taiwan history tour

Taiwan Tours & Vacations

When Portuguese sailors first saw Taiwan off the starboard bow in 1544, they christened it Ilha Formosa, the 'Beautiful Island'.

And can you blame them? For 400 years communists, capitalists, imperialists, and everyone in between have fought over its mist-shrouded forests, soaring peaks, and plunging coastal cliffs. These days it’s definitely a case of ‘come for the adventure, stay for the stir-fries’, with some of the best fusion cuisines around, top road cycling, excellent mountain trekking, and world-class coffee to boot. Also variously known as the Republic of China and Chinese Tapei, Taiwan is a destination that has most definitely come into its own.

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Taiwan at a glance

Capital city.

23.9 million

(GMT+08:00) Taipei

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Taiwan

Best time to visit taiwan.

While there’s really no bad time to visit Taiwan, some months are more predictable than others.

September to November is the best time to visit when you’ll find balmy nights, rich autumn foliage, and off-peak prices.

Traveling in spring (March to May) is down to luck: it could be clear skies, monsoonal rain, or even a sandstorm blown over from   China .

Swimming is best mid-year (June to August) when the weather can heat up, but there is always the small risk of typhoons.

Geography and environment

Taiwan is a little like   South America   with its spine-like ridge of (often impassable) mountains running southwest through the center of the island. The beauty of this setup is that topography and environment can change very quickly.

You can be cycling through low-lying rice paddies around Taitung one day, traversing the high forest passes of Yushan the next, and then finishing up on the white northern beaches around Fuguei Cape.

Generally, the central national parks and east coast are the most spectacular regions; the west coast is flat and highly developed with urban areas spreading over the river basins and flood plains that lead to the sea.

Top 5 attractions in Taiwan

1. sun moon lake.

One of Asia’s best-kept secrets, Sun Moon Lake is easily the equal of any Como, Bled, or Windermere. It’s a huge blue oasis hidden among the green peaks of Taiwan’s central mountain ranges. By day it’s merely beautiful, but in the blue-gold light of dawn, with mists rolling over the water and local fishermen paddling past, it’s like something out of a fairy tale.

2. Taroko Gorge

They have to shoot a James Bond chase scene through here, that’s all there is to it. Taroko Gorge was made for the cinema. It’s a winding maze of looming marble crags, huge cut-out roads tunneling right into the mountains, rushing river gorges, and looping alpine passes. If you are ever being chased by gangsters in your supercar, you want it to be here.

3. Qingshui Cliffs

Just google an image of ‘Qingshui Cliffs’ before we continue. All done? Now you know what we’re talking about. They’re basically a 21 km stretch of sheer jungle-covered cliffs plunging straight into the East China Sea, with a tiny highway clinging on about halfway up. This is not a journey for vertigo sufferers, but for fans of jaw-dropping natural wonders, it’s a must-do.

An easy one to tick off, since it’ll probably be your first stop in Taiwan. The northern city of Taipei is the island’s capital and offers a beating, chaotic counterpoint to the Zen-like beauty of the southern national parks. If you think it’s crazy by day, just wait until night, when a neon glow lights the sky and lantern-lit markets spring up in the colorful Songshan district.

5. Penghu Islands

Penghu is one of Taiwan’s hidden gems, an archipelago of 90 islands between the mainland and China. They’re remote, but worth the journey, with brilliant beaches devoid of crowds, glorious temples, towering basalt columns, and genuine old-fashioned Chinese hospitality. Penghu is also a windsurfing mecca and a nesting ground for rare green sea turtles. Not bad for one tiny volcanic island chain.

Further reading

Taiwan travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Taiwan?

TAIWAN VISA

Nationals of most countries are eligible for the visa exemption program, which permits a duration of stay of 30-90 days. Please check with your nearest consulate for your specific eligibility.

Is tipping customary in Taiwan?

Tipping is not really common practice in Taiwan, except perhaps in the more high-class hotels. Most restaurants have a service charge built into the price, and taxi drivers will usually return your change to you.

What is the internet access like in Taiwan?

As one of Asia’s more tech-savvy destinations, cyber cafes are common in the major cities. Free Wi-Fi can also usually be found at the local library.

Can I use my cell phone while in Taiwan?

Cell phone coverage is excellent in Taiwan, apart from some of the more remote mountain areas. Ensure global roaming is activated before leaving home if you wish to use your mobile while traveling.

What are the toilets like in Taiwan?

Modern flushing toilets are commonplace in Taiwan, although it can be hard to find a public toilet in large cities.

