Experiences

Tourist Places in Taiwan

Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Rainbow Village, Yangmingshan National Park, Shilin Night Market, Longshan Temple, Ximending, Muzha Zoo, Chungbuk Fall Pine, Gaomei Wetland, Lihpao Land, Tian Yuen Temple, Fo Guang Shan, and many more.

With its skyline dominated by mountains and skyscrapers alike, the places to visit in Taiwan are quite unparalleled. Whether you're on a backpacking trip or a comprehensive family vacation, anyone coming to Taiwan is treated with a fantastic array of tourist attractions that are bound to make one's holiday twice as enjoyable.

Whether you're a nature lover or one with a religious bent of mind, these Taiwan places to visit won't leave you disappointed. The fantastic religious culture of the country is well exhibited through its various temples and pagodas, with the Longshan Temple and the Paochueh Temple being only two of the many such temples here. On the other hand, the splendid natural attractions here, such as the Shifen and Wulai Falls or the many hot springs in Beitun, are bound to leave you enchanted as well.

One could also spend a happening time in Taiwan touring the various night markets around the country, with the Raohe Market, the Shilin Market and the Snake Alley being only some of such flourishing hotspots. On the other hand, the adventure lover in you will surely enjoy the offbeat tourist places in Taiwan, such as the gorgeous High Heels Church or the eerie and abandoned Wanli UFO village.

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Must Visit Places in Taiwan

Taipei 101

A modern architectural marvel, Taipei 101 is a super skyscraper in Taiwan’s capital city. Rising to a height of over 1600 feet, the building derives its name from the fact that it spans across 101 levels.

The design of the building is distinctly postmodern, with each level stacked neatly above the other like stacked boxes. The financial building is also home to one of the fastest elevators in the world.

Location: Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan

National Palace Museum

Hosting an eclectic collection of Chinese artefacts dating back to the Neolithic ages, the National Palace Museum is among the biggest museums in the world. One of the most sought-after places to visit in Taiwan, the Museum has nearly 800,000 ancient artworks on permanent display.

The collection here includes a series of paintings, calligraphy, statues, lacquerwares, jades and much more. The more popular exhibits, such as the Jadeite Cabbage, are always kept on display. The Museum offers guided tours in English almost every day and the gift shop is located within the premises, and is worth a visit.

Location: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111

Timings: Monday: Closed & Tuesday - Sunday: 09.00 AM - 05.00 PM

Entry Fee: $350 per person

Rainbow Village

One of the most aesthetically pleasing places to visit in Taiwan, the Rainbow village is a tiny settlement in Nantung known for its quirky, colorful houses. The village was initially a military dependent’s settlement and was later converted through Street art.

While there are no prominent attractions here, a walking tour through the colored streets of Rainbow Village remains a must try. The main artist behind the endeavor, endearingly called Grandpa by all, still resides in the village and is always open to meeting tourists.

Location: 408, Taiwan, Taichung City, Nantun District

Timings: 08.00AM-06.00PM on all days of the week

Taroko Gorge

Sprawling along Japan’s east coast, the Taroko Gorge is an impressive 19 meter long canyon. Home to a fantastic assortment of flora and fauna, the Gorge is now recognized as a National Park.

The Park is home to over 30 species of animals, including deer, boars and bears. A great variety of butterflies can be spotted here as well. Several hiking trails travel along the ridges in the mountainside, making it a popular hiking destination.

Location: 972, Taiwan, Hualien County, Xiulin Township

Sun Moon Lake

Taiwan’s largest lake, the Sun Moon Lake is a place of extraordinary beauty. The area is perfect for short day trips and picnics. There is a cable car ride offered here as well, taking riders all the way to the adjacent Cultural Village. There are scores of hotels located around the lake which is busy with yachts taking tourists from one side to the other.

