice creams is one of Taichung’s top things to do and the queues are crazy busy.

If you do not want to queue for an hour or so, we would recommend going to get your ice-cream early in the morning (ice-cream for breakfast needs to become a thing!) or late in the evening.

They also have a smaller venue down the road at Forth Credit Union dessert hall with smaller queues!

There are over 50 fantastic flavours of ice cream and a sundae with several scoops will cost you around NT $450 (Mihayara prices correct as of summer 2024). Toppings such as cheesecake, waffles and pineapple cake are available at an extra cost.

You might like – Things to do in Tainan, Taiwan >

6. Taichung Night Markets

Taichung is home to the largest night market in Taiwan –  Fengjia Night Market , one of the best attractions and top tourist spots in Taichung. Fengjia Night Market is open from 6pm to 3am daily (as of 2024).

However, Fengjia is quite far out of the city (a long bus ride – definitely not easily walkable) so we visited the smaller but more centrally located Yizhong Street Night Market  for our nocturnal noodles.

A short walk away from all the main hotels and hostels in downtown Taichung, Yizhong Street Night Market runs along both sides of a main street and has a combination of street-food stalls, restaurants and outdoor seating areas with entertainment.

Unlike Kaohsiung’s tourist night markets, the main road remains open throughout so watch out for errant mopeds joining the food stall queues.

There is a nice range of food stalls at Yizhong Street Night Market, with plenty of choice. Stalls usually open late afternoon until around 11pm (so Fengjia Night Market stays open later).

You might like – How to get to Sun Moon Lake from Taichung >

7. Taichung Rainbow Village – now reopen in 2024

The  Rainbow Village in Taichung  is a popular tourist attraction and Instagram hotspot but possibly also overrated (in our ‘unexpert’ opinion).

After a recent spate of vandalism at the Rainbow Village Taiwan (ironically by those who were paid to look after it), many of the original features and walls have now been painted over or replaced with artwork completed by the local pupils and painters.

Alas, the creator of Rainbow Village died in January of this year (2024) at the age of 101 years old.

Still incredibly popular with dozens of tourists filing through during our visit (even complete with a weird, singing ‘Iron Man’), it remains one of the most colourful things to do in Taichung.

From opening times to how to get there plus photos of the new artwork,  here is our Taiwanderers guide to visiting Taichung’s Rainbow Village in 2024 >

8. Fourth Credit Union

This is a Taichung dessert hall with a difference; you can ‘bank’ on it!

Situated over three floors of a former bank, Fourth Credit Union is an opulent retro setting, really making the most of its historic surroundings.

It used to have lots of different street-foods but is now focused on sweet-treats (as it has been taken over by nearby Miyahara’s ice-cream shop owners)

There are a lot of culinary choices here, (mostly desserts including a second branch of Miyahara Ice Cream). All reasonably priced, so in keeping with your surroundings, it won’t break the bank!

Our tip is that if you want a Miyahara ice-cream but don’t want to stand outside the main shop eating it, head on over to Fourth Credit Union as there are lots of seats and smaller queues. You’re welcome!

You might like – Somebody Feed Phil in Taipei locations guide >

9. Animation Alley / Animation Lane, Taichung

Channel your inner anime by visiting Taichung’s animation alley – these are two laneways adorned with paintings of all your favourite cartoon characters including Super Mario, Spongebob Squarepants, Studio Ghibli, the Simpsons and Pokemon (plus loads more that we can’t name!).

We were a little underwhelmed by our Animation Alley / Lane visit to be honest – it takes about one minute to see them all, and the alleyway itself is nothing special plus some of the paintings are peeling and a little slapdash.

If you have limited time in Taichung, we wouldn’t say this is one of the best things to do in Taichung nor a top Taichung tourist spot.

10. Taichung train station &  Taichung Station Railway Cultural Park

Taichung’s swish modern TRA train station is an unexpected great photo spot in the city. Head over to admire some of the awesome art installations dotted around outside.

Next door, the old Taichung railway station has been turned into the Taichung Station Railway Cultural Park where you can dine on old carriages and enjoy picnics on the old railway tracks.

