If you’re planning your first trip to Taiwan, one of the very first things you’re probably wondering is where to go in Taiwan + what to see and do. Well, the opportunities for the best places to visit in Taiwan are endless.
Taiwan boasts a fascinating culture, deep-rooted history, mind-blowing landscapes, and, of course, a booming food scene. While most travelers only spend a few short days in Taipei, there’s so much more to see and do further afield. From bustling cities, gorgeous hiking trails, and dreamy beaches and mountains – Taiwan has something for every kind of traveler! And, if you’re looking for a completely unique travel experience, there’s no better place to find just that than in Taiwan!
Where to go in Taiwan: Top 10 Places to Visit in Taiwan
In this guide, I’ll cover the best places to visit in Taiwan from a local perspective. You’ll have a chance to discover beautiful architecture, dive into the culture, witness stunning landscapes and, of course, try some great food! That said, to fully enjoy all of the island’s best bits, make sure to spend at least two weeks in Taiwan.
Here’s my detailed list of the top places to visit in Taiwan.
Taroko Gorge
Taroko Gorge, situated in the east of Taiwan, is revered as the top tourist attraction in Taiwan. And for an excellent reason. The beautiful 19-km canyon boasts dramatic cliffs, hidden temples, and several hiking trails differing in length and difficulty. It’s full of eye-popping scenery and incredible nature, making it well worth the 2-hour train journey from Taipei.
While you don’t necessarily need to be a serious hiker to enjoy Taroko’s magnificent beauty, hiking at least one or two of the trails is a huge must. Start by hiking the beautiful Eternal Spring Trail. It’s a relatively short trail that shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to complete. What really makes this trail so unique is that it’s cut out on the edge of a mountain and leads to a quaint little temple built right above a waterfall. Further afield, the Swallow Grotto Trail offers gorgeous views no matter which way you turn while the Shakadang Trail takes you deep into the lush forest and past azure-colored pools.
Of course, there are many other beautiful hikes in Taroko, so be sure to read this step-by-step first timer’s guide to Taroko Gorge for more tips.
Taipei
The capital of Taiwan, Taipei, is a treat for all the senses. From bustling night markets, age-old temples, and striking landmarks, Taipei is a gem of a city that seamlessly blends old with new.
There’s much to do in Taipei, so be sure not to underestimate your time in this phenomenal city. If you’re after history, make your way to the National Palace Museum that houses more than 600,000 ancient treasures, scriptures, and artifacts. The daily changing of the guards at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the incensed filled halls of Longshan Temple are other attractions not to miss while in Taipei.
For a bird’s-eye view of the city, head out to the former tallest building in the world, Taipei 101, or better yet, hike up Elephant Mountain to get an incredible panoramic view of the bustling city below.
Fantastic restaurants and shops also abound in Taipei, and there are loads of attractions to while away the time. For an authentic look at local culture and to test your culinary limits, head to Raohe Night Market to sample all the weird and wonderful treats on offer there. Sticky tofu and bubble milk tea are just a few of the must-try street food snacks!
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Jiufen
The dreamy little town of Jiufen is one of Taiwan’s top attractions. Perched on a sloping hill overlooking the ocean, Jiufen offers so much more than just mind-blowing views. Besides the terrific ocean and mountain views, it is perhaps the intricate maze of alleyways lined with red lanterns and rustic teahouses that make this hillside village so charming.
There are many nooks and crannies to explore, and the booming little old street is filled with local delicacies to try out. Stopping by the famous Amei Teahouse is yet another must while in Jiufen. But be warned – it will probably be the most expensive cup of tea you’ve ever had, but the magnificent views you can enjoy from the outdoor terrace will make up for it!
Alishan Mountain
Alishan Mountain is a breathtaking mountain area and a firm favorite among hikers and nature lovers alike. The main recreational area is home to towering ancient cypress trees, misty forests, and the best sunrise viewing spot in Taiwan.
Besides the plethora of hiking trails on offer here, Alishan is also famous for its iconic Alishan Forest Railway that transports travelers on several routes throughout the Alishan National Park. It’s a great way to see a bit more of the gorgeous scenery and truly a once in a lifetime experience.
There’s also a lot of local treats to try out – most notably Alishan high mountain oolong tea, which is grown on the misty hillsides of Ali mountain. Other delicacies include wasabi nuts and wild boar sausages.
Although it is possible to spend as little as a day in Alishan, you really do want to stay longer, especially if you’re going to catch the epic sunrise. Accommodation options are quite limited, but it’s best to stay within the park to maximize your time.