Yangmingshan National Park

Nestled on the outskirts of Taipei City, Yandmingshan is one of Taiwan’s nine national parks. Traversing across a variety of lush natural terrain, Yangmingshan stands testament to the country’s diverse natural wealth. There is much to explore and experience at the National Park, with gorgeous waterfalls, ridges, lakes and hillocks scattered around the place.

The Dream Lake, with its serene waters, and the volcanic Xiaoyoukeng peak serve as special attractions here. Hiking, swimming, boating and fishing are some of the most popular tourist activities at Yangmingshan.

Location: Shilin and Beitou District, Taipei, Taiwan

Timings: 09.00AM-04.30PM on all days of the week. The Park remains closed on the last Monday of every month.

Beitou Hot Springs

One of the best places to visit in Taiwan during the winter months is the Beitou hot spring. Fed by the geothermal hot springs in Beitou Park, the water in the hot springs is rich in sulfur and known for its rejuvenate qualities.

The park comprises 6 pools in total, including 4 hot spring pools and 2 cold spring ones. The pools themselves are designed like traditional Japanese Baths, with lush flowering gardens surrounding them on all sides.

Location: Zhongshan Road, Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan 112

Timings: 5:30 - 7:30 am, 8 - 10 am, 10:30 am - 1 pm, 1:30 - 4 pm, 4:30 - 7 pm, 7:30 - 10 pm; on all days of the week

Entry Fee: $40

Dragon Tiger Tower

Also known as the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, the Dragon Tiger Tower are a pair of ancient Chinese temples nestled by the Lotus Lake in Kaohsiung.

Representative of the traditional Kaohsiung culture, the pagodas span across seven storeys and are embellished with yellow and red tiles. The interiors of the pagodas are lined with paintings, such as that of the twelve Magi’s and the Jade Emperor’s thirty palaces.

Location: Zuoying, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Timings: 08.00AM-05.00PM on all days of the week

Xinshe Sea of Flowers

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Taiwan, the XInshe Sea of Flowers is a seasonal attraction in the heart of Taichung. Taking place during the months of winter, this annual festival lets you commune with gorgeous flowering plants at close hand.

The agricultural event showcases the best blooms across Taiwan. Travellers are greeted with spectacular views of several hectares worth of flowers in all shades, offering a dazzling sight to behold. Generally, each chapter of the festival has an overarching theme that participants must adhere to, pertaining to fairytales, public figures or the local culture.

Location: Xiexing Street, Xinshe District, Taichung City, Taiwan 426

Timings: 09:00 AM - 05:00 AM, between November and December each year

The Lin Family Mansion and Garden

Built by the Qing dynasty, the Lin family Mansion is one of Taiwan’s grandest private residences. One of the most fascinating places to visit in Taiwan, it is also the country’s most complete surviving example of traditional Chinese gardens. The garden is demarcated into seven separate areas.

Tastefully designed pavilions, bridges and lakes scatter the gardens on all sides. The vast flowering gardens add to the overall beauty of the garden, with well paved walkways snaking their ways through the beautiful landscape.

Location: Ximen Street, Banqiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 220

Timings: 09.00AM-05.00PM on all days of the week

Entry Fee: $80

Zushi Temple

The Sanxia Zushi Temple is a prominent centre of Taiwan’s Zushi folk religion. The temple is dedicated to the worship of Qingshui Zushi, a monk from the Northern Song dynasty. The architecture of the temple is decidedly western in nature, setting it apart from the other traditional Chinese temples.

This combination of eastern and western art styles has given birth to a unique fusional design, earning the temple its reputation as the Hall of Eastern Art. The stone sculpture work at the temple is particularly striking, with over 130 columns depicting carefully carved out scenes from local folklore.

Location: Ximen Street, Banqiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 220

Timings: 05.00AM-10.00PM on all days of the week

Wusheng Night Market

If you're a night owl planning to spend the late hours strolling through the streets of the city, then the Wusheng Night Market is just the place for you. One of the best places to visit in Taiwan for those looking to get a taste of the local culture, the Night Market can be found teeming with stalls selling locally made clothing and accessories.

