17 Things to See and Do in Taiwan

I lived in Taiwan for a few months as an English teacher. I loved my time there and have always felt the country was really under-appreciated. Carrie Kellenberger is an expat who has been living in Taiwan for ten years. She runs My Several Worlds and in this guest post she lists out all the amazing things you should see and do there!

Every country in Asia is beautifulbut Taiwan is special for many reasons. The people are warm and hospitableit’s incredibly budget-friendlyandaccording to the UN’s yearly World Happiness ReportTaiwan consistently ranks as one of the happiest places in East Asia.

While it might be a small islandyou would be amazed at the never-ending variety of sights and fun things to do here. With over a hundred mountain peaks above 3,000 meters (9,800 feet)over a hundred hot springs scattered around the islandboth golden and black-sand beachesnine national parksworld-class museumsglittering skyscrapersstunning templesand a huge number of night markets that are second to noneTaiwan has something that everyone can enjoy.

Here’s my list of the best things to do Taiwan to help you plan your trip and make the most of your visit!

 

1. EatEat Eat (Especially at the Night Markets)!

The national pastime in Taiwan is eating. The island’s location and colonial history means that Taiwanese cuisine has developed over the centuries to incorporate elements from many different countriesbut especially China and Japan. The evolution of Taiwanese cuisine continues to this dayas chefs here are very apt to experiment with flavors to create new fusion dishes.

There are over 30 night markets in TaipeiNew Taipeiand Keelung (and over 70 night markets across Taiwan). My personal favorites are ShilinKeelungand Raohe Street in Taipei.

Don’t miss eating xiao long baoalso known as soup dumplingsa favorite staple food here. They are made out of a thin pastry folded into a type of bag that is then stuffed full with a meat-and-vegetable mixture and a tiny amount of soupthen garnished with raw ginger and soy sauce. Biting into one of these is a flavor explosion in your mouth.

If you’d like to really dive deep into the different sides of Taiwanese cuisinetake a guided food tour. On this food touryou’ll first dine at the Michelin-starred Din Tai Fung (famous for their xiao long bao) and then experience a night marketall with a local guide.
 

2. Experience Taiwanese Tea Culture

Though indigenous tea plants existed here before Chinese colonizationfor the most parttea farming in Taiwan didn’t start until the 19th century when seedlings from China were first planted. Many varieties of tea are grown in Taiwanbut oolong is the most popular as it grows particularly well in Taiwan’s misty and mountainous environment.

The Taiwanese also have their own type of tea ceremony that takes elements from both Chinese and Japanese tea ceremonies while adding their own cultural flair. Heretea ceremonies are less focused on the rules and more about bringing people together.

JiufenJwu Jiu Teahouseand Pinglin are some of the best places to visit if you want to sample tea and learn more about how it’s made. You can also ride the Maokong Gondola up a mountain to a secluded teahouse where you can take in the amazing views while enjoying some tea.
 

3. Check out the Northern Coastline

Head to the coast for some incredible lunar-like landscapes (that took thousands of years to form) at Yehliu Geopark. There are some uniqueotherworldly rock formationsincluding one that looks like Queen Elizabeth that are popular tourist attractions. Try to get there early to beat the crowds.

Guided tours are also available. The benefit to these tours is that you’ll have someone explain what you’re seeing. Signage isn’t great. If you canI would definitely recommend a guided tour.
 

4. Hit the Beaches

Beaches may not be the first thing that you think of when Taiwan comes to mind. But with almost 1,000 miles of coastline (it is an island after all!)a great beach is never that far away.

Each region of the country offers something different. For examplethe north is best known for its golden and black-sand beacheswhile Kenting on the southern tip of the island offers a lively beachside nightlife. White Sand Bay is the most popular and a great place to soak up the sunswimsnorkelor even go diving (just keep an eye out for jellyfish!). Other great beaches are South Bay and Little Bali Bay.
 

5. Soak in the Hot Springs

Taipei has its very own active volcanoand because of the volcanic activity in the areaBeitou Hot Springs enjoys a steady stream of visitors and locals who love to bathe in its healthy waters.

