Taiwan is a captivating island where you can experience towering mountains, expansive coastlines, vibrant cities, and indigenous cultures—all within a short travel distance.
This guide to the Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations in Taiwan is thoughtfully organized by theme, covering natural wonders, local lifestyles, indigenous traditions, spiritual landmarks, and tranquil alpine escapes.
Each spot is a timeless favorite, praised by travelers from around the world as a “bucket list destination” in Taiwan.
Whether you’re visiting Taiwan for the first time or rekindling your passion for travel, this comprehensive guide offers the most rewarding routes and experiences to help you explore the island like never before.
In Taiwan, just a few hours of driving can transport you from urban streets to breathtaking mountain landscapes wrapped in clouds and serenity. For travelers who crave both challenge and tranquility, Yushan and Alishan stand as the two iconic peaks among Taiwan’s most renowned natural attractions.
Yushan National Park
︱A Pilgrimage to Taiwan’s Roof – Towering Peaks × Hiking Adventure × Biodiversity
If reaching new heights is on your bucket list, Yushan (Mount Jade) is a must. As the tallest mountain in Taiwan—rising to 3,952 meters—Yushan is known as the “Summit of East Asia.”
The well-maintained trails, starting from the Tataka Trailhead, lead hikers through alpine meadows, fir forests, and the habitats of rare highland birds, making it a perfect blend of physical challenge and ecological immersion.
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Alishan Forest Recreation Area
︱Where Culture Meets Nature – Sunrise Views × Heritage Railways × Sacred Trees
Unlike the rugged majesty of Yushan, Alishan enchants with its gentle forests and timeless atmosphere.
Entering the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, visitors are welcomed not only by breathtaking sunrises above a sea of clouds, but also by ancient cypress trees, misty cherry blossom trails, and the nostalgic forest railway that winds its way up from Chiayi.
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Recommended Cultural Experiences in Taiwan
Beitou Hot Spring District
︱A Geothermal Escape of History and Healing – Japanese Colonial Heritage × Thermal Valley × Spa Culture
Hidden within the bustling city of Taipei lies Beitou, a steamy hillside retreat famous for its hot springs. As one of Taiwan’s most iconic spa destinations, Beitou offers more than just a relaxing soak—it invites you into a world where culture and wellness intersect.
Historic bathhouses like the Beitou Hot Spring Museum and Plum Garden (Mei Ting) reflect the elegance of Japanese-era architecture, while the bubbling Thermal Valley creates an otherworldly landscape perfect for strolls and photography.
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Jiji Branch Railway & Countryside Stroll
︱A Slow Journey Through Time – Rural Nantou × Nostalgic Railways × Scenic Greenways
Visiting Jiji feels like stepping into a time capsule where the rhythms of rural Taiwan remain untouched.
This historic branch line in Nantou County is more than a mode of transportation—it’s a living memory of Taiwan’s mid-20th century countryside.
From the charming Jiji Old Street and Mingxin Academy to the Military History Park and the leafy Green Tunnel, every step is a stroll through a bygone era.
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Maokong Tea Plantations & Gondola
︱A Tea Culture Experience on the City’s Edge – Taipei Suburbs × Artisan Tea × Scenic Cable Car
Hop on the Maokong Gondola and rise above Taipei’s bustling streets into a world of tranquil greenery and terraced tea fields.
Maokong isn’t just about scenic views—it’s a gateway to Taiwan’s living tea culture.
Whether you’re sipping oolong in a hillside teahouse, observing traditional tea processing, or enjoying panoramic sunset views over the city, Maokong offers a multisensory experience that nourishes both body and soul.
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Chung Tai Chan Monastery
Chung Tai Chan Monastery
︱A Modern Architectural Marvel of Eastern Zen – Buddhist Serenity × Sacred Art × Spiritual Design
Located in Puli, Nantou, Chung Tai Chan Monastery was founded by Venerable Master Wei Chueh, a disciple of the renowned Master Hsing Yun of Fo Guang Shan.
This towering temple complex blends the elegance of Zen Buddhism with modern minimalist architecture. Its main structure rises like a granite spire into the clouds, while the interior reveals expansive white halls adorned with intricate Buddhist sculptures and sacred artworks.More than just a place of worship, Chung Tai has become a pilgrimage site for architecture enthusiasts, photographers, and spiritual travelers alike.