Several stalls also pride in their assortment of traditional finger foods and snacks, with staples including QQ balls, sticky rice and varieties of fried chicken. A number of carnivals styled games are offered here as well.

Location: Lane 69, Wusheng Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Timings: 06:30 PM - 01:30 AM, Wednesday and Saturday

Chimei Museum

Founded in 1992, Chimei is Taiwan's largest private Museum. The Museum collects a variety of Western Art and cultural artefacts, offering the thrill of enjoying western culture while well ensconced in Taiwan itself. The exhibits here include those of natural History, fine arts, arms and scriptures.

The Museum is also known to house the world’s largest collection of violins under one roof, with over 1300 violins on display.Location: No. 66?, Section 2, Wenhua Road, Rende District, Tainan City, Taiwan 71755

Timings: Wednesday: closed & Thursday - Sunday: 09:30 AM - 05:30PM

Entry Fee: Starting from $150

The Pier-2 Art Centre

Nestled in an abandoned warehouse, the Pier 2 Art Centre is an open art space allowing local artists and students to showcase their talents. One of the most offbeat places to visit in Taiwan, visitors at the art centre are greeted with views to some fantastic art installations in public spaces.

The building itself is covered in graphic street art, offering a sight to behold. The Arts centre also hosts several art fests and workshops at regular intervals.

Location: No.1?, Dayong Road, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 803

Timings: Monday-Thursday: 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM & Friday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Places to Visit in Taipei

Shilin Night Market

The largest of night markets in the country, the Shilin Night Market is among the most popular nighttime tourist places in Taiwan. The market itself is separated into two distinct sections: one thriving with food stalls, and another selling non food items.

While the latter is well known for its locally made clothes and accessories, the former prides in its sale of local delights. The bubble tea, fried chicken and peanut candy at the market are especially popular. Some high end diners can also be found around the place.

Location: No. 101?, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111

Tao-Yuan-Street Beef Noodle Shop

A popular hideout among locals, the Tao Yuan Street Beef Noodle Shop is said to deliver some of Taiwan’s most delicious beef noodles. Nestled at the obscure corner of Taoyuan Street, the little store is often overlooked by tourists.

However, the seats here remain jam packed during the lunch hour owing to its reputation for dishing out the best beef dishes. The store here offers two types of noodles, one with a spicy broth and another with a clear one, depending upon the customer’s taste.

Location: No, No. 15, Taoyuan Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

Longshan Temple

The Bangka Longshan Temple is a Chinese folk temple in Taipei. One of the striking tourist places in Taiwan, the temple was constructed way back in the 18th century by Chinese settlers from Fuijan. Quite uniquely, the Longshan Temple caters to more than one religion.

Catering to the Taoist, the Buddhist and the Confucian faiths, the temple is representative of Taiwan’s religious unity. There are several images and idols of local deities housed within the temple that are worshipped throughout the year.

Location: No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853

Timings: 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM on all days of the week

Huaxi Street Night Market

Built in 1951, Huaxi Street Night Market is Taiwan’s oldest night market. Owing to the sheer number of shops selling snake-based food and drinks, the street market is often called ‘Snake Alley’ by the locals.

The wares at these food stalls generally include cooked animal parts that are not found anywhere else and require a brave heart to try out. However, a number of other street food items are found here as well, along with a few stalls selling clothing and accessories.

Location: Huaxi Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

Timings: 04.00PM-12.00PM on all days of the week

Ximending

One of the best places to visit in Taiwan for shopaholics coming to the country, Ximending is the cultural heart and soul for Taiwan’s Wanhua district. The shopping district is lined by high end and mid-budget stores, selling an array of items ranging from clothes to keychains.

Although there are some shopping malls here, the best way to experience Ximending is to roam the streets on foot. There are several experiment diners and restaurants around the place as well, with the Modern Toilet Restaurant being especially popular among tourists.

