Taiwan is located in the eastern part of Asia and is home to some of the most colorful festivals, natural beauty, sprawling mountains, and lush greenery. One of the popular features of Taiwan during festivals is massive paper lanterns, often displaying amazing art, released in the sky. If you are planning a trip to this amazing country, then this list of some of the top tourist destinations and things to do in Taiwan will come in handy during your visit.
National Palace Museum
Recognized as one of the world’s foremost collections of Chinese art and one of the top things to do in Taiwan, the National Palace Museum holds over 2 million items. The museum’s collection is based on a large number of artifacts like Jadeite Cabbage and many other artworks. They are stored in four imperial storehouses, which were the Central (Chien Kung), Southern (Nan ting), and Northern (Ch’ing shan) Palaces, as well as the Temple of Heaven.
Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 | Timing: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, Monday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/d4siyyrBhntDxEuL6 | Phone Number: +886266103600
Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is a real masterpiece of skyscraper architecture. The mall opened in 2004 and has many impressive features not seen in any other buildings. It is the tallest building in both Taiwan and the world, with a height of 508 meters (1,667 feet). It also houses the world’s fastest elevator, which goes from the first floor to the 89th floor in only 37 seconds! Be sure to take a ticket for it.
By Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110 | Timing: 12:00 pm to 08:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vQhEGXvK5rhEEeMF6 | Phone Number: +886281018800
Yushan National Park
This is China’s first national park and Taiwan’s largest. Previously the land was a large game sanctuary covering over 20,000 hectares at the base of one of East Asia’s tallest mountains, Yushan. It is Taiwan’s most prominent ecotourism destination as it is home to the country’s highest peak, Mount Yushan at 3,952 meters above sea level. This makes it a great option for hiking and experiencing the weather.
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Address: Kaohsiung City, Taiwan | Timing: 24/7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/A6A7ethcmPG8TWqb8 | Phone Number: +886492773121
Taroko Gorge
The Taroko National Park is a stunning canyon carved out by the Liwu River in northern Taiwan. The site is protected as a park, offers a variety of trails for hiking, camping, and tour, and is home to diverse plant life, and rare wildlife. A clifftop, ocean-hugging trail that carves through marble canyons and the spectacular Taroko Gorge on Taiwan’s east coast may be Asia’s most dramatic walk.
By Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Taroko Gorge, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 972 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/iUeYhk3kbixRJ2DB8
Sun Moon Lake
If you are looking for the gorgeous places in Taiwan, then Sun Moon Lake could be your best bet. Located in central Taiwan and surrounded by lush peaks, the lake offers picturesque scenery and everyone can enjoy it. And if you like to hang out with friends or family, there’re cafés and bars around Sun Moon Lake to have a drink of scoops of local Taiwanese famous ice cream by the lake. You can also experience the Ropeway while visiting the Sun Moon Lake.
By Justin Hwang, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/b2wX5tPNvtVCT8zC9
Alishan National Scenic Area
Alishan National Scenic Area is one of the premier tourist destinations in Taiwan. The Alishan Mountain range in northern Taiwan is one of the most picturesque in Asia that features a forest railway. The place is best known for its lush vegetation, beautiful scenery, natural hot springs, and the breathtaking sunrise. It offers amazing views, hiking, as well as plenty of traditional tea trees and historical sites.
By Chi-Hung Lin, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: Alishan Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan 605 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VxxyT2GDkcTsRibdA
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
The dragon and tiger pagodas are two of the most iconic symbols of Taiwan’s ancient history. While both appeared in artwork dating from 630 AD, they gained popularity during the Ming Dynasty. There is no doubt that the pagodas in Taiwan are impressive. Many foreign visitors observe them while they visit Kaohsiung, Tainan, and other cities. The pagodas are very unique in terms of architecture and their function.
By Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: No. 9, Liantan Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 813 | Timing: Temporarily closed. For more details and latest timings, visit https://khh.travel/zh tw/attractions/detail/11 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wN18vTMwBm7EtFCP7 | Phone Number: +88675819286
Maokong
If you take a short drive up into the hills, you’ll find the slightly less cluttered streets of Maokong, one of the best Taiwan attractions. It’s easy to see why so many people come here; it’s less crowded and gives you a chance to enjoy Taipei’s nature without having to focus on dodging motorbikes or following maps. You can spend the day visiting the zoo or at a gondola. The fact that there are tea houses scattered throughout and a cable car that snakes its way through the valley only makes things better.
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Address: Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/MwToSwfjP6Q9JUfy8
Kaohsiung
With lots on offer for top things to do in Taiwan, Kaohsiung is the second-largest city in Taiwan, after New Taipei City. Kaohsiung is a vibrant and dynamic city with a long history and a beautiful beach. It is located in the southwest of the island on the South China Sea and its airport is one of the main points for trade between Taiwan and mainland China. The “beautiful sea” serves as its symbolic image and it has also been given a more poetic name by its people – “the Pearl of the South China Sea”.
