Taiwan

What are the most recommended things to do in Taiwan?

  • Explore Taipei 101 and its observation deck for city views.
  • Visit the National Palace Museum to see Chinese art and historical artifacts.
  • Stroll through night markets such as Shilin and Raohe for street food and shopping.
  • Relax at Sun Moon Lake with boat tours and cycling paths.
  • Hike in Taroko Gorge National Park for scenic marble canyons and trails.
  • Experience hot springs in Beitou or Jiaoxi.
  • Discover cultural sites like Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Longshan Temple.
  • Enjoy tea plantations and local cuisine in Alishan and Nantou.

Introducing Taiwan

Heart of Asia

Taiwan Province is located on the continental shelf off the southeastern coast of mainland China, bordering the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Ryukyu Islands to the northeast, the Philippine Islands across the Bashi Channel to the south, and Fujian Province across the Taiwan Strait to the west. It has a total area of ​​approximately 36,000 square kilometers and includes Taiwan Island and 21 affiliated islands including Orchid Island, Green Island, and Diaoyu Island, and 64 islands in the Penghu Islands.

Taiwan Island, with an area of ​​35,882.6258 square kilometers, is China's largest island. Seventy percent of the island is mountainous and hilly, with plains concentrated primarily along the western coast. The terrain varies greatly in elevation. Located at the junction of tropical and subtropical climates, Taiwan boasts a rich natural landscape and ecological resources. The population is approximately 23.5 million, with over 70% concentrated in five major metropolitan areas in western Taiwan. The Taipei metropolitan area, centered around the capital city of Taipei, is the largest.

Climate and best time to travel

September to November offers clear, cool weather, making it a great time to travel to Taiwan. Typhoon season runs from June to October, with the most frequent typhoons from July to September, so pay close attention to weather reports.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Taipei

Here, tradition and fashion embrace each other, temples with carved dragons and painted buildings perfectly match modern streets, and from one of the world's tallest buildings to an international-level Chinese art collection, you will be attracted and moved by the diverse cultural characteristics wherever you go.

Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung City is located in southern Taiwan, bordering the Taiwan Strait to the west and south. It is Taiwan's second-largest city and home to its largest international port. The Xiziwan Scenic Area, known as the "West Lake of Taiwan," boasts numerous unique attractions and is a renowned tourist destination in southern Taiwan.

Kenting

Kenting, located in Pingtung County, Taiwan, borders the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Taiwan Strait to the west, and the Bashi Channel to the south. Its landscape is diverse, with beaches and shells, cascading cliffs, sand waterfalls, clusters of skirts, and stalactite caves. It also boasts rare tropical rainforest plants, a wide variety of insects and butterflies, and serves as a migratory bird stop for up to six months.

Hualien

Hualien's east coast has a 124-kilometer coastline. Due to the many rivers flowing into the sea, there are many different coastal landscapes. Among them, cliffs are the most dangerous. In particular, the Qingshui Cliff south of Pingxikou is over 1,000 meters high and is a famous attraction on the Suhua Highway.


Recommended number of days for a visit: 7-10 days


Most Popular FAQs for Taiwan

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Taiwan is an island with a rich history influenced by indigenous cultures, Chinese dynasties, Dutch and Japanese rule, and modern democratic development. It is significant for its cultural heritage, economic growth, and natural landscapes.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Taiwan is an island in East Asia. Major cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung have metro systems. Buses, high-speed rail, taxis, and domestic flights connect regions. Walking is practical within city districts.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

  • Most attractions: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; temples may open earlier and close later.
  • Night markets: typically 5:00 PM – midnight.
  • Best times to visit: autumn (October–November) and spring (March–May) for mild weather.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

  • Taipei 101 Observatory: ~600 TWD; tickets can be bought online or at entrance.
  • National Palace Museum: ~350 TWD; online or at entrance.
  • Taroko Gorge National Park: free entry; guided tours may have fees.
  • Other attractions: prices vary, many temples and parks are free.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Popular sites like Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum are recommended to book 1–2 weeks in advance, especially on weekends or holidays. Most outdoor attractions do not require advance booking.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

7–10 days for a well-rounded visit covering Taipei, Taichung, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and Taroko Gorge. Shorter trips (3–5 days) can focus on Taipei and nearby attractions.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Taipei 101 and Xinyi District
  • National Palace Museum
  • Shilin and Raohe Night Markets
  • Sun Moon Lake and Nantou scenic areas
  • Taroko Gorge and Hualien coastline
  • Alishan Forest Railway and tea plantations
  • Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Longshan Temple

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Yes, guided tours and audio guides are available in Mandarin, English, Japanese, and some in Korean. Many museums, attractions, and national parks offer multilingual options.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Taipei 101 Observatory
  • Elephant Mountain trail for city skyline views
  • Sun Moon Lake piers and surrounding mountains
  • Taroko Gorge marble cliffs and suspension bridges
  • Alishan sunrise over the sea of clouds

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start in Taipei for 2–3 days (city sites and night markets), then head to Taichung and Sun Moon Lake for 2 days, visit Alishan for hiking and sunrise, and Taroko Gorge for 1–2 days. Finish with Hualien coast or return to Taipei.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Yes, Taipei 101 light shows, night markets, temple festivals, and seasonal events like lantern festivals provide special night experiences.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Peak tourist seasons are national holidays (Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival) and weekends. Weekdays during spring or autumn are less crowded.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Urban attractions and parks have toilets, restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, water fountains, rest areas, and souvenir shops widely available.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Major urban attractions are generally accessible with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Some hiking trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Credit/debit cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, LINE Pay, etc.) are widely accepted. Small vendors and rural areas may require cash (TWD).

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

  • Street food stalls and night markets
  • Cafes and restaurants in Taipei, Taichung, and Sun Moon Lake
  • Tea houses in Alishan and Nantou

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian, vegan, and some halal options are available in urban centers and tourist areas, though halal options are limited outside Taipei.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

  • Luxury hotels: W Taipei, Grand Hyatt Taipei
  • Mid-range: Hotel Proverbs Taipei, Fleur de Chine at Sun Moon Lake
  • Budget: hostels and guesthouses in Taipei, Taichung, Hualien

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Jiufen and Shifen old towns
  • Yehliu Geopark
  • Tamsui waterfront in Taipei
  • Alishan and Sun Moon Lake for nature day trips

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, souvenirs include pineapple cakes, tea, local handicrafts, traditional snacks, and postcards.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

  • High-speed rail (HSR) for travel between Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung
  • Domestic flights to Hualien, Taitung, or offshore islands
  • Buses and car rentals for regional travel and scenic areas