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Where to Go in Taiwan? Must Visit Places in Taiwan & Taiwan Tourist Attractions Map
Forget generic lists; I'm here to share some real local insights. This isn't just a list; it's your personalized Taiwan tourist attractions map coming to life!
Let's take a quick look at the must-visit places and sights in Taiwan we'll be covering on our island loop tour:
| Must Visit Places in Taiwan | Taiwan Sights and Things to Do |
|---|---|
| Taipei | Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, Shifen Old Street Sky Lanterns, National Palace Museum, Dihua Street (Dadaocheng), Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei 101, Ximending |
| Sun Moon Lake | Cruising, cycling, hiking, eating (Grandma's Tea Eggs) |
| Alishan | Forest railway, hiking, giant trees, sunrise, cherry blossom |
| Kaohsiung | Cycling to Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center, Qijin Old Street, Lotus Pond, Kaohsiung Museum of History |
| Pingtung | Huaqiao Seafood Market, Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area (Seaside Café), Duoliang Station |
| Kenting | Baisha Bay, Kenting National Forest Recreation Area, Sail Rock, Eluanbi Lighthouse, Longpan Park Grassland Cliff |
| Taitung | Sanxiantai, Jing Pu Tropic of Cancer Landmark |
| Hualien | Qingshui Cliffs, Taroko Gorge. Alternatives: Qixingtan Beach (stone stacking) |
| Yilan | Nanfangao Fishing Harbor, National Center for Traditional Arts |
1. Yehliu Geopark: Witness Ocean-Sculpted Wonders in Taipei
Our Taiwan adventure kicks off in the bustling capital, Taipei!
Just a short trip from the city, you'll find Yehliu Geopark, a surreal landscape shaped by the ocean's power. It's perfect for a morning visit.
Come marvel at the bizarre rock formations, like the famous "Queen's Head". Geologists estimate this iconic mushroom rock only has 10-20 years left before its slender neck succumbs to erosion, so catch it while you can!
Also, look out for the Candle Stick Rocks and Honeycomb Rocks, where you might spot ancient sea urchin and oyster shell fossils at low tide – millions of years of geological history right before your eyes!
Golden Hour: Aim to arrive right at 7:30 AM when the park opens.
Safety First: Do NOT touch the rock formations! There are infrared sensors, and an alarm will sound if you do.
Our visitors said: "A must go to place, Queens Head even better close up!"
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Old Street Charms in Taipei: Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Sky Lanterns
After a morning of natural wonders, let's dive into some old-world charm. Our afternoon takes us to some beloved old streets – Jiufen & Shifen! The mountain town looks magical when the lanterns start to glow at dusk.
Suggested Route: Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station → Pingxi Line mini-train and ride it to Shifen Station → Shifen Waterfall → Jing'an Suspension Bridge → Shifen Old Street to release a sky lantern
Best Season for Shifen Waterfall: The waterfall is most spectacular during the rainy season, from March to August, when the water volume is abundant and it roars!
How to Get to Jiufen (Jiufen Old Street) from Taipei? (4 Ways)
Our guest's review: "The stone steps swaying with red lanterns, a nostalgic but otherworldly landscape."
My score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Taipei Palace Museum: A Glimpse into Chinese History
Now, let's head into the heart of Taipei to explore some serious history. The Taipei Palace Museum is where your journey through millennia of Chinese artifacts begins.
Jadeite Cabbage (翠玉白菜), Meat-shaped Stone (肉形石), Mao Gong Ding (毛公鼎), Travelers Among Mountains and Streams (谿山行旅圖) and Early Spring (早春圖) are the "Five Great Treasures" or "Must-See" items in this museum!
Local's Tip: After your museum visit, you can head straight down the hill to "Grand Mayfull Taipei (Silks Palace)". Try dishes shaped like famous artifacts, like the "Meat-shaped Stone Gua Bao" or the "Jadeite Cabbage Soup"!
A visitor's review: "Beautiful large museum, where you can wander for a couple of hours."
My take: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Taipei City Walk: Dadaocheng, Dihua Street, C.K.S. Memorial Hall & Taipei 101
From ancient treasures, we shift gears to Taipei's bustling city vibe with a leisurely city walk. How many days in Taipei? 3-5 days is great.
