The most beautiful destinations in Taiwan: 18 places you want to add to your tour

Taiwan had been on my bucket list for a very long time, and I can now tell you that it exceeded all expectations. In this comprehensive Taiwan Travel Guide, I have listed the most beautiful places in Taiwan and the best things to do. I have since visited a large portion of the tips myself, and for the other unmissable spots, I have already mapped out an itinerary for the next trip. Because that trip is definitely coming, and I will be taking my family along too, as Taiwan is also great fun to discover together.

The landscape in Taiwan is incredibly diverse. One day you might be eating dumplings at a night market in Taipei , the next you are standing among tea plantations in the mountains, or looking out over a rugged coastline where the Pacific Ocean crashes against the rocks.

During a tour of the most beautiful places in Taiwan, you don't have to choose between cities, nature, culture, or the beach. You get it all, because the island is compact and very easy to travel around by train and car. The distances are manageable, public transport works well, and I found every region to be completely different. If you ask me, it is everything you are looking for in a surprising tour!

Are you planning your route through Taiwan and wondering which places you really don't want to miss? Then these are the most beautiful destinations in Taiwan that I would immediately put on my bucket list.

| TIP: discover the most beautiful hotels in Taiwan here that will take your tour to the next level >> . Spoiler alert: some hotels on this list are a destination in themselves!

The most beautiful places in Northern Taiwan: all the highlights at a glance

Taipei

If you ask me where your trip through Taiwan should start, the answer is without a doubt Taipei . Not only because you arrive here by plane, but also because this city is truly amazing. If you think two days here are enough, I would immediately add another day. I kept discovering new things in this city and loved being able to really take the time to explore the various hip and authentic neighborhoods and creative parks . Choose your hotel so that you can easily walk around. I have already listed my favorite hotels in Taipei for you >>

Of course, you want to go up to Taipei 101 at some point. The view over the city is impressive, and on a clear day, you can see very far. But honestly? What really made Taipei a city where I felt like I could live for a while were the nice neighborhoods and the abundance of eateries and amazing restaurants.

Do you only have one afternoon to discover a nice neighborhood? Then I would go to Zhongshan. Here you will find specialty coffee, good (vintage) shops, and everything can be discovered during a pleasant walk through the neighborhood around Chifeng Street. Da'an is also a neighborhood where you constantly discover new hotspots and which is very lively in the evening as well.

For a different side of Taipei, walk through Dihua Old Street and Dadaocheng. Here you can still see much of old Taipei, and the city immediately feels different from the modern high-rises. I think that this variety makes Taipei one of the nicest cities in Asia.

My tips for ending a day in Taipei? An evening at Raohe Night Market really shouldn't be missing from your itinerary. Not only for the food itself, but also because you experience firsthand how important food is in Taiwanese culture. Try as many small snacks as possible and be sure to share them, because believe me, you'll want to taste everything here. Read more about the best night markets in Taipei here >>

Or end your day on Elephant Mountain. The hike up doesn't take long, but the view at sunset is one of the most beautiful in the city. Do you have a free morning? Then take the Maokong Gondola to the tea hills outside Taipei. Especially if you love tea, this is one of those trips you don't want to miss. I have listed everything else there is to do in Taipei in this comprehensive travel guide for Taipei >>

Jiufen

If you have to choose between various day trips from Taipei during your tour of Taiwan, I would put Jiufen at the top of your list without a doubt. Not because it is an unknown place—on the contrary. But because the combination of the location, the teahouses, and the atmosphere in the evening is simply very special.

This former gold mining village is situated on a hillside overlooking the sea. The narrow streets, red lanterns, and traditional tea houses make this a place where you actually want to wander without a plan. After all, getting lost in the alleys is really part of the experience here.

My tip is not to go in the middle of the day. It is better to plan your visit for the late afternoon. As soon as the lanterns come on, the atmosphere changes completely and it becomes truly magical.

Do you have time? Then find a table at one of the traditional teahouses, such as A-Mei Tea House. Order a pot of tea and immerse yourself in the Taiwanese culture of teahouses and accompanying snacks. After all, the view from some teahouses towards the coast is at least as beautiful as the village itself.

On my next trip, I might even stay a night in Jiufen, so that you have the streets all to yourself in the evening and morning when the day-trippers have gone home.

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You can easily combine Shifen (and possibly Pingxi) with Jiufen, and together, as far as I'm concerned, they make for one of the nicest days outside Taipei . It's also very doable by train! In a short time, you exchange the hustle and bustle of the city for a green mountain landscape, small stations, and a much more relaxed pace.

