The 9 ultimate road trips in Taiwan

Stretching 395km (245 miles), the island of Taiwan is a haven for incredible road trips. Known as Ilha Formosa (Beautiful Island), its mix of hot springs, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities makes it easy to see why.

While navigating Taiwan is straightforward—thanks to public transport connecting most scenic spots and popular attractions—travelers wanting to explore the entire island without being tied to train and bus schedules should think about a road trip. Driving allows you to discover hidden gems and enjoy breathtaking views at your own pace.

These top itineraries highlight the best spots in Taiwan, each featuring its own renowned cuisine and attractions. They showcase the country’s appeal as a vacation destination while providing an authentic glimpse into life in Taiwan. You can complete all nine routes in just two weeks and even circle the island! With delicious night markets, bubble tea, and stunning landscapes, these are the best road trips Taiwan has to offer.

1. Taipei and surrounding areas

Ideal road trip for those short on time Taipei–Wulai; 45.5km (28 miles)

Ascend to the mountain peaks in southern Taipei for breathtaking views of the city. Visit Zhinan Temple, a Taoist temple dedicated to Lu Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals, famously known as the 'Temple of 1000 Steps' for its 1275 stairs. Afterwards, enjoy some tiěguānyīn, a fragrant oolong tea, from one of the local tea shops.

Next, head to Shenkeng, renowned for its chòu dòufu (stinky tofu). Don't let the smell deter you; savor these fermented tofu cubes, deep-fried and drizzled with a mild chili sauce, accompanied by a refreshing mound of pickled cabbage.

Continue your journey to the picturesque Wulai, home to the Atayal, Taiwan’s second-largest indigenous group. Sample traditional Atayal dishes such as mountain boar, zhutong fan (rice steamed in bamboo tubes), and vibrant mochi along the cobbled streets of Wulai Old Street. Don't miss the stunning Wulai Waterfall, which cascades into the Nanshih River (accessible via a cable car), and relax in the milky sulfuric hot springs located just off Wen Quan Road.

Planning tip: This short excursion can easily be completed in half a day, but for a more leisurely experience, consider reversing the itinerary: drive directly to Wulai, enjoy dinner in Shenkeng, and finish in Maokong, where many tea shops stay open late into the night. While the Maokong Gondola offers a scenic ride, driving provides greater flexibility since the cable car closes in the early evening.

2. Northern and northeastern coastline

Ideal road trip for classic Taiwan Taipei—Jiaosi—Taipei; 242km (150 miles); allow two or more days

This drive through northern Taiwan offers a little bit of everything—unique geological formations, vibrant night markets, tea shops, lantern displays, hot springs, and one of Taiwan's finest beaches.

Begin your journey by heading northeast to the windswept coast of Yehliu, where the whimsical rock formations at Yehliu Geopark have formed over time. Then, take a short detour to the fishing village of Keelung, known for its temples and the lively Miaokou Night Market by the harbor.

A brief drive east will take you to Jinguashi, a former gold-mining town nestled on the slopes of Mt Jilong, home to the Gold Museum and a former POW camp from the Japanese Occupation. Afterward, visit Jiufen—be sure to stroll through the narrow, winding Jishan St, decorated with red lanterns.

Plan your visit for sunset to witness the sun dipping below the stunning mountains and Shenao Bay while enjoying steaming pots of tea. End your day by releasing lanterns in the nearby village of Shifen or its neighboring town, Pingxi, both of which are easily walkable. Stay overnight to soak in the experience.

On the second day, head to Toucheng to enjoy its black-sand beach and visit the Lanyang Museum, featuring exhibits on the Lanyang Plain and local hot springs. Afterward, make your way to Jiaosi, the heart of Taiwan's ecotourism. The picturesque drive showcases towering mountains above lush green rice paddies, coastal cliffs, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean—keep an eye out for dolphins or whales!