As part of the Taipei metro areaBeitou is easily reachable by metro. Prices start at 60 TWD per person for a soak in Beitou Public Hot Springmaking it a very affordable choice for anyone looking for some R&R. If you’d like to splash outthere are plenty of more upscale hotels and resorts too.
 

6. Go Island Hopping

While most people think of Taiwan as just the one main island (also known as Formosa)there are actually 168 Taiwanese islands in 7 different archipelagos. Most islands are quite smallbut there’s a tremendous varietyfrom islands you can easily reach with a quick ferry from the main islandto others where you have to take a flight and it’s best to spend a few days.

The beautiful islands of Penghu just off Taiwan’s western coastline comprise the biggest archipelago and are especially well known for their golden beaches. All of the islands are distinctand you can take a boat that will drop you off at one island for a few hours and then take you to the next oneso you can literally go from snorkeling to observing sea turtles to wandering through traditional villages made out of coral in a single day.
 

7. Visit TainanTaiwan’s Oldest City

This is Taiwan’s oldest urban areaestablished by the Dutch East India Company in 1624. Located in the south near KaohsiungTainan was the capital of Taiwan from 1683-1887. There are all kinds of temples to visit here (don’t miss the Confucius Temple)several night marketsa historic old townand a massive department store reminiscent of the Ginza district in Tokyo. There is also a nearby mangrove and wildlife reserve (it’s part of Taijiang National Park) just 30 minutes away by car.
 

8. See Old Taiwan

While Tainan may be Taiwan’s oldest cityif you want to see Old Taiwan at its besthead to the two groups of islands that make up the Kinmen Archipelago off the west coast of Taiwanjust a couple miles from mainland China. These islands have been the frontline of the ongoing tensions between the People’s Republic and Taiwan.

Additionallyyou’ll be able to see historical military sites like underground tunnels and bunkers hidden in the countrysideand visit insightful museums to learn more about the unique history of the islands. The region is also known as being the producer of Taiwan’s famous gaoliang (kaoliang) grain alcoholmade from fermented sorghum.
 

9. Get Off the Beaten Track on Orchid Island and Green Island

Located just off the southeastern coastthese lush islands are a treat to visit. Here you’ll find hikingswimmingand diving. The best way to explore these islands is by renting a scooter so that you can get further off the beaten path and have an adventure exploring at your own pace.

Green Island has amazing saltwater hot springs — one of only three such hot springs in the world! Orchid Island is home to the indigenous Tao peopleTaiwan’s most isolated indigenous tribe. They’re best-known for their traditional hand-carved wooden canoes and underground homes.
 

10. Explore the Mountains

Covered in the most high mountains of any country (there are 268 mountain peaks over 3,000 meters/9,800 feet above sea level)Taiwan is the fourth-highest island in the world. Hiking these greenmisty mountains is a national pastimeand a great budget-friendly activity as all of the country’s nine national parks are free. Hiking trails are plentiful and well-markedso grab a scooter and head up into the mountainswhich extend over five ranges the length of the island.

If you want to stretch your legsclimb to the summit of beautiful Jade Mountain and watch the sunrise (it takes two days to hike). This beautiful peak is almost 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea levelgiving it sweeping views in every direction.

Wuling Peak on Hehuan Mountainaround 3,275 meters (10,745 feet) above sea levelis another good hike for anyone looking to spend more time outdoors. But what really makes this place special is that the peak is so highyou can look down into a sea of clouds below!
 

11. Go Hiking in Taroko National Park

Ready for another city break? This national park covers 92,000 hectares (360 square miles) and offers visitors a chance to hike the numerous trails through mountainous terrain and dramatic gorges. You can stop to dip your feet in swiftly flowing mountain rivers and to marvel at the shrines and temples.

You can visit the park solo (whichif you’re staying in the nearby townis easy to do) or as part of a full-day tour from Taipei. If you’re tight on timethe guided tour is the best option because it comes with transportation and a guide. Admission to the park is free.
 

12. Head East

To really enjoy Taiwan’s majestic beautydon’t forget Taiwan’s eastern coastline like most international visitors do! The east coast highway has some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the worldfrom plunging sea cliffs and splashing surf to beachesnature reservesand rural towns a world away from the big city.

