Taipei, Taiwan Day Trips
Here are some of the best day trips you can take from Taipei, Taiwan:
1. Jiufen (九份)
Jiufen is a mountain town in northern Taiwan that was once a gold mining town. It’s famous for its narrow streets lined with teahouses, snack shops, and souvenir stores. The town is also known for its bamboo steamers filled with Taipei-style street food like stinky tofu, oysters, and dumplings. Don’t forget to visit the Golden Waterfall (金瀑布) and explore the Shifen Old Street (十分老街), where you can release sky lanterns for good luck.
2. Yehliu Geopark (野柳地裏)
Yehliu Geopark is a geological formation along the north coast of Taiwan, known for its unusual hoodoo rock formations. The most famous of these is the “Jade Egg” rock. The park offers stunning views of the ocean and the unique landscape, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
3. Sun Moon Lake (日月潭)
Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest lake and is located in the mountainous area of Nantou County. The lake gets its name from its unique shape: one part of the lake resembles a sun, while another part looks like a crescent moon. You can take a boat tour around the lake, visit the Wenwu Temple (文武廟), or hike to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village (台灣原住民文化村).
4. Taroko Gorge (太魯閣大溪谷)
Taroko Gorge is a spectacular gorge in Hualien County, known for its marble cliffs, waterfalls, and tunnels. It’s part of the Taroko National Park, which offers hiking trails, hot springs, and cultural sites related to the indigenous Truku people. Don’t miss the Eternal Spring Shrine (恆春祠) and Swallow Grotto (螥蛇洞).
5. Kaohsiung (高雄市)
Kaohsiung is a port city in southern Taiwan, known for its modern architecture, vibrant night markets, and beautiful parks. Some must-see attractions include the Love River (愛河), Lotus Pond (蓮池廟), Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (佛光山), and the Pier-2 Art Center (駁二藝術中心). Kaohsiung is also a gateway to other attractions in southern Taiwan, such as Kenting National Park (垦特廬國家公園) and Tainan City (台南市), the ancient capital of Taiwan.