# Taiwan

Taiwan packs misty mountains, tropical beaches, lively temples and legendary night markets into one compact island linked by fast trains.

Taiwan travel guide with 12 places to visit, from Taipei's night markets to Alishan sunrises. Get itineraries and costs, then plan it in the Guided app.

Canonical: https://www.go-guided.com/en/destinations/taiwan
# Taiwan

# Taiwan travel guide: Everything you need to know before visiting Taiwan

Shilin Night Market has been trading in Taipei since 1899, and most snacks there cost under NT$100. Food is the reason a lot of people come to Taiwan. The 2026 Michelin Guide lists 146 Bib Gourmand spots and 61 starred restaurants across the island, and Lonely Planet put a Taiwan food trail on its Best in Travel 2027 list. Eating out still costs less than in Japan.

The rest of the island is bigger than its size suggests. More than 260 peaks rise above 3,000 m, Yushan tops out at 3,952 m, and the high-speed train gets you from Taipei to Kaohsiung in under two hours. Temples are busy every day, and Japanese-era buildings and 16 Indigenous peoples add layers you won't find elsewhere in the region. It suits food travellers and first-timers in Asia, but also hikers, rail fans, families and anyone who has done Japan and wants somewhere new. This guide covers where to go and how long to stay, then the costs and practical things to sort before you land.

## 5 reasons to visit Taiwan

Why Taiwan? These are the five things we'd put at the top of any list.

1. Eat your way through night markets where most snacks cost under NT$100.
2. Ride the high-speed train from Taipei to Kaohsiung in under two hours.
3. Climb Elephant Mountain for the view of Taipei 101, a 508 m tower that was the world's tallest from 2004 to 2010.
4. Soak in Beitou's hot springs, a metro ride from central Taipei.
5. Watch the sun rise over a sea of cloud at Alishan.

## Where to visit in Taiwan?

Most first trips stay on the west side, where the high-speed line runs, and that's a mistake if you have more than a week. The east coast is slower and emptier, and after two hard typhoon seasons it's keen to see visitors again. These are the places we'd build a route around, in the order you'd meet them going anticlockwise from Taipei.

### Taipei

Few capitals let you go from an 18th-century temple to a 508 m tower in one afternoon on the metro. Longshan Temple in Wanhua dates from 1738 and was rebuilt after bombing in 1945. It's free to walk in. Taipei 101 opened at the end of 2004 and its lift climbs to the 89th floor in about 37 seconds. For the classic view of it, take the Red Line to Xiangshan and climb Elephant Mountain, 184 m of steps that take about half an hour. Give the National Palace Museum half a day (NT$350, closed Mondays). It owns nearly 700,000 objects and shows about 3,000 at a time. Dihua Street, Taipei's oldest, is where to buy tea and dried goods afterwards.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0029",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "The red roofs of Longshan Temple in Wanhua, Taipei",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-8c9f9bcc9f79f9ee41613bd196e2a80cf00ece4c-2400x1601-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VlH2N8aeR*WAbH~qWBRjWAWV~qWBWAWBae.8aef6ayjZ",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.499063085571518,
      "height": 1601,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#4e412c",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.06,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#24541c",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#c5afa4",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 4.62,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#c5afa4",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 4.62,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#c27c69",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.59,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#9d715e",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.58,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#c5423d",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.09,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "XQgSDYJ3h3d9d3d/d6eHeGpwoKAm"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Beitou and Yangmingshan

This is the best day out of Taipei, a volcano in the morning and a hot spring by dinner. Yangmingshan National Park, set up in 1985, covers 113 km² of volcanic hills, and Qixingshan (1,120 m) makes a solid morning hike. Between mid-March and mid-April, the calla lily fields at Zhuzihu are in flower. Come back down to Xinbeitou MRT in the afternoon. The Beitou Hot Spring Museum sits in a bathhouse built in 1911-13, and the Millennium Hot Spring charges NT$60. Thermal Valley steams away at 50-90 °C, so look but don't touch.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0034",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Cherry blossom along a road in Yangmingshan National Park",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-2115320c8a20398a0cd465656ca02e6ed5bb348e-2400x1591-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VbF?RuIUIUt7WC~qs-NGofa}%Nx[axR*kCRQxuofaykC",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.508485229415462,
      "height": 1591,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#305459",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.26,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#041f16",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.9,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#041f16",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.9,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a1bac0",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 4.32,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#e69298",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#64998b",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.09,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#d4404a",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.03,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "3dcNDYJDeHePh3erd1iJiUi/QPWJ"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Jiufen and the Pingxi Line

Jiufen grew out of an 1890s gold rush. After the mine closed in 1971, it took Hou Hsiao-hsien's film A City of Sadness (1989) to bring people back. Go on a weekday morning, because a Saturday afternoon in its narrow lanes is a slow shuffle. Bus 1062 runs from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT for about NT$94. Pair it with the Pingxi Line, a 12.9 km single-track branch opened in 1921 to carry coal. A NT$80 day ticket covers the hop to Shifen and on to Jingtong, and Shifen Waterfall is 20 m high and 40 m wide.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0039",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Red lanterns hanging from a teahouse in Jiufen",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-8363bf33c6a372c2d3877c9a004dba281aece323-2400x1600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VgEyrV.To~s:e;%hx^t7V?WAofn#emV?WXt7offkofbc",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.5,
      "height": 1600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#475733",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.58,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#67130a",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.86,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#969074",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 6.67,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#abc5d1",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 3.26,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#94e4f8",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#969074",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 6.67,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#cf412a",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.18,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "WvgNHYafeHiraXd4ZoiIhkBBB1R3"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Sun Moon Lake

Get on a bike at dawn and you'll have the lakeshore mostly to yourself until the tour buses roll in. Sun Moon Lake sits at 748 m and is Taiwan's largest body of water, and Lalu Island, out on the lake, is sacred to the Thao people. The full loop is about 30 km, and the 3.4 km stretch between Shuishe and Xiangshan is the one to ride if you only do part of it. The ropeway glides 1,877 m in about seven minutes to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village (NT$300 return). Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 6670 gets you here from Taichung HSR station in about 1 hour 20 minutes for NT$195.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0044",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "A ferry crossing Sun Moon Lake below green hills",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-f8364fde01443d60596e0dd9ed908ee20a6fd727-2400x1600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VWIPe[xuM{xuNG~qR+WCxakC_2IVWCoJRk%LIoR*ofWC",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.5,
      "height": 1600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#52687a",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.06,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#0e6b8e",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 6.98,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#6b95aa",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.89,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a7bdcc",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 6.61,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#b0d4ee",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.94,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#6b95aa",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.89,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#2b8fb9",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 2.73,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "6rYJFYRqaWd+h3hfd5d2c2t6v6b3"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Alishan

Stay the night. A day trip to Alishan is all train and no sunrise, and the sunrise over a sea of cloud is the point. The Alishan Forest Railway climbs 86 km from Chiayi, at 30 m, to Alishan at 2,216 m on track just 762 mm wide, using spirals and switchbacks. The full line only reopened in July 2024 after 15 years, and Typhoon Champi suspended it again in late October 2026, so check the railway's site for service status before you plan around it. Trains leave from Chiayi's Taiwan Railway station, not the HSR station, and online tickets (1-14 days ahead) are paid when you book. Up top, the Zhushan sunrise train costs NT$150.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0049",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Tea fields on a hillside in the Alishan area",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-738e996e0fa6f27d046795e9adf31796498fa5cb-2400x1800-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VvF~:RjXRkflR*.AxDWBWXj?o#tPj[WBf6M_t7WEj?jZ",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.3333333333333333,
      "height": 1800,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#50532a",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.57,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#505707",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.78,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#50532a",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.57,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#b0c2d4",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 1.25,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#b6d0ec",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.22,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#9ca155",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 2.42,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#196ab9",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 2.14,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "IOgRNYRneHiPd4iIeFd4hXiQpwdt"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Tainan

If you only have room for one city outside Taipei, make it Tainan, and give it two nights over Taichung. It's Taiwan's oldest city and was the capital until 1887. Fort Zeelandia in Anping dates from 1624, and the Confucius Temple, Taiwan's first, from 1665. The food matches the history. Tainan has 30 Bib Gourmands in the 2026 Michelin Guide, more than anywhere except Taipei, and danzai noodles were first served here around 1895. The HSR from Taipei takes under 90 minutes.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0054",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Red brick steps leading up to the tower of Anping Old Fort in Tainan",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-921dd4ee298c376a649cb923e97cdf365c060266-2400x3600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "dVHn{Nx^T0t7.To#R.bHR6RPM{WBZ~V@RjoItQt7s:oL",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 0.6666666666666666,
      "height": 3600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#605335",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.81,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#630f04",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.08,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#605335",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.81,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a0bdcf",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 1.14,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#e8ceb2",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 4.52,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#988a6f",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.63,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#c05f39",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.02,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "oBgKHQSKeI+HaGdnd4iIaFVgVwWX"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Kaohsiung

