Brimming with rich culture, historic temples, tropical islands, and mountainous nature reserves, Taiwan packs plenty into its 13,975 square miles.
As the country’s cosmopolitan center—and the main arrival point for most international visitors—Taiwan’s northernmost region features a unique blend of old and new. Expect bustling night markets, enchanting mountain villages, and a wonderful mix of cultural diversity.
Taiwan’s northernmost region is also its political and financial hub, home to its capital city, Taipei, as well as some of its most engaging attractions. From taking in spectacular 360-degree views atop Taipei 101, Taiwan’s tallest building, to perusing 8,000 years of history at the National Palace Museum, the region’s cultural offerings are limitless. You might experience traditional Taiwanese life among the tea houses and food stalls of Jiufen Old Street, tucked away within one of the region’s most enchanting mountain-top villages, or get lost amid the maze of Shilin night market, known for its enormous selection of roadside eats. Nature abounds in the area as well, including the bizarre landscape of Yehliu Geopark—home to Queen’s Head, a rock formation resembling Egypt’s own Cleopatra—and the calcium-rich hot springs of Jiaoxi, near the coast.
Taiwan’s northernmost region is also its political and financial hub, home to its capital city, Taipei, as well as some of its most engaging attractions. From taking in spectacular 360-degree views atop Taipei 101, Taiwan’s tallest building, to perusing 8,000 years of history at the National Palace Museum, the region’s cultural offerings are limitless. You might experience traditional Taiwanese life among the tea houses and food stalls of Jiufen Old Street, tucked away within one of the region’s most enchanting mountain-top villages, or get lost amid the maze of Shilin night market, known for its enormous selection of roadside eats. Nature abounds in the area as well, including the bizarre landscape of Yehliu Geopark—home to Queen’s Head, a rock formation resembling Egypt’s own Cleopatra—and the calcium-rich hot springs of Jiaoxi, near the coast.
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NORTHERN TAIWAN
A modern metropolis peppered with pockets of Japanese-influenced architecture and alleyways, Taiwan’s capital city is a delightful blend of cultural influences. The island’s tallest structure, 1,667-foot-tall Taipei 101, mixes traditional Pagoda-style with postmodernist architecture, while Taipei’s many temples include the 600-deity Xiahai City God Temple; Lungshan Temple, a unique combination of Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian faiths; and Xingtian Temple, dedicated to a famous deified general, Guangong, who is worshiped as both the “God of War” and the patron saint of businesspeople. Pay homage to Taiwan’s history with a visit to the Western-style style Presidential Office Building or a tour of the National Palace Museum, brimming with Ming and Qing imperial treasures. Shopping opportunities abound in Ximending, along Dihua Old Street in Dadaocheng, the city’s historic district, and at the Jianguo Holiday Flower Market and its neighboring Holiday Jade Market. For delicious Taiwanese delicacies try Liaoning Street Night Market and Shilin Night Market, or indulge in the Michelin-recommended street food of Raohe Street Tourist Night Market. Dubbed “Taipei’s backyard,” Yangmingshan National Park is home to easy-to-access hot springs, hiking trails, and a cluster of volcanoes known as the Dantun Volcano Group.
A view of Taipei 101 at sunset.
Perched on the Lanyang Plain, Yilan County is a broad and flat expanse with rivers that provide nourishment for its nutrient-rich soil. It’s also got plenty of culture to boot. The expansive National Center for Traditional Arts preserves the island’s intangible heritage through musical performances, hands-on workshops, and handicraft stores, all in a red-tiled setting reminiscent of historic Taiwan. Jiaoxi Hot Springs offers the largest collection of hot spring facilities within easy reach of Taipei, or opt for the odorless and crystal clear Su’ao Cold Springs, revered for its rare, cold mineral waters. The hill-perched Su'ao Lighthouse is one of only two square lighthouses in Taiwan, but for offshore adventure, head to the turtle-shaped Guishan Island. One of Taiwan’s few active volcanoes, it’s both a landmark and an emblem of the local spirit, with plenty of hiking trails to explore.
Guishan Island, Yilan County.
Tucked into Taiwan’s northwest corner Hsinchu County forms the core of Taiwan’s high-tech industrial region, and it’s often considered the island’s own Silicon Valley. Much of the region’s population is Hakka, a distinct cultural group with its own unique language, cuisine, and cultural traditions, such as traditional indigo dyeing. Hsinchu’s Beipu township is a bastion of Hakka culture. It’s on full display along Beipu Old Street, which boasts one of the island’s highest concentrations of historic sites, along with a plethora of Hakkanese cuisine. Some specialties to try include autumn’s wind-dried persimmon cakes—a result of the region’s blustery coastal climate—and lei cha, a traditional Hakka ground tea. When the weather warms, cool off in Beipu’s cold spring baths, with their rare combination of carbonic acid and sulfur. Nearly half of Taiwan’s bird species make a stop in Xiangshan Wetlands coastal preserve.
Xiangshan Wetlands Coastal Preserve, Hsinchu County.
