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15 Best Day Trips from Taipei

Taipei is the sprawling, urban heartland of Taiwan, a city of intriguing Taiwanese culture, where modern and ancient customs and architecture fuse together in the light of a welcoming, local atmosphere that leaves international visitors looking to stay for longer and to uncover more of the mysteries of this eclectic destination.

Taipei’s location gives visitors staying in the city unprecedented access to a multitude of beautiful locations which are all just a day trip away, and if you ever tire of the city’s streets, then there are countless national parks and epic, natural locations to visit.

Just a short journey outside the city will bring you to the scenic vistas of the northern coastline, while on the edge of the suburbs are natural hot springs, quaint regional towns and traditional villages.

There are wide lakes, deep gorges and excellent hiking opportunities wherever you turn.

There are countless day trip opportunities from Taipei, but here are our favourites.

Jiufen was once an old Japanese mining town, built as an industrial centre during the late 19th century.

The mine has long since closed, and today, rather than the sooty, industrial town you may be imagining, Jiufen is, in fact, a quaint array of winding alleyways and colourful streets that reflect the vibrant Taiwanese culture.

It’s not far from Taipei, and offers a small town escape from the big city, while at the same time giving visitors a journey through the history of Jiufen, from Japanese colonisation to modern-day tourism.

There are beautiful sea views, rolling hills and an abundance of tea houses and small shops to explore.

Recommended tour: Juifen and Pingxi Day Tour

2. Beitou Hot Springs

The Beitou Hot Springs are found in the suburbs of Taipei and make for a relaxing day trip away from the city centre.

The Hot Springs are close enough to be accessible by the city’s public transport system, located close to an MRT station in the outskirts of Taipei.

This is a lovely green oasis in the urban confines of the city limits, and there are several bathing houses that channel water from natural hot springs.

The best one to visit is the Millenium Bath House, where there are several open-air bathing pools.

The Thermal Valley also needs to be visited, as this incredible hot spring is the source of the water in the bathing houses, although at this stage in its journey, the water is much too hot for bathing.

3. Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark is found near the coastal town of Yehliu to the north of Taipei, and it’s a spectacular place to spend the day.

This is a really beautiful area and a fine demonstration of the nature that’s waiting to be discovered so close to the capital.

The park is known for being the site of some really unusual geological rock formations, which are quite unlike anything else found anywhere else in the world.

The park extends for almost 2 kilometres from the mainland into the ocean, and along the length of it are strange and weirdly beautiful rocks, cliffs and other natural features.

Recommended tour : Private Full-Day Northern Taiwan Tour by Car from Taipei

4. Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park is one of Taiwan’s most loved areas of natural beauty.

The park is found to the north of Taipei, and as with much of the surrounding beauty, it’s just a short ride away from the city and easily accessible on public transport.

The close proximity to the city though, shouldn’t faze you, as this is an unbelievably spectacular place to see.

There is a multitude of hiking trails that work their way through the scenery and over the peaks and old volcanos that make up the landscape.

There are hot springs, cherry blossoms and much more to waiting to be seen at Yangmingshan National Park.

Suggested tour : Taipei Sunrise Excursion: Yangmingshan National Park

5. Jinguashi

Jinguashi is found close to the old mining town of Jiufen and has an equally intriguing history as an industrial centre set up by the Japanese.

It’s not quite as busy or as big as nearby Jiufen but offers an equally vibrant array of local history and culture.

It’s in spectacular surroundings too, and one of the best things to do here is to take on the Teapot Mountain hike, a trail which leads up to a nearby mountain peak from where you can enjoy vast vistas across the coast and the green landscapes that stretch endlessly into the distance.

Tamsui is a small town on the northern coastline of Taiwan that makes for a wonderful day trip from the city.

It’s not far at all, and Tamsui offers visitors a look at coastal life on the island, with a bustling old harbour and ramshackle streets that have stood here for generations.

Stop for some seafood, and stay for the sunset, because it’s said by locals that a sunset here, in the perfect position on the coast, is the best sunset that can be enjoyed in Taiwan.

Wulai is found in the mountains near Taipei, and it offers an intriguing look at Taiwan’s indigenous culture, much of which has over the years been unfortunately displaced by colonizers and mainland Chinese.

Wulai is home to a large group of Taiwan’s true locals and it’s a great place to learn more about this understated aspect of Taiwan’s history.

There are many shops and restaurants with an indigenous flair, while many visitors also travel here from the city to experience the cool mountain climes and the many natural hot springs.

Situated on the coast to the southeast of Taipei is Yilan, bordered on one side by rugged mountains and on the other by the open ocean.

It’s a stunning location and there is much to do here.

Explore the streets of Yilan City, visit the local markets, and as with everywhere in Taiwan, soak in the hot springs and baths.

Trek out to the countryside in search of the powerful Wufengchi Waterfall or take on one of the numerous hiking trails into the mountains.

9. Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake has the distinction of being Taiwan’s largest lake.

This beautiful area is found in the rolling hills of central Taiwan, and it makes for a long day trip from Taipei, but one you won’t regret.

There are hiking trails around the perimeter and into the mountains, while it’s easy to catch a ride on the ferries that travel across the water from one end to the next.

Included in : Best of Taiwan 5-Day Tour

10. Thousand Island Lake

A little closer to Taipei, the Thousand Island Lake is an equally unique and attractive destination to visit.

This isn’t really a lake, as such, but more a scenic panorama of the beautiful, turquoise waters of the river, which flow through a maze of inlets more reminiscent of a Norwegian fjord than a Taiwanese lake.

It’s a glorious sight, and the surrounding area is home to many tea plantations which can also be visited at the same time for a taste of culture and a refreshing drink.

11. Taroko Gorge

To the southeast of Taipei is Taroko Gorge, a spectacular natural sight that stretches for almost 20 kilometres through rugged landscapes.

The gorge is protected as a national park because it’s quite unlike anywhere else in Taiwan.

The gorge stretches to the coast from the inland mountains, and there is a vast array of forests, hills and cliffs to be explored in an ever-changing environment.

There are some great hikes, including many which traverse the river that flows through the canyon on breathtaking, but slightly nerve-wracking suspension bridges high above the water.

Pingxi is another rural Taiwanese town that owes its origins to heavy industry.

The coal here in the countryside was exploited by the Japanese, but in recent years, Pingxi has seen a real resurgence as a tourist destination.

While you will find coal museums here explaining this integral part of the town’s history, the real reason to visit now is to walk the old streets, to pop into little tea houses and cafes and to generally enjoy the rural ambience.

In the area, you can enjoy some great waterfalls too, including the dramatic Shifen falls, where a cascade of water flows over the wide rock face into a pool below.

Puli is a charming town in the mountains of central Taiwan, and the perfect place to visit to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.

It’s a quiet city and a place that is well known for being the home of the Chung Tai Chan Monastery, where modern culture meets with ancient Buddhist traditions in an unusual setting.

There are many other temples here to visit too, and nearby there are of course plenty of hikes through the spectacular scenery of this mountainous region.

Lukang has long been an important trading hub on the west coast of Taiwan.

Overlooking the strategic Strait of Taiwan, the mainland is never too far away, and through its history it has seen many colonizers and trading powers landing in its natural harbour.

Although it is not as important as it used to be, it’s a great little town to visit to experience the many multicultural influences that have over the years shaped both Lukang and the rest of wider Taiwan.

15. Keelung City

Keelung City is a big coastal destination on the northeast coast of Taiwan, and not far from Taipei.

It’s not hugely popular with tourists and day-trippers because most people just presume that is simply an industrial harbour city.

Actually, there is a lot to do here, and there are plenty of night markets serving up great seafood and Taiwanese specialities, as well as several historic forts, museums and plenty of hikes.

15 Best Day Trips from Taipei:

• Beitou Hot Springs
• Yehliu Geopark
• Yangmingshan National Park
• Sun Moon Lake
• Thousand Island Lake
• Taroko Gorge
• Keelung City

The 7 best day trips from Taipei

Oct 26, 2023 • 11 min read

Admiring the bold colors of Zhengbin Fishing Harbor is just one way to spend time on a day trip from Taipei © Panuwat Dangsungnoen / Shutterstock

Within the dense forests that encircle the colorful Taiwanese capital, the beauty of rural Taiwan awaits, made accessible by Taipei ’s ultra-efficient public transport system.

Along with a full spectrum of green spaces, cultural heritage abounds, from the steep alleyways of Jiufen Old Street to the old-world Pingxi railway. Read on to discover our favorite day trips from Taipei.

1. Hike all day long in Yangmingshan

Best for fresh air and views

The sheer number and range of hiking opportunities near Taipei will leave you breathless, as will the area's countless parks and reserves. Yangmingshan National Park is one of the most accessible natural preserves, lording over Taipei City with lush peaks coated in silver grass and an extensive network of trails winding through meadows and pastures.

There are 10 hikable peaks at Yangmingshan and if you have 11 hours to spare, you could try climbing them all in one day. For a more relaxing day, try for just one or two peaks – perhaps Mt Qixing’s main and east peaks – followed by a meeting with water buffalo on the Qingtiangang Grassland, geothermal encounters at the Xiaoyoukeng geological park or lily picking at Zhuzihu (possible from February to May). Beitou Hot Springs is another nearby attraction and its steaming baths are all the more appealing after a full day of hiking.

There are several ways to climb 1120m (3675ft) Mt Qixing – the meandering 2.4km (1.5-mile) Miaopu trail starting near Yangmingshan Visitor Center follows a stone-paved path, with signs in Mandarin and English; signs along the route highlight other attractions such as Menghuan Pond and the Lengshuikeng natural springs, allowing you to extend your trip depending on energy levels.

How to get to Yangmingshan : To reach the visitor center, hop on shuttle bus 260 from Shimin Boulevard behind Taipei Main Station and alight at Yangmingshan Bus Terminal (30NTD/US$1, one hour).

From the bus terminal, walk back to the main road and head uphill; look for a sign on your right marking the path to the visitor center. Pick up a detailed map here (or get human advice!) to locate any trails you wish to try. After completing your hike, the 108 bus can drop you back at the visitor center to catch the 260 bus returning to Taipei City.

2. Enjoy quirky old mining towns and waterfalls on the Pingxi Line

Best for railway nostalgia

Originally constructed to connect a series of coal mining towns during the Japanese occupation, the charming Pingxi railway line is less than an hour from Taipei. This 12km (7.5-mile) single-track railway runs parallel to the Keelung River and stops at a number of slow-moving villages that are rich with mining heritage, spectacular natural attractions – and cats!

Houtong Cat Village will win you over early on, so pause for some quality time with the dozens of docile kitties that sunbathe on the steps and corrugated roofs around the village. You can also visit the coal mining museum (and ride a handcar into the tunnels), followed by a coffee in a cutesy cat-themed cafe while you wait for the next scheduled train – they usually run every hour.

Sandiaoling and Shifen are two competing waterfalls on the Pingxi Line; the former is worth visiting for forested hiking trails leading to swimmable pools; the latter is considered the best option for mindblowing views. The Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail is a half-day trip in itself, linking the Hegu and Motian cascades and Pipa Cave via a suspension bridge and nature trail. The 40m (131ft) Shifen Waterfall is considered Taiwan’s most scenic cascade and it has the added bonus of an adjacent "old street" of vintage houses.

The penultimate stop is Pingxi, the mining town that gave the railway its name, known for its nostalgic old street and Sky Lantern Festival, held every February, when nearly 100,000 visitors paint their wishes onto paper lanterns and release them into the night sky. At the final stop of Jingtong, you can stroll along tracks lined with souvenir stalls, stands serving sizzling Taiwanese sausages, and heritage buildings.

Concerns about the environmental impacts of sky lanterns are on the rise, with many counties in Taiwan banning them entirely. Releasing sky lanterns in Pingxi is legal as long as visitors follow a few rules established by the city’s government . If you choose to participate, there are a few ways you can minimize your environmental impact, such as collecting and recycling debris at Sky Lantern Shell Recycling Stops throughout the city.

How to board the Pingxi Line: The Pingxi Line is an easy day trip from Taipei and it's easy to extend the trip with an overnight stay in wildly popular Jiufen village. Taiwan Railway (TRA) trains to Ruifang Station run from Taipei Main Station (from 50NTD/US$1.70, one hour), at which point you can transfer easily to the Pingxi Line.

A day ticket for unlimited travel on the Pingxi Line costs only 80NTD (US$2.75), making it one of the all-time best cheap trips from Taipei. On weekends, the small train can get quite packed, especially when returning to Ruifang at the end of the day. Consider coming on a weekday or start early to avoid the worst crowds.

3. Get hot and steamy in Wulai District

Best for hot springs and hikes

One of the top romantic getaways near Taipei, Wulai District gets its name from the Atayal word for the hot springs for which this Indigenous town is renowned. Despite some commercialization, Wulai retains a certain authenticity – the mountain valley is cut off from the rest of Taiwan and exists in harmony with the verdant mountains surrounding it.

Most people who come here stay overnight at a Wulai hot springs resort, some of which are bookable by the hour for day-trippers. It's also possible to bathe in hot springs for free next to the Wulai River, allowing you to save your money for a visit to the Wulai Atayal Museum, a tram ride or the gondola trip to the Yunshien Amusement Park. Along the way, pick up Atayal snacks such as wild boar, stuffed bamboo tubes and millet wine.

Travelers wishing to get off the beaten park have myriad options, including heading beyond the red Nanshi suspension bridge on looping hiking trails towards Wulai Falls or climbing straight up Big Knife Mountain. Rambling along the rocky Laka Trail or hiking through the emerald-hued Mini Gorge is particularly rewarding. River tracing (like canyoning), swimming and camping are more options for outdoor fun.

How to reach Wulai: The simplest route to Wulai from Taipei is to board the 1601 bus from Xindian MRT Station (40NTD/US$1.40, 30 minutes). Taxi drivers wait around the metro station looking to ferry tourists to Wulai for a fair rate, so if the bus is full, consider teaming up with other travelers and sharing the ride.

4. Bathe in a forest glade at Manyueyuan National Forest

Best for rural serenity

Japan – Taiwan’s close neighbor – may have coined the term shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), but this custom can also be enjoyed in the dense forests surrounding Taipei. About 55km (34 miles) from the Taiwanese capital in Sanxia District, Manyueyuan National Forest is one of the closest places to Taipei for an arboreal bathing session and it's famous for its waterfalls set in woodland along a subtropical creek, with lots of potential bathing spots.

Day trippers to Manyueyuan can tackle a 10km (6.2-mile) loop trail that crosses over Beichatian Mountain, passing through ancient stands of forest. Alternatively, you can follow a flat, paved trail along the Dabao River for possible sightings of Formosan rock macaques and crested eagles perched upon the branches above the path.

For an extended weekend trip from Taipei, consider adding on more forest bathing at Dongyanshan Forest , staying overnight at a heritage guesthouse in Sanxia or Yingge.

How to get to Manyueyuan: The most convenient way to reach the forest is to drive; alternatively, consider a guided tour or taxi pool with a group of fellow travelers using services such as  Tripool and Parkbus .

With more time to spare, ride the metro to Banqiao TRA Station, taking the 702 or 812 bus to Sanxia Stop 1, followed by the less frequent 807 to the Manyueyuan parking lot.

5. Satisfy your seafood cravings at Keelung Harbor

Best for foodies

People who ask if Keelung is worth visiting clearly haven’t heard about this port city’s reputation for succulent and affordable seafood. There are plenty of cultural highlights, too – the bold colors of Zhengbin Fishing Harbor and a prominent 25m (82ft) statue of Guanyin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, standing amid the temples of Zhongzheng Park.

At Heping Island Park, sea views and curious rock formations make the walking trails a joy to explore. The primary reason to visit Keelung, however, is Miaokou Night Market , which boasts some 200 food stalls covering several blocks in the vicinity of Dianji Temple.

Try fresh seafood fried, roasted, steamed, raw or paired harmoniously with thick crab soup and glutinous rice. Other recommended snacks include tempura, pork knuckle and  dianbiancuo soup – a Keelung specialty made with scrapings of rice flour batter, served with shrimp, pork and cabbage.

How to get to Keelung: Simply hop on a northbound train from Taipei Main Station and travel to reach Keelung Station (40NTD/US$1.30, 40 minutes).

6. Taste pouchong tea in Pinglin

Best for tea lovers

Tea lovers can take a day trip to savor the delicate taste of pouchong tea on the plantations and old streets of Pinglin, a district central to Taiwan’s century-old tea trade. Pinglin is just over one hour from Taipei by train; the picturesque Thousand Island Lake also lies in the area and it's a must-see if you have enough time.

Start your day with breakfast on Pinglin Old Street, where every snack comes infused with local leaves. Tea eggs are a convenience store staple across Taiwan, but in Pinglin, they switch black tea for pouchong in the steeping process, making for a lighter taste. The Liang Xin bun store distinguishes its steam buns from the pack with natural coloring and tea infusions; they cost 10NTD (US$0.35) each.

Rent a bicycle and follow the river along the Beishixi Bikeway through landscapes of terraced tea fields. The Pinglin Tea Museum lies within easy reach for insights into the history of the tea trade and the manufacturing process. For an open-air alternative, visit a working farm such as Tea Town Osmanthus or the Green Light Farm to see tea harvesting in spring or enjoy tea tasting all year round.

You might smell your last stop on approach. Famed for 100 years of the Taiwanese delicacy stinky tofu, Shiding Old Street might not be every foreigner’s first choice for a snack stop, but the old-school atmosphere is worth the time, with stone walkways and stilt houses suspended haphazardly over the riverbed. Stores here also sell more accessible tofu snacks, including tofu pudding and tofu tiramisu.

How to reach Pinglin: Pinglin lies just 30km (18.6 miles) outside of Taipei, but the winding mountain roads make the journey feel longer. The Green 12 bus runs to Pinglin via the  Feitsui reservoir, but the 923 bus is the only direct bus route to Pinglin. It runs from Xindian MRT station to Pinglin Old Street via Shiding (30NTD/US$1, one hour).

7. Throw pots on Yingge Ceramics Street

Best for fun craft shopping

If you’re looking for a pot to brew your freshly acquired pouchong tea, the town of Yingge will be happy to help. October is the best month to visit Taiwan’s pottery and ceramics capital, as local businesses get fired up for the Yingge Ceramics Festival and performances take over the streets.

Anyone interested in ceramics or ancient Chinese arts will enjoy pottering around town at any time of year. Visitors can learn about the colonial history that shaped the ceramics trade at the Yingge Ceramics Museum (80NTD/US$2.75). The Yingge Ceramics Mall also has multiple traders selling crockery, traditional tea sets and decorative pieces under one roof.

To try your hand at sculpting, glazing and firing your own pottery, book a two-hour class at one of the ceramics studios in the area (such as Shu’s Pottery ) for around 300NTD (US$10) per person. Otherwise, several kilns on Chongqing Street offer a glimpse of the traditional firing methods used to produce Yingge ceramics.

Having found a decent tea set, enjoy upscale tea and small plates at the Tea Day restaurant, adding on a visit to the nearby town of Sanxia to admire more red-brick architecture and traditional knick-knacks. The central Qingshui Zushi Temple is a living museum of Chinese history and folk art, hosting a controversial animal sacrifice on the sixth day of the lunar calendar.

How to get to Yingge: Yingge lies about 30 minutes southwest of Taipei, but you can also get here via a leisurely hour-long cycle along the riverside bikeway; there's a YouBike station adjacent to the old street in Yingge. Alternatively, you can take a Taiwan Railway train directly to Yingge Station from Taipei Main Station.

This article was first published May 17, 2022 and updated Oct 26, 2023.

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15 Epic Day Trips From Taipei You Can’t Miss

The outskirts of Taipei is absolutely littered with fascinating places to visit and fun things to do. If you want to get out of the city to explore all its beautiful corners and see a bit more of Taiwan, then this list of 15 epic day trips from Taipei is for you! 

In this guide, you’ll discover the very best Taipei day trips – from must-visit places to Taipei’s best hidden gems! Even if you don’t have time to see them all, this guide will give you a good idea of where to spend some time away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Here are 15 of the ABSOLUTE best Taipei day trips! 

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Taipei Day Trip Essentials

Before we dive into this epic list of day tours from Taipei, read these handy guides to understand Taiwan’s vibrant capital city better:

• Taipei itinerary
• First-timer’s guide to Taipei
• Taipei nightlife guide  
• Solo travelers guide to Taipei

Along with the tips included above, here are a few more tricks and essentials to make your Taipei day trip itinerary all the easier. 

• If you’d like to stay overnight in any of these places, you can find some  great hotel deals  here. 
• Grab an  Easy Card  (a tap-and-go transport card) so that you can save time and money on public transport.
• You’ll find top-up machines in every single convenience store and all bus and train stations. 
• If you plan on doing lots of touristy things, grab a  Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass , which covers unlimited rides on MRT lines, city buses, and five tourist shuttle routes.
• Since some of these day trips need a bit more travel time, book a  private car charter  to explore these gems at your own pace. 
• Grab this  3-day unlimited HSR pass  if you’re going to travel down the west coast.
• Download  Google Maps,   Google Translate,  and the  Uber  app beforehand for fuss-free travel. Also read my guide on the best travel apps for Taiwan for more handy tips.
• If you’re visiting one of the hiking spots on this list, it’s best to wear comfortable non-slip shoes. 
• Don’t forget your camera, sunscreen, and refillable water bottle! 

Day Trips From Taipei < 1.5 hrs from the city

• Best Taipei day trip for foodies & photographers

Nestled on the hilltops of northeastern Taiwan, Jiufen (九份) is hands-down one of the prettiest (and most romantic) places in all of Taiwan! 

With jaw-dropping mountain and ocean views, lantern-filled alleys, quaint tea houses, antique shops, and an eclectic foodie scene, Jiufen is an unmissable destination that definitely deserves a spot on your list of day trips from Taipei! 

