What Is There to Do in Taipei?

Taipei blends ancient temples, forested mountains, modern skyscrapers, night markets, hot springs, museums, and lively neighborhoods—making it one of Asia’s most diverse and rewarding capitals.

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🕌 Historic & Cultural Sights

1. Longshan Temple

Taipei’s most famous temple, founded in 1738. A lively mix of incense, chanting, and traditional Taiwanese religious culture.

2. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

A massive national landmark with gardens, ponds, and ceremonial guards. Great for photography.

3. National Palace Museum

Holds one of the world’s greatest Chinese art collections—jade carvings, scrolls, bronzes, imperial treasures.

4. Dihua Street (Dadaocheng District)

Old shophouses, tea stores, herbal shops, and fabric markets. Good for cultural browsing.

5. Bao’an Temple & Confucius Temple

Two beautifully preserved heritage sites near each other in Datong District.

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🌆 Modern Landmarks & City Views

6. Taipei 101

Former tallest building in the world. Take the high-speed elevator to the observatory for sweeping skyline views.

7. Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

Short but steep hike delivering postcard-perfect views of Taipei 101 and the cityscape.

8. Ximending Pedestrian District

Taipei’s youthful, neon-lit shopping and entertainment area—Taiwan’s version of Shibuya.

9. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Peaceful grounds, a huge statue of Sun Yat-sen, and great views of Taipei 101.

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🍜 Night Markets & Food Culture

10. Shilin Night Market

The biggest and most famous—pepper buns, grilled squid, bubble tea, oyster omelets.

11. Raohe Night Market

Known for its “black pepper buns,” sweet pastries, and old temple at the entrance.

12. Ningxia Night Market

Local favorite for traditional Taiwanese dishes and vendor snacks.

13. Yongkang Street

Home of the original Din Tai Fung and a hub for cafes, dumpling shops, and dessert spots.

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🌿 Nature, Parks & Scenic Areas

14. Beitou Hot Springs

A natural hot-spring district with bathhouses, Japanese-era architecture, a thermal valley, and a great hot-spring museum.

15. Yangmingshan National Park

Volcanic landscapes, sulfur vents, flower fields, hiking trails, and cooler mountain air just outside the city.

16. Maokong Gondola

Cable car ride over tea plantations to scenic teahouses overlooking Taipei.

17. Taipei Zoo

One of Asia’s best zoos, located near the gondola. Famous for its giant pandas.

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🛍 Neighborhoods & Local Exploration

18. Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Art exhibitions, indie shops, cafes, design markets, and converted industrial spaces.

19. Songshan Cultural & Creative Park

Trendy cultural hub with art installations, boutique shops, and special exhibitions.

20. Yonghe & Da’an Districts

Cafes, brunch spots, bubble tea shops, and the giant Da’an Forest Park (Taipei’s “Central Park”).

21. Beimen & Zhongshan

Great for boutique shopping, cocktail bars, tea houses, and quiet urban streets.

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🖼 Museums & Education

22. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

Rotating modern art exhibitions in a historic red-brick building.

23. Miniatures Museum of Taiwan

A quirky museum full of tiny, intricate architectural and fantasy dioramas.

24. Taipei Fine Arts Museum

Premier modern art museum in a sleek geometric building.

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⚽️ Unusual / Unique Activities

25. Hot Spring Spa Day in a Private Bathhouse

Popular in Beitou; choose indoor or outdoor pools.

26. Cat Village Day Trip (Houtong)

A short train ride away—cats roam freely; good for photography.

27. Jiufen Old Street Day Trip

Steep alleyways, teahouses, lantern-lit terraces, and ocean views (inspiration for “Spirited Away”).

28. Shifen Waterfall & Lantern Release

Nearby town famous for sky lanterns and a forested waterfall known as the “Little Niagara” of Taiwan.

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✨ Top Experiences for a First-Time Traveler

If you need a short list, the must-dos are:

 

• Taipei 101 Observatory

• Elephant Mountain sunset hike

• Longshan Temple + Bopiliao Old Street

• Shilin or Raohe Night Market

• Beitou hot springs

• Maokong Gondola + tea house

• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

What Is There to Do at Taroko Gorge?

