Visualize Taiwan in 2 parts
- The East Coast and Central area are natural and offer a lot of hiking, cycling and camping
- On the West Coast where all the cities are settled
Taiwan, a captivating island in the heart of East Asia, boasts a diverse tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and experiences waiting to be explored. From the beauty of its East Coast and Central regions, it offers boundless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and camping amidst the pristine wilderness and towering mountains. The bustling metropolises and cultural hubs define the West Coast of Taiwan and offer a rich tapestry of experiences for travellers of all interests.
There are train connections all around Taiwan. It is the cheapest and easiest way to travel around Taiwan. You can make a loop around the island and stop in the main cities and point of interest in 10 days but 2 or 3 weeks would be most appropriate. Train tickets can be booked online in advance and picked up on the travelling day at the train station counter. This would allow you to plan your itinerary and be sure your seat is reserved for the time you want to travel.
The Central countryside of Taiwan is more difficult to reach, it would take a few hours to reach by bus. Day(s) tours are organized from different area and hotels.
The 10 must-see places in Taiwan
- Taroko Gorge: A breathtaking natural wonder located in Taroko National Park, featuring marble cliffs, lush forests, and stunning hiking trails.
- Shifen Waterfall: One of Taiwan’s most scenic waterfalls, where visitors can witness the majestic cascade and even release sky lanterns nearby.
- Alishan National Scenic Area: Known for its enchanting sunrise views, ancient cypress trees, and picturesque mountain landscapes, Alishan is a paradise for nature lovers.
- Sun Moon Lake: Taiwan’s largest lake surrounded by lush mountains, offering serene boat rides, cycling paths, and cultural attractions like temples and indigenous villages.
- Taipei 101: An iconic skyscraper dominating Taipei’s skyline, featuring observation decks with panoramic views, upscale shopping malls, and fine dining restaurants.
- Jiufen Old Street: A charming historic village perched on a hillside, famous for its narrow alleys, traditional tea houses, and nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of old Taiwan.
- Taroko National Park: A sprawling nature reserve renowned for its stunning marble gorge, scenic hiking trails, and indigenous cultural heritage.
- Penghu Islands: A group of idyllic islands boasting pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique geological formations, perfect for snorkelling, diving, and beachcombing.
- Yangmingshan National Park: A volcanic park located near Taipei, offering hot springs, hiking trails, and vibrant flora, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
- Kenting National Park: Taiwan’s southernmost national park, known for its diverse ecosystems, stunning coastline, and recreational activities such as surfing, snorkelling, and hiking.
These extraordinary destinations highlight the beauty, culture, and diversity of Taiwan, offering travellers unforgettable experiences and memories to cherish.
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Taroko Gorge
As in Taroko Gorge, you can enjoy a few days:
- Hiking in the mountains: for some areas, you need a permit but this could be organized by your accommodation or tour that will bring you there.
- Cycling down the valley
- Take a bath in the hot water pool
- Walk along the waterfall in a natural rocky tunnel
- Walk above the clouds at the summit of the mountain
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Taroko Gorge, a natural marvel located on the eastern coast of Taiwan, is a breathtaking testament to the island’s geological wonders. Carved over millions of years by the Liwu River, the gorge cuts through the towering marble cliffs of the Taroko National Park, creating a landscape of sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and winding trails. Visitors can explore the gorge’s mesmerizing beauty through a network of hiking trails, revealing panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and lush vegetation. Highlights include the Eternal Spring Shrine, perched atop a cliff overlooking a waterfall, and the Tunnel of Nine Turns, a winding road that offers spectacular views of the gorge below. Taroko Gorge is not only a natural wonder but also a spiritual sanctuary, where the harmony of nature and tranquillity of the surroundings offer solace and inspiration to all who venture into its embrace.
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The South East of Taiwan
Hualien is the closest city to Taroko Gorge, the starting point to start your hiking adventure in the mountains. There are accommodations and train stops in both areas. Amazing cheap dumplings to taste
Taitung is the 2nd city on the East Coast; this area is a bit hilly with hippie villages, a really good atmosphere and a good vibe.
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Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu Geopark, situated along the northern coast of Taiwan, is a geological wonderland renowned for its otherworldly rock formations sculpted by wind and sea erosion over millennia. The park’s most iconic feature is the “Queen’s Head,” a naturally formed rock resembling the profile of a queen wearing a regal crown. Visitors can marvel at an array of fascinating rock formations, including the “Candle Rocks,” “Fairy Shoe,” and “Sea Candles,” each with its unique shape and texture.
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