Location: Huaxi Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

Muzha Zoo

Sometimes known as the Taipei Zoo, the Muzha Zoo is a public zoological garden in the Wenshan district. Home to more than 700 species of birds and animals, the zoo makes sure you never run out of things to see. The zoo is separated into 7 different zones, each with a different theme.

The insectarium can be found brimming with colorful butterflies in all seasons, making it one of the most enchanting places in Taiwan. The Koala House and the Penguin House are special attractions here, where visitors can witness the animals romping around in their own habitats. The most celebrated animals of the zoo, however, are the two Chinese pandas who are most definitely the stars of the show here.

Location: No.30?, Section 2, Xinguang Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 11656

Timings: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM on all days of the week

Entry Fee: Starting from $60

Raohe Street Night Market

A must visit for all foodies coming to Taiwan, the Raohe Street Night Market prides in its assortment of delicacies. The market is not too big, and the small size assures that you can explore all of it in one night.

Stalls at the market sell a variety of genre-bending food, including the signature ‘stinky tofu’ that is a big hit among the locals. The Dongshan Duck and Oyster noodles are the specialties here.

Location: Raohe Street, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105

Timings: 05.00PM-11.00PM on all days of the week

Miramar Entertainment Park

One of Taiwan’s most famed malls, Miramar Entertainment Park combines art and amusement into a single shopping paradise. Packed with high end departmental stores, the Entertainment Park offers a wholesome shopping experience here.

The Malls’ biggest attraction, however, is the rooftop Ferris wheel which gleams green from a distance. One of the highest such wheels in all of Japan, the Miramar Ferris is a special favorite among both children and adults alike.

Location: No. 20?, Jingye 3rd Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491

Timings: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM on all days of the week

Nangang District Hiking Trail

One of the best Taiwan places to visit among hikers coming to the country is the Elephant Mountain, commonly dubbed as the Nangang District Hiking Trail. The hiking trail is a fairly easy one, with the hike taking no more than 30 minutes for beginners.

The trail is well known for the rewarding views it offers of the surrounding town. Offering a fantastic panorama of the Xiangshan skyline, the hike is an absolute must try for photographers in the city. The views from the top are especially amazing during the sunset hours, just as the city lights come aglow with the waning of the light.

Location: Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan

Places to Visit in Taichung

Carton King Creativity Park

Taiwan is home to numerous odd-themed restaurants, although Carton King may perhaps take the cake. Everything in this unusual diner- be it cutlery, furniture or decoration- is made entirely of cardboard.

Even the little garden surrounding the restaurant is filled with sculptures made of paper, depicting images of famous monuments from around the world. The restaurant also hosts DIY papier mache workshops and exhibitions on a regular basis.

Location: No. 2, Lane 2, Section 2 Dongshan Road, Beitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan

Timings: 09.00AM-09.00PM on all days of the week

Chungbuk Fall Pine

Covered in thickets of pine trees, the Chungbuk Fall Pine is an ideal visit for those looking to get away in the very heart of nature.

Although there is not much to be done here, visitors can spend time exploring the cool forests on foot. The area is perfect for a casual picnic as well, and photography is a popular activity here.

Location: Taichung, Taiwan

Gaomei Wetland

Nestled on the mouth of the Dajia river, the Gaomei Wetland is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Taiwan. Spread over 1,500 acres, the wetlands are an ecological marvel. The muddy lands are margined with boardwalks that visitors can use to explore the area on foot.

There are some bike rentals available here as well. Tourists will come across several water animals as they walk along, with fishes and crabs being the most in number. The wetlands also witness a great flock of migratory birds during the winter months, making it one of the best tourist attractions in Taiwan among birdwatchers.

Location: Qingshui, Taichung, Taiwan

Lihpao Land

One of the best places to visit in Taiwan for adventure lovers, Lihpao Land is among the country’s most popular amusement parks. The park boasts of a variety of themed attractions, such as a pirate ship ride and a Wild Flume ride, attracting tourists of all ages to itself.

