7 Places to Visit: Where to Go in Taiwan Beyond Taipei
Taiwan packs a punch in a small package. I hope it’s on your travel list! Taipei steals most of the show as the capital city. Though you’d be remiss to only visit Taipei.
There are tons of incredible spots to visit all around the island. I’ve traveled to Taiwan 5 times and luckily have visited north, south, east, and west, and I know there’s still more places for me to explore.
Read on to find out where to go in Taiwan with kids, and why these are some of the best places to visit in Taiwan with quick area highlights. Taiwan is a very family-friendly country, so most places you go should be kid-friendly.
When creating your trip itinerary, make sure you consider: Keelung, Jiufen, Beitou, Yangmingshan, Taoyuan, Hualien, and Kenting. Let’s get into my top picks for places to see in Taiwan that are not Taipei.
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Jump to: Keelung, Jioufen, Beitou, Yangmingshan, Taoyuan, Hualien, and Kenting
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Taiwan the island
Taiwan is a small island country in Asia. Taipei is the capital and most well known city in the north. Over two-thirds of Taiwan is dominated by mountain ranges favoring the eastern side. Thereby, you’ll find more cities and development along the western coast.
Taiwan’s mountainous landscape, rich lands, and subtropical climate, developed bountiful lands. You’ll find many national parks, forest areas, beaches, flora, lakes, waterfalls, geoparks, rivers, hot springs, hiking trails, and more. Lots of cool adventures in Taiwan go beyond Taipei.
Taiwan’s official name is the Republic of China (ROC), not to be confused with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) or simply, China. Most of Taiwan is on the main island, Formosa; additionally, Taiwan has over 100 smaller islands.
For a comparison, Taiwan is only a teeny bit larger than the size of the state of Maryland, or a bit smaller than the country of Switzerland.
To the west of Taiwan is Southern China, Fujian Province. East of Taiwan are the southern and westernmost islands of Japan, the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture. North of Taiwan you’ll find more of China, Wenzhou, and Shanghai. To the northeast of Taiwan, you’ll come across South Korea and Japan. Traveling south from Taiwan will lead you to the Philippines.
How to Visit Different Areas Around Taiwan
Thankfully, Taiwan invested in its public transportation sector, and it’s easy to get around Taiwan.
The high-speed rail (THSR) is a fast and convenient option to transport you from one city to another, from the north all the way south, quickly. You can get from Taipei to Kaohsiung City (Zuoying) on the HSR in 2 hours.
The Taiwan Railway offers more standard train service, offering stops all around the coastal cities of the island.
Some of the larger cities have their own local metros and light rails, such as the Taipei MRT and Kaohsiung MRT. Beyond, you’ll find buses and taxis (including Uber), which are plentiful and relatively cheap. Furthermore, you can hire a private driver, or you might be able to rent a car or scooter, depending on your license.
Where to go in Taiwan: Places to Pin
Taiwan offers visitors a diverse landscape to explore. I love Taipei! This is a city worth visiting, especially all the night markets in Taipei, and there are tons of Taipei attractions for kids. But also make sure to go beyond the city.
If you only have a few days in Taiwan, it might make sense to only stay in Taipei. However, if you will spend 2 weeks in Taiwan or more, don’t miss out on other cool adventures. Even if you’re only based in Taipei, some of the suggested places are not far from Taipei, and are possible to visit as a day trip.
Consider the following places when planning where to go in Taiwan.
1. Keelung
Keelung is on the north side of Taiwan, a port city. It is known for its harbor and seafood, and its rocky and rugged landscape.
You can find cruises that operate out of Keelung. Several parks in the area offer an otherworldly escape – you might think you’ve gone to space – a visit to the Moon or Mars!