At the weekends, the old railway tracks and former station platforms play host to cute crafts markets and bakery stalls – or there are old Taiwan Railway carriages which have been transformed into a cool cafe and cute gift shop full of train merchandise.

A new Bugcat Capoo store also opened in April 2024 in the old station.

Check out all our themed 7-Eleven stores in Taiwan guides: • Coca-Cola • Hello Kitty • Mofusand • Snoopy / Peanuts • Pokémon • Ultraman • STARLUX • Sumikko Gurashi Plus check out our guide to why 7-Elevens in Taiwan are the best in the world!

11. PARK2 Caowu Square

A large restaurant, bar and cafe complex that is part cultural hub, part entertainment center, the architecture here is quite unusual with a square at the top plus more food and drink places located underground in a sort of ‘sunken plaza’.

We visited on a Saturday afternoon and it was busy with groups of friends plus large groups of families. There are lots of international foods like a Korean BBQ joint (standing only), Toasters Mediterranean restaurant plus the Sunmai Brewery taproom.

There was also a branch of the Rockland outdoor adventure store complete with a cool cafe and live music – rock on!

You might like – Things to do in Hualien, Taiwan >

12. Fantasy Story Green Ray

A creative area located in old warehouses and packed full of fashion and book shops, craft stores, charming coffee shops, this trendy Taichung neighborhood has sprung up in the old dormitory of the Taiwan Water Corporation.

Home to a mix of permanent places like Taihu Brewing to more temporary pop-up stores, this is one of the best hipster hangouts in Taichung. You’ll also find some restaurants and street food stalls hidden away on the terrace up top.

You might like – Rongjin Gorgeous Time, Taipei’s trendy mall in an old prison >

13. UpToy / Taichung Yue Lao Office

One of the coolest toy shops and retro goods stores we visited in the whole of Taiwan, UpToy Taichung ( map ) is top stuff.

The ground floor is full of cute and Kawaii goods like gachapon capsule toys, plushies and dolls whilst the upper floor is something even more curious…

One section is dedicated to second-hand vintage goods and classic toys and character merchandise plus nostalgic goods like classic Coke merchandise but the other area is something rather unusual!

What intrigued us the most is the ‘Old Office’ / Yue Lao Office upstairs that was full of large groups of teenagers trying to find ‘true love’ matches via coloured capsules – blue jars with single men’s details and pink jars with women’s details. Yue Lao incidentally is the god of marriage and love.

Who needs ‘Bumble’ when you have Taichung’s Yue Lao Office!

You might like – Our guide to Taiwan’s highest coffee shop, Simple Kaffa Sola atop Taipei 101 >

14. Confucian Examination Hall x Zhong Dao GLAb

Talking of epic transformations, also check out this super-cute coffee shop located in an old school examination hall, the only one left remaining from the Qing Dynasty.

Now school desks and canes have been swapped for cappuccinos and cake in the form of Zhong Dao GLAb coffee roasters and cafe.

The interior is all sleek and modern and looks like a cross between a library and school lab (yep, they are trying very hard to be trendy).

Outside, there is sometimes an artisan craft market held outside the old Confucian Examination Hall on the weekends.

Find it on Google Maps here >

Try this – Sun Moon Lake day tour from Taichung >

15. National Taichung Theatre

Opened in 2015, the National Taichung Theatre is one of Taiwan’s top performing arts centers and its curved interiors make it one of the most unique buildings in Taiwan, up there with the Kaohsiung Music Center.

Even if you aren’t planning on going to the opera here or a live performance, we urge you to still visit the National Taichung Theatre if only to visit the free rooftop garden.

Jump in the lift to the 6th floor and walk out into a green oasis in the middle of the city, complete with benches and ‘Tellytubby’ style dinosaurs – it was a popular photo spot for families when we visited.

You might like – Our guide to Din Tai Fung, Taiwan’s most famous dumpling restaurant chain >

16. Gaomei Wetlands

Admire the towering wind turbines of Gaomei Wetlands – a grassy and muddy tidal flat where you can catch the sea breeze and watch beautiful sunsets.

The best bit is spotting birds and various wildfowl, as you stroll along the wooden boardwalk, with the wetlands in the background – blissful!

