Taiwan is a vibrant island nation where ancient traditions, modern cities, and breathtaking natural beauty come together in perfect harmony. From the neon-lit streets of Taipei to the marble cliffs of Taroko Gorge and the serene shores of Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan offers an array of experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, you’ll find endless things to see and do in Taiwan.
Interesting Facts About Taiwan
Biodiversity Hotspot: Taiwan has more than 850 kinds of birds, 200 volcanoes, and 5 active volcanoes. With 268 peaks over 3,000 meters, it is thought to be the most mountainous island in the world.
Cultural Melting Pot: Taiwan’s culture is a mix of Chinese, Japanese, indigenous, and Western elements. This can be seen in its architecture, food, and festivals.
World’s Largest Pilgrimage: The yearly Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage is the world’s biggest pilgrimage. Millions of people follow a statue of the sea goddess Matsu across central Taiwan.
Unique Festivals: The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is one of the most dangerous in the world because fireworks are shot right into the mass of people.
Progressive Society: Taiwan was the first Asian country to make same-sex marriage legal, in 2019.
Foodie Paradise: Taiwan is a food lover’s dream come true. It’s known for its night markets, bubble tea, beef noodle soup, and stinky tofu.
Language: Mandarin is the official language, however a lot of people also speak Taiwanese (Hokkien), Hakka, and native languages.
Top Destinations and Must-See Attractions
Taipei: The Capital of Contrasts
Taipei is where Taiwan’s past and present meet. The most famous thing in the city is Taipei 101, which was the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010. You can see the whole city and more from the observation deck on the 89th floor. The National Palace Museum has one of the biggest collections of Chinese imperial antiquities in the world, dating back thousands of years.
You shouldn’t miss the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a huge monument to Taiwan’s contemporary history, or the Longshan Temple, which is one of the oldest and most important temples in the city. The Ximending District is the center of Taipei’s youth culture, with lots of street art, shopping, and nightlife.
Taroko Gorge: Nature’s Masterpiece
Taroko Gorge National Park is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful natural wonders. It is on the east coast. The park is known for its blue rivers, steep valleys, and marble cliffs. The Shakadang Trail, which follows a clean river, and the Yanzikou Trail, which goes through small gorges for a short but exciting trek, are two of the most popular paths. Another must-see is the Changchun Shrine, which stands on top of a waterfall.
Sun Moon Lake: Serenity in the Mountains
Sun Moon Lake is the biggest alpine lake in Taiwan. It located in the middle of the island. Surrounded by green mountains and dotted with temples, it’s a fantastic area for cycling, kayaking, or simply relaxing. The architecture of the Wenwu Temple and Xuanzang Temple is beautiful, and the area around them is very calm. The lake is also home to the Thao aboriginal people, which gives you a taste of Taiwan’s native culture.
Tainan: The Historical Heart
Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and has a lot of temples, forts, and traditional buildings. The Anping Fortress and the Provintia Fortress, which are both from the Dutch colonial period, and the Confucius Temple, which is the oldest of its kind in Taiwan, are some of the best things to see. The city is also known for its night markets, where you can try traditional foods like coffin bread and oyster omelets.
Jiufen and Shifen: Charming Mountain Towns
Jiufen is a historic gold mining town known for its small streets, teahouses, and beautiful views of the sea. People say it inspired the setting of the Studio Ghibli movie Spirited Away. Shifen is most known for its sky lantern festival, where people write their wishes on lanterns and let them go into the sky. This is a lovely thing to do, especially after sunset.
Alishan: Misty Mountains and Ancient Forests
The Alishan National Scenic Area is famous for its misty forests, old cypress trees, and beautiful sunrises over a sea of clouds. The Alishan Forest Railway is a lovely way to see the area, as it winds through tea plantations and beautiful plants. You should definitely try some Alishan tea that was cultivated in the area.
Kenting National Park: Tropical Paradise
Kenting National Park is in the southern tip of Taiwan. It has beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and thick forests. People love to surf, snorkel, and hike there. The park’s many different habitats make it a great place to see animals, and its lively nightlife is popular with both locals and tourists.