Shifen is known for the sky lanterns that are launched from the railway tracks. That might sound touristy, but believe me, it remains special to see your wish disappear into the sky among hundreds of other lanterns.

Also plan time for the Shifen Waterfall. The walk there isn't long, and the combination of nature and the historic railway makes this a nice place to include, as it feels totally different from the modern side of Taiwan you see in Taipei.

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Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark is an impressive collection of rock formations that I would definitely like to discover during a hike on a future trip.

Along the northern coast of Taiwan, wind, rain, and sea have had thousands of years to erode unique shapes from the rock. Some look almost like works of art, while others are more reminiscent of a landscape that is not quite of this world.

The most famous formation is Queen's Head, but my tip is not to turn around immediately after seeing it. It is precisely further along that you will continually discover new shapes and beautiful views of the coast.

If you have a car or are planning a day along the north coast, Yehliu is a nice stop that shows how diverse and unique Taiwan is.

Yehliu Geopark

Yangmingshan National Park

What I hadn't realized before my trip to Taiwan is how quickly you can find yourself in the middle of nature from Taipei . Within an hour, you trade skyscrapers for hiking trails, volcanic landscapes, and hot springs.

As far as I'm concerned, Yangmingshan National Park is a perfect day trip if you are spending a few days in Taipei. Especially if you find yourself needing some greenery amidst all the impressions of the city.

In spring, this place is famous for its blooming cherry trees, but even outside that season, it is a beautiful area for walking. You will find various routes here, allowing you to decide for yourself how much time you want to spend.

Are you sporty? Then Seven Star Mountain is highly recommended. From the highest point of the park, you overlook a large part of Northern Taiwan. If you are less inclined towards a strenuous climb, there are plenty of shorter hikes that still take you past the most beautiful parts of the park.

What I like about Yangmingshan is that it shows how much nature Taiwan actually has. And that while you are still a short distance from the capital.

Yangmingshan National Park

The most beautiful places in Central Taiwan: all the highlights at a glance

Sun moon lake

If you want to plan one place during your tour of Taiwan where you take the time to relax, I would choose Sun Moon Lake. After a few days in Taipei, you are truly in a different part of the country here. You don't want to over-plan your day here, but simply enjoy the surroundings (and perhaps your beautiful hotel).

My tip? Plan at least two nights here. Many travel itineraries through Taiwan make Sun Moon Lake a short stopover, but this place is at its most beautiful early in the morning. When the sun slowly rises above the mountains and the lake is still almost mirror-smooth, you immediately understand why this is called one of the most beautiful destinations in Taiwan.

One of the best ways to explore the area is by bike. The route along the lake is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Asia, and even if you only cycle a part of it, you will be rewarded with stunning views along the way.

A boat trip across the lake is also worthwhile. You can combine this, for example, with a visit to Wenwu Temple, one of the most beautiful temples around the lake.

Don't forget Ita Thao Village either. This small village is a nice place to have lunch and learn more about the indigenous Thao culture. Moreover, you can sample various local specialties here that you won't easily find elsewhere in Taiwan.

Sun Moon Lake seems incredibly fun to me with kids too, so we will definitely go there during the road trip next time. 

Sun moon lake

The most beautiful places in the Alishan region: all the highlights at a glance

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

Of all the nature reserves in Taiwan , Alishan is perhaps the place I would most like to set my alarm for early. Not because I enjoy getting up early during a trip, but because the sunrise here is truly part of the experience.

Alishan is known for the famous Sea of ​​Clouds. On clear days, the mountains seem to rise above a thick layer of clouds, making the landscape look almost unreal. It is one of those views that photos never really do full justice.

My tip? Stay here for at least two nights so you can experience the sunrise and do various activities without it feeling too rushed.

In addition to the beautiful views, in Alishan you will find ancient cedar forests, hiking trails, and one of Taiwan's most iconic train routes. You really shouldn't miss the historic Alishan Forest Railway.

What I personally like about this region is that you are right in the middle of one of Taiwan's most famous tea regions. So be sure to take the time to drink some local oolong tea somewhere and visit a tea plantation. It is also nice to buy tea here as a souvenir to take home!

If you have to choose between different nature reserves during your tour, I would definitely put Alishan high on your list. After all, it also has beautiful hotels.

