Top 13 Famous Tourist Taiwan Attractions and Sightseeing in Taiwan

Taiwan is a vibrant island nation known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and bustling urban centers. From the towering Taipei 101 and dynamic night markets to the serene Sun Moon Lake and the breathtaking Taroko Gorge, Taiwan offers a diverse range of attractions. The island's unique blend of traditional and modern influences is evident in its ancient temples, high-tech industries, and delicious cuisine. With friendly locals and a variety of activities ranging from hiking in lush mountains to relaxing on beautiful beaches, Taiwan is a captivating destination for all travelers.

Here are the top 13 must-visit attractions in Taiwan.

Top 1:Taipei 101(台北101塔/Taipei 101 ta )

Taipei 101

Taipei 101, located in Taipei, Taiwan, is a landmark skyscraper that was the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010. Standing at 508 meters (1,667 feet) with 101 floors above ground and 5 below, it is an architectural marvel known for its distinctive green glass facade and design inspired by traditional Asian pagodas,One of the engineering marvels of Taipei 101 is its massive tuned mass damper, a spherical device designed to counteract the swaying of the building caused by strong winds or earthquake. A luxurious shopping mall featuring international brands and high-end boutiques including Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, and Din Tai Fung restaurant which is globally renowned for its dumplings and Taiwanese cuisine, all while symbolizing Taiwan's economic prowess and technological innovation through its towering height of 508 meters and intricate engineering, making it an integral cultural and iconic landmark in the heart of TaipeiTaipei 101 .It is equipped with one of the fastest elevators in the world and offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its observation decks. Once the world's tallest building, The tower boasts an observation deck on the 89th and 91st floors, offering panoramic views of Taipei City and beyond. The deck provides a breathtaking vantage point, especially during sunset and in the evening when the city lights up.

Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Opening hours: 11 am – 9:30 pm (Sun-Thu) 11 am – 10 pm (Fri-Sat)
Recommended visit duration: 2~3hours

Top 2:Kenting National Park(垦丁公园/ken Ting gong yuan)

Kenting National Park

Kenting is located on the Hengchun Peninsula at the southernmost tip of Taiwan, under the administration of Hengchun Township in Pingtung County. Administratively, it is classified as a "village." Kenting itself is quite small, and most visitors also explore the surrounding Hengchun Peninsula. Due to Kenting's central location in this area, the entire region is often referred to as Kenting. It is the only tropical region in Taiwan and is home to Taiwan's first national park.Kenting is famously depicted in the azure seas and skies of the movie "Cape No. 7" and as the final landing place of the protagonist in "Life of Pi." While Taipei is often drenched in annoying winter rain, Kenting enjoys bright sunshine. With its pristine white beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and numerous visitors basking in the glorious sunlight, Kenting feels like a place where flip-flops and beach shorts reign supreme and time seems to slow down.

The best times to visit Kenting are from April to May and from October to November.Kenting has a tropical climate with small temperature variations, and the average temperature is around 24 degrees Celsius. Temperature is not the primary factor for tourism in Kenting; rather, summer typhoons and winter "luoshan winds" are the main considerations. Known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife. The attractions in Kenting are best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, and transportation options include renting scooters or hiring a car.

Address: 1435 Cuihua Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City
Opening hours: 08:00-18:00
Recommended visit duration: 1~2days

Top 3: Sun Moon Lake (日月潭/ri yue tan)

Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, in the central region of Taiwan. Nestled between Yushan (Jade Mountain) and Alishan, it is the largest natural freshwater lake in Taiwan.it is a renowned tourist destination known for its picturesque scenery. The lake is divided into two sections by Lalu Island, with the eastern part resembling a sun and the western part resembling a moon, giving the lake its name. Sun Moon Lake was formed by the accumulation of water in a fault basin between Yushan (Jade Mountain) and Alishan. Originally, it consisted of two separate lakes, which later merged into one due to the construction of a dam downstream for hydroelectric power. The current lake area is 9.4 square kilometers, with a circumference of 36 kilometers. The average water depth is 40 meters, and the maximum depth is 46 meters. Surrounded by lush mountains, the area offers a variety of attractions, including the Wenwu Temple, Ita Thao Village, and the Ci'en Pagoda. Visitors can enjoy boat cruise, cycling paths, and serene walking trails, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and sightseeing.

Address: 599號, Zhongshan Rd, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555
Opening hours: 08:00-18:00
Recommended visit duration: 1~2hours

Top 4 :Taipei National Palace Museum(台北故宫博物院/taipei gu gong bo wu yuan)

Taipei Palace Museum

The Taipei Palace Museum, also known as the Zhongshan Museum, is located at No. 221, Section 2, Zhishan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan. It covers a total area of 160,000 square meters. The museum opened in 1965 and has undergone multiple expansions and renovations. The Taipei Palace Museum is one of the three major museums in China. In June 2019, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and AECOM jointly released the "Theme Park and Museum Report," ranking the Taipei Palace Museum 18th globally.

