The Top 15 Experiences Awaiting You in Taiwan

Taiwan is a land of diverse experiences, much like the many faces of the 11-headed Guanyin found in its temples.

During your visit, you could find yourself cycling among towering skyscrapers, enjoying coffee at plantations, sunbathing, immersing yourself in nature, savoring exquisite local whisky, or marveling at the vibrant energy of a night market filled with fireworks. The possibilities are endless.

Whether it's your first time exploring or you're returning for more, choosing what to do may be the most challenging aspect of your journey. Here are some of the top experiences to consider in Taiwan.

1. Choose from 15,000 temples

Select a few, or even more. Whether they're filled with incense and adorned with idols and artwork or simple roadside shrines, the temples—be they Taoist, Buddhist, Confucian, or folk—offer captivating insights into Taiwan's spiritual culture.

You’ll witness worshippers, including many young people, engaged in prayer and expressions of gratitude. They burn joss paper for those who have passed, toss moon blocks for divine advice on decisions like buying a car, and offer guava, orchids, and sesame crackers to various deities.

During festivals, temples burst with smoky energy and lively sounds, reflecting local culture. On quieter days, their relics, sculptures, and intricate caisson ceilings make them feel like museums in their own right.

Both Tainan and Lukang boast a rich array of historical buildings, ranging from modest Confucian temples to Mazu temples adorned with intricate southern Chinese folk art.

Highlights from across the country include Taipei’s UNESCO-recognized Bao'an Temple, the elegant Longshan Temple in Lukang, the ancient Tianhou Temple in Penghu, Tainan’s formidable City God Temple, and the striking Nanyao Temple in Changhua with its classic Doric columns.

Local tip: When entering and exiting a temple, do so correctly by entering through the 'dragon door' on the right and leaving through the 'tiger door' on the left. This ensures protection upon entry and leaves danger behind. The center door is meant for the gods, the abbot, and the president.

2. Relax on Jibei Sand Tail, Penghu Islands

The breezy archipelago known as Penghu is unique and hard to define. Along its vibrant coastlines, you'll find temples overlooking the sea, coral stone villages selling seashell jewelry and prickly pear sorbet, and beaches perfect for water sports. In winter, Penghu transforms into a windsurfing paradise for elite athletes from around the globe.

In addition to its attractions, Penghu features stunning geological formations, a vast aquarium, and remnants of ancient maritime trade, all showcasing their rugged beauty. Furthermore, Penghu's cuisine is renowned for its fresh seafood and delightful simplicity. If you visit during the off-season, you might find the golden stretch known as Jibei Sand Tail all to yourself.

3. Discover urban Tainan by walking

Tainan's attractions are so closely interconnected that walking allows you to fully appreciate them. Cafes, eateries, and dessert shops are conveniently integrated throughout, providing plenty of opportunities to refuel. If you need a break, T-bikes and buses are readily available.

Numerous attractions are situated along the roads extending from the Tang Te-chang Memorial Park roundabout in central Tainan. Among these are the Museum of Taiwan Literature, housed in a stunning Japanese colonial structure, and the Altar of Heaven.

A bit farther out, you can find the Neoclassical Land Bank, the art deco Hayashi Department Store, both the old and new Tainan Art Museums, as well as the striking red walls of the Confucius Temple and the City God Temple.

Even further, you'll encounter the Great South Gate, Koxinga’s Shrine, Chihkan Towers, the Official God of War Temple, and the Grand Mazu Temple.

From the roundabout, a 15-minute walk to the northwest leads you to Shennong Street, an artsy village filled with shophouses converted into boutiques and cafes. The area also includes the Wind God Temple, Water Fairy Temple, and the King of Medicine Temple nearby.

Planning tip: The renowned Anping Fort and its surrounding traditional snack shops are just a 15-minute ride on a T-bike or a 45-minute bus journey from Shennong Street.

4. Trek through Swallow Grotto at Taroko Gorge

Taiwan's premier tourist attraction resembles a living Chinese painting. Towering above the frothy blue-green Liwu River, the marble cliffs of Taroko Gorge are a vibrant swirl of colors, akin to an artist's palette.

Combine the gray mist, verdant foliage, and waterfalls cascading from the heavens, and you’ll encounter a breathtaking landscape. Stroll along Swallow Grotto for a glimpse of the gorge at its finest, or tackle the Zhuilu Old Trail, a dizzying route perched 500m (1,640ft) above the canyon floor.