What will it cost for a…?

Beer = 50 TWD Simple lunch at a cafe = 60 TWD Dinner in a restaurant = 150 TWD Street meal = 40 TWD Train ticket = 20 TWD Bottle of water = 19 TWD

Can I drink the water in Taiwan?

Water in Taiwan is usually filtered, and therefore safe, but use your common sense. Restaurants will generally filter their water, as will most of the drinking fountains. If you can’t find these in the more rural areas, bring some purification tablets to treat the water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Taiwan?

Most hotels and department stores accept VISA and Mastercard, but Diners and AMEX are not usually accepted. For restaurants and small stores, cash is the normal form of payment.

What is ATM access like in Taiwan?

ATM access in Taiwan is exceptional, with most of their ATMs able to withdraw money from anywhere in the world using the Plus or Cirrus system. There is usually a TWD 20,000 limit for cash withdrawals.

What public holidays are celebrated in Taiwan ?

• 1 Jan New Year's Day
• 1 Jan Founding Day of the Republic of China
• 2 Jan New Year's / Republic Day Holiday
• 27 Jan Chinese New Year
• 28 Jan Chinese New Year
• 29 Jan Chinese New Year
• 30 Jan Chinese New Year
• 31 Jan Chinese New Year
• 1 Feb Chinese New Year
• 27 Feb 228 Peace Memorial Day (Additional Holiday)
• 28 Feb 228 Peace Memorial Day
• 3 Apr Qingming Festival /Tomb Sweeping Day (Additional Holiday)
• 4 Apr Qingming Festival /Tomb Sweeping Day
• 4 Apr Children's Day
• 29 May Dragon Boat Festival (Additional Public Holiday)
• 30 May Dragon Boat Festival
• 4 Oct Mid-Autumn / Moon Festival
• 9 Oct ROC National Celebration Day (Additional Holiday)
• 10 Oct ROC National Celebration Day

*Please note these dates may vary. For a current list of public holidays in Taiwan go to World Travel Guide's website

Is Taiwan accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We’re committed to making travel accessible for everyone, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Taiwan generally has   accessibility   in mind when building new infrastructure, however, as a mountainous place there are many natural barriers to those with limited mobility. Outdoor activities such as hiking or visiting national parks are common on itineraries and may be off limits to wheelchair users or travelers for who steps or uneven ground are an issue. Wheelchair-accessible tour buses may be able to be booked in advance and taxis are good value. MRT trains have accessible facilities. Many hotels and guesthouses will have barrier-free rooms, but often cafes and restaurants have seating on upper floors without lifts. Outside Taipei and Kaohsiung cities and towns can lack sidewalks.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

#1 Agency for Taiwan Tours in 2024

Lets start planning your Taiwan Tour...

Meet our Taiwan Tour Guides

Winner of World Luxury Travel Awards

We listen closely to your needs to create an experience of Taiwan that is personalized, private and unique.

• We help you plan your trip from initial correspondence to seeing you safely to the airport.
• Perhaps most importantly, we offer you an extra level of comfort where you can rest assured that whatever the situation, you have native English speakers available 24/7 to help resolve any and every issue.

Taiwan’s natural beauty never fails to amaze. We look forward to showing you around.

As seen on TripAdvisor

XIHUA CHENG

“Steven Liu is another of your excellent staff… I will certainly not forget his patience and dedication towards his job. He deserves my family praises – and they really do have a high regard for his dedication in driving us all safely throughout Taiwan.”

“Joe Huang is the best guide. He spoke good English, was a skillful and safe driver on the very narrow and steep roads, and was patient and good humoured.”

“Our driver/guide for the 2 days Mr Xi was absolutely fantastic, very knowledgeable and entertaining, even showed us a couple of things we didn’t ask for ( we didn’t even know of them) which was very good of him.” 

"Our extended family visited Taiwan for the holidays. The logistics of trying to book a trip by ourselves were an impossible hurdle. Life of Taiwan did an amazing job! They coordinated pickups for four different groups arriving at different times and effortlessly managed a flight delay caused by weather. Our all encompassing custom tour included Sun Moon Lake, Taroko National Park, Tainan, Alishan, and finishing with a wonderful stop in Taipei. We experienced wonderful hikes, great meals, beautiful sights, and beautiful culture. Everyone had their own favorite place. My favorite was Alishan. The amazing local guides, Corbett and Irene, gave us a wonderful introduction to the indigenous people of Taiwan. The people of the De’enyana Village stole my heart. Our tour bus was comfortable and our driver (Chang) and guide (Steven) were great additions to our experience. Steven really did a wonderful job sharing Taiwan's beauty and keeping us all moving in the right direction."

