The 19 Most Beautiful Places In Taiwan

As one of the old railways that connected citizens to other cities in the early 1900s, this bridge was left broken and deserted after a tremendous magnitude 7.1 earthquake in 1999, and was soon substituted by a new bridge built on its western side. Built only with bricks, Yuteng literally means a ‘fish-poisoning shrub’ that acts as a crescent blade to protect villagers against a legendary carp monster that lives inside the lake and brings hazardous events to the place. The magnificent remains of the bridge stand erect in Sanyi Town and are now the highest iron bridge in Taiwan. Every year in April, the bridge is embraced by White Tung flowers that construct a picturesque and stunning view.

There are about 600 ancient stone fish traps in the world and Taiwan has 574 of them. The one in Qimri Township features a uniquely stacked pattern. Also known as the Twin-Heart Fish Strap, the Double Heart of Stacked Stones is located in Penghu County. It is notable for its well-preserved strap made of stacking stones that are structured in double-heart shape. The beautifully stacked rocky bank foils the clear and turquoise water, embodying the charm of nature.

Managed by the Taiwan Railways Administration, Duo-liang Station is a now an obsolete elevated railway stop point in Taimali town. Overlooking the breathtaking landscape of the Pacific Ocean, and embraced by bushes and mountains that are naturally inviting, the abandoned railway station is regarded as the most beautiful in Taiwan, and the station with the most remarkable scenery. Duo-liang Station has officially ended its railway service and serves as a tourist spot with a roof terrace to enjoy to aerial view. Despite the end of its active service, the charm of the station still remains and trains will occasionally pass along the rail.

A Lang Yi Old Path is an old trade route for indigenous people in the East with hundreds of years of history. The path stretches along streams, stunning coastal lines and sea cliffs. Watch out for the endangered Chelonia mydas turtles that reside in the rivers along the route. Strolling on the paved path, the azure sky heaves into sight, accompanied by the sound of waves lapping the shores. With the ocean on right of the path and mountain on the left, the fluctuating topography reflects the tectonic plate jams took place in the spot, and bears witness to the amazing power of nature. Plants with vibrant vitality, including phoenix hanceana, scolopia and the rare plant called Caecalpinia bonduc, flourish along the pavement.

Abound with fruitful paddy fields, Chishang features fertile flatlands, turquoise lakes, and mountainous hills that make itself a must-go spot in Taitung County. The Daporiver in Chishang also has a long-history, and is a prestigious spot for cultivating rice and breeding fish, and contains ruins of Shauku old streams after they were blocked. The splendid paddy fields reflecting the setting sun add shining stained-glass-like colours to the farmland, while the rippling water in Dapo river is splendid, with rapeseed flowers growing alongside.

Imbued with woods and trees, the Beitou Library (the Beitou branch of the Taipei Public Library) offers ‘forest bathing’ indulgence while reading good books in magnificently designed architecture. It received the diamond certificate of EEWH (ecology, energy saving, waste reduction, and health), as this green library was built entirely using recycled materials and woods from managed forests to create a eco-friendly reading space, with natural light adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Covered with photovoltaic cells, the roof converts sunlight into electricity, while rainfall is reserved to be used for toilet flushing. Displaying architectural distinctiveness, visitors will feel the joy of coexisting with nature.

Embrace the unique views of a sulfur cauldron and bathe your feet in the pools immersed with brimstones in Yangmingshan National Park. Noted for its total of 13 hot springs and sulfur deposits, where fumaroles are crusted with yellow-coloured crystals, the Mt Qixing volcano, with lava piling up and pyroclastic rocks scattered around the volcanic area, has an elevation of 1,120 meters above the sea level and features occasional eruption activities. With 20 or more volcanoes, the National Park covers a huge mountainous areas in Taipei, with a total area of 11,338 hectares, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacles of nature free from distractions and noise.

Featuring majestic waterscapes, Taroko National Park also boasts the Baiyang Trail which consists of distinctive waterfalls, and the Shakadang Trail with its verdant stream waters. The trails, characterized by tunnels with complete darkness, allow visitors to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city to savour the picturesque view of water flowing from the brink to its base in an awe-inspiring way. Nature lovers will be impressed by the obvious climate difference in the boundaries of Taroko, between the mouth of Liwu River and the peak of Mount Nanhu, that are cut through by the Tropic of Cancer which separates the tropical and temperate zones.

Blue skies, white clouds, well-maintained ecosystem and the clear ocean are what constitute Ho Ping Island. Ho Ping Island is connected to the off-the-coast Keelung City by Ho Ping Bridge, which might possibly be the first reinforced concrete bridge built in Taiwan. With precious geological landscapes, the shores of Ho Ping Island are abundant with wave-cut platforms, sea cliffs, wine erosion pillars, and chessboard rocks formed by alluvial flooding. Strolling along the shores, visitors can savour the picturesque beauty of the islet and capture the orange sun as it disappears behind the sparkling turquoise ocean.