Alishan

Fenqihu

Fenqihu lies on the route to Alishan and is a stop you won't want to miss. I will definitely put this historic mountain village on my itinerary for my next trip through Taiwan. Wander through the old streets and, of course, try a traditional bento lunchbox, which has become popular here among train travelers. You can try various types here. And although it might be a short stop, I think it would be a really nice change from the big cities. Plan it so that you are here around lunchtime, and it will fit perfectly into your travel itinerary on the way to Alishan.

Bento box in Fenqihu

The most beautiful places in South Taiwan: all the highlights at a glance

I think

If you were to ask me which city I would schedule extra time in during a tour of Taiwan, Tainan would be very high on that list. Not only because of the history, but especially because of the food. In fact, I would plan my visit around all the dining spots I have collected on my Google Maps.

Tainan is often called the culinary capital of Taiwan, and as soon as you walk through the city from your hotel , you understand why. Everywhere you see small eateries, local street food specialties, and markets where people have been preparing the same dishes for generations.

But Tainan isn't just about food. You'll also find the most temples per capita in all of Taiwan here. I have already written an extensive article about the best things to see and do in Tainan.

One of my favorite places in the city is undoubtedly the area around Shennong Street. Here you walk past historic buildings that now house small shops and cafes. The neighborhood is particularly lively towards the end of the afternoon.

I would also definitely add the Anping District to your itinerary. This is one of the oldest parts of Taiwan and a great place to learn more about the island's history. Stroll through the old streets, visit a temple, and be sure to take the time to grab a bite to eat along the way.

In Tainan, you also have several fun night markets , and just to try them all, I would definitely stay here more than one night during a road trip.

Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is a city I definitely want to explore during my next trip through Taiwan. While Taipei feels busier, more compact, and energetic, Kaohsiung is supposed to feel much more expansive. Wide boulevards, modern architecture, water features, and a creative atmosphere give this port city a very unique character, according to the locals I spoke to.

If you love design, street art, and creative hubs, I would definitely set aside a day or two for this. I wrote about the creative parks in Taipei before , and they are very good at that in Kaohsiung too! The area around Pier-2 Art Center sounds particularly interesting. What was once a harbor area is now a creative hotspot with art installations, galleries, and nice places to walk around.

As far as I'm concerned, Lotus Pond belongs on your list too. The Dragon & Tiger Pagodas are perhaps one of the city's most famous sights, but the entire area around the lake looks beautiful and seems like a fun place to explore during my next trip. 

To discover this part of Taiwan , in addition to Taipei and Tainan and some nature in the interior , you will probably need about three weeks.

Kaohsiung

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Perhaps you are not normally someone who makes a detour for every museum or religious complex, but believe me, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is impressive enough to make an exception.

From afar, you can see the enormous Buddha towering above the temple complex. As soon as you arrive, you notice how grand it is laid out. Temples, pavilions, wide plazas, and monumental architecture alternate. This place is easy to visit from Kaohsiung or, for example, on the way back from Kenting National Park.

The complex also houses several vegetarian restaurants, in keeping with Buddhism. I therefore deliberately planned the visit around lunchtime and ate one of the best vegetarian Taiwanese meals I have ever tasted at Hi-Lai Vegetarian Restaurant (Buddha Museum Branch). Everything was so flavorful!

Fun fact for the Amsterdammers among us: the temple on the Zeedijk belongs to the same organization that also built this enormous temple complex.

Kenting National Park

After cities, temples, and mountains, Kenting National Park is the place where you can experience that the south of Taiwan also has tropical beaches. This is the southernmost point of Taiwan, and you can easily spend a few days here.

What I really like about Kenting is that the landscape is constantly changing. One moment you're driving along a rugged coastline, the next you arrive at a beach or viewpoint where you can see for miles. There are various beaches and it's also a great place for snorkeling, for example at Little Bali Island (found on Google Maps as 小巴里島岩).

My tip? Although you can explore the west coast of Taiwan very well by train, I would recommend renting a car for this part of the country. Especially if you are also traveling further along the east coast. It is nice to have the freedom to set off in Kenting and stop wherever you want.

You can enjoy beautiful hiking in Longpan Park or walking through the National Forest Recreation Area, which I found to be a surprisingly beautiful route. For a nice view of the sea, you can also stop at Eluanbi Lighthouse (although you are not allowed inside the lighthouse itself).

In Kenting, you can also eat delicious fish at the harbor. You will find all kinds of sashimi bars and more seafood restaurants along the main road. I would definitely go back here on my next trip!

