Taiwan Things To See

Taiwan is a treasure trove of attractions, thanks to its diverse geography and rich cultural heritage. Certain cities offer an impressive concentration of sites that highlight the island's history, natural beauty, and modern advancements. Here are some must-visit destinations:

The vibrant capital, Taipei, is known for its blend of traditional temples and bustling street markets.

• Taipei 101 - A landmark skyscraper with an observatory
• National Palace Museum - Holding one of the largest collections of Chinese art
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall - A significant historical monument
• Longshan Temple - A beautiful, historic temple
• Elephant Mountain - Offers stunning panoramic views of the city

Kaohsiung boasts a lively harbor and cultural scene.

• Pier-2 Art Center - A creative space with art installations
• Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum - Home to a large Buddha statue
• Cijin Island - Known for its beaches and seafood
• Love River - Perfect for a romantic stroll or boat ride
• Ruifeng Night Market - A bustling night market offering local street food

As the oldest city in Taiwan, Tainan is steeped in history.

• Anping Fort - A historical port and fortress area
• Chihkan Tower - A historic pagoda with beautiful gardens
• Koxinga Shrine - A tribute to China's historical figure
• Tainan Flower Night Market - A vibrant market with local delicacies
• National Museum of Taiwan Literature - Showcasing Taiwanese literary history

Hualien is a gateway to Taiwan's natural wonders.

• Taroko National Park - Famous for its stunning marble gorges
• Hualien Night Market - A bustling spot for local street food
• Qixingtan Beach - Known for its beautiful coastline
• Chíhshang Rice - Famous for its quality and taste
• Yushan National Park - Home to Taiwan's highest peak

Taiwan offers a rich variety of attractions that cater to all types of travelers. From historical landmarks to natural terrains, each type showcases distinct aspects of Taiwanese culture and beauty. Here’s a closer look:

These attractions reflect Taiwan’s rich history and its transformation through the ages.

• National Palace Museum - Taipei
• Anping Fort - Tainan
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall - Taipei
• Taipei Confucius Temple - Taipei
• Old Taitung Railway Art Village - Taitung

Cultural venues present Taiwan’s artistic heritage and colorful traditions.

• Pier-2 Art Center - Kaohsiung
• Taipei Fine Arts Museum - Taipei
• Yangming Shuwu - Taipei
• National Taichung Theater - Taichung
• Tainan Arts Museum - Tainan

Museums in Taiwan cover a wide range of subjects including art, history, and science.

• National Museum of Nature Science - Taichung
• Taipei Astronomical Museum - Taipei
• National Museum of Taiwan Literature - Tainan
• Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines - Taipei
• National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium - Pingtung

Taiwan’s diverse landscapes offer breathtaking natural attractions.

• Taroko National Park - Hualien
• Yushan National Park - Nantou
• Kenting National Park - Pingtung
• Alishan Scenic Area - Chiayi
• Sun Moon Lake - Nantou

Religious sites in Taiwan reflect a blend of local beliefs and traditions.

• Longshan Temple - Taipei
• Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery - Kaohsiung
• Confucius Temple - Tainan
• Touying Palace - Chiayi
• Yangmingshan National Park (Buddhist Temples) - Taipei

Family-friendly attractions offer fun for visitors of all ages.

• Taipei Children’s Amusement Park - Taipei
• Leofoo Village Theme Park - Hsinchu
• Kenting National Park (Water activities) - Pingtung
• Taipei Zoo - Taipei
• Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village - Nantou

Fortresses in Taiwan were key to its defense and represent the island's history and heritage. While the number of traditional fortresses is limited, several sites reflect this rich past through their structures and significance. Here are notable fortresses you can visit:

• Anping Fort - Tainan - Originally built by the Dutch in the 17th century, it offers unique architecture and scenic views.
• Fort San Domingo - Tamsui - A historic fort built by the Spanish that features a blend of Western and Eastern architectural styles.
• Taipei Old City Wall - Taipei - Remnants of the historic city wall that once protected the capital, showcasing colonial architecture.
• Keelung Fortress - Keelung - Positioned strategically at the harbor, it offers historical insights and expansive views.
• Wuchiu Fortress - Kinmen - A coastal defense fortress with rich history, showcasing military architecture.
• Mazu Temple Fortress - Various locations - Temples that have served as both religious and protective establishments.
• Cijin Fort - Kaohsiung - Once a military point, it provides historical context and coastal views.
• Chikuan Fortress - Keelung - Known for its scenic harbor views and rich maritime significance.

National parks in Taiwan exemplify the island's commitment to preserving its unique landscapes and biodiversity. These parks are havens for nature lovers, offering various activities from hiking to birdwatching. Here are some key parks worth exploring:

A stunning showcase of marble gorges and lush greenery, it offers numerous trails including the famous Zhuilu Old Trail. The park is spectacular year-round, though spring and autumn are particularly popular.

Famous for its tropical beaches and diverse marine life, this park is perfect for water sports, hiking, and enjoying the coast. The park entrance fee is usually nominal, and it's vibrant in summer.

Home to Taiwan's tallest peak, Yushan, it provides breathtaking trails and opportunities to see unique wildlife. It’s best visited during the cooler months from October to April.

Renowned for its sunset views and sea of clouds, Alishan features ancient forests and a charming little railway. Visit during the cherry blossom season in spring for spectacular scenery.

A lesser-known marine park that protects coral reefs and migratory sea species, it's ideal for diving and snorkeling adventures.

• Jiangjun Wetlands - Tainan
• Yangmingshan National Park - Taipei
• Guguan Scenic Area - Taichung

The spiritual heritage of Taiwan is reflected in its vast array of religious sites, ranging from ancient temples to significant monasteries, showcasing various beliefs. Here’s a selection of essential religious sites worth visiting:

These sites offer insight into Buddhist practices and activities.

• Fo Guang Shan Monastery - Kaohsiung - A significant Buddhist centre where followers participate in retreats and ceremonies.
• Cihji Temple - Taichung - A vibrant temple that holds various cultural events and festivals.
• Nangang Tzu Chi Temple - Taipei - Part of the Tzu Chi organization, known for its humanitarian work.
• Taipei International Buddhist Temple - Taipei - A beautifully constructed temple attracting numerous visitors.

These structures are part of Taiwan's cultural fabric and reflect diverse traditions.

• Longshan Temple - Taipei - An exquisite temple known for its intricate architecture and firmly connected to local worship.
• Confucius Temple - Tainan - A historic site honoring Confucius, showcasing classical Asian architecture.
• Chenghuang Temple - Kaohsiung - An iconic temple with stunning architecture and rich local folklore.
• Yong He Soy Milk King - Taipei - A popular food stop near religious landmarks.

To make the most of your visit to Taiwan’s attractions, a bit of planning goes a long way. These tips help ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience while exploring this beautiful island:

• Check opening hours online before visiting, as they can vary by season.
• Ticket prices may vary for adults, children, and seniors, so confirm in advance.
• Dress codes are important, especially at temples and monasteries; conservative clothing is recommended.
• Photography rules vary by location; respect signage and ask when in doubt.
• Observe local etiquette, especially in religious sites; silence and respect are essential.
• Use public transport for remote sites; it’s generally reliable and efficient.
• Consider guided tours for complex attractions, as they offer valuable insights.
• Keep local currency handy; not all places accept credit cards, especially in rural areas.
• Stay alert and be cautious in busy areas to ensure safety.
• Understand peak tourist seasons to avoid large crowds at popular spots.
• Try local snacks and street food; they often provide the best cultural experience.
• Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes, especially when hiking or walking long distances.