Taiwan is a region with natural beauty and architectural wonders that captivate travelers. The island has incredible landscapes like Taroko Gorge, which is characterised by incredible marble cliffs, and Sun Moon Lake, which has a beautiful range of viewpoints.
Nature enthusiasts could hike the lush trails of Yangmingshan National Park, while history lovers will find themselves enchanted by the charm of Jiufen Old Street.
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- Taroko Gorge
- Sun Moon Lake
- Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
- Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
- Jiufen Old Street
- Alishan National Scenic Area
- Love River Bay
- Yehliu Geopark
- Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence
- Yilan City
In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the 10 most beautiful places in Taiwan.
1. Taroko Gorge in Taroko National Park
Taroko means 'magnificent and beautiful' in the local ethnic Truku language. Carved by nature, Taroko National Park features marble cliffs and deep gorges that offer a superb display of colors and intricate geological formations.
Visitors love Shakadang Trail, which is known for its Liwu River views and rock patterns. Swallow Grotto (Yanzihkou) Trail is another must-hike. There you can navigate pristine narrow canyons or spot swallows darting around the cliffs.
The best way to travel to Taroko Gorge is by train to Hualien Station, then a bus or private car to the park. Then, you can explore the Gorge on hiking trails.
Taroko National Park2. Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan's largest natural water body that has been recognised as one of Taiwan's thirteen National Scenic Areas. Its emerald-green waters reflect the surrounding mountains and create a beautiful landscape that is perfect for photography and relaxation. Many visitors take a scenic boat ride to enjoy views of the lake.
Sun Moon Lake's cycling trail is probably Taiwan's most beautiful, particularly during the cherry blossom season (from February to March).
The most convenient way to travel to Sun Moon Lake is by bus or car from Taichung, and once there, you can explore the lake's beauty through boat rides, cycling, or walking trails around the lake.
Sun Moon Lake3. Dragon and Tiger Pagodas in Kaohsiung City
An ideal year-round destination, Kaohsiung City is Taiwan's vibrant southern port city. Being Taiwan's second largest city, Kaohsiung is easily accessible.
Kaohsiung's top beauty spot, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are a must-visit for those seeking a unique and culturally-rich experience. These stunning twin pagodas stand on the edge of Lotus Pond, and are famous for their eye-catching design and symbolic entrance. You enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth for good luck.
Inside, the pagodas are decorated with intricate murals depicting Buddhist and Taoist legends.
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas in Kaohsiung City4. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum in Kaohsiung
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum attracts visitors with its spectacular architecture and deep religious significance.
It has the world's tallest bronze sitting Buddha, topping out at an impressive 108 meters (354 feet). It is surrounded by eight golden pagodas that create a breathtaking sight. The peaceful atmosphere, beautifully-landscaped gardens, and intricate Buddhist art make it an ideal place of peace and reflection.
To access Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum via public transport, you could take a direct bus from Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station or Kaohsiung Main Station to the temple grounds. We would provide private transport and guide. Admission is free.
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum in Kaohsiung5. Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen Old Street is a mountain and seaside village. It is known for its nostalgic charm. National Geographic hailed Jiufen Old Street as "one of Taiwan's most iconic night markets", attracting visitors with its pleasant atmosphere and history. Jiufen gained global fame in 2001 for its resemblance to the town in the beloved animation Spirited Away.
In Jiufen Old Street, visitors stroll through the narrow, winding streets adorned with red lanterns. These lanterns create a nostalgic and dreamlike atmosphere. The tea houses and traditional buildings show an old-world charm, making Jiufen feel like a place frozen in time. The shining lanterns and misty mountain backdrop make the town even more beautiful at night.
Getting to Jiufen is an adventure. This is because you will have to navigate steep, winding roads. So, we advise visiting Jiufen Old Street on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
Recommended Tour: One Day Private Jiufen Gold Rush Town and Keelung Harbor Night Market
Jiufen Old Street6. Alishan National Scenic Area
Alishan National Scenic Area is one of Taiwan's most spectacular natural wonders. It is known for its mountainous landscapes with cloud seas, sunrise and sunset glows, and ever-changing scenery.