However, Lihpao Land is most-of-visited for Gravity Max, the world’s first tilt coaster and the first ever coaster to feature a 90 degree drop. Another prominent attraction here is the Sky Dream, which, rising to a height of 394 meters is Taiwan’s tallest Ferris wheel.

Location: No. 8, Furong Road, Houli District, Taichung City, Taiwan 42145

Timings: Weekdays: 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM & Weekends: 09:30 AM - 08:00 PM

Tickets: Starting from $900

FengJia Night Market

Claimed to be the largest night market in Taiwan, the Fengjia Night Market begs for a visit. Strung with bright lights and bustling shops till late hours, the stalls at the night market are known for their pocket friendly items.

While shopping enthusiasts at the market will have a wonderful time rummaging through the trendy clothes and quirky accessories here, foodies can spend their time gorging on the scrumptious snacks and beverages sold.

Location: Wenhua Road, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 407

Timings: Monday: 04.00PM-01.00AM & Tuesday- Sunday: 04.00PM-02.00AM

PaoChueh Temple

Founded in 1927, Paochueh is one of Taiwan’s oldest Buddhist temples. Characterized by the massive Maitreyi statue that flanks the building, the temple stands as a symbol of unity between the Chinese and Japanese Buddhist temples.

The prayer hall at the temple follows a traditional Japanese style of architecture. Two stunning bell towers surround the temple on both sides. The temple premises also feature a collunarium that pays tribute to all the Japanese and Taiwanese lives lost in the Second World War.

Location: No.140?, Jianxing Road, North District, Taichung City, Taiwan 404

Timings: 09.00AM-05.00PM on all days of the week

National Museum of Natural Science

Renowned as Taiwan’s best equipped museums, the National Museum of Natural Science is a must visit for children coming to Taichung. The Museum is home to four multimedia theatres on different subjects such as Space, Environment and Birdlife, each offering comprehensive shows.

The park outside the Museum premises has a greenhouse enshrining a tropical rainforest inside, along with a permanent exhibition of low altitude plants.

Location: No.1?, Guanqian Road, North District, Taichung City, Taiwan 404

Timings: Monday: Closed & Tuesday-Sunday: 09.00AM-05.00PM

Entry fee: Children: $70 & Adults: $100

Art Stock 20

Sprawling behind the Old Railway Station in Taichung, Art Stock 20 is a series of 7 warehouses that have now been remodeled into art spaces. Regarded as a second-grade historical site, the Art Stock 20 is one of the most unique places to see in Taiwan.

Now over 100 years old, these old Japanese warehouses offer a space for local artists to thrive in. Each warehouse houses a gallery, and hosts festivals and exhibitions on a regular basis.

Location: Behind the Old Taichung Railway Station

Donghai Night Market

An old favorite among college students, the Donghai Night Market is mostly known for its food stalls. Spanning across a vast area, visitors at the market can spend a happening time strolling through the crowded streets looking for a desirable food item. The Mung Ban smoothie, chicken feet jelly and steamed buns are a specialty here.

Location: No. 9, Xinxing Road, Longjing District

Timings: 04.00PM-01.00AM on all days of the week

Dakeng Scenic Area

Encompassing the mountains that surround Beitun, the Dakeng area is Taiwan’s stairway to heaven. The Scenic Area, as it is called, is an extremely popular hiking spot and is one of the best tourist places in Taiwan for trekkers.

The hiking trails that snake the way along the mountains are numbered from 1 to 10, with number 10 reaching the highest point in the peak. Some of the trails are steep while some of them are fairly easy, offering a perfect climb for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike.

Location: Lane 383, Section 1, Dongshan Road, Beitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 406

921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan

Standing testament to the life altering earthquake that nearly changed the country’s topology, the 921 Earthquake Museum is one of Taiwan’s most harrowing monuments. The main attractions at the Museum are mainly the collapsed buildings and school that bore the biggest brunt of the Jiji quake, preserved in an unchanged form till date.