Start your stroll in Dadaocheng, especially Dihua Street, where traditional shops sell dried goods, herbs and fabrics. It's a blend of old and new. From there, you can easily make your way to the grand Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Taipei 101.
Time-Saving Trick: Make sure to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, which happens every hour (09:00-17:00). Arrive 10 minutes early to grab a good spot at the front!
Then, it's time to leave Taipei and say "hello" Sun Moon Lake.
How to get from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake? You have several options: direct buses, HSR + bus, TRA train + bus, or for convenience, consider Asia Odyssey Travel's car service for hotel-to-hotel transfers.
A traveler's insight: "Always popular on the 85 floor view sightseeing, price become more higher."
My grade: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Sun Moon Lake: Cycling or Cruising the Riyuetan
As we transfer from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake, you can try a fun Pineapple Cake DIY experience along the way!
Once at Sun Moon Lake, one of Taiwan's natural highlights, you have 2 options to explore its beauty:
Lake Cruise: A popular choice! Follow this route: Shuishe Pier → Xuanguang Pier → Ita Thao Pier → back to Shuishe Pier.
Lakeside Cycling: If time allows, rent a bike and hit the bike paths, especially the beautiful Shuishe-Xiangshan Lakeside Bikeway. It's one of the most beautiful cycling paths in the world!
10 Sun Moon Lake Things to Do (in 1 Day): Well-planned!
When you're ready for your next adventure, there are 3 direct ways to get from Sun Moon Lake to Alishan: a public bus (note: there's only one per day!), a taxi, or the most convenient option, Asia Odyssey Travel's car service.
Our visitors rave: "This is my first visit to Taiwan. I was impressed to see the magnificent lake with the best weather when I visited Sun Moon Lake."
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. Ride the Alishan Forest Train to 2300-Year-Old Sacred Trees
On your transfer from Sun Moon Lake to Alishan, dive deep into a local tea factory and savor famous high-mountain tea – a unique Taiwanese experience!
Once you arrive at Alishan Forest Recreation Area, you're in for a treat! Alishan is famous for its "Five Wonders": the Forest Railway, Sacred Trees, Sea of Clouds, Sunrise and Cherry Blossoms (peak season is mid-April to mid-May!).
The Best Way to Explore Alishan Forest Park: Forest Train + Hiking!
You can take the scenic forest train to Zhaoping Station from Alishan Station. From there, take a leisure hike downwards.
Here are suggested routes. Check out on our Alishan map >>
| Forest Train 1 | Alishan Station - Zhaoping Station |
|---|---|
| Hiking Route A | Sister Ponds - Three Brothers - Four Sisters - Golden Pig Blessing -Forever Love Trees - Magnolia Garden - Shoujhen Temple - Xianglin Service Area |
| Hiking Route B | Three Generations Tree - Xianglin Elementary School - Xianglin Sacred Tree - Alishan Museum - Cihyun Temple - Alishan Sacred Tree Remains |
| Forest Train 2 | Sacred Tree Station - Alishan Station. Last train: 4:10 PM (arriving 4:17 PM) |
Energy-Saving Tip: From the Xianglin Service Area, you can catch a park shuttle bus back to the Visitor Center or connect to Route B.
Our visitors said like this: "This is an incredibly beautiful forest reserve, with easy self guided hiking trails."
My opinion: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7. Cycle Through Kaohsiung, the Port City's Diverse Sides
After a relaxing stay near Alishan, it's time for our transfer to Kaohsiung, Taiwan's southern port city. Kaohsiung boasts some nice cycling paths! They connect to Kaohsiung's key attractions, making it super easy to sightsee.
- Urban Charm - Love River Bikeway (24.5 km)
Stretching from Lotus Pond in the north to Pier-2 Art Center in the south, this route connects cultural landmarks like the Tower of Light, Heart of Love River, and the Film Library.
Perfect for: City explorers.
Connects: Lotus Pond, Love River, Pier-2 Art Center, and more.
- Wetland Wonders - Gaoping River Nature Eco Park Bikeway (40 km)
Taiwan's longest riverside bikeway! It stretches from Linbian Mangrove Forest to Dashu Slanted Bridge, passing through wetlands, old railway bridges, and even the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center.
