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Taiwan Travel Guide: Culture, Adventure, and Natural Wonder


Taiwan by Region – Where to Go

Taiwan may be a compact island, but it unfolds with dramatic contrasts—from lush mountains to sparkling coastlines, buzzing cities to tranquil temples. Here’s a region-by-region breakdown to help you explore its full spectrum.

Main Airport: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Location: Taoyuan City, near Taipei
Hub for China Airlines and EVA Air
2 runways; modern and efficient
Other Airports:
Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA): For domestic and short-haul Asia flights
Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH): Gateway to southern Taiwan
Taichung International Airport (RMQ): Central Taiwan access point

Most travelers from the US, EU, Canada, UK, Australia, and many Asian nations can enter Taiwan visa-free for 14 to 90 days, depending on nationality.
Visa-on-arrival is not available for most travelers, so check eligibility in advance.
Apply for a visa or confirm entry rules through Taiwan’s official Bureau of Consular Affairs: boca.gov.tw.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival.

Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, tetanus, and MMR. Japanese encephalitis is advised for rural or extended stays.
Medical care is excellent, especially in Taipei and Kaohsiung. Urban hospitals often have English-speaking doctors.
Check the latest travel health updates from the CDC Taiwan page: CDC Travel – Taiwan.

Lunar New Year (Jan/Feb): Biggest holiday of the year, with mass closures.
Tomb Sweeping Day (April): Families honor ancestors with cemetery visits.
Dragon Boat Festival (June): Famous for boat races and sticky rice dumplings.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept/Oct): Celebrated with mooncakes and lanterns.
National Day (Oct 10): Patriotic displays and parades across Taiwan.
Travel may be disrupted during major holidays, especially around Lunar New Year.

Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
ATMs: Widely available; foreign cards accepted in most machines
Card usage: Credit cards accepted in cities; cash needed for small vendors
Duty-free limits: 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars
Tipping: Not expected, but appreciated for private tours or high-end service

Continent: Asia
Area: 36,193 km²
Population: ~23.5 million
Density: One of the highest in Asia, mostly urban
Capital: Taipei
Regions: North, Central, South, East, Offshore Islands
Language: Mandarin Chinese (Taiwanese Hokkien widely spoken)
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
Time Zone: GMT+8
Main Airport: Taiwan Taoyuan International (TPE)
Climate: Subtropical in the north, tropical in the south
Known For: Night markets, Taroko Gorge, tea culture, bubble tea, mountain temples, tech industry

Northern Taiwan

This region is home to the capital and several of Taiwan’s most famous cultural and scenic landmarks.

  • Taipei City – Taiwan’s vibrant capital is packed with historic temples, towering skyscrapers like Taipei 101, and some of Asia’s best night markets. Visit the National Palace Museum, soak in Beitou’s hot springs, and ride the Maokong Gondola to tea plantations.
  • New Taipei City – Surrounding Taipei, this area offers treasures like Jiufen’s nostalgic mountain streets, Shifen’s waterfall and sky lanterns, and Yehliu Geopark’s bizarre coastal rock formations.
  • Keelung – A lively port city famous for its seafood night market and its Ghost Festival, one of Taiwan’s most colorful religious events.

Central Taiwan

Central Taiwan is a blend of modern innovation and natural splendor, with cultural towns and cool mountain air.

  • Taichung – This cultural hub boasts art museums, creative parks, and access to Fengjia Night Market—one of the largest in the country.
  • Nantou County – The only landlocked county in Taiwan, it features the iconic Sun Moon Lake, perfect for cycling and boating. Nearby, Cingjing Farm and Hehuanshan offer alpine landscapes and starry skies.
  • Lukang – A historic port town with beautifully preserved streets, traditional crafts, and centuries-old temples.

Southern Taiwan

Southern Taiwan is sunny, relaxed, and deeply rooted in history.

  • Tainan – Taiwan’s oldest city is filled with centuries-old temples, forts, and a cuisine beloved across the island. It’s considered the culinary capital of Taiwan.
  • Kaohsiung – This evolving port city features cutting-edge architecture like the Pier-2 Art Center, alongside traditional sites such as the Lotus Pond and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas.
  • Pingtung & Kenting – Head to Taiwan’s southern tip for white-sand beaches, tropical forests, and water activities in Kenting National Park.