A large gallery by the quake sites displays pictures of the devastation around the city with before and after contrast collages. There are several exhibition halls around the place as well, showcasing symbolic art and disaster prevention methods.

Location: Lane 383, Section 1, Dongshan Road, Beitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 406

Timings: Monday: Closed & Tuesday-Sunday: 09.00AM-05.00PM

Entry Fee: $50

Places to Visit in Xinbei

Tian Yuen Temple

The Tien Yuen Temple is an ancient Taoist Temple in New Taipei City. Surrounded by cherry blossoms on all sides, the beautiful 5 storey Pagoda rises tall against the blue horizon.

Built in the year 1992, this beautiful temple was constructed in less than 57 days. Although the temple is popular for its architecture and its peaceful ambience, Tian Yuen is most often visited by people to watch the Cherry Blossom in bloom.

Location: No.36, Section 3, Beixin Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 251

Lao Mei Green Reef

One of the most stunning natural Taiwan places to visit, the Lao Mei Green reef is a unique strip of seashore riddled with bright green rock troughs.

During the wet season, this volcanic reef is covered in algae, imbuing a shining green hue. Centuries of sea erosion have left deep trenches in the reef, creating a zigzag pattern.

Location: Shimen District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 253

Shifen Waterfall

Spreading proudly over 20 meters, the Shifen Waterfall is Taiwan’s widest falls. Falling in a long unbroken curtain, these majestic falls is a sight to behold. The waterfall opens into a dark green pool at the bottom, which remains covered in mist throughout the year.

There is a walking bridge by the falls that offers front seat views to the spectacle. Rainbow formations are quite popular here as well, and if you’re lucky enough, you might just spot a distinct seven colored ban right above your head!

Location: 226, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Pingxi District

Timings: 09.00AM-04.30PM on all days of the week

Jiufen Old Street

Offering sweeping views of the mountain and the sea, Jiufen Old Street is among the most scenic places to visit in Taiwan. Boasting of a rustic old school charm, the narrow streets and alleyways at Jiufen are always bustling with little stores, quaint eateries and souvenir shops.

The best way to explore the Street is to take a walk along its narrow roads, testing cafes and stores as you walk by. The Old Lantern Tea House, known for its characteristic blue design and charming red lanterns, is a special attraction here.

Location: Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224

Timings: Monday - Thursday: 08:00 AM - 07:00PM & Friday - Sunday: 08:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wulai Falls

Falling across a height of about 80 meters, Wulai is one of Taiwan’s largest waterfalls. While the main cascade here is clearly visible from a distance, there are several smaller streams hidden away beneath the foliage, only visible from a cable car ride.

The Waterfall itself is surrounded by thick forested areas on all sides, imbuing a peaceful charm to the place. There are some eateries around the Fall as well, that guests can explore at their own leisure.

Location: No.16, Pubu Road, Wulai District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 233

Juming Museum

A specialty art museum, the Ju Ming Museum hosts a wide collection of art and sculptures by the Taiwanese artist of the same name. The gallery here boasts of a diverse collection of paintings, wood carvings and pottery work by the artists.

A majority of the Museum, however, comprises a vast sculpture park. Predominantly modernist is style, the sculptures are unique in design and a treat to all art enthusiasts coming here.

Location: 208, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Jinshan District

Timings: Monday: Closed & Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00AM - 05:00PM

Wulai Hot Spring

Settled along the Nanshi River, the Wulai Hot Springs are a series of geothermal springs with healing properties. Although there are a number of luxury hotels here offering hot spring baths, the public outdoor springs are more widely popular here.

The public springs offer a number of pools by the edge of the Nanshi, featuring splendid views of the river. Often, several locals can be spotted making their own makeshift spring pool by arranging rocks in the riverbank- a truly unique sight to behold!

Location: Nanshi River, Wulai, Taiwan

Places to Visit in Kaohsiung

85 Sky

Dominating the skyline of Kaohsiung, this 85 storeyed skyscraper is one of Taiwan’s modern architectural marvels. Closely resembling a typical Chinese Pagoda, the tower is shaped like the Chinese letter ‘gao’, which is also the first letter in the name of the city.