Taiwan's most underrated big city is warmer and cheaper than Taipei, and it's under two hours away by high-speed train. At Lotus Pond, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas went up in 1976, seven storeys each, and the custom is to walk in through the dragon's mouth and out through the tiger's. Pier-2 Art Center fills old harbour warehouses, and Liuhe Night Market has been running since the 1950s. The city has 21 Bib Gourmands in the 2026 Michelin Guide, so it's worth more than a quick stop between trains.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0059",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas beside Lotus Pond in Kaohsiung",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-d28f4a033ff84c88051a0d0f869866c87a146f4e-2400x1600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VIK-k2l:Uu$~x[_4EMnNrqn%8_ogj?R%oeRkngkDkXof",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.5,
      "height": 1600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#3c3d36",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 3.46,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#90361e",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.44,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#71857d",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.69,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#abc4c9",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 3.34,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#f0a449",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 1.24,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#71857d",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.69,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#c98114",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.79,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "qQgKLYgwmIl8d4eDd3iHls92+HuG"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Kenting

Taiwan's tropical tip has beaches by day and a night market at the end of every day. Kenting became the country's first national park on 1 January 1984 and covers 333 km², and 152 km² of that is sea. Eluanbi Lighthouse, built in 1883, marks the southern point, and the Spring Scream music festival has been held here every March since 1995. Buses from Zuoying HSR station take about two and a half hours. Once you're there, a scooter or car makes it far easier to hop between beaches.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0064",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Blue sea along the coast at Kenting, near the southern tip of Taiwan",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-ae2a1daec333bb3e15feccc5afa59d04bb63150d-2400x1601-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VsENCxV?NHofafPExtt6WBR,%3R.WXoKa#IpoJjZfkjZ",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.499063085571518,
      "height": 1601,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#575327",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 9.84,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#06536d",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 9.6,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#575327",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 9.84,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#97b8d0",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 9.61,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#8dc0ef",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.33,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#aca454",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#0488d3",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.2,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "36YJTY5TeXi+eoZbhwd4cXpwqAeH"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Taitung and the East Rift Valley

Rent a bike in Chishang and ride the paddy roads. That's the whole plan, and it's a good one. Brown Boulevard, named after a Mr. Brown Coffee advert, cuts through rice fields that turn gold from mid-May to early June and again from late October to early November. The Rice Harvest Arts Festival is held there in late October. Chishang is about 50 minutes from Taitung by local train. Further south, the Luye Highland hosts a hot-air balloon festival from early July into August, with tethered rides for about NT$500. Typhoon Champi washed out part of Highway 9 in Taitung County in October 2026, so check road conditions if you're driving.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0069",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Green rice fields with a long irrigation canal",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-027571fab843b33ea8b59b44f46404681c5c969c-2400x1600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VtH{4hR.E1oejv~qR-oMj@RijLWBt6ayWUM_WBj?ays;",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.5,
      "height": 1600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAANABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYIB//EACAQAAIBBAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBREGEgchMVH/xAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAP/xAAbEQACAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIRBBIxQf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Ac8By7jpxyA3YUa0QVphk5Rx2yjj66VpF7Kemiw/RUdcTyMzM7SEusetKT6Pun3yFyi6vcPYKYo4ntx0R09HWqPeROLbaM1a701PNeRbNL91iEjIPh0KKlqbO3kshZ3O/n2ij3ke0W8j/2Q==",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#3c4c64",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#4f7309",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 6.93,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#4f7309",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 6.93,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#b6bfc9",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 5.59,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#ecf4e4",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.02,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a4b55a",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#9cbc4c",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "oOgVJYJHiGd/iYd3eGd3hqV0UNP1"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Green Island

Go between April and October or don't go at all. Ferries from Fugang Harbour near Taitung take about 50 minutes to an hour and cost about NT$600 one way, with two to five sailings a day in summer and one or two in winter, and rough seas cancel them often. Typhoon Champi battered Fugang harbour in October 2026, so check sailings before you book. The Zhaori Hot Spring is one of only a handful of seawater hot springs in the world (NT$250), though its lower pools have been closed since a 2024 typhoon. The White Terror Memorial Park, in the former political prison, is free and sobering. Shilang and Chaikou are the snorkelling spots to know.

### Hualien

Base yourself here for Taroko and the coast. The Puyuma and Taroko express trains run from Taipei in about two hours for NT$583, and every seat is reserved. Slow trains take three to four hours if the expresses are full. Qixingtan is a long pebble beach with a cycle path along it, though swimming isn't allowed. Dongdamen Night Market has its own Indigenous food street, and whale-watching boats run from April to October on trips of about two and a half hours. The east has been quieter since the earthquake and typhoons.

