An itinerary for Taiwan
Destination: Taiwan
Tags: Weekend Trips, Taiwan, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Hualien
Author: Moo_The_Trotter
Updated:
About: An iconic skyscraper with an observatory and luxury mall.
Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Types: skyscraper, landmark
Notes: An iconic skyscraper dominating the Taipei skyline, once the world's tallest, offering panoramic city views from its observatory. Visit before dusk to see the city transition to night.
About: Houses one of the world's largest collections of Chinese art.
Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhishan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Types: museum, art museum
Notes: Houses a vast collection of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks, spanning thousands of years of Chinese history. Allow at least half a day to explore its impressive galleries.
About: A grand monument dedicated to Taiwan's former president.
Address: No. 21, Zhongshan S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Types: memorial, landmark
Notes: A grand national monument and landmark, commemorating the former President of the Republic of China, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Catch the hourly changing of the guard ceremony.
About: An ornate, historic Buddhist temple in Taipei.
Address: No. 211, Guangzhou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Types: temple, historic site
Notes: A beautiful and historic temple, a spiritual center for Taipei residents, showcasing traditional Chinese temple architecture and intricate decorations. The ornate carvings fill the air with history.
About: Taipei's largest and most famous night market.
Address: No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Types: night market, food market
Notes: One of Taiwan's largest and most famous night markets, offering an overwhelming array of street food, clothes, and trinkets. Aromatic smells of local delicacies fill the air here.
About: Hiking trail with Taipei 101 views
Address: Xiangshan Trail, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Types: mountain, hiking, viewpoint
Notes: Offers one of the best vantage points for classic panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline, especially stunning at sunset. Wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
About: A vibrant and trendy shopping and entertainment district.
Address: Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Types: shopping district, entertainment
Notes: A vibrant and trendy pedestrian area known for its shopping, street performances, youth culture, and diverse food options. It's a great spot for people-watching in the evening.
About: A colorful village painted by a veteran, now an art attraction.
Address: No. 56, Chun'an Rd, Nantun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 408
Types: art installation, village
Notes: A small, vibrant village painted with colorful cartoon characters and artwork by a former soldier, creating a unique and whimsical attraction. The vivid colors make for great photos.
About: Historic building, now elaborate dessert shop.
Address: No. 20, Zhongshan Rd, Central District, Taichung City, Taiwan 400
Types: dessert shop, historic building
Notes: A former ophthalmology clinic transformed into a stunning dessert shop, known for its opulent interior and delicious ice cream and pastries. The building's antique charm is a delight.
About: Architecturally unique opera house.
Address: No. 101, Section 2, Huilai Rd, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 407
Types: theater, architecture
Notes: A striking modern opera house designed by Toyo Ito, renowned for its innovative 'cave' architecture and diverse performances. Take time to appreciate the unique curved walls inside.
About: Taiwan's largest lake, offering stunning natural beauty.
Address: Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555
Types: lake, scenic area
Notes: Taiwan's largest natural lake, renowned for its stunning emerald waters and surrounding mountains, offering boat rides, cycling, and scenic views. Cycling around the lake is a popular activity.
About: Grand temple with lake views
Address: No. 63, Wunwu Street, Riyue Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555
Types: temple, religion, viewpoint
Notes: A magnificent temple perched on a hillside overlooking Sun Moon Lake, dedicated to Confucius and Guan Yu, offering grand halls and lake views. Don't miss the impressive lion statues.
About: Aboriginal culture and amusement park
Address: No. 45, Jiuzu Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555
Types: theme_park, cultural_center
Notes: An amusement park and cultural village showcasing the traditional arts, crafts, and lifestyles of Taiwan's indigenous tribes. The cable car ride offers stunning views of Sun Moon Lake.
About: Historic Dutch-built fort
Address: No. 212, Section 2, Minzu Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
Types: historic, fortress, museum
Notes: A historic site originally built by the Dutch, featuring beautiful red brick architecture, lush gardens, and interesting historical exhibits. Explore the ancient stone steles for unique calligraphy.
About: Taiwan's oldest fort
Address: No. 82, Guosheng Road, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708
Types: historic, fortress, museum
Notes: Taiwan's oldest fort, originally a Dutch outpost, now a historic landmark with remnants of the old fort and a museum. The view from the top offers glimpses of the sea.
