Taiwan is an island country located in East Asia, known for its unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous cultures. Taiwan is famous for its night markets, street food, and bubble tea, which have gained popularity worldwide. Taiwan is also home to many beautiful natural landscapes, such as Taroko Gorge and Sun Moon Lake, as well as modern architectural wonders like Taipei 101.
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 Taiwan with our list of the best places to visit in Taiwan.
1. Taipei
Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan and is a bustling metropolis that offers a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions. The city is famous for its night markets, where visitors can sample a variety of Taiwanese street food and shop for souvenirs. Taipei is also home to many cultural landmarks, such as the National Palace Museum, which houses one of the world's largest collections of Chinese artifacts, and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a tribute to Taiwan's former president. Other popular attractions include Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest buildings, and the Beitou Hot Springs, which offer a relaxing escape from the city. Additionally, Taipei is known for its efficient public transportation system and its friendly, welcoming people.
Taroko National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in eastern Taiwan. The park is named after the Taroko Gorge, a massive marble canyon that stretches for over 19 kilometers and is surrounded by lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning rock formations. The park is home to many hiking trails, including the famous Zhuilu Old Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the gorge from a narrow cliffside path. Visitors to Taroko National Park can also explore other attractions, such as the Eternal Spring Shrine, a temple that overlooks a scenic waterfall, and the Qingshui Cliff, a dramatic coastal cliff that rises 800 meters above the Pacific Ocean. Taroko National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Sun Moon Lake is a scenic lake located in central Taiwan, known for its crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and picturesque mountain views. The lake is surrounded by hiking and biking trails that offer visitors the chance to explore the surrounding natural beauty, as well as cultural landmarks such as the Wenwu Temple and Ci'en Pagoda. Visitors can also take a boat tour around the lake or try out a range of water sports, such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Sun Moon Lake is also famous for its tea culture, and visitors can sample some of Taiwan's finest tea varieties while taking in the stunning views.
Alishan is a mountain resort located in central Taiwan, known for its stunning scenery and cultural landmarks. The region is home to an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through forests of towering cypress trees and past cascading waterfalls. The most famous attraction of Alishan is the Alishan Forest Railway, a narrow-gauge railway that was built during the Japanese colonial era and offers visitors a scenic journey through the mountainous landscape. At the summit of Alishan, visitors can witness the mesmerizing sunrise and sea of clouds from the popular viewing platform. Additionally, Alishan is home to many cultural sites, such as the sacred Alishan Tsou Indigenous Village, which offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Tsou people.
5. Tainan
Tainan is a historic city located in southern Taiwan, known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional architecture. The city was the capital of Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty and is home to many historic landmarks, such as the Chihkan Tower, a former Dutch fort that now serves as a symbol of the city, and the Anping Fort, which was built by the Dutch in the 17th century. Tainan is also famous for its delicious cuisine, such as danzai noodles, coffin bread, and milkfish soup. Additionally, visitors can explore the many traditional markets and temples throughout the city, such as the Confucius Temple, one of the oldest and most revered temples in Taiwan.
Kenting is well known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. The area is home to several popular beaches, such as Baisha Bay, Nanwan Beach, and White Sand Bay, which offer visitors the opportunity to swim, surf, and sunbathe. Kenting National Park is another popular attraction, where visitors can hike through lush forests, take in scenic ocean views, and visit landmarks such as the Eluanbi Lighthouse. In addition to its natural attractions, Kenting is also famous for its bustling night market and lively bars and clubs, which provide visitors with a lively and entertaining atmosphere after the sun goes down. Overall, Kenting is a must-visit destination for those looking for sun, sand, and fun in Taiwan.
7. Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a bustling port. The city is known for its many cultural and historic landmarks, such as the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, one of the largest Buddhist museum in Asia, and the historic Lotus Pond, which is home to several ancient temples and pavilions. The city is also famous for its delicious seafood and night markets, where visitors can sample a wide variety of local cuisine and shop for souvenirs. Other popular attractions include the Pier-2 Art Center, a former warehouse turned into an art center, and the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, which showcases contemporary art from Taiwan and around the world. Additionally, Kaohsiung is a gateway to several nearby natural attractions, such as the scenic Cijin Island and the majestic mountains of the Maolin National Scenic Area.
8. Taichung
Taichung is a central city located in Taiwan, known for its rich history, modern art, and vibrant food scene. The city boasts a number of cultural landmarks, such as the National Museum of Natural Science, which features numerous exhibits on science and technology, and the Taichung Confucius Temple, which is a beautiful example of traditional Chinese architecture. Visitors can also take in the stunning views from the Luce Memorial Chapel, a unique modernist building that has become an icon of Taichung. The city is also known for its local delicacies, such as sun cakes, bubble tea, and traditional street food, which can be found in the many night markets and food stalls throughout the city. Additionally, Taichung is home to several modern art installations and galleries, such as the Rainbow Village and the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, which showcase the city's dynamic and evolving art scene.
9. Kinmen
Kinmen is a group of islands located off the coast of southeastern China, administered by Taiwan. The islands are steeped in history and culture, having been a strategic military outpost for centuries. Visitors can explore numerous cultural landmarks, such as the Kinmen National Park, which features historic military sites, forts, and tunnels. The island is also home to many traditional Fujian-style homes, temples, and ancestral halls, which have been preserved and restored as part of the Kinmen Cultural Park. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and beaches that the islands have to offer, such as the Juguang Tower, a scenic lookout point that offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Kinmen is also known for its famous traditional liquor, Kaoliang, which can be sampled at the many distilleries and tasting rooms located throughout the islands.
10. Xiao Liuqiu
Xiao Liuqiu is a small island located off the southwestern coast of Taiwan, known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and unique cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities on the island, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. The island is also home to several beautiful natural attractions, such as the Black Dwarf Cave and the Vase Rock, which offer visitors unique geological formations and breathtaking scenery. Additionally, Little Liuqiu is known for its distinctive cultural heritage, which includes a unique local dialect, traditional music and dance, and the famous Little Liuqiu Stone Houses, which are a unique example of traditional architecture.
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