Tourist Attractions in Taiwan

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Taiwan

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Taiwan

Taiwan is a modern country that is rapidly developing but retains its traditions and history. There are not very many ancient architectural structures left here, but those that are visible are forever etched in the memory.

In Taipei you can see skyscrapers next to ancient temples. There are many night markets in the city, attracting a lot of tourists. The famous Taipei 101 skyscraper, climbing to its observation deck is a must on any tourist’s programme. It is also impossible not to look at the ancient Taipei Zoo, which has a huge collection of animals and beautiful nature.

There is also a place to relax from the bustling metropolis. The island is full of amazing places. Here you can find rugged, picturesque mountains shrouded in mist. And you can lie in the sun on a warm beach, look at the azure water, walk in cosy parks. Nature is not stingy, decorating Taiwan.

In Taiwan, there are many national parks, which gladly welcome tourists. They are very diverse and it is definitely worth visiting at least one of them. The Lake of the Sun and the Moon deserves special attention. Probably, it is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Taiwan

Taipei City

 0/5

It is Taiwan’s capital and its economic and educational centre. It is surrounded on three sides by mountains. Taipei’s skyscrapers compete with their height, including the Taipei 101 skyscraper, which is one of the tallest in the world. Besides museums, temples and gardens, the city attracts tourists with its modern side: night markets, shopping and entertainment centres.

Taipei 101 Shopping center

 4.4/5

60486 reviews

It is the sixth tallest skyscraper in the world. It consists of 101 floors with shops, restaurants, and clubs. The height of the building is 509.2 metres. Tourists are taken to the observation deck on the 89th floor by two high-speed lifts in just 39 seconds. These are the fastest lifts in the world. The design of the skyscraper is postmodern combined with traditional motifs. The special design makes the skyscraper resistant to typhoons and earthquakes.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Kinmen Islands

 4.6/5

230 reviews

It is an archipelago of six islands located in the west of the Taiwan Strait. Its name translates as “Golden Gate”. They are located quite close to the province of Fujian. The islands cover an area of just over 150 kilometres². The largest of them is Jinmen. It is home to the majority of the population. The archipelago was the site of wars between China and Taiwan.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

 4.5/5

68388 reviews

It is a striking example of temple architecture, the second most popular landmark in Taiwan. It was built in honour of the country’s former president Chiang Kai-shek. The complex includes a square, the National Concert Hall and the National Theatre. And on the sides of the memorial hall are beautiful ponds. They were donated to the complex by General Ho Ying-ching.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

 4.4/5

19211 reviews

Sut Yat-sen is considered the founder of the Republic of China, and is greatly revered by the Taiwanese. A memorial hall was erected in his honour in 1972. It is located near the Taipei 101 skyscraper. The total area of the building is almost 30 thousand m². In the memorial hall there is an exhibition centre, a lecture hall, a library with more than 300 thousand books. The complex is surrounded by a park with an amazing lake.

Open time

Bangka Longshan Temple

 4.5/5

42667 reviews

It is one of the most popular and oldest temples in the city: it was built in 1738. The temple has been destroyed more than once, and once it was completely destroyed, but it was rebuilt with the money raised. Lunshan consists of three halls: the back hall, the main hall and the front hall. They are richly decorated, with many dragon-shaped decorations. And there is a beautiful artificial waterfall in front of the temple entrance.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Taipei Zoo

 4.6/5

65534 reviews

It is the largest and oldest zoo on the island. It was founded in 1914. The zoo has many sections and its total area is 160 hectares. Of these, only 90 hectares are accessible to visitors. Animals from Africa, Asia, Australia and Taiwan can be seen in the zoo. These include camels, Himalayan bears, lions, antelopes, rhinos and more than 130 species of birds. More than 4 million tourists visit the zoo every year.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Maokong Gondola

 4.5/5

3227 reviews

This is a cable car that takes tourists and residents of the city to Maokong Mountain. It was designed in 2007. It starts at the Taipei Zoo underground station. Its length is 4 kilometres and the climbing time is 30 minutes. During this time, tourists stop at several stations with attractions: the observation deck and Zoah Temple. There are a total of five carriages operating on the cable car.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Presidential Office Building

 4.3/5

4048 reviews

The palace was built in 1919. It was originally the home of the governor-generals of Taiwan, 11 of whom lived in it, and in 1950 the building became the Presidential Palace. The exterior of the palace is very attractive and bright, and in its centre stands an 11-storey tower, which has had a lift since it was built. Inside, tourists are greeted by a smart interior with an interesting exposition.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM
Tuesday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM
Wednesday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM
Thursday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM
Friday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

National Palace Museum

 4.5/5

47574 reviews

This art and history museum is located in Taipei, opened in 1925. In 2015 it was the 6th most visited museum in the world. The museum is one of the largest on the planet and keeps a huge collection of expensive and valuable historical monuments of Chinese culture. The number of its exhibits totals 7 thousand, and the oldest one is 8 thousand years old. Near the museum there is a traditional Chinese park.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Kaohsiung National Stadium

 4.4/5

5783 reviews

It is the largest stadium on the island and is located in Kaohsiung Resort. It was built in 2009 in honour of the opening of the Olympic Games. It has a capacity of 55,000 people. The stadium was designed by architect Toyo Ito, and it is powered by solar panels, which are located on its front side. The shape of the stadium is unusual – spiral.

