10 Things to Do in Taiwan That You Shouldn't Miss

March 21, 2018 Leonardo Torrence

Taiwan (/ˌtaɪˈwɑːn/ ( listen)), officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a state in East Asia. Its neighbors include the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the west, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south. It is the most populous state and largest economy that is not a member of the United Nations.
Restaurants in Taiwan

1. Taipei 101

No.45, Shifu Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei 11049, Taiwan 862-81017777
Excellent
35%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 10 reviews

Taipei 101

At 509 meters high, this was the world's tallest building from 2004 to 2010, when the Burj Khalifa in Dubai surpassed it. The tower is reminiscent of a pagoda or a stalk of bamboo and designed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes common in Taiwan. Floors one through five are a shopping center and both the indoor (89th floor) and outdoor (91st floor) observation decks offer a 360-degree panoramic view.

Reviewed By cdpinNYC - New York City, New York, USA

Such a commanding structure in the center of Taipei, it begs you to visit. We went on a weekday and fortunately it was fairly clear. Short wait to get in the lift to the observation deck. We went to Din Tai Fung for dumplings afterwards (must do). They are quick and efficient at getting you up and looking. Taipei is a beautiful city and we got some great views and a bit of history. People were very helpful and spoke nearly flawless English. I'm not sure about the evening views, but I can imagine they are also pretty special. Worth the time and money.

2. Taroko Gorge

Xinchen Township, Taiwan +886 3 862 1100
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Taroko Gorge

Reviewed By Nee_Etp - Kuala Lumpur

This is my first time being this close to nature. From the bus rides and the hikes, the scenery was awesome through and through. Shuttle buses' frequencies were manageable and we covered Shakadang Trail, Buluowan, Swallow Grotto and Baiyang Trail easily in hours. We were not good hikers so we did not opt for the more challenging hikes. Please note that the bus day pass is only applicable for bus 1133A and not bus 302.

3. Orchid Island(Lanyu)

Taiwan +886 8 973 1669
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 123 reviews

Orchid Island(Lanyu)

Reviewed By FREEDOM0710 - Melbourne, Australia

This is a beautiful island full of aboriginals and Taiwanese people, if you are a nature lover then you have to check this out.
Orchid Island (Lanyu) is accessible by either a 25 minute 19 seater plane ride (books out months in advance) or a 2+ hour ferry ride over the Philippine Sea. Due to adverse weather it is not unusual for flights to be cancelled, this is what happened to us.
The locals are extrememly friendly and helpful, very nice to me, the only white boy on the island .
The best way to see the island is to hire a scooter and explore as you please.
They have certain tour packages that you can do like canoeing, snorkling, haunted night tours, etc.
Explore the Mountains, the Lighthouses, the goats, the pigs, the local culture, the Beaches, the tropical fish, the owls, the underground homes, the local food and meet some of the Filipino aboriginal people.
It is certainly an advantage to know Mandarin otherwise you may struggle to communicate.
Learn and embrace their culture to avoid unknowingly disrespect.
Highly recommended!
強烈推薦
10/10

4. Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area

No.58-1, Taiping Lane, Datong Township, 267, Taiwan +886 3 980 9806
Excellent
72%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 117 reviews

Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area

Reviewed By SGCouple - Singapore, Singapore

We booked a local cab driver Mr Zhang for a full day via our mingsu Full Sweet Inn in Luodong. It took a two hour drive, including a short jaunt ten minutes before the peak destination.
The 900m forest walk following old ruins of rail tracks was magical. We stood amongst fragrant giants of cypress and taiwania, in the silence softened by clouds.
Mr Zhang was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and also the history and his sharing enriched our trip.
At the peak, we walked up at least 1000 steps and then took a more levelled 1km route around the majestic forest. Soon after the temple, we were greeted by a large one armed monkey who hooted like an owl. Along the path there was a tablet of Chinese poetry to inspire visitors. And near the end of the forest walk, we were challenged by a defensive monkey who emerged to protect his hidden family. We retreated and took a longer route.
We enjoyed coffee and waffles and toast at the cafe. There's a proper restaurant for a local Taiwanese meal too.
On the way down, we stopped at the visitor centre which gave insights into the logging history and presented the different trees found in the area.
Entry: 150twd per person and twd100 per vehicle.
Cab driver : 3000twd for 8 hours (we asked him to take us to kavalan whisky after taipishan, which was very enjoyable too!)

