Attractions on TaiwanJourney

Anping Fort

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Anping is where Tainan’s layered history is easiest to read. Walk the fort, look at the old maps and then wander the surrounding streets. Allow time for the nearby tree house and oyster rolls.

Beitou Hot Springs

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Beitou is an easy half-day from central Taipei, with steam, hot water and a slower pace. Visit the hot-spring museum, then choose a public pool or a private bath. It is especially welcome in cool weather.

Bitou Cape

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The cape is a windswept, open place where the two seas meet in different shades of blue. Walk the clifftop path, look into the sea caves and enjoy the emptiness. It pairs well with a seafood stop in nearby Badouzi.

Blueprint Culture & Creative Park

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Blueprint is a relaxed creative stop in a quiet part of Tainan. The wooden dormitories and design shops are the draw, along with the temporary exhibitions. It is a good break from temples and forts.

Chihkan Tower

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Chihkan is a compact, pretty site that rewards a slow walk. The pavilions, inscriptions and gardens tell the story of Tainan’s Dutch and Qing past. It is easy to combine with other sights in the old centre.

Ci'en Pagoda

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The climb to Ci’en Pagoda is steep, but the view from the top is one of the best around the lake. The pagoda itself is a quiet memorial rather than a major sight, so come for the walk and the panorama. Allow time to rest on the way up.

Cijin Island

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Cijin feels like a small escape from the city, even though it is only a ferry ride away. Rent a bike, follow the coast and stop for seafood before heading back. The island is busiest at lunchtime, so go early.

Dadaocheng & Dihua Street

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Dadaocheng is a neighbourhood to explore slowly, with Dihua Street as its spine. Look into the old shops, walk down to the river and stop for tea or coffee. It is especially atmospheric in the late afternoon.

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The pagodas are playful rather than solemn, and that is part of their charm. Walk through the dragon, climb the towers and take in the views over Lotus Pond. Combine it with the nearby spring and temples.

Eluanbi Lighthouse & Park

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Eluanbi is the end-of-the-road moment of a Kenting trip, with the lighthouse and the sea stretching south. Walk the park paths and look out toward the Philippines on a clear day. It is hot and exposed, so go early.

Fengjia Night Market

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Fengjia is huge, noisy and best approached as an adventure. Follow the crowds, try something you have never seen and share dishes as you go. It is busiest late, so come hungry and patient.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

This is a large, polished complex that rewards a calm, unhurried visit. The scale of the Buddha and the museum halls is impressive, but the quieter gardens are just as memorable. Dress respectfully and allow at least half a day.

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

This is a theme park and a cultural village in one, which makes it a good family day out. The indigenous performances and traditional houses are the most interesting part; the rides are a bonus. Allow most of a day.

Gaomei Wetlands

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Gaomei is all about the light and the space, especially in the late afternoon. Walk the boardwalks over the mudflats and stay for the sunset behind the wind turbines. Check the tide times before you go.

Garden Night Market

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Garden Night Market is worth planning your evening around, but check which nights it is open. The food is local and the atmosphere is less frantic than at bigger markets. Come early and graze.

Houtong Cat Village

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Houtong is a small, gentle stop that works well on the way to Shifen. The cats are the draw, but the old mining buildings and river valley give the village its character. An hour or two is enough.

Hualien Night Market

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Come hungry and graze rather than commit to one stall. The mix of Taiwanese classics and indigenous barbecue is what makes this market feel local. Arrive before nine for the best choice and a table.

Ita Thao village

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Ita Thao is a good place to eat, wander and watch the boats come in. The village is small, but the market and the lakeside setting give it a lively, welcoming feel. Try the local millet wine and snacks.

Jiufen Old Street

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Jiufen works best when you slow down and let the crowd flow past. Climb the stairs, duck into a teahouse and wait for the lanterns to come on. The reward is the view over the rooftops to the sea.

Kaohsiung Music Center

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The building is the attraction as much as the concerts inside. Walk around the harbourfront, look at the wave-shaped form from different angles and stay for a performance if you can. It is especially striking after dark.

Kenting Night Market

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Kenting’s night market is small enough to browse in an hour and lively enough to stay longer. Graze on grilled seafood and Taiwanese snacks, then walk the main strip. It is a relaxed, holiday version of a city night market.

Liuhe Night Market

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Liuhe is compact and easy to navigate, which makes it a good introduction to a Taiwanese night market. Come with an appetite and try a few small plates rather than one big meal. It is at its liveliest after seven.

Liyu Lake

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The flat loop makes this an easy half-day for families and casual cyclists. Stop often: the lakeside path moves between forest, farms and quiet viewpoints. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars, especially in the early morning.

Longpan Park

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Longpan is about space and wind and the sound of the Pacific below. The plateau is open and grassy, with views that stretch along the coast in both directions. Bring a jacket if you come for sunrise.

Longshan Temple

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Longshan is a working temple, not a museum, and that is what makes it special. Visit early, watch the rituals and take in the incense and architecture. Keep your voice low and dress respectfully.

Maobitou Park

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Maobitou is a short, scenic stop on the west coast, best at sunset. The coral cliffs and sea caves are small but dramatic, and the cat-shaped rock is a fun photo. Combine it with a seafood dinner nearby.

Miyahara

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Miyahara is as much about the room as the ice cream. Sit under the old clinic’s marble and wood, order a signature sundae and enjoy the sense of occasion. It is a short walk from the station.

