Taipei, the capital city of the island of Taiwan in Southeast Asia near China, is a huge, vibrant, and fascinating metropolis. Nearly 3 million residents live in it, and together with the surrounding metropolitan area, the population totals about 7 million residents—almost a third of Taiwan's entire population. Taipei offers a blend of East and West. You can experience the traditional Chinese lifestyle of the locals, particularly in the culinary, cultural, and religious scenes, alongside the Western modernity of a democratic nation with a thriving high-tech economy. At the same time, significant Japanese influence is also evident.
Taipei, like the northern half of Taiwan, is located in a subtropical climate zone. The southern half of Taiwan is in the tropics. The differences between the two zones are not significant; most of the island is warm year-round, with very hot summers and mild winter temperatures. What is especially important in Taiwan, however, is not only the temperatures but the typhoon season, which typically lasts from July to September, making these months best to avoid visiting Taiwan. During this period, it is also very hot and humid, with high chances of heavy rainfall even when there is no typhoon.
This article details recommended destinations for traveling around Taipei that are suitable for day trips from Taipei—less than an hour's drive each way, so there is no need to switch hotels and you can remain based in Taipei.
- Yehliu Geopark
- Shifen Waterfall
- Sky Lantern Releasing in Shifen
- Jiufen Old Town
- Yangmingshan National Park
- Thousand Island Lake
Kaohsiung is the second-largest city in Taiwan with nearly 3 million residents. It is an important port city located in the southwest of the country and serves as the political and economic center of southern Taiwan. This article describes a tour of the attractions in and around the city.
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Taroko National Park in Taiwan is located about a two-and-a-half-hour drive south of Taipei (154 km). The Liwu River, flowing eastward between steep mountains into the sea and carving its path through the rocks, creates unique views with its turquoise water and suspension bridges hanging overhead, giving the park its beauty and distinctiveness. One of the country's main highways also passes through the park, crossing the island from east to west and vice versa.
Sun Moon Lake is located about a three-hour drive south of Taipei in central Taiwan. It is the largest lake in Taiwan and one of the most popular attractions in the country. The beauty of the lake, set in a mountainous environment, can be particularly appreciated from elevated vantage points, such as Wenwu Temple or from the heights of the cable car at the site.
Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan. It served as the ancient capital of Taiwan for two hundred years until 1887, when the capital was moved to Taipei.
Yilan County is located in northeastern Taiwan. This county offers a wide variety of activities: you can travel in nature, especially in the mountains surrounding the valley; take bike rides through rice paddies or other crop fields; enjoy lively markets and port towns with numerous fishing boats and seafood restaurants; tour an interactive traditional art and culture museum; or visit a farm growing the region's special scallions and make a signature scallion pastry. You can also visit bee farms for honey, a liquor production plant, and more.
The southern tip of Taiwan in the Kenting area is a prime destination for travel and vacation because its weather is better than in the north, especially during transition seasons, and it features sandy beaches where you can relax and spend leisure time. Right next to the southern beaches, you can also explore Kenting National Park, making it easy to combine a resort stay with nature outings without having to switch hotels. Along the southern coast are numerous hotels of all standards and types.
The eastern part of the island of Taiwan is characterized by mountainous topography and dramatic cliff views along the coastline dropping steeply into the sea. Most of the coastline is rocky and unsuitable for swimming.
The route from Taitung to Hualien can be traveled either via scenic Highway 11 along the coastline (a 3-hour and 15-minute drive) or via Highway 9 passing through the long East Rift Valley (about 160 km long) flanked on both sides by high mountains (a 2-hour and 45-minute drive). This article describes the route along coastal Highway 11 from Taitung to Hualien.
♦ Recommended tours within Taipei - available for booking on Viator:
♦ Recommended tours from Taipei to attractions outside the city:
