Top 7 day trips from Taipei

Surrounded by lush forests, the vibrant Taiwanese capital hides the stunning beauty of rural Taiwan, easily reachable via Taipei’s highly efficient public transport system.

With a rich array of green spaces and cultural treasures, from the winding alleys of Jiufen Old Street to the historic Pingxi railway, read on to explore our favorite day trips from Taipei.

1. Enjoy a full day of hiking in Yangmingshan

Ideal for fresh air and stunning views

The vast array of hiking trails near Taipei is truly exhilarating, complemented by numerous parks and reserves. Yangmingshan National Park stands out as one of the most accessible natural havens, overlooking Taipei City with its lush peaks adorned in silver grass and a comprehensive network of trails that meander through meadows and pastures.

Yangmingshan boasts 10 hikeable peaks, and if you're up for a challenge, you could attempt to conquer them all in a single day with about 11 hours to spare. For a more leisurely experience, consider tackling just one or two peaks, such as the main and east peaks of Mt Qixing. Afterward, you can visit the water buffalo at Qingtiangang Grassland, explore the geothermal wonders of Xiaoyoukeng geological park, or even pick lilies at Zhuzihu (available from February to May). Additionally, the nearby Beitou Hot Springs offers inviting steaming baths, especially refreshing after a long day of hiking.

There are multiple routes to summit the 1120m (3675ft) Mt Qixing. The winding 2.4km (1.5-mile) Miaopu trail begins near the Yangmingshan Visitor Center and follows a stone-paved path, marked with signs in both Mandarin and English. Along the way, you'll find signs pointing to other attractions like Menghuan Pond and the Lengshuikeng natural springs, allowing you to tailor your journey based on your energy levels.

Getting to Yangmingshan: To arrive at the visitor center, take shuttle bus 260 from Shimin Boulevard, located behind Taipei Main Station, and disembark at Yangmingshan Bus Terminal (30NTD/US$1, about one hour).

From the bus terminal, retrace your steps to the main road and head uphill; watch for a sign on your right indicating the path to the visitor center. Here, you can grab a detailed map or seek advice from staff to find the trails you want to explore. After your hike, the 108 bus can take you back to the visitor center, where you can catch the 260 bus back to Taipei City.

2. Discover quirky old mining towns and beautiful waterfalls along the Pingxi Line

Ideal for railway enthusiasts

Originally built to link several coal mining towns during the Japanese era, the delightful Pingxi railway line is just under an hour from Taipei. This 12km (7.5-mile) single-track railway runs alongside the Keelung River, stopping at quaint villages steeped in mining history, breathtaking natural sights—and plenty of cats!

Houtong Cat Village will charm you from the start, offering a chance to spend quality time with the many friendly felines lounging on steps and rooftops. You can also explore the coal mining museum (including a ride on a handcar into the tunnels) and enjoy a coffee in a whimsical cat-themed café while waiting for the next train, which typically departs every hour.

Sandiaoling and Shifen are two competing waterfalls along the Pingxi Line; the former is ideal for forested hiking trails that lead to swimmable pools, while the latter boasts stunning views. The Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail makes for a half-day adventure, connecting Hegu and Motian cascades with Pipa Cave via a suspension bridge and nature trail. The 40m (131ft) Shifen Waterfall is renowned as Taiwan’s most picturesque cascade and features a nearby 'old street' lined with vintage homes.

The next-to-last stop is Pingxi, the mining town that inspired the railway's name, famous for its nostalgic old street and the Sky Lantern Festival held every February. During this event, nearly 100,000 visitors inscribe their wishes on paper lanterns and release them into the night sky. At the final stop, Jingtong, you can wander along tracks filled with souvenir stalls, food vendors serving sizzling Taiwanese sausages, and historic buildings.

Concerns about the environmental effects of sky lanterns are increasing, prompting many counties in Taiwan to ban them completely. In Pingxi, releasing sky lanterns is permitted as long as visitors adhere to a few guidelines set by the city’s authorities. If you decide to participate, there are several ways to lessen your environmental impact, such as collecting and recycling debris at designated Sky Lantern Shell Recycling Stops around the city.