Just a half-hour drive south is Luodong. Make a stop at the National Center for Traditional Arts, a museum that offers an interactive glimpse into folk arts. Spend the evening in Jiaosi, indulging in the odorless sodium-bicarbonate hot springs—this refreshing experience may tempt you to stay overnight at a coastal hot-spring hotel before making the approximately one-hour drive back to Taipei.

Detour: Dolphin and whale-watching tours depart from Toucheng, with some trips including a visit to Turtle Island, an active volcanic island 9km (5.5 miles) offshore that now serves as an ecological park. Daily visitor numbers to Turtle Island are limited, and advance reservations are essential to secure a permit. Visits are allowed only from March to November, with the best chances to see bottlenose dolphins and occasional whales from April to August.

3. Northwest adventure

Best road trip for cultural immersion Taipei—Taichung; 174km (108 miles)

In Sansia, you can visit the renowned Tzushr Temple, one of Taiwan's most significant Taoist temples, and explore remarkable examples of late Qing Dynasty and early Japanese colonial architecture on Minquan Old Street. A short drive will take you to Yingge, Taiwan's pottery capital, where you can admire beautiful ceramics along the charming Yingge Old Street and at the New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum.

Head southwest to the coast and then continue south to Miaoli, the heart of Hakka culture in Taiwan. Visit a tea shop to grind your own léi chá – a delightful blend of green tea leaves, sesame seeds, and peanuts. Don’t miss the Sanyi Wood Carving Museum, where you can appreciate Miaoli's extensive collection of wood carvings, including Buddhas, Taoist saints, furniture, and various trinkets.

Planning tip: This journey can be accomplished in a single long day, but spending the night in Taichung is highly recommended. The city offers numerous theme and 'love' hotels, such as Chateau Hotel, known for its extravagant rooms with private pools, waterfalls, and rainbow-lit Jacuzzis, and RedDot, featuring a slide that leads to the lobby.

4. Sun Moon Lake

Best road trip for nature lovers Taichung—Sun Moon Lake; 84.7km (52.6 miles)

Start your journey by enjoying bubble tea at Chun Shui Tang, the birthplace of the famous milk tea with tapioca pearls. Before heading to the serene Sun Moon Lake, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Fengjia Night Market, one of Taiwan's most popular night markets.

Perched at an elevation of 748m (2454ft), Sun Moon Lake is a must-visit location: a stunning freshwater lake divided by an island, creating a picturesque shape reminiscent of the sun and moon. Don't miss the opportunity to take a boat ride or bike along the scenic 2-mile (3.2km) Xiangshan Bike Trail that encircles the lake.

For hiking enthusiasts, there are 14 trails that meander around the lake. This area is also a fantastic spot to observe butterflies, as Taiwan boasts the highest concentration of butterfly species in the world.

5. Drive in the clouds: Chiayi and Alishan

Best road trip for history and beauty Sun Moon Lake—Alishan; 146km (90.7 miles)

The charming town of Chiayi welcomes you with warm hospitality. It is home to the southern branch of the National Palace Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of ceramics, jade, paintings, calligraphy, and Chinese art—much of it secretly transported before the Nationalists retreated from mainland China in 1949.

Many travelers head to Alishan National Park in Chiayi, braving chilly temperatures and fierce winds at the 8169ft (2490m) peak of Zhushan to witness the sunlight breaking through the clouds. Originally settled by the Tsou, one of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes, Alishan is one of the most stunning destinations in the country.

As you drive through Western Taiwan, you'll pass pineapple and banana plantations on the outskirts of Chiayi, eventually transitioning to bamboo groves in Alishan. The road to Alishan Forest Recreational Area is thrilling, with sharp turns weaving through forests of red cypress, cedar, and pine, making the journey worthwhile.

Planning tip: Due to numerous blind curves, drive carefully and be prepared for oncoming vehicles. Weekdays tend to be less crowded. Alishan's weather can change rapidly, so it's wise to dress in layers and be ready for various conditions.