For maximum flexibilityTaiwan’s East Coast is best explored on a road tripthough there are buses that go down the coast. There is also a train line that hugs the coast a bit when heading south from Taipeithough it then veers inland.
 

13. Witness Some Chaos

Check out the feeding frenzy of the markets in Taipeior enjoy a stroll around cool Ximendinghome to the country’s first and largest pedestrian zone. Bustling Ximending is Taipei’s answer to Tokyo’s Shibuya. As you stroll aroundyou’ll find all manner of shops filled with the latest fashion trends as well as themed cafesquirky restaurantsand cocktail bars.

The center of the neighborhood is the Red Housea well-known cultural landmark and marketplace where local artisans sell their wares. The massive outdoor plaza behind it is the epicenter of the city’s LGBTQ scene and is surrounded by many different welcoming bars and shops.

Give yourself bonus points for checking out all the super cool street art; you won’t find it on the main thoroughfaresbut if you venture onto some of the smaller side streetsyou’ll soon find yourself in a world of brightly decorated alleys and lanes.
 

14. See Tianhou Temple

While you’re in Ximendingit’s worth stopping by one of the oldest temples in the cityTianhou (also known as the Ximending Mazu Templeafter the in-house deity Mazugoddess of the sea). Around since 1746it’s one of three major temples in Taiwan from the Qing period. It’s located on a main thoroughfare but it’s very easy to miss the entrance.

Stepping through the entrance to this beautiful Taoist temple filled with mythological creaturessmoky incenselucky goldfishand people paying respect to the gods is truly a surreal experience. You’d never know this quiet oasis is in one of the busiest areas of Taipei!
 

15. Explore Fo Guang Shan Monastery

If you have your own ride in KaohsiungI strongly encourage you to stop by Fo Guang Shan Monastery and pay homage to the monks that live there. A Chinese Mahayana Buddhist monastery open to the publicthe complex is massive (it’s the country’s largest monastery). In facteverything here is massiveflashyand surprisingly ostentatious for a monastery.

One of the central features of the complex is the Buddha Museumwhich houses tooth relics of the Buddha himself along with various shrinesgalleriesexhibitionsvegetarian restaurantsand even a Starbucks (really). Behind the museum lies the Great Path of Buddhahooda broad pathway flanked by eight identical pagodasleading up to the 108-meter-high golden Big Buddha.

I’ve been to many temples and monasteries in my lifetimebut this one takes the cake.
 

16. Visit a Taiwanese Aboriginal Village

If you can’t make it to Orchid Island (see above)there are plenty of other places to learn about indigenous Taiwanese tribes. The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village near Sun Moon Lake is the most popular destination. It’s the largest outdoor museum in the country and is half cultural villagehalf amusement park. Each of the nine small villages in the park represent and are run by a different tribe. In eachyou can watch cultural performances and see how a variety of traditional crafts are made.
 

17. Take Part in the Pingxi Lantern Festival

One of the coolest events in Taiwanthe Pingxi Lantern Festival involves releasing hundreds of paper lanterns into the sky. (Many newlyweds also include this meaningful tradition as a part of their wedding celebration.) If you don’t want to brave the crowdsyou can easily purchase a lantern and light one on any of Taiwan’s beaches. This is one of the biggest events in all of Taiwan so be sure to get tickets in advance to avoid the ticket lines.

Taiwan is very environmentally friendlyso make sure you go with the eco-friendly paper lantern options that disintegrateleaving no residueand don’t cause fires. The company My Taiwan Tour also currently offers biodegradable paper lantern tours in Shifen.

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There are many things about Taiwan that make it an incredible place to live; it’s easy to take some of those things for granted once you’ve been here for a while. I frequently hear that people think Taiwan is very Westernizedand while I agree that it is to some extentthere are still plenty of authentic Taiwanese experiences to be had!

Taiwan is and continues to be an unexpected travel destination that continues to delight visitors to this day. There is no place like it!

Canadian expat Carrie Kellenberger has been living in Asia since 2003. She moved to Taiwan in 2006 and became a permanent resident in 2012. She loves entertaining guests and travelers to Taiwan. You can read about her adventures and life there at her blogMy Several Worlds.