Visitors are welcomed into a serene, orderly space where you can appreciate sacred statues, attend public Dharma talks, practice sitting meditation, or stroll along peaceful Zen walkways—offering a moment of deep inner reflection during your journey.
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Indigenous Culture Experiences in Taiwan
When travel goes beyond sightseeing and becomes a way to connect with the soul of a land, stepping into an indigenous village becomes the key to unlocking Taiwan’s cultural heartbeat.
Maolin and Lanyu represent two distinct yet equally authentic expressions of Taiwan’s indigenous heritage—raw, rooted, and deeply moving.
Maolin National Scenic Area
︱Home of the Purple Butterflies and Indigenous Traditions – Bunun & Rukai Tribes × Ecological Sanctuaries
Located in the northeastern corner of Kaohsiung, Maolin is Taiwan’s only national scenic area built around indigenous culture.
From November to March, tens of thousands of purple crow butterflies gather here to overwinter—creating the awe-inspiring “Butterfly Valley,” one of the most stunning natural spectacles in East Asia.
Yet Maolin is more than a biodiversity hotspot. It is also home to the Bunun and Rukai tribes, where travelers can join guided tours to explore traditional slate houses, artisan workshops, and even participate in archery demonstrations and tribal dance rituals, offering a rare chance to engage with living cultural heritage.
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Lanyu (Orchid Island)
︱Where Austronesian Roots Begin – Offshore Island Life × Traditional Architecture × Diving Paradise
Lanyu, or Orchid Island, is Taiwan’s most iconic indigenous island, embodying a rich oceanic culture deeply rooted in the Tao (or Yami) tribe.
The Tao people have lived here for generations, preserving age-old traditions like the tatala (plank boat), underground houses, and the Flying Fish Festival—offering travelers an authentic glimpse into one of the oldest Austronesian cultures in the Pacific.
Beyond culture, Lanyu is also a sanctuary of raw natural beauty. Its coastline invites snorkeling, diving, and scenic hiking, while Tianchi (Heaven Lake) provides a mystical inland escape.
Lanyu is not just a destination—it's an immersion into reverence and simplicity.
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A Healing Journey to Lakes and Alpine Sanctuaries
Sun Moon Lake, Nantou
︱Scenic Waters × Indigenous Culture × Cycling Paradise
Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s most iconic lake destination and a beloved landmark among international travelers.
Its famous bike trail, often listed among the “Top 10 Most Beautiful Cycling Routes in the World,” winds around turquoise waters, temples, and indigenous villages—offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural depth.
Whether you hop on a boat cruise to gaze at Lalu Island, or sit peacefully by the Shuishe Pier, you’ll quickly feel Sun Moon Lake’s distinctive rhythm—a harmonious balance of motion and stillness.
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Jiaming Lake, Southern Cross-Island Highway, Taitung
︱Taiwan’s Sky Mirror – A Pristine Highland Retreat
Nestled along the Southern Cross-Island Highway in Taitung, Jiaming Lake is one of Taiwan’s few alpine lakes that doesn’t require reaching a summit to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.
Known as “Taiwan’s Sky Mirror,” this crystal-clear lake reflects clouds and sky with perfect stillness, earning its place as a dream destination for serious hikers.
The trail begins at Xiangyang Cabin and typically takes 3 days and 2 nights to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass through mystical landscapes like Heishuitang (Black Water Pond), open alpine meadows, and fog-laced ridgelines that feel like scenes straight out of a movie.
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At-a-Glance Guide｜Transportation, Entry Info & Experience Highlights for Taiwan’s Top 10 Destinations
Conclusion｜How to Plan a Journey That Truly Explores Taiwan’s Culture and Nature?
Taiwan is more than convenience stores, street food, and night markets—it’s a soulful island full of wonder. From the majestic Yushan to the misty forests of Alishan, and the living indigenous heritage of Lanyu and Maolin, every corner of the island holds a story waiting to be discovered.
This Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Taiwan list was created for travelers who want to go beyond the surface—to experience the authentic essence of Taiwan’s culture and nature.
《Further Reading》https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-taiwan
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