5. Bike or drive along the stunning East Coast in Hualien

Cycling is considered Taiwan’s national pastime, and enthusiasts are drawn to the beautiful, untouched east coast for extended trips. If you love the ocean, bike along the spectacular shoreline between Yilan and Hualien or Hualien and Taitung. The experience will take your breath away in more ways than one.

Taroko Gorge features stunning elevation shifts, and parts of the highways can be prone to landslides after heavy rainfall. However, the unparalleled beauty will reward you with views of beaches, fishing ports, indigenous communities, and artistic villages.

If you enjoy mountains, traverse the East Rift Valley and witness the dramatic play of clouds over shimmering rice fields or fields of orange daylilies. Both routes offer indigenous guesthouses, eateries, campsites, ancient sites, and hot springs. Regardless of your choice, an amazing experience awaits you.

Local tip: When you hire a car from Taipei, the driver will pause at picturesque locations and attractions along the way.

6. Embark on a local coffee tour and purchase beans

With fertile soil and an ideal climate and altitude for arabica trees to thrive, Taiwan has emerged as Asia’s coffee hub, winning international awards for its beans, which offer flavors ranging from nutty to tea-like.

You can taste coffee at its source in Gukeng and Dongshan if you're nearby hiking, but it's even more enjoyable to explore various cafes that serve exceptional local brews while roasting and selling their own beans. The ambiance can range from retro Taipei styles to hipster book-and-bean vibes and Nordic minimalism.

Detour: In Pingtung, cacao farms cultivate beans and create some of Asia’s finest chocolates. You can take a tour, learn the bean-to-bar process, and even craft your own treats at Choose Chius and Fu Wan Chocolate.

7. Relish a culinary adventure at Miaokou Night Market, Keelung

Grazing is a valuable skill for travelers, and Taiwan’s night markets are perfect for practicing it. These vibrant markets satisfy both hunger and entertainment needs, drawing cheerful crowds every night to indulge in a dazzling variety of snacks and dishes.

Visit the harborside Miaokou Night Market in Keelung, often regarded as the largest and finest, for an authentic grazing experience, especially if you're a seafood lover, and enjoy some prime people-watching.

8. Savor gourmet delights at Mountain and Sea House, Taipei

While Taiwan is known as one of the street-food capitals of the world, there's much more to explore beyond casual dining—its culinary scene has a wealth of options.

Taiwan is gradually establishing its reputation on Asia's culinary stage. In the 2022 Michelin Guide for Taiwan, cities like Kaohsiung, Taichung, Taipei, and Tainan were evaluated, earning the country 38 stars, a rise from 20 stars when only Taipei was reviewed in 2018.

The lists not only celebrate French-inspired cuisine, high-end Japanese dining, or precise Cantonese kitchens, but they also highlight well-crafted Taiwanese dishes like those at Taipei’s Mountain and Sea House.

Additionally, an increasing number of chefs, both recognized and emerging, are creating culinary wonders with local ingredients, from oolong tea to sakura shrimp, such as the Rukai cuisine at Pingtung’s AKAME.

Planning tip: Be sure to book your tables at least a month in advance for popular restaurants—whether they have Michelin stars or not.

9. Experience the awe of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

Taiwan is home to one of the most remarkable collections of dynastic Chinese artifacts globally. Featuring ancient pottery, bronzes, jade, Ming vases, Song landscape paintings, and calligraphy that can captivate even those indifferent to art, Taipei's National Palace Museum is not just a must-visit; it’s a destination worth returning to.

Why is this the case? Out of the nearly 700,000 artifacts in the museum's extensive collection—covering every Chinese dynasty as well as periods of prehistory and modern times—only a small selection is on display at any given moment.

10. Dive into military history while appreciating art at Alien Art Center, Kaohsiung

The military sites on the Kinmen and Matsu Islands, complete with tunnels, forts, and artillery exhibits, will satisfy serious military enthusiasts. For a softer, more universally enjoyable experience, head to Kaohsiung.

The intriguing Imperial Japanese Navy Wireless Communication Station has finally found its purpose, hosting exhibitions and tent shows. Alien Art Centre, set in a former hostel for military service recruits, is one of Taiwan’s leading contemporary art museums. Cihou Fort on Cijin Island has served various roles, from Qing Empire stronghold to a popular spot for sunset photographers.

The captivating Military Dependents’ Village Museum illustrates the lives of families of soldiers from the Chinese Nationalist Army following their retreat to Taiwan in 1949. The towering buildings of Guomao Community represent the modern evolution of these military villages.