The main building of the museum is divided into four floors, with the central courtyard shaped like a plum blossom. The first-floor houses offices, a library, and an auditorium. The second-floor features exhibitions of calligraphy, paintings, bronzes, porcelains, a model of the Houjiazhong Cemetery, and artifacts excavated from the tomb. The third floor displays calligraphy, paintings, jade artifacts, ritual objects, sculptures, books, documents, stele inscriptions, and textiles. The second and third floors have exhibition halls with a "qi" (vessel) layout, which Huang compared to the "Five Chambers Hall." The fourth-floor hosts various special exhibitions.At the back of the third floor, there is a 26-meter-long corridor leading directly to a cave within the mountain. The cave, located 50 meters above ground, contains three arched chambers, each 180 meters long and 3.6 meters high and wide. These chambers are divided into numerous small storage rooms, with a central passageway for categorized storage of various artifacts.

Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Opening hours: 09:00-17:00
Recommended visit duration: 1~2hours

Top 5 :Yehliu Geopark(野柳地质公园/ye liu di zhi gong yuan)

Yehliu Geopark

Located in Wanli District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, Yehliu is a cape that extends into the sea, part of the Datun Mountain range. It stretches about 1,700 meters long. Due to the effects of sea erosion, weathering, and tectonic movements, it has formed a series of unique geological landscapes such as sea-eroded caves and trenches, honeycomb rocks, candle-shaped rocks, tofu rocks, mushroom rocks, potholes, and solution plates. The best time to visit here is May to September.

The Queen's Head - A Symbol of Taiwan's Tourism. Mushroom rocks are the most representative geological formations in Yehliu, with the "Queen's Head" being the most famous among them. The Queen's Head has become the symbol of Yehliu Geopark due to its regal and dignified appearance. It is itself a mushroom rock, formed through the same processes as other mushroom rocks. However, its long neck and graceful facial lines, resembling a noble queen sitting upright with her head held high, have earned it the special name "Queen's Head."

Address: No. 167-1, Gangdong Road, Yeliu Village, Wanli District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Opening hours: 08:00-17:00
Recommended visit duration: 1~2hours

Top 6:Taroko Gorge National Park(太鲁阁大峡谷/tai lu ge guo jia gong yuan)

Taroko Gorge National Park

"Taroko Gorge" is a famous tourist destination in Taiwan, located in the northwest of Hualien County in eastern Taiwan. Stretching over 20 kilometers, it is part of Taroko National Park. The gorge is characterized by towering cliffs, soaring peaks, steep mountains, and rugged rocks. The streams in the valley flow swiftly through the dense and serene forests, creating a breathtaking landscape reminiscent of the majestic Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. It is acclaimed as the Three Gorges of Taiwan and is considered the most spectacular of Taiwan's eight scenic wonders. In 2005, it was ranked among China's ten most beautiful gorges. "Taroko" originates from the Truku language meaning "barrel" or "container." The terrain here is rugged and has served as a battlefield multiple times, evident from the numerous stone fortresses that are strategically defensive. Resembling a fortress-like landscape, hence the name "Taroko," often referred to as "Taroko Gorge." Key attractions include Taroko Gorge itself, Taroko National Park, and Baiyan (Hundred Swallows) cave, Eternal Spring Shrine, and the Tunnel of Nine Turns. Hiking trails, including the Shakadang and Baiyang Waterfall trails, offer diverse experiences amid the gorge's unique geology. .A mountainous region famous for its sunrise views, tea plantations, and forest railway.

Address: xiulin village, hualian county, Taiwan
Opening hours: 08:00-18:00
Recommended visit duration: 1~2hours

Top 7: Maokong Gondola(猫空缆车/mao kong lang che)

Maokong was originally a small valley on the eastern side of a tea-growing area. Due to the soft geology, the riverbed has been eroded by pebbles over many years, creating pits and holes that resemble cat's paw prints, hence the name "Maokong" ("Cat Hole"). Although Maokong is located in a tea area, there is much more to see than just tea trees. In addition to the famous pothole terrain, there are cultural attractions such as Sanxuan Temple, Tianen Temple, Zhinan Temple, and the U-Theatre on the Mountain. For tea enthusiasts, there is a Tea Promotion Center and a Teapot Museum where you can learn about various aspects of tea culture and knowledge.

