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Must-see places in Taiwan for students and travelers
Taiwan was once given the nickname “Ilha Formosa” (Beautiful Island) by the Portuguese. When you visit Taiwan, you’ll see that there are plenty of awe-inspiring places to earn it that name. Listing all the stunning places you could visit would possibly be enough for several blog posts or one very long one. So, here is our short list of the 5 most beautiful places to see in Taiwan.
1. Shimen Cave
After your visit to the Shimen Cave, go to one of the nearby hotsprings! Photo by Wei-Te Wong / CC BY
Shimen Cave, located on the very northern point of Taiwan, is a rock arch formation caused by sea erosion. There are stairs to climb on top of the arch to the viewing platform, which is a perfect spot to admire the sea. This nature’s wonder is a must see when traveling the northern coast of Taiwan and is a great spot for a picnic.
2. Taroko Gorge National Park
The Taroko Gorge stretches over 20 kilometers and offers a wide variety of scenery. Photo by Robert_Pastryk / CC BY
Located in Hualien, eastern Taiwan, Taroko Gorge is one of the most famous sceneries of the island. The canyon is over 20 kilometers long, so it is best to travel there by scooter or participate on a guided tour. While traveling beside the river, you can also stop by aboriginal settlements, temples, museums or take off on one of the numerous hiking trails to experience the true beauty of mountainous Hualien.
The scenery in the valley is versatile and shifts from beautiful green riverbanks all the way to 1000-meter-high vertical cliffs that will leave you breathless. Moreover, the beautiful clear water and marble rock create an exquisite picture you can’t easily find elsewhere.
3. Quanhua Temple at Lion’s Head Mountain
The Quanhua Temple is the only Taoist temple in Taiwan and and has stunning views. Photo by CEphoto Uwe Aranas / CC BY
The Lion’s Head Mountain area is dotted with temples and monasteries and is a popular tourist destination. The easy-level hiking routes take trekkers through the forestry slopes offering a possibility to stop by at the mountain temples.
Quan-Hua temple is one of the most magnificent temples in the Lion’s Head Mountain. Aside from being the oldest temple in the area, it is also the only one representing Taoism. The temple sits next to a mountain cliff making the views to the mountainside extremely impressive. Visitors can overnight in cozy hotel-like rooms and enjoy mouth-watering vegetarian meals in temple’s canteen.
What would be a better way to end the long hiking day than relaxing on the temple’s balcony and marveling the beauty of the mountain scenery?
4. Yehliu Geopark
The Yehliu Geopark is dotted with magical looking rocks. Photo by Andrew Haimerl / CC BY
Yehliu Geopark, a home to numerous outstanding natural formations, is located on a small peninsula about an hour drive away from Taipei. The magical looking rocks are the result of a constant erosion caused by wind, waves, and seawater. The most iconic rock of the park is Queen’s Head, which looks like England’s Queen Elizabeth I.
You might also be interested in: 5 Interesting Facts About Taiwan You Should Know
Beyond Geopark, there is a cliff that offers you an amazing panorama view of the Pacific Ocean. Besides the extraordinary rocks and beautiful sea views, Yehliu area offers great culinary experiences. You can enjoy freshly caught seafood at the area’s many restaurants or at the local food market. What a perfect destination for a day trip!
5. Jiufen Old Street
The Jiufen Old Street is stacked with delights for tourists and locals alike. Photo by Clifford Yeo / CC BY
Jiufen is a picturesque village in New Taipei city. Its special location within the hills and near to the mountains and ocean make it a perfect spot for taking stunning photos and enjoying the misty sea views. Looking like straight from a Ghibli movie, the city offers a true sight to behold. The village gets especially beautiful in the evening when all the lights get turned on.
Jiufen old street is the most popular shopping district in the town. The street is packed with food stalls, accessory stores, coffee shops and tea houses. Both tourists and locals love the area and it is always full of excited explorers. Make sure not to leave the street without tasting taro balls, the local must-try food specialty!
Discover these and other breathtakingly beautiful places by studying abroad in Taiwan.
Find out more about studying in Taiwan
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This post was written by our interns, Jenni and Iris.