About: Taiwan's first Confucius Temple
Address: No. 2, Nanmen Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
Types: temple, historic, religion
Notes: Taiwan's first Confucius Temple, a serene and beautiful complex of traditional Chinese architecture, offering a peaceful escape. The tranquil courtyard is perfect for quiet reflection.
About: Historic street with art and cafes
Address: Shennong Street, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
Types: historic_street, shopping, art
Notes: A charming historic street lined with beautifully preserved old shophouses, now home to quirky cafes, art studios, and boutiques. Visit in the evening for illuminated lanterns.
About: Industrial park with drum performances
Address: No. 326, Section 2, Wenhua Road, Rende District, Tainan City, Taiwan 717
Types: cultural_center, performance_venue, museum
Notes: A former sugar refinery transformed into a cultural park and performance venue for the Ten Drum Art Percussion Group, featuring industrial aesthetics and dynamic shows. Experience the rhythmic sound of their performances.
About: Iconic twin pagodas at Lotus Pond, known for their vibrant decorations.
Address: Liantan Rd, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 813
Types: pagoda, temple
Notes: Iconic twin pagodas guarding the entrance to Lotus Pond, with dragon and tiger mouths serving as entry and exit points, believed to bring good luck. Enter through the dragon's mouth for good fortune.
About: Large Buddhist monastery and museum
Address: No. 1, Tongling Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 840
Types: museum, temple, buddhism
Notes: A massive Buddhist complex featuring a towering Buddha statue, pagodas, and extensive exhibition halls dedicated to Buddhist art and culture. The serene atmosphere is truly captivating.
About: Old warehouses, now dynamic art hub.
Address: No. 1, Dayong Rd, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 803
Types: art complex, park
Notes: A redeveloped waterfront area featuring warehouses transformed into art galleries, studios, cafes, and creative shops, with outdoor installations. Wander through the vibrant street art and enjoy a coffee.
About: Island with beaches and seafood
Address: Cijin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 805
Types: island, beach, food
Notes: A narrow, charming island accessible by ferry, known for its seafood, historic lighthouse, black sand beach, and wind power park. Rent a bike to explore the island's coastline.
About: Scenic river for evening cruises
Address: Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
Types: river, promenade, attraction
Notes: A scenic river flowing through Kaohsiung, popular for evening strolls, boat cruises, and its romantic atmosphere with illuminated bridges. Take a relaxing gondola ride after sunset.
About: Stunning marble gorge and national park
Address: Fuxing Village, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 972
Types: national_park, gorge, nature
Notes: A spectacular marble gorge with towering cliffs, winding tunnels, and lush vegetation, offering breathtaking hiking trails and scenic drives. Early morning visits avoid crowds and offer cooler temperatures.
About: Scenic shrine beside a waterfall
Address: Taroko National Park, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan
Types: shrine, memorial, waterfall
Notes: A picturesque shrine nestled beside a waterfall in Taroko Gorge, commemorating those who died building the Central Cross-Island Highway. The sound of the rushing water is remarkably soothing.
About: Cliffside trail with gorge views
Address: Taroko National Park, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan
Types: trail, gorge, viewpoint
Notes: A popular trail carved into the cliffside of Taroko Gorge, offering dramatic views of the Liwu River below and unique rock formations. Listen for the swallows nesting in the cliffs.
About: Scenic pebble beach
Address: Xincheng Township, Hualien County, Taiwan
Types: beach, coast, park
Notes: A crescent-shaped pebble beach offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains, ideal for cycling and enjoying the coastal breeze. The dark blue ocean contrasts beautifully with the grey pebbles.
About: Large night market with diverse food
Address: No. 50, Zhongshan Road, Hualien City, Hualien County, Taiwan 970
Types: market, food
Notes: Hualien's largest night market, combining several smaller markets into one, offering a vast array of local aboriginal foods and street eats. Be sure to try the unique aboriginal sausages.
About: Tropical national park with beaches
Address: Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan
Types: national_park, beach, nature
Notes: Taiwan's oldest national park, famous for its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, lush forests, and diverse marine life. Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water.
About: Southernmost lighthouse with coastal views
Address: No. 90, Gekou Road, Eluan Village, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946
Types: lighthouse, historic, viewpoint
Notes: Located at Taiwan's southernmost point, this iconic white lighthouse offers stunning coastal views and is surrounded by a beautiful park. The strong ocean breeze is invigorating.