Taichung’s famous Gaomei Wetlands are an easy and inexpensive day trip from Taichung – it is theoretically possible to go by public transport but the tours are much more efficient – some even include a visit to the famous Miyahara ice-cream stall!

Book a Gaomei Wetlands tour from Taichung >

17. Second Market Taichung / Fifth Market

Constantly recommended as the best place for Taiwanese street-food in Taichung in the day-time, Second Market is open six days a week (closed Monday) from 7am to 1pm.

Second Market has been around for over 100 years and many of the food stalls have been passed on from family member to family member – the upper section of the building also has a small museum.

We also checked out Fifth Market which is open 7 days a week and a much smaller neighborhood market, close to the Confucian Examination Hall.

Many of the stalls were selling soups and Taiwanese noodle dishes, with long lines. Fifth Market was OK but probably not worth a trip especially.

18. Taihu Brewing Taichung

Located in the Fantasy Story Green Ray area of bars and restaurants, Taihu Brewing is one of Taiwan’s top breweries and craft beer bar chains. You can even buy its beer in 7-Eleven stores, although some of it is super strong like their 9.99%(!) Happy Set.

We’ve enjoyed several Taihu Brewing craft beer bars in Taiwan including their Taichung Taihu Brewing taproom, complete with roof terrace and rather magic ‘Back to the Taihu’ / Back to the Future inspired neon sign – all have  cracking beer selections.

We visited Taihu Brewing Taichung on a Saturday afternoon and it was packed – both the upstairs terrace and downstairs bar area were heaving with happy drinkers. Ganbei!

You might like – Our guide to Taipei’s best craft beer bars and Taiwan breweries >

19. Calligraphy Greenway

‘Calligraphy Greenway’ Park in Taichung is home to the world’s only* ‘World of Warcraft’ bronze statue designed by Taiwanese artist Steven Wang.

From the hit online game by Blizzard Entertainment, the statue is of Warcraft character Lich King Arthas Menethil – it is a HUGE 4.5 meters tall & like no other sculpture we’ve seen before.

*We think…unless you know otherwise

20. Taichung Creative and Cultural Industries Park

Taiwan creative parks are frequent in number and vary in terms of the visitor experience – the one in Taichung is OK to visit but nothing outstanding (we preferred Shen Ji New Village above).

And if you gauge Taiwan’s creative parks mainly by their Instagram opportunities and selfie spots, Taichung Creative and Cultural Industries Park doesn’t really have many vibrant murals or wall paintings like the others – but there are still lots of things to do here.

We liked Taichung Creative Park as it was easy to walk around, fairly quiet and is home to regular pop up exhibitions plus visit a rather interesting brewery shop (it felt like stepping back 50 years into a time-warp).

The presence of the Taichung Creative Park brewery shop is a nod to the fact this 6 acre site used to be the largest brewery in the whole of Taiwan. Cheers!

2024 update –  the brewery section appears to have been closed down on our last visit. Other than a weekend flea market we stumbled upon, there doesn’t appear to be all that much going on these days at Taichung Creative and Cultural Industries Park.

21. National Museum of Fine Art

Taichung is blessed with several renowned museums and arts venues including The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts which has over 20 different galleries and exhibition spaces – it is famous for its Western art exhibitions and sculpture collection.

It is open 6 days a week (closed Mondays) and also has gorgeous grounds with lots of alfresco artwork and temporary installations.

You might like – Our guide to the 10 best neighborhoods to stay in Taipei >

22. Taiwan Connection 108

Call it a ‘high-line’ or a ‘sky garden’, the ‘Taiwan Connection 108’ is a small area of reclaimed railway line that runs north from Taichung Station for just over 1km, parallel to the canal.

Popular with joggers, photo shoots and the odd romantic couple, we’d only recommend this as an easy walk way from Taichung station to Taichung Creative and Cultural Industries Park.

Otherwise, it is just a semi-interesting walk-way where you can still see some of the old sidings left over from the old railway.

You might like – Our guide to the ‘free’ Taiwan Receipt Lottery, which tourists can enter >

23. Taichung Park

Taichung has lots of top tourist spots and open green spaces but the most frequented and loved by locals is the eponymous Taichung Park (also the oldest park in Taichung).