There are many awesome things to do in Jiufen, but most day-trippers only visit for one thing: the FOOD! Jiufen has an incredible food scene. All along its Old Street (九份老街), you can sample some of Taiwan’s very best street food. Some must-try classics include peanut ice cream crepes, fish balls, glutinous rice cakes, and taro balls. 

If you get tired of stuffing your face, duck into one of the charming teahouses where you can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. Most Jiufen teahouses offer incredible views, and you’ll find the best views (and atmosphere) at  Jioufen Teahouse  and Amei Teahouse.

Jiufen is a great place to spend a whole day eating, browsing, and taking photos! If you’re looking to do something a bit more adventurous nearby, hike up Keelung Mountain or Teapot Mountain. A bit further afield, you can also  climb Longdong Rock .

Insider’s Tips:  Jiufen is a popular tourist spot among locals and international visitors, so it gets crowded quickly. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to time your visit during the week.

• How to get there:  Jiufen can be reached in several ways, and I’ve written an entire guide highlighting  how to get from Taipei to Jiufen . Take a train to Ruifang Station and then catch a Keelung Transit Bus to the village (coming every 15 minutes). You can also book a  private transfer  or join this  Shifen, Jiufen & Yehliu day tour  if you don’t like public transport. 

Shifen Waterfall

• Perfect for nature seekers, waterfall chasers, and photographers. 

If you want to spend a day surrounded by stunning natural scenery, then Shifen (十分) is the best Taipei day trip for you. 

Shifen is a tiny village home to the widest waterfall in Taiwan – Shifen Waterfall (十分瀑布). The stunning 40m wide waterfall is a real gem and a huge must on any Taiwan travel itinerary . You’ll find stacks of vantage points offering a bird’s-eye view over the falls, and you could easily spend hours admiring the gushing cascades.

Back in town, release a sky lantern right on the train tracks which run through Shifen, snack on delicious street food, or stroll along the winding streets to really experience the town’s old-world charm and learn more about Taiwan’s former coal mining industry. Along the way, you’ll also find tons of quirky souvenirs shops where you can pick up anything from sky lantern paraphernalia to Chinese trinkets and more! 

• Getting there:  Read my detailed guide on  getting from Taipei to Shifen , which includes loads of transport tips and what to do in Shifen. Grab any northbound train (except Keelung) towards Ruifang Station at Taipei Main Station. Then transfer to Taiwan’s historic  Pingxi Line . Alternatively, join this  fun Shifen, Jiufen & Yehliu tour  or take a  private transfer  to get there stress-free. 

For more ideas, this guide on  visiting Shifen  will also come in handy. 

Houtong Cat Village

• Perfect for cat lovers, photographers, and nature seekers

Houtong Cat Village   (猴硐貓村) is a beautiful little village hidden in the hills of Ruifang District, New Taipei. It is definitely one of the lesser-known Taipei day trips on this list, so if you’re looking to get off the beaten path (and like cats), add this tour to your list. 

Back in the day, Houtong was one of Taiwan’s most prominent coal-mining villages with more than 6000 residents. Unfortunately, as the coal ran out, so too did people. Today, Houtong is no longer known for its coal mining efforts but for something entirely different – cats! 

You’ll find most of the cats lounging around the winding walkways running along the hilltop. They’re super friendly and adorable, but make sure to stick to the village’s rules! Along the way, you’ll also encounter cute cafes, tea houses, and quirky souvenir shops selling an array of kitty knick-knacks. If you’re looking for street food, you’ll find oodles of vendors in the Old Street (猴硐老街) near the train tracks. History buffs can head to the Houtong Coal Mining Ecological Park (猴硐煤礦博物園區遊客服務中心). Here you can learn more about the town’s history and even take a fun ride through the mine’s tunnels!  

• Getting there:  From Taipei Main Station, take a northbound train (except Keelung) towards Ruifang Station (瑞芳車站). Then transfer to a local train (and travel one more stop) or take bus 808 to Houtong. The Su Ao bound train is the  only  direct to Houtong from Taipei Main Station, but trains aren’t as frequent. 

Yehliu Geopark

• Best day trip from Taipei for photographers and treasure hunters

One of the coolest day trips from Taipei is Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園) – a massive geopark, located along the shores of Taiwan’s north coast .

Yehliu is home to some of the most incredible rock formations in Taiwan. These formations were formed by years and years of sea and wind erosion, and you’ll find all kinds of weird and wonderful shapes resembling everything from mushrooms, honeycombs, a Queen’s Head, and even a Dragon’s head here! If you’re feeling peckish, you’ll find a bunch of eateries near the Geopark’s entrance.

Yehliu is a great place to feel the sea breeze on your skin, test your imagination, and practice your photo skills! Since Yehliu is a popular tourist spot over weekends, come during the week if your schedule is flexible. It’s also a good idea to  grab an admission ticket  online in advance to skip the queues. Further afield, drop by the Twin Candlestick Islets – yet another stunning rock formation along this rugged coastline.

• How to get to Yehliu from Taipei:  Take bus 1815 (bound for Jinshan Youth Activity Center) at  Kuo-Kuang Bus Taipei Terminal , near Taipei Main Station. Buses depart every 20 minutes and cost roughly  NT$100 . Alternatively, join this  Shifen, Jiufen & Yehliu day tour  for a hassle-free journey.

• Best Taipei day trip for hot spring lovers, nature seekers, and adventurous eaters

Wulai  (烏來) is a small aboriginal village just 40 minutes away from Taipei City. Home to the Atayal tribe, steamy natural springs, a stunning waterfall, and an old street filled with unique aboriginal delicacies, Wulai is a popular day trip among nature lovers, hot spring bathers, and foodies alike. 

What really makes this village such a great side trip option is the sheer amount of things to do here! And you’ll quickly see that Wulai is so much more than just another place to soak in a hot spring! The Old Street (烏來老街) is the best place to try local specialties such as millet wine, mountain vegetables, wild boar sausages with maqaw, spring-cooked eggs, and bamboo-tube rice. Come hungry because you won’t find these dishes anywhere else in Taiwan! 

After you’ve filled your belly, follow the Lover’s Trail or hop in the cute  Wulai Scenic Train  to Wulai’s epic 80-m tall waterfall – Wulai Falls (烏來瀑布)! Weather permitting, you can also take a cable car ride to see the waterfall from above. A little further afield, you’ll also find many hiking trails where you can immerse yourself in nature. 

Back in town, book yourself into a hot spring hotel for a relaxing soak.  Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort  is one of the best hot spring hotels in Wulai and has beautiful rooms with private baths. 

• Getting there:  Catch Bus 849, near Xindian MRT Station on Beixin Road (departing every 10-15 minutes). The ride takes about 45 minutes and costs  NT$15  for a single ride.

Danshui (Tamsui)

• The best Taipei day tour for sunset chasers, photographers, and seafood aficionados

One of the easiest day trips from Taipei is the lovely seaside town of Danshui (淡水). Known for its amazing sunsets, tasty seafood, fun street performers, and historic fort, Danshiu is a great place to spend a lazy day soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. 

Start your day trip exploring the Tamsui Old Street (淡水老街), where you’ll find souvenir shops, temples, and lots of street food! Don’t eat too much, though, because you’re definitely going to want to try all the seafood at the waterfront. 

Then head to the waterfront lined with dozens of vendors selling fresh seafood and offering magnificent views over the Danshui River. For a change of pace, hop on a boat to Bali island (八里區). The small island lies across the bank, and is a cool place to rent a bike, eat more street food, or just enjoy the views. Here’s a great guide on  biking around Guandu, Danshui, and Bali .

If you don’t like boats, continue along the promenade because there’s more to see further afield. One attraction you shouldn’t miss is Lover’s Bridge (情人橋). Here you can get the best view over the river, sea, and city! Come at golden hour for epic photo ops.

If you’re sick of street food, pop into  Red House Cafe  – a lovely rooftop terrace restaurant with beautiful views and great food. The gorgeous  Tianyuan Temple , a 10-minute taxi ride from the wharf, is another must-visit tourist spot, especially if you’re visiting during cherry blossom season . 

• How to Get to Danshui:  From Taipei Main Station, take the Taipei MRT Red Line to the last stop (Tamsui). The ride takes about 40 minutes and costs  NT$50 .

Beitou Hot Spring

• Perfect for hot spring bathers and nature seekers 

A short MRT ride from Taipei Main Station, you’ll find Taiwan’s mecca of steamy hot springs – Beitou. Thanks to its proximity to the capital city, Beitou is a super popular day trip from Taipei, and there’s always a bunch of people here. Known for its steamy public pools with healing powers and fancy hot spring hotels, Beitou is a really cool place that definitely deserves a spot on your day trips list! 

Besides soaking in the springs, make a point of visiting Beitou Thermal Valley (地熱谷), aka Hell Valley. If you can handle the stench of the sulfur, it’s the perfect spot to get a close-up look at piping hot thermal springs. In fact, the water temperature can reach up to 80-100℃! You’ll find many vendors nearby selling hard-boiled eggs that were cooked in these hot waters! 

Further afield, the Beitou Hot Springs Museum (北投溫泉博物館), Ketagalan Culture Center (凱達格蘭文化館) and the Xinbeitou Historic Station (新北投車站) are other popular places to visit. 

• Getting to Beitou:  Take the red MRT line to Xinbeitou Station from anywhere in Taipei. 

Yangmingshan National Park (陽明山國家公園) is another  hot spring and hiking paradise  just north of Taipei City. There are loads of Yangmingshan day tours on offer, and  this one  even stops in Beitou. 

Qingshan Waterfall

• Perfect day trip from Taipei for waterfall chasers, hikers, and off-the-beaten-path travelers

There are dozens of beautiful waterfalls near Taipei, and Qingshan Waterfall (青山瀑布) is one you don’t want to miss! 

This stunning 30-meter high waterfall is tucked away in the northern corners of Yangmingshan National Park (陽明山國家公園) and is only accessible by car. Once you’re at the trailhead, it’s a relatively intense 1.5km hike to the waterfall, but the effort will be worth it because this place is absolutely stunning! 

The waterfall is nestled in a lush forest filled with towering trees, moss-covered boulders, and gentle streams. Since Qingshan Waterfall is still much of a hidden gem, you can easily have the entire place all to yourself (especially if you visit during the week). The best part, the waterfall pool is safe to swim in, so don’t forget your swimsuit! 

• Getting there:  There is no public transport here, so you’ll need your own set of wheels to reach this gem. Alternatively, take a 2.5 hr bus ride on bus #867 from Tamsui Station to Shuntian Shengmu Temple (順天聖母廟). Then walk 1.6 km to the trailhead. (See on  Google maps  here). 

Yingge District 

• Best Taipei day tour for art hunters and DIY fans

Yingge (鶯歌區) is undeniably the king of all things ceramic in Taiwan. This cute little town just south of Taipei City is home to dozens of art studios, galleries, and over 800 shops selling all kinds of ceramic art, pottery, and porcelain items. While most stores specialize in mass-produced pottery items, you’ll also be able to find the real stuff here with a bit of effort! Just be prepared for the astronomical prices! 

Yingge Old Street (鶯歌陶瓷老街) is where all the action is, and it’s a great place to stroll around, shop, pop into a quaint teahouse and join a DIY pottery class to channel your inner artist! Along Chongqing street, you can even walk (or rather squeeze) through a historic tunnel kiln built in the 60s. Further afield, pottery fanatics can pop into the Yingge Ceramics Museum (新北市立鶯歌陶瓷博物館) to learn more about the history of ceramics and check out all the cool exhibitions. 

• Getting to Yingge:  Take a local Taiwan Railways train (Fuxing/ Shuttle) from Taipei Main Station to Yingge station. The ride takes 38 minutes and costs  NT$38 . From the station, it’s a short walk to the Old Street and the Ceramics Museum. Signs point the way. 

• Best for city dwellers, Instagram chasers, art lovers, and foodies

Located on Taiwan’s west coast, Taiwan’s second-largest city, Taichung (台中市), is yet another great Taipei day tour option. The city is easily accessible from Taipei by HSR in just over an hour. 

There’s so much to do in this vibrant city that you could easily spend up to three days in Taichung and never be bored. Some of the highlights include visiting Rainbow Village (the city’s most Instagrammable spot), browsing the cool exhibitions at the National Art Museum (國立臺灣美術館), devouring the sweet treats at Miyahara (宮原眼科), and joining a DIY Bubble Tea class. Of course, there are loads more to do in Taichung! And if you want to get off the tourist track, this list of epic places near Taichung is just what you need.

• Getting to Taichung:  Take a southbound HSR train from Taipei Main Station to Taichung HSR Station. From there, the city is accessible by MRT, taxi, bus, or scooter rental if you prefer to have your freedom. For more transport tips, also read my guide on getting to Taichung from Taipei .

Keelung City

• Best for foodies, culture vultures, and history buffs. 

If you’re looking for a quick day trip from Taipei filled with history and amazing food, you’ve got to get yourself to Keelung (基隆). 

Keelung is a beautiful port city in the northern corners of Taiwan. It is located less than 1 hour away from Taipei, and it’s super easy to reach via public transport.

While Keelung’s biggest attraction is undoubtedly its Miaokou Night Market, there are many great things to do in Keelung . Start your day by exploring Heping Island Park (和平島公園), a huge geopark filled with incredible seaside views, easy trails, and interesting rock formations. Then hop in a taxi to one of the most Instagrammable places in Taiwan, Zhengbin Fishing Harbor (正濱漁港). Here you’ll find dozens of colorful shophouses lining a sleepy fishing harbor and plenty of photo ops.

Further afield, make a point of visiting Zhongzheng Park (基隆中正公園). This huge religious park is home to several beautiful temples and an enormous statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. You’ll also get the best view over the city from here, so don’t forget your camera! 

If you still have time, head out to Dawulun Beach for a swim or check out a few of the cool forts in the city (there are several). And many of them date back to the 17th century. Whatever you do, don’t miss Miaokou Night Market (基隆廟口夜市)! Come hungry, because there are lots to try!

• Getting there:  Take any local TRA to Keelung City from Taipei Main Station. Trains come every 15-20 minutes, and the journey takes 45 minutes. Alternatively, hop on Kuo-Kuang Bus 1813, departing from Taipei Main Station. The ride takes 50 minutes.

Day Trips from Taipei > 1.5hrs from the city

Laomei green reef.

• Perfect for ocean lovers and off-the-beaten-path travelers

If you happen to visit Taiwan during spring, then you should definitely make a point of visiting Laomei Green Reef (老梅綠石槽). 

Laomei Green Reef is a 700-m long rocky reef located in a tiny town in Shimen District, just on the outskirts of Taipei. The reef’s ditches and trenches were formed thousands of years ago when lava crept down from a volcanic eruption. But what really makes this reef so special is that the entire reef is covered in vibrant green algae for a limited time each year. Since this phenomenon can only be witnessed briefly, planning your visit to Laomei is essential. The best time to see the reef blanketed in algae is from March to May. This is usually before the summer heat kicks in. The reef is only visible during low tide, so make sure to check the tide schedule beforehand. 

Laomei is a great day trip from Taipei to witness something really special! It’s a cool place to gawk at the reef, wander along the beach, and take photos. If you can (and tides permitting), come at golden hour for the most incredible setting imaginable!  

Just a heads up:  The reef is a protected area, so please don’t walk on it. In fact, you can get a steep fine if caught doing so! 

• Getting there:  Take bus 863 or 862 from Tamsui Bus Station (right next to the Tamsui MRT Station). Get off at the Mingde Village 1 stop. Tickets cost  NT$45 , and buses depart every 20-30 minutes. 

Baishawan Beach 

• Perfect for beachgoers and thrill-seekers 

There are several cool beaches near Taipei, but if you’re looking for white powdery sand, chilled vibes, and epic sea views, then Baishawan is your best bet. 

Baishawan Beach (白沙灣遊憩區) is not too far from Laomei Green Reef. Therefore, you can easily combine these two Taipei scenic spots in one trip. Buses between the two areas are frequent and reliable. If you feel like walking, there’s a nice little hiking trail with epic coastal views from Laomei Green Reef via the Fuguijiao Lighthouse (富貴角燈塔) to Fuji Fishing Harbor (富基漁港). From here, it’s approximately another 2.4km to Baishawan. 

Baishawan Beach is a very laidback place, perfect for swimming and basking in the sun. You can also rent a paddleboard, grab an ice-cold beer, or just chill on the beach. Don’t miss the fish & chips at Dazzlers when visiting this stunning Taiwan beach ! 

• Getting to Baishawan: Take bus 863 or 862 from Tamsui Bus Station and get off at Baishawan Beach. The ride takes just under 1 hour and costs NT$45 .

Taroko Gorge

• Best for hikers and nature seekers

If you want to really get acquainted with Taiwan’s natural scenery, there’s no better place than Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園).

Taroko Gorge is a beautiful 19-km canyon filled with epic caves, stunning waterfalls, sacred shrines, and some of the best hiking trails in Taiwan . The central highway, which was carved out from the rock face, snakes through the canyon, making it super easy to explore this natural wonder of Taiwan. 

There are loads of points of interest here, but some must-hit stops include the Eternal Spring Shrine (長春祠), Swallow Grotto (燕子口步道), and the Baiyang Waterfall (白楊瀑布). While it’s worth spending a couple of days at Taroko National Park, it is possible to visit Taiwan’s stunning marble canyon on a day trip from Taipei. It will be a whirlwind tour but doable if you  join this Taroko tour with round-trip flights. 

• Perfect for street art hunters, city dwellers, and photographers

Taipei and Kaohsiung are at the complete opposite ends of the island. Thankfully, Taiwan has an excellent transport network! In less than 2 hours, you can be right in the thick of Taiwan’s uber-cool harbor city! 

Kaohsiung (高雄市) is Taiwan’s largest port city and the 3 rd biggest city on the island. It’s a fantastic place to spend a few days , but a day trip from Taipei will have to do if time is limited. 

Kaohsiung is unlike any other city in Taiwan, and it’s got a great vibe. Some must-dos include checking out the cool art installations at Art Pier 2 (駁二藝術特區), walking through the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas (龍虎塔), taking a romantic cruise on the Love River (愛河), and stuffing your face with as much seafood as you possibly can! If you’re a foodie, don’t miss Liuhe Night Market (六合夜市) for an epic Taiwanese night market experience!

• Getting to Kaohsiung:  Take any southbound HSR train from Taipei Main Station to Zouying Station. The ride takes less than 2 hours and costs NT$1490. Reach the city center via MRT, bus, or taxi.  For more tips, read my guide on how to get to Kaohsiung .

Best Taipei Day Trips in Conclusion

There are  way   more  than 15 Taipei side trips, but this list will hopefully provide a great starting point! Have you visited any of these cool places near Taipei? Feel free to share your favorite Taipei day trips, top tips, and anything in between in the comments below! 

If you enjoyed these day trips from Taipei ideas, please share them with your friends.

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November 15, 2018 at

Wow, thanks for these awesome tips. Although capital cities, just like Taipei, have it all, it’s fun to explore less populated cities and countrysides. Love your pics!

November 19, 2018 at

Thanks for taking the time to comment, Urska. I couldn’t agree more. I love big cities, too…but, when exploring the outskirts you can experience the culture and people so much more..

September 16, 2022 at

Hello, I’m from Taiwan, and I just happened to help my Vietnamese friends to find some articles about Taiwan. I’m very happy to see your introduction to Taiwan. I hope that I will have the opportunity to travel again in the future.

December 21, 2022 at

This article is very informative. Excited to revisit Taiwan next year

August 1, 2023 at

Looking forward to touring Taipei following your guide. Thank you for the detailed descriptions & directions

December 5, 2023 at

Very informative and a big help to us planning our Taiwan Travel. thank you!

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The 10 Best Day Trips From Taipei

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Taiwan’s capital is packed with endless options for dining, exploring, and entertainment, but there are many day trips worth taking outside the city. From Wulai’s waterfalls and aboriginal culture to Jiaosi’s hot springs to Pingxi’s lanterns and charm, there is much to see and do just beyond Taipei’s city limits. 

All the day trips listed here are accessible via public transportation and can be completed in one day (although, once you arrive at any of these destinations, you may decide to stay for the night, which is relatively easy to do). Your biggest challenge? Deciding where to go first.

Alishan National Park: Awesome Sunrises and Instagram-worthy Scenery

Enduring shivering temperatures to watch the dawn break at Alishan National Park in the southern town of Chiayi is a quintessential Taiwanese experience. This isn’t a typical fiery sunrise, but one in which the pitch-black horizon, 6,561-plus feet above sea level, instantly erupts in rays of dramatic light that pierce a sea of fog and fluffy clouds. Blink and you’ll miss the spectacle. 

The sunrise is best viewed from Bihu Observation Deck, Eryanping Trail, and Duigaoyue Lookout, which are accessible via the Zhushan train line. Meanwhile, the equally enchanting sunset is best seen from Mount Erjian Trail, Eryanping Trail, Ciyun Temple, and Provincial Highway 18. To catch a glimpse of Alishan's famous sea of clouds, head to the Taiping Suspension Bridge, Eryanping Trail, or Ciyun Temple.

Getting There: Take the High Speed Train from Taipei to Chiayi HSR Station (90 minutes). Then, transfer from Chiayi HSR Station Exit 2 to the express bus BRT to Chiayi Train Station (about 25 minutes). From there, board the high-altitude Alishan Forest Railway, which winds its way through Alishan and stops at key lookout spots.

If you take the Alishan Forest Railway, you’ll need to plan in advance; tickets are only sold the day prior to departure, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the second floor of Alishan Station. Note that departure times change daily and the number of train passengers is limited.