Known as the “Land of a Thousand Ponds” for its many water bodies, the narrow-shaped Taoyuan City is also home to Taiwan’s busiest airport, and the main arrival point for many international air travelers. Along with a well-poised transport system, the city has plenty to offer visitors. In Taoyuan’s centuries-old Daxi District, sample Taiwanese delicacies like dried tofu and mooncakes among the Baroque-style shop houses of Daxi Old Street, with their intricately carved beams and painted pillars, remnants of the town’s days as an affluent trading center. Or breathe in the fresh air of the 6,663-foot tall Lala Mountain, where you’ll find Taiwan’s largest juniper forest. Mountain vistas, bicycling and walking trails, and ample fisheries are par for the course at Shihmen Reservoir, Taiwan's third largest artificial lake.
Lala Mountain sits between Taoyuan City and New Taipei City.
Taiwan’s northern port city is the first view that most travelers have of arriving to the island by sea, and the mountain-embraced Keelung Harbor serves as Keelung City’s cruise ship hub. Its ongoing revitalization is part of a larger plan to bring new life to the local waterfront. Today, it's brimming with beaches, bike trails, and an array of eye-catching sculptures, a marine science museum, as well as Helping Island Park—a famous attraction with the only castle in Keelung. Encounter a kaleidoscope of color in Zhengbin Fishing Harbor, a laid-back port known for its line of 16 colorful rainbow houses, or snack under the yellow lanterns of Keelung Miaokou Night Market, famous for its affordable street food and the intricately carved Dianji Temple, which stands at its center.
Keelung Harbor, Northern Taiwan.
Surrounding the island’s capital city, New Taipei City features a rich selection of cultural and natural resources for visitors to explore. The more than 300 year-old Fort San Domingo stands as a reminder of Taiwan’s Spanish and Dutch historical influences, while its Lin Family Mansion and Garden is one of the preserved grand mansions from the island’s Japanese era (1895-1945). Embark on a trek through history along the 5.2-mile ancient Caoling Historic Trail, the main route between New Taipei City and Yilan County for 200 years, or take in the impressive temples, hiking trails, and thermal riverside pools of Wulai Hot Springs dotting 2,021-foot-tall Guanyinshan mountain. Naturally-eroded honeycomb and mushroom rocks make up the otherworldly landscape of Yehliu Geopark, while Fulong Beach sports golden sands—a Taiwan rarity. Savor beloved Taiwanese snacks along Tamsui Old Street and Jinshan Old Street, tucked into a mountain village that resembles the street scene in Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. In the first month of the lunar calendar, New Taipei City’s Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival illuminates the night with thousands of glowing, floating lanterns.
Savor beloved Taiwanese street food along Tamsui Wharf.
Located in the south-central portion of Taiwan at the Jianan Plain’s northern edge, Yunlin County is well loved for its rustic charm and quality agricultural goods, like Gukeng Township’s coffee, Taixi Township’s clams, and Xiluo Township’s soy sauce. With an ample number of temples—more than anywhere else in Taiwan—Yunlin County attracts thousands of visitors each year for festival celebrations. A stop at Beigang Chaotian Temple during the annual Lunar New Year festival is a must—the city of Beigang is filled with music, parades, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Beigang Chaotian Temple, Yunlin County.
It may be Taiwan’s only landlocked county, but Nantou is overflowing with natural assets, from jagged peaks to a variety of terrain and climate that results in a bevy of teas, all with their own unique characteristics. The misty mountain shrouded Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest alpine waterbody. Bike trails hug its shoreline providing views of a forested reflection, while the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway takes visitors on a thrilling seven-minute cable car ride, resulting in birds-eye vistas. More than 30 peaks over 9,800-foot-tall grace the landscape of Nantou’s remote Yushan National Park, but for something a bit more accessible, Hehuanshan (aka Taiwan’s “tourist mountain”) features an easy-to-tackle high-mountain trail surrounded by colorful rhododendron blossoms come spring. From fertile peaches to falling maple leaves, the European-style Qingjing Farm is a perfect place to take in the changing seasons, along with signature sheep and horse shows. Don’t miss Jiji Train Station, a cypress-built beauty constructed in the 1930s.
Sun Moon Lake, Nantou County.
Despite being one of Taiwan's smallest counties, Changhua is home to some incredible one-of-a-kind attractions. In the hillside, Mt. Bagua Great Buddha Scenic Area, visitors can climb to the top of the 86-foot-high hollow statue of Buddha for sweeping views of Changhua’s cityscape. Or soak in the scenic atmosphere of Lukang, a traditional port town. Its curved and red-tile Lukang Old Street, lined with Fujian-style architecture constructed during the Qing dynasty, is the ideal place to sample Taiwanese delicacies. Known for its elegant murals and exquisite stone sculptures, Lukang Tianhou Temple stands as a stunning example of historic religious art.
Lukang Tianhou Temple, Changhua County.
Off the beaten track and with plenty of nearby mountains for exploring, Miaoli County is slow living at its best. Shei-Pa National Park extends its way from Taichung City, its unique river-eroded landscape brimming with rhododendron forests and bamboo groves. Many Hakka people call Miaoli County home, and every April to June, tung trees blanket the local Hakka settlements in a wondrous display of white blossoms. Stroll among the snow-like landscape and learn about the tree’s historic importance as an emblem of Hakka identity, then visit the Hakka Museum for insight into their language, arts, and industries. The Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum features the intricate works of local sculptors carved from mountain tree roots, while the remnants of Miaoli’s arched Longteng Bridge stand as a memorial to Taiwan’s devastating 1935 Shinchiku-Taichū earthquake.