By 季霖 李, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: Kaohsiung City, Taiwan | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/AP6xvLkKuNCdsYdP7
Maolin National Scenic Area
A four hours bus trip south from Taipei, Maolin National Scenic Area lies one of the most famous hot spring areas in Taiwan and one of the most popular Taiwan tourist attractions. Also known as the Taiwan Maolin National Forest Recreation Area, it is a lovely reserve in the North District of New Taipei City. The reserve was established in 1986 to preserve the natural beauty and forest resources of the area.
One of the most popular landscapes here is the Elephant Mountain, which gave birth to Taoyuan’s name. On the back of a pachyderm, you can enjoy close views of the Taipei Plains. No wonder this majestic mountain is called the “Backrest Mountain”, as it resembles a giant elephant lying on its belly asleep.
By Taiwankengo, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: Kaohsiung City, Maolin District, Taiwan, 851 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wiPC8jX2MRhuvZXF6
Beitou Hot Spring Museum
Beitou Hot Spring Museum, in Taipei, is more than a museum. It’s one of the first sights visitors come to see while on a visit to the city, and it’s often on day trippers’ lists too. One of the reasons for Beitou Hot Spring Museum’s popularity is that it offers cultural experiences through museum exhibits on herbal medicine, music, dance, dress code, and Kung Foo – all with English translations.
By Uchinaaguchi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: No. 2, Zhongshan Road, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan 112 | Timing: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, Monday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/LD1V7iVCvwUEZCQWA | Phone Number: +886228939981
Wulai
Wulai, Taiwan is a fascinating place. Although only a short bus ride from Taipei, it feels worlds apart. The air is fresh as you leave the bustle of the city behind and in around 30 minutes, you’re on steep winding roads looking down into lush ravines, hot springs, and a waterfall.
Address: Wulai District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 233 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zeHPJktw9XmMHMhq5
Ximending (Shi men Ting)
Ximending is a young, hip area of Taipei’s Daan District. Locally referred to as “Xime”, this area offers the best Taiwanese shopping street and night market. The atmosphere is lively and adventurous, especially on the weekends when this former Japanese settlement takes over Taipei’s night sky with neon lights and lasers.
By Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas or alternatively © CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Shi men Ting, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/pL2m8RRYDnvAiBMJ8
Shilin Night Market
Taipei has a bunch of night markets, and you can see them all at once from the top of a Ferris Wheel. Each has something special going for it – whether it’s food, sights or people watching. However, Shi Lin is an all-around winner due to the variety of all three aspects!
Shi Lin Night Market is a popular tourist attraction in Taipei, Taiwan. It is the biggest and most vibrant night market in Taipei City, and one of the most popular tourist destinations. Its size is the most striking feature of this night market — it sprawls across more than 15 blocks!
By Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: No. 101, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 | Timing: Hours of service differ with different establishments. | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/4YvxUM1skKcucDs77 | Phone Number: +886228815557
Qingshui Temple
Qingshui Temple is the most recognized and most famous temple in Taiwan. Located in the Beitou District of Taipei City, Quingshui Temple was built in 1875 by Daoguang Emperor’s order as an imperial shrine to worship Neizi, the Goddess of Peony who was then believed to be the deity protecting the northern city walls of Beijing.
By lienyuan lee, CC BY 3.0, Link
Address: No. 81, Kangding Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108 | Timing: As per Triphobo, the temple is open from 08:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/LuRqHETPu1JUJ1iG8 | Phone Number: +886223711517
Lukang
Lukang is a city of around 75, 000 people, a six hours journey North by train from Taipei. It is a small town in the southwest of Tainan City, Taiwan. Many old historical temples and houses like Union House are well-preserved and make for an interesting day or afternoon walk, accompanied by some great food.
Located on Old Street, Lukang is famous for its ceramics, and a beautiful pottery garden that gives word to the city’s name “Lukang” means “many clay pots in the city wall”.
Fun fact: this place was once called Lukang Township, as it was surrounded by walls and towers to protect against the attack from the west side of Taiwan. Even though Lukang has lost its walls, many tourists enjoy taking a stroll on the old paths, which are still connected with the old city’s lanes and alleys.
By hsin yuan su, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Lukang Township, Changhua County, Taiwan 505 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gzKrhc9hb28uUfhT9
Kenting National Park
Kenting National Park is located in Pingtung County, Taiwan. The scenery is probably most well-known for the sunset, where tourists and locals go to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The sun’s rays shine directly on the water through the rocky cliffs creating a breathtaking “thousand shades of purple” view. Either from the beach side or from the mountains, you can get a great glimpse and feel of the landscapes, natural beauty, and weather.
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Address: Pingtung County, Taiwan | Timing: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wJjQpqYdU8LcmY3x5 | Phone Number: +88688861321
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
Tea and trinkets on sale on the steps, bartering with locals for souvenirs, leather sandals for sale, red lanterns, and classical music. The Chiang Kai-Shek or CKS Memorial Hall promises a plethora of spectacles and activities that are sure to leave an impression on the traveler. With its ornate architecture and rich historical past, the memorial hall is a great venue to absorb Taiwanese culture. Make sure not to miss this place when you are in Taiwan.