Travel Tips: For two weeks each March or April, throngs of visitors flock here to see the sakura (Japanese cherry blossoms) in bloom. The best time to visit, especially during peak periods, is during the week when the crowds are fewer. The temperature changes dramatically from sunrise to day and day to sunset, so dress warmly in layers.

Jinguashi & Jiufen: Gold, Tea, and Sunsets

The former gold-mining town of Jinguashi and neighboring Jiufen are a retro respite from bustling Taipei. Visit Gold Ecological Park in Jinguashi, which offers a retrospective of the area’s history, from a Prisoner of War camp during the Japanese Occupation, to the epicenter of Taiwan’s brief gold rush, to an increasingly popular tourist spot after decades of dormancy. Carve out time to visit the Gold Museum, which has exhibits on the history of Jinguashi and a 485-pound gold brick. From here, visitors can opt to take an easy two-hour hike or a 10-minute bus ride to Jiufen.

If you opt for the hike, begin at Shanjian Road Tourist Trail, which offers stunning views and a moderate trek through a former Japanese POW mining camp. The scenic route ends at the top of Jishan Street in Jiufen. Meander the cobblestone road all the way down Mt. Jilong until it intersects with Shuchi Street, a laddered lane of 362 steps flanked by tea shops, cafés, and shops. Stop for a steaming pot of tea and admire the sunset; as the sun dips behind the mountains, red lanterns illuminate the street, creating a memorable nod to yesteryear that earned Jiufen the nickname “Little Shanghai.”

Getting There: Take a train (45 minutes) from Taipei Main Station to Rueifang and transfer to a bus headed for Jinguashi. When you get to Jinguashi, take a bus to Jiufen or hike along the Shanjian Road Tourist Trail.

Travel Tips: The museums are closed on Mondays. Gold Ecological Park has a gold panning experience, but it’s an extremely remote chance to pan more than gold dust or fools’ gold.

Pingxi & Shifen: Launch Lanterns and Get Lucky

The small village of Pingxi and its neighboring hamlet of Shifen have become synonymous with paper lanterns ever since its coal mines were shuttered at the end of the 20th century. While the Shifen Waterfall and Taiwan Coal Mining Museum are popular attractions, it's the lantern-making and launching that annually attracts thousands of visitors. Take time to stroll the shops along Shifen Old Street. While some shopkeepers will demonstrate how to make one, all of them sell colorful lanterns in which you write your wishes before launching yours into the sky.

Getting There: Take the East Line local train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, then transfer to the Pingxi Line (one hour). Having once transported coal and miners, this small rail line transports tourists today using the same century-old track and switches along 8 miles of railway.

Travel Tip: During the annual Pingxi Sky Lantern Festiva l (in January or February, depending on the lunar calendar), there are special buses from Taipei to Pingxi. While most folks visit the village during the Lunar New Year, visitors can launch lanterns any day of the year.

Sun Moon Lake: Biking, Boating, and Beauty

Arguably the most romantic place in Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan is the country's largest freshwater lake. It gets its name thanks to an island in the center of the lake that separates it into two parts: one shaped like a crescent moon and the other like the sun. Located 2,454 feet above sea level, the alpine lake is best explored by boat and bike. Start with a boat tour before renting a bicycle to navigate the 2-mile Xiangshan Bike Trail that borders the lake. 

Getting There: Take the High Speed Train from Taipei Main Station and alight at Taichung HSR Station (one hour). From there, go to the first floor, Exit 5, and wait at the third platform for the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle to Sun Moon Lake. 

Travel Tip: Autumn brings the most visitors to Sun Moon Lake with festivals and events like the Sun Moon Lake International Fireworks Festival . Cherry blossoms bloom in the spring and fireflies are abundant in the summer.

Jiaosi: Coastal Hot Spring Escape

Located on the fan-shaped Lanyang Plain, Jiaosi is an idyllic township in Yilan on Taiwan’s northeast coast. The main draw here are the odorless sodium bicarbonate hot springs. Unlike the smelly sulfuric hot springs in Beitou and Wulai, the springs here are used to grow vegetables and produce mineral water, and the geothermal heat warms the groundwater that creates Jiaosi’s therapeutic soaks. Several luxury hotels offer hot springs, some en suite. 

Getting There: Take the Capital Bus from Taipei City Hall Bus Station or Kamalan Bus from opposite the Technology Building MRT station to Jiaosi (50 minutes). 

Travel Tips: Stay longer than a day to take a dolphin- or whale-watching tour and explore nearby Turtle Island, an active volcanic island and ecological park 5.5 miles from Taiwan’s coast. It's open to visitors from March to November; advance reservations are required. Other popular attractions in the area include the Lanyang Museum and black sand beach in Toucheng, and the National Center for Traditional Arts and Luodong Night Market in Loudong.

Taroko National Park: Treacherous Trails and a Massive Marble Gorge

Established in 1986, Taroko National Park boasts one of Taiwan’s most popular natural wonders: the Taroko Gorge, a 11.8-mile marble gorge. The 227,33-acre park is easily traversed via the Central Cross-Island Highway by car, bus, or scooter. Start with a park orientation at the Visitor Center, which features exhibition halls and offers maps.

Don’t miss walkable routes like:

• Swallow Grotto Trail: This 0 . 85-mile path features the famous Indian Head Rock formation.
• Tunnel of Nine Turns: The 1.18-mile tunnel route offers breathtaking views of the marble gorge, river, and limestone cliffs.
• Eternal Spring Shrine Trail: A loop trail that starts at the Central Cross-Island Highway Changchun Bridge and meanders past Miluo Cave and Changchun Shrine, devoted to the 226 men who died building the Central Cross-Island Highway. From there, you'll take a steep, Z-shaped trail known as the Stairway to Heaven; it leads to Guanyin Cave, Taroko Tower, and the Bell Tower, which affords a bird’s-eye view of the Liwu River. The trail ends at the Changuang Temple Arch Gate.
• Suspension Bridge: A vertigo-inducing suspension bridge leads to a steep and treacherous hike up the Zhuilu Cliffs, 1,640 feet above the Liwu River. The white-knuckle path takes you to Zhuilu Old Road. Access is limited; folks wishing to trek along the treacherous 6.4-mile route must apply for a park entry permit from Taroko National Park and a mountain entry permit from the Taroko National Park Police (03-862-1405).

Getting There: Take a train from Taipei to Xincheng (Taroko) Station (two to three hours). From there, buy a one-day Taroko shuttle bus ticket.

Travel Tip: Most visitors find it easiest to join an organized tour or rent a car or scooter. If you drive, be aware that from Suao to Hualien, the highway runs along precipitous cliffs. Watch out for rock falls, which are more frequent after typhoons and earthquakes.

Wulai: Waterfalls, Hot Springs, and Aboriginal Culture

Wulai is the northernmost settlement for Atayal, Taiwan’s second largest Aboriginal group who have called Wulai home for more than 7,000 years. Take in the splendor of Wulai Waterfall before strolling the Wulai Aboriginal Culture Village, where members of the Atayal tribe outfitted in traditional, red, two-piece argyle dresses sell woven handbags and clothing and perform song-and-dance shows. Get a bird’s-eye view of Wulai from the cable car that whisks travelers to the top of Wulai Waterfall.

Head back down the mountain to Wulai Street, an old road populated with the Wulai Atayal Museum ; souvenir shops selling pastel-colored mochi; and restaurants serving Atayal cuisine like mountain boar, zhútong fàn (rice steamed in bamboo tubes), and delicacies made of millet. End the day with a free soak in the Wulai hot springs off Wen Quan Road. 

Getting There: Take the Xindian MRT line to Xindian; then, transfer to bus 1601 or take a 20-minute taxi ride. Alternatively, take a specially-marked bus directly from Taipei Main Station or Xindian MRT station to Wulai. Buses stop at the edge of Wulai Village’s old street (30 minutes).

Travel Tips: Bring your bathing suit for the roadside hot springs. The area is unlit at night and the unmarked path is uneven, so it’s best to arrive before nightfall.

Yangmingshan National Park: Hikes, Nature, and Hot Springs

Hikers can follow in the footsteps of Chiang Kai-shek who crisscrossed Yangmingshan’s bucolic peaks and floral fields. Located above the Taipei basin, city slickers flock here for the fresh air and hiking. Each of Yangmingshan National Park’s 30 peaks afford panoramic views of the capital. Volcanic gasses that fuel the 18 hot spring areas are a reminder that this is technically an active volcano, although the last eruption was 300,000 years ago. 

There are a multitude of hikes in the 28,305 acres of Yangmingshan National Park. Get oriented at the Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters and Visitor Center, which has displays on the park’s geology, flora, fauna, and maps. Hiking options include:

• The Bird Watching Trail: Glimpse more than 20 species of birds like the Taiwan blue magpie and the Formosan whistling thrush during this two-hour, mostly flat, forested hike. It begins at Erziping Recreation Area in the western part of Yangmingshan and ends at the camping area at Qixingshan. 
• Qixingshan Summit: The vigorous hike to the rock-strewn summit, northern Taiwan’s tallest peak at 3,674 feet, takes three to four hours. Start at Xiaoyoukeng on the mountain’s northwest side (take minibus 15 to the last stop).
• Butterfly Corridor: A family-friendly, 1.2-mile trail that begins on the outskirts of the 864-acre Datun Nature Park (a volcanic basin) and ends two hours later at Erziping Recreation Area. Butterflies flutter year-round but especially in May and June.  

After a day of hiking, take a dip in Lengshuikeng (cold water pit); the mildly alkaline water, containing iron oxide, is cool year-round. Or, soak in scalding hot springs at one of the bath houses dotted along Yang Jin Highway.

Getting There: Take the Taipei Metro to Shilin Station and then transfer to red bus 5. Or, take Bus 260 from Taipei Main Station to Yangmingshan. Bus 108 makes a loop around the center of the national park’s most popular attractions. 

Travel Tips: Weekdays are the ideal time to visit as it’s less crowded. Azaleas, the official flower of Taipei City, can be seen in February and March in the northwestern section of Yangmingshan.

Yehliu Geopark: Out-of-This-World Landscape

Located on a cape in Wanli in northern Taiwan, Yehliu Geopark looks like something out of a trip to Mars. Strong winds are what's behind the trippy formations of random yet familiar shapes: mushrooms, a drumstick, a candle, and a lion’s head. The most famous of the amber-hued volcanic rock and shale formations here is the one that resembles a queen’s head. The strong winds that batter the cape seemingly threaten to overturn this iconic piece.

Getting There: Hop on the Kuo-Kuang Company Bus 1815 (adjacent to Taipei Main Station) bound for Jinshan Youth Activity Center, and get off at Yehliu (45-60 minutes). Or, take the Jinshan-bound express bus from Tamshui station (near the Tamshui MRT station), and get off at the Yehliu stop. You can also take the express bus at National Taiwan University bound for Jinshan and exit at the Yehliu stop. 

Travel Tip: The park is divided into three areas, so save time to explore each one. It’s extremely windy: Dress accordingly.

Yingge: Admire Art and Make Your Own Pottery

Local artisans have been making pottery in Yingge for more than 200 years. Start at New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum ; Taiwan’s first museum dedicated to ceramics, it examines the development of the material in Taiwan through its permanent collection. After, stroll the pottery shops along Yingge Old Street where you can try your hand at making your own handicrafts.

Getting There: Take the local train from Taipei Main Station to Yingge Station (35 minutes).

Travel Tip: The New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum is closed on the first Monday of each month. Audio guides are available in English.

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10+ Perfect Day Trips from Taipei

last Updated: January 13, 2022 Taipei Taiwan

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Taiwan and looking to spend a few days outta the busy city?!  Well keep on reading my adventurous friend, because I’ve rounded up the best day trips from Taipei. After reading this article, you’ll wanna add a few extra days to your Taipei itinerary , I can promise you that!

You might think Taipei has everything you could possibly want – there’s food (think pineapple cake and xiao long bao, yum), culture, and plenty of scenic views (don’t miss a hike up Elephant Mountain), but there’s actually a lot more outside the capital city of Taiwan. Although Taipei is a great starting point and makes a fantastic base for your trip when visiting Taiwan, you’d be missing out on a whole lot of the country if you spend your entire time here!

Fortunately, there are a number of amazing day trips from Taipei, and being only a couple hours outside of the city, you’d be silly not to check them out. From eating your way through the best Taiwanese street food in Keelung to surfing on a black sand beach in Yilan (you heard me right!), to discovering some of the best hikes in Yangmingshan and exploring the history and culture of Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan, there’s a lot to offer and something for everyone on these Taipei day trips.

You might even feel like you’ve been transported to another country entirely after putting some of these trips on your itinerary. The hardest part will be deciding which ones to take if you’re short on time! The good news is, you really can’t go wrong with any of these, and I can personally vouch that all of them are worth a visit.

Psst: this is a guest post by Melissa over at Wit and Folly ! She’s actually lived in Taiwan (and took plenty of day trips from Taipei over the course of her stay), so is waaaay more qualified to write this post than I am! And lucky us – she’s just as wordy as I always seem to be, so there’s tons of valuable info in here for us (I’ll surely be using her tips next time I visit the country!).

And now, without further ado – the very best day trips from Taipei, best explored on your own or on a guided tour if you prefer to let someone else cover logistics and transportation (more details below).

Before we get into the specific Taipei day trips, it’s important to note that many of these day trips from Taipei can be arranged via private driver! This takes away the hassle of figuring out the possible stresses of the day, and lets you fully enjoy the experience instead. On this private charter , you can decide on 5 scenic spots near Taipei to visit – transportation and logistics taken care of! 

Best Day Trips from Taipei (as suggested by a local) :

1. beitou hot springs.

• Distance from Taipei Main Station: 8 miles / 13km
• Travel Time Using Taipei MRT : 40 minutes
• How to get there : Take the Red MRT Line from any station in Taipei and ride to Beitou Station. Transfer at Beitou Station for the Pink MRT Line one stop and get off at Xinbeitou Station. Follow signs for Beitou Hot Springs. Or just sign up for this tour and get whisked away to the hot springs in no time.
• Activities you can’t miss: Soaking in one of the many hot springs available here, checking out Thermal Valley, and learning more about the Taiwanese hot spring culture with a visit to Beitou Hot Springs Museum

Did you know that one of the quintessential pastimes of Taiwanese locals is spending the afternoon soaking in hot springs? I always make it a point to head straight to Beitou after landing in Taipei to relax and unwind after the long plane journey, and I highly recommend it to you as well!

Beitou Hot Springs can be conveniently visited by taking the red line on the MRT to Beitou Station, and then transferring one stop to XinBeitou Station on the pink line. Although only less than an hour from Taipei Main Station, the Beitou Hot Springs area will feel as if you’ve stumbled upon a quaint, mountainous resort town that’s entirely secluded from the rest of the city. Besides spending a day soaking in the hot springs, there’s actually a lot of other great attractions here too.

One of the most famous attractions and landmark sights in Beitou Hot Springs is the Thermal Valley (also known as Hell Valley). As its name suggests, this volcanic crater is filled with boiling hot, sulfuric hot spring water that smells a bit like rotten eggs. And fun fact – back in the day, locals would actually come here to boil eggs to eat for breakfast! Although that’s no longer allowed due to safety reasons, it’s still a cool place to see and learn more about the hot spring culture in the area.

Another great stop to learn more about the history of the hot springs is at the Beitou Hot Springs Museum. The museum, which is free to visit, was actually the first original public hot spring bath in Beitou. It’s quite fascinating to walk through the museum and imagine what it might have been like to bathe in the hot springs here back in the day!

When you visit Beitou Hot Springs, you might be overwhelmed by the number of hot spring bath choices available, which range from the super cheap public baths that all the locals love, to the luxurious 5 star resorts when you really want to treat yo’self. For more details on the different types of hot springs available and in depth information on visiting Beitou Hot Springs in general, then check out the article here for more information on things to do in Beitou and the best hot springs to visit!

• Distance from Taipei Main Station: 13 miles / 21 km
• Travel time using Taipei MRT : About 40 minutes
• How to get there: Take the Red MRT Line from any station in Taipei and ride it all the way to the end – depart at Tamsui stop
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Head to Fort San Domingo, take a ferry ride across the Tamsui River, & watch the sunset while snacking on seafood at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf by Lovers Bridge. Later, stuff your belly and try to win yourself a stuffed Pikachu at the Tamsui Night Market.
• Special Foods to Try: To experience Tamsui like a true local, try Ah Gei (fried tofu stuffed with green bean noodles), fish balls, and iron eggs.

What’s better than a night market full of delicious food, fun carnival games, and the chance to eat a bowl of fishball soup while watching a beautiful sunset? There’s really nothing that tops it (and trust me when I say fish ball soup is way better than it sounds)!

Tamsui is one of the most popular and easiest day trips you can make from the center of Taipei. All you have to do to get to this relaxing riverside city is to hop on the Red MRT Line from any location in the city and ride it until the end. It’s about a 40 minute ride from Taipei Main Station and just under an hour if you start your trip from Taipei 101.

Begin your trip with a little bit of history at Fort San Domingo. The original fort was built by the Spanish in 1628 when they occupied Northern Taiwan, but the red stone fort that you see now was actually built by the Dutch in 1744 after they won a war against the Spanish.

Next up, take a short ferry ride (round trip ferry ride is only TWD 45 or about $1.50 USD) across Tamsui River to Bali Old Street, where you can explore the local shops and have some appetizers before the real feasting begins at night! You can also rent a bike and take a leisurely ride along the many bike paths on this side of the river.

Right before dusk, head back to Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets you can find around Taipei before ending your day at the epic Tamsui Night Market! Try your hand at some of the carnival games while snacking on some local cuisine. Even if it doesn’t look the most appetizing, you really have to try the fish ball soup and Ah Gei (fried tofu stuffed with green bean noodles) at the night market. My boyfriend’s family in Taiwan swears by this stuff, and it’s what Tamsui is known for!

3. JIUFEN (JIOUFEN)

• Distance from Taipei Main Station: 24 miles / 38km
• Travel Time Using Taipei MRT: 1.5 hours
• How to get there: Take the MRT Blue line to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station Exit 1, then take bus 1062 to Jiufen Old Street Station. This guided tour of Jiufen and the northeastern coast is the pefect day.
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Seeing all the lanterns light up Jiufen Old Street and getting tea at the famous A-Mei Teahouse.
• Special Foods to Try: EVERYTHING. But seriously, Jiufen is known for its distinct Taiwanese snacks, so try as much as your stomach can handle! My favorites are the Coffee Nougat Cookies, A-zhu Peanut Ice Cream Rolls, and Taro Ball Soup!

One of the most popular day trips from Taipei will take you back into a nostalgic past of narrow little alleyways lined with stalls and old traditional teahouses. If you’re a fan of Miyazaki films like me, or you just love trying new and delicious foods (NOM), then you’ll understand what makes Jiufen such a popular destination to visit.

Jiufen used to be a prosperous gold mining town set in the Northeast mountains of Taiwan, and its maze of tiny alleyways packed with teahouses and glowing red lanterns literally transports you into Miyazaki’s world of Spirited Away. (Although Mr.Miyazaki himself has denied that his movie was inspired by the town of Jiufen… the red lantern-lined streets and old multi-story teahouse, especially at night, look eerily similar to the ghost village of Spirited Away! You’ll have to see for yourself when you get to Jiufen, of course, but I think the similarities are way more than coincidence).

It can get quite crowded during the day (like, imagine standing elbow to elbow with many strangers on the narrow streets), but come back out at night, and you’ll really feel like you’re caught between the line of realism and fantasy. Most of the stores and food stalls close at 7pm, so that’s when the tour buses and tourists head back. While strolling through the narrow lanes after dusk, I could almost imagine No Name peeking behind one of the corners.

Although Jiufen is quite a small town, it’s one of those places where you could end up spending hours just wandering around and exploring every little alleway. The number of food stalls is astounding, and as Jiufen is known for some of the best and most unique Taiwanese snacks, come with an empty stomach and an open mind! 

I’d also recommend getting afternoon tea at one of the many teahouses. A-Mei Teahouse, a picturesque multi-story building that looks like it came straight out of Spirited Away, is undeniably the most popular spot. With a prime location just off the main Jiufen Old Street and perched atop a hill, it offers beautiful sweeping views of the mountains and ocean along the horizon. If you’d rather drink your tea in peace without the crowds though, there are many other options around. But if you just have to live out your Spirited Away dream (no judgment here, I totally did), then I’d recommend booking in advance via A-Mei Teahouse Fast Track .

Other good options on your Jiufen day trip include learning more about Jiufen’s history as an old mining town with a visit to the Jiufen Gold Ore Museum, or if you’re more into nature, then take a hike up Keelung Mountain for stunning panoramic views of the city below.

4. KEELUNG NIGHT MARKET

• Distance from Taipei Main Station: 16 miles / 26km 
• Travel time by bus: about 50 minutes 
• How to get there: the easiest way is by the Kuo-Kuang Coach bus from Taipei Main Station and is TWD 55 ($1.80 USD) one way. Once you’re at Taipei Main Station, take exit 3 and follow the signs for Taipei Bus Station.
• Activities You Can’t Miss: the Keelung Night Market
• Special Foods to Try: My favorites here are the stewed pork knuckle with shrimp chowder and the pao-pao ice!

Not far from Jiufen is the port city of Keelung, known for the Keelung Miaokou Night market. This night market is considered by many Taiwanese to be the best one on the entire island, and for a society that is obsessed with night markets, that definitely means something!

The Keelung Night Market is so famous and highly regarded because of the care that each vendor takes with preparing their food. Most of them have worked at the same stall for many generations which allows them to perfect their recipes over and over again. Just think about it like eating a home cooked meal from Grandma!