Getting to Keelung: approximately a 25-minute drive or a 45-minute Taiwan Railway train ride
If you take a trip to Keelung, check out:
- Zhengbin Fishing Harbor – active, working harbor
- Zhengbin Port Color Houses – bright colorful row houses along the harbor
- Keelung MiaoKou Night Market – “Taiwan’s best night market” according to Anthony Bourdain
- Heping Island Geopark – coastal park with unique rock formations
- Yehliu Geopark – coastal park with rare geological features
2. Jioufen
Jioufen (or Jiufen) is a small, picturesque town nestled between several mountains in the northeast. The town will charm you with its narrow, windy roads and alleys, adorned with red lanterns.
It has become popular in more recent years for its supposed inspiration for Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away” film. I have, unfortunately, not made it to Jioufen yet, but it’s at the top of my list for our next trip to Taiwan.
Getting to Jioufen: approximately a 40-minute drive or a 1.5-hour Taiwan Railway train ride and bus ride
If you prefer a guided tour over DIY travel, you can look into Jiufen tours.
If you take a trip to Jioufen, check out:
- Jiufen Old Street – especially at night
- Jiufen Teahouse – traditional teahouse
- Jiufen Goldore Museum – reservation required
- Mount Keelung Hiking Trail – all stairs uphill
- Jinguashi Geopark – former mine
- Jiufen Qingyun Temple – Taoist architecture tucked in the mountains
- Golden Waterfall – minerals create a golden-like color effect
3. Beitou
Alright, if we’re getting technical, yes, Beitou is part of the greater Taipei metro. Though it is the northernmost area of Taipei and it has a distinct feel that sets it apart. Conveniently, Beitou is accessible via the Taipei Metro train (MRT).
Beitou is known for its natural hot springs which the Japanese capitalized on and built up during the occupation. There are public baths and private hotels with both indoor and outdoor hot springs.
Getting to Beitou: approximately a 20-minute drive or a 45-minute MRT ride
If you prefer a guided tour over DIY travel, you can look into Beitou tours.
If you take a trip to Beitou, check out:
- Thermal Valley (地熱谷) – for viewing only, the hottest springs in the area
- Long Nice Hot Spring (瀧乃湯浴室) – longstanding traditional bath house
- Beitou Public Hot Spring – (currently closed for renovations) outdoor hot spring with several pools
- Beitou Hot Spring Museum – a museum dedicated to history of the area
- Shipai Night Market – classic local night market
4. Yangmingshan
Yangmingshan is another place I heard a lot about, second to night markets in Taipei, when my husband first started telling me tales about his favorite places to visit in Taiwan. His grandpa had a house in the Yangmingshan area they would frequent.
Yangmingshan is a mountain area and a National Park in the northern region, above Taipei. It is known for its hot springs and sulfur deposits, as well as hiking, a dormant volcano, fumaroles, and cherry blossoms.
Getting to Yangmingshan: approximately a 30-minute drive or a 1.5-hour ride via buses
If you prefer a guided tour over DIY travel, you can look into Yangmingshan tours.
If you take a trip to the Yangmingshan Area, check out:
- Yangmingshan National Park – closest to Taipei with hot springs
- Yangmingshan Flower Clock – floral garden manicured into a clock shape
- Xiaoyoukeng Recreation Area – see an active fumarole
- Bamboo Lake (or Zhuzihu) – full of white calla lilies in spring
- Wuji Tianyuan Temple – circular pagoda style surrounded by cherry blossoms
- Qingtiangang Grassland – easy hiking trails
- Lengshuikeng – hot springs, Jingshan Suspension Bridge, hiking trails
- Jinshan Caishen Temple – God of Wealth
- Zhongjiao Seaside Park – rocky seaside
- Ju Ming Museum – art by Ju Ming with large outdoor sculptures
5. Taoyuan
Taoyuan is a city on the northwestern side of Taiwan. Taoyuan may sound familiar since that’s where you likely flew into, but there’s a rapidly growing city beyond the airport worth exploring.
The Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the busiest airport in Taiwan, where most international flights arrive. It’s home to many businesses, industrial parks, and tech company headquarters. Furthermore, there are some kid-friendly entertainment parks built here.