Longteng Bridge, Miaoli County.
Cultural and natural wonders await in Taiwan’s second-largest city. Thousands of pilgrims head annually to its Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, while shoppers make their way to Shenji New Village, a reimagining of former dorms into shops and studios for young entrepreneurs. Learn about everything from astronomy to tropical plants at the 22-acre National Museum of Natural Science, or gain insight into the catastrophic 7.3 shock that rattled the island in September 1999 at Taichung’s 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan. The bustling Fengjia Night Market serves up delicious street foods ranging from stinky tofu to egg pancakes. For outdoor enthusiasts, the valleys and mountains of Shei-Pa National Park are a natural wonderland, and its family-friendly Wuling Farm provides a changing mosaic of maple trees and cherry blossoms. Birders flock to Taichung’s 1,500-acre Gaomei Wetlands to catch sight of little grebes and sand-plovers.
Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, Taichung City.
CENTRAL TAIWAN
Located in the heart of the island, Central Taiwan encompasses five major cities and counties, along with everything from arts and culture to the island’s largest waterbody, Sun Moon Lake. It’s where you’ll find Taichung, Taiwan’s second largest city, brimming with such attractions like Dajia Jenn Lann Temple—one of the country’s most famous Matzu Temples dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu—Shenji New Village, a repurposed government dorm that now houses everything from craft breweries to artisan shops, and the lively Fengjia Night Market. Take a stroll along Lukang Old Street, with its traditional Taiwanese-style houses and old-time shops, or pay homage at Yunlin County’s grand Beigang Chaotian Temple, a Mazu temple celebrated for its artisan wood carvings. The ethereal Sun Moon Lake, in the foothills of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range, captures the region’s natural beauty in a nutshell.
Central Taiwan sits at the heart of the main island, an expansive stretch that’s home to the country’s second-largest city, its biggest alpine lake, and some of Taiwan’s top art and cultural attractions—including repurposed dormitory housing that’s now home to everything from craft breweries to artisan workshops.
Both Kinmen and Matsu islands are located along the Taiwan Strait and are home to a mix of military history, reforestation, and unique architecture. A popular destination among travelers, Kinmen’s Shanhou Folk Cultural Village was built in 1900 and features dozens of classic tile-roofed Fujian homes, including some that offer overnight stays. Defense tunnels and troops once proliferated across the Matsu Islands. The 866-foot-long granite Tunnel 88, originally used for military purposes, is now used as storage for Matsu Distillery. Additionally, Kinmen Kaoliang liquor, a famous liquor made from distilled sorghum, is produced locally. Matsu archipelago’s Blue Tears are a naturally occurring bioluminescent phenomenon often seen in the surrounding waters, May through September.
Wine in a tunnel. Kinmen and Lienchiang County.
Taiwan’s small county is an archipelago of 90 islands located in the Taiwan Strait. One in particular, Tongpan Island, features a unique geological landscape of basalt columns and towering cliffs that have helped earn it the nickname: “The Yellowstone Park of the Penghu.” Approximately 550 ancient fishing traps remain in the local waters, though the aptly named Twin Hearts Stone Weir, formed by a series of piled rock walls, is a favorite among romantics and photographers alike. Xiyu Township’s Erkan Historical House, with its classic southern Fujian style relief carvings, stands as a prime example of the county’s traditional-style houses, while the 8,182-foot-long Penghu Great Bridge—linking the islands of Baisha and Xiyu as the first sea-crossing bridge in the far East. Built in 1604, Penghu Tianhou Temple is the work of famous Tangshan artists.
Penghu Mudou Island, Penghu County.
Located on the delta of the Beinan River, Taitung County is a mix of high mountains, coastal areas, and offshore islands. These include Green Island, with its diveable waters brimming with coral reefs, hiking trails, and one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world. The island’s resident hoofed population can be found at Sika Deer Ecological Park, established in 2007. The small and remote Orchid Island is home to Taiwan’s indigenous Tao people, while the Sanxiantai islands—connected to the mainland by a red-scalloped footbridge—are shrouded in legend, thanks to their odd-shaped rock formations and sea-eroded caves. Lamppost-free and surrounded by rice paddles, the county’s Brown Boulevard is perfect for cyclists. Taitung’s Hot Air Balloon Festival paints the skies of its Luye Plateau with color, annually from June through August.
East Rift Valley, Taitung County.
As Taiwan's largest county, Hualien is 1,786 square miles of rising peaks, expansive valleys, and blue seas—most of which have been deemed a national scenic area. So much nature means ample opportunities for outdoor exploring. Taroko National Park is a hiker’s paradise with the spectacular Taroko Gorge at its heart, drivers take to the winding Su-hua Highway along towering Qingshui Cliff, and cyclists enjoy the scenic paths around Qixing Lake Scenic Area. Hualien Pacific Ocean Park is a hub of strolling, sea views, and 3D art, while the rapids and whirlpools of Xiuguluan River make it ideal for whitewater rafting, May through October. Shitping’s sea-eroded potholes and terraces are teeming with marine life. For a striking display of flora, visit Liushishi in August and September, when the blooming of orange daylilies transform this 2,600-foot-tall mountain into a carpet of golden flowers.