The best part is that like any night market in Taiwan, the food here is incredibly cheap, so you can try as many dishes as you want! Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Stall #5: Crab thick soup with a side of sticky rice
• Stall #6: Rice noodle soup with seafood side dishes
• Stall #8: Stir fried swordfish rice
• Stall #22: Stewed pork knuckle with shrimp chowder
• Stall #41: Chenji pao-pao ice

(Here is the full list in case you want to look at the other places too)

Even though the night market is the main attraction, there are still a lot of things to do in the area. If you make an entire day out of your visit,  it’s also worth checking out Keelung Zhenbin Fishing Port for its colorful buildings and the scenic oceanside Chaojing Park.

Many people like to visit Keelung Night Market for dinner after exploring Jiufen. Since transportation is a little trickier, especially with how busy Jiufen can get, I recommend joining a tour.

5. SHIFEN and PINGXI

• Distance from Taipei Main Station: 22 miles / 35km
• Travel time by bus: 1.5 hours
• How to get there by train: Take the 4154 towards Su Ao and transfer at Badu Station for the 4710 towards Jingtong. Get off at Shifen Station. From Shifen Station to Pingxi Station, take the same 4710 towards Jingtong and alight at Pingxi Station.
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Shifen Waterfall – one of the most scenic waterfalls in Taiwan, and lighting up paper lanterns in Pingxi to release into the sky
• Special Foods to Try: LiouGe BBQ Stuffed Wings

Like Jiufen, Shifen is another small mining town and a great day trip from Taipei with old world charm and the added bonus of a beautiful waterfall only 20 minutes away by foot. The railway line from the train you take actually runs right through Shifen Old Street with little shops on both sides of the tracks, giving the town an even more enclosed and intimate feel.

It’s quite an interesting feeling being able to run across the tracks right in the middle of town. You’ll find numerous stalls selling souvenirs, crafts, and of course, food. If you’re feeling hungry, definitely try LiouGe’s BBQ Stuffed Wings, which are tender, deboned chicken wings stuffed with rice, and slathered with a delicious homemade bbq sauce. (I’m salivating right now just thinking of them!)

Once you’ve explored enough of Shifen Old Street, head over to Shifen Waterfall, which is a  20 minute walk from the train station. With the lush foliage all around, the cascading falls are truly a picturesque sight to behold. There are also several viewing platforms all around the falls for you to capture plenty of stunning photos.

You’ll also notice that there are many shops selling sky lanterns in Shifen with people writing personal messages on the lanterns’ sides and taking them to the tracks to release them into the sky. Although you can light and release lanterns here in Shifen, I recommend getting back on the train and stopping at Pingxi just 10 minutes away, where it’s often less crowded to set your sky lantern into the air.

If you’re lucky enough to be here around Chinese New Year, then you’ll be in for a real treat when massive crowds of people gather together in Pingxi to release their lanterns simultaneously in celebration of the new year. This Sky Lantern Festival is truly a magical sight to behold, with thousands of lanterns lighting up the night sky, all inscribed with personal messages and prayers in hopes that their wishes will reach the heavens. What better way to end your evening?

6. SANDIAOLING WATERFALL TRAIL

• Distance from Taipei Main Station: 25 miles / 40 km
• Travel time by train: about 1 hour 
• How to get there: the easiest way is to take the local train from Taipei Main Station to Suao (Yilan County) and get off at Sandiaoling Station. Once you are at Taipei Main Station, follow the signs to TRA ticketing to buy local train tickets. The staff are all very friendly so you can just tell them where you want to go. Keep in mind there is 1 train that leaves every hour.
• Activities You Can’t Miss: bird watching for the Formosan Blue Magpie and the views of Motian and Pipa-Dong Falls from up close.

This is my favorite day trip hike to go on, and I try to do it every time I’m in Taipei. Just a short train ride from Taipei, you will be transported to a sleepy town with a lush tree canopy, little to no tourists, and a chance to see the beautiful Formosan Blue Magpie (the bird of Taiwan) flying gracefully. You’ll also see three beautiful waterfalls on the hike, making it well worth the effort! 

The hike itself is a combination of stairs, hiking trails, and a couple of steep climbing sections (don’t worry, there are ropes on the side to hold onto!). Most people should be able to complete it without any difficulty, and if you are afraid of heights or don’t want to keep climbing up, you can always turn around. It can get pretty muddy, though, so make sure to wear a good quality pair of hiking shoes or at least shoes you don’t care about.

The three waterfalls you will see on the hike are Hegu Falls, Motian Falls, and Pipa-Dong Falls. If it’s hot out and you want to cool off, you can actually get very close to Motian and Pipa-Dong Falls. Just be careful, though! The first time that I went here with my friends, one of them accidently slipped on a rock and fell into the water! It was November, so he was pretty cold the rest of the trip.

Shifen and Pingxi are just a few train stops away, so you can stop by before heading back to Taipei if you have time.

7. HOUTONG CAT VILLAGE

• Distance from Taipei Main Station: 24 miles / 39km
• Travel Time Using Taipei MRT: about 50 minutes
• How to get there: Take the Yilan line all the way down to Houtong. A one way ticket is 50 TWD ($1.70 USD), and there’s usually a train every half hour during the day, with the last train back to Taipei at 9pm.
• Activities you can’t miss: Seeing how many cats you can spot throughout the village!

Full Disclosure: I love cats. If it wasn’t for meeting Tom, I’d probably have grown up to be one of those crazy cat lady types. If you also have an affinity for cats and are happy just being surrounded by them, then a day trip to Houtong Cat Village would be purrfect for you.

This former coal mining village is located in the hills of northern Taiwan alongside the Keelung River. The village was all but abandoned back in the 90’s when the mining pit closed, but one lady in 2008 helped revive it when she started posting photos of the villagers looking after stray cats. Her photos caught the attention of visitors, volunteers who came to help, and the addition of more cats; two years later, the former mining town was able to completely transform itself into a total cat village.

Once you step off the train at Houtong, you’ll immediately know you’ve made it to the right place. Walk across the black covered “cat bridge”, and you’ll be welcomed by cats of all colors, shapes and sizes, some spread out lazily on the sidewalks, others napping on rooftops or loafing atop cottage balconies. It’d be good to mention that these cats are strays and therefore still wild animals, but they’ve become so used to all the human attention and food by the villagers that most don’t even bat an eye when you approach them.

After you’ve had your fair share of selfies with your new feline friends, you can head over to one of the many cat-themed cafes for a bite to eat. Make sure to stop by one of the souvenir shops to take home some cat-inspired gifts back as well. They have everything under the sun, ranging from cat mugs to cat socks, and even cat-shaped pineapple cakes!

• Distance from Taipei Main Station: 191 miles / 308km
• Travel Time using HSR (high speed rail) Train: 1 hr 45 mins
• How to get there: The easiest and quickest way is via HSR train from Taipei Main Station. It’s 1350 TWD (or $45 USD) for a one way ticket.
• Activities you can’t miss: The hauntingly beautiful Angping Treehouse, the historical significance of Angping Fort (Fort Zeelandia), food on Angping Old Street (Yangping Street), and explore one of the creative parks (Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park and Ten Drum Rende Creative Park)
• Special Foods to Try: As the unofficial food capital of Taiwan and “the city of Snacks”, there are so many authentic dishes to try, from Danzai Mian (minced meat noodles), Milkfish Soup, Guancai Bun (Coffin Bread), Rouzao Fan (minced pork over rice), Mua Gui (glutinous rice cake with pork), and of course, an original bubble tea.

As the oldest and 5th largest city in Taiwan, Tainan might just be one of Taiwan’s best hidden gems. Taking the high speed rail from Taipei makes the journey to Tainan just under two hours, and the city’s attractions are all relatively close to each other, making it an easy and fantastic day trip from Taipei.

The first thing you’ll notice about Tainan is that it has a slower-paced and more laid back vibe compared to Taipei, and its charming old-school streets offer a glimpse into a city steeped with rich history. Tainan holds a lot of historical significance too, having been Taiwan’s capital for 200 years under the Koxinga and Qing Dynasty rule. 

Start your day with a visit to Angping Treehouse, one of the most popular attractions in Tainan, and for good reason. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported into a fairytale world totally separate from the rest of the city. What once was an old abandoned warehouse has now been completely overtaken by a huge Banyan Tree, with its roots criss crossing and completely covering the floors, walls and roof of the building. It’s pretty amazing to wander through this literal treehouse, and I was completely awe-struck by the sheer size and power that nature can command.

Near Angping Treehouse is Angping Fort, formerly known as Fort Zeelandia. If you’re interested in the past history of the Dutch colonisation of Taiwan, then definitely check out the remnants of the fortress and museum to learn more about the important historical events and Dutch influence during their occupation in the 1600s. After that, head over to Angping Old Street to grab an original bubble tea in the city that started the worldwide craze, as well as try other authentic Taiwanese snacks that originated from here.

If you’re overwhelmed by the number of food options, I suggest starting with Guancai Ban (Coffin Bread- sorta like an Asian version of chicken pot pie), Oyster Pancake, and Rouzao Fan (an addictive yet simple dish of minced pork over rice). Then if you’re feeling a little more bold, go for the Fish Head Soup and Mua Gui (a gelatinized rice cake with pickled veggies and and pork, drizzled with sweet chili sauce and thick soy sauce on top)!

Other notable activities in Tainan include the Ten Drum Rende Creative Park where a traditional Taiko Drumming Show is the star of the show, and the Tainan Flower Market – not actually a market that sells flowers, but one of Taiwan’s biggest and most famous night markets. It’s only open three days a week (Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday), but if you’re able to plan your day trip when it’s open, it’s definitely something you don’t want to miss!

• Distance from Taipei Bus Station: 88 miles / 55 km
• Travel time by bus: About 1.5 hours
• How to get there: The easiest way is by coach bus from Taipei Bus Station to Yilan Station. From Taipei Main Station, take exit 1 for Taipei Bus Station. Round trip ticket costs 280 TWD or a little under $10 USD.
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Surfing or sunbathing at Wai’ao black sand beach and taking a tour of the world-famous Kavalan Whiskey distillery.
• Special Foods to Try: Since it’s an oceanside town, the seafood here is delicious. It’s also known for its scallion bao which is a bun filled scallion and pork bits. Yum!

Sometimes, all you want to do is chill on a beach and eat some amazing seafood away from annoying tourists and the hustle and bustle of the city. For that, Yilan is the perfect oasis and retreat for a little day trip getaway.

Yilan City is an oceanside town on the eastern coast of Taiwan, known for its relaxed surf vibe, delicious seafood, and world-famous Kavalan Whiskey that comes from this area. Since Yilan is a little harder to get to and navigate once in the city (at least compared to other day trip options around Taipei), it’s more off the beaten path and means you’ll see less tourists around.

Yilan has a variety of activities you can choose from. If you want a more relaxing day trip, head to Wai’ao black sand beach to get your tan on or do some surfing. By the beach, you will also find a huge selection of low-key, hipster coffee shops to relax in after your beach session,and cozy restaurants serving up amazing sashimi and seafood.

If you want a more cultural experience, head over to the modern architecture of the Lanyang Museum where you can learn about the history of the Yilan area and what makes the topography of the area so special. Afterwards, make a stop at the National Center for Performing Arts before tapping into your inner whiskey aficionado at Kavalan distillery where they produce the award-winning Kavalan Whiskey. 

Since it’s harder to get around Yilan, the best way to see everything that Yilan has to offer is to hire a driver from Taipei like this one .

10. YANGMINGSHAN NATIONAL PARK

• Distance from Taipei Main Station to Yangmingshan Bus Station: 7.45 miles / 12 km
• Travel time by bus: About 1 hour 15 minutes because of the mountain roads
• How to get there: the easiest way is to take bus #260 from Taipei Main Station to Yangmingshan Bus Station or bus #S8 from Shipai Train Station to Yangmingshan Visitor Center
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Hike to the top of Mount Qixing and walk right next to a dormant volcano at Xiaoyoukeng

Yangmingshan National Park is one of the most popular destinations in all of Taiwan for tourists and local residents alike, and it’s easy to see why. There is a huge selection of lush hiking paths to explore, unique sites to see, (like dormant volcano Xiaoyoukeng where you can see smoking sulphur vents), and it’s not that far away from the city.

There are also seasonal festivals you can go to like the cherry blossom festival in spring and calla lily festival in early summer, so make sure to check the event calendar before you go!

The National Park is a lower elevation mountain range with the tallest point just over 3,500 feet. In the park, aside from the dormant volcano, you can also see mountain lakes, open grasslands, waterfalls, and so much more! After an adventure-filled day, you can also find a good selection of delicious local restaurants who use ingredients grown directly from the mountain, too.

There is a saying in Taiwan that the cabbage grown in the mountains tastes sweeter than cabbage grown anywhere else. This may or may not be true, but what it shows is the respect Taiwanese have for the mountains. So if you have a chance, definitely give the cabbage here a try!

The one downside of the park is public transportation. Since there is so much to do and each destination is located pretty far from each other, the easiest way to see as much as possible is to hire a private car like this one .

You may also want to think about joining a group tour to ensure you don’t miss out on any of your desired spots. A few recommended tours:

• Yangmingshan National Park Hiking Day Tour : If hiking through stunning volcanic landscapes and learning about the fascinating geothermal features of Taipei’s Tatum Volcanoes sounds like your perfect day, this tour will be right up your alley .
• Sunrise Excursion to Yangmingshan National Park : Don’t mind waking up at the crack of dawn? You’ll have the best view of the sunrise in Yangmingshan National Park! The tour also includes a visit to the natural sulfur scene, a wander in the Qingtiangang, and sampling the local breakfast!
• Yangmingshan National Park & Hot-Spring Tour : Kill two birds with one stone! Visit Yangmingshan National Park and enjoy a hot-spring treatment. Enjoy tranquil lakes and beautiful grass fields on this relaxing half-day trip . 

If you want to save some money, you can definitely explore the mountain using public transportation as well. Just take the bus from Taipei Main Station, Beitou Train Station, or Jiantan Station to Yangmingshan Bus Station and start your journey from there. Here is my favorite itinerary if it’s your first time visiting:

• Yangmingshan Visitors Center and Mount Qixing – a good place to get familiar with the park and you can hike up Mount Qixing, the highest point in the park.
• Xiaoyoukeng – where you can see sulfur vents and hike around a dormant volcano.
• Qingtiangang – an open grassland where you can see cows grazing.
• Lengshuikeng – end the trip with a cold water hot spring bath for your feet.

Bonus #11. SUN MOON LAKE

• Distance from Taipei Main Station: 157 miles / 253km
• Travel time using HSR and bus: 50 minutes on HSR, then 1.5 – 2 hours on bus
• How to get there via public transportation: Take the HSR train from Taipei Station to Taichung Station. From there, transfer to Nantou Bus for Sun Moon Lake (or look for the sign to Sun Moon Lake bus station)
• Activities You Can’t Miss: Taking a bike ride along Xiangshan Bikeway for stunning views of the lake, hopping on a cruise around Sun Moon Lake, and visiting the food and shopping stalls at Ita Thao village. If you’re able to stay overnight, then wake up for a beautiful sunrise over the lake, visit the Wenwu Temple, hike up to Ci’en Pagoda, and experience the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway.
• Special Foods to Try: Tea eggs at Xuanguang Pier and “President Fish” at Ita Thao Wharf

If crystal blue waters and an escape into nature is something you dream about, then a visit to Taiwan’s largest lake, Sun Moon Lake, is a must! Although I’d recommend staying at least one night in Sun Moon Lake, (the sunrises here on a clear day are magical and totally worth the early morning wake-up call), I know that an overnight stay is not always possible. In that case, if you’re short on time, it’s still definitely worth a day trip from Taipei, and tops my list as one of my favorite places to visit in Taiwan!

The easiest way to do a day trip to Sun Moon Lake is probably by joining a tour, like this one. That way, you won’t have to worry about transportation and can maximize your time at Sun Moon Lake. If you want more freedom over your activities though, then the most convenient way to get to Sun Moon Lake is by taking the HSR train from Taipei Station to Taichung Station, and then transferring to the Nantou Bus. As this is a popular trip, there will definitely be signs at Taichung for the correct bus to take to Sun Moon Lake.

Since Nantou Bus will drop you off at Shuishe Visitor Center, I’d recommend starting your day trip by renting a bike from one of the nearby shops and embarking on a cycling adventure around one of the world’s most scenic bike paths! The views are truly so stunning that I guarantee you won’t be able to help yourself but to stop and take numerous photos. You can continue along the bike path to Xiangshan Visitor Center, or even further if you’d like. If you only have a day though, I’d suggest turning back once you make it to the other visitor center so you can explore the other attractions on the lake!

You’ll notice that boats ferry between three piers – Shuishe, Xuanguang, and Ita Thao. Back at Shuishe Pier, you can start your lovely lake cruise and make a quick stop at Xuanguang Pier to try out Jin Men Ah Ma Cha Ye Dan (Famous Grandma’s Tea Braised Eggs). The legendary tea eggs are braised for hours, and the cute little grandma has been running her tea egg store for half a century!

Your last stop on the Sun Moon Lake day trip will be at Ita Thao Pier, where the aboriginal Thao people used to live. You can learn more about the history and culture of the tribe here, while also trying out some of the delicious local delicacies at the food stalls! I loved the Assam Milk Tea, but I’ve heard the famous aruzay fish (renamed to “President Fish ” due to it being a favorite dish of the late President Chiang Kai-Shek), is also a must try!

Which of these Taipei day trips will you be adding to your Taiwan itinerary?!

About the Author

Melissa Teng is a Seattle-based travel blogger and creative who is passionate about seeing as much of the world as possible while helping others do the same on her blog, Wit and Folly . Through her travel experiences, she’s realized the importance of authentic storytelling and believes that everyone has their own story to share. Through this lens, she hopes to inspire others to integrate exploring and adventure into their daily lives, to travel mindfully, and to pursue a life of bold creativity. And when she isn’t busy scheming her next trip, you can find her taking epic naps with her boyfriend’s Shih Tzu, Sushi.

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6 Incredible Day Trips From Taipei You Have To Experience

02 mar 6 incredible day trips from taipei you have to experience.

Although exciting as Taipei City is on its own, the actual beauty of Taipei lies in its close proximity to a range of other amazing rugged, rural and magical places of natural beauty that exist in this country. Just beyond Taipei City, you’ll find countless national parks, wonderful thermal valleys and hot springs, wide lakes, spell bounding towns, traditional villages and other epic, natural locations.

Here is a list of some of our favourite Taipei day trips you have to experience.

In This Taipei Day Trip Guide:

• Jiufen: Get Spirited Away in Jiufen
• Shifen/Pingxi: Light Up the Sky at Pingxi
• Beitou: Get Your Steam On
• Yehliu Geopark: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea
• Tamsui: For the Best Sunsets
• Wulai: Experience Aboriginal Culture
• Frequently Asked Questions about Taipei Day Trips

1. Jiufen: Get Spirited Away in Jiufen

This charming old Japanese mining town Jiufen, is made up of enchanting atmospheric alleyways and colourful streets that reflects the vibrancy of Taiwanese culture. This picturesque mountain town has amazing sea views, rolling hills and an abundance of small shops, eateries and old Chinese tea houses.

The focal point of Jiufen is Jishan/Jiufen Old Street. A narrow market strip that twists through the town. Snacks such as Taiwanese sausages, fish balls, peanut ice cream, glutinous rice cakes and Jiufen’s specialty. The squishy taro and sweet potato balls served hot in a sweet soup or cold over shaved ice, can be found on this strip. If the crowds get too much, take refuge in one of the many tea houses here. Notorious for being the inspiration behind Studio Ghibli’s animation film, “Spirited Away”, is the A-Mei Tea House.

Jiufen is also home to the picture-perfect Shengping Theatre, which is considered the first modern theatre in Taiwan. Other great sightseeing options nearby include Teapot Mountain (Chahushan), an invigorating hike that offers some stunning scenery on a clear day. The Gold Ecological Park in Jinguashi, Shifen Waterfalls and Keelung Mountain are also worth visiting.

Getting to Jiufen from Taipei – 1 hour

Jiufen can be accessed by public transport. Take Exit 1 from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station and look out for bus #1062.

Alternatively, you can take the train to Ruifang Station and switch to bus #827 and #788.

The entrance to Jiufen Old Street will be found next to the 7-11 on the main highway to Keelung.

2. Shifen/Pingxi: Light Up the Sky at Pingxi

Pingxi is another rural Taiwanese town just next to Jiufen which makes it another perfect Taipei day trip option.

This town is famous for the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, which is held around 8 February every year. Pingxi is special for its unique architecture and design as its main market area, Shifen Old Street, is built alongside the Pingxi line railway tracks, previously used to transport coal. Along here, you’ll find a multitude of souvenir shops and can also find some delicious Taiwanese snacks to munch on.

The most popular thing to do here, of course, is the lighting and releasing of lanterns. During the festival, there’s a mass ascension of glowing lanterns that cover the sky in a magical display of colour, absolutely mesmerising. The entire main street gets busy with an active night market selling all sorts of nick knacks and treats. If you can’t make it in time for the festival, that’s okay! The releasing of lanterns actually happens all year round. Vendors and shops sell a variety of paper lanterns that can be personalised with blessings or wishes for the coming year.

In this area, you can also enjoy some amazing waterfalls. Shifen is well known for the Shifen Waterfall, 40m tall, it creates a beautiful rainbow as it cascades into the lake. The waterfall is located about 30 minutes away from Shifen Old Street.

Getting to Pingxi from Taipei – 1.5 hours

Trains depart from Taipei Main Station hourly: Take a train to Ruifang Station and from there, transfer to the Pingxi Rail Line and get off at Shifen Station.

It is also very possible to do Jiufen and Shifen/Pingxi in one day. From Jiufen to Shifen: Take the Pingxi Small Railway to Ruifang Station and transfer to bus #788, #827 or #1062.