Sun Moon Lake
Taiwan’s largest natural lake, Sun Moon Lake, is neatly tucked away in Nantou County, and surrounded by dreamy mountains covered in lush vegetation.
Besides its natural beauty, Sun Moon Lake is also home to several unique points of interest and plenty to keep you busy for a few days. First and foremost, the round-the-lake bike path is a huge must and also the reason why Sun Moon Lake is so famous among pro cyclists and novices alike. Even if cycling doesn’t appeal to you, it is a great way to see the lake up close and marvel at the immense beauty of this top attraction in Taiwan. Along the way, you will find several temples, all offering a quick glimpse of the varied religions practiced in Taiwan.
Taking a boat ride across the tranquil lake from Shuishe Village to Ita Thao is also obligatory on your visit. Once you dock at Ita Thao, head to the bustling aboriginal food market where you can try local treats like mullet wine, black tea ice cream, and black tea egg rolls. Afterward, head to the cable car station for a relaxing cable car ride offering unforgettable views of the entire area.
Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery
A short 30-minute bus ride from Taiwan’s third-largest city, Kaohsiung, brings you to the peaceful retreat of Fo Guang Shan. This sprawling Buddhist monastery offers a fascinating insight into the religion and plenty of photo opportunities. Even if you aren’t into religion, it’s still well worth a visit as the entire complex is beautifully laid out, and the architecture is surreal.
There are several pagodas housing interesting relics and artworks, while the main exhibition hall is filled with hidden gems. Once you’ve explored the inside, make sure to also head to the outdoor viewing platform where you can get a close-up look at the impressive towering bronze Buddha.
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Kenting National Park
Filled with white powdery beaches and warm turquoise water, it doesn’t get much better than the dreamy shores of Kenting National Park. While there are lots of activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing to enjoy, exploring the unique landscapes is a massive must while visiting here.
Some of the most popular places to visit in Kenting include Maobitou, Longpan Park, and Eluanbi Lighthouse. At night, the bustling night market is just the place to sample some of the best street food and freshest seafood in all of Taiwan. Don’t miss the freshly caught oysters, tiger prawns, and fresh fruit smoothies!
Tainan
Tainan is often overlooked by most travelers visiting Taiwan. But in fact, it’s one of the top places to visit in Taiwan. As the former capital city of the island, Tainan boasts an incredible history dating back nearly 400 years. Known as the city of temples, Tainan is home to more than 1000 temples making is a real gem for culture seekers.
There are loads of interesting sights and landmarks to explore in Tainan too. Most notably, the 17th century Anping Old Fort built by the Dutch. Another incredible site not to miss is Anping Tree House, which was initially used as a storage warehouse for salt but is wholly covered with a Banyan tree today. In the center of town, you’ll find Shennong Street – a narrow lane lined with quirky shophouses, restaurants, and cafes, and quite a unique history.
Houtong Cat Village
Hidden in the hills of Ruifang Mountian, Houtong Cat Village is an exciting day trip from Taipei offering an unexpected delight. This quaint hillside village was once a former thriving gold mining community. Today, however, Houtong is renowned for its furry inhabitants – cats.
While there are several museums and trails to explore nearby, most travelers head to Houtong to spend a day outdoors, and of course, to take photos of the cute cats lounging around town. There are dozens of cats in all shapes, sizes, and colors, no matter which way you turn.
Not many travelers to Taiwan know about Houtong making it one of Taiwan’s best-kept secrets.
Rainbow Village
A short drive from Taichung City’s High-Speed Rail Station is yet another must-visit place in Taiwan – Rainbow Village.
Rainbow Village formerly served as a housing complex for veterans, but after word got out that the government had plans to demolish the area, one of the residents decided to give the entire village a makeover. Today, Rainbow Village is probably the most Instragrammable place in Taiwan and a must on any Taiwan trip. It’s a great place to stroll around, admire the artwork, and of course, the ideal location for a new profile pic.
Conclusion
Despite it’s proximity to other Asian gems such as Hong Kong, the Philippines, and China, Taiwan is a surprisingly underrated travel destination. Although it may not be on every traveler’s destination hit-list, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on any traveler that ventures out this far!
There are so many beautiful places to visit in Taiwan, and hopefully, this list of Taiwan’s must-visit attractions has inspired you to visit this fascinating gem!
This is a Guest post written by Mariza from Hoponworld.com
Author’s Bio: Mariza is a South African who has been living in Taiwan for nearly a decade. When she’s not working, she’s probably mapping out her next adventure or binge-watching Netflix. Mariza shares handy travel tips and in-depth guides to help you travel better in Taiwan and further afield on her blog, Hoponworld. Follow her adventures on: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
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