Things to do in Taiwan

Taiwan’s National Palace Museum is home to an incredible 700,000 plus artifacts and artwork that chronicles China’s history from early Neolithic to contemporary times. Impressive by any standard, many pieces forming part of the museum’s collection were gathered during the Ming and Qing dynasty periods, reflecting an appreciation of the contribution made by earlier eras to later development in subsequent centuries. The museum’s buildings are impressive and visionary, reflecting the balance of ancient and new, both within and without, and the influences both have on Taiwan today.

Get your heart racing with a trip to the 89th floor observation deck of the unique and stylish Taipei 101 building. A stunning example of architecture, Taipei 101 is located in the heart of Taipei. If photography is your thing, unleash your love here by taking advantage of the opportunity to enjoy stunning photographic opportunities afforded by the panoramic 360 degree views of Taipei city.

Covering over 920 square kilometers in the northern section of the Central Mountain Range, Taroko National Park is a Taiwan destination for nature lovers. Located just northeast of the island’s midpoint, Taroko National Park is ‘carved’ through the middle by the Liwu River, a natural wonder that created the breathtaking Taroko Gorge. Visitors will appreciate Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns, and Taroko Gorge, as well as the many waterfalls to be found throughout the park, with the trails of Shakadang, Baiyang, Changchun, and Lushui-Wenshan. Appreciate the park’s beauty from the Zhuilu Suspension Bridge and gain insights into local history and culture at the Eternal Spring Shrine, a memorial to people who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. The thoughtfully positioned Changuang Temple, is nestled within the deep green of surrounding trees and foliage and resting over the waterfall that cascades from it.

An unusual name for Taiwan’s largest and arguably most beautiful lake scenery, Sun Moon Lake was named for the resemblance that the east and west sides of the lake have to the sun and moon. It is home to the local aboriginal Thao tribe. On your visit here be enchanted by picturesque views across the water to Lalu Island and the surrounding mountains that frame the lake.

Located at the very south of Taiwan at Hengshun Peninsula, Kenting National Park has a reputation for beautiful beaches, idyllic vegetation and diversity in its coral population. The national park is synonymous with a tropical climate, sunshine, and magical beaches. Be prepared to feel swept away into total holiday mode.

Fancy traveling to another world? You can do that with a visit to Yehliu Geopark, a fascinating assembly of natural rock sculptures that bear uncanny resemblance to all manner of things: oversized mushrooms, different animals, bee hives, even the head of a queen. It’s said the park’s most distinctive sculpture resembles the head of ancient Egypt’s Queen Nefertiti, and in deference to her and the naturally formed sculpture, the park’s logo carries this motif. You may not find royalty here, but you will find beauty fit for holiday makers who appreciate interesting landscapes that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Weathering of the rock and sculptures continues to occur naturally, so visitors are kept at a distance. Regardless, the island perspective, ocean views, and the extraordinary geography combine to create the perfect scene for a beautiful travel memory or two.

Officially a national tourist area, Alishan is a mountain range that follows the ‘spine’ of the island. The average peak reaches 2,500 meters and on a clear day, views as far as Yushan are visible. No visit to Alishan is complete without an alpine sortie to admire the sunrise that draws visitors from around the world, reaching the pinnacle by traveling the Alishan Forest Railway, an 86 kilometer network of narrow gauge railways encompassing 50 tunnels and 77 wooden bridges, that winds its way up the mountain. Beyond beautiful mountains, views, and scenery, Alishan is also famous for its tea, which locals and visitors appreciate for its unique flavor, no doubt enhanced by the alpine environment in which it grows.

Visit Jiufen Old Street, a historic hillside street in Jiufen, for a glimpse into Taiwan’s gold mining past. Apart from its 1890’s golden heritage, Jiufen holds an appeal that extends well beyond its seaside mountain location near the town of Ruifang. The quintessentially traditional Chinese (and some Japanese) architecture – think movie set design – is only enhanced by the cascade of gorgeous red lanterns that adorn the exterior of buildings and make a wander through the town by day or night a truly mesmerizing experience. Reaching movie audiences around the world as the backdrop for several films, Jiufen still buzzes with activity. Locals and visitors alike find their way to one of Jiufen’s delightful teahouses to savor both a brew and the passing parade.

Fort of Anping – or Fort Zeelandia – was built over 10 years from 1624. It was an important administrative, and strategic trading and defense hub while under Dutch rule. With a turbulent 350 year history that reflects the eras through which it has survived, it is known now as Anping Old Fort. The Dutch understood the imperative for market control and chose Fort Zeelandia for its position as the key intersection between trade routes frequented by the Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, and Chinese. This allowed the Dutch to control markets for the goods traded on these routes using their military, the soldiers of which were involved in its construction. When Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga) liberated Taiwan from the Dutch in 1661, he renamed it Anping as a nod to his hometown, and made it his residence. During the Qing dynasty, Anping was usurped by Tainan as the main political center for the island and the fort fell into disrepair. Coming under occupation again, this time by the Japanese, the original building constructed of a distinctive red brick, was almost completely destroyed, leaving only the remnants that now draw travelers curious to learn about its history.