You could easily spend a whole afternoon in Taichung Park wandering around the lake and exploring the large Japanese style pagoda, the main feature of the park.

We were amazed by the sheer number of large fish (likely koi carp) in the lake. In fact, a family next to us were feeding the fish with bread and the carp were battling the ducks for the bread (kam-’koi’-kaze?).

To get up close to the wildlife or the huge fountain in Taichung Park, pedalos can be hired to take out on the lake here. Taichung Park is open 24 hours.

You might like –  things to do in Kaohsiung, Taiwan >

24. Don Don Donki Taichung

Japan’s most delightful discount store is now open in Taitung, on the lower levels of Tiger City Mall.

Originally known as Don Quijote in Japan where it has dozens of stores all over the country, Don Don Donki (as it is branded in Taiwan) opened their first Taiwan store in Ximending in 2021.

This is a fairly new Don Don Donki store in Taichung that is open from 10am to 11pm daily (alas not 24 hours like Ximending).

Combined with its big fresh food area (with lots of Japanese food like takoyaki and sashimi / sushi), Don Don Donki is a great place for late night shopping in Kaohsiung.

25. Eslite Spectrum Taichung 480

Some of the most beautiful bookshops you’ll find in Taiwan (and across Asia), Eslite (誠品) is one your one stop shop for unique gifts, cute collectibles and travel reading.

We were lucky enough to visit the newest (and HUGE) Eslite Spectrum 480 Taichung branch on its opening weekend in spring 2024.

With several floors of food courts, book shops, restaurants and home furnishings, this was one of the best shopping malls in Taiwan we experienced.

The bookstore part and gift section at Eslite Spectrum Taichung 480 was particularly good plus it is great to go shopping then eat at one of the cafes or restaurants inside.

Check out our guide to Eslite Bookstores: Taiwan’s most beautiful department stores >

26. Taichung Totoro Bus Stop (Closed)

2024 update – this Taichung Totoro Bus Stop has now been moved by its owner – however, there is another mural Totoro bus stop at Taichung’s Animation Alley / Lane; more on this later.

Although not totally legit (and not approved by Studio Ghibli), this recreated bus stop from the movie ‘My Neighbour Totoro’ (when Satsuki waits at the bus stop for her parents and Totoro shelters her from the rain) is a little away from Taichung’s attractions, but ‘Totoro-y’ worth your time!

Although not an actual bus stop (just in case you spend hours waiting for a bus), this has been created by a local resident, whose workshop is to the left of the Totoro bus-stop.

When we visited, he beckoned us in to see his latest creation, a Harry Potter trolley disappearing into the wall on platform 9 3/4 (like the one at King’s Cross Station, but without the two hour queue to get your photo taken).

There are lots of awesome anime inspired photo opportunities and it is free to visit, but it located on the side of a very busy road, so you have to weave through the traffic to get the best shots from across the other side of the street.

27. Panding Church

Wow, this is one Taichung church that looks ship-shape; literally! Nautical but nice, the Panding Church is a popular place to visit and the blue and white theming also look quite similar to a sailor’s outfit.

Located a little way out in the Longjing District, this basically looks like a real Noah’s Ark (but without all the animals).

Our final thing to do in Taichung

28. qianyue building.

A quick mention of one of Taichung’s most unusual sights, ideal for URBEX enthusiasts (although the old building is all sealed up now). The abandoned Qianyue Building can be seen from all Taichung and is very close to Miyahara and the little stream.

The 1970s 13 storey building started to decay and became unsafe after a fire in a night-club on the middle floors around 20 years ago – it has gradually decayed more and more over time.

From afar, it looks like a UFO has landed on the building and this used to be a former revolving restaurant in Taichung.

The abandoned Qianyue Building is now all boarded up with graffiti all over the exterior – maybe one just to look up at when exploring downtown Taichung.

Found this things to do in Taichung article helpful?

Did you enjoy our   things to do in Taichung blog post? Let us know in the comments or by sharing it on social media.

You can follow Taiwanderers on:  Instagram Facebook TikTok   YouTube Pinterest

Taiwanderers

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.