Experience local life by indulging in authentic regional Chinese dishes at the restaurants. Adjacent to Taiwan’s largest naval base, the Story House of Naval Base Zuoying showcases the area's military history.

Detour: Visit the Human Rights Museum in New Taipei, located on the site of a former detention center for political prisoners, to gain insight into Taiwan's journey toward democracy. The English audio guide enhances the experience. The museum also has a large branch on Green Island, a former penal colony, accessible through guided tours.

11. Join the locals donning hazmat suits at the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival

Participating in a traditional folk festival is one of the most thrilling ways to immerse yourself in local culture. Taiwan boasts a variety of these events—ranging from solemn to bizarre, and everything in between.

You don’t need to be a believer to join in—the locals are friendly and inclusive, but it’s important to show respect. It's common to see pilgrims and visitors from both Taiwan and abroad at the most impressive festivals.

The annual nine-day Mazu pilgrimage attracts hundreds of thousands as they carry a palanquin with the goddess Mazu's statue through 50 towns. The triennial Burning of the Wang Yeh Boats showcases dramatic events over eight days, culminating in the burning of a celestial boat on the beach.

The unusual Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is a wild event where thousands, with or without protective gear, willingly immerse themselves in a frenzy of exploding fireworks.

Planning tip: The Mazu Pilgrimage occurs in the third lunar month; the Boat Burning Festival is celebrated in October or November, with the next one in 2024; and the Yanshui fireworks take place on the 14th or 15th day of the first lunar month. If you plan to attend the latter, bring goggles, a motorcycle helmet, and protective clothing to avoid high prices for gear on-site or a trip to the hospital.

12. Traverse ancient hunting paths through the forests of Wulai

With 50% of its land covered in forests, Taiwan transitions from asphalt to lush greenery almost immediately—an absolute joy for nature enthusiasts. In the mountainous area of Wulai, historical indigenous hunting trails weave through misty tropical woodlands.

Pause during your hike to relax by crystal-clear streams or deep swimming holes, and you can enjoy this experience throughout the island. Taiwan is predominantly mountainous, with hundreds of peaks exceeding 3,000m (9,842ft) and numerous well-maintained hiking trails.

Jade Mountain (Yushan) stands as the tallest peak in Northeast Asia, while the second-highest, Snow Mountain, offers a more visually stunning ascent.

13. Gain insights into Indigenous Taiwan at the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines

Taiwan is home to 16 officially recognized indigenous tribes. After a long period of suppression, tribal culture and pride have seen a remarkable revival in the 21st century. Start your exploration at the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines in Taipei or the Museum of Prehistory in Taitung.

Explore their art at the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, renowned for its focus on Austronesian art, and listen to their poetry readings at Tainan’s Museum of Taiwan Literature.

Consider staying at an underground homestay operated by Yami islanders on the stunning Lanyu Island, especially during the flying fish season, or visit the community-run Smangus, a hub of Atayal culture in the mountains.

In the summer, visit the east coast to discover indigenous surfer towns and vibrant festivals that celebrate harvests, coming of age, and a deep appreciation for live music.

Local tip: Don't miss trying Amis delicacies in Hualien. You can find them at indigenous stalls in Dadongmen Night Market or at Amis-operated Mu-Mang.

14. Indulge in the soothing hot springs of Beitou

Taiwan's terrain is rich with fissures, resulting in a wealth of hot spring sources that are hard to find elsewhere in the world. Locals claim these waters can relieve muscle tension and even aid in conception.

For a soak in stone, wood, or marble pools with stunning mountain vistas, visit Beitou, Wulai, or Taian. For a more adventurous experience, explore deep valleys to find pristine wild springs like Lisong Hot Spring, often regarded as the most beautiful, or travel to Green Island for one of the world’s rare seawater hot springs.

15. Visit the Kavalan Distillery to discover the art of crafting Taiwan’s single malts.

Whisky enthusiasts, rejoice! Taiwan boasts a vibrant whisky culture, not only enjoying imported brands like Laphroaig or Hibiki but also cherishing its own award-winning Kavalan, which has garnered acclaim. At the Asia round of the World Whisky Masters 2022, this local favorite won 10 gold medals along with a Master Medal.

You can enjoy Kavalan neat or in a smoky martini at some of the nation’s finest cocktail bars, including Taichung’s Goût and Taipei’s Ounce. Additionally, you can take a free tour of the Yilan distillery and sample their single malts.

Local tip: Taiwan's craft beer scene is thriving with microbreweries emerging throughout the country, but for the best experience, try local brews at bars like Zhangmen, Le Blé d’Or, and Taihu.