Getting to Taoyuan: approximately a 35-minute drive or a 50-minute Taiwan Railway train ride
If you take a trip to Taoyuan, check out:
- Zhongli Night Market – a large night market with local and international foods
- Taoyuan Night Market – longstanding traditional night market organized by offerings
- Taoyuan Martyrs’ Shrine and Cultural Park – well-preserved Japanese shrine
- Daxi Old Street – oldest development in Taoyuan with Baroque architecture built up during the Japanese occupation
- Daxi Bridge – famous Baroque-style suspension bridge
- Daxi Zhongzheng Park – popular park with Japanese influence in the historic Daxi area
- Taoyuan Railway Pavilion Museum – train museum with models, retired equipment, interactive exhibits
- Xpark Aquarium – large kid-friendly aquarium
- Window on World Theme Park – a family theme park known for its mini world featuring small scale replicas of famous landmarks around the world
- Leofoo Village Theme Park – a theme park with different themed villages
6. Hualien
Hualien, on the eastern coast of Taiwan, is known for its stunning landscape full of mountains, dramatic cliffs, and beaches. Hualien is famous for its Taroko Gorge and National Park with an iconic marble canyon, suspension bridges, waterfalls, gorges, trails, and winding roads.
Unfortunately, in 2024, an earthquake caused significant damage in the park. Some of the park has reopened, but it still has a lot of restoration work ahead. Follow this Taroko Gorge Park guide for details and updates.
Getting to Hualien: approximately a 2.5-hour drive or a 2.5-hour Taiwan Railway train ride
If you take a trip to Hualien, check out:
- Taroko National Park – iconic national treasure
- Qixingtan Beach – beautiful expansive beachside with a stone shore
- Qilaibi (Chilaibi) Lighthouse – north side of Hualien port
- Taiwan Aboriginal Culture Museum – displays to highlight Taiwan’s Indigenous people
- Hualien Gang Tian Temple – for the sea goddess Mazu
- Dongdamen Night Market – large market offering indigenous food options
7. Kenting
Kenting (or Kending) is at the southern end of the island, and is a National Park, known for its warmer weather, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.
Kenting distinguishes itself from other areas in Taiwan with its tropical weather and sandy coastline, a contrast from the rest of the rocky and cliffy island shores.
Years ago, we stayed at the Chateau Beach Resort, which has a prime beachfront location.
Getting to Kenting: approximately a 5-hour drive or a 4-hour ride via THSR and tourist bus
If you take a trip to Kenting, check out:
- Kenting National Park – Taiwan’s oldest national park
- Kenting Night Market – standard night market along the main Kending Rd
- Baishawan Beach (墾丁白沙灣) – “White Sand Bay” with beach umbrellas (not to be confused with the Baishawan on the north side)
- South Bay Beach (南灣遊憩區) – popular for water sports
- Shiniu Beach (石牛溪海灘) – main beach closest to downtown Kenting
- Small Beach (小灣沙灘) – smaller beautiful beach cove
- Taipower Southern Exhibition Hall – science center around Taiwan’s electricity sectors with interactive exhibits
- Longpan Park – gorgeous grasslands with seaside views
- Eluanbi Lighthouse – southernmost point on the main island
Trips to Take in Taiwan
It is possible to visit Keelung, Jiufen, Beitou, Yangmingshan, and even Taoyuan as day trips from Taipei. Depending on what you want to do and see, though, you will likely have a better experience by spending more time in each.
Getting out to Hualien and Kenting requires more time and effort if you’re coming from Taipei, so for these, you definitely want to stay overnight.
From temples to mountains, hiking, beaches, hot springs, and more, Taiwan offers fun adventures for all ages all over the island.
Next time you plan a trip to Taiwan, make sure to consider these places outside of Taipei for special adventures that offer another view into beautiful Taiwan.