Nanwan (South Bay)

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Nanwan is the easiest place in Kenting to spend a whole afternoon. The bay is sheltered, the sand is broad and the water is warm for much of the year. Arrive early to rent an umbrella and find space.

National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The aquarium is a good rainy-day or family stop, with the huge ocean tank as the highlight. Allow at least half a day and check feeding times before you go. It is especially popular with children.

National Palace Museum

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The National Palace Museum is vast, so choose a few galleries rather than trying to see everything. The jade and bronze collections are the highlights for most visitors. Allow at least half a day.

National Taichung Theater

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The theatre is worth a visit even if you are not seeing a show. Walk through the cave-like foyer, climb to the roof garden and look out over the city. Check the programme for talks and performances.

National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The museum is spacious and calm, with room to linger in front of the works. Start with the Taiwanese collection and leave time for the temporary exhibitions. The sculpture garden is a good place to rest.

Pier-2 Art Center

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Pier-2 is at its best on foot, moving between warehouses, public art and the harbour. The area is large, so pick a couple of exhibitions rather than trying to see everything. Sunset is a good time to end up by the water.

Qingshui Cliff

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

This is a drive-and-stop experience rather than a single viewpoint. Pull over at the marked lay-bys and watch the sea change colour against the marble cliffs. Allow extra time for photos and for the occasional tunnel or roadworks.

Qixingtan Beach

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Come before sunrise and walk the pebble beach as the Pacific turns from grey to blue. The long cycle path makes it easy to combine the beach with nearby lookouts. It is a calm, breezy counterpoint to Hualien’s busy streets.

Rainbow Village

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The village is tiny, but the paintings are full of energy and make for a cheerful stop. Walk slowly, look at the details and respect the residents who still live there. It takes less than an hour.

Shennong Street

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Shennong Street is a place to wander in the evening, when the wooden houses light up. Stop for tea, look into the small shops and enjoy the quiet between the bars. It is short, so pair it with nearby streets.

Shifen Old Street & sky lanterns

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The pleasure here is the odd closeness of the market and the railway. Write a wish on a lantern, watch it lift over the tracks, then follow the line to the waterfall. It is touristy, but genuinely memorable.

Shifen Waterfall

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The walk to the falls is short and easy, making this a good stop between the old street and the railway. Stand at the lower viewing platform to feel the spray and hear the water. Weekday mornings are the quietest.

Shilin Night Market

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Shilin is a full evening out, with food, games and crowds. Start in the basement food court, then wander the lanes above. Bring cash and an appetite.

History and context

Shilin is Taipei’s largest night market, with roots in the early 20th century. It is known for giant fried chicken, oyster omelettes and a maze of snack stalls.

Tainan Art Museum

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The museum is a good way to see both old and new Tainan in one visit. Start with the restored police station, then cross to the modern building. Allow a couple of hours for the collection.

Tainan Confucius Temple

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The temple is a calm, dignified place, especially in the morning. Walk the courtyard, look at the old trees and imagine the scholars who studied here. It is a good counterpoint to Tainan’s busier sights.

Taipei 101

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Taipei 101 is both a landmark and a mall, so decide what you want from the visit. Go up for the view, then walk the surrounding streets for a sense of the modern city. Sunset is the most popular time for good reason.

Taroko Gorge

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The gorge is best explored slowly, with time for short trails rather than a rushed drive. Start early, when the light reaches the marble walls and the tour buses have not yet arrived. Even a half day here feels like a proper escape from the city.

The lake loop by bike

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Cycling the lake is the best way to see how the landscape changes around the water. The full loop takes several hours, but shorter sections are just as rewarding. Start early to avoid the heat and the tour buses.

Weiwuying

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Weiwuying is worth visiting even without a ticket, for the architecture and the public park. Walk under the canopy, climb to the rooftop and see how the building sits in the landscape. Check the programme for a performance that fits your evening.

Wenwu Temple

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Wenwu is a grand, ceremonial temple with a superb position above the lake. Walk through the halls, then step outside for the view across the water. It is busiest in the middle of the day, so early morning is calmer.

Wulai

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Wulai is a place to soak, walk and eat rather than rush between sights. The hot springs and waterfall are the anchors, but the Atayal culture and river setting make the village worth a full afternoon. Bring a towel and cash for the baths.

Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain)

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The climb is short but steep, and the reward is the view that defines Taipei. Go early or late to avoid the heat and the crowds on the stairs. Bring water and take your time.

Xiangshan Visitor Center

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The visitor centre is a low, thoughtful building that almost disappears into the hill. Inside, the exhibits explain the lake’s ecology and the surrounding mountains. It is a good first stop before exploring the shore.

Ximending

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Ximending is at its best after dark, when the neon and street performers take over. Browse the shops, catch a film or snack your way through the side streets. It is loud, young and unapologetically commercial.

Yehliu Geopark

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

Give yourself time to walk the whole cape, not just photograph the Queen’s Head. The rock formations change with the light and the tide, and the boardwalks keep you close to the sea. Bring a hat and water; there is little shade.

Zhongshe Flower Market

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

The flower market is a seasonal, photogenic stop rather than a full-day attraction. Check what is in bloom before you go and bring a camera. It pairs well with a trip to Houli or the nearby bike path.

Zhuilu Old Trail

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The visit

This is the gorge at its most dramatic, with a narrow path cut into the cliff and a sheer drop below. The permit and early start are part of the experience, so plan ahead and check trail conditions. It is not for anyone uneasy with heights.