10 trending places to visit in Taiwan

“Zhongshan isn’t touristy (like Ximending) and not ritzy (like the Taipei 101 area), it’s a regular neighborhood where locals are doing more and more cool things,” confirms Kembel.

3. Beitou Hot Springs

On the outskirts of Taipei, serene Beitou Hot Springs are renowned for steaming mineral-rich waters, lush greenery, and Japanese colonial-era history. They’re also Taiwan’s only metro-accessible hot springs.

“Taipei sits on a volcano with geothermal springs,” explains Peter Dunstan, who’s lived in Taiwan for over a decade. “Usually, you’d have to get out of a city to go to hot springs – Taipei? You can catch the MRT to Xinbeitou.”

Beitou’s geothermal activity stems from nearby Yangmingshan National Park, feeding the mix of luxurious spa resorts, traditional bathhouses and public pools, like Beitou Public Hot Spring.

“The overflow from the hot springs travels down the stormwater drains, so in winter, especially at night, it’s beautiful,” explains Dunstan. “All the drains are steaming. It’s gorgeous.

4. Tainan culture and cuisine

“Tainan is the best major city in Taiwan for experiencing Taiwanese history and culture,” says Kembel.

Hit Tainan on foot to appreciate the original capital’s heady weave of centuries-old temples and heritage buildings, brimming with cafes, restaurants, creative boutiques, and cocktail and whiskey bars.

Wander the excellent and architecturally impressive Tainan Art Gallery, along with Shennong Street’s ‘art village’ and charming former canalside shophouses. When hunger strikes, Yongle Market is a great start for winners like shrimp-topped danzai noodles, milkfish ball soup, coffin bread and beef soup.

“Locals consider Tainan the food capital of Taiwan, with many street foods you won’t find in Taipei or the north of Taiwan,” adds Kembel.

5. Charming Jiufen

In the mountains of northeast of Taipei, former gold mining town Jiufen is a tourist favourite thanks to its stunning views, tea houses and lantern-lit alleyways reminiscent of Miyazaki’s Spirited Away.

“Today, Jiufen stands out from other old streets in Taiwan because it is vertical – the village sits on the side of a mountain with views to the coast and Pacific Ocean,” explains Kembel. “Magic is found in the ascending staircases lined with red lanterns, and its traditional tea shops.“

6. Themed 7-Elevens

Unique to Taiwan is its 20+ themed 7-Elevens featuring cartoon characters like Hello Kitty and Snoopy.

“7-Elevens are a big deal in Taiwan,” says Kembel. Some sport traditional Taiwanese architecture, others are Japanese-inspired izakayas, and many now house “little bars serving draft beer.”

“Japan gets so much attention for its convenience stores, but I would argue that Taiwan’s are even better. Having a meal or drinking at a 7-Eleven or Family Mart is an essential part of the Taiwan experience,” he explains.

7. Beautiful Alishan

Misty peaks, waterfalls and tea plantations are on the bill in scenic Alishan, home of Taiwan’s famed Alishan High-Mountain Oolong Tea.

“The Alishan region of Chiayi county is my absolute favourite part of Taiwan,” admits Kembel.

“It’s trending right now because the upper portion of the historic Alishan Forest Railway has finally reopened after 15 years, which was extremely big news. Now everyone – locals and tourists alike – wants to ride it.”

Alishan national scenic area has multiple hiking trails through ancient cypress forests and to ethereal sunrise views. From mid-March to mid-April, the mountain is covered in cherry blossoms.

8. Taichung retreat

Taiwan is one of the world’s most mountain-dense places, with 268 summits topping 3000 metres. Peppered throughout are Indigenous villages, tea plantations, hot springs and wellness resorts.

In Taichung’s misty mountains and valleys, lush wellness escapes like Hoshinoya Guguan (of Japan’s ryokan-style retreat fame) take advantage of the region’s sulfur-rich waters.

“Getting into the mountains is a different world,” says Dunstan. “Almost everyone lives on the western coastal plain, and when you head out of the cities it’s pristine. It feels like the mountains ascend forever.”

9. Sun Moon Lake

Taiwan’s largest alpine lake, Sun Moon Lake, is a major hot spot offering breathtaking scenery, cycling trails, and Thao Indigenous culture.

“The lake itself has been an extremely popular cycling destination ever since CNN called it one of the world’s most scenic bike rides,” explains Kembel.

“But Sun Moon Lake looks its prettiest when viewed from above – the tops of Wenwu Temple and Ci’en Pagoda, or from adjacent Mount Maolan, and especially on a clear day or early morning when the lake is often shrouded in mist.”

In the city, Taichung offers visitors artsy charm, contemporary landmarks, historic architecture and a vibrant food scene – including the world’s only Michelin-starred ice cream, at Minimal Gelato.

10. Xiaoliuqiu Island

Shift gears on a tropical getaway to Xiaoliuqiu off the southern coast. Famed for coral reefs and sea turtles, the island boasts some of Taiwan’s best snorkeling and diving.

“There are little bed and breakfasts and some campgrounds. It’s really relaxed and feels like Noosa of 50 years ago,” explains Dunstan.

“There’s a strong diving culture and the snorkeling is amazing – with sea turtles bigger than your kids!”

From bustling night markets to serene hot springs, Taiwan is full of surprises. Visit Taiwan Tourism and start planning your adventure today.