5. Hehuan Mountain (Hehuanshan)

Renhe Rd., Renai Township ( Tai 14 33K), Taiwan +886 3 862 1100
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 484 reviews

Hehuan Mountain (Hehuanshan)

Reviewed By pandaat501 - Singapore

Our driver stopped by a few stops before reaching the summit. Toilets are smelly though.
The view was really nice but was pretty cold when we were there in December. No snow but there's abit of ice. It was really cold when the wind came as well. Went to the nearby 3158 cafe to drink hot beverages as it was cold. You can exchange for a new cup or return the cup and get back a portion of the money that you paid for the drink. Didn't think that the cup was really nice so I get back my money instead. The road up to the summit was pretty narrow and winding.
Walk slowly at the summit of the mountain as air there was thin. So walk slow.

6. Chimei Museum

No 66, Sec. 2, Wenhua Rd., Rende Dist., Tainan 71755, Taiwan +886 6 266 0808
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Chimei Museum

The collection at Chimei Museum consists mainly of Western art, musical instruments, arms and armour, animal taxidermy and fossils, exhibiting approximately 4000 items, which is about one third of the complete Chimei collection. Founder Shi expressed that, “Good works of art are not to be kept just for oneself to enjoy, but to be shared with the public; and a good collection should not reflect jus

Reviewed By Chuang004 - Los Angeles, California

Entrepreneur Shi Wen-long, founder of Chi Mei Corporation (1960), began ChiMei Museum (奇美博物館) in 1992 located inside the Corporation Building. ChiMei Museum is the largest private museum/art institute in Taiwan.
Its collection is divided into five categories:
1. Western Art (European paintings & sculptures, etc.);
2. Musical instruments (violins, in particular);
3. Natural history;
4. Arms and armors (with a significant collections of ancient weapons: from prehistoric time, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age to modern times); and
5. Antiquities and artifacts.
The collection of antique violins (including those of Antonio Stradivarius, Guarneri del Gesù and Nicolo Amati) has been one of the largest in the world. All because of Shi himself is a dexterous violinist. ChiMei Museum collected 1,362 violins. More than 3,000 violinists, including celebrated Mr. Yo-Yo Ma, had borrowed more than 220 violins over the past decade from the Museum.
The current location of the Museum was in use since January 1, 2015.
As we walked thru the front entrance, we first saw Natural History & Fossils Exhibit (which may have the largest collection of animal specimens) on the right and Arms and Armour on the left (Japanese and European collections are plenty, but Chinese are very limited). Robin Gallery (displayed many interesting exhibitions) is at the end of Sculpture Hall. Upstairs, there are Musical Instruments Exhibit on the right (paraded an amazingly huge collection of violins. At 4-session a day, a band of mechanical musical instruments would perform to 120 seated people. Through video, an orchestra would perform a concert at the beginning of the hour with a marvelous stereo sound). Fine Arts displayed on the left and at the end of the Sculpture Hall.
We enjoyed the Museum and its collections very much.