Open time

Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum

 4.5/5

5603 reviews

It is one of the main landmarks of Taiwan. It was built in 1783 and miraculously managed to survive after many political upheavals. The architecture of the building is simple and traditional. It reflects the atmosphere of the island in previous centuries. Although the farm does not shine with bright colours and expensive decorations, it attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Open time

Wuling Farm

 4.6/5

11113 reviews

It is a National Forest Recreation Area, which is called a true corner of paradise. It was once home to the Ataya tribe, who appreciated the fertility of the land. The farm has a very mild climate, in spring there are apple, peach and plum trees, incredible sakura blossoms, as well as many flowers. There is a hotel and cottages on the farm.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Fort San Domingo

 4.3/5

13239 reviews

The fort was built in 1629 by the Spanish to consolidate their dominance over the locals and natives. It was taken over by the Dutch in 1642. They added spires to the fort and fortified the front country. In 1867, the fort was leased to the British, who made major renovations and completed another part of the fort. Today it is an incredible old complex with gorgeous views.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Yangmingshan National Park

 4.5/5

24191 reviews

The national park is located between the cities of Taipei and New Taipei. It is famous for cherry blossom trees and hot springs. The most famous of these is 600 metres above sea level. There are also 20 volcanoes, many hiking trails and whole groves of sakura trees. The park is crossed by many rivers that give rise to beautiful waterfalls.

Open time

Kenting National Park

 4.5/5

21082 reviews

It is one of the oldest national parks in Taiwan. It is located in the eastern part of the island and has an area of 333 km². It is known for its coral reefs, sandy beaches, waterfalls and lighthouse. The park is also home to the southernmost point of Taiwan. In early April, the park hosts the Spring Scream rock festival, which attracts up to 300 bands.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Penghu

 0/5

It is an archipelago that is located in the south of the Taiwan Strait. It consists of 64 islands with a total area of 127 km². They were formed by volcanic activity. The five central islands of the archipelago are connected by bridges, so travelling between them is very convenient. The islands have beautiful beaches and nature, as well as a pleasant climate.

Taroko National Park

 4.6/5

23986 reviews

It is one of the most popular nature reserves on the island. It was established in 1986. The reserve covers an area of 920 kilometres². It is a place for relaxation of mind and body, where nature has captivating beauty and everything around is mesmerising. There is a huge variety of landscapes in the park: rivers, waterfalls, rocks, hot springs, forests. A whole day is not enough to see the whole reserve.

Open time

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

 4.6/5

37665 reviews

It is a mountainous area near Yushan Mountain. It forms a national park, which is a recreational area and a nature reserve. The park covers an area of 415 kilometres². There are four villages, waterfalls and tea plantations in the mountains, which is very popular. The mountains are also famous for wasabi horseradish. The Alishan region is the symbol of the country.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Yushan

 4.7/5

578 reviews

It is the highest peak in East Asia. It is called the “roof” of Taiwan. The height of the mountain is 3952 metres. Many large rivers originate from its steep, precipitous slopes. Climbing the mountain is not easy, the air is very rarefied. But to conquer Yushan is a must for tourists. The reward will be incredible scenery and a feeling of unity with nature.

Sun Moon Lake

 4.6/5

6303 reviews

An incredibly romantic place suitable for a honeymoon or a peaceful retreat. It is one of the most picturesque places in Asia. There are a few hotels in this area and nothing else. The beautiful lake lies surrounded by green mountains. Emerald Sun and Moon Lake is the largest lake in Taiwan. It is the best place to enjoy nature.

Beitou Public Hotspring

 3.8/5

2970 reviews

It is the northernmost of all the districts in Taiwan. It is famous for its hot springs, so it has become a popular recreational area. In total, there are more than 30 of them in the area. There are thermal resorts, spa centres, and a museum in Beitou. The temperature of water in the pools usually reaches 35°C, anyone can bathe in them.

Open time

Monday: 5:30 – 7:30 AM, 8:00 – 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 4:30 – 7:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:30 – 7:30 AM, 8:00 – 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 4:30 – 7:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:30 – 7:30 AM, 8:00 – 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 4:30 – 7:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 5:30 – 7:30 AM, 8:00 – 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 4:30 – 7:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 5:30 – 7:30 AM, 8:00 – 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 4:30 – 7:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 5:30 – 7:30 AM, 8:00 – 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 4:30 – 7:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 5:30 – 7:30 AM, 8:00 – 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 4:30 – 7:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:00 PM

Love River

 4.4/5

1184 reviews

The River of Love is located in Kaohsiung City. Its length is 12 kilometres. This river has been compared to London’s Thames: it is of great cultural significance. On its right bank is the amazing Love Park, decorated with fountains and statues of Cupid. You can’t believe it, but the river used to be dirty and unattractive. Now it is a favourite boat ride for couples in love.

Shilin Night Market

 4.1/5

13761 reviews

Taipei is famous for its night markets. The most famous and largest of them is Shilin Market. It is a long decorated street. There are many stalls and stalls along it. You can buy everything from watches, clothes, toys, food and carpets. This colourful variety perfectly captures the flavour of the city. This is the so-called cultural centre, which opens at 20:00. During the day, there is no trace of it.

Open time

Monday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Shifen Waterfall

 4.4/5

21689 reviews

Shifen Falls is called “Little Niagara” by the locals. It is 20 metres high and its shape resembles the famous waterfall. But Shifen itself is also worthy of attention. It is located between two rocks, so it is very noisy. Around the waterfall grows a dense forest. In the sound of water you can forget about everything and have a great rest, because the scenery is incredible.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM