If Taiwan isn’t on your travel bucket list yet, it’s time to update your plans. This beautiful island nation is one of East Asia’s best-kept secrets. Within just a few hours of travel, you can go from standing under the neon lights of a futuristic skyscraper to hiking through dramatic marble canyons, relaxing in a natural hot spring, or eating some of the best street food you’ve ever tasted.
1. Is Taipei 101 worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. For a long time, Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the entire world, and it remains the ultimate icon of Taiwan’s skyline. The design itself is fascinating—it looks like a giant, modern stalk of green bamboo reaching into the clouds. When you visit, you can take one of the world’s fastest pressurized elevators to the observation deck on the 89th floor. The 360-degree views of the sprawling city and the surrounding green mountains are breathtaking.- Local Tip: If you want to see Taipei 101 rather than just look out from it, skip the expensive observatory ticket and hike up Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) instead. It’s a steep 20-minute stair climb, but the view of Taipei 101 at sunset is completely free and much more photogenic.
2. What are the best night markets in Taipei for street food?
Taiwanese food is legendary, and the night markets are the beating heart of the country’s culinary scene. If you ask locals where to go, you will get a dozen different answers, but two stand out for first-time visitors:- Raohe Street Night Market: This is a favorite because it’s a straight, easy-to-navigate street packed with incredible vendors. Right at the entrance, you’ll see a massive line for the famous black pepper pork buns (Hujiao Bing), which are baked in traditional clay ovens. They are hot, crispy, juicy, and worth every second of the wait.
- Shilin Night Market: This is the largest and most famous night market in Taipei. While it can get incredibly crowded, it’s a must-visit for classic snacks like giant fried chicken cutlets, oyster omelets, and sweet mango shaved ice.
3. How do you plan a trip to Jiufen Old Street?
If you’ve ever seen pictures of a mountainside village glowing with red paper lanterns, you’re looking at Jiufen. This former gold-mining town built into the hills of northeastern Taiwan looks like a scene straight out of an anime movie. Getting here is relatively easy; you can take a direct bus from downtown Taipei or catch a train to Ruifang Station and hop on a quick taxi ride. Once you arrive, wander through the narrow, maze-like alleyways of Jiufen Old Street. Stop by a traditional teahouse, like the famous A-Mei Tea House, to sip local high-mountain Oolong tea while looking out over the Pacific Ocean. Don’t leave without trying the chewy taro balls, a sweet local dessert served hot or cold.4. Why is Taroko Gorge called Taiwan’s top natural wonder?
Located on the wild east coast near the city of Hualien, Taroko National Park is home to one of the most spectacular sights in Asia. Taroko Gorge is a massive canyon carved out of solid marble by the rushing, blue-green waters of the Liwu River. When you walk along the trails, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering, vertical marble cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and beautiful shrines hanging off the sides of green mountains.- Traveler Note: The area is seismically active, and parts of the gorge can occasionally close for trail maintenance after heavy rains or minor tremors. Always check the official national park website or consult local guides before heading out to see which trails are open.
5. What makes Sun Moon Lake so special?
Located right in the mountainous center of the island, Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest and most beautiful natural lake. The name comes from its unique shape: the east side looks like a sun, while the west side resembles a crescent moon. The best way to experience the lake is by renting a bicycle. The cycling path that wraps around the water is widely considered one of the most beautiful bike routes in the world. It’s flat, quiet, and offers stunning views of the misty water and surrounding peaks. You can also take a scenic boat cruise across the lake or ride the cable car up to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village to learn about Taiwan’s indigenous history.6. Where are the best natural hot springs in Taiwan?
Thanks to its volcanic geology, Taiwan is absolutely packed with natural hot springs. The most convenient spot to experience this is Beitou, located right at the edge of Taipei. You can literally take the local MRT subway line straight to the hot spring district! In Beitou, you can visit public bathhouses for a few dollars or check into a private hot spring resort for a luxurious soak. Don’t miss Thermal Valley (also known as Hell Valley), a volcanic lake where sulfurous steam constantly rises from the boiling water, creating a surreal, misty atmosphere. If you want a more rustic experience surrounded by deep green forests and rivers, take a day trip to the mountain village of Wulai, just south of Taipei.7. Can you see ancient Chinese art at the National Palace Museum?
For history buffs, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is an absolute goldmine. It houses one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks in the world, spanning over 8,000 years of history. The collection is so vast—featuring nearly 700,000 pieces of jade, calligraphy, porcelain, and bronzes—that the museum can only display a small fraction of it at any one time. The exhibits rotate every few months, meaning there is always something new to see. Keep an eye out for the museum’s most famous (and quirky) treasures: the incredibly detailed Jadeite Cabbage and the Meat-Shaped Stone, which looks exactly like a piece of braised pork belly!8. What is there to do in Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city?
If Taipei is the modern, high-tech face of Taiwan, Tainan is its historic soul. Established by the Dutch in the 17th century, Tainan was the island’s capital for over 200 years. Today, people visit Tainan to slow down, explore ancient temples, and eat. The city is famous for having some of the oldest and most atmospheric active temples in the country. It is also considered the culinary capital of Taiwan, famous for traditional “temple-side” street food. Make sure to try Danzi Noodles (a savory minced pork noodle soup) and Coffin Bread (a thick slice of fried toast hollowed out and filled with rich, creamy seafood chowder).9. How do you release a sky lantern in Shifen?
Just a short train ride away from Jiufen on the historic Pingxi Branch Rail Line is the charming town of Shifen. Here, active train tracks run directly through the middle of a bustling old market street lined with shops. The main draw here is the traditional sky lantern release. You can purchase a large paper lantern, write your wishes, dreams, or personal goals on the sides in colorful ink, and step onto the train tracks to let it float up into the sky. It is an incredibly moving and beautiful experience, especially when the sky fills with dozens of glowing lanterns. While you are there, take a short 15-minute walk to Shifen Waterfall, a massive, horseshoe-shaped waterfall often called “Taiwan’s Little Niagara.”10. What are the most beautiful temples to visit in Taiwan?
Taiwan’s spiritual life is vibrant, and its temples are stunning works of art. You will find them everywhere, from tiny roadside shrines to massive mountain complexes. Two of the most beautiful are:- Longshan Temple (Taipei): Built in 1738, this temple has survived earthquakes, fires, and even bombings during World War II. It is constantly filled with locals chanting, praying, and burning incense. It’s an incredibly sensory and beautiful place to visit.
- Fo Guang Shan (Kaohsiung): Located in the south of the island, this is a massive, modern Buddhist monastery featuring an avenue of eight towering pagodas leading up to a giant, 108-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue.
- Temple Etiquette Tip: When entering a Taiwanese temple, always walk in through the door on the right (the “dragon door”) and exit through the door on the left (the “tiger door”). Walking through in this direction is believed to bring good luck and keep danger away!
11. Do I need a visa to travel to Taiwan?
Before you pack your bags and head to the airport, you need to check your entry requirements. Depending on your nationality, you might be eligible for visa-free entry for up to 90 days. However, many travelers from across the globe need to apply for an official tourist visa or an e-Visa before arriving. To make sure you have all the correct documents and avoid any stressful surprises at the border, check the official requirements here: Taiwan e-Visa Requirements and Information.Why Choose Us for Your Travel Visa Needs?
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