Taroko Gorge, part of Taroko National Park, is a breathtaking marble canyon carved by turquoise rivers and surrounded by cliffs, tunnels, waterfalls, and lush mountains. It’s one of Taiwan’s top nature destinations and offers hikes ranging from easy scenic walks to dramatic cliffside trails.

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🏞 Top Scenic Spots & Viewpoints

1. Shakadang Trail

A mostly flat trail running alongside crystal-blue river water between marble walls.
Great for photography and an easy introduction to the gorge.

2. Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou)

A viewpoint area with towering cliffs and constant swallow activity.
The canyon here narrows dramatically, creating some of Taroko's most iconic views.

3. Eternal Spring Shrine (Changchun Shrine)

A temple built into a cliff with a waterfall flowing directly beneath it.
Beautiful scenic stop and great for short walks.

4. Qingshui Cliffs (near Taroko)

Massive sea cliffs plunging into the Pacific Ocean—often combined with a Taroko visit.
One of Taiwan's most photographed coastal views.

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🥾 Best Hiking Trails

5. Baiyang Trail

A gentle, scenic trail through tunnels and along cliffs, ending at a beautiful waterfall and a “water curtain cave” you can walk through.

6. Zhuilu Old Trail

The most thrilling hike in Taroko.
A permit-only trail with narrow cliffside paths offering dizzying canyon views.
For experienced hikers or guided groups.

7. Lushui Trail

Short and easy trail along a forested ridge.
Good alternative if you want something less intense than Zhuilu.

8. Xiangde Temple Trail (Tianxiang area)

A hilltop temple with a large pagoda overlooking the gorge.
Short hike but steep.

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💧 Waterfalls & Rivers

9. Yanzikou Tunnel Waterfalls

Small cascades visible along the Swallow Grotto walk.

10. Baiyang Waterfall

One of the most iconic waterfalls in the park, at the end of the Baiyang Trail.

11. Tunnel of Nine Turns (Jiuqudong)

Recently reopened sections give access to some of the most dramatic river-and-cliff scenery.

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🏯 Temples & Cultural Spots

12. Xiangde Temple

A peaceful temple complex with excellent views over the Tianxiang area.

13. Eternal Spring Shrine

As mentioned above, this is one of Taiwan’s most recognizable temple landmarks.

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🚴 Other Activities

14. Scenic Driving or Scooter Riding

The Central Cross-Island Highway winds through cliffs, tunnels, bridges, and riverbeds—an unforgettable ride.

15. River Tracing (Canyoning)

With a licensed guide, you can walk, climb, and swim upriver in Taroko’s narrow tributaries.

16. Indigenous Culture

Taroko lies within the homeland of the Truku tribe.
Various guided tours include storytelling, cultural demonstrations, and handicraft visits.

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🏨 Where to Base Yourself

Most travelers stay in:

• Hualien City – Best transport, food, and hotels.

• Tianxiang village (inside the park) – Peaceful mountain setting close to trailheads.

🌅 What Is There to Do at Sun Moon Lake?

Sun Moon Lake sits in the mountains of central Taiwan and is famous for its calm blue waters, cycling paths, Indigenous culture, scenic temples, and lakeside villages. It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants a slower-paced escape from Taiwan’s big cities.

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🚴‍♂️ Top Activities

1. Cycle the Sun Moon Lake Bike Path

Often listed among the most scenic cycling routes in the world.
The trail hugs the lake’s edge with floating bridges, forest sections, and beautiful viewpoints.

2. Take the Sun Moon Lake Boat Tour

Hop-on, hop-off ferries connect:

• Shuishe Pier

• Xuanguang Pier

• Ita Thao Village

The time on the water gives you the most iconic views of the lake.

3. Ride the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway

A gondola that climbs from Ita Thao up to the ridgeline, giving sweeping aerial views.
It connects to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village theme park.

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🏞 Nature & Scenic Walks

4. Xiangshan Visitor Center

A modern architectural complex with panoramic terraces—great place for sunrise or sunset photography.

5. Ci’en Pagoda

A tall pagoda built by Chiang Kai-shek for his mother.
A short forest walk leads to one of the best lake viewpoints.

6. Hanbi Trail

An easy lakeside stroll offering quiet, shaded scenery along the water.

7. Maolan Mountain Trail

A moderate hike with lookout points and birdwatching opportunities.