Eastern Taiwan

The east offers the island’s most breathtaking natural scenery, untouched coastlines, and rich indigenous culture.

  • Hualien – The main gateway to Taroko Gorge, a marble canyon with hiking trails, suspension bridges, and turquoise rivers.
  • Taitung – Less developed than the west coast, Taitung is prized for its surfing beaches, hot air balloon festival, and relaxed pace of life. It’s also the jumping-off point to Green Island and Orchid Island.

Outlying Islands

Taiwan’s outer islands offer unique cultural and geological experiences.

  • Penghu Islands – Wind-swept archipelagos with basalt columns, sea temples, and crystal-clear waters. Ideal for island-hopping.
  • Kinmen & Matsu – Located near mainland China, these islands reveal a different facet of Taiwan, with Fujian-style architecture, military tunnels, and battle-scarred history.
  • Green Island & Orchid Island – Perfect for diving and cultural immersion, these volcanic islands preserve indigenous Tao traditions and stunning marine life.

Top Places to Visit in Taiwan

From iconic skyscrapers to untouched mountain trails, these destinations are must-visits on any Taiwan travel itinerary:

  • Taipei 101 – Once the world’s tallest building, it remains a symbol of modern Taiwan.
  • Taroko Gorge – Taiwan’s crown jewel for nature lovers.
  • Sun Moon Lake – Ideal for cycling, boat rides, and lakeside temples.
  • Alishan Forest Railway – A misty mountain train ride through ancient forests and tea fields.
  • Kenting National Park – Warm beaches, tropical scenery, and snorkeling spots.
  • Jiufen Old Street – A nostalgic village famed for its red lanterns and hillside teahouses.
  • Fo Guang Shan – The largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan, located near Kaohsiung.

How to Choose Where to Go in Taiwan

Taiwan is easy to navigate and rewards both spontaneous and well-planned travel. Here’s how to prioritize:

  • For Urban Culture – Taipei and Kaohsiung offer art, shopping, and nightlife.
  • For Scenic Beauty – Head east to Hualien and Taroko Gorge, or central to Sun Moon Lake and Hehuanshan.
  • For Beach Time – Kenting, Penghu, or Green Island deliver sun and surf.
  • For Food & History – Tainan’s temples and street eats are unrivaled.
  • For a Bit of Everything – Plan a circular route from Taipei down the west coast, across the south, and up the scenic east.

How to Get Around: Taiwan Travel Guide

Taiwan has one of the most efficient and traveler-friendly transport systems in Asia.

  • High-Speed Rail (HSR) – Runs from Taipei to Kaohsiung in under two hours. Fast and comfortable, with reserved seating.
  • Taiwan Railways (TRA) – Covers the full island, including scenic east coast lines.
  • Metro Systems – Taipei and Kaohsiung both offer reliable and clean metro systems.
  • Public Buses – Frequent and affordable, especially for intercity and rural routes.
  • Scooter Rentals – Popular in smaller towns and islands; international licenses often required.
  • Domestic Flights – Best for reaching Penghu, Kinmen, and Orchid Island.

Use an EasyCard or iPASS for metro, bus, and convenience store payments across the island.


Travel Budget & Costs in Taiwan

Taiwan offers excellent value, especially compared to Japan or South Korea.

  • Budget: $30–$60/day
  • Mid-Range: $60–$120/day
  • Luxury: $150+/day

Sample Costs:

  • Night Market Dinner: $5–$10
  • Hotel Room (3-star): $50–$80
  • HSR from Taipei to Kaohsiung: ~$40
  • Scooter Rental: $10–$15/day

Taiwan offers plenty of free or low-cost attractions, including temples, hiking trails, and cultural festivals.


Best Time to Visit Taiwan

Taiwan’s subtropical climate means there’s no bad time to visit—just different benefits each season.