By AngMoKio, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Section 3, Zhongxiao E Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 | Timing: 08:00 am to 09:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UD4DvULtWeqZuxba7 | Phone Number: +886227712171
Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf
As one of the best Taiwan attractions, Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf is a place where you would want to spend an entire day. Quite literally built over stilts on the coast of the Tamsui River, it’s a very charming place.
It is surrounded by boats and fishing paraphernalia, and many of the buildings are brightly colored. There are delicious seafood restaurants, a lover’s bridge, and there is even an abandoned submarine! There was even a famous author that used this location as inspiration for his book.
Address: Guanhai Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 251 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/iwpr5XXAtbvw2kea9 | Phone Number: +886228058476
Fo Guang Shan
The Fo Guang Shan Monastery, founded in 1967 by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, is a major Buddhist organization in Taiwan. Fo Guang Shan in Kaohsiung is the headquarters of the International Buddhist Progress Society (IBPS) and Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center.
These monks are not afraid to march the streets of Kaohsiung to promote the teachings of Buddhism, and can often be seen meditating along the city streets. They are well known for their English trips around town, welcoming foreign visitors from all over the world to their monastery.
With more than one thousand branches throughout the world, young and old alike benefit from its structured and well-rounded teachings in a compassionate and open-minded environment.
By Huicheng1967, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: No. 153, Xingtian Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 84049 | Timing: 08:00 am to 05: 00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/E2nTzQkpwwvC7G1v5 | Phone Number: +88676561921
Tainan
As the oldest city in Taiwan, Tainan is a fantastic place for those who want to experience culture and history. Located on the main island but south of Taipei, it’s a good choice for travelers looking to save a few dollars on airfare. It’s also a city that’s easy to get around in with a population of roughly 1.8 million people. The Anping Tree House here is a fabulous option for experiencing the weather during your trip.
By Rybloo, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Tainan City, Taiwan | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/95Eibfo6zbLCNuBA7
Keelung Night Market
The Keelung Night Market is a must-do for every visitor coming to Taiwan. This three-story building is full of hundreds, if not thousands, of stalls and vendors selling all sorts of items such as jewelry, clothing, antiques, electronics, food, and more. People who have paid a visit to the Philippines will love the vast selection of food here such as barbecue skewers, fried chicken, oysters, and calamari.
By lienyuan lee, CC BY 3.0, Link
Address: No. 20, Aisi Road, Ren’ai District, Keelung City, Taiwan 200 | Timing: Monday – Saturday: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, Sunday: 08:00 am to 12:00 am | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Jp6UgEHK1yEZJSzN6
Yehliu Geopark
One of the best places to visit in Taiwan, the Yehliu Geopark lies in Yehliu District, New Taipei City, Taiwan. With iconic rock formations, it consists of three parts, namely the rocky coastline (located at the western coast of Hsinchu County), alluvial plain landform (located in central Taiwan), and river valley (located along the Keelung River). According to recent research, it has been approved by the Ministry of Interior as one of the National Parks in Taiwan.
Yehliu Geopark was founded in 2000 as a community-based organization. The goal of the park is to enhance public knowledge and appreciation of the Earth by providing sustainable, educational services related to geological sciences.
By Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 167 1 Gangdong Road, Wanli District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, 207 | Timing: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/NgDyAQRwDzRm26y36 | Phone Number: +886224922016
Jiufen
If you are looking for something a little different and far from the big city lights during your trip, then look no further than Jiufen, one of the best places in Taiwan. This old gold mining town nestled high in the mountains of New Taipei City is one of Taiwan’s most popular destinations and its charm is not hard to see.
Jiufen is a small mountain town set amidst the scenery of northern Taiwan. Nestled in a lush valley by the sea, Jiufen has long been a favorite trip retreat for visitors seeking the serenity of nature. Though it’s not well known in Taiwan, Jiufen is a popular tourist spot for many people coming to Taiwan. It seems to have gained popularity among Westerners after being featured in several movies and TV shows set in Asia like Miyazaki’s Spirited Away.
Address: Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/qcJM4RzHHoMEnbea8
Kinmen Islands
Kinmen 大金門 (Dàgēngmén) is a group of islands located less than five hours away from Taiwan’s urban areas. It is a beautiful place, with lakes, traditional homes, villages, and beautiful coastlines. This southernmost archipelago of the Republic of China is a place that offers people tranquility; it is an escape from everyday hustle and bustle.
By Vmenkov, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Kinmen Islands, Taiwan | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/1ZWEkDiek2yTUSGS8
Taiwan, a vibrant island in East Asia, is often overlooked as a destination for international travelers. But this beautiful coral island offers quite a lot to see and experience. If you are planning a trip to Taiwan, we hope this list has been useful in helping you note the top Taiwan tourist attractions you should not miss.