Private Tours 

Family Tours 

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Custom Tours

Private Drivers

Restaurant Food Tours 

Street Food/ Night Markets

Day/ Night Walking Tours

We are a 5-Star rated, award-winning Taiwan tour agency specializing in private tours for anyone interested in having unique and authentic Taiwan experience.

Explore the rich tapestry of Taiwan's culture through immersive tours that highlight its historical landmarks, traditional arts, bustling night markets, and unique culinary delights. 

Experience a hiking adventure in Taiwan, exploring breathtaking landscapes and national parks, with expert guides leading you through iconic trails and relaxing hot springs. 

Embark on a sensory journey through Taiwan's renowned tea regions, experiencing the art of tea making, tasting exquisite varieties, and immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of tea plantations. 

Delve into Taiwan's storied past with a heritage tour that takes you through ancient temples, historic settlements, and cultural museums, revealing the island's rich history and enduring traditions. 

Culture Tours

Hiking Tours

Heritage Tours

Enjoy a private family tour of Taiwan, starting in Taipei with visits to landmarks like Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum, and indulging in the city's vibrant street food culture. 

Discover the hidden treasures of Taiwan with a personalized private tour, tailored to your interests and preferences, offering an intimate exploration of its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. 

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Taiwan's natural wonders, from the majestic Taroko Gorge to the serene Sun Moon Lake, on a tour that showcases the island's diverse landscapes and ecological marvels. 

Explore Taiwan's diverse culinary landscape on a  private food tour, tasting local specialties at bustling night markets and a Michelin-starred restaurant. 

Private Family Tours

Custom Private Tours

Natural Wonders Tours

Capture the essence of diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures on a photography tour, guiding you to the most picturesque locations and offering expert tips to perfect your shots. 

Enhance team cohesion and experience Taiwan's unique corporate culture with a tailored corporate tour, combining professional development workshops, team-building activities, and insights into local business practices. 

Embark on an educational and adventurous journey through Taiwan with a student youth group travel tour, offering a blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and fun activities tailored for young travelers. 

Embark on a 5-day, 7-day  or 9-day luxury tour of Taiwan, featuring opulent accommodations, gourmet dining, and private guided tours of the country's natural wonders and cultural landmarks. 

Photography Tours

Corporate Experience Tour

Student Youth Group Travel Tour

5-Day, 7-Day, 9-Day Private Tours

We can also customize a personalized Taiwan itinerary to create an experience you will remember for the rest of your life!

Experience the ultimate private tour of Taiwan with Life of Taiwan and our team of expert tour guides.

We understand that the key to a successful tour is detailed preparation and seamless execution, which is why we only work with the best tour guides in the business. 

Our specialist guides are highly qualified and experienced in a range of tours, including heritage tours, food tours, tea tours, hiking tours, and family tours and much more.

Here is What Travelers had to say About Our Expert Tour Guides!

PATRICK LEE

“Patrick, our guide was very informative, sensitive and aware of our needs. He patiently waited for us to take pictures (he also took our pictures a lot) and showed us the specialty food the cities have to offer. He’s also a very good driver.” 

“Our guide Ron was very good in English and explained, narrated to us the history of each place we go to. He knows the background and history.” 

“Beautiful country and genuinely gracious people. Almost thinking if we should retire there! Then again, the experience would not have been this fulfilling were it not for Life of Taiwan’s detailed planning and choice of guide (Mr Hsu) for us.” 

Magical Life Long memory

Life of Taiwan is a brand owned by Ta Chi Travel Service Co Ltd., a fully licensed tour operator in Taiwan. 

© Copyright 2012 - 2023 Life of Taiwan

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*Hotel booking assistance available if required.

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Tainan Historical Tour

• • Learn about Taiwan's history under Dutch, Ming, Qing, and Japanese rule
• • Tour well-preserved Dutch forts and Chinese architecture on a historical walking tour
• • Visit the Koxinga Shrine and learn about the hero who defeated the Dutch and changed the course of Taiwan's history
• • Explore the jungle-like Anping Tree House, a natural attraction

Discover Taiwan's oldest city and cultural capital on this historical tour through Tainan. Your knowledgeable and passionate English-speaking guide will give you a comprehensive history lesson while guiding you through Dutch forts, Chinese (Fujianese) architecture, and popular nature sites. Take a step back in time to learn about the island's fascinating history under imperialistic rule while simultaneously exploring modern-day Tainan. This is a history tour of Taiwan you won't want to miss!