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🏯 Temples & Cultural Sites

8. Wenwu Temple

Sun Moon Lake's grand, colorful hillside temple with commanding views over the water.
Perfect for photography and cultural immersion.

9. Xuanguang Temple

A small temple overlooking the lake, often included on boat routes.

10. Xuanzang Temple

Dedicated to the famous monk from the Journey to the West legend.
More peaceful and less crowded than Wenwu.

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Ita Thao Indigenous Village

11. Explore Ita Thao

The village is home to the Thao tribe, one of Taiwan’s smallest Indigenous groups.

Things to do:

• Taste Indigenous dishes (mountain boar, millet wine, sticky rice).

• Browse local handicrafts and cultural shops.

• Enjoy the vibrant street-food scene.

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🎢 Parks & Unique Attractions

12. Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village

A combination of:

• an amusement park,

• Indigenous cultural performances,

• reconstructed tribal villages.

It’s surprisingly good and beautifully set in the mountains.

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🛶 Water Activities

13. Paddleboarding or Kayaking

Some operators offer SUP and kayak rentals for sunrise or midday excursions.

14. Sunrise or Sunset Cruises

A calmer, moodier way to experience the lake’s beauty.

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🍜 Food Experiences

Must-try foods around Sun Moon Lake:

• President Fish (arowana)—local specialty served grilled or steamed.

• Tea Eggs at the Xuanguang Pier stall (famous among locals).

• Black tea from Yuchi Township—the area is known for Assam and Ruby Red teas.

• Indigenous millet wine and mountain vegetable dishes.

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🛍 Shopping

15. Local Tea Farms in Yuchi

You can tour the farms, taste premium Ruby Red tea, and buy gifts.

🌲 What Is There to Do in Alishan?

Alishan is famous for its ancient cedar forests, sunrise viewpoints floating above the clouds, high-mountain tea plantations, and the historic Alishan Forest Railway. The cool mountain air and fog-shrouded trees create a serene, dreamlike atmosphere ideal for nature lovers and photographers.

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🚂 Top Things to Do in Alishan

1. Ride the Alishan Forest Railway

One of Taiwan’s most iconic attractions.
This historic narrow-gauge train winds through cedar forests, mountain ridges, and misty valleys on its way to the Alishan Recreation Area.

Must-do branches include:

• Sacred Tree Line

• Zhushan Line (sunrise train)

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🌄 2. Watch the Sunrise at Zhushan

Alishan’s signature experience.
Take the early-morning sunrise train to Zhushan Station or Xiaoliyuan Mountain to see the sun rise above a “sea of clouds” over the Jade Mountain range.

This is considered one of the best sunrise viewpoints in East Asia.

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🌳 3. Walk the Giant Tree Trail

A beautiful boardwalk through towering ancient cypress trees.

Highlights include:

• The Sacred Tree (Shenmu)

• Charcoal-tree remnants

• Dense, fog-covered forests that look straight out of fantasy settings

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🏞 4. Visit the Sister Ponds

Two emerald pools surrounded by mossy trees and wooden pavilions.
A calm and photogenic spot often used in postcards and travel guides.

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🏔 5. Explore the Alishan Recreation Area Trails

These trails are interconnected, allowing you to design your own loop:

• Giant Tree Plank Trail

• Xianglin Sacred Tree

• Xianglin Temple

• Shouzhen Temple (largest Shinto-style temple in Taiwan)

Quiet, atmospheric walks define the Alishan experience.

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🍵 6. Drink Alishan High Mountain Tea

Alishan is world-famous for high-altitude oolong tea.
Visit tea farms in the surrounding region—especially around Shizhuo—to:

• Taste premium Alishan oolong

• Learn about tea processing

• Buy local tea directly from growers

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🚶 7. Hike to Eryanping or Tea Viewpoints

Just outside the main park area, scenic hikes offer panoramic views over terraced tea plantations and cloud seas.

Great for photography.

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🏯 8. Visit Shouzhen Temple

A richly decorated temple within the recreation area.
Beautiful carvings and lanterns—especially atmospheric in the morning mist.

