Choose from 57 Fun Things to Do in Taiwan
Sanxia
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Leofoo Village Theme Park
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Taroko Gorge National Park
- The park is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure travelers.
- Due to the distance involved, day trips from Taipei can last upwards of 13 hours.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
- Don’t forget a rain jacket, as rainfall is common year round in the park.
- Bring plenty of water, and remember to stay hydrated during your walks through the park.
Taipei 101
- Taipei 101 is a must-visit for all first-time visitors to Taipei, especially architecture enthusiasts.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the observatories’ 360-degree views.
- To avoid waiting in line at peak times, book tickets ahead of time or purchase a priority pass.
- Audio tours in eight languages are available at the observatory.
- Appropriate dress and footwear is required for admission; slippers are not allowed.
- The outdoor observatory is open only when the weather permits.
- Taipei 101 is accessible to wheelchair users.
Museum of Contemporary Art
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Hualien
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Xiahai Chenghuang Temple
As one of the busiest temples in Taipei, Xiahai Chenghuang Temple attracts more than just lovesick youth. You’ll see students leaving pink paper offerings on the alter in hopes of divine intervention on their exams and older citizens paying their respects to Chenghuang himself to help tip the balance of their good and evil deeds for a more favorable outcome in the afterlife.
Visiting the temple offers a fascinating look at how religion plays out in Taiwanese day-to-day life. The Xiahai Chenghuang Temple is particularly interesting for its blend of Daoist beliefs and practices with local Taiwanese folk religion.
Taipei Zoo
- Taipei Zoo is a must for animal lovers and families with children.
- Guided and audio tours are available.
- The zoo has a number of amenities, including lockers, souvenir shops, restaurants, and concessions.
- Much of the zoo is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, both of which are available at the Tourist Information Center.
Ximending District
- Ximending is a must-visit for foodies, shoppers, and people watchers.
- Don’t forget to bring cash to purchase food and goods at smaller stalls and vendors.
- Many street food vendors set up later in the day. Visit after sunset for the best foodie experience.
Huaxi Street Night Market
- Huaxi Street Night Market is a must for foodies.
- The market is covered so it’s a good option when it’s raining.
- Don’t forget to bring cash, as many small vendors don’t accept anything else.
- This area was formerly a red-light district and there are still a number of massage parlors in operation, so it may not be suitable for young children.
Longshan Temple
- Longshan Temple is a must-see for those with an interest in history, architecture, and religion.
- This is an active place of worship, so please be respectful.
- The temple is free to enter but donations are accepted.
- Due to very thick crowds and stairs to some areas, the temple is not ideal for wheelchair users.
Taipei Eye
- Taipei Eye is a must-see for those with an interest in Chinese and Taiwanese opera and culture.
- The performances are suitable for families, including children.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera to take photos with the performers.
- Videotaping during the performance is not permitted.
- Subtitles are available in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
- TaipeiEYE is accessible to wheelchair users.
Lukang
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Tainan
The historic monuments of Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan, make a great alternative to the skyscrapers of Taipei. Settled by the Chinese in 1590, Tainan was used by the Dutch as a trading center in the mid-17th century before being taken by the Chinese again, who long used it as the island’s capital.
Traces of all these phases are evident throughout the city. Must-see sites include Anping Fort and Chikan Towers, both originally Dutch fortresses, and the Eternal Golden Castle, built by the Chinese for the same purpose.
Tainan is also renowned for its elegant temples, including the extensive Zhuxi complex with its serene pagodas and sentry elephants, and the calm oasis of the Confucius Temple.
Practical Info
Tainan is in the south of Taiwan’s west coast. High speed trains connect the city with Taipei in under two hours, with shuttle buses from the station to the city center.
Taipei National Palace Museum
- The National Palace Museum is a must-visit for those interested in Chinese history, culture, and art.
- Audio guides in 13 languages are available for rental.
- Free tours are given in Mandarin four times a day and English twice a day. Book ahead, as there are limits on group size.
- Bags are not permitted in the museum; lockers are available for rent.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchair users.
Wulai
The hot springs of Wulai, south of Taipei, have long been known for their health-giving properties. International travelers and Taiwanese alike come here to relax and soak themselves. You can test Wulai’s bubbly bounty for yourself in one of the numerous hotels here which offer pools and other facilities – most are available for day visitors as well as overnight guests. There are also some free open-air springs.
Wulai is also renowned as a centre of indigenous Taiwanese culture, associated with the Atayal aboriginals – enjoy their unique cuisine in the town's restaurants and then investigate their way of life in the Wulai Atayal Museum. The surrounding countryside, with streams, falls and lush green hillsides is well worth exploring if time allows.
Practical Info
Part of Wulai’s popularity can be explained by its proximity to Taipei. It’s about 2 hours south by road, or you can take the MRT to Xindian station and a bus to Wulai from there.
Taipei Confucius Temple
The temple was originally built during the Qing Dynasty but was subsequently demolished during the Japanese occupation. The temple as it stands today was erected in 1930, though it briefly served as a Shinto shrine during World War II until Taiwan was given back to the Republic of China government in 1945.
Each year on September 28, the temple hosts a festival commemorating Confucius’ birthday with music, chanting, burning of incense and a large feast. If you’re interested in attending the event, buy your tickets early as they always sell out.
Xing Tian Gong
Xing Tian Gong wasn’t built until 1967, making it one of the youngest in the city. In the inner courtyard, you’ll often see throngs of worshippers kneeling and bowing in front of various alters; many leave flowers and tea as offerings on the main alter to Guan. The temple is said to bring good luck, and dozens of fortune tellers line the path outside of the temple to offer spiritual advice and guidance to those passing through.
Paoan (Baoan) Temple
Many local Taiwanese visit the fully functioning temple to pray for health and wellness, particularly with pregnant women. Besides Paosheng, you’ll find a shrine to the goddess of birth with her 12 aides inside the temple bell tower. All the wood and stone used to build the temple were brought from China, and the structure exhibits many of the typical characteristics of Chinese temple architecture, like the wooden dragon pillars and colorful wooden carvings.
Paoan tends to be less crowded than Longshan Temple and much more colorful than the Taipei Confucius Temple. If possible, plan your visit during a temple festival to see Paoan Temple at its best and most colorful.
Sun Moon Lake
- Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and day-trippers.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the bright sun out on the water.
- It’s a good idea to bring an umbrella or rain jacket, particularly during the rainy season (May to September) in summer.
- Sun Moon Lake day trips from Taipei generally last upwards of nine hours. Multi-day tours range from two to five days.
- Most guided tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Taipei.