▴ Explore the wild and natural phenomenon of the Anping Tree House

▴ Take a walk down history lane at the former Dutch Fort Provintia (Chihkan Tower)

▴ Immerse yourself in Tainan's past and present with a history lesson about Tainan's Lin Department Store (Hayashi Department Store)

▴ Learn about Taiwan's history under Dutch rule at the preserved Fort Zeelandia (Anping Old Port)

Can’t find what you want?

Create your own tour .

• • A professional English speaking tour guide
• • Admission to Anping Fort, Anping Tree House and Old Tait & Co. Merchant House & Fort Provintia
• • 5-seater sedan / 9-seater van / 21-seater mini bus
• • Travel insurance
• • Food and drinks

Cancellation Policy

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Taroko From Taipei In A Day (by train)

Jiufen & Pingxi Exclusive Night Tour

Half Day Private Guided Taipei Tour

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Taiwan Tours & Trips

Find the right adventure for you through Taiwan. We've got 45 tours going to Taiwan, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 16 days. The most popular month to go is October, which has the most tour departures. Want to know more about Taiwan? Check out our Taiwan Travel Guide .

45 Taiwan tour packages with 67 reviews

• Sightseeing

Explore Taiwan

I was in Taiwan on my solo trip. After checking out of my hotel at 11.30 am, I got a message that my flight was delayed by 5 hours. I was elated as I got a few more hours to roam around the beautiful city of Taipei, but I had to keep my luggage somewhere. There, among the many boons and banes, technology became a savior for travelers like us. Suddenly, my experience in Europe flashed in mind that I realized there must be luggage storage rental services in Asia as well. Well, luckily I got to know about Lalalocker, my savior. It was cheap as well and they operate out of salons, restaurants, cafes and many other common locations along the metro. I kept it in Ludique creme. However, these services recommend you not to keep expensive items in your luggage, just in case. So, keep a small backpack handy to carry your expensive stuff with you before ditching your luggage. This service of Lalalocker in Taiwan made my day! Nice service.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Taiwan Express

Excellent tour. Great accommodations and sites visited.

• Coach / Bus

Around Formosa Taiwan

Tourradar provided me a very smooth 10 days trip.

A Taste of Taiwan by Train

Everything was perfectly organized, hotels were good, train was fun, guide was good, group was a bit bland, buses chilly, but all in all it was a good experience.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Mountain Hikes
• Hiking & Trekking

5-day Classic Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake & Alishan (Private)

This was such a wonderful trip. Our itinerary was changed last minute due to a devastating earthquake that occurred just a week before, and the steps taken to ensure that we’d be safe while still having a lovely trip were amazing. There was a lot of communication with the changes, which my group and I very much appreciated. Our tour guide, Jaren, was beyond phenomenal. He was very knowledgeable, professional, personable, and hilarious, and he carefully listened and asked about our preferences to make a very tailored experience. I highly recommend anyone to use this company, and pray that you get Jaren! It’s really the best way to see my happy place on Earth: Taiwan!

Taiwan Island - 9 Days

A wonderfully well organised tour with a great selection of sights, food and accomodation. A beautiful country to visit with friendly locals. Our guide Amanda was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating and made our trip memorable.

Around Taiwan 8 day Private Tour (Premium)

We had a slightly rocky start. After paying for the tour, I had to write back to check that our tour was confirmed. This was 48 hours after booking. After it was agreed to be confirmed we then received an email a couple of days later saying that two of the hotels were booked out and would we upgrade, costing another 50% on top of the entirety of the tour. After disagreeing I personally had to email examples of hotels that I could find that had availability and were similar in quality. This was agreed but interestingly when on the tour, one of the original hotels we stayed in anyway. We were also booked in a king side bed on the first two nights and strangely found that every hotel was then twin singles. Originally we thought this was the availability issue but this became the norm for all the hotels even those that had no capacity issues. The positive however was our driver and tour guide, Bill. He was polite, insightful and very professional. He genuinely felt like part of the family at the end of the tour. The quality of the hotels were good. Alishan is tougher but there really isn't another option. Language can be a real challenge so having Bill was very important in the Southern and Eastern parts of Taiwan. It's also hard to get to some of the best places like Alishan, Taroko Gorge etc by public transport. Overall Id give the booking experience 2 stars. But the tour itself and Bill 5 stars. Taiwan is a beautiful and very safe place. A great place to visit.

