Getting Around

Discover Taiwan: Must-Visit Gems

Beyond Taiwan’s dynamic cities lies a world of dramatic coastlines, steaming hot springs, misty forests, and serene lakes. Whether you are seeking natural wonders or memorable cultural experiences, these 10 destinations, listed from north to south, offer a wonderful introduction to the island’s rich and diverse charm.

Yangmingshan National Park

Location: Taipei City (North)

Known as “Taipei’s Backyard Garden,” this is the only national park in Taiwan featuring active volcanic geography. The steaming fumaroles of Xiaoyoukeng are a must-see. In spring, the mountain is covered in cherry blossoms and calla lilies. It also offers one of the best night views of the Taipei basin.

Yehliu Geopark

Location: New Taipei City (North)

Famous for its otherworldly rock formations created by sea erosion. The iconic “Queen’s Head” looks like an ancient bust of Nefertiti. Walking through the park feels like walking on Mars.

Pingxi Sky Lanterns & Shifen Waterfall

Location: New Taipei City (North)

Experience the magic of writing your wishes on a paper lantern and releasing it into the sky on the old railway tracks of Pingxi. Nearby is the Shifen Waterfall, known as the “Niagara of Taiwan.”

Jiaoxi Hot Spring Park

Location: Yilan (Northeast)

The ultimate relaxation stop just 50 minutes from Taipei. Jiaoxi is famous for its clear, odorless sodium bicarbonate springs (known as “Beauty Soup”). Visitors can enjoy free public foot baths in the park or experience the fun tickling sensation of a “Hot Spring Fish Spa.”

(AI Generated)

Gaomei Wetlands

Location: Taichung (Central)

The best place to watch the sunset in Taiwan. A long wooden boardwalk stretches out into the sea, offering mirror-like reflections of the sky and giant wind turbines. It is a photographer’s dream.

Sun Moon Lake

Location: Nantou (Central)

Taiwan’s largest alpine lake, surrounded by misty peaks. It has been voted by CNN as one of the most beautiful cycling routes in the world. Visitors can bike around the lake, take a boat tour, or visit the Wenwu Temple.

Alishan National Scenic Area

Location: Chiayi (Central Mountains)

Famous for its historic Forest Railway, giant ancient cypress trees (thousands of years old), and the spectacular “Sea of Clouds” at sunrise. It is the spiritual heart of Taiwan’s high mountains.

Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum

Location: Chiayi (South-Central)

Unlike the palace-style museum in Taipei, the Southern Branch is a masterpiece of modern architecture featuring calligraphy-inspired curves. It focuses on Asian art and culture, set within a vast, serene park.

Brown Boulevard, Chishang

Location: Taitung (East Rift Valley)

A “road to paradise” surrounded by endless green rice paddies without a single telephone pole. Famous for its stunning rural beauty and the “Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree.” Renting a bike here offers the most relaxing experience of Taiwan’s East Rift Valley.

Kenting National Park

Location: Pingtung (South Tip)

The tropical tail of Taiwan. Known for its white-sand beaches, vibrant night markets, and the historic Eluanbi Lighthouse (the southernmost point of Taiwan). It offers a relaxed, vacation vibe perfect for post-conference unwinding.

Data & Photo Credits The travel information and photographic materials on this page are provided courtesy of the Tourism Multimedia Open Data Platform, Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), R.O.C. (Taiwan).