Qixingtan Cliff, Hualien County.
EASTERN TAIWAN
Eastern Taiwan is a tropical and lush region that embodies one fifth of Taiwan’s total land area, but less than three percent of the country’s population. It’s home to such spots as Taroko National Park, an array of soaring peaks and sheer gorges, and the breathtakingly beautiful Qingshui Cliff, 13 miles of coastal mountainsides, and deep blue sea. Take a bicycling tour around Qixing Lake or through the rice paddies of Brown Boulevard, stroll the waterfront Pacific Park, or explore Shitiping’s unique volcanic rock landscape. Feeling adventurous? Eastern Taiwan’s Xiuguluan River is a whitewater rafting hub, while its Tongpan Island has been dubbed “The Yellowstone Park of the Penghu” for its distinct geological formations. From an ancient fishing trap that’s become an iconic symbol of love, to a naturally occurring bioluminescent sea, Eastern Taiwan offers plenty to do, see, and experience.
Tropical, remote, and encompassing a vast military past, Eastern Taiwan and its Offshore Islands also beckons adventure travelers with its whitewater rafting, diveable waters, and a distinct island that’s been dubbed “The Yellowstone Park of the Penghu” for its incredible geological formations.
OFFSHORE ISLANDS
EASTERN TAIWAN
OFFSHORE ISLANDS
As Taiwan’s southernmost county, Pingtung is a long and narrow stretch of land known for its mountains, beaches, and the country’s unique offshore coral island, Xiao Liuqiu. Located in the Taiwan Strait about eight miles southwest of the mainland, this laid-back, tropical perch is an ideal spot for snorkeling alongside green sea turtles. Back on Ilha Formosa sits Kenting National Park, which sports some of the country’s loveliest white sand beaches. Along with diveable waters and hiking trails, the park is home to the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, housing everything from beluga whales to native nurse sharks. Located on Cape Eluanbi, the mainland’s southernmost point, 70-foot-tall Eluanbi Lighthouse serves as a still-active beacon for ships going to and from sea. Built in the traditional southern Fujian-style, Pingtung’s Donglong Temple welcomes worshippers of “Lord Wen,” the deity of fishers. The temple’s boat burning festival is among Taiwan’s most well-known.
Xiao Liuqiu Coral Island, Pingtung County.
As Southern Taiwan’s largest city, Kaohsiung is a mix of cultural attractions and parkland. It houses the island’s biggest port, as well as its second-tallest building: the prong-shaped, 1,140-foot-tall 85 Sky Tower. Adorning the roof of the city’s Formosa MRT Station, Kaohsiung’s Dome of Light is the world's largest public art installation made from individual pieces of colored glass. Take a boat ride along Love River or go standup paddleboarding at Lianchitan, an artificial lake recognizable by its Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Kaohsiung’s Tianliao Moon World sports a unique lunar-like landscape, while the enormous Yushan National Park’s terrain ranges from plunging valleys to steep cliffs. Taiwan’s only native primate, the Formosan rock macaque, makes its home on Shoushan, a forested mountain with a trio of temples and a zoo. For affordable eats like braised meat and salted crispy chicken, Ruifeng Night Market is a must.
Kaohsiung’s Dome of Light at Formosa MRT Station.
As the island’s ancient capital, Tainan is considered Taiwan’s birthplace. These days visitors come for places like Tainan Confucius Temple, the country’s oldest temple devoted to the Chinese philosopher; and the late 17th century Yanshui Wu Temple, best known for its annual beehive fireworks festival—a launching of millions of fireworks into crowds wearing protective gear. Tainan’s historical remnants include the ruins of Anping Old Fort, the historical Chikan Tower, and the red-walled Eternal Golden Castle, a late 19th-century defense against Japanese troops. At the private Chi Mei Museum, see everything from ancient weapons to the world’s largest violin collection on display, or tour Jingzaijioa, the city’s tile-paved salt plots. The city’s Fire and Water Spring emits both elements simultaneously, while its Taijiang National Park is home to both the Black-faced Spoonbill Refuge, a wintering spot for hundreds of these long-billed waterbirds, and the ecological wonderland of Qigu Lagoon. Local cuisine runs the gamut from deboned milkfish congee (a breakfast favorite) to Tainan beef soup.
Salt fields in Tainan.
Chiayi is known as the gateway to Alishan, a national scenic area brimming with red cypress and yellow cedar trees and dominated by the stunning Alishan Mountains. Visitors flock here for its temperate weather, and to watch the sunrise over a sea of clouds, a natural Alishan phenomenon. It’s also home to the spectacular Forest Railway, 53 miles of historic narrow-gauge tracks that zigzag through mountain forest. Nature also abounds in Chiayi’s Ruili Scenic Area, a mix of bamboo groves, hiking trails, and tea plantations. Take a stroll across the enormous 922-foot-long Taiping Suspension Bridge, which illuminates in a different rainbow color each evening, or try DIY salt making at the Budai Salt Fields. Asian textiles and ancient pottery are on display at the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum. For local eats, sample turkey rice, a Chiayi County staple, or a unique dish by the Tsuo, an indigenous group that resides in the Alishan area.