### Taroko Gorge

Is Taroko still worth it? Yes, if you set your expectations. The April 2024 Hualien earthquake and later typhoons left the marble gorge only partly open. The famous Shakadang Trail and Swallow Grotto are closed, and rebuilding them is estimated to take about seven years. Highway 8 through the gorge opens to traffic in timed windows only, and the shuttle bus to Tianxiang is suspended. Still, Tianxiang and Xiangde Temple are reachable. The Qingshui Cliffs viewpoints and the Dekalun Trail reopened in July 2025, and the Qianliyan trail followed in February 2026. Check the Taroko National Park trail notices before you go.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0085",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "The Qingshui Cliffs dropping into the turquoise Pacific in Taroko National Park",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-41bc48f8b244b9625b50252080cd80d56ee3278a-2400x1583-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VeFadx4TH=t7o#~oD*M{jEkCtlo#V@VsV@NIt5ayWBWA",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.5161086544535691,
      "height": 1583,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#253840",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.74,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#1584b2",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 2.69,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#1584b2",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 2.69,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#036795",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#7cd4fc",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#5291af",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.37,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#3798c8",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 2.58,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "ZJYVJYZAiHhqdoiJd3d4h6tvxfpW"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

## Taiwan itinerary ideas for your trip

How much of the island can you see in a week? More than you'd think, thanks to the high-speed line, but the east coast needs a second week.

### 5 to 7 day Taiwan itinerary

**Day 1-3**: Taipei, with Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, Longshan Temple and the night markets, plus an afternoon in Beitou.

**Day 4**: Jiufen in the morning, then the Pingxi Line to Shifen.

**Day 5**: High-speed train to Taichung and the shuttle bus to Sun Moon Lake.

**Day 6-7**: Tainan by high-speed train, then back to Taipei the same way.

### 10 to 14 day Taiwan itinerary

**Day 1-3**: Taipei, Beitou and Yangmingshan.

**Day 4**: Jiufen and the Pingxi Line.

**Day 5-6**: Sun Moon Lake via Taichung.

**Day 7-8**: Alishan via Chiayi, staying overnight for the sunrise (check the railway is running).

**Day 9-10**: Tainan.

**Day 11**: Kaohsiung.

**Day 12**: Kenting, or straight on to Taitung.

**Day 13**: The East Rift Valley and Chishang, ending in Hualien.

**Day 14**: The open parts of Taroko Gorge, then the express train back to Taipei.

You can build either route and adjust it day by day in the **Guided trip planner**.## Fun things to do in Taiwan

We'd build at least two of these into any trip, and a night market into most evenings.

### Graze a night market

Raohe is our pick for a first night in Taipei, a single 600 m strip with Ciyou Temple at one end. Ningxia is a good second market. In Tainan, the Garden Night Market only opens on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, so plan your nights there around it.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0146",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Crowds walking through Raohe Night Market in Taipei at night",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-0ca7735f1cf5c2eec0a1aac04714da7216cff55c-2400x1600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VGHwo#xH0#%1EL}9-?IpxZS%9taOxcRk$$5AS6?bxurV",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.5,
      "height": 1600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#654338",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 4.97,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#683309",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.53,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#654338",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 4.97,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a3bdd4",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 4.51,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#e4b799",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 3.11,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#9c725a",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 4.14,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#e3911c",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 4.49,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "2TgGFYQYSivZlmdzaUnngChPlfEm"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Soak in a hot spring

Beitou is the easy one, a metro ride from the centre. Jiaoxi in Yilan is about an hour from Taipei by bus and has free foot baths in Tangweigou Park, a good break on the way down the east coast. On Green Island, the Zhaori seawater spring is one of only a handful in the world.

### Get on a bike

Cycling Route No. 1 loops 968 km around the island and usually takes 9-12 days. You don't have to commit to the lot. The Sun Moon Lake loop and the Chishang rice roads both make a good day's ride, and YouBike stations in the cities take an EasyCard.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0155",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Cyclists crossing a street in Da'an, Taipei",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-d93e800999b467f4c5f472468f5bab93194c4b71-2400x1601-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VVIqu+9F4:?bIU~qD%RP%MRP-;M_WBkXV@WFRjj[ofoJ",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.499063085571518,
      "height": 1601,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#4a3628",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#554828",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.82,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#95826b",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.56,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#b9c5aa",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.03,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#f9e4b3",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.04,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#95826b",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.56,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#d0a048",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "4BgKDYITW3dPl4d8d2eHdQh0tQKm"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Drink tea where it grows