Towering cedar trees and cypress, some over a thousand years old, stand grandly in Alishan Forest. There is also an enchanting gorge waterfall that looks stunning when its misty spray shimmers in the sunlight.
The cherry blossom season is the ultimate time to visit. During spring (mid-February to May), cherry blossoms blanket the hillsides in soft pink. This contrasts beautifully with the deep greens of the forest, and makes the entire region feel like a fairytale setting.
If you are planning to go to Alishan, the journey is an interesting window into rural life (but slow). After taking a train to Chiayi city's station, take Alishan Forest Railway or a bus (or private transport) up through the mountains to the park. Once there, you can explore by hiking.
Recommended Tour: 9-Day Taipei, Jiufen, Taichung, Puli, Alishan, Chiayi, Taipei, Pingxi and Yangmingshan Tour
Alishan National Scenic Area7. Love River Bay during Kaohsiung's Lantern Festival
Love River Bay is the best place to be if you are visiting Taiwan during the Chinese New Year period. Kaohsiung City welcomes Kaohsiung Lantern Festival with dazzling light displays and cultural performances during this time.
The city is transformed into a glowing wonderland with colorful lantern displays, massive light installations, fireworks, and interactive art pieces perfect for those looking to experience the festive spirit of Lunar New Year in Taiwan.
8. Yehliu Geopark in New Taipei
Also known as Yehliu Turtle, Yehliu Geopark is a spectacular natural wonder on Taiwan's northern coast. This park is well known for its otherworldly rock formations that have been carved by wind and sea water. If you overlook from above, the place is like a giant turtle submerging into the sea.
The park's golden sandstone scenery creates a striking contrast that looks almost unreal. Among the most renowned formation in the area is the Queen's Head which resembles the profile of a regal woman. The Fairy's Shoe and the Mushroom Rocks are also other unique formations that might make you feel like you are stepping into a different world.
We recommend planning ahead when visiting Yehliu Geopark, as the summer months (June to September) can receive heavy rainfall. It is conveniently reached in an hour on a Taipei-based day trip.
Yehliu Geopark9. Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence in Shillin District
Located in Taipei's Shilin District, Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence offers a rare glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of Taiwan's former leader. This residence is surrounded by beautifully-landscaped gardens, stunning European-style architecture, serene ponds, and seasonal flower displays (including the famous rose garden).
You can explore the well-preserved living quarters, admiring historical artifacts once belonging to Chiang Kai-Shek and his wife, Soong Mei-ling. The residence is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy nature and culture in one setting.
The best time to visit this residence is during spring when the flowers are in full bloom. This makes the gardens exceptionally beautiful. Also, you can take the Mass Rapid Transit to access the residence. Use the Taipei Metro to Shilin Station and then walk to the entrance.
Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence in Shillin District10. Yilan City
An hour east from Taipei across the northern Snow Mountains, Yilan City is a magnificent destination simply because nature's beauty takes center stage. The city offers stunning landscapes that change with the seasons because of the lush mountains bordering the Pacific Ocean.
Dongshan River meanders through the landscape and reflects the sky and surrounding greenery. At Wufengqi Waterfall, multiple tiers of cascading water flow down rocky cliffs. The endless green rice fields stretch across the surrounding countryside and create a scenic view. The misty mountains in the distance add a dreamlike quality to the sight.
During spring, Yilan is covered in vibrant flowers and in autumn with golden foliage, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Recommended Tour: 4-Day Scenic Tour to Yilan and Hualien
The lush mountains bordering the Pacific Ocean in YilanExploring Taiwan with China Highlights
China Highlights provides hassle-free ways to get to Taiwan's most beautiful places. Our private drivers and English-speaking guides offer a relatively affordable and satisfyingly flexible way to enjoy your Taiwan Island visit. You can simply trust our expertly-designed Taiwan itineraries if you want to do minimal planning.
If you have anything you'd like to discuss about touring Taiwan, please contact us for more information.