Alishan Train, Chiayi County.
SOUTHERN TAIWAN
A once political, economic, and cultural hub, Southern Taiwan is teeming with history. It’s home to Tainan, the island’s oldest city, as well as a number of colonial landmarks that help shed light on Taiwan’s complex past. Ride Chiayi County’s narrow gauge Alishan Forest Railway, a network of mountainous tracks left over from the island’s logging days. Or explore famous Dutch landmarks like the 17th-century Anping Old Fort, and Chikan Tower, the oldest building in Tainan’s West Central District. In Southern Taiwan you’ll find the island’s largest harbor, an ancient Confucian temple, and the remnants of a late 19th century castle constructed against the Japanese threat. Other attractions include a stretch of lunar-like badlands and a 70-foot-tall, late-19th century lighthouse.
History is at the root of Southern Taiwan’s offerings, from a narrow-gauge mountain railway built during the island’s years of Japanese occupation to the remnants of old forts constructed under Spanish and Dutch rule.
From abundant natural beauty to diverse cultural experiences, travelers are warmly invited to explore Taiwan's stunning scenery, delectable cuisine, and more.
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Chapter 01/04
A modern metropolis peppered with pockets of Japanese-influenced architecture and alleyways, Taiwan’s capital city is a delightful blend of cultural influences. The island’s tallest structure, 1,667-foot-tall Taipei 101, mixes traditional Pagoda-style with postmodernist architecture, while Taipei’s many temples include the 600-deity Xiahai City God Temple; Lungshan Temple, a unique combination of Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian faiths; and Xingtian Temple, dedicated to a famous deified general, Guangdong, who is worshiped as both the “God of War” and the patron saint of businesspeople. Pay homage to Taiwan’s history with a visit to the Western-style style Presidential Office Building or a tour of the National Palace Museum, brimming with Ming and Qing imperial treasures. Shopping opportunities abound in Ximending, along Dihua Old Street in Dadaocheng, the city’s historic district, and at the Jianguo Holiday Flower Market and its neighboring Holiday Jade Market. For delicious Taiwanese delicacies try Liaoning Street Night Market and Shilin Night Market, or indulge in the Michelin-recommended street food of Raohe Street Tourist Night Market. Dubbed “Taipei’s backyard,” Yangmingshan National Park is home to easy-to-access hot springs, hiking trails, and a cluster of volcanoes known as the Dantun Volcano Group.
Savor beloved Taiwanese street food along Tamsui Wharf.
Surrounding the island’s capital city, New Taipei City features a rich selection of cultural and natural resources for visitors to explore. The more than three-hundred-year-old Fort San Domingo stands as a reminder of Taiwan’s Spanish and Dutch historical influences, while its Lin Family Mansion and Garden is one of the preserved grand mansions from the island’s Japanese era (1895-1945). Embark on a trek through history along the 5.2-mile ancient Caoling Historic Trail, the main route between New Taipei City and Yilan County for 200 years, or take in the impressive temples, hiking trails, and thermal riverside pools of Wulai Hot Springs dotting 2,021-foot-tall Guanyinshan mountain. Naturally-eroded honeycomb and mushroom rocks make up the otherworldly landscape of Yehliu Geopark, while Fulong Beach sports golden sands—a Taiwan rarity. Savor beloved Taiwanese snacks along Tamsui Old Street and Jinshan Old Street, tucked into a mountain village that resembles the street scene in Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. In the first month of the lunar calendar, New Taipei City’s Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival illuminates the night with thousands of glowing, floating lanterns.
Keelung Harbor, Northern Taiwan.
Taiwan’s northern port city is the first view that most travelers have of arriving to the island by sea, and the mountain-embraced Keelung Harbor serves as Keelung City’s cruise ship hub. Its ongoing revitalization is part of a larger plan to bring new life to the local waterfront. Today, it's brimming with beaches, bike trails, and an array of eye-catching sculptures, a marine science museum, as well as Helping Island Park—a famous attraction with the only castle in Keelung. Encounter a kaleidoscope of color in Zhengbin Fishing Harbor, a laid-back port known for its line of 16 colorful rainbow houses, or snack under the yellow lanterns of Keelung Miaokou Night Market, famous for its affordable street food and the intricately carved Dianji Temple, which stands at its center.
Lala Mountain sits between Taoyuan City and New Taipei City.
Known as the “Land of a Thousand Ponds” for its many water bodies, the narrow-shaped Taoyuan City is also home to Taiwan’s busiest airport, and the main arrival point for many international air travelers. Along with a well-poised transport system, the city has plenty to offer visitors. In Taoyuan’s centuries-old Daxi District, sample Taiwanese delicacies like dried tofu and mooncakes among the Baroque-style shop houses of Daxi Old Street, with their intricately carved beams and painted pillars remnants of the town’s days as an affluent trading center. Or breathe in the fresh air of the 6,663-foot tall Lala Mountain, where you’ll find Taiwan’s largest juniper forest. Mountain vistas, bicycling and walking trails, and ample fisheries are par for the course at Shihmen Reservoir, Taiwan's third largest artificial lake.
Xiangshan Wetlands Coastal Preserve, Hsinchu County.
