There are surprisingly cozy and extraordinarily beautiful places on earth with pristine nature, clean beaches and good conditions for tourism. One of these places is a small corner of the earth called Taiwan, a land of amazing contrasts, where luxurious seashores and historical sights of Taiwan, densely populated megacities and modern resorts are side by side. There is something to see in Taiwan among the numerous shrines — many ancient Buddhist temples with original architecture and preserving their unique history are concentrated on this land.
What to see in Taiwan first of all
The most significant places, main symbols and key attractions of Taiwan are included in the main review. Photos with names and descriptions are included in the main review. This is a list that is recommended to be added to the route so that the trip is as interesting, informative and impressive as possible.
1. Taipei City
Taipei City Panorama
Of course, the first place of review should be given to the capital of Taiwan — the city of Taipei, which represents the economic center of the country. Numerous enterprises specializing in the production of various types of electronics are concentrated here, which are produced not only for local counters, but also for export abroad. In addition, the city is rich in all kinds of museums, picturesque gardens, entertainment centers, temples, so every tourist who arrives here will find something to see in Taiwan in 1 day.
Official website: https://english.gov.taipei
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2. Taipei 101 Skyscraper
Taipei 101 Skyscraper is the hallmark of the island of Taiwan
The main attraction and symbol of the capital is the Taipei 101 skyscraper, a building with a height of 101 floors. There are a huge number of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues here. The last floors of the building are breathtaking — because the height of the skyscraper is almost 510 meters, and the ascent to the last floor will take less than a minute, thanks to the fastest elevators.
Official website: https://www.taipei-101.com.tw
3. The Kinmen Archipelago
The landmark of the Kinmen Archipelago
There is a complex of 12 islands in the Taiwan Strait, with an area of more than 150 square kilometers. At one time, a military struggle between Taiwan and China unfolded on the Kinmen Islands. Today, the main island of the archipelago, the island of Kinmen of the same name, is known for its historical past and preserves a lot of objects of historical and architectural significance: traditional settlements, temples dedicated to ancestors, monuments, fortresses, agricultural lands and other interesting places — everything here is of special tourist interest.
4. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
The facade of the memorial hall of the Father of the Nation Sun Yat-sen
In Taiwan, Sun Yat-sen, known as the founder of the People’s Republic of China, is a highly revered person. That is why in the 70s of the 20th century, a memorial hall was erected in his honor, which is located near the main skyscraper of the capital. Inside there are memorial, lecture, exhibition halls, as well as a large library. The memorial complex is surrounded by a very beautiful park with a pristine lake.
Official website: https://www.yatsen.gov.tw
5. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
The square in front of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial
It is considered to be the second most important landmark in the country. The monument erected in memory of former President Chiang Kai-shek is located in the eastern part of the Memorial Square. The changing of the guard ceremony at the memorial, which takes place here every hour, deserves special attention. The complex is surrounded by a beautiful park, and picturesque ponds are located on the sides of the structure.
Official website: https://www.cksmh.gov.tw
Watch the magnificent views of Taiwan in this beautiful video!
6. Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple in the middle of urban developments
One of the most beautiful man—made attractions, according to reviews, is the country’s oldest temple, Longshan, located in the historical part of Taipei. It was built in the middle of the 18th century by the first Chinese settlers, and has survived numerous
the trials of wars and the natural elements. Today, Longshan is one of the main centers of Buddhism in the country. The temple includes 3 ornate halls, and the entrance is decorated with an elegant artificial waterfall.
Official website: https://www.lungshan.org.tw
7. Maokong mountain Cable Car
Landscape from the Maokong mountain cable car
Excursions to Taiwan often include a trip to the top of Mount Maokong, and the cable car, built not so long ago — in 2007, serves as a means of transporting tourists there. The stations through which the cable car passes are famous for their attractions, such as the Zoah Temple and an observation deck located close to the very top of the mountain. The total length of the cable car is 4 kilometers, and the time to climb to the top is half an hour.
Official website: https://english .gondola.taipei
8. Taipei Zoo
Panda at Taipei Zoo
The Taipei Zoo is exactly the place where the aforementioned cable car originates. It is the oldest and largest zoo in Taiwan, founded at the beginning of the last century. First of all, the park impresses with its size — its area is 160 hectares. These territories are now inhabited by animals from Africa, Australia, Asia and Taiwan itself. Among them are Himalayan bears, antelopes, camels, rhinoceroses and over a hundred species of various birds.