About: Lively night market in a beach town
Address: Kenting Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946
Types: market, food, shopping
Notes: The main thoroughfare of Kenting transforms into a lively night market, offering seafood, local snacks, and souvenirs in a relaxed beach town atmosphere. Enjoy fresh grilled seafood right by the street.
About: Secluded white sand beach
Address: Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946
Types: beach, swimming
Notes: A beautiful, secluded white sand beach known for its clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the peaceful coastal scenery. It's less crowded than other Kenting beaches.
About: Coastal park with unique rock formations
Address: Maobitou, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946
Types: park, geological_formation, viewpoint
Notes: A scenic coastal area featuring unique rock formations carved by erosion, including one resembling a crouching cat, with panoramic ocean views. The rugged coastline is quite dramatic here.
About: Historic temple and vibrant market area
Address: No. 175, Zhongshan Rd, North District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300
Types: temple, market
Notes: Experience the spiritual heart of Hsinchu at this bustling temple dedicated to the City God, renowned for its intricate architecture and the surrounding lively night market. Don't miss trying some of the local street food for an authentic taste.
About: Taiwan's oldest and smallest zoo
Address: No. 66, Gongyuan Rd, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300
Types: zoo, park
Notes: Visit the oldest zoo in Taiwan, charming in its compact size and home to a variety of animals, including some native species. It's a pleasant spot for a leisurely stroll, especially appealing to families with younger children.
About: Showcases Hsinchu's renowned glass art
Address: No. 2, Dongda Rd Sec 2, East District, Hsinchu City, Taiwan 300
Types: museum, art_gallery
Notes: Explore the exquisite world of glass art at this museum, highlighting Hsinchu's significant role in Taiwan's glass industry. The delicate craftsmanship and vibrant colors of the exhibits are truly captivating.
About: Preserving and promoting Taiwanese folk arts
Address: No. 201, Sec. 2, Wubin Rd, Wujie Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 268
Types: cultural_center, museum
Notes: Immerse yourself in Taiwan's rich heritage at this extensive center, featuring traditional crafts, performances, and architecture. You can watch artisans at work and even try your hand at some traditional arts.
About: Historic street with preserved architecture
Address: Toucheng Old Street, Toucheng Township, Yilan County, Taiwan
Types: historic_site, street
Notes: Stroll through Toucheng Old Street, where well-preserved historical buildings offer a glimpse into the past. This charming street is perfect for a relaxed walk and discovering quaint shops and local eateries.
About: Three-tiered scenic waterfall in nature
Address: Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 262
Types: waterfall, nature_reserve
Notes: Hike to the majestic Wufengchi Waterfall, a beautiful three-tiered cascade offering refreshing mist and lush green surroundings. The well-maintained trails make it an accessible natural escape for all ages.
About: Relaxing urban hot spring park
Address: No. 99, Deyang Rd, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 262
Types: hot_spring, park
Notes: Unwind at Tangweigou Hot Spring Park, where you can soak your feet in natural hot spring waters or enjoy a leisurely walk through the landscaped grounds. This public park offers a calming thermal experience in the heart of Jiaoxi.
About: Famous for its misty mountain landscapes, sunrise, and tea plantations.
Address: Alishan Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan
Types: national scenic area, mountains
Notes: Discover the breathtaking beauty of Alishan, renowned for its misty mountain landscapes, lush tea plantations, and stunning sunrises over a sea of clouds. This area is a haven for nature lovers and photographers.
About: Historic narrow-gauge mountain railway
Address: Alishan Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan 605
Types: railway, historic_site
Notes: Embark on a nostalgic journey aboard the Alishan Forest Railway, an engineering marvel that winds through scenic forests and mountains. The historic train ride offers unique perspectives of the area's natural splendor.
About: Tranquil twin ponds with a touching legend
Address: Alishan Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan 605
Types: lake, nature_reserve
Notes: Discover the serene Sister Ponds, two beautiful bodies of water nestled within the Alishan forest, connected by a wooden bridge. A poignant local legend adds to the peaceful atmosphere of this natural spot.
About: Scenic park known for cherry blossoms
Address: Alishan Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan 605
Types: park, garden
Notes: Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Zhaoping Park, especially stunning during cherry blossom season, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon walk amidst nature's splendor.