Best 13 Things to Do in Taiwan
Taiwan, an island nation known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history, offers many activities for travelers. Moreover, on the one hand, Taiwan offers the wonderful sight of towering tall buildings and calm-looking lakes; on the other, it has historical streets and tropical beaches. Let’s dive into the 13 best things to do in Taiwan to make your trip unforgettable.
Taipei 101
Overview
Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world, is an architectural marvel that dominates the Taipei skyline. This iconic skyscraper stands 508 meters tall and has 101 floors. Visitors can ascend to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views of Taipei City, its surrounding mountains, and the Tamsui River. The building also boasts an innovative design with earthquake-resistant technologies, making it a symbol of modern engineering.
My Review
Taipei 101 was rather thrilling to visit. What can I say about the super-fast elevator ride to the observation deck? It was fun, and the scene from above was stunning. These added features of the interactive displays and the informative guides only enhanced the overall experience.
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
Location
This place is located at 100, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District
Overview
The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is a grand monument dedicated to Chiang Kai-Shek, the former president of the Republic of China. This hall is situated in a vast green area and comprises a big white structure with a blue octagonal roof. The changing of the guards ritual is performed every day, and there are guides inside who introduce Chiang’s life and work and give a glimpse into Taiwan’s recent past.
My Review
The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is rather grand and, at the same time, makes one feel submissive. The construction is magnificent, and the area around the park incorporates green space in the middle of the city’s concrete jungle. One nice event was the change of the guard, where the ceremonial weapon handling and the strict discipline were a rather interesting show. Here, educational exhibits regarding Chiang’s life and Taiwanese history are provided.
National Palace Museum
Location
This place is located at No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Overview
The NPC is among some of the largest and most reputable museums globally, and it has a collection of Chinese artwork. The many notable things in this museum are paintings, ceramics, jade sculptures, and bronzes, totaling more than 700,000 pieces that provide an insight into Chinese imperial history. The museum’s building is also very stylish, symbolizing Chinese classical style.
My Review
The National Palace Museum is undoubtedly a marvelous source of history and Asian culture in particular. Arguably, every piece displayed in the museum is well chosen, and the number of items is staggering. I wandered for hours, witnessing the jade’s beauty and the antique bronzes’ artful work. The museum’s plan is good: people are grouped by different periods in Chinese history.
Elephant Mountain (aka Nangang District Hiking Trail)
Location
This place is located at No. 31, Alley 401, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Overview
This single track is quite short by measures and steep enough to open up an excellent view of the city and Taipei 101 in particular. The trail is fairly easy and maintained properly. Hence, it can be hiked by most people and is a local and tourist attraction.
My Review
I especially enjoyed my hike through Elephant Mountain during my visit to Taipei. This trail is well-signed, and visitors can expect to have several vantage points along the trail, offering breathtaking city views. Reaching the top at sunset offered me a perfect opportunity to get a great view of Taipei 101 illuminated at night. This is one of the trips that any nature enthusiast on a Taipei tour should not miss.
Taroko National Park
Location
This place is located at 972, Taiwan, Hualien County, Xiulin Township, 富世291號
Overview
Taroko National Park is a natural wonder and popular tourist attraction in eastern Taiwan. It is famous for scenic views, including the Taroko Gorge with marble cliffs, foliage, and waterfalls. The park is Ideal for mountain treks, white-water rafting on the Liwu River, and cycling trips.
My Review
It is important to understand that Taroko National Park is a naturally beautiful area. Marble cliffs and green fields—I have never seen such a perspective in my life. The trails are not hardcore, and most are well-maintained. There are many paths for both strolling and hiking. My most impressive experience was with the Shakadang Trail, which gives a marvelous view of the crystal clear river at the bottom.
Sun Moon Lake
Location
This place is located in Yuchi, Nantou County, Taiwan.
Overview
Taiwan’s largest lake, Sun Moon Lake, lies in Nantou County and has mountains and temples. There, tourists can take boat trips to view the lake and hike or cycle on some trails. They can also interact with native communities that still practice their traditional way of life. Due to its quiet environment, Sun Moon Lake has become an excellent place for recreation and discovery.
My Review
Sun Moon Lake is a piece of heaven on earth. The boat tour gave the best impression of the lake, and cycling around the lake was equally spectacular, with picturesque views from every angle. Visiting the aboriginal villages and getting a cultural perspective of the area was also interesting. It is perfect for anybody who loves nature as well as for those who are just seeking a place to relax.