The section from Wanda Bridge to the Slanted Bridge (a 22 km embankment) is a highlight.
Perfect for: Nature lovers.
Connects: Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center.
Explorers recounted their experiences: "The Kaohsiung Pier-2 Art Center was great to check out if you love art."
My review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
8. Pacific Ocean Views & Scenic Train Stations in Pingtung
As we journey from Kaohsiung towards Kenting, we'll pass through Pingtung. Get ready for some delicious seafood and stunning coastal views!
Recommended Route to Explore Dapeng Bay: Maritime Building Café → Donggang Donglong Temple → Donggang Huaqiao Seafood Market → Duoliang Station.
Duoliang Station Quick Tip: This spot is famous for its scenic view of trains passing by the blue ocean. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to claim a prime spot at the very front of the platform for that iconic shot!
Guests shared their feedback: "If the weather is nice, you can see the colourful decoration, blue sky and ocean."
My Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐
9. Scooter Adventures in Kenting
Arriving in Kenting from Pingtung, be ready for an afternoon of coastal bliss. Rent a scooter and feel the ocean breeze as you cruise along the scenic coastal roads, chasing Taiwan's most stunning sunsets at Baisha Bay!
My Secret Itinerary 1: Take a scooter to Baisha Bay Beach (a filming location for "Life of Pi") → Relax and bask in Taiwan's most beautiful sunset → For dinner, dive into the local scene at Houbihu Lake (e.g. "A-Xing Sashimi," a local favorite).
My Secret Itinerary 2: Kenting National Forest Recreation Area → Sail Rock → Eluanbi Lighthouse → Longpan Park Grassland Cliff.
Transfer from Kaohsiung to Kenting? For the most convenient option, especially if you want to link Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Kenting attractions, consider Asia Odyssey Travel's car service. Or, the Kenting Express Line or intercity buses offer connections.
Travelers offered their insights: "Nice national park on the southern tip of Taiwan Island. Beach with palm trees and fine sand, gardens at the lighthouse, beaches for surfers, rugged coastline, a bit of everything."
What I thought: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10. Cross the Tropic of Cancer in Taitung
From Kenting, Taiwan's southernmost tip, we begin our northward journey to Taitung – Taiwan's "backyard" and a haven of natural beauty.
Sanxiantai (Three Immortals Island): It's named for the legend that the Eight Immortals (Lu Dongbin, Li Tieguai, and He Xiangu) once visited the island, represented by three giant rocks. Erosion has slowly worn away its connection to the mainland, turning it into an offshore island.
You can walk across the iconic Eight-Arch Bridge to the volcanic rock island!
As you travel along the east coast between Taitung and Hualien, you'll pass the Jing Pu Tropic of Cancer Landmark. Located at 23.5 degrees North latitude, this marks the northernmost point where the sun can directly overhead – a great photo op!
Customers gave their ratings: "Gorgeous. Definitely worth a trip. Water is so clear and the rocks on pebble beach are beautiful."
How I'd rate it: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
11. Kayak Under Qingshui Cliffs & Taroko Gorge in Hualien
After crossing the Tropic of Cancer, we arrive in Hualien, a city known for its dramatic coastline and majestic marble gorges.
Qingshui Cliffs are plunging vertically into the Pacific Ocean. Trust me, kayaking below them will be an unforgettable experience! And, of course, the Taroko Gorge with its stunning marble canyons is a world-renowned highlight!
Alternative Solution! Some sections of Taroko Gorge might be undergoing repairs due to recent seismic activity. If access is limited, don't worry! We have fantastic alternatives like stacking stones and listening to the waves at the serene Qixingtan Beach.
Visitors left comments: "Taroko Gorge has been on my list of places to visit for a while and it did not disappoint."
My Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
12. Explore Yilan's Nanfangao Fishing Harbor & Traditional Arts
After enjoying Hualien's grandeur, our next stop is Yilan, the last leg of our island loop before returning to Taipei.
Nanfang'ao Fishing Harbor: The century-old "First Fishing Port" is bustling with colorful fishing boats, and the cross-harbor bridge offers a spectacular viewpoint.