Tucked into Taiwan’s northwest corner Hsinchu County forms the core of Taiwan’s high-tech industrial region, and it’s often considered the island’s own Silicon Valley. Much of the region’s population is Hakka, a distinct cultural group with its own unique language, cuisine, and cultural traditions, such as traditional indigo dyeing. Hsinchu’s Beipu township is a bastion of Hakka culture. It’s on full display along Beipu Old Street, which boasts one of the island’s highest concentrations of historic sites, along with a plethora of Hakkanese cuisine. Some specialties to try include autumn’s wind-dried persimmon cakes—a result of the region’s blustery coastal climate—and lei cha, a traditional Hakka ground tea. When the weather warms, cool off in Beipu’s cold spring baths, with their rare combination of carbonic acid and sulfur. Nearly half of Taiwan’s bird species make a stop in Xiangshan Wetlands coastal preserve.
Guishan Island, Yilan County.
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Tucked into Taiwan’s northwest corner Hsinchu County forms the core of Taiwan’s high-tech industrial region, and it’s often considered the island’s own Silicon Valley. Much of the region’s population is Hakka, a distinct cultural group with its own unique language, cuisine, and cultural traditions, such as traditional indigo dyeing. Hsinchu’s Beipu township is a bastion of Hakka culture. It’s on full display along Beipu Old Street, which boasts one of the island’s highest concentrations of historic sites, along with a plethora of Hakkanese cuisine. Some specialties to try include autumn’s wind-dried persimmon cakes—a result of the region’s blustery coastal climate—and lei cha, a traditional Hakka ground tea. When the weather warms, cool off in Beipu’s cold spring baths, with their rare combination of carbonic acid and sulfur. Nearly half of Taiwan’s bird species make a stop in Xiangshan Wetlands coastal preserve.
Beigang Chaotian Temple, Yunlin County.
Known as the “Land of a Thousand Ponds” for its many water bodies, the narrow-shaped Taoyuan City is also home to Taiwan’s busiest airport, and the main arrival point for many international air travelers. Along with a well-poised transport system, the city has plenty to offer visitors. In Taoyuan’s centuries-old Daxi District, sample Taiwanese delicacies like dried tofu and mooncakes among the Baroque-style shop houses of Daxi Old Street, with their intricately carved beams and painted pillars remnants of the town’s days as an affluent trading center. Or breathe in the fresh air of the 6,663-foot tall Lala Mountain, where you’ll find Taiwan’s largest juniper forest. Mountain vistas, bicycling and walking trails, and ample fisheries are par for the course at Shihmen Reservoir, Taiwan's third largest artificial lake.
Sun Moon Lake, Nantou County.
Taiwan’s northern port city is the first view that most travelers have of arriving to the island by sea, and the mountain-embraced Keelung Harbor serves as Keelung City’s cruise ship hub. Its ongoing revitalization is part of a larger plan to bring new life to the local waterfront. Today, it's brimming with beaches, bike trails, and an array of eye-catching sculptures, a marine science museum, as well as Helping Island Park—a famous attraction with the only castle in Keelung. Encounter a kaleidoscope of color in Zhengbin Fishing Harbor, a laid-back port known for its line of 16 colorful rainbow houses, or snack under the yellow lanterns of Keelung Miaokou Night Market, famous for its affordable street food and the intricately carved Dianji Temple, which stands at its center.
Lukang Tianhou Temple, Changhua County.
Surrounding the island’s capital city, New Taipei City features a rich selection of cultural and natural resources for visitors to explore. The more than three-hundred-year-old Fort San Domingo stands as a reminder of Taiwan’s Spanish and Dutch historical influences, while its Lin Family Mansion and Garden is one of the preserved grand mansions from the island’s Japanese era (1895-1945). Embark on a trek through history along the 5.2-mile ancient Caoling Historic Trail, the main route between New Taipei City and Yilan County for 200 years, or take in the impressive temples, hiking trails, and thermal riverside pools of Wulai Hot Springs dotting 2,021-foot-tall Guanyinshan mountain. Naturally-eroded honeycomb and mushroom rocks make up the otherworldly landscape of Yehliu Geopark, while Fulong Beach sports golden sands—a Taiwan rarity. Savor beloved Taiwanese snacks along Tamsui Old Street and Jinshan Old Street, tucked into a mountain village that resembles the street scene in Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. In the first month of the lunar calendar, New Taipei City’s Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival illuminates the night with thousands of glowing, floating lanterns.
Longteng Bridge, Miaoli County.
A modern metropolis peppered with pockets of Japanese-influenced architecture and alleyways, Taiwan’s capital city is a delightful blend of cultural influences. The island’s tallest structure, 1,667-foot-tall Taipei 101, mixes traditional Pagoda-style with postmodernist architecture, while Taipei’s many temples include the 600-deity Xiahai City God Temple; Lungshan Temple, a unique combination of Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian faiths; and Xingtian Temple, dedicated to a famous deified general, Guangdong, who is worshiped as both the “God of War” and the patron saint of businesspeople. Pay homage to Taiwan’s history with a visit to the Western-style style Presidential Office Building or a tour of the National Palace Museum, brimming with Ming and Qing imperial treasures. Shopping opportunities abound in Ximending, along Dihua Old Street in Dadaocheng, the city’s historic district, and at the Jianguo Holiday Flower Market and its neighboring Holiday Jade Market. For delicious Taiwanese delicacies try Liaoning Street Night Market and Shilin Night Market, or indulge in the Michelin-recommended street food of Raohe Street Tourist Night Market. Dubbed “Taipei’s backyard,” Yangmingshan National Park is home to easy-to-access hot springs, hiking trails, and a cluster of volcanoes known as the Dantun Volcano Group.
Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, Taichung City.
CENTRAL TAIWAN
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As the country’s cosmopolitan center—and the main arrival point for most international visitors—Taiwan’s northernmost region features a unique blend of old and new. Expect bustling night markets, enchanting mountain villages, and a wonderful mix of cultural diversity.
Taiwan’s northernmost region is also its political and financial hub, home to its capital city, Taipei, as well as some of its most engaging attractions. From taking in spectacular 360-degree views atop Taipei 101, Taiwan’s tallest building, to perusing 8,000 years of history at the National Palace Museum, the region’s cultural offerings are limitless. You might experience traditional Taiwanese life among the tea houses and food stalls of Jiufen Old Street, tucked away within one of the region’s most enchanting mountain-top villages, or get lost amid the maze of Shilin night market, known for its enormous selection of roadside eats. Nature abounds in the area as well, including the bizarre landscape of Yehliu Geopark—home to Queen’s Head, a rock formation resembling Egypt’s own Cleopatra—and the calcium-rich hot springs of Jiaoxi, near the coast.
Chapter 01/04
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It may be Taiwan’s only landlocked county, but Nantou is overflowing with natural assets, from jagged peaks to a variety of terrain and climate that results in a bevy of teas, all with their own unique characteristics. The misty mountain shrouded Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest alpine waterbody. Bike trails hug its shoreline providing views of a forested reflection, while the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway takes visitors on a thrilling seven-minute cable car ride, resulting in birds-eye vistas. More than 30 peaks over 9,800-foot-tall grace the landscape of Nantou’s remote Yushan National Park, but for something a bit more accessible, Hehuanshan (a.k.a Taiwan’s “tourist mountain”) features an easy-to-tackle high-mountain trail surrounded by colorful rhododendron blossoms come spring. From fertile peaches to falling maple leaves, the European-style Qingjing Farm is a perfect place to take in the changing seasons, along with signature sheep and horse-shows. Don’t miss Jiji Train Station, a cypress-built beauty constructed in the 1930s.
Wine in a tunnel. Kinmen and Lienchiang County.
Despite being one of Taiwan's smallest counties, Changhua is home to some incredible one-of-a-kind attractions. In the hillside Mt. Bagua Great Buddha Scenic Area, visitors can climb to the top of the 86-foot-high hollow statue of Buddha for sweeping views of Changhua’s cityscape. Or soak in the scenic atmosphere of Lukang, a traditional port town. Its curved and red-tile Lukang Old Street, lined with Fujian-style architecture constructed during the Qing dynasty, is the ideal place to sample Taiwanese delicacies. Known for its elegant murals and exquisite stone sculptures, Lukang Tianhou Temple stands as a stunning example of historic religious art.
Penghu Mudou Island, Penghu County.
Off-the-beaten track and with plenty of nearby mountains for exploring, Miaoli County is slow living at its best. Shei-Pa National Park extends its way from Taichung City, its unique river-eroded landscape brimming with rhododendron forests and bamboo groves. Many Hakka people call Miaoli County home, and every April to June, tung trees blanket the local Hakka settlements in a wondrous display of white blossoms. Stroll among the snow-like landscape and learn about the tree’s historic importance as an emblem of Hakka identity, then visit the Hakka Museum for insight into their language, arts, and industries. The Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum features the intricate works of local sculptors carved from mountain tree roots, while the remnants of Miaoli’s arched Longteng Bridge stands as a memorial to Taiwan’s devastating 1935 Shinchiku-Taichū earthquake.
East Rift Valley, Taitung County.
Cultural and natural wonders await in Taiwan’s second-largest city. Thousands of pilgrims head annually to its Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, while shoppers make their way to Shenji New Village, a reimagining of former dorms into shops and studios for young entrepreneurs. Learn about everything from astronomy to tropical plants at the 22-acre National Museum of Natural Science, or gain insight into the catastrophic 7.3 shock that rattled the island in September 1999 at Taichung’s 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan. The bustling Fengjia Night Market serves up delicious street foods ranging from stinky tofu to egg pancakes. For outdoor enthusiasts, the valleys and mountains of Shei-Pa National Park are a natural wonderland, and its family-friendly Wuling Farm provides a changing mosaic of maple trees and cherry blossoms. Birders flock to Taichung’s 1,500-acre Gaomei Wetlands to catch sight of little grebes and sand-lovers.
East Rift Valley, Taitung County.
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Central Taiwan sits at the heart of the main island, an expansive stretch that’s home to the country’s second-largest city, its biggest alpine lake, and some of Taiwan’s top art and cultural attractions—including repurposed dormitory housing that’s now home to everything from craft breweries to artisan workshops.