Official website: https://english.zoo.gov.taipei
9. The Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace is the former Home of the Japanese Governor-General
A trip to Taipei is not complete without visiting the Presidential Palace, which has become a symbol of the colonial subordination of the island of Taiwan to Japan. Initially, the building served as the residence of the Japanese governors-general. Since the opening of the palace in 1919, 11 out of 19 governors have lived here. And nowadays, the palace has become the official residence of the next President of the People’s Republic of China. Despite such an important status of the building, anyone can come on an excursion to the palace today.
Official website: https://english.president.gov.tw
10. The Museum of the Imperial Palace
National Palace Museum on the background of green mountains in Taipei
When choosing where to go in Taiwan, once in its capital, it is worth taking time to visit the museum of the Imperial Palace. This huge historical museum is one of the largest in the world and conceals within its walls a myriad of valuable exhibits symbolizing Chinese traditions and culture — there are about 7 thousand of them here, and the age of the oldest exhibit is about 8 thousand years.
Official website: https://www.npm.gov.tw
11. Kaohsiung National Stadium
Kaohsiung National Stadium using Solar Energy
Any vacationer and tourist of Kaohsiung resort will confirm that the most popular place of the resort is the National Stadium, built not so long ago – in 2009, for the opening of the Olympic Games. The full functioning of this modern stadium is ensured by huge solar panels placed in its front part. Today, the stadium is mainly used for rugby and athletics competitions, less often for local football matches.
Official website: https://www.khms.gov.tw
12. Wu-Lin Farm
Spring in Wu-Lin – cherry blossom
The sights of Taiwan, in addition to cultural, historical and architectural monuments, include a lot of interesting natural monuments, which will be discussed. Wu-Ling Farm is a real paradise surrounded by forests, fragrant flowering fruit trees and fertile lands. This is an ideal place for a quiet and detached holiday, especially since there are well-equipped cottages and a hotel on this territory to accommodate visitors.
13. Lin Antai Farm
Lin Antai Farm is an ancient building in Pingchian Park
The ancient Lin Antai farm very accurately recreates the atmosphere of the island in the 18th century — this is facilitated by the simple and uncomplicated, traditional architecture of buildings, light austerity of design with the absence of bright and modern decorations. It should be noted that in its lifetime the farm has experienced a lot of political upheavals, miraculously surviving, and for this it is even more appreciated by visitors and attracts thousands of tourists.
14. Fort Santo Domingo
Antique artillery pieces in Fort Santo Domingo
Another important historical landmark that guides in Taiwan do not ignore is the Santo Domingo Fort, built in the early 17th century by the Spaniards in order to strengthen power over the indigenous inhabitants of the island. Later, the fort came into the possession of the Netherlands, and in the 19th century — Britain. In the 80s of the last century, the fort was officially recognized as a national landmark. Arriving here, you can not only explore the ancient structure, but also admire the amazing scenery of the mouth of the Tamsui River flowing here.
Official website: https://en.tshs.ntpc.gov.tw
15. Yangmingshan National Park
Walking along the narrow trails of Yangmingshan National Park
In the north of Taipei there is one of the 8 national parks of the country — Yangmingshan Park. This is a real paradise for nature lovers — here everyone can walk along narrow paths at an altitude of 200 meters to 1.1 kilometers, admire cherry blossoms, see the tops of extinct and active volcanoes, visit healing hot springs, enjoy the splendor of local landscapes and taste local cuisine. Due to the humid climate, the park has many lakes and rivers, large and small, which are fed by heavy rains about 190 days a year.
Official website: https://english .ymsnp.gov.tw
16. The Pescadores
The seascape of the Pescadores
In the south of the Taiwan Strait, at a distance of more than 40 km from the coast of Taiwan, there is one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world — the Pescadores Islands. It is an archipelago of volcanic origin that has been formed over many millennia. The largest islands of the archipelago are connected by dams, forming a kind of inland sea, where ideal conditions for water sports are created. It is worth visiting here to appreciate the beauty of the mesmerizing tides, the abundance of fish, walk along the basalt shores and get acquainted with the numerous local attractions.
17. Kenting National Park
The Pacific Ocean Coast in the Kenting National Park
The next place in the rating is rightfully occupied by the Kenting National Park, located in the very south of Taiwan, on the country’s only tropical coast, washed by sea waters on three sides. This place is famous for its numerous coral reefs, waterfalls and pristine beaches with snow-white sand. Dense forests grow in the northern part of the park
tropical forests, perfect for hiking. In addition, the park regularly hosts a variety of music festivals and entertainment events.
Official website: https://www.ktnp.gov.tw
18. Taroko Nature Reserve
Changchun Waterfall and the Temple of Eternal Spring in the Taroko Joe Lewis Nature Reserve
One of the most beautiful and fascinating places in Taiwan is the Taroko Nature Reserve, located on an area of 930 square kilometers. Deep gorges that cut through the rock, amazing waterfalls, stormy rivers, virgin forests and other natural wonders — all this will impress everyone who has visited here. In 1937, a protected area was established on this territory, and today thousands of tourists from all over the world come to admire the beauty of these places, many stay here to relax for several days at once.