Hot Springs and Indigenous Culture
There are a lot of natural hot springs in Taiwan, especially at Beitou (near Taipei) and Wulai. After a day of sightseeing, these thermal baths are the best place to relax. Visit indigenous villages in the mountains or on outlying islands like Lanyu (Orchid Island) to learn about ancient rituals, crafts, and festivals.
Sample One-Week Taiwan Itinerary
Day 1: Taipei
Morning: Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Liberty Square.
Afternoon: Explore the National Palace Museum.
Evening: Stroll through Ximending District and enjoy street food at a night market.
Day 2: Taipei – Day Trip to Jiufen and Shifen
Morning: Travel to Jiufen, explore the old streets and teahouses.
Afternoon: Visit Shifen, release a sky lantern, and see the waterfall.
Evening: Return to Taipei.
Day 3: Taipei – Taroko Gorge
Morning: Take the train to Hualien.
Afternoon: Explore Taroko Gorge, hike the Shakadang or Yanzikou Trail.
Evening: Overnight in Hualien or Taroko Village.
Day 4: Taroko Gorge – Sun Moon Lake
Morning: More hiking or sightseeing in Taroko Gorge.
Afternoon: Travel to Sun Moon Lake (via train and bus).
Evening: Relax by the lake.
Day 5: Sun Moon Lake – Alishan
Morning: Boat ride or cycling around Sun Moon Lake.
Afternoon: Travel to Alishan.
Evening: Stay in a mountain lodge.
Day 6: Alishan – Tainan
Early Morning: Sunrise over the sea of clouds at Alishan.
Afternoon: Travel to Tainan.
Evening: Explore Tainan’s night markets and historical sites.
Day 7: Tainan – Return to Taipei
Morning: Visit Anping Fortress and Confucius Temple.
Afternoon: Travel back to Taipei.
Evening: Last-minute shopping or relaxation before departure.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Taiwan safe for travelers?
A: Yes, Taiwan is very safe. Crime rates are low, and even solo female travelers feel secure.
Q: What is the best time to visit Taiwan?
A: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) have nice weather. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is mild but rainy in the north.
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Taiwan?
A: Most travelers from the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia can visit Taiwan without a visa for 14–90 days, depending on their nationality.
Q: How do I get around Taiwan?
A: Taiwan has a great public transport system with high-speed trains, local trains, and buses. The Taipei Metro (MRT) is easy to use. Taxis and Uber are also available in major cities.
Q: Is English widely spoken?
A: English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. In rural areas, it’s useful to know a few basic Mandarin phrases.
Q: What should I eat in Taiwan?
A: Try bubble tea, beef noodle soup, oyster omelets, stinky tofu, and night market snacks like fried chicken and shaved ice.
Q: Is tap water safe to drink?
A: Tap water is safe in cities, but many locals prefer bottled water. In rural areas, it’s best to drink bottled or boiled water.
Q: What is the currency in Taiwan?
A: The currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). Credit cards are accepted in cities, but cash is often preferred at markets and small shops.
Q: Are there accessible options for travelers with disabilities?
A: Yes, most major attractions, public transport, and many hotels are wheelchair accessible.
Q: Can I experience traditional tea culture?
A: Yes! You can visit places like Maokong (near Taipei) or Alishan for tea tastings and beautiful views.
Insider Tips
Travel Off-Peak: Visit popular spots early to avoid the crowds.
Use an EasyCard: This rechargeable card works on Taipei’s MRT, buses, and even some taxis and convenience stores.
Explore Night Markets: Every city has its own night market—don’t miss Raohe, Shilin, or Tainan’s Garden Night Market.
Try Local Snacks: Don’t forget to taste xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), pineapple cakes, and bubble tea.
Respect Local Customs: Take off your shoes before entering temples and avoid pointing with your finger.
Stay Connected: Buy a local SIM card for cheap data and easy navigation.
Final Thoughts
Taiwan is full of surprises and fun at every corner. Whether you’re hiking in misty mountains, relaxing in hot springs, or enjoying street food at night markets, you’ll always feel welcome and find something new to discover. With its rich history, beautiful nature, and lively culture, Taiwan is a must-visit destination for any traveler.