3. Beitou: Get Your Steam On

Soak your troubles away at the district of Beitou, which is home to some of the most popular hot springs in Taiwan. Beitou is a hot spring village and thermal valley within the mountains, located on the outskirts of Taipei. You can either spend a relaxing day here enjoying the hot springs and the views of the lovely surrounding hills or stay overnight at one of the amazing resorts.

Visiting the Thermal Valley is a must at Beitou. This incredible hot spring is the primary source of water in all the bathing houses in this area. Thermal valley earned itself the name of “Hell Valley” due to the endless steam that rises and continues to hover over the jade waters. You don’t want to dip your feet or hands in here though, as temperatures range between 80 to 100 degrees.

Other places worth a visit here are the Beitou Hot Springs Museum and Millennial Hot Springs, which is a public bath house with several open-air bathing pools.

Getting to Beitou from Taipei – 30 minutes

The Beitou District can be accessed by public transport. Take a train from Taipei Main Station and head north to Beitou MRT Station.

At Beitou MRT, transfer to the Xinbeitou line and get off at Xinbeitou MRT Station.

4. Yehliu Geopark: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea

Experience Taiwan’s beautiful natural scenery by heading to Yehliu Geopark, which is found near the coastal town Yehliu north of Taipei. This is a beautiful area; a fine demonstration of what nature can create on its own.

Perfect for those craving a bit of sea air, the Yehliu Geopark is home to some unusual yet spectacular geological limestone rock formations, which are quite unlike anything else found anywhere else in the world. Look out for the iconic “Queen’s Head” as well as other remarkable formations like the Sea Candles, Fairy Shoe, Ginger Rocks, Elephant Rock, Ice Cream Rock, Kissing Rock, and Princess’ Head.

Nearby, you’ll also find the Yehliu Ocean World which is great for families and travellers of all ages, which features acrobatic performances by dolphins and sea lions as well as a 100m long under ocean tunnel. Yehliu Geopark is open 8-5pm every day and it costs 4 AUD to enter.

Getting to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei – 1.5 hours

The best way to get here is by taking the express bus service.

Go to Terminal A at Taipei main bus station, go to the KuoKang window and purchase a ticket for NT$96 to Yehliu Geopark.

5.Tamsui: For The Best Sunsets

For something a little more slow-paced, head over to Tamsui. This lovely seaside town sits at the mouth of Tamsui river and is only 40 minutes away from Taipei, making it a perfect day trip candidate.

Along the river boardwalk as well as the town’s famous Tamsui Old Street, you’ll find an array of souvenir shops, game stands, incredible street food and tasty Taiwanese treats. Be sure to get your hands on some “ah gei” (tofu fishcake filled with noodles) as well as some freshly made fishballs whilst you’re there.

As the day winds down, make your way to Fisherman’s Wharf by catching a ferry from Tamsui Old Street so you can witness one of Taipei’s most renowned and iconic sunsets. For others, you can head over to Lover’s Bridge just down Fisherman’s Wharf. A favourite spot for couples and tourists alike to capture amazing photographs against the setting sun.

Getting to Tamsui from Taipei – 40 minutes

From Taipei Main Station, take the Red Line and head north to Tamsui Station. Upon exiting the station, turn left to reach Tamsui Old Street and the waterfront.

For Fisherman’s Wharf, take red bus #26 just outside Tamsui Station.

6. Wulai: Experience Aboriginal Culture

Wulai is the perfect destination for a little bit of history and culture as it offers an intriguing look into the Taiwanese indigenous culture of the Atayal Tribe. When you get to the village, head over to Wulai Old Street. This is different from most other old streets in Taiwan as all the shops and restaurants have an indigenous flair to them. Here you’ll find lots of original aboriginal handcrafts and foods that are also tinged with indigenous influence, such as roasted wild boar, raw pickled pork, sticky rice cakes and river prawns.

Wulai however, is more famous for its scenery – riverside hot springs and mesmerising natural attractions like the brilliantly turquoise river, dense jungles, cliffs, and waterfalls which makes it a perfect day trip from Taipei for the more adventurous travellers. Wulai falls reigning 80m tall, is the largest of the waterfalls located within the Wulai Gorge. Walk 20 minutes from Wulai Old Street or take a ride on the Wulai Scenic Train to the base of the falls and view this magnificent waterfall plunging into the river.

You can also learn more about the indigenous Atayal people by checking out the Wulai Atayal Museum. Here you can witness them doing cultural performances like singing traditional songs.

Getting to Wulai from Taipei – 1 hour

Take the MRT from Taipei Main Station to Xindian Station. Then exit and turn right towards bus stop B located along Beiyi Road. Take bus #849 bound for Wulai.

Frequently Asked Questions on Taipei Day Trips

Is taking public transportation in taiwan difficult.

Public transportation in Taiwan is convenient and easy to use. The subway system in Taipei is especially efficient and user-friendly. Just be sure to buy a rechargeable EasyCard before you start using the trains and buses!

Can you do these day trips by yourself/without booking a tour?

Yes, you can certainly do these day trips out of Taipei by yourself without booking a tour. All are accessible via public transportation and are very popular Taipei day trip destinations. They have decent signage along the way and locals will know the destinations you’re talking about if you need to ask for help.

This list of Taiwan day trips not only offers a vibrant mix of tradition and culture, which is a lovely contrast to the busy streets of Taipei City, but it also allows you to see some of the most gorgeous natural landscapes that Taiwan has to show.

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The 15 Best Day Trips From Taipei (2023)

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 23, 2023

Categories Taiwan

Taipei is a wonderful city, not only are there a ton of things to do within the city itself, there are also many amazing day trips from Taipei for a fun day out.

Secluded mountainous villages, beautiful beaches , historic sites, and National Parks are all within reach from Taipei.

Here you can read about 15 great Taipei day trip options, plus information about what to do and how to get there.

Day trips from Taipei

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Taipei day trips: map

Click here for the interactive map .

15 great options for a fun day trip from Taipei

Plan your Taiwan trip like a pro with these tools: ? Pick up an EasyCard for cashless payments and to use public transport. ? Book discounted tickets for Taiwan's high-speed rail. ? Stay connected with a  Taiwan Wifi router . ? Plan your journey with the  T aiwan Lonely Planet . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Klook or Get Your Guide . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Beitou is a district just north of Taipei and it strongly reminded me of Japan . This isn't surprising since this area was developed during the Japanese rule in Taiwan.

Beitou is an area with natural hot springs and thermal activity. In the village, there are many public and private hot springs where you can soak in the hot sulfurous water.

While this should definitely be one of your activities during your Beitou day trip, there are a lot of other things to do in Beitou as well.

Be sure to visit Thermal Valley (also known as Hell Valley), the most famous tourist attraction in Beitou. This beautiful steaming pool has a mesmerizing blue-green color and a temperature between 90-100°C.

At the Beitou Hot Springs Museum, you can learn about the Beitou hot spring culture and admire beautiful old photos of what the town looked like in the past.

Other places to visit in Beitou are the Plum Garden, Ketagalan Culture Center, and Beitou Park. Be sure to admire Beitou Library, it's a beautifully designed building.

You can enter as well, just keep in mind the library is actually in use so you'll have to be very quiet.

If you are also interested in exploring the surrounding Yangmingshan National Park, this one day tour is an excellent option .

How to get to Beitou

Beitou Hot Spring village is easily reached from Taipei city center by MRT. The Red Line (Tamsui–Xinyi) stops at Beitou Station, here you can change to Xinbeitou MRT station.

The ride from Taipei Main Station takes approximately 30 minutes and costs 35NT$.

EasyCard If you plan on using the MRT during your Taipei trip, which I highly recommend as it's a very convenient, fast, and cheap way to travel, the easiest way to pay for your MRT rides is with an EasyCard . This card can be used to pay for transportation, but also for cashless transactions at many convenience stores in Taiwan. Click here to buy an EasyCard online

Stay in Beitou

If you want to spend more time in Beitou, there are plenty of nice places to spend the night. Accommodation here isn't cheap, as Beitou is quite a popular place to visit near Taipei.

Check out the Aqua Bella Hotel or Beitou Hot Spring Resort for a comfortable stay.

Tamsui (Danshui) is a lovely seaside district north of Taipei, located at the outlet of the Tamsui River.

This is one of the best day trips Taipei has to offer, both due to its easy accessibility as well as the many worthwhile places to visit in Tamsui.

There are many historic sites in Tamsui, as it was occupied both by the Spanish as well as the Dutch in the 17th century. Worthwhile sights in Tamsui are:

• Yinshan Temple
• The Former British Consulate Residence
• Fort San Domingo (also known as Hongmao Castle)
• Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf and Lover's Bridge

An excellent way to end a Tamsui day trip is by watching the sunset. So grab a bite to eat at one of the many seafood restaurants before heading to the Lover's Bridge to see the sun setting into the Taiwan Strait.

How to get to Tamsui

Tamsui is easily reached from Taipei city center by MRT.

The Tamsui–Xinyi line ends at this MRT station so all you have to do is hop aboard the Red Line for a 38-minute ride to Tamsui Station (50NT$ from Taipei Main Station).

Maokong is a pretty village on the outskirts of Taipei, located on the top of a 400-meter-high ‘mountain'.

Offering splendid views over Taipei as well as many things to do, a Maokong day trip is a must when visiting Taiwan's beautiful capital.

Known for the cultivation of high-quality tea, it's not surprising there are many teahouses in the village. To learn more about the art of growing tea, visit the Tea Research and Promotion Centre.

If you really want to immerse yourself in Taipei's tea culture, consider taking this Tea Culture day tour .

There are several trails in the Maokong area, I recommend the short but steep hike to the Silver Stream Waterfall, also known as the Yinhe cave.

The beautiful Zhinan Temple was built in 1890 and is also worth a visit. Note the temple isn't located at the top of the hill but has a separate gondola stop. You can either visit on your way up or back down.

How to get to Maokong

To get to Maokong, take the MRT to Taipei Zoo (the last stop on the Wenhu Line). From Taipei Main Station this takes around 30 minutes, and the fare is 35NT$.

From Taipei Zoo MRT Station it's only a 500-meter walk to the Taipei Zoo Gondola Station, the gondola will take you to Maokong in 17-37 minutes (depending on the system speed).

Click here to buy your Maokong Gondola ticket online . You can also pay with your EasyCard .

Please note that the Maokong Gondola is closed on Mondays, however, you can also get to Maokong by bus.

Bus S10 leaves from Taipei Zoo MRT station and costs 15NT per person. While it's a very scenic drive, the road has many twists and turns so it may not be suitable for those with motion sickness.

Wulai is another excellent day trip in Taipei and was recommended to us by several locals.

If it hadn't been pouring we would have stayed the entire day. Despite the rain, we still loved Wulai. It's a charming village, the water has an amazing blue color and the forest is lush and green.

Wulai means ‘ hot spring water ‘ and there are several private hot springs facilities in the village. Check out the Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort for a luxurious stay and their famous hot spring experience.

One of the best things to do in Wulai is hiking to the impressive 80-meter-high Wulai Waterfall (pictured above on the left). The Wulai Falls are located about 1.5 kilometers from town and are beautiful in any season.

Those interested in longer hikes can check out the Jia Jiu Liao Trail (20 kilometers) or the Fu-Ba National Trail (18 kilometers).

Wulai is home to one of the largest indigenous tribes in Taiwan, the Atayal. In the Wulai Atayal Museum, you can learn more about their culture, way of life, and tradition of facial tattoos.

On Wulai Old Street you can spend quite a bit of time browsing through the many stalls offering aboriginal food and local produce, be sure to sample some of the snacks that are sold here!

How to get to Wulai

From Taipei Main Station the MRT takes about 25 minutes to Xindian Station, the last stop on the green line (30NT$).

Here you can catch bus 849 to Wulai (15NT$), the ride takes around 40 minutes and the scenery along the way is beautiful.

5. Juming Museum and Yehliu Geopark

Chloe from Chloe's Travelogue : when travelers look for day trip destinations from Taipei, Jinshan is rarely coming to their minds.

However, this rural district on the northern coast of Taiwan is a hidden gem that deserves more attention. Juming Museum and the more famous Yehliu Geopark are two attractions you can see in one day.

Juming Museum  is an 11-hectare art park secretly tucked in the lush greenery of Jinshan Mountain. It's home to the most extensive sculpture collection of world-renowned Taiwanese artist Juming.

The large outdoor sculpture park has various themed areas divided by the artist’s sculpture series.

Enjoy your uninterrupted peaceful moment in the uncrowded natural parkland while appreciating Juming’s artwork, including the most acclaimed Taichi Series.

After you visit the Juming Museum, swing by Yehliu Geopark. Yehliu is a fine example of Taiwan’s unique geological landscape and is only a 30-minute bus ride away from the Museum. 

The coastal park features unique rock formations that Mother Nature created with the Northeast monsoon and wave erosion.

Check out the iconic Queen’s Head (pictured above) and try to spot Fairy’s Shoe, Dragon Head, and other interesting shapes. These rocks continue to erode, so be sure to visit before they disappear!

Click here to buy your entrance ticket for Yehliu Geopark online.

How to get to Juming Museum and Yehliu Geopark

From Taipei to Juming Museum : from the Taipei Main Station bus terminal, take the KuoKang bus (1815) to the Jinshan District office stop. Here you can hop on the complimentary museum shuttle bus. 

From Juming Museum to Yehliu Geopark : take Taiwan Tourist Shuttle #862. To get back to Taipei Main Station from Yehliu, take bus 1815.

The bus stop can be found on the main road just outside the park entrance.

6. Wanli UFO Village

Helen from Differentville : if you love modern architecture, spooky mysteries, or urban exploring, you’re going to want to take a day trip to the Wanli UFO village, about a 90-minute bus ride from Taipei.

Here, located by the side of Wanli beach, is a collection of incredible houses that look like they’re about to take off for space any second.

Known as Futuro Houses, they were designed as ski lodges in the 1960s. Only a few hundred were ever made, and not many are left, so being able to go inside this village of abandoned homes is really quite special.

Except, you have to ask yourself why were they abandoned. No one really knows but rumors of curses and graveyards abound ( read more here ).

Remember, they are abandoned and some are rotten so you need to use caution when exploring. Watch your step and wear closed-toe shoes.

Also, some of the houses have now been taken over by families. If the home looks lived in, it probably is, so please don’t try to go inside.

There’s not much else to do around the houses and no facilities, so take drinks and snacks if you need them. You can also combine a trip to Wanli UFO village with a visit to Yehliu Geopark (#5) which is just up the road.  

How to get to Wanli UFO Village

As with day trip #5 to Juming Museum and Yehliu Geopark, you can take the 1815 bus (KuoKang) headed towards Jinshan Youth Activity Center from Taipei Main Station.

Stay on the bus until you reach the stop called Feicui Bay, get out here and follow the road toward the sea, you’ll soon spot the houses.

Here you can find more information about the KuoKang 1815 bus route .

Emily from Wander-Lush : if you’re looking for a slightly offbeat day trip from Taipei,  Keelung City  is brimming with history, heritage, and good food.

Keelung is less popular than other destinations on Taiwan’s northern coast, which makes it a great place to slip away from the crowds for a couple of hours.

Keelung is best known for its food scene and the colossal Keelung Miaokou Night Market. The market kicks off around midday and specializes in seafood (no surprise, given its location).

Unlike some other night markets in Taipei, Miaokou consists of small restaurants rather than stands. It’s great for a sit-down meal and for people-watching.

Keelung specialties include  Youfan  (sticky rice), crab soup, and  Shenji Paopao , a shaved iced dessert.

Another must-see in Keelung is Zhongzheng Park, a religious complex located in the hills above the city. It’s quite a climb (wear your sensible shoes), but the views from the top are worth it.

Inside the park, you’ll find a 25-meter-high statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, and a beautiful temple.

Every year, the park plays host to the Ghost Festival, one of Taiwan’s biggest calendar events. Lantern parades and folk art performances that blend Taoist and Buddhist traditions are a highlight.

If you’re visiting Taipei in August or September, it’s a must-do.

Along Keelung harbor, there are many hidden treasures that allude to the city’s prosperous past, including Spanish and Dutch ruins.

Khóo Tsú-song Old Mansion, a decaying house in the hills, was built by a wealthy merchant and later abandoned, is a favorite spot for urbexing and offers more panoramic views.

How to get to Keelung

Located 40 minutes by bus from downtown Taipei, Keelung is a small port city located on a natural harbor.

It sits roughly halfway between Jiufen Old Street and Wanli. To get there, take the Fuxing Shuttle from Songshan Station.

Nicholas from Rambling Feet : Shifen (十分) is a tiny town that has a historic feel about it. The railway track runs right through the middle of the old street, with little shops flanking either side.

When a train isn't passing through, the track is filled with tourists either crossing from one side to the other or launching sky lanterns.

Many of the old street shops sell these lanterns for up to 200NT$. It is a ritual of sorts to paint one's wishes on a lantern, light it up, and let them float away into the sky.

Another must-do activity in Shifen involves a 30-minute hike to the Shifen waterfall. The path is paved and includes a suspension bridge.

There are many viewing points along the way and there are a couple of scenic spots close to the shops.

The waterfall is breathtaking to watch and the amount of spray it releases lives up to its ‘miniature Niagara Falls' moniker.

How to get to Shifen

Shifen can easily be combined with a trip to Jiufen (#10) and Heping Island Park. This can either be done independently or as part of an organized tour .

Another excellent option is this tour , which includes Yehliu Geopark (#5), Jiufen (#10), and Shifen (#8).

When visiting Shifen independently, you can travel from Taipei to Shifen by train or shuttle bus. From Taipei Main Station, take a train to Ruifang.

Here you can change to the Pingxi Railway Line (平溪線), Shifen is the 4th stop.

The other, very convenient option, is taking a tourist shuttle bus. The Muzha Pingxi Line stops at Shifen Visitors Center, you can pay for the bus with your EasyCard .

The Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass • The tourist shuttle bus to Shifen is also included in the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass . It's worth looking into this pass as it can save you a lot of time (no more queuing!) and money. • The Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass gives you free access to 25 top tourist attractions in Taipei, New Taipei City, and Keelung City as well as unlimited rides on the Taipei MRT, buses, and Taiwan Tourist Shuttles. Read more about the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass here .

9. Houtong Cat Village

Caroline from CK Travels : ‘Feline’ like a new adventure in Taiwan? Time to head to the  Houtong Cat Village , situated on the famous Pingxi rail line and one of the most unique day trips out of Taipei.

You know you are in for something quite different from the moment you arrive at the station, which has a pedestrian bridge shaped like a cat and is kitted out with cat-scratching posts.

There is even a huge plastic cat figurine with a station master's hat ‘guarding’ the entrance.

Houtong is a mountainside village approximately 40km from Taipei that is now a self-proclaimed ‘cat village’. It is easy to see why cats and kittens roam the streets and are cared for by the locals.

Some live with owners whilst some are strays but still have access to cat boxes and dens built by the village community.

As you’d expect, there are also lots of cat-related gift shops selling all manner of moggy merchandise.

You can also enjoy drinks in a cat cafe and several shops sell cat beer, we aren’t sure if it is meant for tourists or the cats themselves!

Houtong is a former mining town, so there are also other non-cat-themed attractions like a mini-mining train that goes through all sorts of tunnels (not really our thing but the tour groups seemed to like it).

How to get to Houtong Cat Village?

From Taipei Main Station you can take a train to Ruifang station. At Ruifang Station, transfer to the Pingxi Line. A day ticket from Ruifang Station is 100NT$ and Houtong Cat Village is the first stop.

Houtong itself isn’t huge so you could combine this day trip with a visit to Shifen (#8), Pingxi, and Jingtong (all along the same Pingxi train line).

Allan from Live Less Ordinary : rumor has it that Hayao Miyazaki drew inspiration for the Ghibli classic ‘Spirited' from the coastal hill town of Jiufen.

And it is hard not to draw comparisons from the steep stairs and alleys decorated with pretty lanterns, the Japanese Ryokans and bathhouses, and the fixation on eating and food.

Jiufen was known already for its gold rush times and for WWII when POWs were sent to work in the mines.

With everything the town has to offer, it's a fascinating (though admittedly touristy) destination to explore.

I recommend staying until darkness falls, that is when the village truly comes to life with beautiful lights and lanterns around Jiufen Old Street.

How to get to Jiufen

Jiufen can easily be done as a day tour from Taipei as there are both train and bus options to reach the somewhat remote coastal hilltown.

The easiest way to get to Juifen is to take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang, the district where Jiufen is located, before hopping on a bus to the town itself. The journey takes around 90 minutes.

There is a direct bus from Juifen back to Taipei. You can find more details about traveling from Taipei to Jiufen here . Alternatively, you can join the aforementioned tour to Jiufen, Yehliu, and Shifen .

11. Fulong Beach

Those looking for a nice beach near Taipei instead of a cultural day trip can't go wrong with Fulong Beach. 

This 3km golden sand beach can be found in the popular resort town called Fulong in New Taipei City. At Fulong Beach you can go for a swim, spend the day kayaking or windsurfing or simply lie back and relax.

There is a small entrance fee for the beach (100NT$ for adults and 10NT$ for kids) and the beach is accessible all year.

The main event at Fulong Beach is the annual Fulong Sand Sculpture Festival, which is held between April and August. If you happen to travel to Taiwan during this festival, be sure to visit!

Both national, as well as international artists, come to Fulong to create impressive sand sculptures, some are several meters tall. Another fun event is the Hohaiyan Rock Festival which is held in July.

If you don't want to spend an entire day at the beach, consider hiking the nearby Caoling Historic Trail , a wonderful 8.5km trail that starts at Fulong Station and ends at Dali Station.

How to get to Fulong

There are two convenient options, you can either take a train to Fulong Station from Taipei Station, which will take between 60 and 90 minutes (depending on the type of train).

The beach is a 10-minute walk north of Fulong Station. 

Alternatively, you can take one of the five tourist shuttle buses, the Gold Fulong Shuttle Bus Line, which takes you to Fulong Visitor Center.