The rocks at Yehliu Geo Park are acclaimed as one of the world’s renowned natural wonders. The coast in Yehliu underwent multiple geological processes, including wave erosion, rock weathering, and crustal movement, to form such a peculiar yet rare landscape. The Geo Park is separated into three areas: the first area is the important congregation area of mushroom rocks and ginger rocks; the second one is prestigious of dragonite and diamond, including the 24-filial piety hill; and the third zone consists of a sea-erosion landscape, ranging from wave-cut platforms, torrent waves, to rocks in grotesque shapes. The famous Queen’s Head is an erosion pillar that resembles a lady wearing a crown crusted with jewels and diamonds, while the rose-like stones contain the traces left by fairies.

Located in Taiwan’s capital, the Mengjia Longshan is the oldest temple in Taipei, first built in 1738. The temple was originally created during the Qing Dynasty, and its colorful walls and gold ceilings are typical of Taiwanese classical architecture. Over centuries of natural disasters and war the temple has been completely rebuilt and restored to its former glory. Twice a month, Buddhists, Matsu and Taoists come to the temple to worship together, often bringing food and flowers, which fill the temple. As you approach the temple you will be greeted by the first of three gates, a stunning waterfall.

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Initially built in 1665, The Confucian Temple in Tainan City was created in order to educate intellectuals and provide a place for lectures to take place. Over 300 years old, Confucianism focused on humanism and the realization of man as inherently good, and served as one of the leading doctrines in Taiwan, while playing a pivotal role in the organization of education and spiritual rites. Architecturally representative of Southern China, today the temple serves as a place for various cultural events and is a popular visiting spot for both locals and tourists.

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Testament to Taiwan’s rich history and European influence, Fort Santo Domingo was built in 1629 by the Spanish, although the site has been home to both Dutch and British since. Today it is used as a museum, and although the site is relatively small, a guide is useful in order to fully grasp its many different uses. Situated in Xinbei, the fort has been altered by both the Dutch and British, who constructed stone walls and added the British Consulate. With a view overlooking the Danshui River, the temple is a beautiful place to visit towards the end of the day.

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Gradually built in the 17th century between 1624 to 1634, Fort Zeelandia (today Anping Fort) was erected by the Dutch in the Southern area of the island off of the coast of Tainan. An interesting place to visit in order to learn about the relatively brief occupancy of this area by the Dutch, the fort is home to a museum that provides detailed insight into the rich history of Southern Taiwan. Initially named Orlande by the Dutch upon its creation, the fort acted as an important stronghold for many early settlements in the surrounding area of Anping.

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The site of Liberty Square consists of the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, the National Concert Hall and the National Theatre, which are situated either side of the square. A landmark in Taipei city, the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall was built to commemorate the former president, Chiang Kai-Shek. A striking structure of white marble walls, a contrasting roof of deep blue and a front garden of bold red flowers emanates a regal grand design and the colors of the Taiwanese flag. Surrounding the hall are the 62 acres of garden and the National Theater and Concert Halls, which host regular cultural events and shows from internationally acclaimed performers.

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The first and most important stop on any visitor’s travel itinerary should be the National Palace Museum. This award-winning museum has over 700,000 Chinese Imperial artifacts and is one of the largest collections of its type in the world. It’s located in Shilin in a wonderfully lush setting and features a beautiful garden park. The vast majority of the artifacts originally came from the Forbidden Cityin Beijing, moving to Taiwan along with the Republic of China government during the Chinese Civil War.

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Evocative of Taoist temples, the Hsinchu City God Temple is a building full of color, with parts of the inside seeming dark and sometimes even menacing. Located in front of the temple is a bustling traditional market, selling an array of different foods and other mysterious goods. As you enter the temple you are greeted by a pair of colorful bluestone lions, and inside the rooms of the temple are lined with large statues with faces contorted with intimidating looks. Revered as the most superior City God temple in Taiwan, towards the rear of the building you will find educational information on its construction and history.

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The headquarters of the Monastic order of Fo Guang Shan or Humanistic Buddhism, this monastery serves as the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan, with over ten temples and two collages, in addition to its gardens, school and meditation rooms. There is a different feel between the old and newer parts of the monastery, which in recent years have undergone some renovation. Home to huge Buddhist statues, this 55-acre site is a place of peace and tranquility. A look into the spectacular culture and history of the fascinating religion of Buddhism, the monastery is a feast for the eyes, while the relaxing sounds of wind chimes greet you as you explore the grounds.

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Among some of the more traditional Taiwanese landmarks are the Dragon and Tiger pagodas in Lotus Lake, Kaohsiung City. These incredible structures are said to bring visitors good luck, if they walk through the dragon mouth and exit from the tiger’s mouth. Inside you will see paintings depicting heaven and hell, the original purpose of which was to encourage do-gooders and threaten those with malicious intent. Built in 1976, the pagodas are seven storys high and house further paintings of Confucius and the Jade Emperor’s palaces. The pagodas are situated on the stunning Lotus Lake, the shores of which are dotted with other cultural and spiritual landmarks.

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