National Center for Traditional Arts: You can catch daily performances of Taiwanese opera and puppet shows, and even try your hand at DIY crafts like indigo dyeing or wood carving here.
Our clients expressed their views: "It was a place that showed their traditional culture with shows and exhibitions. Ticket prices were affordable."
My verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
13. Urban Exploration & AR Fun in Ximending, Taipei
And just like that, we're back in Taipei! Our final stop on this epic journey is the youthful and energetic Ximending Commercial District, perfect for some last-minute shopping, souvenir hunting, and futuristic fun!
- Riyuebenpo Museum: Head to the rooftop for a free trip back to Showa-era Japan!
- POP MART Flagship Store: Dive into the world's largest 4-story POP MART store!
- Light Tag AR Experience: Keep an eye out for glowing blue "Tech Cat" installations on the ground.
AR Guide: Download the "Light Tag" app, scan the blue markers on the ground, collect virtual badges, and you might get a "buy-one-get-one-free" coupon for famous A-Zong Mianxian (vermicelli). Time-limited!
Our guests provided feedback: "If there's a district in Taipei that we would definitely come back again and again that will be the colorful and vibrant district of Ximending!!!"
My opinion: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Your Itinerary Suggestions for a Taiwan Island Loop Trip
Ready to plan your own adventure? Here's an overview of a Taiwan Island Loop Trip route: Taipei → Sun Moon Lake → Alishan → Kaohsiung → Kenting (Optional) → Taitung → Hualien → Yilan → Taipei.
Note: We've condensed this journey into a tight 10-day itinerary, excluding Kenting to keep the pace brisk. But if you're eager to add Kenting or other places to visit in Taiwan, just contact Asia Odyssey Travel for a custom DIY itinerary!
| Day | Places to Visit in Taiwan | Things to Do in Taiwan | Where to Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taipei | / | Taipei |
| 2 | Taipei | Yehliu Geopark - Jiufen Old Street - Shifen Waterfall - Shifen Old Street Sky Lanterns | Taipei |
| 3 | Taipei | Beitou Hot Spring Museum - Geothermal Valley - Yangmingshan (Zhuzihu + Xiaoyoukeng + Qingtiankang) | Taipei |
| 4 | Taipei | National Palace Museum - Dadaocheng - Dihua Street - Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall - Taipei 101 (exterior) | Taipei |
| 5 | Taipei - Sun Moon Lake | Pineapple Cake DIY - Sun Moon Lake (Boat Cruise) | Sun Moon Lake |
| 6 | Sun Moon Lake - Alishan - Chiayi | Alishan Forest Recreation Area - Tea Factory Tour & Tasting | Chiayi |
| 7 | Chiayi - Kaohsiung | Chiayi Hinoki Village - Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center - Qijin Old Street | Kaohsiung |
| 8 | Kaohsiung - Taitung | Lotus Pond - Kaohsiung Museum of History - Dapeng Bay Huaqiao Seafood Market - Seaside Café (exterior) - Duoliang Station | Taitung |
| 9 | Taitung - Hualien | Sanxiantai - Tropic of Cancer Landmark - Qixingtan Beach (stone stacking) | Hualien |
| 10 | Hualien - Yilan - Taipei | Su'ao Seafood & Fish Market + Lunch - National Center for Traditional Arts - Ximending | / |
Heads Up! Due to the seismic activity, some attractions in Hualien may be undergoing repairs. Don't worry! Our itinerary offers fun alternative Taiwan activities.
Optional Kenting Extension (Modifies Day 8 onwards):
Day 8 - Kaohsiung to Kenting: Depart from your Kaohsiung hotel - Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area - Donggang Donglong Temple - Huaqiao Market - Hengchun Old Town - Baisha Bay - Check into Kenting hotel.
Day 9 - Kenting to Kaohsiung: Kenting National Forest Recreation Area - Sail Rock - Eluanbi Lighthouse - Longpan Park Grassland - Overnight in Kaohsiung.
Day 10 - Kaohsiung to Taipei: Lotus Pond Scenic Area - Lukang Old Street - Ximending Commercial District - Your Taiwan trip concludes in Taipei.
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