Alishan Forest Railway
Location
This place is located at 605, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Alishan Township, 1號 Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
Overview
The Taiwan Alishan Forest Railway is a breathtaking railway built in the mountainous area of Taiwan. Its stunning scenery includes tea fields, mountains, and cloud rainforests. Tourists can trek or cycle in the Alishan National Scenic Area and also travel to the Erwanping Suspension Bridge to have a lookout.
My Review
Traveling by the Alishan Forest Railway was like going through the pages of a history book. The trip through the green forested hills and tea estates was particularly picturesque. The railway had character, and there is nothing like the experience of an old railway line through picturesque scenery. The visitors also enjoyed the opportunity to hike in the Alishan National Scenic Area, as there were many trails with fantastic views.
Jiufen (Jiufen Old Street)
Location
This place is located at Jishan St, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224.
Overview
Jiufen is a mountain village famous for its winding lanes, tea shops, and red lamps. Today, numerous shops on the town’s old streets offer traditional food items such as taro balls and fish cake, as well as local souvenirs. The few remaining mountains and the Keelung Harbor view also make Jiufen an even more appealing attraction.
My Review
Jiufen, therefore, is a beautiful mix of the past and culture of the place. Walking down the streets felt like watching a movie from a different era. This at least made it inviting, as the tea houses were warm, and the local snacks were great. It was most enjoyable to see astonishing views of the mountains and the harbor. It is recommended for food lovers and people who are interested in experiencing traditional Taiwanese culture.
Yehliu Geopark
Location
This place is located at 207, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Wanli District, 港東路167-1號.
Overview
One of the most popular tourist attractions is Yehliu Geopark, on the northern coast of Taiwan, and features numerous rocks sculpted by the waves of the sea. The most famous attractions should include the Queen’s Head rock formation. Several trails are available within the park where visitors can easily trek along and marvel at the coastal views.
My Review
Yehliu Geopark is not only an interesting place. This is the most outstanding feature I have ever seen; the Queen’s Head looks more remarkable. The park’s walking trails show good planning, with a well-laid-out trail and various signposts explaining the formation of the rocks. Undoubtedly, it is a place that will interest all lovers of nature and those interested in geological events.
Kenting National Park
Location
This place is located in Pingtung County, Taiwan.
Overview
Kenting National Park, located at the southern tip of Taiwan, is a tropical paradise. The park features beautiful beaches, coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and diving, and lush forests. Visitors can also explore the Maubit National Scenic Area for stunning coastal scenery and unique rock formations.
My Review
Kending National Park is indeed a paradise for those who like beach and outdoor activities. The beaches were untouched and snorkeling was very good with a lot of sea activity. Equally fascinating was walking through the forests and admiring the coastal views. This is an ideal place for a tropical vacation.
Yushan National Park
Location
This place is located in Taiwan, Nantou County, 嘉義縣，高雄市，臺東縣
Overview
Yushan National Park also marks Taiwan’s tallest peak, Yushan or Jade Mountain that provides a rigorous climb for adventurous hikers. It has great views of mountain ranges, a rich composition of plants and animals, and different paths for walkers with different levels of endurance.
My Review
One of the most unforgettable and fulfilling moments I have encountered in my life was climbing Yushan. The trails provided were properly signed, and the view of the greenery and high altitudes was very inspiring.
Xiaoliuqiu
Overview
Xiaoliuqiu, a small island off the coast of southern Taiwan, is perfect for a relaxing getaway. The island offers pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving spots, and scenic beauty. Visitors can rent scooters to explore the island and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants.
My Review
The fact was that Xiaoliuqiu was a place unknown to most. The atmosphere and surrounding environment of the island were and still are suitable for a relaxing and rejuvenating break. I enjoyed snorkeling in crystal-clear waters where fish of many different colors could be seen. Certainly, it was a good idea to rent a scooter to drive through all the beautiful places on the island. It was quite satisfying to have fresh and tasty seafood.
Tainan
Overview
With its historical and cultural background, Tainan is one of the oldest cities in Taiwan. Taipei has many temples, such as the Confucius Temple and the old Dutch building called the Anping Tree House. Tainan is also well-known for its unique local foods and delicious night markets.
My Review
Tainan is a city rich in history and also presents itself as a modern city. The ancient temples allowed seeing the city’s history up close. The night market was bright and colorful, and one could feast on the local cuisine and specialty products. This is why Tainan is an imperative place to visit for cultural sightseeing and an energetic buzz.
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Closing Remarks
Taiwan is a very colorful and beautiful country that has something for anyone in any age bracket. When traveling through Taiwan, tourists can see not only populated areas but also visit parks’ territory, explore exotic islands, and sunbathe on the ocean coast. These 13 destinations are all part of Taiwan and let visitors enjoy its beautiful, uncrowded nature and diverse culture, making Taiwan the ideal tourism country.
