The National Palace Museum in Taipei is a must-visit attraction for culture enthusiasts of all ages. It houses nearly 700,000 ancient Chinese artifacts, making it one of the world's largest collections of Chinese art. The museum's exhibits feature jade carvings, bronze ware, calligraphy, and paintings from different dynasties in Chinese history.
Beitou Hot Springs, located on the outskirts of Taipei, is an excellent spot for some relaxation time with the family. The area has a unique sulfuric scenery suitable for refreshing hot springs and spa resorts. Beitou Park provides a glimpse of the Japanese influence on Taiwan's architecture and features several traditional Japanese hot spring resorts.
A day out of the metropolis, close to Taipei, you will find Shifen Waterfall with its scenic view and calming surroundings. On this day, you can explore the picturesque village of Shifen, known for its traditional rail station, where visitors can paint and light up lanterns before releasing them into the sky.
Built-in 1748, Bao'an Temple is the oldest temple in Tainan, a city renowned for its many temples. The temple features ornate carvings, winding dragon towers, and has over 300 statues. The Tainan Flower Night Market is a popular destination for foodies and night owls. Sampling Taiwanese delicacies like dumplings, bubble tea, and Taiwan beef noodles are best enjoyed after exploring Bao'an temple.
Prepare to be amazed by the natural beauty of Kenting National Park, located in the southernmost tip of Taiwan. The park offers several outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on the beach. There are also hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints on the cliffs that offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Sun Moon lake is a picturesque freshwater lake surrounded by green landscapes and scenic vistas. Folklore says the island of Lalu in the center of the lake is where two star-crossed lovers reunited after being separated by their families. Popular tourist activities include boating trips, taking the gondolas to see panoramic views, hiking the trails near the lake, and visiting temples in the surrounding areas.
Taroko National Park is one of Taiwan's most famous natural attractions. Its main feature is the Taroko Gorge, a spectacular canyon with marble walls that rise high above the river below. There are numerous hiking trails in the park that lead visitors to waterfalls, unique rock formations, and stunning views of the coastline.
You will be teleported a century back as you stroll along the old streets of Jiufen, known for its unique architecture and narrow alleys. The scenic town is nostalgic of rural Japan or Chinese history movies, and showcases the traditional tea houses and crafts of yesteryear. Hike up the hill to the iconic teahouse or explore the paved serpentine streets for souvenirs, snacks, and local foods.
Taipei 101 Tower is a landmark skyscraper in Taipei that offers breathtaking views of the city from the observatory on the 89th floor. Its unique design, modeled after bamboo, is beautiful, even from afar. Taipei is also a food lover's paradise, so wrap up your trip with a street food rampage around the night markets, such as Shilin Night Market, that offers exotic treats like stinky tofu, snake soup, and oyster omelets.
To travel between destinations in Taiwan, you can choose from several travel modes, such as trains, buses, hired cars, and taxis. Taiwan's public transportation system is among the best in the world, so moving from city to city is relatively easy and comfortable. Trains and buses connect most of the cities and towns throughout Taiwan, and purchasing an Easy Card is an efficient way to pay for most of the public transportations.
For more extended or shorter stays in Taiwan, you can adjust the itinerary accordingly, both within each destination and between destinations. Also, consider traveling during the midweek instead of weekends to avoid crowds and save on expenses. Lastly, make sure to bring comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and stay hydrated to explore the many exciting activities and scenic wonders Taiwan offers.
Taiwan's primary airport is Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in Taipei, located about 40 minutes from downtown. Another regional airport is Songshan Airport (TSA) located within 30 minutes from central Taipei. While Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) is the largest airport located in southern Taiwan, giving close access to the southern national parks and Tainan.