From Zhinan Temple, if the weather is clear, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Taipei, making Maokong a great spot for viewing Taipei's nightscape. One of the highlights of Maokong is the Maokong Gondola, Taipei's first cable car line. The Maokong Gondola has a total of four stations: Taipei Zoo Station, Taipei Zoo South Station, Zhinan Temple Station, and Maokong Station. You can ride the super cute Hello Kitty-themed cars, with four different designs to choose from—definitely a must for Hello Kitty fans! There's also the "Crystal Cabin" or "Eyes of Maokong Gondola," which features a fully transparent cabin, including the floor, offering a thrilling 360° view for those brave enough to try it.

Address: 1435 Cuihua Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City
Opening hours: 09:00-21:00
Recommended visit duration: 1~2hours

Top 8 :Longshan Temple(龙山寺/llong shan si)

Longshan Temple

Longshan Temple is located in the southwest of Taipei City, Taiwan, near the Danshui River. One of the oldest and most famous temples in Taipei.It was founded in the third year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1738) and completed in the fifth year. The architectural design follows a three-section layout, with an aerial view forming a "hui" character. It consists of the front hall, rear hall, east and west protective halls, and the central main hall. The layout is solemn and square, with beautifully carved doors, walls, beams, and columns. It showcases temple art from the Qing Dynasty, Japanese occupation, and post-war periods. Its appearance is similar to the Qingshui Zushi Temple and the Tamsui Yingshan Temple. The area was originally called "Manka" (now Wanhua) and houses many deities, with the main deity being Guanyin, also known as Anhai Guanyin. There is a grand festival on the 19th day of the second lunar month to celebrate the deity's birthday.

The original building was damaged by earthquakes and weather during the Jiaqing and Tongzhi periods. Most of the current structure was rebuilt between 1920 and 1926, with expansions from 1953 to 1965. The two bronze pillars preserved on either side of the main entrance steps are important early relics. Annual festivals and folk activities are regularly held, such as the Lunar New Year Lantern Festival, the Buddha Bathing Festival in April, and the Ullambana Festival in July. Visitors to Longshan Temple in Manka can appreciate the beauty of Taiwanese temple architecture and enjoy the charm of traditional folk culture.Today is remains a center of religious life and a bastion of local culture in Taipei.

Address: No. 211, Guangzhou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Opening hours: 06:00-22:00
Recommended visit duration: 1~2hours

Top 9: Beitou Hot Springs

Beitou Hot Springs

Beitou Hot Springs is located in Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan. Since the Japanese colonial era, Beitou Hot Springs has been famous for its public bathhouses, featuring Tudor-style rural architecture with sturdy red brick walls, black tiles, and lush greenery, providing a relaxing retreat.There are three types of hot springs in Beitou:First , Simple Thermal Springs: Colorless and transparent, slightly acidic with a temperature of 59 degrees Celsius, known as "Iron Springs" due to the reddish-brown sediment mixed in the water. It is suitable for bathing for those suffering from neuralgia and gastrointestinal diseases.Second, Acidic Green Alum Springs: Colorless, tasteless, transparent liquid with slight acidity, temperature of 65 degrees Celsius, commonly known as "Green Springs." Regular bathing can treat stubborn conditions like eczema and ulcers. Third, Acidic Sulfur Springs: Milky white water with a slight sulfur smell, temperature of 48 degrees Celsius, commonly known as "Sulfur Springs." It is beneficial for those with skin diseases and gynecological issues.

The "Iron Springs," "Green Springs," and "Sulfur Springs" each have therapeutic effects for different ailments, making Beitou Hot Springs a place of healing and relaxation.A popular hot spring area near Taipei, known for its therapeutic waters.

Address: Zhongshan Road and Guangming Road in Beitou District, Taipei City, Taiwan.
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
Recommended visit duration: 1~2hours

Top 10: Dragon & Tiger Pagodas(龙虎双塔/long hu Shuang ta)

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are located on Lotus Pond in Zuoying, southeast of Kaohsiung. Each pagoda is connected by a zigzag bridge and was built during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty. They stand side by side and very majestically, it looks like twins. At the base of the pagodas lie wooden sculptures of a giant dragon and tiger, both with open mouths. Entering through the dragon's mouth and exiting through the tiger's mouth is believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil, according to local tradition. Visitors enter through the dragon's mouth and can climb the stairs to the top, where they can enjoy a panoramic view of Lotus Pond. The unique design and ingenious concept make it quite different from typical pagodas. Inside the tower, you can also see murals. The Dragon Tower features paintings of the Twenty-four Filial Exemplars and scenes from the life of Baosheng Dadi. The Tiger Tower depicts the virtuous disciples of Confucius and the Thirty-six Palaces of the Jade Emperor.

Symbolizing "great fortune," the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas stand 31.6 meters tall and were constructed in 1995 as a replica of the original iconic structures in Kaohsiung. They are considered some of the most distinctive Taiwanese architecture in Kaohsiung.