Little Bali Beach, Kenting © Your Little Black Book

The most beautiful places in East Taiwan: all the highlights at a glance

Taroko National Park

For years, Taroko National Park topped the bucket list of many people traveling to Taiwan. And honestly? As soon as you see photos of Taroko Gorge, you immediately understand why. The marble canyon, the steep cliffs, and the color of the water make this one of the most impressive natural areas in the country. Normally, I would mention here that various hiking trails take you past bridges, tunnels, and viewpoints.

Unfortunately, large parts of the park are still closed for restoration work following the severe earthquake. The deep canyon is currently largely closed to mass tourism, but the edges of the park and the immediate surroundings are open and are said to be breathtakingly beautiful as well. Various tours are organized to visit the park.

If I were to go to Taroko National Park now, I would book the beautiful Silks Place Taroko Hotel and truly view it as an escape into nature. From there, I would visit what is open and definitely not skip this stop on the east coast. Do you want to check the current situation and the open hiking trails? Then always check the official Taroko National Park website beforehand.

Taroko National Park

Qingshui Cliffs

One of the places in Taroko National Park that you can simply visit is the Qingshui Cliffs. Of all the coastal landscapes you encounter during a tour of Taiwan, the Qingshui Cliffs look perhaps the most impressive. Here, mountains rise hundreds of meters out of the bright, turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, and only then do you truly see how spectacular Taiwan's east coast is. For the current opening hours of the viewpoints at the cliffs, please visit the Qingshui Cliff information page.

I have stood at cliffs like this before, and it looks impressive in photos, but you only really see how high the cliffs actually are when you stand there yourself.

Qingshui Cliffs

Huadong Valley aka East Rift Valley

If you are in need of some peace and quiet after all the cities and famous highlights in Taiwan , I would definitely add the Huadong Valley to your itinerary. Roughly situated between Hualien and Taitung, this is an area not necessarily known for one major attraction, but is special precisely because of the atmosphere of the region as a whole.

Think: rice fields, small villages, hot springs, and quiet roads winding through the landscape. You will notice here that daily life is much more relaxed than in the big cities, and being surrounded by so much greenery naturally allows you to quietly take in all the impressions of your trip through Taiwan.

What would I do here myself? Rent a bike, stop along the way wherever it looks nice, and above all, don't plan too much. This is also the part of the country where you can really still get to know the various indigenous peoples who play an important role in the history of Taiwan. As a result, this region feels culturally different from the rest of the island.

Taitung

While doing my research for my next trip to Taiwan, Taitung is often mentioned as a nice stop on the east coast. Anyone who loves surfing definitely shouldn't miss this place. The east coast of Taiwan is known for its waves, and specifically around Taitung, you will find various spots where you can get out on the water. I would check into Hotel Royal Chihpin and take various excursions from there to cultural villages and hot springs.

Taitung

Green Island (Lüdao)

Of all the islands surrounding Taiwan , Green Island is probably the easiest choice. Not only because it is easily accessible from Taitung, but mainly because it has exactly the right mix of nature and adventure and isn't too big. You can explore the island by scooter, and it is a beautiful place for snorkeling and diving. The underwater life around Green Island is said to be very impressive. The island is also known for its natural hot spring by the sea. There are very few places worldwide where you can experience this. In terms of hotels, I would choose the Zhudeng 1965 Hotel or Green Island Good Sound here.

Kenting National Park © Your Little Black Book

Which destinations should you not miss during a tour of Taiwan?

If you have a little over a week in Taiwan, you can follow my itinerary that I have mapped out for you day by day. View the YLBB itinerary here >>

Do you have about two weeks for Taiwan and need to make choices? Then I would definitely include Taipei , Jiufen, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Tainan , Kenting , and part of the east coast in your itinerary. That way, you will experience exactly what makes Taiwan so special: amazing cities, impressive nature, a fantastic food culture, and regions that all have their own unique character.

Do you have more time? Then add more time in Taitung and Green Island, for example.

No matter what type of traveler you are, the most beautiful destinations in Taiwan showcase just how versatile this island is. And honestly? Chances are, just like me, you’ll already be thinking about a second trip afterwards.

In short: these are the most beautiful destinations in Taiwan

Are you short on time and do you want to see the main highlights of Taiwan ? Then I would prioritize Taipei, Jiufen, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Tainan , Kenting National Park, and Taroko National Park. Do you have more time? Then also add Taitung, Green Island, Orchid Island, and the East Rift Valley to your itinerary.