Looking for tours beyond just Taiwan?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Taiwan.

Customized Private Taiwan Tour with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Tailor-Made Best Taiwan Tour with Daily Departure & Private Guide

Taiwan Explorer 11 Days Panorama Tour

Best of Taiwan 9 Days Tour

The trip was great. Eli at Delightful travel is such a delightful person to work with. Communication was great. They followed up every step of the way and problems are corrected immediately. I would definitely use tourradar and delightful travel again. However, the tour company used in taiwan can use some improvement. The guide named John and driver are definitely not used to western travelers.

• Photography
• Festival & Events

Abandoned Taiwan

excellent, highly recommendable, versatile, not the general kind of tourism one receives mostly everywhere with large groups of boring people. This was not everything spoon fed but for the person who has an interest in a country and doesn't mind the unusual, the different, the out -of-the way experience. We would like to see more but due to the Earth quake we were unable to travel the East Coast of Taiwan but will keep it in mind. Good food, inexpensive, great markets (not just night markets but the artistic markets), good hotels, good driver and tour guide, in short summary, highly recommendable for the person who wants to have an experience outside the famous box. There are plenty of those tours for the boxed-in travelers elsewhere.

Private 3-Day Tour to Sun Moon Lake and Alishan

Such a magical experience! Our driver was really friendly as well as our guide, with great recommendations for local-fare for the time away from the tour. Mr. Chang made sure to introduce us to a special Taiwanese tea ceremony since the museum from the tour did not have such an exhibit. He was also really friendly with the locals that made our group feel really welcomed to the environment. He expertly lead the way through the Alishan terrain and knew the best places to take photos. He not only kept up with but outpaced an entire flock of 20-somethings!

Bike Taiwan

Land of Jade & Tea – Taiwan

What people love about taiwan tours.

Logan was a great tour guide and helpful in any moment.You’ll learn so much about local culture, Current events and helpful ideas to make you stay better.

This was an excellent tour!!! Alan Chou was a fantastic tour guide -- knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, and funny to boot. The sights were amazing and so were the hotels we stayed in. The itinerary was very well designed. Didn't realize Taiwan was so beautiful! I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to explore Taiwan.

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Taiwan Tours starting in

• Starting in Taipei (32)
• Taiwan Travel Guide

Home > Tour > Downtown

Visit the most culturally entrenched city of Taiwan - full of temples and historic heritage

Witness the charisma of our oldest capital - where the history of Taiwan began

Wander in quaint small alleyways and squares - but never get lost with our professional tour guides

Description

Tainan city - also known as “Capital City” to locals - is the oldest city built in Taiwan and the start of our development as an immigrant society. For the last four hundred years, Tainan saw the political rule varying from the Netherlands, ancient China, Japan and finally to current times. Now a metropolitan filled with old elements, Tainan is regarded as the cultural center of the island as well as the famed destination for passionate foodies. On this tour, we take you to explore the stories and folk tales that are hidden in the corners of downtown Tainan. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the depth of history, religion, and multiculture in the origin of Taiwan!

Every Tue / Thu / Sat / Sun 10:00 meet up with guide

Meeting point: Entrance of Chihkan Tower

Our guides are recognized with a green and white paper fan saying "Like It Formosa".

1. Chihkan Tower

First built in 1653 during the Dutch colonization of Taiwan as its economic center “Fort Provintia”, it was renamed and rebuilt into “Chihkan Tower” in the later years. The Chihkan Tower we see today is a mixture of Dutch and Chinese work, and has sustained through attempted military invasions of Japan (1874) and France (1884) - a miracle that was attributed to its good Feng Shui and godly protection.

2. Tainan Grand Mazu Temple

The Grand Mazu Temple of Tainan not only symbolizes the role that folk religion plays in early urban development, but also shows how political shifts incorporated into architecture. After the Qing China’s conquer of Taiwan in 1683, Goddess Mazu is credited for the victory and promoted from “Princess” to “Queen” Mazu by the Qing emperor. More than three centuries later, Goddess Mazu remains an important figure in Taiwanese religion and politics even today.

3. Official God of War Temple

Built in 1665, the Official God of War Temple was established as one of the four main temples of Tainan, and later won an official government title around 1720. The temple was designed for the believers to worship the God of War  - also known as Guan Gong (Guan Yu) - a loyal and brave hero from China and another popular religious figure in Taiwan among locals. Here our guide will show what (not) to do in Taiwanese temples when worshipping our gods.