Official website: https://www.taroko.gov.tw
19. Alishan Mountains
An amazing picture of dawn in the Alishan Mountains
The recommendations of this rating will certainly affect another corner in Taiwan, worthy of admiration. This is the Alishan mountain range, where a wonderful alpine resort is located at an altitude of more than 2 thousand meters. Tourists and indigenous people flock here in order to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, breathe in the purest thin air, gain new strength in an inexhaustible natural spring. In addition to admiring nature, you can arrange an exciting trip here, taste the exquisite oolong tea collected on the local slopes, and of course watch the incomparable Alishan sunrises.
Official website: https://recreation .forest.gov.tw
20. Mount Yushan
The picturesque Yushan Mountain Range
Perhaps, among the places to visit in Taiwan, any avid traveler dreams of climbing the highest mountain peak, called the “roof of Taiwan” – Mount Yushan. It was found that the height of the mountain is only 3 meters short of the 4 kilometer mark, and shifts of the earth’s plates contribute to the fact that every year the mountain “grows” by 0.5-1 centimeter. This mountain peak attracts not only passionate climbers, but also everyone who is interested in the local nature, and I must say, it is very diverse here. As you climb up, you can meet representatives of flora and fauna of almost all terrestrial climatic zones.
Attractions in Taiwan: what else to visit in Taiwan
The main attractions of Taiwan were briefly presented in the main part of the review. But this is not the whole list of interesting places of the island state. Below are other places that are worthy of the traveler’s attention.
21. Beitou Hot Springs
Beitou Thermal Springs Hot Steam
The northernmost area of Taipei, Beitou, is famous for its hot springs, which arose as a result of volcanic activity. The best way to get to know the culture of visiting the springs is to go to the local Beitou Museum, which presents the history of the area and the tradition of therapeutic bathing. Almost all local hotels offer visitors to steam in pools with hot sulfuric waters that gush directly from the bowels of the earth. After a healing bathing session, visitors are offered a traditional massage.
Official website: https://hotspringmuseum .taipei
22. The Lake of the Sun and Moon
Top view of the romantic lake of the Sun and Moon
Surrounded by majestic mountains, this lake is the largest natural lake on the island. The climate here is very mild and cool — the air temperature in summer does not rise above the mark of + 22 degrees, but also does not fall below + 15 degrees. Relaxing on the lake is an ideal option for restoring inner strength and distraction from the everyday hustle and bustle. The mirrored surface of the waters reflecting the tops of the mountains, magnificent landscapes are impressive, and here you can also get acquainted with local attractions such as the Wenwu Temple and an amazing island dividing the reservoir into two parts.
Official website: https://www.sunmoonlake.gov.tw
23. The River of Love
The River of Love in the night city of Kaohsiung
In the famous resort center of Taiwan, the town of Kaohsiung, the river of Love flows, which has a special cultural significance for local residents. The river got its beautiful name thanks to the Park of Love, located on its right bank. Once the waters of the river were used to irrigate land on nearby farms, later timber was transported through its waters. Tonight, in the evenings, the river of Love becomes a place for couples in love to walk on boats, in which small candles are lit.
24. Shifen Waterfall
The waterfall is located among the mountains with dense vegetation
The list of the best attractions in Taiwan will not be complete without mentioning Shifen Waterfall. The magnificent cascading waterfall with the purest emerald water is the largest on the island. Locals call it little Niagara, due to its beautiful shape, consisting of many cascades and rapids. The roar of a huge rushing stream of water can be heard for many kilometers, and as you approach, you will be pleased with a beautiful rainbow over the streams of the stream and abundant lush vegetation on the surrounding slopes.
Official website: https://tour.ntpc.gov.tw
25. Shilin Night Market
Entrance to Taipei’s largest Shilin Allon Lim Night Market
Taipei is famous for its night markets, and the largest and most famous of them is the Shilin Market. At night, the entire street of the market is filled with bright neon colors, stalls and tents located along the road come to life. The market is full of souvenirs, bright clothes, carpets of various colors. It is here that you can especially clearly feel the whole local flavor. And you can also refresh yourself with local dishes made from the freshest seafood at the market.
Official website: https://www.shilin-night-market.com
The island of Taiwan, detached from many historical storms that affected the inhabitants of the mainland, has very carefully preserved many traditions and customs of Chinese culture, thanks to which, together with the beautiful nature and climate of Taiwan, guests of the island have great opportunities for recreation. This is also facilitated by modern hotels in Taiwan and the island’s well-developed infrastructure.
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