Taiwan · Things to do
5 places in Taiwan you have to see
Five places show the range of Taiwan: Taipei 101 in the capital, the lantern-lit hill town of Jiufen, the marble canyon of Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake in the central mountains, and the beaches of Kenting at the southern tip. The high-speed train makes it easy to combine them in a week to ten days.
What to do, in order
- 1
Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is 508 metres tall and was the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010. Its shape is inspired by bamboo, with eight stacked sections. A high-speed lift climbs to the indoor observatory, and on clear days there is an outdoor deck higher up. For the view of the tower itself, walk up Elephant Mountain at sunset, a short metro ride away. The tower is also the centre of Taipei's New Year fireworks.
- 2
Jiufen
Jiufen is an old gold-mining town on a steep hillside above the north-east coast, about an hour from Taipei by bus or train and bus. Narrow lanes and stairways are lined with food stalls and teahouses hung with red lanterns, and the town is often compared to the setting of the film Spirited Away. Day visitors fill the lanes in the afternoon, so stay into the evening, when the lanterns light up and the crowds thin.
- 3
Taroko Gorge
Taroko Gorge, in Taroko National Park near Hualien on the east coast, is a deep marble canyon carved by the Liwu River. The road through it passes tunnels cut into the cliffs, suspension and red steel bridges, temples and short trails. A strong earthquake in April 2024 damaged parts of the park, and some trails stayed closed for a long time afterwards, so check the national park's website for what is open before you go.
- 4
Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake, in Nantou county in the central mountains, is Taiwan's largest lake. Its name comes from the shape of its two parts, one round like the sun and one curved like a crescent moon. A cycle path runs along part of the shore, boats link the lakeside piers, and a ropeway climbs to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. Early morning is the calmest time, when mist often lies on the water.
- 5
Kenting
Kenting, at the southern tip of Taiwan in Pingtung county, has sandy beaches, coral reefs and a warm climate for most of the year. Kenting National Park, created in 1982, is Taiwan's oldest national park and covers coast, forest and grassland. The Eluanbi Lighthouse marks the far south of the island, and the night market on the main street is busy every evening. It is reached by bus from Kaohsiung, the southern end of the high-speed line.
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Plan it
- Best time
- October to December and March to May are mild and mostly dry. Summer is hot and humid, and typhoons are most likely from July to September.
- How long
- A week covers Taipei, Jiufen and either Taroko or Sun Moon Lake; ten days lets you add Kenting in the south.
- Getting around
- The high-speed rail runs down the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung in about two hours. Regular trains go down the east coast to Hualien. An EasyCard pays for metro, buses and many trains.
Good to know
- Stay in Jiufen until the evening, when the lanterns light up and the day crowds leave.
- Check which Taroko Gorge trails are open after the 2024 earthquake.
- Climb Elephant Mountain at sunset for the classic view of Taipei 101.
Frequently asked
How many days do you need in Taiwan? +
A week covers Taipei, a day trip to Jiufen and one of Taroko Gorge or Sun Moon Lake. With ten days to two weeks you can see both and add Kenting in the south.
How tall is Taipei 101? +
Taipei 101 is 508 metres tall. It was the tallest building in the world from its completion in 2004 until 2010.
When is the best time to visit Taiwan? +
October to December and March to May are mild and mostly dry. Summer is hot and humid, and typhoons are most likely from July to September.
Is Jiufen worth visiting? +
Yes, especially in the evening, when the red lanterns light up the lanes and teahouses. It is about an hour from Taipei and easy as a day or half-day trip.