If you have the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass , rides on this bus are free, otherwise, pay with your EasyCard .

12. Hsinchu

Thanh from The Daily Tourist : if you are looking for fun day tours from Taipei, you shouldn't miss Hsinchu, the oldest city in Northern Taiwan.

There are many amazing things to see and do in Hsinchu, here are some of the most popular ones.

One of the best places to visit in Hsinchu is Eighteen Peaks Mountain Park. This expansive lunar-shaped forest park was cultivated during the Japanese Colonial Era.

A popular spot for locals and travelers alike, Eighteen Peaks Mountain Park offers many recreational activities. Go for a hike, enjoy a picnic, or try to find all the 1-meter tall statues of Guanyin (the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy) scattered around the park.

One of the most beautiful places in Hsinchu is Ching-Tsao Lake, also known as Green Grass Lake.

There is an island in the middle of the lake where you'll find a lovely garden. You can access the island via the Yingyue Bridge.

The Hsinchu City God Temple or Chenghuang Temple is one of the most vibrant and colorful places in the entire city.

Many people from all over the country come to visit this temple and worship here. If you are lucky, you may even see a traditional Taiwanese opera being performed in the courtyard!

Next to the temple, there are several stalls right selling different kinds of Taiwanese street foods. Be sure to sample some of the yummy goodies sold here!

How to get to Hsinchu

From Taipei Main Station you can hop aboard the HSR train to Hsinchu HSR Station.

The train ride only takes around 30 minutes, however, at Hsinchu HSR Station you'll have to catch the free THSR shuttle bus to get to the city center (20-30 minutes, depending on traffic).

Click here to buy a discounted Taipei – Hsinchu HSR Ticket online.

13. Taichung

While a day trip from Taipei to Taichung may seem far, Taiwan's excellent public transport makes it a feasible option.

Taichung is Taiwan's second most populous city and you can easily spend a couple of days here. However, if you are limited in time, a Taipei to Taichung day trip is a good alternative.

Taichung offers a myriad of fun activities, you can admire colorful street art at Painted Animation Lane and Rainbow Village, stroll around Calligraphy Greenway or visit the CMP Block Museum of Arts.

Get an ice cream from the famous Miyahara store, the interior resembles Hogwarts from the Harry Potter movies and has to be seen to be believed…

How to get to Taichung

Train (HSR):  Taichung is only an hour from Taipei by HSR (high-speed rail), a ticket costs 675NT$ for a non-reserved seat and 700NT$ for a reserved seat. You can buy a discounted HSR ticket online here .

Trains depart from Taipei Main Station, you’ll have to disembark at Wurih, which isn’t located in downtown Taichung.

From Wurih, either catch a bus (which can take another hour) or a taxi (20-30 minutes, depending on traffic) to get to the city center of Taichung. Bus : regular buses to Taiching depart from Taipei Bus Station (just north of Taipei Main Station), the journey takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes and a bus ticket is usually around 300NT$.

Buses arrive at Taichung Bus Terminal which is in the city center, making this a slightly longer but convenient way to travel to Taichung.

Organized tour : another excellent option is this Taichung day tour from Taipei , where you will visit several of the most popular sights in Taichung together with a knowledgeable tour guide.

Transportation is included and prices are very reasonable.

Click here to book a Taichung Classic Day Tour from Taipei

Stay in Taichung

If you want to spend more time in Taichung, there are many accommodation options suitable for any budget.

• Budget (less than €30): Modern Inn (check Agoda / Booking for availability)
• Mid-range (less than €100): Airline Inn Green Park Way (check Agoda / Booking for availability)
• Luxury (over €150): The Splendor Hotel Taichung (check Agoda / Booking for availability)

14. Taroko Gorge

I'll start by saying that I highly recommend spending more time on Taiwan's East coast. We spend a couple of days in Hualien and Taitung is a nice place to visit as well.

That being said, if you have limited time available, it's possible to take a day trip from Taipei to Taroko Gorge, just know it will be a very long day.

Taroko National Park is one of the top attractions in Taiwan and with good reason, it's absolutely stunning!

Some of the highlights in Taroko Gorge are the Swallows Grotto, the Shakadang Trail, and the Marble Bridge of Motherly Devotion.

Other points of interest are the Eternal Spring Shrine and the scenic town of Tienhsiang, which is a good place to have lunch.

Taroko Gorge was one of the highlights of our Taiwan trip and despite the (very) long trip from Taipei, I think the unique and beautiful natural scenery is worth the effort.

How to get to Taroko Gorge

The most convenient option to do a Taroko day trip from Taipei is an organized tour . From Taipei, it takes around 2.5-3 hours to get to Hualien by train.

With this Taroko Gorge Full-Day Tour, you'll be picked up from your hotel in Taipei and will travel to Hualian by train.

There, your guide will meet you and take you to Taroko National Park (where you will visit all the Taroko highlights mentioned above).

Your guide will drop you off at Hualien station where you can board a train back to Taipei.

Click here for more information about this Taipei – Taroko tour .

Stay in Hualien

If you have more time and want to spend the night in Hualien, Honey B Trip B&B was one of our favorite places to stay in Taiwan . Check the latest prices and availability on  Agoda  or  Booking .

15. Sun Moon Lake

As with Taroko Gorge and Taichung, I actually recommend spending more time at Sun Moon Lake, the largest lake in Taiwan, and one of the thirteen national scenic areas in Taiwan.

Sun Moon Lake offers beautiful scenery and has a rich indigenous culture. There are many things to see and do, some of the Sun Moon Lake highlights are:

• The Yuetan Bike Path : a 29 kilometers bike route that goes around Sun Moon Lake. You can also opt for a shorter section of approximately 12 kilometers.
• The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway‭:  from the Ropeway, you can enjoy stunning views over the lake and forested mountains.
• Wenwu Temple and Ci En Pagoda : these beautiful buildings‭ are highly worth a visit, both can be reached with the  Round-The-Lake-Bus .

How to get to Sun Moon Lake

You can travel to Taichung HRS Station from Taipei (about one hour) and catch a bus to Sun Moon Lake from the train station (1 hrs and 30 minutes).

However, to make to most of your limited time at Sun Moon Lake, I recommend joining a Sun Moon Lake Tour from Taipei . This Sun Moon Lake Classic Day Tour from Taipei includes transport (by minivan or HSR+car) and most of the activities mentioned above.

Book your Taipei – Sun Moon Lake tour .

Stay at Sun Moon Lake

If you plan to stay longer at Sun Moon Lake, I recommend the affordable and comfortable Itathao Hotel . Check the latest prices and availability on  Agoda or Booking .

Taipei day tour options: in conclusion

And that's 15 great options for everyone looking for the best day trip from Taipei. I wish you a wonderful time in and around Taipei!

If you have any questions about these day trips, leave a comment below or send me a message .

For more Taiwan travel inspiration, check out my Taiwan page .

40 Day Trips from Taipei You Can’t Miss

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

While 40 Taipei day trips may seem excessive, I swear to you that all of them are awesome!

Whether you want to go hiking, hit the beach, soak in some of Taiwan’s incredible hot springs , see cherry blossoms , go on a Taiwanese food tour, or explore historic Japanese-era villages, or visit totally off the beaten track places around Taipei , there is definitely a perfect day trip from Taipei for you!

This goes to show why Taipei is such a desirable place to live. It has even been chosen as the #1 city in the world for expats more than once, and many people, myself included, come for a year and end up staying for 10+. You never run out of ways to spend your weekends when living in Taipei !

I have personally done each of these day trips from Taipei, many of them several times. For some of these spots, it is possible to combine two or more of them into one day-trip, which I’ll be sure to point out. Many of these day trips will be in New Taipei City , the sprawling city which totally surrounded Taipei. See my New Taipei City guide .

I’ve organized these days trips into sections covering north of Taipei, east of Taipei, and then south of Taipei. In the east section, you’ll find my directions for planning the most popular day trip from Taipei , which usually includes several of the following: Yehliu Geopark, Houtong Cat Village, Jiufen Old Street, Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park, Shifen Waterfall, and Keelung Night Market. I’ll tell you how to do it all on your own, by public transportation!

Related resources: 

• Taiwan travel tips for planning your trip
• Where to stay in Taipei
• What to do in Taipei in 2 days / 3 days / 4 days / 5 days
• The best time to visit Taipei
• How plan a 1 to 3-week trip around Taiwan
• How to plan a trip around Taiwan with kids

Tips for Saving Money on Your Taipei Day Trip Parkbus Taiwan is a service that simplifies making day trips out of Taipei. They do regular excursions to hard-to-reach spots for hiking and other activities. Use my discount code “Spiritual10” at checkout for a 10% discount. Some very popular and budget-friendly guided day-tours are available on Klook, such as this one , this one , and this one . To get a TW$100 discount on any of these tours, sign up for Klook first using this link . For several day trips below, you swipe the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass to get there. See my guide to the pass here . If you don’t get that, just use an EasyCard like most people do. Here’s how EasyCard works . If you end up staying overnight in any of these places, you can find the best hotel deals here .

Table of Contents

Taipei Day Trips to the North

Some of Taipei’s best day trip possibilities lie to the north of the Taiwanese capital.

I’ll start with Beitou Hot Spring (technically part of Taipei City) and volcanic Yangming Mountain (Yangmingshan), then cover the north coast of Taiwan roughly in a clockwise manner.

Beitou Hot Spring Village

Beitou Hot Spring (北投溫泉) is the only spot on this list of best day trips from Taipei that is actually in Taipei City. So why include it?

Well, despite being MRT accessible, the steaming thermal springs and natural scenery of Beitou make it feel like it’s a million miles away from the city. You could easily spend a day here, so it really does feel like a day trip from the Taipei city center.

A day at Beitou can include soaking your feet in thermal water at the park, sampling hot spring noodles, exploring the Japanese-era architecture of Beitou Hot Spring Museum and Beitou Museum , and marveling at Beitou Geothermal Valley .

Hot spring choices range from colonial-era bathhouses to luxurious modern resorts. Millennium Hot Springs is the main public hot spring, while Spring City Resort is the best family-friendly option.

For my detailed recommendations, see my guide to Beitou Hot Spring and more ideas for things to do in winter in Taipei .

Getting from Taipei to Beitou: The Beitou hot spring village is located in front of Xinbeitou MRT station. Take the red MRT line north to Beitou then transfer to the tiny, 2-stop pink line to Xinbeitou. All of the main sights are within walking distance of the MRT.

Beitou is also the starting point of the Beitou-Zhuzihu Tourist Shuttle Bus (小9 or “small 9”), which connects Beitou to various points in Yangmingshan (#2 below). The shuttle bus is included if you have a Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass or you can swipe an EasyCard .

Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan (陽明山) is the closest national park to Taipei (it spreads from Taipei City to New Taipei City). Yangming Mountain is actually a massif containing several peaks, the highest of which is Seven Star Mountain (Qixingshan or 七星山, 1120m), a dormant volcano.

Yangminshan National Park covers over 100 km2, so it comes as no surprise that the park abounds in day trip possibilities.

Some of the biggest draws include cherry blossom at Flower Clock and calla lily viewing at Zhuzihu in early spring, the warm hot springs of Lengshuikeng , buffalo spotting at Qingtiangang Grassland , the luxurious Yangmingshan Tienlai Hot Spring Resort (which is actually located outside of the national park, on the back side of the mountain, near Jinshan village on the coast), and the steaming fumaroles at Xiaoyoukeng .

Find all the info in my guide to Yangmingshan National Park .

Getting to Yangmingshan: It’s a little complicated due to multiple roads and bus routes into the park. I cover it all in my guide to getting from Taipei to Yangmingshan .

If you want to see many parts of Yangmingshan in one day, consider hiring a driver for the day .

Tamsui & Fisherman’s Wharf

Tamsui District (淡水區, also spelled Danshui), New Taipei City, is furthest north you can venture on the Taipei City MRT. Step off the MRT and you’ll find yourself on a lovely riverside promenade. Fresh seafood and people watching galore make this one of Taipei’s favorite easy getaways for tourists and locals alike.

Rent a bike and follow the riverside trail south to Hongshulin Mangroves and Guandu Temple (one of the Taipei’s best temples , and oldest!) Alternatively, swipe your EasyCard or Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass and board a river ferry to Fisherman’s Wharf (漁人碼頭), which only takes about 10 minutes.

The picturesque harbor is one of the most romantic places in Taipei to watch the sunset, especially from aptly named Lover’s Bridge . Read my detailed guide to Tamsui and Fisherman’s Wharf here .

Getting from Taipei to Tamsui: Simply hop on the red MRT line and head to Tamsui station, the terminal stop in the north. For Fisherman’s Wharf, ferries depart from the Tamsui promenade or you can hop on bus 紅26 (red 26), 836 or 857 from in front of the MRT station.

There’s also a new LRT from Hongshulin station (one stop before Tamsui on the red MRT line) to Lover’s Bridge.

North Coast Beaches

One of the many, many reasons to love Taipei is that it is so easy to get to the beach when the season arrives. And even though most locals only go in summer in Taiwan , spring and autumn in Northern Taiwan are usually warm enough, too!

The closest beach to Taipei is Qianshuiwan (淺水灣), only 30 minutes from Danshui by bus. Choose a spot on the long stretch of golden sand, or watch the sunset from a patio at one of the numerous restaurants or bars that line the beach.

Ride the bus 10 minutes further to reach Baishawan (白沙灣), another popular choice that has fewer restaurants and more of a surfer feel to it (though for a true surfing beach, head to Wai Ao, #26 below.

To read more about these and other beaches in the north of Taiwan, see my detailed guide to Taipei’s best beaches and other beautiful beaches around Taiwan .

Getting from Taipei to Qianshuiwan and Baishawan: From Danshui MRT, hop on bus 860, 861, 862, or 863, or the Crown Northern Coastline line shuttle bus (#716), which is included on the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

Get off at Qianshuiwan (大崛/淺水灣) or Baishawan (北觀風景區管理處/白沙灣) stops.

Fuguijiao Lighthouse & Laomei Green Reef

A few minutes’ drive past Baishawan Beach on the North Coast, Fuguijiao (Cape Fugui) is the northernmost point in Taiwan, demarcated by a small lighthouse.

Fuji Fishing Harbor (富基漁港) on the western side of the cape is the place to go for seafood restaurants. Meanwhile, local photographers flock to Laomei Green Reef (老梅綠石槽) on the eastern side of the cape. There a layer of green algae coats rows of coastal rocks in spring, making for stunning photos.

Getting from Taipei to Fuguijiao Lighthouse & Laomei Green Reef: Take any of the buses mentioned for #4, including the Crown Northern Coastline line shuttle bus (#716), which is free with the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass ).

G et off at Fuji Harbor (富基漁港) or Fuguijiao Lighthouse/Laomei Reef (富貴角燈塔/老梅綠石槽) stop.

Temples in the Northern Hills

There are three notable temples in the hills north of Taipei that are each worth a day trip from Taipei. If you’ve got your own wheels, rent a car , or hire a driver , you could even see all three in one day. To read more about these and many other temples in the north of Taiwan, see my list of the 30 best temples in Taipei .

The first is Wuji Tianyuan Temple (淡水無極天元宮). This large, round temple building is reminiscent of the Altar of Heaven in Beijing. But the real reason to come here is for what are arguable the most impressive cherry blossom scenes in all of Taiwan (see photo above) in February and March .

Second (and lesser known) Yuan Dao Guanyin Temple (緣道觀音廟) is a serene, expansive temples grounds that is not going to be a secret for much longer thanks to the recent completion of the world’s largest statue of Thousand-Armed Guayin on site.

Last but not least, Fufudingshan Shell and Coral Temple (富福頂山寺) is a temple in which every surface is built or decorated with shells and corals. It’s really a sight to behold.

Getting from Taipei to the northern temples: For Tianyuan Temple, take bus 875 or F103 from Danshui MRT station for about 30 minutes.

For Yuandao Guanyin Temple, a free shuttle operates from Hongshulin MRT and takes about 20 minutes.

Fufudingshan Shell and Coral Temple is the most difficult to get to. You’ll need to take the Crown Northern Coastline line shuttle bus (#716, included on an Unlimited Fun Pass ) or any other bus to Sanzhi stop (三芝遊客中心 / 名人文物館), then transfer to bus F132, which runs Monday to Friday only, and get off at Er Ping Ding (二坪頂) stop.

Juming Museum

In the hills above Jinshan (see #8 below) on the northeast coast, Juming Museum (朱銘美術館) is an open-air art gallery devoted to Ju Ming , a famous Taiwanese sculptor.

Ju Ming himself designed the grounds and donated 2000 of his own pieces. The artworks are displayed throughout an expansive grassland, surrounded by mountains and with occasional glimpses of the Pacific Ocean below. There is also a large, indoor library and exhibition space on site (see image below).

Entrance to the museum is NTD350, or free if you have a Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass . The museum is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (to 5 p.m. November to April ) and closed on Mondays.

Getting from Taipei to Juming Museum: Juming Museum is a stop on the Crown Northern Coastline line shuttle bus (#716), which is included on the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

Jinshan Hot Spring

Jinshan Hot Spring (金山溫泉) is one of the many hot spring villages in the greater Taipei area, and is located on the northeast coast. The town itself features the usual collection of hot spring hotels and spas.

For something really special, though, you’ll want to follow Yangjin Highway (陽金公路 2甲), which heads from Jinshan uphill over Yangmingshan (see #2 above) and all the way to Taipei.

Only a few minutes’ drive up this winding, scenic highway from Jinshan will bring you to Yangmingshan Resort/Calla Young Garden Resort (陽明山水温泉会館金山温泉会館推薦), a hot spring resort with one of the most beautiful views we’ve ever enjoyed from a hot spring.

Natural hot spring lovers will prefer Bayan Hot Spring (see photo above), which I think is the most beautiful wild hot spring that is easy to reach from Taipei. Note that Bayan has been illegal to visit for many years (enforcement was on and off), but recently it seems to be actually closed for good.

Getting from Taipei to Jinshan: There are three stops in Jinshan on the Crown Northern Coastline line shuttle bus (#716), which is included on the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

You can also take Kuo-Kuang (國光) bus 1815 from Taipei, which takes about 90 minutes. You can board the bus at Songjiang Nanjing MRT, Nanjing Fuxing MRT, Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT, or Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT and swipe with an EasyCard . This bus (and all other buses with 4-digits) are not included on the Unlimited Fun Pass.

The 20-minute trail to Bayan wild hot spring begins beside Bayan Hot Spring Resort (八煙溫泉會館), but be warned that the hot spring is technically off-limits, and police show up periodically to clear out the crowds.

Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark is one of the most popular day trips from Taipei for visiting tourists. The long, thin cape sticks way out into the sea and features dozens of bizarre rock formations. The most famous is Queen’s Head (女王頭), which has become a symbol of Taiwan.

Despite the tourist crowds and long aisle of seafood-focused food stalls you are forced to walk through, Yehliu is a gorgeous coastal park that you should see at least once if you spend any amount of time in Taiwan. You can book your ticket online in advance to save a little time, and Yehliu Geopark is free for Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass holders.

Few tourists to Yehliu realize that Guihou Fish Market , one of the best seafood markets in the greater Taipei area, is just around the corner from Yehliu. Guihou features numerous fresh seafood restaurants facing the harbor, as well as a more traditional seafood market where you can point at what you want and they’ll fry it up for you.

This excellent day tour includes Yehliu and 3 other very popular day trip spots (Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall).

Getting there: Yehliu and Guihou Fishing Harbor are the final stops on the Crown Northern Coastline line shuttle bus (#716) from Danshui MRT. Get the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass to ride free.

You can also take KuoKuang (國光) bus 1815 (the same bus for Jinshan, #8 above) from Taipei Bus Station. The ride takes about 90 minutes. Continue on to Jinshan (#8) after you visit, or take one of several buses from Yehliu to Keelung, famous for its night market (see #13 below).

Wanli UFO Village

Another photographer’s magnet on the northern coast of Taiwan is the bizarre UFO village on Wanli beach (萬里海水浴場), another of the best beaches within easy reach of Taipei .

This collection of UFO-like pod house ruins dates back to an experimental housing project in the 1980s. The only thing we’re all wondering is why someone doesn’t fix these things up and transform them into the awesomest hotel in northern Taiwan…

If you have a bit of energy you could even walk from Yehliu (#9) to Wanli. You can find the UFO village at the northern end of the beach.

Getting there: Take the train from Taipei to Keelung (about 40 minutes) then transfer to bus 789, 790, or 862. Get off at Wanli stop (萬里, about 30 minutes). Alternatively, take bus 1815 (the same bus as Jinshan and Yehliu) and get off at Green Bay (翡翠灣) stop.

Taipei Day Trips to the East

Heading east on a day trip from Taipei, you’ve got a few options on the outskirts of the city, followed by Keelung City on the coast.

Next up is a collection of extremely popular day trips on the Pingxi train line (#14 to #18), as well as Jiufen and Jinguashi (#19 and #20), probably the single most popular day trip from Taipei.

Several of these sights can be combined into one day trip if you plan it well. See the orange box below for the most popular route. The easiest way to do this is with this day tour , but it won’t hit all of the stops.

The Most Popular Day Trip from Taipei An extremely popular Taipei day trip is to combine some of the following spots: Yehliu Geopark, Houtong Cat Village, Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, and Keelung Night Market. In my Taiwan Travel Planning group , people ask me how to do this ALL THE TIME. So, here’s how: – Start early! Ride the TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang station. Change to the Pingxi line and ride it to Shifen station for visiting Shifen Waterfall (opens 9 AM). – Ride the train from Shifen back to Houtong for Houtong Cat Village. If you don’t have time for this or want to skip it, just ride back to Ruifang instead (next step). – Ride the train to Ruifang station, exit station, cross road, and walk 1 block to the left to the bus stop. Catch the bus (10 min) to Jiufen Old Street. Most shops open at 10-11 AM. – Optional side trip: ride the same bus past Jiufen to visit Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park and Golden Waterfall. – Catch bus 788 going downhill from Jiufen Old Street to Keelung (50 min). – Optional side trip: Catch a bus from Keelung to Yehliu Geopark (45 min). Note that it closes at 5 PM. – Catch a bus from Yehliu back to Keelung for visiting Keelung Night Market. – Local train from Keelung back to Taipei.