7. Fo Guang Shan

No.153, Xingtian Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung 84049, Taiwan +886 7 656 1921
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 429 reviews

Fo Guang Shan

At the north-east point of Dashu Township in Kaohsiung county, South Taiwan, Fo Guang Shan Monastery (literally translated as Buddha’s Light Mountain Monastery) sits on a bamboo hill on the left bank of the Gaoping river. Here you will find the headquarters of a prominent Buddhist order, established by Master Hsing Yun and his disciples. The architecture of the buildings within the monastery complex is characteristic of the traditional Buddhist monastery, but one may be pleasantly surprised with the array of visitor-friendly amenities on offer. The southeastern face of Fo Guang Shan Monastery features the prominent Great Buddha Land, which is home to a standing Buddha image of 48 metres in height, and 480 smaller Buddha images that surround it. English-speaking visitors may find information and maps in English at the Reception, and prior contact via email can be made to discuss free tour options.

Reviewed By Kiwisflythecoop - Pukekohe, New Zealand

We decided to visit while staying in Kaohsiung, looked at several options to get there and in the end went to Zuoying MRT station, as you exit the station in front will be the escalator to the HSR, turn left and platform 2 will be...Morehank you for the feedback. The Monastery offers the opportunity to experience the many aspects of Buddhism, and is a good place to wind down and revitalise one's mind. It is advisable to set aside an entire day to see it all.

8. Juming Museum

No. 2 Xishihu, Jinshan Dist, New Taipei 20842, Taiwan +886 2 2498 9940
Excellent
68%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 142 reviews

Juming Museum

Reviewed By little_peg - Hong Kong

Amazing sculptures disturbed in different parts of the museum. All the sculptures had different facial expression and gesture. I spent nearly two hours in the park but could only observe the sculptures briefly. I am looking forward to visit this incredible museum again.

9. Wuling Farm

No.3-1 Wuling Road | Pingdeng Vil., Heping District, Taichung 42495, Taiwan +886 4 2590 1259
Excellent
61%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 124 reviews

Wuling Farm

Reviewed By Wyatt A - Singapore, Singapore

Was there for 5 days and couldn't get enough of the scenic place! It was winter but the place was already with budding cherry blossoms, plum and pear flowers in full bloom, alpine roses, falling red hot maple leaves. Snow atop the Snow mountain ridge. It was like four awesome seasons in one place all at the same time! Mandarin ducks, endemic species of small birds, swans and the endangered rare formosan landlocked salmons abound in their streams, Taoshan waterfall and garden area. Trekked through various nature trails and up to Snow mountain east peak and saw panoramic views of Mountains and Valleys. Above Syue Shan east peak, the beautiful black fir Forrest was enshrouded with white snow and the clear sunny Rays pierced the Forrest canopy into streaks of beautiful golden rays reflected in glittering blink off the snow blanket. Awesome place to be at anytime of the year. Different seasons bring about different colours and flowers in bloom. If u r a nature lover, it is a place not to be missed in Taiwan! There are a lot of different Accommodation here to choose from and are very comfortable and all set in beautiful landscapes of flowering orchards and Gardens. Nightly free astronomy talks are conducted at Hoya hotel. There is a tour bus that can bring u around the whole valley up to snow mountain's trailhead. Or if u r feeling adventurous enough, u can rent a bicycle like I did and cycle through the park. There are other options of rental like small buggy, motorcycle etc. It took me 4 full days to explore the park in it's entirety. So that your time to immense in the nature and its beauty if you are planning to go there. A Guoguang bus leave from Yilan train station to Wuling farm. 1 in the morning and 1 at noon. It takes about 2.5 hours to reach there.

10. Tianhou Temple

No.430 Zhongshan Road, Taiwan +886 4 777 9899
Excellent
59%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 124 reviews

Tianhou Temple

Reviewed By Jarko2015 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

This is without doubt the top temple to see in Lukang. Very close to the old streets and within a pedestrian only area, this temple on multi levels offers a lot to see and most of it you won't see anywhere else at all. Upstairs in the rear building are two shrines of offerings to Matsu that I've never seen in any other temple in Taiwan or China. Definitely check them out. It is also the busiest temple in Lukang, so you will be jostling the crowds and incense sticks can be quite perilous.

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