How to access the Pingxi Line: The Pingxi Line makes for an easy day trip from Taipei, and you can easily extend your visit with an overnight stay in the very popular Jiufen village. Taiwan Railway (TRA) trains to Ruifang Station depart from Taipei Main Station (starting at 50NTD/US$1.70, taking about one hour), where you can conveniently transfer to the Pingxi Line.

A day pass for unlimited travel on the Pingxi Line is just 80NTD (US$2.75), making it one of the most affordable excursions from Taipei. On weekends, the small train can become quite crowded, especially on the return trip to Ruifang at day's end. To avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting on a weekday or starting your journey early.

3. Indulge in the warmth of Wulai District

Ideal for hot springs and hiking

Wulai District, a top romantic escape near Taipei, derives its name from the Atayal term for the hot springs that have made this Indigenous town famous. While there has been some commercialization, Wulai maintains a sense of authenticity – nestled in a mountain valley, it exists in harmony with the lush peaks that surround it.

Most visitors choose to stay overnight at one of the hot springs resorts in Wulai, some of which offer hourly bookings for day visitors. You can also enjoy free hot spring baths alongside the Wulai River, allowing you to save your funds for a trip to the Wulai Atayal Museum, a tram ride, or the gondola journey to Yunshien Amusement Park. Don’t forget to try Atayal snacks like wild boar, stuffed bamboo tubes, and millet wine along the way.

For those looking to escape the crowds, Wulai offers numerous options, including venturing beyond the red Nanshi suspension bridge on winding hiking trails leading to Wulai Falls or scaling Big Knife Mountain. Strolling along the rugged Laka Trail or trekking through the vibrant Mini Gorge is especially rewarding. Other outdoor activities include river tracing (similar to canyoning), swimming, and camping.

Getting to Wulai: The easiest way to reach Wulai from Taipei is to take the 1601 bus from Xindian MRT Station (40NTD/US$1.40, 30 minutes). Taxi drivers are often found near the metro station, ready to take tourists to Wulai at a reasonable price, so if the bus is crowded, consider teaming up with fellow travelers to share a taxi.

4. Experience relaxation in a forest clearing at Manyueyuan National Forest

Ideal for peaceful countryside escapes

Though the term shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) originated in Japan, you can experience this practice in the lush forests surrounding Taipei. Located about 55km (34 miles) from the capital in Sanxia District, Manyueyuan National Forest is one of the nearest spots for a rejuvenating forest bathing experience, renowned for its waterfalls nestled in woodlands along a subtropical creek, offering numerous bathing opportunities.

Visitors to Manyueyuan can embark on a 10km (6.2-mile) loop trail that traverses Beichatian Mountain, where ancient forests stand tall. Alternatively, a flat, paved path along the Dabao River provides a chance to spot Formosan rock macaques and crested eagles perched in the trees overhead.

For a longer weekend escape from Taipei, consider including more forest bathing at Dongyanshan Forest, and spend the night at a heritage guesthouse in either Sanxia or Yingge.

Reaching Manyueyuan: The most straightforward method to access the forest is by car; however, you might also explore guided tours or taxi pooling options with other travelers through services like Tripool and Parkbus.

If you have extra time, take the metro to Banqiao TRA Station, then catch the 702 or 812 bus to Sanxia Stop 1, followed by the less frequent 807 bus to the Manyueyuan parking area.

5. Indulge your seafood cravings at Keelung Harbor

Ideal for food enthusiasts

Those wondering if Keelung is worth a visit clearly haven’t heard of this port city's reputation for delectable and budget-friendly seafood. In addition, there are cultural gems to explore, such as the vibrant colors of Zhengbin Fishing Harbor and the impressive 25m (82ft) statue of Guanyin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, nestled among the temples of Zhongzheng Park.

At Heping Island Park, breathtaking sea views and intriguing rock formations make the walking trails a delightful experience. However, the main attraction of Keelung is the Miaokou Night Market, featuring around 200 food stalls spread across several blocks near Dianji Temple.

Enjoy fresh seafood prepared in various ways: fried, roasted, steamed, raw, or complemented with rich crab soup and glutinous rice. Other must-try snacks include tempura, pork knuckle, and dianbiancuo soup – a local specialty from Keelung made with rice flour batter scraps, shrimp, pork, and cabbage.

Getting to Keelung: Just catch a northbound train from Taipei Main Station to reach Keelung Station (40NTD/US$1.30, 40 minutes).

6. Experience the flavor of pouchong tea in Pinglin

Perfect for tea enthusiasts

Tea enthusiasts can embark on a day trip to relish the subtle flavors of pouchong tea amidst the plantations and historic streets of Pinglin, a key area in Taiwan’s century-old tea industry. Located just over an hour from Taipei by train, the picturesque Thousand Island Lake is also nearby and is worth a visit if time permits.

Begin your day with breakfast on Pinglin Old Street, where every bite is infused with local tea leaves. While tea eggs are a convenience store favorite throughout Taiwan, here in Pinglin, they use pouchong tea instead of black tea for a lighter flavor. The Liang Xin bun shop sets itself apart with its uniquely colored and tea-infused steamed buns, available for just 10NTD (US$0.35) each.

Rent a bicycle and ride along the Beishixi Bikeway, taking in the stunning views of terraced tea fields. The Pinglin Tea Museum is easily accessible for those interested in learning about the history of tea and its production process. For a hands-on experience, visit a working farm like Tea Town Osmanthus or the Green Light Farm to witness tea harvesting in the spring and enjoy tea tastings year-round.

As you approach your final destination, the distinctive aroma may greet you first. Known for its century-long legacy of stinky tofu, Shiding Old Street may not be the top pick for every foreign traveler, but its charming old-world vibe is well worth a visit, featuring stone pathways and stilted homes precariously perched over the river. You'll also find more familiar tofu treats here, such as tofu pudding and tofu tiramisu.

Getting to Pinglin: Located just 30km (18.6 miles) from Taipei, Pinglin feels further due to its winding mountain roads. The Green 12 bus takes you to Pinglin via Feitsui Reservoir, but the only direct route is the 923 bus, which travels from Xindian MRT Station to Pinglin Old Street through Shiding (30NTD/US$1, one hour).

7. Try your hand at pottery on Yingge Ceramics Street

Ideal for enjoyable craft shopping

For those in search of the perfect pot to brew your newly sourced pouchong tea, Yingge is the place to go. October is the prime time to visit Taiwan's ceramics capital, as local businesses gear up for the Yingge Ceramics Festival, filling the streets with lively performances.

Ceramics enthusiasts and fans of ancient Chinese arts will find plenty to explore in Yingge year-round. Discover the colonial history that influenced the ceramics industry at the Yingge Ceramics Museum (80NTD/US$2.75). The Yingge Ceramics Mall features numerous vendors showcasing crockery, traditional tea sets, and decorative items all in one location.

If you're eager to try your hand at pottery, consider booking a two-hour class at a local studio, like Shu’s Pottery, for around 300NTD (US$10) per person. Alternatively, several kilns on Chongqing Street provide insight into the traditional firing techniques that create Yingge ceramics.

After finding a lovely tea set, savor high-quality tea and small dishes at Tea Day restaurant. Don't miss a visit to nearby Sanxia to appreciate its red-brick architecture and traditional crafts. The central Qingshui Zushi Temple acts as a living museum of Chinese culture and folk art, famously hosting a contentious animal sacrifice on the sixth day of the lunar calendar.

Getting to Yingge: Located approximately 30 minutes southwest of Taipei, Yingge can also be reached via a scenic hour-long bike ride along the riverside path; a YouBike station is conveniently situated near the old street in Yingge. Alternatively, you can catch a Taiwan Railway train directly to Yingge Station from Taipei Main Station.