Taiwan

Travel Guide
Taiwan
Ancient indigenous traditions flourish alongside popular culture while glistening towers, mountains and temples punctuate the skyline on this Asian island.

Enjoy a slice of undiscovered traveling utopia in Taiwan. Visit bustling forward-thinking cities, towns decorated with age-old temples and tribal villages. Discover a breathtaking countryside made up of pristine national parks, remote islets, soaring mountain ranges, thermal springs and white-sand beaches. Sample Taiwan’s mouthwatering cuisine, which blends local influences with those left over from the times of Chinese and Japanese rule.

Begin your tour in Taipei, where the juxtaposition of old and new is evident at the turn of a corner. Visit the revered Longshan Temple and the 1,670-feet (509-meter) tall Taipei 101 tower. Browse Asian art at the National Palace Museum. Spot pickled python at Snake Alley and try Taiwanese street snacks, such as oyster omelets, at Shilin Night Market.

North of Taipei, go hiking in Yangmingshan National Park and ride a scenic cable car to Beitou. Cleanse the body in the hot springs of Tai’an and feast on seafood dishes at Keelung Night Market. To the south, the villages surrounding Hsinchu showcase Hakka culture.

Find teahouses, markets and a vibrant nightlife scene in Taichung. Visit the venerable Buddha statue in Changhua, impressive temples in the town of Lukang and the Chung Tai Chan Monastery, just outside Puli. Hike in Yushan National Park and journey through the Tsou villages in the Alishan National Scenic Area.

Head to the south of the country to find a mix of modern life and historic landmarks in both Kaohsiung and Tainan. Relax on exotic beaches, go surfing and snorkel at Kenting National Park. Experience Paiwan and Rukai customs in the Maolin District. Join rafting trips and bathe in hot springs in East Rift Valley. Gaze up at pretty waterfalls, marble walls and towering cliffs in Taroko National Park.

Board a boat bound for Taiwan’s gorgeous islands. Witness the way of life of the Yami people on Orchid Island and Fujian traditions on Matsu Islands. Dive in the crystalline waters of Green Island. Jump between the beaches and temples of the Penghu Islands.

Fly to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport from major European and U.S. destinations. Time your visit to enjoy the revelry of the Chinese New Year and Ghost Festival, among other colorful celebrations.

Popular cities in Taiwan

Taipei
Taipei
Known for Dining, Shopping and Business
Taipei is the fun capital of Taiwan and is full of modern malls, ancient temples, rich palaces and night markets.

Reasons to visit

  • Taipei 101
  • The Red House
  • Shilin Night Market
Taijiang National Park which includes a temple or place of worship, a ferry and a river or creek
Tainan
Known for Budget, Tours and Luxury
One of the island's oldest settlements and the region’s former capital, this city’s winding streets tell the story of Taiwan’s history.

Reasons to visit

  • Garden Night Market
  • Chihkan Tower
  • Fort Zeelandia
Kaohsiung which includes a city
Kaohsiung
Known for Ports, Art and Culture
Taiwan’s second-largest city is changing its industrial focus and emerging as a modern hub of entertainment and culture.

Reasons to visit

  • Pier-2 Art Center
  • Liuhe Night Market
  • 85 Sky Tower
Taichung Park featuring a statue or sculpture and a garden
Taichung
Known for Shopping, Family-friendly and Business
With cosy restaurants, traditional night markets and tranquil tai chi in the park, this destination will make you forget that you’re in Taiwan’s third-largest city.

Reasons to visit

  • Dajia Jenn Lann Temple
  • Taichung Park
  • Fengjia Night Market
New Taipei City
New Taipei City
Known for Dining, Shopping and Family-friendly
Between the mountains and the coast, there is so much to see and do in the most populous city of the Taiwan Metropolitan area that you’ll never want to leave.

Reasons to visit

  • Jiufen Old Street
  • Yehliu Geopark
  • Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf
Taoyuan County showing a city
Taoyuan City
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Shopping
This northern Taiwanese county is home to ancient cypress forests, sweeping views, unique local delicacies and a breathtaking treetop walk.

Reasons to visit

  • Taoyuan Night Market
  • Jungli Night Market
  • Shihmen Dam

Taiwan