Address: in the northern part of Lotus Pond, Kaohsiung City
Opening hours: 08:00-18:00
Recommended visit duration: 1~2hours

Top 11: Jiufen old street(九分老街/Jiufen lao jie)

Jiufen street

Jiufen Mountain Town is steeped in nostalgia, with its narrow stone steps and undulating streets giving it a unique charm. One of the largest and most famous night markets in Taiwan, offering a variety of street food and shopping options. Food lovers can head to the Jishan Street area, where numerous snack shops line the bustling streets. The steaming Jiufen taro balls are a must-try delicacy. For those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, Shuqi Road is dotted with coffee shops and teahouses, where you can sit and enjoy the authentic "Jiufen coffee shop" experience. Nearby, the Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park showcases the history of gold mining in the area. Here, you can see the "world's largest gold nugget" and enjoy the delicious "miner’s bento."

Address: Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Opening hours: 08:00-22:00
Recommended visit duration: free time

Top 12: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall(中正纪念堂/Zhong zheng ji nian tang)

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is located in the center of Taipei City, Taiwan, bordered by Hangzhou South Road, Zhongshan South Road, Aiguo East Road, and Xinyi Road, covering an area of 75,000 square meters. It was built in memory of Chiang Kai-shek, with construction starting in 1976 and completed on March 31, 1980. The inauguration ceremony was held on April 4 of the same year, and it opened to the public on April 5.

The memorial complex includes the Memorial Hall, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park, the main gate, perimeter walls, the Boulevard of Homage, and theaters on both sides. The design of the Memorial Hall features a roof resembling the Temple of Heaven in Beijing and a body reminiscent of Egyptian pyramids, combining Chinese palace-style architecture. The building primarily uses blue and white colors, symbolizing freedom and equality.

Designed by Yang Cho-cheng, who also designed the Grand Hotel in Taipei, the architecture of the Memorial Hall embodies Chinese cultural elements. The structure stands on a broad, three-tiered base, with a square layout symbolizing the name "Zhongzheng." The octagonal roof represents the eight virtues: loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, love, trustworthiness, righteousness, harmony, and peace. The shape of the building is designed to form multiple "ren" (person) characters, culminating in the main peak, which symbolizes the unity of heaven and humanity.The Memorial Hall features a prominent central tower. The first floor houses exhibition and screening rooms displaying artifacts and documents related to Chiang Kai-shek's life. The upper floor contains a large statue of Chiang Kai-shek, guarded by honor guards. In addition to the Memorial Hall, the plaza in front of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is also a cultural hub of Taipei. The Taipei Lantern Festival is held here annually before the Lantern Festival. The outdoor plaza has hosted various cultural events, such as performances by Cloud Gate Dance Theatre and the "Voices Across the Century" concert. Memorial Hall - A historic site in Taipei dedicated to the former president.

Address: No. 21, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan Province
Opening hours: 09:00-18:00
Recommended visit duration: 1~2hours

Top 13:Alishan National Scenic Area

Alishan National Scenic Area

Nestled amid the central mountain range of Taiwan, Located 75 kilometers east of Chiayi City, Taiwan Province, at an altitude of 2,216 meters,it is near Taiwan's highest peak, Yushan, to the east.the Alishan National Scenic Area unfolds as a mesmerizing expanse where ancient towering cypress trees cast shadows on mystical trails, revealing a pristine wilderness celebrated for its ethereal sunrise over a sea of clouds, the rhythmic chug of the Alishan Forest Railway echoing through lush landscapes, and a sanctuary where visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of a forest steeped in cultural heritage and breathtaking natural wonders.If visiting in spring, witness the enchanting Alishan cherry blossoms in full bloom, transforming the landscape into a sea of delicate pink and white hues.Embark on a nostalgic journey aboard the Alishan Forest Railway, an iconic narrow-gauge train, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and picturesque along the way.

Address: No. 59, Zhongzheng Village, Alishan Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan Province
Opening hours: 09:00-18:00
Recommended visit duration: 1day

Customize Your Unique Taiwan Tour

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Taiwan tour, please visit our Taiwan Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Taiwan Trip

Taiwan101

Hi, I’m Helen Tang, if you like my article, please share it with your friends. Any sugguestions on this article, please contact me. Thanks!

Want to plan a private Taiwan tour? CREATE NOW

CREATE MY TRIP

FABULOUS TOUR COMPANY

CHINA OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2019 We researched several companies and studied reviews on Trip Adviser before contacting who did a very China Culture Tour with an initial query. Right from the outset Grace who owns the company was excellent. She emailed detailed with pictures information and a suggested…read more details

Karen from US

Ready to Create a Unique Dream Travel?

Create My Vacation