The 74th floor of the tower features an observation deck offering sweeping views of the cityscape. A little cafe nestles along the deck, serving delectable delights and craft beers.

Location: 802, Taiwan, Kaohsiung City, Lingya District, Ziqiang 3rd Road

Price: $250 for entry to the Observation Deck

The Dome of Light

At the confluence of Kaohsiung’s red and orange metro line, the world itself appears to be scattered across colored pieces of glass on the ceiling. Built by Italian artist Narcissus Quigliata, the Dome of Light is the world’s largest public art installation, and is one of the most enthralling places to see in Taiwan.

Built out of 4,500 pieces of glass, the dome itself is separated into four quadrants, with each half depicting themes such as the cycle of life, humanity, and Taiwan’s turbulent political history.

Location: Formosa Boulevard, Kaohsiung

Fo Guang Shan

Set against the backdrop of the majestic Fo Guang mountains,the Fo Guang Shan monastery prides in its status as Taiwan’s biggest Buddhist monastery. One of the most important religious places to visit in Taiwan, the monastery consists of four main temples- theDa xiangbao, the Dabei , the Dazhi and the Dashu shrines.

A massive statue of Buddha Amitabha, measuring 120 meters in height, flanks the temple entrance. Smaller statues and lanterns cover the walls of the temple on all sides. A massive fountain opens into a little pool at the heart of Fo Guang Shan, adding to the charming scenery of the place.

Location: Dashu District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Lianchi (Lotus) Lake

Famed for its beauty and serenity, the Lianchi Lake is a scenic promenade in the Kaohsiung district of Taiwan. The little artificial lake can be found brimming with lotuses when the season is right, and offers a perfect spot for a casual evening stroll.

Walking around the lake should take less than two hours, and there are several places to stop for a snack or a drink along the way. A number of small shrines and temples can be found around the promenade as well.

Location: Zuoying District in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Timings: Open 24 hours

Cijin Island

A little oasis across the Kaohsiung, the island of Cijin is well known for its laid back, beachy vibes. Among the best Taiwan places to visit for day trips, the island is known for its historical attractions and its watersports alike.

Cijin island is often visited by those desiring to look at Kaohsiung’s oldest temple, the 17th century Tianhou temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. The island is also home to a turbine farm, and a Japanese military tunnel which is now open for tours. The beautiful black sand beaches at the island are also ideally suited for swimming, surfing and sunbathing.

Location: Qijin District, Taiwan

Places to Visit in Tainan

Anping Tree House

Originally built in the 19th century, the Anping Tree House is a former British warehouse started by a colonial trading company in Tainan. Now, the building is famed to house a banyan tree that has grown on and around it. In the years since the building was abandoned, the living banyan tree has forced its way through the brickwork and the concrete.

An elevated walkway has been added to the grounds, allowing visitors to navigate the crumbling rooms through the dangling roots that are suspended everywhere.

Location: No. 108, Gubao Street, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708

Timings: 08.30AM-05.30PM on all days of the week

Entry fee: $50

Chihkan Tower

Constructed by the Dutch colonists in the 17th century, Chihkan Tower is one of the most prominent landmarks in Taiwan. Practically unchanged even 300 years from its conception, the tower stands tall in the Anping region.

The tower has served various purposes throughout its history- in the Dutch era, it was a Western styled castle, a pavilion during the Quing era, a military hospital during the war years and now a tourist site.

Location: No.212, Section 2, Minzu Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Timings: 08.30AM-09.30PM on all days of the week

Entry Fee: $50

Anping Fort

Built in the 17th century by the Dutch East India Company, Anping Fort is among the most renowned historical Taiwan places to visit. Over the years, the ancient red bricked building has fallen to ruins, although the Fort still remains a tourist hotspot.