Shenkeng Stinky Tofu Village

Shenkeng (深坑) is a small district of New Taipei City southeast of Taipei City. The name is practically synonymous with Taiwan’s most infamous night market snack: stinky tofu. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it; if you can get past the smell, stinky tofu is surprisingly delicious, and virtually all Taiwanese love it.

You can try stinky tofu in any night market in Taiwan, but Shenkeng Old Street is the country’s epicenter of stinky tofu. Almost every food stall and restaurant on the picturesque old street is devoted to stinky tofu in one form or another. See my self-guided food tour of Shenkeng to navigate your way around.

All the different types are available here, from deep fried cubes served with pickled vegetables to huge hunks stewed in spicy soup. They’ve even got tofu ice cream, fermented tofu, and more. Most stalls and restaurants are open from around noon until 8 p.m., and weekends can get extremely crowded.

To learn about the history of stinky tofu and other Taiwanese foods, check out this excellent book .

Getting to Shenkeng: From Muzha MRT station, cross the street and take bus #660, 666, or 819 for about 15 minutes to Shenkeng stop. You can also take the Muzha Pingxi Shuttle Bus from Muzha station (#795, included on Taipei Unlimited Pass ), which continues on to Shifen and Pingxi.

Shiding: Hiking & Homemade Noodles

Just to the east of Shenkeng is Shiding district (石碇區), a remote, hilly region with a few sights worthy of off-the-beaten-track day trips from Taipei.

For hiking enthusiasts, Huangdidian Trail (皇帝殿山登山步道, pictured above) is one of the most rewarding hikes in the greater Taipei area , featuring an exhilarating mountaintop ridge with spectacular views.

If you’ve got your own wheels, then Shiding Hsu Family Hand Pulled Noodles (石碇許家手工麵線) makes for an offbeat day trip from Taipei. With a bit of luck, this family-run noodle warehouse’s courtyard will be filled with racks of hand-pulled noodles drying in the sun when you arrive. Local families or students can sometimes be seen trying their hand at making the noodles, which is good fun to watch. You can also take a DIY noodle making class there.

If you’re driving to the Shiding Handmade Noodle Factory or taking the bus to the Huangdidian hike, you can stop at Shiding Old Street (石碇老街), a small but picturesque old street beside a creek, along the way.

Getting to Shiding: To get to Huangdidian hike, take bus 666 from Muzha MRT to Huangdidian (皇帝殿) stop, the last one. Confirm with the driver when you board, because not all 666 buses go to Huangdidian. It takes about 45 minutes. You’ll need your own transportation to get to the noodle factory.

Keelung City (基隆市) is Northern Taiwan’s largest port. The city is easily reached from Taipei. It is often overlooked by tourists but makes for a great day trip from Taipei. Here’s my detailed guide to Keelung’s main attractions .

Keelung’s biggest claim to fame is its feasting paradise, Miaokou Night Market (see my guides to Miaokou Night Market and other night markets around Taipei ). The markets runs all afternoon and evening, and specializes in seafood. It is my personal favorite night market in all of Taiwan.

Another spot worth checking out in Keelung is Zhongzheng Park (基隆中正公園), which occupies a large hill overlooking the port. At the peak you’ll find an old-fashioned children’s amusement area complete with Buddhist statues, including a 25-meter white Kuanyin that you can climb up into. Nearby, oversized Zhupu Altar (主普壇) is a center of Ghost Festival activities in summer.

For further exploration, consider a trip to Heping Island (NTD80 or free with Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass ), which is connected to the mainland by a bridge, or remote Keelung Islet , which was reopened in summer of 2019 after being closed for five years. You can also visit Heping Park on this day trip from Taipei .

Getting from Taipei to Keelung: Frequent trains depart from Taipei Main Station to Keelung (40 minutes). Keelung Night Market is a 10-minute walk from the train station. Zhongzheng park is another 10 minutes on foot from there, or a short taxi ride if you don’t want to walk up the hill.

You can also take the Coastal Keelung Shuttle Bus (T99, free with Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass ) from Keelung Station to Keelung Night Market, Zhongzheng Park (you’ll still need to walk up the hill from the bus stop), Heping Island Port, and Bisha Recreational Port, where ferries depart to Keelung Island. All Keelung city buses (except for ones with 4-digit numbers) are also included on the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass.

Shen’ao Rail Bike

East of Keelung city on the coast, Shen’ao Rail Bike is a fun new attraction. Here, you can ride a small bike car along a decommissioned railway track between Badouzi (a very beautiful coastal railway station) and Shen’ao station.

Most visitors take the bus from Keelung to Badouzi, or ride the Pingxi small train from Ruifang (access to Jiufen Old Street) or Shifen to Badouzi. Around Badouzi, you can visit the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology.

To ride the rail bike one way or return, you need to make an advance booking online here . The minimum age to ride is 3, and two people must ride per car. There are only two seats and each person must cycle.

In the past, people used to walk from Shen’ao Station to Elephant Trunk Rock (深澳岬角), a rock formation that looks very much like an elephant head and trunk, dipping down some 30 meters to the sea. During a storm in December 2023, the whole trunk fell into the sea, so this attraction no longer exists.

If you’re into hiking, you can also combine your visit with a hike to Mt. Shen’ao .

Better yet (because it gets even closer) take the Coastal Keelung Shuttle Bus (T99) from Keelung and get off at Badouzi or Shenai station.The Shuttle bus is included on the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass . The shuttle bus passes Badouzi, the new first stop on the Pingxi railway, before getting to Shen’Ao .

The Pingxi Train Line The Pingxi Railway Line is a small-gauge railway that provides access to a number of the most popular day trips from Taipei. Most people take a bus or train from Taipei to Ruifang Station, then transfer onto the Pingxi Line there. From Ruifang, the train veers inland toward Shifen and Pingxi. More recently, two more stops were added going in the opposite direction from Ruifang, with the new terminal end being Badouzi Station (near Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock, #14 above). Here’s the order of stops on the Pingxi Railway: Badouzi, Haikeguan, Ruifang (where buses depart for Jiufen and Jinguashi and for Taipei), Houtong, Sandiaoling, Shifen, Dahua, Lingjiao, Pingxi, and Jingtong. The Pingxi train line is not included on the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass . You can swipe on with your EasyCard , but it’s cheaper to buy an unlimited one-day Pingxi Line pass at Ruifang Station for NTD80 if you plan to make a few stops. If you want to use your Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass to get to the area, you can ride the Muzha Pingxi shuttle bus (795) from Muzha MRT to Shenkeng, Shifen, and Pingxi for free. Shifen and Pingxi are also the location of the famous Sky Lantern Mass Release events during the Lantern Festival .

Houtong Cat Village

The first stop after Ruifang on the Pingxi Line is Houtong, also known as Houtong Cat Village (猴硐貓村). This tiny village is a former mining town turned cat-themed village. Local villages started taking in abandoned cats around 2008 and the idea took off. See my Houtong Cat Village guide for all the details.

After arriving, you can cross a tunnel over the railway (if you look closely, the tunnel is shaped like a cat). You’ll find snoozing feelines before you get to the other size. Besides a handful of cat-themed souvenir shops and cafés, the main thing to do here is walk around and pet all the cats.

Cat lovers should also check out my guide to the best cat cafes in Taipei !

Getting from Taipei to Houtong Cat Village: Both local trains direct from Taipei and the Pingxi line pass through Houtong, making it an easy stop on your day trip from Taipei.

Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail

The next stop after Houtong (both on the Pingxi line and the regular train line before it heads in a different direction than the Pingxi line) is tiny Sandiaoling. Few people get off here, but when they do, it’s usually to hike the Sandiaoling Trail (三貂嶺步道).

The Sandiaoling Waterfall trail is one my favorite hikes around Taipei. It’s not difficult (I took my two toddlers on it), highly scenic, and you have the option to continue further for a more difficult hike.

The hike we usually do is to the first waterfall viewpoint ( Hegu Waterfall or 合谷瀑布) and to a second waterfall ( Motian Falls or 摩天瀑布). Motian waterfall features a cave behind it that you can climb up into for a surreal experience (see me in the picture above).

After Motian Falls the trail becomes more challenging, with a vertical ladder, reaching Pipa Cave Waterfall (枇杷洞瀑布). From there, trails lead to either Houtong or Dahua Staion on the Pingxi Line. We usually just hike to Motian Falls and then return to Sandiaoling station, which takes a couple hours or less.

Getting to Sandiaoling: Sandiaoling is on both the regular train line direct from Taipei and the Pingxi small train line.

Shifen Waterfall and Sky Lanterns

Along with Jiufen (#19), Shifen is probably the most popular day trip from Taipei, and the two are easily combined

See my detailed article on getting from Taipei to Jiufen and Shifen waterfall for all the details and other transportation options.

Shifen is famous for Shifen Waterfall (十分瀑布), the widest (and many say most beautiful) waterfall in Taiwan.

There is an NTD100 entrance fee to see the falls, and you’ll need to walk about 15 minutes to get to it from Shifen station.

If you’re looking for a less touristy waterfall experience, try Sandiaoling (#16 above) or head two stops past Shifen to Lingjiao for Lingjiao Waterfall (嶺腳瀑布), which you can jump off of if you are brave enough.

Many popular day trip deals include Shifen, such as this one , this one , or this one .

The second reason Shifen has become so popular is because of the train station itself. On this highly atmospheric section of tracks, vendors and food stalls line either side so close that they nearly get hit by the trains when they pass through.

Shifen station has become the de facto place to set off sky lanterns throughout the year (while the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival takes place only once per year, during Lantern Festival 2 weeks after Lunar New Year , usually in February or March , two stops away at Pingxi Station, #18). See more info in my guide to Taiwan’s holidays and festivals .

Releasing a sky lantern from the train tracks at Shifen has become one of the top experiences for numerous visitors to Taiwan, but please note that local hiking and environmental groups have spoken out against this harmful practice.

If you are really into sky lanterns, you may also want to visit the Sky Lantern Police Station at Jingtong, the final stop on the Pingxi railway line. The police station is shaped like a sky lantern and lit up with 200,000 LED lights. You can also enter the building to see it from the inside for NTD150, or free with the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

Getting from Taipei to Shifen: There’s a lot of info here, so please see my detailed guide to getting to Shifen waterfall and Jiufen .

Pingxi Crags

Pingxi Station on the railway line named after it is most famous as the site of the annual Pingxi Lantern Festival on the 14th day of the Lunar New Year. However, hikers looking for a serious thrill can head here for the Pingxi Crags hike .

The hike involves ascending three insanely vertical crags that pierce the sky. It isn’t terribly difficult, but it’s terrying if you look down!

Getting to the Pingxi Crags: Take the train from Taipei to Ruifang then transfer to the Pingxi line. Get off at Pingxi Station, walk through the village and cross a bridge to the highway, then follow signs to “Xiao Zi Shan Hiking Trail” (孝子山步道).

You can also get to Pingxi by riding the Muzha Pingxi shuttle bus (795) from Muzha MRT, which is included on the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

If I had to guess what the single most popular day trip from Taipei is, I would say that it is Jiufen. The mountaintop village is a former gold mining town. In its heyday during Taiwan’s gold rush in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was a huge collection of homes built practically on top of each other.

The mine was later closed and the city went into decline. In the early 2000s it became the new tourist hot spot after a retro film was made there and a (false) rumor began that Miyazaki’s Spirited Away was inspired by the village.

Today’s Jiufen is as atmospheric as it gets, with red lantern-lined staircases snaking up through the village. It’s mega touristy, but its charm is undeniable. You can also sip on tea at iconic Amei teahouse while taking in the magnificent view.

See my guide to the Jiufen here .

Jiufen is included on many day trip tours, such as this one and this one .

Getting to Jiufen: I’ve got so much information about this that I’ve written a whole post on how to get to Jiufen from Taipei or Shifen Waterfall .

Jiufen is on the Gold Fulong Shuttle Bus line (#856), included on the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park

Only 10 minutes past Jiufen on the bus, Jinsguashi (金瓜石) is definitely worth adding on to your Jiufen trip. This old gold mining facility has been transformed into the Jinguashi Gold Ecological Park.

You can book your admission ticket online here , and the entrance fee is covered by the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

Go to Jinguashi to learn about gold mining, touch a huge piece of gold, and even eat ice cream with real gold flakes in it. The views are also incredible, and if you’ve got the time and energy, the park is also the starting point of an excellent hike to Teapot Mountain .

Don’t miss the Golden Waterfall , which is a little ways from the park but worth the side trip. If you only want to see Golden Waterfall, it is included on this excellent shuttle bus deal that also includes Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen.

For more information on all of the above, see my guide to Jiufen and Jinguashi .

Getting to Jinguashi: Take any bus to Jiufen and continue another 10 minutes to Jinguashi Golde Museum stop (金瓜石(黃金博物館)). The bus goes one more stop after this before turning around to head back to Jiufen, Ruifang and/or Taipei.

Jinguashi and Golden Waterfall are also on the Gold Fulong Shuttle Bus line (#856), included on the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

Bitoujiao and Longdong

Bitoujiao (鼻頭角) is the second easternmost point in Taiwan. At the tip of the cape rests a picturesque lighthouse, with an even more picturesque path leading to it called Bitoujiao Trail (鼻頭角步道). So beautiful is this path that it has even been called the “Great Wall of Taiwan”.

For an even greater adventure, try hiking the Bitoujiao Cape Trail (鼻頭角稜谷步道), which includes the lighthouse. Budget 2-3 hours for the hike.

Nearby Longdong (龍洞 or Dragon Caves) is northern Taiwan’s adventure sports capital. Activities on offer at this rocky cape include the best scuba diving, rock climbing, and cliff diving in Northern Taiwan.

For cliff diving, you can just show up and do it like we did in the above photo (but exercise extreme caution; the waves can be really rough here). For scuba diving or rock climbing you’ll want to book something before you arrive.

Getting from Taipei to Bitoujiao and Longdong: For Bitoujiao, take the regular train to Ruifang then transfer to the Gold Fulong Beach tourist shuttle bus (#856), which is covered by the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass . Get off at Bitou (鼻頭), from where it’s a 25-minute walk.

To reach Longdong, stay on the same bus past Bitoujiao and get off at Longdonggang (Longdong Harbor or龍洞港) stop. Walk to the waterfront, turn right, and follow the road along the cape. When the road ends, continue walking along the rocks around the cape to find the main rock climbing and cliff diving areas.

Fulong Beach

Fulong is arguably Northern Taiwan’s best and most popular beach (see more info in my guide to Northern Taiwan’s best beaches here ). What makes is special is how the beach occupies a thin peninsula that sticks out into the sea, separated from the mainland by the Shuang River. Crossing the bridge over to the beach is a special experience.

Fulong is also known for Hohaiyan Rock Festival , a free music festival that is held on the beach every summer, as well as the ultra impressive Fulong Sand Sculpture Festival (see my kids in photo above), usually held from summer to fall.

Note that there is a NTD100 entry fee for the beach ($10 for kids), which includes the use of showers and changing rooms. If you don’t want to pay, head to the free beach at Fulong, which is in front of the Fulong Seaside Park.

When in town, don’t miss the chance to try a Fulong Bento Box (福隆便當), the most famous lunchbox in all of Taiwan. Fullon chain’s Fulong Hotel is a great, family-friendly hotel suitable for a weekend getaway.

Getting from Taipei to Fulong Beach: Trains from Taipei to Fulong take approximately 60-90 minutes and depart regularly throughout the day.

Alternatively, Fulong is the final stop on the Gold Fulong Tourist Shuttle Bus (#856), free with a Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass , which beans you could also potentially visit Jiufen, Golden Waterfall, or Longdong on the same day.

Caoling Historic Trail

Lonely Planet Taiwan once said, “If you can only do one hike in Taiwan, make it this one.” That is a pretty bold statement, as there are so many incredible hikes in Taiwan, but there’s no denying that the Caoling Historic Trail (草嶺古道) is a spectacular one. The hike takes 3-4 hours to complete, and you can start or finish your hike at Fulong Beach (#22).

The trail was built in 1807 and was once the only route between Danshui and Yilan . The main features of the trail are awesome sea views and slopes covered in silvergrass in November in Taiwan , when it becomes very crowded.

For a more intense hike that includes incredible coastal bluffs and grazing buffalo, you can add the lesser-known Taoyuan Valley Trail (桃源谷步道) to the end of your hike, making for a full day of hiking.

Getting from Taipei to Caoling Historic Trail: You can either start the trail from Fulong on one side, or Dali (a stop on the local train line) on the other side. If you continue on to Taoyuan Valley, you will come out around Daxi train station.

Taipei Day Trips to the South

My recommended day trips from Taipei to the south begin right next to Shenkeng (#11) and Shiding (#12), but I had to draw a line between east and south somewhere!

We begin with Pinglin and Wulai districts of New Taipei City, then head to Yilan County on the east coast of Taiwan , and finally to destinations much further south.

Are you a tea geek, or want to learn more about Taiwan’s unique tea culture ? Then head directly to Pinglin. This district of New Taipei City is home to one of the world’s largest tea museums, and is famous for its delicately melon-flavored Baozhong tea.

Start in Pinglin village, where you can spend some time in Pinglin Tea Museum . Next, hop on a bike and cycle the Beishi Creek Fish Watching Trail (北勢溪觀魚步道) past picturesque tea fields. Before heading back to Taipei, dine at one of several tea-themed restaurants, which specialize in all manner of tea-infused dishes, or check out the town’s little Old Street.

For something really special, head to Shiding Bagua Tea Plantation (石碇八卦茶園), an incredibly beautiful terraced tea plantation with Fei-ts’ui (Feicui) Reservoir in the background (see photo above). The Thousand-Island Lake (千島湖) viewpoint is also nearby.

Getting from Taipei to Pinglin: Take bus 923 or Green 12 from Xindian MRT station in Taipei. The buses run roughly every hour.

Shiding Bagua Tea Plantation and Thousand-Island Lake viewpoint are not easy to get to. If you get off at the right stop on the Xindian to Pinglin bus, you can walk down to them. Alternatively, join this tea-focused day tour from Taipei and don’t worry about how to get there.

Wulai Hot Spring Village

Directly south of Taipei, Wulai district (烏來區), New Taipei City is yet another area that offers an eclectic mix of activities to enjoy on a day trip from Taipei, including hot springs, river tracing, a great day market, and aboriginal culture. See here for my full guide to Wulai District .

In fact, Wulai is the closest aboriginal village to Taipei, home to the Atayal (Taiya) people, famous for their facial tattooing. Arriving at Wulai, you can first peek into the free Wulai Aboriginal Museum before exploring Wulai Old Street , with its countless aboriginal snacks and millet wine ( xiaomijiu or 小米酒).

Next, cross the river and take your pick of the numerous private hot spring facilities (what’s left of the free ones along the river are no longer worth visiting). From there you can either walk or ride the small train to Wulai Falls , the highest in Northern Taiwan at 80 meters. There’s a cable car to the top of the falls, and this is also a great spot to see cherry blossoms in spring.

For those interested in river tracing, one of the best routes in northern Taiwan is found at Jiajiuliao Stream (加九寮溪). It includes an awesome rock waterslide that can’t be missed (yep, that’s me in the photo above!) Make sure to bring appropriate river tracing gear and never go alone.

Getting to Wulai: Bus 849 from Xindian MRT station leaves about once every 15 minutes and takes 45 minutes to reach Wulai Old Street.

For Jiajiuliao Stream stream, get off at Chenggong (成功) stop, walk down the hill and across Jiajiuliao Suspension Bridge. The trail to the river begins a few minutes past the road on the left. You’ll want to walk a ways up the trail before getting into the river.

Wai Ao Beach, Yilan

If you’d like to check out the surf scene in Taiwan, Wai Ao (外澳) in Yilan County is the best place in northern Taiwan (in the south of Taiwan, head to Dulan ).

Wai Ao is a little further away then other Taipei beaches, but if you make the journey, you won’t regret it. The scenery here and view looking out at Turtle Island (Guishan Island or 龜山島) is just a taste of what lies further to the south around Taroko Gorge (#29).

The waves aren’t too wild at Wai Ao, so it’s a great place to learn how to surf. You can rent a board nearby from the shops facing the beach.

Getting from Taipei to Wai Ao: The local train from Taipei to Wai Ao takes about 2 hours. From tiny Wai Ao station, walk to the water and head to the right side of the beach for the surfing area.

Jiaoxi Hot Springs, Yilan

Visiting Jiaoxi (Jiaosi or 礁溪) is my personal favorite of all the things to do in Yilan , and one of the best hot spring towns that is easily accessible from Taipei. Compared to Beitou in Taipei City, it is cheaper and has better choices for public (mixed sex) springs and for kids. Read my detailed guide to Jiaoxi Hot Spring here .

I’ve been to Jiaoxi at least a dozen times, and we almost always go to the same two hot spring spas: Chuan Tang Spa ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ) or Art Spa Hotel ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ). There are other better places to stay in Jiaoxi, but these have the best hot spring facilities.

Both of them have dozens of different tubs, some with relaxing scents and colorful water. They also have scented steamrooms, play areas for young kids, and Art Spa Hotel even has a tall hot water slide (best for older kids only).