The Maokong Gondola runs 4.03 km into the hills above Taipei in about 12 minutes, and the tea houses at the top are the reason to ride it. Order Oriental Beauty if you see it. It comes from Hsinchu County (Beipu and Emei), and the leaves are bitten by leafhoppers before picking, which is why the farms skip pesticides. For high-mountain oolong, the source is Alishan.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0160",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Dawn over a tea field in the mountains of Taiwan",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-c29a93d7604625ee609f1d5a2ba76929552d6e9e-2400x1350-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "MnCG_ZRjRjWBV@?wWBRjWBWB.9V[axayae",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.7777777777777777,
      "height": 1350,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAALABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwABAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYFB//EACMQAAEDBAEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAECAxEABAUSBwYhIzEyYYH/xAAWAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAQT/xAAbEQACAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDESFBUf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AmOmOR8liMci1et2HdPSlDv8AtaS+X8lPjtWED0NRXM0AaufQkUtlkv6kynUGIpqpJ7Mli/ueVOpXnN2n0Npj4pR2pUY6AhQCRAiaUs9Kf//Z",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#324746",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.25,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#1c4064",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#324746",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.25,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#9cb3d3",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.26,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a4c4e2",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 6.45,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#ac9159",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.04,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#344484",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "l9cRDIBnd3d/d3d8d3mHUEO+Bw=="
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Time your trip for a festival

The Lantern Festival falls on 20 February 2027, and the official Taiwan Lantern Festival is in Miaoli County, provisionally from 20 February to 7 March. Pingxi releases its sky lanterns around the same time. Spring brings the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, nine days and about 340 km on foot, with dates chosen by divination. Keelung's Ghost Festival is the big one in Ghost Month, with the main day on 16 August 2027.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0165",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "A sky lantern rising into the evening sky at Shifen",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-8a7ab43e8592f4be4039d3d8d70570d8a07456b4-2400x3596-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "dGDdIp.TE+iH00ROs9X95RVXm+TK+[b_XTrqMIWXo~s.",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 0.6674082313681868,
      "height": 3596,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#432e25",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.6,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#275464",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.35,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#275464",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.35,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#9fbbc8",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 8.09,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a1c4dc",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.02,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#588598",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.15,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#dd8044",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 2.84,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "X8cJFQR8ZGCHWFZpiYSZZzSSUCMI"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

## When to go to Taiwan?

Taipei's average high is 27.6 °C in October and 26.4 °C in April, against 34.8 °C in July. That's why October to November is our pick, with March to April a close second. The plum rains arrive in May and June, starting in the north. Typhoons come mostly between July and October, with about three to five affecting Taiwan each year, and the northeast monsoon brings grey drizzle to Taipei and Yilan from November to March while Kaohsiung stays dry and sunny.

- **Spring (March to May)**: mild days, cherry blossom at Alishan, calla lilies on Yangmingshan, and plum rain arriving in May.
- **Summer (June to August)**: 33-35 °C in Taipei with afternoon storms and typhoon risk, but the season for Green Island and Kenting.
- **Autumn (September to November)**: the best all-round weather from October, though typhoons can still hit (Champi did on 23 October 2026), plus Taipei Pride and the Chishang rice harvest late in the month.
- **Winter (December to February)**: mild in the south and damp in the north, with Lunar New Year (6 February 2027) filling trains and closing some small restaurants.[grid: non-text section]

## Where to stay in Taiwan?

Where should you base yourself? One long stay in Taipei and stops of one or two nights elsewhere works better than moving every night. Know one rule first. Unlicensed short-term rentals, including most city Airbnbs, are illegal in Taiwan, with fines of up to NT$2 million.

### Taipei

Stay in Zhongshan, with its cafés and boutique hotels on two MRT lines. Da'an is the leafy alternative, close to the food on Yongkang Street. Xinyi puts you beside Taipei 101 at luxury prices, while the Main Station area wins if you'll be catching early trains. A mid-range double runs about NT$2,000-4,500, and hostel dorms about NT$450-1,000.

### Tainan

Book somewhere in or near West Central District, the old centre.

### Hualien

The train station area is the practical choice, and Qixingtan puts you by the sea. Silks Place Taroko, the hotel inside the national park, is open and taking bookings if you want to wake up in the gorge.

### Kaohsiung

Look near Formosa Boulevard or Central Park MRT stations.

Outside the big cities, the usual stay is a minsu, a licensed family-run guesthouse. Prices jump at weekends and on holidays, and hosts often prefer to message on LINE.

> **Guided tip: **Before booking an apartment or minsu, look it up on TaiwanStay (taiwanstay.net.tw), the Tourism Administration's register, and check for the licence certificate. If it isn't licensed, book something that is.

