Known as the “Beautiful Island”, Taiwan offers visitors gorgeous mountain landscapes, pristine beaches, rich cultural sights, mouthwatering cuisine, and friendly locals. As one of Asia’s top tourist destinations, Taiwan has something to offer every type of traveler. Read on for my complete travel guide on the top things to see and do in Taiwan.
Getting There and Getting Around
Most visitors will arrive in Taiwan via Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport, which offers excellent transportation links to downtown Taipei and other cities. High-speed rail and an extensive train and bus network also make getting around the country convenient and affordable. For shorter distances, taxis are easy to hail. While travel between cities is smooth, I’d recommend renting a car or scooter for exploring more remote areas.
Where to Go in Taiwan
There’s so much to see and do across Taiwan’s diverse landscapes. Here are some top destinations I recommend in Taiwan:
Taipei – Base yourself in the energetic capital to visit night markets like Shilin and Raohe, see the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, hike Elephant Mountain for city views, and learn about history at the National Palace Museum.
Hualien – Located on Taiwan’s east coast, Hualien offers gorgeous mountain and ocean scenery. Key sights include Taroko National Park with its marbled cliffsides and temples, scenic drives along the coastline, and relaxing hot spring resorts.
Kenting National Park – Taiwan’s tropical south features sandy beaches and watersports along the Bay of Kenting. Visit Eluanbi Lighthouse, Sand and Shore Nature Park, and nearby rural towns.
Sun Moon Lake – This crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by lush mountains is considered one of Taiwan’s most scenic spots. Take a bike ride around part of the lake, go boating or swimming, tour Wenwu Temple, and ascend Fo Guang Shan Monastery.
Alishan – Explore this popular high mountain resort and forest recreation area. Attractions include sunrise views from Alishan Forest Railway, lush walking trails, and tea plantations.
Tainan/Kaohsiung – These southwestern cities showcase rich Taiwanese food, culture, and heritage. Tainan highlights include centuries-old temples and street food stalls. In Kaohsiung, top sights include Pier 2 Art Center, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, and Lotus Lake.
Taiwan’s Islands – Just off Taiwan’s coast, visitors can take ferries to explore smaller islands like Kinmen and Penghu. Each island chain has its own unique scenery, cultural sights, and local cuisine waiting to be discovered.
Best Times to Visit Taiwan
Taiwan enjoys comfortable weather year-round, but spring and autumn are considered peak tourist seasons due to mild temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Late March-April offers pleasant weather and blooming cherry blossoms across the island. September-November also brings fewer crowds than summer. For cultural events, visit during major festivals like Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Lantern Festival.
Top Things to Do in Taiwan
With stunning scenery, vibrant cities, delicious food, and fascinating culture, Taiwan offers endless possibilities. These are just a few of my favorite things to experience:
- Hike through breathtaking mountain and coastal landscapes like Taroko Gorge, Yushan National Park, Sun Moon Lake, and the East Rift Valley
- Learn about history and culture by visiting temples, museums, heritage sites, and Taiwan’s many night markets
- Shop for local handicrafts like pottery, jewelry, woodcarvings, and Taiwanese oolong tea
- Relax at mountain hot springs and luxury resorts across Taiwan
- Sample night market delicacies and regional specialties – Taiwan is a foodie’s paradise!
- Join festival celebrations like lantern releases, concerts, and parades
- Spot wildlife in wilderness areas and reserves across Taiwan’s diverse ecosystems
- Take day trips to offshore islands for a beach getaway
Each traveler will find their own personal favorites from Taiwan’s long list of sights, flavors, experiences and adventures waiting to be discovered. With temperate weather year-round, delicious cuisine, warm hospitality, and easy transportation, Taiwan offers the perfect destination for an unforgettable Asia getaway.
Conclusion
In this Taiwan travel guide and blog post, I’ve highlighted some of the top destinations and attractions across the “Beautiful Island” that can suit any interest. From bustling Taipei to scenic Sun Moon Lake, culture and history in Tainan, island-hopping to Taiwan’s archipelagos, and hiking through breathtaking gorges and high mountains, Taiwan’s diversity amazes. With delicious food, excellent infrastructure and transportation, along with friendly locals happy to share their culture, Taiwan makes for an easy, enjoyable travel experience. I highly recommend adding Taiwan to any Asia travel itinerary, whether you’re a backpacker, foodie, adventurer, wildlife-lover, or city explorer.
