12 x Best places to visit in Taiwan

Last Updated On June 21, 2023

Taiwan, located to the southeast of China, is one of the world's most densely inhabited countries, with bustling and dynamic cities full of gorgeous old temples, excellent museums, and active night markets offering a breathtaking assortment of tasty cuisines. Many people appreciate discovering Taiwan's wonderful nature away from its crowded streets, such as the gorgeous Sun Moon Lake and stunning Kinmen Island.

Taipei city at night, Taipei, Taiwan

Photo by Timo Volz on Unsplash

Taiwan, a beacon of democracy and human rights, has long been at odds with China, which still claims the island, and the Taiwanese are a polite and hospitable people who fervently defend their independence.

With so many various things to do in Taiwan, travellers will have their work cut out for them attempting to squeeze everything into a memorable trip.

1. Taipei

Taipei is undeniably one of Taiwan's most popular tourism destinations. But have you gotten past the traffic jams of night markets and all those high-rise buildings? With a strong Japanese and Chinese influence and a hint of Western taste, this urban city is welcoming and easy to adjust to for all travelers.

The truth is that Taipei is a complex city to explore, and the city's beauty rests in its unusual mash-up of Chinese culture with an odd mix of American, Japanese, and South East Asian elements. The city requires no introduction, with its iconic towers and superb cuisine. Unfortunately, the natural and cultural attractions near Taipei City are relatively undiscovered while being increasingly sought after in recent years.

2. Yushan National Park

Yushan National Park covers approximately 100,000 hectares and contains roughly 30 peaks, with Yushan summit, the world's tallest mountain, and several gorges, cliffs, and valleys. Nanan, Meishan, and Tataka are the three main entry points. For whatever reason, it is one of the best places to visit in Taiwan.

Taiwan will accompany you through the park so you can get up close and personal with the park's thriving flora and fauna. Deer, sambar, black beers, and Taiwan macaques are among the most popular species, as are numerous reptiles, mammals, and birds. The Yushan trail attracts visitors with its beautiful vistas of greenery.

3. Taitung

4. Taichung

5. Rainbow Village

Huang Yung-Fu, a 20th-century artist, designed the community. Since his childhood, the former soldier has displayed his artistic abilities. His village was in danger of bulldozing, so he began painting it to save it. That worked out well, and it is now a major tourist destination.

6. Taroko National Park

Taroko National Park was established in 1980 and was called after the park's gorge, which was carved well by the Liwu River. Visitors can raft along the calm waterways, hike the Tupido Tribe Trail ruins, or see the Tunnel of Nine Turns. Every year, the Taroko National Park hosts the Taroko Music Festival, where visitors can enjoy local traditions and meet the residents.

7. Tainan

8. Lukang

9. National Palace Museum

10. Alishan Scenic Mountain Area

11. Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung, Taiwan's second-largest city after Taipei, is built on the banks of the Love River, which plays an essential part in the city's life. The city has a rich art scene, vibrant nightlife, lively marketplaces, and unusual architecture. Following the capital, this is another attractive city to explore in Taipei.

12. Maolin National Scenic Area