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🎋 9. Explore Nearby Indigenous Villages

The region is home to Tsou Indigenous culture.
Some villages offer:

• Traditional music and dance

• Indigenous cuisine (mountain vegetables, roasted boar, millet wine)

• Cultural workshops

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🏞 10. Take Sunset Photos at Alishan House Area

The elevated decks behind Alishan House Hotel offer one of the region’s best sunset viewpoints, overlooking rolling mountain layers.

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🍜 11. Try Local Mountain Foods

Typical dishes include:

• Bamboo shoots

• Mountain vegetables

• Wild boar sausage

• Hot soups (perfect for the cool mountain climate)

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✨ Top Must-Do Highlights (Short List)

If you only have time for a few:

 

1. Sunrise at Zhushan

2. Giant Tree Trail + Sister Ponds

3. Alishan Forest Railway

4. Shouzhen Temple

5. Trying Alishan high-mountain tea

🌆 What Is There to Do in Kaohsiung?

Kaohsiung blends seaside scenery, artistic districts, urban temples, night markets, and mountain escapes—all connected by a clean, easy metro. It’s a relaxed contrast to Taipei, with warmer weather and a coastal vibe.

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🎨 Top Attractions & Activities

1. Pier-2 Art Center

Kaohsiung’s most famous cultural area—an old warehouse district transformed into:

• Street murals

• Sculptures

• Cafes & indie shops

• Creative markets

• Art museums

It’s one of Taiwan’s top cities for street art.

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2. Lotus Pond Scenic Area

A beautiful lake surrounded by temples, pagodas, and colorful structures such as:

• Dragon & Tiger Pagodas (walk through the dragon’s mouth & exit the tiger!)

• Spring & Autumn Pavilions

• Confucius Temple

Great for walking and photography.

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3. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

One of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the world.
Features:

• A massive seated Buddha statue

• Grand temple avenue

• Peaceful gardens

• Museum exhibitions

An essential spiritual and cultural destination.

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4. Liuhe Night Market

Kaohsiung’s most famous night market, known for:

• Papaya milk

• Fresh seafood

• Barbecued squid

• Dumplings & noodles

Smaller and calmer than Taipei’s markets but equally delicious.

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5. Love River (Ai River)

A scenic urban river with:

• Evening boat rides

• Riverside cafes

• Walkable promenades

Best visited at sunset or after dark when everything lights up.

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6. Cijin Island

A quick ferry ride from the city.
Top things to do:

• Relax on Cijin Beach

• Walk or cycle along the coastal road

• Visit Cihou Fort and the Cihou Lighthouse

• Try seafood at waterfront stalls

Excellent half-day or full-day escape.

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7. Kaohsiung Harbor & Great Harbor Bridge

A modern pedestrian swing bridge with beautiful night lighting.
Good for:

• Harbor views

• Evening photos

• Connecting Pier-2 and the harborfront

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8. Kaohsiung 85 Sky Tower

The city's iconic skyscraper.
Formerly had an observatory; still great for photography from surrounding areas.

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🌿 Nature & Scenic Areas

9. Monkey Mountain (Shoushan)

A popular hike with:

• Macaque monkeys

• Sea views

• Sunset lookouts

Close to the city but feels like a nature escape.

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10. Sizihwan Bay

Known for:

• Golden sunsets

• Rocky beach shoreline

• University campus views

Often visited together with Cijin Island.

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11. Takao Railway Museum

Historic trains, railway buildings, and outdoor displays.
Great for families and history lovers.

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🏯 Temples & Culture

12. Kaohsiung Confucius Temple

One of the largest Confucian temples in Taiwan, located by Lotus Pond.

13. Sanfeng Temple

A colorful, incense-filled Taoist temple in the heart of the city.

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🛍 Shopping & Modern Areas

14. Dream Mall

Huge shopping center featuring:

• A rooftop amusement park

• A Ferris wheel overlooking the city

15. Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Mall

High-end shopping and dining.

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🍜 Most Famous Kaohsiung Foods

Try these local specialties:

• Papaya milk

• Seafood from Cijin Island

• Milkfish dishes

• Braised pork rice (southern style)

• Salted crispy chicken

• Taiwanese shaved ice with mango

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✨ Top Must-Do Highlights (Short List)

1. Pier-2 Art Center

2. Lotus Pond + Dragon & Tiger Pagodas

3. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

4. Cijin Island (beach + fort + lighthouse)

5. Liuhe Night Market

6. Love River sunset walk