To explore Taiwan’s most underrated treasures, you’ll need to venture beyond the neon lights of the capital, Taipei. Paint the town red at a bustling night market, learn about the culture of the Indigenous peoples, or zoom off for some island-hopping on a scooter – this country is full of places that will take your breath away, if you know where to look.
For Romancing & Bike-Riding: Sun Moon Lake
It doesn’t get much more idyllic than this alpine lake in central Taiwan, which appears to take the shape of a round sun and a crescent moon. One of the official Eight Views of Taiwan, the lake is bordered by a landmark pagoda and various temples, as well as museums, a panoramic cable car and even a butterfly garden. For extra romance, don’t miss the hazy, dreamlike sunrise over the water each morning.
Our Tip: Rent a bike and cycle the Huanhu Bikeway, which circles the lake. Frequently included in lists of the world’s most beautiful cycling trails, this 30km route takes around four hours to complete – so plan to make a day of it with stops for photos and local Ita Thao cuisine.
For Island-Hopping & Road-Tripping: Penghu
If your idea of a holiday includes beaches and water sports, look no further than the Penghu Islands, an archipelago of 90 islets located in the Taiwan Strait and reachable by domestic flight from Taipei Songshan Airport. Penghu is the perfect island-hopping destination, best explored by boat or on a road trip, driving along the bridges connecting the four main islands in a car or on a scooter. Stay in one of the archipelago’s charming guesthouses; if you’re lucky, you may even experience traditional bedding.
Our Tip: Savour plenty of fresh seafood and prickly pear ice cream, and don’t miss the traditional houses at Erkan Historical Village and Wang’an Island, which whisk you off on a journey through time.
For Night Markets & Bubble Tea: Taichung
Taiwan’s second-largest city is home to a host of historic sights, but it is perhaps best known for its bustling culinary scene – and for the iconic Fengjia Night Market. Sample spicy hotpot and noodle soups bursting with umami, or go to town on the market’s famous soup dumplings (xiao long bao – here is how to eat them). Feeling adventurous? Try the popular stinky tofu, washed down with freshly made bubble tea. Chun Shui Tang, one of the two Taiwanese tea houses that claims to have invented this trendy drink, is located here (the other, Hanlin Tea Room, is in Tainan).
Our Tip: When ordering bubble tea, you will be asked to specify two metrics: your preferred sweetness level (we recommend 10-30% at most) and ice level (go for low ice if you don’t like diluted tea).
For Tantalising Treats & Magical Vibes: Jiufen
Calling all fans of fantasy and anime: the atmospheric alleys and coastal seascapes of this must-see hillside destination, about an hour from Taipei, are rumoured to have inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. Peruse the teeming Old Street market, as you nibble on delicacies like taro balls and peanut ice cream rolls, before retreating to a century-old teahouse to sip a cuppa while gazing at the East China Sea. When dusk falls, Jiufen transforms, as hundreds of red lanterns illuminate the village’s narrow streets.
Our Tip: Stay overnight to breathe in the magic and escape the daytime crowds.
For Misty Mountains & Oolong Tea: Alishan
Discover the beguiling landscapes of Alishan, a mist-veiled wonderland forested with 2,000-year-old giant red cypress trees and blessed with grand spectacles at the start and end of each day: here, breathtaking sunsets are upstaged only by a unique phenomenon referred to as “sea of clouds” – when a thick curtain of mist reflects the sunlight at dawn. After taking in the sights, taste the region’s high-mountain oolong tea and catch the panoramic Alishan Forest Railway to visit quaint local villages.
Our Tip: Learn about the Tsou, the Indigenous people of the Alishan region, and attend one of their traditional festivals held throughout the year.
For Foodie Delights & Coastal Calm: Kaohsiung
If we had to sum up Taiwan’s food scene in two words, they would be: night markets. We know, Taiwanese cuisine is much broader and more diverse than that (case in point: the glorious breakfast culture), but night markets offer a particularly vibrant atmosphere in which to sample the country’s specialities – and you will want to visit them every evening. In Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s third-largest city, you’ll find more than ten different markets to choose from, each with its own delicacies. Plus, there’s the incredible seafood and impressive dining repertoire that includes four Michelin-starred restaurants and 24 Bib Gourmand eateries. Not too bad, right?
Our Tip: Hop on over to Cijin Island, which – with its tropical beaches, delicious coastal fare and maritime landmarks (lighthouse, fort, etc.) – makes for a relaxed day trip.
For Island Adventure & Beach Bumming: Lüdao
Nature lovers, look no further: Lüdao, also dubbed ‘Green Island’, is exactly what it says on the tin. With its lush landscapes, small fishing villages and white-sand beaches, Lüdao is the perfect escape if all you’re after is a tranquil holiday with a side of island adventure. Hike up to one of the island’s many viewpoints, book a snorkelling excursion, go stand-up paddleboarding or take a scuba-diving tour. Whatever you do, don’t forget to schedule some downtime by the beach, or to visit Zhaori Hot Spring – one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world.
Our Tip: Try the fried flying fish, a speciality of nearby Orchid Island that’s also popular in Lüdao.
For Natural Wonders & Traditional Comforts: Hualien County
Eastern Taiwan is another ideal destination for nature lovers, and Hualien is a superb base from which to start. Mostly known as the starting point for visiting Taroko Gorge (now only partially reopened after the 2024 earthquake), the city and its surroundings – boasting mountains, beaches and friendly vibes – are still worth a trip in their own right.
Rent a bike and cycle down to Qixingtan Beach, book a two-day tour to the nearby hot springs, or visit Liyu Lake for stand-up paddleboarding and breathtaking views. The county is also home to the Amis people, Taiwan’s largest Indigenous ethnic group; you can experience their culture through local guided tours. Hualien is also one of the best places to stay in a minsu, one of the typical Taiwanese guesthouses notable for their cosy atmosphere and home-cooked meals.
Our Tip: Take a slower train from Taipei to Hualien, such as the Chu-Kuang Express or the Tze-Chiang Limited Express, to revel in the vistas.