Located in the heart of the island, Central Taiwan encompasses five major cities and counties, along with everything from arts and culture to the island’s largest waterbody, Sun Moon Lake. It’s where you’ll find Taichung, Taiwan’s second largest city, brimming with such attractions like Dajia Jenn Lann Temple—one of the country’s most famous Matzu Temples dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu—Shenji New Village, a repurposed government dorm that now houses everything from craft breweries to artisan shops, and the lively Fengjia Night Market. Take a stroll along Lukang Old Street, with its traditional Taiwanese-style houses and old-time shops, or pay homage at Yunlin County’s grand Beigang Chaotian Temple, a Mazu temple celebrated for its artisan wood carvings. The ethereal Sun Moon Lake, in the foothills of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range, captures the region’s natural beauty in a nutshell.
Chapter 02/04
EASTERN TAIWAN
EASTERN TAIWAN
OFFSHORE ISLANDS
OFFSHORE ISLANDS
Both Kinmen and Matsu islands are located along the Taiwan Strait and are home to a mix of military history, reforestation, and unique architecture. A popular destination among travelers, Kinmen’s Shanhou Folk Cultural Village was built in 1900 and features dozens of classic tile-roofed Fujian homes, including some that offer overnight stays. Defense tunnels and troops once proliferated across the Matsu Islands. The 866-foot-long granite Tunnel 88, originally used for military purposes, is now used as storage for Matsu Distillery. Additionally, Kinmen Kaoliang liquor, a famous liquor made from distilled sorghum, is produced locally. Matsu archipelago’s Blue Tears are a naturally occurring bioluminescent phenomenon often seen in the surrounding waters, May through September.
Xiao Liuqiu Coral Island, Pingtung County.
Taiwan’s small county is an archipelago of 90 islands located in the Taiwan Strait. One in particular, Tongpan Island, features a unique geological landscape of basalt columns and towering cliffs that have helped earn it the nickname: “The Yellowstone Park of the Penghu.” Approximately 550 ancient fishing traps remain in the local waters, though the aptly named Twin Hearts Stone Weir, formed by a series of piled rock walls, is a favorite among romantics and photographers alike. Xiyu Township’s Erkan Historical House, with its classic southern Fujian style relief carvings, stands as a prime example of the county’s traditional-style houses, while the 8,182-foot-long Penghu Great Bridge—linking the islands of Baisha and Xiyu as the first sea-crossing bridge in the far East. Built in 1604, Penghu Tianhou Temple is the work of famous Tangshan artists.
Kaohsiung’s Dome of Light at Formosa MRT Station.
Located on the delta of the Beinan River, Taitung County is a mix of high mountains, coastal areas, and offshore islands. These include Green Island, with its diveable waters brimming with coral reefs, hiking trails, and one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world. The island’s resident hoofed population can be found at Sika Deer Ecological Park, established in 2007. The small and remote Orchid Island is home to Taiwan’s indigenous Tao people, while the Sanxiantai islands—connected to the mainland by a red scalloped footbridge—are shrouded in legend, thanks to their odd-shaped rock formations and sea-eroded caves. Lamppost-free and surrounded by rice paddles, the county’s Brown Boulevard is perfect for cyclists. Taitung’s Hot Air Balloon Festival paints the skies of its Luye Plateau with color, annually from June through August.
Salt fields in Tainan.
Located on the delta of the Beinan River, Taitung County is a mix of high mountains, coastal areas, and offshore islands. These include Green Island, with its diveable waters brimming with coral reefs, hiking trails, and one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world. The island’s resident hoofed population can be found at Sika Deer Ecological Park, established in 2007. The small and remote Orchid Island is home to Taiwan’s indigenous Tao people, while the Sanxiantai islands—connected to the mainland by a red scalloped footbridge—are shrouded in legend, thanks to their odd-shaped rock formations and sea-eroded caves. Lamppost-free and surrounded by rice paddles, the county’s Brown Boulevard is perfect for cyclists. Taitung’s Hot Air Balloon Festival paints the skies of its Luye Plateau with color, annually from June through August.
Kaohsiung Harbor, Kaohsiung City.
SOUTHERN TAIWAN
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Tropical, remote, and encompassing a vast military past, Eastern Taiwan and it’s Offshore Islands also beckons adventure travelers with its whitewater rafting, diveable waters, and a distinct island that’s been dubbed “The Yellowstone Park of the Penghu” for its incredible geological formations.
Eastern Taiwan is a tropical and lush region that embodies one fifth of Taiwan’s total land area, but less than three percent of the country’s population. It’s home to such spots as Taroko National Park, an array of soaring peaks and sheer gorges, and the breathtakingly beautiful Qingshui Cliff, 13 miles of coastal mountainsides and deep blue sea. Take a bicycling tour around Qixing Lake or through the rice paddies of Brown Boulevard, stroll the waterfront Pacific Park, or explore Shitiping’s unique volcanic rock landscape. Feeling adventurous? Eastern Taiwan’s Xiuguluan River is a whitewater rafting hub, while its Tongpan Island has been dubbed “The Yellowstone Park of the Penghu” for its distinct geological formations. From an ancient fishing trap that’s become an iconic symbol of love to a naturally occurring bioluminescent sea, Eastern Taiwan offers plenty to do, see, and experience.
Chapter 03/04
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Click arrows or map pins to see each location.
Click arrows or map pins to see each location.
Click arrows or map pins to see each location.
Click arrows or map pins to see each location.