The Fort is a great place to take a leisurely stroll or simply relax, with the bricked square offering several scenic promenades. Visitors can also climb to the observatory and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding city.

Location: No.82, Guosheng Rd, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708

Timings: Monday -Thursday: 08:30 AM - 05:30 PM & Friday - Sunday: 08:30 AM - 08:00 PM

Guanziling Hot Spring

Nestled by the Zhentou Mountain ranges, these natural hot springs promise a rejuvenate experience for both the body and the soul.

The springs were discovered by the Japanese war troops in the year 1920, and hailed as the best such spring in all of Taiwan. The river mud that infuses with the spring waters are said to have healing properties in itself, although it colors the river a dirty grey.

Location: 732, Taiwan, Tainan City, Baihe District

Timings: 09.00AM-11.30PM on all days of the week

Other Places to Visit in Taiwan

Wanli UFO Village

One of the most unique Taiwan places to visit is the Wanli Village, an abandoned beachside resort known for its UFO shaped houses. This art resort features ‘Futuro’ homes that resemble flying saucers. The village itself is a source of significant enigma- nobody knows who built these homes, or even when they came into existence.

Martin Suuronen, the artist attributed with the development of the Futuro home style, has openly denied ever sanctioning the plans for this particular village. Visitors at the village can spend a fantastic time strolling through the deserted streets, exploring the abandoned houses as they pass by.

Location: Sanzhi, New Taipei, Taiwan

Grand Matsu Temple

Also known as the Daitanhou or the Great Goddess of Heaven Temple, the Grand Matsu temple is dedicated to the sea-goddess, Mazhu. Once a royal palace, the temple has now grown into one of the most sacred religious spots in Taiwan.

Rooms upon rooms at the temple house shrines to various deities, although the most prominent shrine is the large golden one dedicated to Matsu herself. The temple itself is flanked by ornamental gardens by the front, adding to the serene charm of the place.

Location: No. 18, Lane 227, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Timings: 06:00 AM - 09:00 PM

Lotus Lake Taoist Complex

The Taoist complex at the Lotus Lake is a collection of gorgeous Chinese pagodas, temples and shrines lining the banks of the artificial lake in Kaohsiung. On one side of the lake is the gorgeous Spring and Autumn pavilions, known for its ornate architectural design.

Dedicated to the Chinese God of War, the Pagodas are connected by the statue of a dragon being ridden by a God. Interestingly enough, the dragon’s mouth serves as an entrance to the Pavilions. On the southern side are the Tiger and Dragon Pagodas, two seven-storeyed spires that are protected by their respective beasts.

Location: 1435 Cuihua Road, Zuoying District, 813, Taiwan

The High Heel Church

Standing inside Budai’s Ocean View Park, this heel shaped building is striking in its design and architecture. Although the building was initially created as a Church that would cater to women only, the structure, once finished, was instead used as a wedding and photoshoot location.

The interiors of the glass roofed building is decorated with ideas that are typically building, such as maple leaf decorations and loveseat benches.

Location: Haixing Street, Budai Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan 625

Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival

One of the most daring experiences that one can have, the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival literally aims to set people on fire. Fifteen days into the Chinese New Year, the district bombards eager crowds with fireworks. The crowds are always prepared with helmets and protective gear, eagerly awaiting the assault.

The special attraction here are the ‘beehives’, which are giant cylinders stuffed with rockets that are let loose at regular intervals. The blast only lasts a minute or two until the crackers turn upwards and break into fireworks.

Location: Yanshui District, Taiwan

Yehliu Geopark

One of the most scenic places in Taiwan, the Yehliu Geopark prides in its natural rock formations. Littered with acres of honeycomb and mushroom rocks eroded by the sea, the Geopark presents a dazzling display of formations that are shaped like distinct objects.

The most prominent rocks here are named after the objects they resemble, such as the Dragon’s Head and the Queen’s Head. The park is also home to several birds, such as little ospreys and egrets.

Location: Yehliu, North Taiwan