Jiaoxi also has a great easy hiking trail to Wufengqi Waterfall (五峰旗瀑布), a short taxi ride from town, or the longer and lesser-known (but more beautiful) hike to Yuemeikeng Falls (月眉坑瀑布, pictured above).

Another awesome thing to do in Jiaoxi is eat Japanese food while soaking your feet in hot water, or drink local craft beer (there’s even a green algae one) in Tangweigou Hot Spring Park (湯圍溝溫泉公園).

Getting from Taipei to Jiaoxi: While the train from Taipei to Jiaoxi is more reliable, the bus that departs from the indoor bus terminal at Taipei City Hall MRT is often faster (so long as the traffic isn’t too bad) and unlike the train, you are guaranteed a seat.

Kavalan Distillery, Yilan

Did you know that Taiwan makes some of the best whiskeys in the world? Kavalan Distillery, located in Yilan County , has won gold medals at the World Whiskies Awards for several years running.

Tours of the facility are free, including a whiskey sample at the end. You’ll just have to find your way there! The tours are in Mandarin, but you can contact them to arrange an English tour in advance.

A more interesting option is to make your own bottle of whiskey on this English guided tour . If you’d like to do this but without the tour from Taipei, you can also book it by contacting Kavalan directly. They sometimes take a while to reply.

If you’re in the area and also like beer, don’t miss Jim & Dad’s Brewing Company , which do excellent brews made unique with local, seasonal ingredients.

Getting from Taipei to Kavalan Distillery: If you don’t have your own wheels, your best bet would be to take the bus or train to Yilan station and then hop in a cab (about 20 minutes).

Taroko Gorge, Hualien

You’d have to be a little bit crazy to do this, but it’s possible to do a day trip to Taroko Gorge from Taipei. Taroko Gorge is Taiwan’s premier scenic attraction. You can see my guide to Taroko Gorge here and my guide to other amazing things to do in Hualien County .

It is pretty normal to visit Taroko Gorge in one long day if you’re staying in the area, but adding a 2 to 3-hour train ride EACH WAY from Taipei makes it an extremely long day.

Still, it can be done! If you don’t want to figure out the logistics on your own (and risk the chance of not getting train tickets, arranging transport to Taroko Gorge after you arrive, etc.), this day tour from Taipei has transportation included.

Alternatively, you can forget about trying to get train tickets, and just fly from Taipei to Hualien , then start your Taroko tour from there.

Getting from Taipei to Taroko Gorge: See my guide to Taroko Gorge for all the details.

Lion’s Head Mountain

Hopping from the east coast over to the west coast of Taiwan, Lion’s Head Mountain (Shitoushan or 獅頭山) will appeal to those looking to get off the beaten track and have a little adventure getting there. See my guide to Lion’s Head Mountain here .

Lion’s Head Mountain is a small mountain covered in Buddhist and Taoist cave temples connected by a network of hiking trails. The mountain straddles Hsinchu and Miaoli counties.

Nearby Nanzhuang has an atmospheric Old Street in Hakka country.

Getting from Taipei to Lion’s Head Mountain: Plan for a long day getting there and back, which can include a fantastic scooter ride or a few buses. See all the details in my full guide to Lion’s Head Mountain linked above.

Miaoli County

Miaoli County (苗栗縣) is the kind of place you go after you’ve been everywhere else in Taiwan, and it becomes your new favorite.

Internationally recognized for its “slow living, slow travel” towns, Miaoli is a predominantly Hakka county. It’s best to have your own wheels to explore its various attractions, but if you are determined, you can visit most of them by public transport as well, even as day trips from Taipei.

Some of the most popular attractions in Miaoli include strawberry picking at Dahu (see photo of my daughter above), Tai’An hot spring , Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum , Remains of Longteng Bridge , and Flying Cow Ranch .

Getting from Taipei to Miaoli: Regular trains, buses, and the high speed rail provide access to Miaoli, but you’ll have to look up transportation for each sight on consult my guide to Miaoli .

Taichung & Sun Moon Lake

Taichung (台中) is Taiwan’s second largest city by population (after New Taipei City), and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for visitors thanks to its unique museums, great dining choices, and art-oriented attractions.

Only two hours by train/bus, or one hour on the high speed rail from Taipei, it is perfectly feasible to do a day trip to Taichung from Taipei.

Some of the top sights in Taichung include Rainbow Village , 921 Earthquake Museum , Feng Chia Night Market , and more. See my guide to Taichung for more details.

If you end up staying longer in Taichung, also see my articles on how to plan a Taichung itinerary and the best day trips from Taichung .

Sun Moon Lake (日月潭) is one of Taiwan’s most famous attractions. It’s actually in Nantou County, but most people get there from Taichung. Although it’s best to stay overnight at Sun Moon Lake, it can be done as a day trip from Taichung , and if you really want to squeeze it in, as a day trip from Taipei.

See my full guide to Sun Moon Lake , as well as my article on the best Sun Moon Lake tours , whether to get the Sun Moon Lake Pass , and Sun Moon Lake tea .

Getting from Taipei to Taichung and Sun Moon Lake: Regular buses and trains connect Taipei to Taichung station. Taichung’s High Speed Rail station is a little out of the town center, but can be convenient for reaching certain attractions.

The shuttle bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake takes around 90 minutes, while Kuo-Kuang bus 1833 travels several times per day from Taipei Bus Station directly to Sun Moon Lake (about 4 hours).

Alishan (阿里山) is Taiwan’s most popular mountain resort. It is famous for its high mountain teas, the Alishan Forest Railway, ancient trees, and sunrises over seas of clouds. See my detailed guide to Alishan and surrounding areas .

Like Taroko Gorge and Sun Moon Lake, it is a little crazy to do Alishan as a day trip from Taipei, but it is certainly possible. All you have to do is start really early, and consult my detailed guide to getting from Taipei to Alishan .

One problem with this is that it will be impossible to see the sunrise without spending the night at Alishan. But one solution is that you can take an overnight bus from Taipei to Alishan, which gets there early enough to catch the sunrise.

Getting from Taipei to Alishan: See my detailed Alishan transportation guide for all the juicy details. Here’s the link for the overnight bus from Taipei to Alishan , which departs Taipei Bus Station once per week on Friday evening only and takes about 6 hours.

Taipei Day Trips to the West

Heading west on a day trip from Taipei, culture lovers are going to find the most possibilities, from fascinating temples to pottery towns, while going a little further will bring you to fishing harbors and natural attractions, not to mention Northern Taiwan’s most famous amusement park.

At the last stop, we will come full circle at Bali on the Northwest coast, across the river from Beitou, Yangmingshan, and Danshui.

Banqiao and Xinzhuang

These two dense suburbs of New Taipei City are looked over by most tourists. However, having lived in Banqiao (板橋) for five years and Xinzhuang (新莊) for six years, I think they are worth visiting for anyone who’s got a little more time in Taiwan or wants to get off the beaten track!

Banqiao is the seat of the New Taipei City government, and feels as developed as Taipei. If you happen to be in town during Christmas, don’t miss Christmasland , the over-the-top Christmas lights display at Banqiao Station Plaza. Other notable sights in Banqiao include the Lin Family Mansion (entrance fee covered by Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass ), Nanya Night Market , and 435 Art District .

When I first moved to Xinzhuang to live with my wife’s family, there was no MRT access, so it really felt far away from (and more traditional than) Taipei. The yellow branch of the MRT opened it up a little, but it still has a crustier edge to it.

One reason to make the journey would be to visit Xinzhuang Temple Street (pictured above), a street with a handful of temples that predate even some of the oldest in Taipei. In the evening, the street is closed off to traffic and becomes a night market. See more details in my guide to the best night markets around Taipei .

Near Xinzhuang Temle Street, picturesque, pedestrian only Crescent Bridge (新月橋) connects Xinzhuang to Banqiao a few steps away from 435 Art District, meaning you can easily visit both districts in one day.

Getting from Taipei to Banqiao and Xinzhuang: Banqiao station is on the blue MRT line and also has a train and HSR station. Xinzhuang is on the yellow line and takes slightly longer to reach from the city center.

Going further west into New Taipei city, Sanxia district (Sansia, Sanhsia or 三峽) is famous for Sanxia Old Street , a beautifully restored street of red brick buildings.

Besides exploring the Old Street and doing some serious snacking, you can’t miss Qingshui Zushi Temple (清水祖師廟), one of the most beautiful temples in Northern Taiwan .

It makes sense to combine a trip to Sanxia with Yingge, which is a short taxi ride away.

Sanxia District is also home to what is perhaps the most notorious hike in the greater Taipei area: Wuliaojian Trail (五寮尖). The hike features heartstopping terrain such as rope ladders straddling vertical cliffs, mountain-top ridges, and more.

No equipment or expertise is needed beyond basic trekking experience, but this is definitely a thrilling hike that adventure lovers (like my happy little crew of friends above) can’t miss!

Getting from Taipei to Sanxia: There are numerous buses to Sanxia depending on where you are coming from in Taipei. Use GoogleMaps for this one! Taxis from Sanxia to Yingge only take about 10 minutes.

Yingge Pottery Street

Sanxia’s neighbor, Yingge (鶯歌) is Taiwan’s undisputed center of pottery. The Yinngge Old Street (also known as Yingge Ceramics Street) has literally hundreds of shops and studios devoted to pottery and ceramics. See my guide to Yingge Pottery Street here .

You can find anything here, from cheap functional ware and tea sets to stunning artwork. The Yingge Ceramics Museum (新北市立鶯歌陶瓷博物館) is one of the best museums in Taiwan, and there are a few historic kilns in town that you can enter.

Getting from Taipei to Yingge: Regular trains from Taipei to Yingge take 20-35 minutes and depart frequently. If you’ve got the energy, you can also hire a bike at the Xinzhuang side of Crescent Bridge (see #34) and cycle to Yingge in about 30 minutes.

Daxi District, Taoyuan

Taoyuan, known mainly to outsiders for the Taoyuan International Airport, is almost totally ignored by international visitors. It isn’t all just urban sprawl though; there are certainly some attractions that are worth the day trip from Taipei, and parts of Taoyuan are known for their Hakka culture (see my Taoyuan city guide for more info).

Daxi district (大溪區, not to be confused with Daxi village on the east coast, see #23) has a handful of such attractions. Start with Daxi Old Street , which is especially known for its dried tofu (豆乾). Hakka dishes can also be sampled there.

Next, Cihu Mausoleum (慈湖陵寝) is one of the country’s most bizarre museums. Near the mausoleum where Chiang Kai-shek, the former ruler of Taiwan, is interred, hundreds of old Chiang Kai-shek statues from all over Taiwan have been placed in an expansive field.

Shimen Reservoir (石門水庫) is yet another great sight in the area. Along with Feicui Reservoir in Pinglin (#24), the reservoir provides water to millions of people in Taipei and Northern Taiwan. The reservoir is quite beautiful, and many locals like to visit after heavy rains to see water shooting out from certain spots in the dam.

Longtan District (龍潭) is yet another place worth visiting, where you can check out Window on World Theme Park (小人國主題樂園), the Taiwan Baseball Hall of Fame (棒球名人堂), biking trails around Longtan Lake, and the many seafood restaurants on Fish Street (活魚街). Thank you to a reader who lives in Longtan for making these last few suggestions!

Last but not least, the Xiao Wulai Waterfall and Sky Walk (小烏來瀑布/小烏來天空步道, photo above with my son) nearby is worth the trip if you’ve got your own wheels. It’s in Taoyuan’s Fuxing district, but near the above-mentioned sights in Daxi District.

Getting from Taipei to Daxi: It’s tough but possible to fit the first three sights into one day-trip from Taipei by public transportation.

For Daxi Old Street, take the regular train from Taipei Main Station to Taoyuan then transfer to bus 5096 to Daxi. Alternatively, take the MRT to Yongning Station then hop on bus 710, which takes 30-40 min to reach Daxi Old Street.

From Daxi, you can get to Cihu Mausoleum and Shimen Reservoir on Zhongli Bus 501 (you’ll need to head in different directions from Daxi for each one). The bus only runs about once per hour.

Leofoo Village Amusement Park

Leofoo Village (Liufu Cun or 六福村) in Hsinchu County is possibly the most popular amusement parks in Taiwan , and definitely the easiest one to get to from Taipei.

What began as a wildlife safari has now expanded to include four themed areas with 60+ rides, a large water park, and Leofoo Resort ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ), a hotel with rooms overlooking giraffes and other large animals. Besides the safari train still in operation, the park has one of only 300 white tigers in the world.

Make sure to buy your Leofoo Village theme park ticket online for a huge discount, or this deal that includes the shuttle bus from Taipei .

Getting from Taipei to Leofoo Village: This deal includes entrance ticket plus transportation from Taipei Main Station and Ximending, or this one includes entrance and the shuttle bus from Jingan, Songshan Airport, or Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT).

Yong An Fishing Harbor

Seafood lovers looking for another totally off-the-beaten-track day trip from Taipei can head to YongAn Fishing Harbor (永安漁港) on the coast of Taoyuan.

Like so many other fishing markets in Taiwan, you will be greeted with seemingly unlimited seafood choices, any of which you can purchase and have prepared for you at numerous restaurants on site.

There’s also a lovely pier and colorful (if a little run down) pedestrian bridge. But the real beauty of this spot is that I can almost guarantee you will be the only foreign visitor when you go.

Getting to Yong An Fishing Harbor: The downside is that it’s not super easy to get here by public transportation. Start by taking the regular train from Taipei to Zhongli in Taoyuan, then board Taoyuan bus 505 to Yong An Harbor.

Congratulations if you’ve read this far! For the final entry, we are going not to Bali—not the tropical island in Indonesia, but Bali district (八里區), New Taipei City, Taiwan.

While just about every tourist in Taiwan has Danshui (#3) on their radar, few realize that there is a similar promenade on the other side of the river, called Bali Old Street (八里渡船頭老街). There you’ll find all kinds of delicious treats and great views, minus the foreign tourists (but still lots of local ones).

Bali is dominated by Guanyin Mountain (觀音山), part of the same massif as Yangming Mountain (#2) across the river. The Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology is also located in Bali and the entrance fee is covered by the Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass .

Getting from Taipei to Bali: The easiest way is to start your day at Danshui, then take one of the regular ferries across the river. You can even swipe your EasyCard or to board the ferry.

Well, you deserve a pat on the back if you’ve read all the way to here. I’d love to hear what your favorite day trips from Taipei are, so please comment below if I missed your favorite one!

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7 thoughts on “40 Day Trips from Taipei You Can’t Miss”

We’re planning a trip to Taipei and we’re super excited.

We want to do a day trip to Yehliu, Shifen and Juifen. We’re considering hiring a driver since we’d love to see Juifen at night.

Another option we’re considering is using the Unlimited Fun Pass to get to these spots during the day and then at night say 6 or 7pm take a taxi back to Taipei. Would it be possible to get a taxi in Juifen at night? Or do things die down quite a bit as the sun sets?

Hey Ruan, thanks for your message and questions! One good thing to note is that the sun goes down quite early in Taiwan (usually 5:30 or so), and things tend to stay very alive in the evening. 100% safe as well! Jiufen is busiest during the day, but it’s such a popular place that there can still be quite a few people after dark. One option you didn’t mention is taking the bus back from Jiufen after dark, either from Jiufen to Ruifang for the train, or the bus all the way back to Taipei. The buses run late, and this is certain a doable option. Hiring a driver for the day is a decent way to hit all three spots in a day and not have to worry about catching buses, if you don’t mind the cost. If you decide to grab a cab from Jiufen at the end of the day, I’m pretty certain they will be easy to find even around that time. It would be a little pricey if you caught it all the way back to Taipei, but I can also understand the feeling of just wanting to sit in a quiet car at the end of a long day.

Hello, thanks to some new bus routes(actually they have operated for more than two years) now it’s super easy to get to Daxi and some other places in Taoyuan City. First, you take MRT to Dingpu on blue line, it takes about 20 minutes from Taipei Main Station, after that, you take bus no.710 and you will arrive at the old Street in 30 to 40 minutes. As you can see on the map, MRT Dingpu station is just next to a Interchange of Freeway no.3. Therefore, several new bus routes started services these days and made Dingpu station like a little hub for passengers who want to go to Taoyuan city. Bus no.709 for Longtan/Pingzhen District, 710 for Daxi, 712 to Longtan as well, 713/715 to different parts of Bade District. Also, I have to correct that Daxi is not a typical Hakka area. Although Taoyuan City is famous for Hakka culture. However the Hakka people mainly live in southern Taoyuan. Taoyuan City actually divided into three parts when it comes to ethnic groups. Northern Taoyuan(Hoklo/Hokkien/Minnan): Taoyuan, Bade, Guishan, Luzhu, Daxi, Dayuan, Southern Taoyuan(Hakka): Zhongli, Pingzhen, Yangmei, Longtan, Guanyin, Xinwu and lots of aboriginals live in Fuxing. Hence, I would say Daxi is a place for dried Tofu(really tasty!) instead of Hakka cuisine. It doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy Hakka dishes there but there are better places for that in my opinion. And again, the phenomenon shows how diverse and complicated the small island Taiwan is. I live in Longtan, where Taoyuan Hakka Culture Hall located, as well as several bike paths near Longtan Lake, Window on China, Taiwan Baseball Hall of Fame and a part of Shihmen Reservoir. People often have fish dishes when they visit the reservoir and we even have a street called “fish street(活魚街)” because there are so many restaurants on the street! Longtan really has to be on the list and I could write a introduction for my hometown if you think it can be on the list, too.

Thank you so much for this useful local information! I have added some of your suggestions to the article, so hopefully more visitors will be inspired to visit Taoyuan! Sorry about my slow response here, and thanks again!

Sorry, it should be Yongning Station, not Dingpu. What I really wanted to say is take a MRT train head for Dingpu and get off at Yongning Station.

Great blog – super helpful!

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Taiwanese Are Told to Avoid China After It Threatens Independence Backers

Beijing released new rules calling for execution of “diehard” Taiwanese independence supporters, as hostilities surrounding Taiwan’s status rise.

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By Eve Sampson

Taiwan raised its warning level for travel to China on Thursday, urging its citizens not to visit there unless necessary after Beijing spelled out potential punishments — including execution in extreme cases — for what it called “diehard supporters of Taiwanese independence.”

China regards Taiwan, a democratically governed island of 23 million about 100 miles off the mainland coast, as its territory. It demands that Taiwan ultimately accept unification and has long denounced Taiwanese who oppose its claims to the island.

Last week, China turned up the pressure, issuing legal guidelines that detailed the steps it might take to punish supporters of Taiwanese self-rule. They came as tensions between U.S.-backed Taiwan and China ratchet ever higher. Last month, Taiwan swore in a new president, Lai Ching-te, who has vowed to preserve democracy on the island and is denounced by Beijing.

The new rules adopted by China authorize execution for what it describes as exceptionally severe cases of Taiwanese separatism, though the language stops short of saying exactly what actions might constitute a severe offense.

In response , Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, which deals with policy toward the mainland, said Beijing had “raised the risk to personal safety for nationals traveling to China, Hong Kong and Macau” by “clinging to its own position” on Taiwan.

The new president, Mr. Lai, criticized the new rules. “China has no right to sanction Taiwanese people for their political opinions or pursue prosecution across borders,” he said on social media earlier this week. “Democracy is not a crime; autocracy is what’s truly malicious.”

Mr. Lai called on China to engage in dialogue, and has stopped short of calling for Taiwanese independence. He says he wants to preserve the status quo, with Taiwan enjoying autonomous governance.

Beijing, however, has denounced Mr. Lai, declaring him a separatist and greeting his new government with inflammatory rhetoric and a flurry of military exercises near the island.

Despite Beijing’s escalating antagonism and its military muscle-flexing, many Taiwanese appear sanguine. A recent poll showed that most people on the island believe that the United States would intervene should China invade, but some question whether Washington and their own government have nettled Beijing needlessly.

Beijing has a history of detaining people linked to Taiwan.

In 2023, a Taiwanese-based Chinese citizen, Li Yanhe , who published books critical of the Chinese Communist Party, was charged with crimes against national security. And in 2022, a democracy advocate, Li Ming-che, was released after serving five years in Chinese prison over accusations of subverting the government.

A generational gap in travel has also emerged among Taiwanese, fraying ties to the mainland. A 2023 poll showed that travelers over 40 years old were much more likely to visit China than their younger counterparts, who were more likely to visit Japan.

Taiwan urges citizens to avoid travel to China, Hong Kong and Macao following Beijing threats

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan has urged its citizens to avoid travel to China and the semi-autonomous Chinese territories of Hong Kong and Macao following threats from Beijing to execute supporters of the self-governing island democracy’s independence.

Spokesperson and deputy head of the Mainland Affairs Council Liang Wen-chieh issued the advisory at a news conference Thursday.

That came amid growing threats from China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory to be annexed by force if necessary.

China’s threat to hunt down and execute “hardcore” Taiwan independence supporters follows the election of Lai Ching-te of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party as president. China has refused all contact with Taiwan’s government since the election in 2016 of former president Tsai Ing-wen of the DPP, who refused to endorse Beijing's demand that Taiwan recognizes itself as a part of China, seen as a prelude to political unification between the sides.

“In response to the new guidelines related to the so-called ‘secession crime,’ the government has the responsibility to remind citizens that there are genuine risks involved" in such visits, Liang said. The government is not banning visits, but those that do travel should not express political opinions or carry books or post online about topics that the authoritarian Communist Party would use to detain and potentially prosecute them.

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Hundreds of thousands of Taiwanese live in China or travel their for business, tourism or family visits each year. China has also hosted visits by local Taiwanese officials and leaders of the opposition Nationalist Party, which backs eventual unification between the sides.

The sides operate direct flights and mainland Chinese are permitted to visit, although Beijing has severely restricted tourism to the island as a means of bringing economic pressure on the government in addition to its threatening military exercises and the daily deployment of warships and military planes around the island.

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