For a contemporary expression of traditional Chinese architecture, visit the National Theater and Concert Hall. With its architectural design replicating that of traditional buildings, the National Theater and Concert Hall is certainly one of Taipei’s landmarks. The art center was established in 1987 and includes two main venues: A concert hall (in which resides the largest mechanical pipe organ in Asia) and a smaller recital hall. The National Theater has two performance venues too: the Proscenium Arch Theater and the Experimental Theater. and it is the most professional venue for performance art in Taiwan. For travelers with a passion for the arts, check the program of events for dates that align with your travel itinerary.

Taipei Arena, which also goes by the moniker ‘Taipei little big egg’, is a local landmark and Taiwan’s answer to Hong Kong’s Coliseum. With capacity for a 15,000 plus crowd and originally designed as a venue for sporting events like baseball, Taipei Arena has really gained its reputation by hosting music and other performing art concerts. Locals say that if you’re on the stage at the Arena, you’ve definitely ‘made it’. Within the Taipei Arena precinct there is also a year round ice-skating rink called Ice Land. So, if you need things to do with kids in Taiwan on a Taiwan family tour, keep this in mind as an activity to entertain them, as well as an opportunity to mix with locals who take advantage of its weekday availability for some icy fun.

Officially opened in 2018, National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts is also known as Weiwuying, a name it earned because of its location on a former military compound. A massive arts complex that houses the opera house, concert hall, playhouse, and recital hall, this 14,000 square meter building is also located next to an outdoor amphitheater. Designed by Dutch architectural firm, Mecanoo, National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts has rightly found its name on Time’s 2019 list of the World’s 100 Greatest Places. Add it to your must-visit list while in Taipei.

Now officially referred to as the National Taichung Theater, this visually distinctive building is highly regarded for its most unusual architecture. Of course the building’s theaters are impressive, however, it is the design both inside and out which earned it the nickname ‘Sound Cave’, that makes a visit to National Taichung Theater worthy of a visit, even if the arts are not on your radar.

Taipei Eye is a theater where traditional Chinese and Taiwanese performing arts are displayed. For a glimpse into the way that traditional creative arts are being preserved for future generations, artists deliver 90 minute shows that combine Peking Opera, folk arts and music, acrobatics, indigenous music and dance, and many other traditional forms of opera. An eye opener for the traveler wanting an overview of Taiwan’s creative history.

Forming part of the National Center for Traditional Arts (along with Yilan Park and Kaohsiung Park), the Taiwan Traditional Theater Center is home to the Guoguang Opera Company, the National Chinese Orchestra, and Taiwan Music Institute. The center includes a performance hall, a theater, music library, and should make it to your list if you want to dive into traditional culture art forms.

As the largest city in Taiwan, Taipei has a veritable wishlist of nocturnal activities. Look out over Taipei at night with a visit to Taipei 101. Hike Xiangshan’s (Mount Elephant) trail to enjoy a different perspective of Taipei’s evening skyline. Take the Maokong Gondola to Maokong for an altogether different night view of Taipei, then relax at the teahouse for a cup of local tea. Climb aboard the Miramar Ferris Wheel and discover why locals love this popular site. Or dine at one of the many restaurants at Yangmingshan that offer stunning night views of Taipei.

Take a break from the hectic pace of Taichung’s inner city when you savor a riverside wander along the banks of the Liuchuan River. Relax at the city center’s Maple Garden, then visit Wang Gao Liao Park, which provides an enviable view of Taichung. Alternatively, make your way to the viewing platform of Aofeng Mountain for an altogether different Taichung night view.

Kaohsiung is another precinct that delivers up memorable views of the city. Here you can take in the city skyline at Singuang Pier, stroll Central Park Kaohsiung, and appreciate the light artworks at Urban Spotlight. For a different perspective, jump on a river boat on Ai He, which locals have affectionately named Love River, and enjoy the vivid and colorful night lights of Kaohsiung. Yet another option is to make your way up to the 74th floor of the famous 85 Sky Tower. The observation deck provides stunning night views of Kaohsiung.

Visit Tainan in Taiwan’s southwest where you can join a night tour at Ten Drum Rende Creative Park. A short 25 minute drive away is Shennong Street. Here you can explore the best-preserved historical street in the district and feel you’ve stepped back in time. During the Lantern festival, there are incredible night views to be had when you visit Yue Jin Harbor Park. And for the creative traveler, why not explore the Blueprint Culture and Creative Park for an imaginative lighting display that is projected onto a 3D blueprint of a house? Fascinating stuff for the curious visitor wanting an experience that’s a little out-of-the-box.

In Hualien, the Old Railway Walkways appeal for the opportunity to enjoy cafes, shops and contemporary culture (perfect if you’re holidaying with teens). Enjoy the sunset, or if weather permits, a starry sky as you look out over Hualien from the Fonglin Trail. Alternatively, walk the red Hualien Harbor Scenic Bridge and wander through the Dongdamen night market for a sumptuous feast of local street food favorites.

Overlook Taitung and enjoy the starry night sky from the observation deck on Sige Mountain. If you’re lucky enough to be in the region during a full or near full moon, contemplate the moon’s reflection off the ocean from the Jialulan Recreation Area, a much loved activity for locals and travelers. Finally, visit the Tiehua Music Village where you can enjoy musical performances and browse the art market, which sells the creations of local artists and craftsmen.