## Getting around when visiting Taiwan

The high-speed line runs 12 stations from Nangang in Taipei to Zuoying in Kaohsiung at up to 300 km/h, which makes the west coast simple to travel. The east coast takes more planning, and it's where we'd spend most of our booking effort.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0211",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "A white and orange high-speed train on the tracks in Taiwan",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-12c0929ffd48e0253236e1bf401fa44732c34993-2400x1350-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "MNLN.4NK9ZxBxtu6IU-pR,M|aeIAxvIVax",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.7777777777777777,
      "height": 1350,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#3b3e41",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 6.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#92491f",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.19,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#b3bcc2",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 6.62,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#b3bcc2",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 6.62,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#bcd4ec",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#5484a4",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#ad7142",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.79,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "LPgFFIQFqCZfbGUWSrh2cGkHlg=="
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Taiwan High Speed Rail

A standard reserved seat from Taipei to Zuoying costs NT$1,490 (business NT$1,950), and fares won't rise before September 2028 at the earliest. Book on thsrc.com.tw or the T Express app from about four weeks ahead, and look for early-bird discounts of up to 35%. Foreign visitors can buy a 3-day THSR Pass for NT$2,400 through pass.thsrc.com.tw or Klook and redeem it with a passport. Several stations, including Taichung and Tainan, sit outside the city centres, so allow time for a local train or bus.

### Taiwan Railway

This is how you reach the east. The Puyuma and Taroko express trains to Hualien and Taitung are reserved-seat only, and the 2025 fare rise put Taipei to Hualien at NT$583. Tickets open 28 days ahead on railway.gov.tw or the app, and weekend seats sell out. If they have, split the journey (Taipei to Yilan, then Yilan to Hualien). EasyCards don't work on these expresses.

### Metros, buses and the EasyCard

An EasyCard or iPASS covers metros, city buses, local trains and YouBike. Taipei MRT fares run NT$20-65, and since 1 July 2026 you can also tap a contactless bank card or phone at the gates. The Taoyuan Airport MRT express reaches Taipei Main Station in 35-40 minutes. Between cities, Kuo-Kuang and UBus run intercity coaches, and the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle network covers scenic areas such as Sun Moon Lake.

### Car and scooter hire

A car pays off on the east coast and around Kenting, and costs about NT$1,200-3,000 a day. UK drivers need a 1949-convention International Driving Permit validated at a Motor Vehicles Office in Taiwan. Other nationalities should check with their embassy. Scooters need a licence that covers motorcycles.

> **Guided tip: **Book east-coast express trains the day sales open, 28 days ahead, and use the high-speed train between cities with a local train or bus for the last stretch.

## Food and drinks you should try when visiting Taiwan

Taiwan is the best food destination in East Asia for the money, and we'd say that with Japan next door. Night markets cover the basics, from lu rou fan (braised pork on rice) and gua bao to oyster omelette and stinky tofu. Beyond those, seek out these.

### Beef noodle soup

Our vote for Taiwan's unofficial national dish. Braised beef in a deep broth over noodles turns up all over the island, and Taipei holds an International Beef Noodle Festival in October.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0239",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "A bowl of beef noodle soup",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-abcf710a7ccc31ccd8fa37ff9073c19dddece938-2400x1600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VGB:W%~ox]-:Rl%Mxat7xtofE2t7xZRjt6xaxtofRkR+",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.5,
      "height": 1600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#563b2e",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.31,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#573c11",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.21,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#bdb093",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 8.26,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#bdb093",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 8.26,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#e6d0ae",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.65,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a88e5e",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.41,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#a79a44",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.01,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "kggKDYKva5iKmIiUeZh4eA14kHAn"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Xiao long bao

Din Tai Fung started in 1958 as a cooking-oil shop on Xinyi Road in Taipei and only switched to dumplings in 1972. Have your first basket of soup dumplings in Taipei, where the chain began.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0244",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Soup dumplings in a wooden steamer basket",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-5bbb89c23cb912efdc4d4c9abb7cefa3fd1476dd-2400x3600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "d8C~kx~V9Gnh04E2IpoM00Z#?Gog_Nx^Z~ax_3tRM{sl",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 0.6666666666666666,
      "height": 3600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAeABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAABAQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQAHAgT/xAAmEAACAQQBBAEFAQAAAAAAAAABAgMABAUREgYTITFBFCIjQmFR/8QAFwEBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAUAA//EAB0RAAEEAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAgMhERITFFH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AMXxeR+pn7Sw9viOWwaWyrzPjZUDMQV9UhgOk7q4imlt7SZRCNtyHEkfzfukcv0/JbWERkaSAzLte4tC6Njq0rUv+ZWa22GaSINMgDH4J+Kq9d9ZZOO5dQruB6ZT4NVJ6bWEYsIpb5b9RmGbv3NvMfHoDfmhM11jJew3cKY/bSeOUwGgP4KPylw8P42LAqf1Pg0BI7TyuwOv92ajeyV1FUvLGLC5tGVIiH+47NVIY3H9625qwA2fdVdBG4jKxkaKX//Z",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#4c4033",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.22,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#704704",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.19,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#bdbba6",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 6.89,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#bdbba6",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 6.89,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#dac29e",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#917450",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.6,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#ae8241",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.38,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "FCkGHQQsh2CFGKbYeptHeHiAige5"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Danzai noodles

Tainan's signature bowl dates from about 1895, a shrimp broth topped with minced pork. Order one as a snack between other stops rather than as a full meal.

