If you're looking for a break from the busy city, Taipei's surroundings have lots to offer. These are some of the best day trips that you can enjoy easily from Taipei within a single day. They are accessible by bus/train or by private transfer, and each has something different to offer. After days of sightseeing in busy Taipei, why not escape on a little trip away from the city and into the countryside?
1. Yehliu Geopark, Shifen and Jiufen Village
- Features: Unique rock formations, coastal scenery, seafood restaurants; Mountain views, Waterfall; Traditional architecture, Taiwanese tea houses
- Time: About 9 hours (include 4 hours of driving, 1½ hours in Yehliu Geopark, 1½ hours in Shifen, 2 hours in Jiufen)
Yehliu Geopark is about 1.5 hours from Taipei by car. It's best to arrive around 9 AM to avoid crowds. The park has three sections with unique rock formations shaped by wind and sea erosion.
In the first area next to the entrance, you'll see Candle Rock and Ice Cream Rock. The second area next to the sea features the iconic Queen's Head, perfect for photos, along with Fairy's Shoe and Dragon's Head Rock. The third area at the far end is a protected zone, offers stunning coastal views and rare formations like Pearl Rock and Filial Piety Rock.
From Yehliu, it's a 45-minute drive to Shifen, and you can take photos with the charming old railway At Shifen Station. Just outside the station is Shifen Old Street, lined with street food stalls and sky lantern shops. It's a great spot for your lunch. For sky lanterns, pick the first shop near the station to capture the scenery in your photos. Afterward, you can take a 4-minute car ride and walk 18-20 minutes to Shifen Waterfall, known as the "Little Niagara of Taiwan".
After 40 minutes drive from Shifen, you'll reach Jiufen. Wander through Jiufen's old streets, lined with shops selling local snacks and souvenirs, and have your dinner here. Stop by a traditional tea house for a relaxing break. Jiufen also has a gold mining history, which you can explore through local exhibits. Wait until night, you'll capture the dreamy street night view lit by red lanterns, which looks like the scene from the famous movie "Spirited Away".
Related tour:
- One-Day Private Yehliu Geopark & Tamsui Harbor Tour
- One Day Private Jiufen Gold Rush Town and Keelung Night Market
2. Wulai Scenic Area
- Features: hot springs, waterfall, hiking, outdoor activities
- Time: About 8 hours (include 2½ hours of driving, 3 hours for sightseeing, 1½ hours of street walking and dinner, and 1 hour for hot spring)
Wulai is about 45 minutes drive from Taipei. Start your day around 10 AM by riding the open-air Wulai Log Cart, offering scenic views of the lush mountains. In 15 minutes, you'll reach the Wulai Waterfall and admire its powerful cascade.
Next, take the cable car to Yun Hsien Resort in about 10-15 minutes. You could enjoy outdoor activities here with families, like boating, paintball, archery, or night firefly watching. In spring (Feb-Apr), stroll along Wulai Sakura Avenue to see the pink cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Return by Log Cart to Wulai Old Street for dinner, where you can try Atayal Indigenous specialties. End your day with a relaxing soak in Wulai's natural hot springs to unwind.
3. Yangmingshan National Park
- Features: Flowers (seasonal), fall foliage, cherry blossoms, volcanic area, hiking
- Time: About 8 hours (include 2 hour of driving, 6 hours of hiking and sightseeing)
Another great day trip for those into hiking and wanting to see Taiwan's abundant nature is Yangmingshan National Park. It is about 30-40 minutes by car from Taipei.
Upon entering, drive 7 minutes to the Flower Clock, where you'll see vibrant flowers in bloom year-round.
Next, drive 10 minutes to Zhuzihu, famous for its seasonal flower fields. From March to April, enjoy a sea of white calla lilies, while May to June offers dreamy hydrangea fields. You can even pick and buy your favorite flowers during the season. There are some restaurants around, you can have lunch here.
Yangmingshan, hydrangeaAnother 10-minute drive takes you to Xiaoyoukeng, where you'll see volcanic fumaroles with white steam rising from the ground. The sulfur smell is strong but part of the experience.
From Xiaoyoukeng, drive 8 minutes to Lengshuikeng. Here, you can soak your feet in the public hot spring pool to relax. Along the way, you'll find the Milk Lake, with its surreal, milky-white waters.
Finally, drive 8 minutes to Qingtiangang, the last stop of your day trip. Stroll through the vast grasslands, bask in the sunshine, and watch water buffalo grazing. Drive 20 minutes back to the entrance to leave the park.
The park is often combined with Beitou Hot Springs, so why not visit both? A soak in the hot springs is a great way to end a day with lots of walking.
4.Beitou District
- Features: Hot spring, museums
- Time: About 4 hours (include 1 hour of driving, 1 hour for hot spring, 2 hours of visiting museum and sightseeing)
Beitou is a district in Taipei, about a 30-minute drive from the bustling city center. It's famous for its natural hot springs.
If you're a fan of Mayday, don't miss the chance to visit "Confession Lane", mentioned by the band's lead singer in his teenage memories. This spot, located at No. 32 Wenquan Road, is just a 4-minute drive from Beitou Station.
From Confession Lane, it's only a 5-minute drive to the Beitou Hot Spring Museum. Here, you can relax on tatami mats, feel the gentle breeze, and clear your mind.
Just 850 meters away (about a 3-minute drive) is the Thermal Valley. This emerald-green hot spring pool, colored by Beitou's unique minerals, is a breathtaking sight. Rising steam gives the lake a mystical, dreamlike vibe.
Thermal Valley at BeitouFor a private and clean hot spring experience, it's best to book a private bath in advance. Let our China Highlights travel experts help arrange your itinerary for a comfortable and worry-free hot spring getaway!
Related tour: One-Day Private Yangmingshan Volcano and Beitou Hot Spring Tour
Travel with China Highlights
We are also able to take you anywhere else described in this article, or anywhere else in Taiwan you'd like to go! For your very own tailored tour, contact us to begin a tour inquiry. Our Taiwan experts can help you plan your ideal day trip or longer tour. Our team are ready to arrange all the transport and guiding you want.