If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan this year, deciding what to do and where to go can be overwhelming in the best possible way.
Beaches, mountains, forests, big city escapes – there really is something for everyone. And that’s not even mentioning all the delicious food.
With so many things to do across the whole country, and so many recommendations for each area, narrowing down where you want to go is easier if you do it by big attraction. By deciding on your must-do activities first, you can then plan your stay and travel around the areas they’re in.
Here are the top five places you should add to your to-go list, and how to get there.
1. 貓空 Māokōng – Maokong, Taipei
The capital, Taipei City, will likely be high on your list if this is your first time in Taiwan (or even if this is a return trip). If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, take the scenic gondola from Taipei Zoo Station up the mountain to peaceful Maokong.
Not only will you get some amazing views, but you’ll also be heading into a tea-lover’s paradise, with plenty of teahouses and tea plantation tours to explore.
2. 九份老街 Jiǔfèn Lǎo Jiē – Jiufen Old Street, Jiufen, New Taipei City
Much snapped on Instagram and TikTok, Jiufen Old Street is a lantern-lined alleyway packed full of charming teahouses, shops and food stalls. Located in the historic town of Jiufen, the beautiful lanterns and towering teahouses are said to resemble the bathhouse from the Japanese animated film, Spirited Away.
Although technically in New Taipei City, Jiufen is also accessible from Taipei City via train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, and can be visited for a day trip.
3. 日月潭 Rìyuètán – Sun Moon Lake, Nantou County
The largest body of water in Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake was named after its appearance – with the west side resembling the crescent moon and the east side resembling the sun.
Besides taking in the scenery itself, there are lots of things to do there – from seeing the Wen Wu Temple and Tzu-En Pagoda to taking the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway cable car or a boat around the lake to see Lalu Island in the middle.
The easiest way to get there via public transport is by train from Taichung City.
4. 垦丁国家公园 Kěndīng guójiā gōngyuán – Kenting National Park, Pingtung County
Can’t decide between sand and sea or woodland and greenery? No need to choose just one: with gorgeous beaches, forests, waterfalls and hills, Kenting National Park has it all. Prefer wildlife? You can even meet adorable capybara and deer.
Kenting National Park covers a huge area, so it’s best to go for at least a couple of days so you’re not rushing through activities. The easiest way to get there is by taking a shuttle bus from Kaohsiung City.
5. Any big night market
OK, this one’s a bit of a cheat because it isn’t just one place. But the good news is that, practically wherever you are in Taiwan, you’ll find an amazing night market nearby.
Whether it’s Taipei’s famous Shilin Night Market, Liuhe Night Market in Kaohsiung, Feng Chia Night Market in Taichung or lots more, be sure to go with an empty stomach – because wherever you choose to go, you’re in for a street food extravaganza.
Ready to begin your Taiwan adventure? Read these top four Taiwan travel tips to know before you go. It’s even more fun when you can speak the lingo, too – check out our immersive Mandarin learning programmes, where you’ll get to stay in the home of one of our expert language teachers and learn while you’re there.