### Bubble tea

Who invented it is still argued over. Hanlin Tea Room in Tainan says 1986 and Chun Shui Tang in Taichung says 1988. A 2019 court ruled that neither could patent it. Either way, Taiwan is the place to drink it, ideally followed by a bowl of mango shaved ice in summer.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0253",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Three cups of bubble tea on a wooden café table",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-587970bf46f449758aedb70412899773beb927df-2400x1601-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VaN0SH.8E3t7.7.TS5nhj?S6t7jEt5RjMyR.n$bckCnh",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.499063085571518,
      "height": 1601,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#7e6142",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 1.73,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#764217",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.89,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#764217",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.89,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#cebca8",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 3.33,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#fae192",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.22,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#b38f6c",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 7.97,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#d18220",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 8.02,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "KjkKHYRf6Hd/h3d6aWSHeVJgFgh2"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```

### Taiwan Beer and Kavalan whisky

Taiwan Beer has carried that name since 1946, and a 0.5 L can from a convenience store costs about NT$51. For something stronger, the Kavalan distillery in Yilan opened in 2005, and its Solist Vinho Barrique was named World's Best Single Malt in 2015.

## Culture and local habits you'll notice when visiting Taiwan

Garbage trucks in Taiwan play Für Elise or A Maiden's Prayer, and residents come out to meet them with their rubbish. Public bins are scarce, so carry yours until you find one. Hand things over and receive them with both hands, and don't stand chopsticks upright in rice. If you see a red envelope lying in the street, leave it where it is.

Religion here is usually a blend rather than one faith, and there were about 15,200 registered temples and churches in 2024. When you visit a temple, enter by the right-hand (dragon) door and leave by the left, since the centre door is for the gods. Learn that door rule before your first temple. It's the one habit we'd most want you to get right. Step over the threshold rather than on it, and don't point at the deities. People drop moon blocks to ask the gods yes-or-no questions. Taiwan also has 16 officially recognised Indigenous peoples, about 2.7% of the population. Mandarin is the main language and Taiwanese Hokkien is widely spoken. English covers transport but thins out in the countryside.

```json:object
{
  "_key": "tw0264",
  "_type": "mainImage",
  "alt": "Incense smoke rising in front of a temple altar",
  "asset": {
    "_ref": "image-1538e72981dc549fb2c25d87a67597b94a761811-2400x1600-jpg",
    "_type": "reference"
  },
  "layout": "intrinsic",
  "markDefs": null,
  "metadata": {
    "_type": "sanity.imageMetadata",
    "blurHash": "VBHKe6;^1+5[56qG=Z0#0g%M9Yt8#;V[%0*0X9wJ-Ui]",
    "dimensions": {
      "_type": "sanity.imageDimensions",
      "aspectRatio": 1.5,
      "height": 1600,
      "width": 2400
    },
    "hasAlpha": false,
    "isOpaque": true,
    "lqip": "data:image/jpeg;base64,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",
    "palette": {
      "_type": "sanity.imagePalette",
      "darkMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#5b382c",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 3.27,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "darkVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#7b370f",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.46,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "dominant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#de822a",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.55,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightMuted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#d2c2a6",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 0.18,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "lightVibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#f8cd43",
        "foreground": "#000",
        "population": 1.09,
        "title": "#000"
      },
      "muted": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#ac905d",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 0.15,
        "title": "#fff"
      },
      "vibrant": {
        "_type": "sanity.imagePaletteSwatch",
        "background": "#de822a",
        "foreground": "#fff",
        "population": 5.55,
        "title": "#fff"
      }
    },
    "thumbHash": "2zgKJYZmZmiAVXmTebl4YyuvqPJ5"
  },
  "objectFit": "fill"
}
```[newsletterForm: non-text section]

## Costs of a holiday to Taiwan

Is Taiwan cheap? Not exactly, but eating out is. On Numbeo's mid-2026 cost of living index, Taiwan scores 49.1, about level with Japan at 47.6 and below South Korea at 56.7 and Hong Kong at 76.4. Restaurants are where the gap opens up. Taiwan's restaurant index is 26.8, against 30.8 in Japan and 32.8 in South Korea. It is clearly pricier than Vietnam or the Philippines. Expect about NT$32 to the US dollar.[grid: non-text section]

## Practical tips for visiting Taiwan

Taiwan is easy to travel, but one rule can cost you NT$200,000.