  • Spring (March–May) – Comfortable weather, cherry blossoms, and flower festivals.
  • Summer (June–August) – Hot and humid with occasional typhoons. Great for beach trips and night markets.
  • Fall (September–November) – Arguably the best time—dry, clear, and warm.
  • Winter (December–February) – Cool and misty in the mountains, mild in cities. Ideal for hot springs and cultural travel.

Avoid traveling during Lunar New Year, when prices surge and transport is crowded.


Must-See Experiences in Taiwan

  • Ride the Alishan Forest Railway at sunrise
  • Light a sky lantern in Shifen during the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
  • Hike the Zhuilu Old Trail in Taroko Gorge
  • Eat your way through Fengjia, Shilin, or Liuhe night markets
  • Soak in a steaming hot spring in Beitou, Jiaoxi, or Guguan
  • Explore temple-rich Tainan’s alleys and fortresses

Each experience connects you with Taiwan’s deep spiritual, culinary, or natural character.


Best Travel Itineraries in Taiwan

5-Day Highlights Itinerary

  • Day 1–2: Taipei (temples, museums, day trip to Jiufen)
  • Day 3: Hualien & Taroko Gorge
  • Day 4: Sun Moon Lake
  • Day 5: Taichung or Tainan return

10-Day Classic Loop

  • Taipei → Hualien → Taroko → Sun Moon Lake → Alishan → Tainan → Kaohsiung → Kenting → return to Taipei

Two-Week Adventure

  • Add: Penghu Islands, Cingjing Farm, Hehuanshan hiking, Green Island, or Lanyu
  • For more freedom, rent a car for the east coast and highland regions.

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

Taiwanese cuisine is one of the island’s biggest attractions.

  • Beef Noodle Soup – Hearty, rich, and comforting.
  • Lu Rou Fan – Minced pork rice found everywhere.
  • Xiao Long Bao – Soup dumplings made famous by Din Tai Fung.
  • Stinky Tofu – Fermented, fried, and surprisingly addictive.
  • Gua Bao – A steamed bun filled with braised pork belly and cilantro.
  • Bubble Tea – Born in Taiwan; Taichung’s Chun Shui Tang claims the original.

Take a cooking class in Taipei or join a guided Taiwan food tour for an immersive tasting experience.


Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in Taiwan

Taiwan is one of Asia’s safest countries, with low crime and high hospitality.

Safety Tips:

  • Tap water is technically safe, but bottled is preferred.
  • Earthquakes can occur—know basic safety protocol.
  • Typhoons may disrupt summer travel.

Etiquette Tips:

  • Don’t speak loudly on public transit.
  • Remove shoes before entering traditional homes or guesthouses.
  • Use both hands to give or receive items from elders.
  • Respect temple customs—no flash photography, dress modestly.

Where to Go Next – Pair Taiwan with These Destinations

  • Japan – Tokyo and Osaka are under 3 hours by flight. Great cultural complement.
  • South Korea – Seoul offers a modern contrast to Taiwan’s blend of old and new.
  • Philippines – Perfect if you want to add tropical beaches after your Taiwan adventure.
  • Vietnam – Add history, food, and natural diversity to your East Asia loop.
  • Hong Kong or Macau – Quick hops for urban thrills and global cuisine.

Explore our Travel Guides for more ideas.


Final Planning Checklist for Taiwan

  • Ensure passport validity for 6+ months
  • Check visa requirements (many Western travelers enjoy visa-free entry)
  • Buy or rent a local SIM card or eSIM
  • Download Google Translate, Maps.me, and Taiwan Rail apps
  • Pack for layered weather and bring comfortable walking shoes
  • Schedule key tickets like Alishan or Taroko hikes in advance

Closing Thoughts – Why Visit Taiwan?

Taiwan is more than a destination—it’s a mood, a flavor, a rhythm. It’s morning tea in misty mountains, golden temples glowing at sunset, and streets that hum with lanterns and laughter. You’ll find yourself welcomed not just with smiles, but with stories, rituals, and meals that define this island’s soul.

Whether you’re tracing old railway lines, slurping night market noodles, or hiking cliffs above the Pacific, Taiwan doesn’t just reward exploration—it invites belonging.

Start planning your journey with our full collection of Taiwan city guides and top-rated Taiwan tours.