In March or April, thousands of cherry blossoms bloom here, attracting even larger crowds to the mountaintop. It's advisable to spend the night in Alishan and rise early to head to Zhushan for the breathtaking sunrise—one of the must-see attractions in Taiwan.

6. Southwest Taiwan

Best road trip for an authentic Taiwan experience Alishan—Kaohsiung; 173km (107 miles)

After the exhilarating journey up and down Alishan, continue along Taiwan's southwest coast for a relaxed exploration of southern Taiwan, characterized by sunny weather, gourmet cuisine, and a vibrant arts scene.

Take the opportunity to explore Tainan's historic temples and charming canal-side cafes. Kaohsiung, the southern port city of Taiwan, boasts a rich maritime heritage, with one of its highlights being the scenic Love River. Don’t miss a leisurely stroll along the river, where you can window shop and indulge in some of the finest food at Liuhe Night Market.

7. Kenting and the southern Taiwan coast

Best road trip for a seaside getaway Kaohsiung—Kenting; 110km (68 miles)

Kenting, Taiwan's answer to a spring-break beach retreat, features some of the island's finest beaches. Nestled at Taiwan's southernmost point, it offers sandy shores, excellent surfing conditions, and a tranquil escape.

This vibrant beach town boasts surf shops, a lively night market, and the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium, home to 15,000 marine species, including penguins, coral reef fish, sharks, giant kelp, and seals. Additionally, Kenting National Park is celebrated for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and relaxed atmosphere.

8. East coast drive and Taroko Gorge

Best road trip for breathtaking landscapes and backpacking in Taiwan Kenting—Taroko Gorge; 323km (200.7 miles)

A highlight of this journey is the drive through Taroko Gorge, a 19km (12 mile) marble gorge sculpted by the swift-flowing Liwu River. Nestled in the Central Mountain Range of eastern Taiwan, this gorge was originally limestone, transformed into marble by colossal tectonic activity and heat over a million years ago.

To fully experience the vast beauty of Taroko National Park, travel along the Central Cross-Island Highway. Be sure to take breaks to explore attractions like the Swallow Grotto Trail, Tunnel of Nine Turns, Eternal Spring Shrine Trail, Guanyin Cave, Taroko Tower, and the Bell Tower.

The park offers an excellent opportunity to see black bears, Formosan macaques, wild boar, and over 100 species of birds. With numerous hiking trails ideal for backpacking, roadtrippers can also choose to stay overnight in the park. Accommodation options include a five-star hotel, a hostel, and camping facilities.

Planning tip: The Central Cross-Island Highway and Suao-Hualien Highway are the primary routes to Taroko Gorge’s scenic landscapes. Particularly the stretch from Suao to Hualien features steep cliffs. Due to Taiwan's susceptibility to typhoons and earthquakes, be cautious of potential rockfalls and landslides.

9. Northeast coast

Best road trip for stunning coastal scenery Taroko Gorge—Taipei; 154km (95 miles)

Travel along the Suao-Hualien Highway, the sole coastal route within Taroko National Park. This thrilling drive showcases the 21km-long (13-mile) Qingshui Cliffs, which soar 1000m (3280ft) above the Pacific Ocean to the left, with the expansive sea on the right.

Continue your journey north along Eastern Taiwan to Sanxiantai, a remote island that was once a cape. Here, you'll find a scenic ocean bridge adorned with eight elegant arches before heading back to Taipei for further exploration.

Driving tips for Taiwan

• Renting a car is simple, but an International Driving Permit is required.

• Scooters are a common choice, though not recommended. A driver's license is needed for scooters and motorcycles exceeding 50cc.

• Roads are generally in good condition, but watch out for scooters, especially in urban areas; it's not unusual for them—and cars—to make left turns from the right lane or right turns from the left lane, and to perform U-turns in any lane.

• Both drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts.

• Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited.

• Road signs are in Chinese characters along with their romanization, so you don't need to read Chinese to navigate.

• Addresses are formatted in this order: postal code, county, district, road, section, lane, alley, street, house number, and if applicable, building, floor number, and apartment number.