### ✔ Fill in the arrival card before you fly

Many nationalities, including the UK, EU, US, Canada and Australia, can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. You'll need a passport valid for six months on entry and an onward ticket. Every visitor has to complete the free online Taiwan Arrival Card at twac.immigration.gov.tw, which you can now submit in the week before you arrive. Check your own nationality on the Bureau of Consular Affairs visa-exempt entry page before booking. Leave pork products at home. Bringing them in from African swine fever areas can mean a fine of up to NT$200,000, and foreigners who don't pay are refused entry.

### ✔ Carry cash for the night markets

Cards work in hotels and most city restaurants, but night markets and taxis expect cash in New Taiwan dollars. Convenience store ATMs take foreign cards (fees vary), and when a machine offers to charge you in your home currency, choose TWD instead. Tipping isn't expected, and many restaurants add a 10% service charge.

### ✔ Get an EasyCard on day one

It saves fumbling for change on every metro and bus ride, and on the Taipei MRT you can tap a contactless bank card instead. Neither works on the high-speed train or the east-coast expresses, so book those separately and early.

### ✔ Take the natural hazards seriously

Crime is very low and the US rates Taiwan at Level 1, its lowest advisory level. The real risks are typhoons (mostly July to October) and earthquakes, and phones receive emergency alerts automatically. Drug laws are extremely strict, with the death penalty possible. In July and August, air-raid drills stop streets and traffic for 30 minutes region by region. Periodic Chinese military exercises can briefly disrupt flights, while daily life carries on as normal.

### ✔ Pack the right adapter

Taiwan uses 110 V and Type A and B plugs, so visitors from the UK and Europe need an adapter. Airport SIMs from Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile cost about NT$300-1,000. Dial 110 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance.

## Fun facts about Taiwan

Night markets are what most people picture, but there's more.

- Taipei 101 has a 660-tonne steel ball hanging inside it to steady the tower in typhoons and earthquakes.
- Taiwan has nearly 15 million scooters, about 63 for every 100 people.
- Yushan, at 3,952 m, is higher than Mount Fuji.
- Taiwan was the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, on 24 May 2019.
- 7-Eleven has more than 7,300 shops on an island of about 23 million people.
- TSMC alone held about 70% of the world's contract chip-making market in late 2025.

Start in Taipei and give the south a few slow nights, then come back up the east coast if you can.Ready to map out your trip to Taiwan?

We hope this Taiwan travel guide has given you a clear starting point for your trip. Stay tuned for more inspiration and itineraries to help you shape your perfect holiday to Taiwan. And don't forget to check out our **Guided travel planning app**, where you can create your own trip or use trips shared by other travellers for free.## FAQS about visiting Taiwan

### How many days do you need in Taiwan?

Five to seven days covers Taipei, Jiufen, Sun Moon Lake and Tainan. With 10 to 14 days you can circle the whole island, adding Alishan, the east coast and Taroko. In the **Guided app**, you can build your own route and see how many stops fit into your days.### What is the best part of Taiwan to visit?

Taipei is the best start for a first trip, with the most to see and the easiest transport. Tainan is the pick for food and history. For scenery, head to the east coast and Alishan.### What is Taiwan known for?

Night markets and street food come first, followed by bubble tea and Taipei 101. Beyond the cities, it's known for marble gorges and high-mountain tea, and for making a large share of the world's computer chips.### Can you travel around Taiwan without a car?

Yes. Trains and Taiwan Tourist Shuttle buses reach almost everywhere on a typical route, though a car or scooter makes the east coast and Kenting easier.### Is Taiwan expensive?

It sits in the middle. Overall costs are about level with Japan, but eating out is cheaper, and it's noticeably more expensive than Vietnam or the Philippines.### Is Taiwan safe to visit?

Yes. The US State Department rates Taiwan at Level 1, and the UK government describes crime as very low. Typhoons and earthquakes are the main risks, so keep an eye on the forecast between July and October.### Do I need a visa for Taiwan?

Many nationalities, including the UK, EU and US, can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Everyone must complete the online Taiwan Arrival Card in the week before arrival, and the Bureau of Consular Affairs site lists the rules for each passport.### Is Taroko Gorge open?

Partly. Shakadang Trail and Swallow Grotto remain closed after the 2024 earthquake, and Highway 8 opens to traffic in timed windows only. Tianxiang and the Qingshui Cliffs viewpoints are accessible, so check the Taroko National Park site before you go.