4. Hayashi Department Store

Feel free to explore the second department store ever built - and first ever in south Taiwan - in country on your mid-way break! Don’t forget to check the iconic Japanese shrine on the rooftop!

5. Tainan Confucius Temple

Tainan Confucius Temple is one of the most symbolic religious heritages in Taiwan. Built in 1665 as the island’s first national academy, the temple later became a shrine for Confucius for his contribution to education. Here visitors can also witness how the respect for Confucius is emphasized throughout the temple - from the gifted inscribed boards from the heads of state to the dismount stele. Today, its memorial ceremony for Confucius (held twice a year) is still the most well-preserved in the Chinese-speaking world.

6. Tainan Art Museum

Formerly the Tainan Police Department built during the Japanese colonization, it is the earliest existing police station in Taiwan today. Starting in 2018, it has been renovated and reopened as an art museum. The Art Deco appearance of the building gives away the financial situation of the Japanese empire during its construction in the 1930s: simple yet practical.

7. National Museum of Taiwan Literature

Constructed in 1916 during the golden age of Japanese colonization as the Tainan Prefecture government building, it was built luxuriously on the high grounds of Tainan region and the center of the city as a symbol of political power. The building was reopened in 2003 as the National Museum of Taiwan Literature, and now holds a large collection of local works in Taiwanese, Japanese, Mandarin and classical Chinese.

Every Tue / Thu / Sat / Sun 13:00 tour ends

Every Tue / Thu / Sat / Sun 10:00~13:00

Or,  book a private tour !

Meeting Point

Entrance of Chihkan Tower

(No. 212, Sec. 2, Minzu Rd., West Central Dist., Tainan City, Taiwan)

Tip-based. Pay what you want!

Guide to tipping:

Nice: NT$300~400

Great: NT$400~500

Awesome: NT$500+

Important Notice

1. Booking is required to join the tour.

2. The guide is recognized with a green and white paper fan saying "Like It Formosa".

3. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water or an umbrella if needed.

4. This tour is wheelchair, stroller and kid-friendly.

5. This tour will take place rain or shine. However, if Tainan City Government announces a day off because of natural disasters, the tour will be canceled and you will be notified via email one day in advance.

6. If you are joining this tour with a group of more than five people (5+), or a group arranged by travel agencies, please fill in our private tour request form  to customize your needs. The idea of our free walking tours is to show the city to individual travelers and small groups, and is not suitable for last minute big groups. If no advance notice or booking is made, Like It Formosa and our guides reserve the right to refuse your participation in our tours.

7. In the event of emergency situations, please call the guide or message our  Facebook Fanpage .

8. Anything not covered hereunder, Like It Formosa reserves the right of final modification.

• Disclosure and Privacy Policy

Taipei Walking Tour | Historic Places to Visit in Taipei

Asia , Culture , Taipei , Taiwan

Many popular tourist attractions in Taipei are historical landmarks. This guide introduces six historical places to visit in Taipei – including Longshan Temple, Bopiliao Old Street, Ximending Red House, Taiwan Presidential Palace, 228 Peace Memorial Park , and National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall – with bits of Taiwan history through a storytelling, and explains why you should not miss these places when visiting Taipei, Taiwan.   

When I was climbing the stairs to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, one of Taipei’s most popular tourist sites, I overheard a conversation between a mom and her kid. She was explaining to her son that Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) was “Taiwan’s national hero,” and the place was built to celebrate his “great achievements” for “his country.” (Bear with me. You will understand all the quotation marks I used after reading this post.)     

How could a foreign vacationer have known that Chiang Kai-shek is the most controversial political figure in Taiwan if no one told her otherwise? Although my intention is not to go over the details of Taiwan’s long history or discuss politics, I think it is essential to understand some critical moments of Taiwan’s history and cultural significances as a traveler. (Otherwise, you might miss the mark, like the mom I encountered at CKS Memorial Hall.) That’s how I like to travel, anyway. Since you are reading this, I assume you do, too.

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Disclosure : This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase by clicking some of these links, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you . Click here to read full disclaimer. 

>> Pssst! Heading to Taipei? Read my Taiwan Travel Tips with everything you need to know plan your perfect Taiwan trip. Also, see how you can add these historical places into your Taipei Itinerary , check how Taipei Old Town (Dadaocheng) became the city’s new hot place, and steal Taipei day trip ideas.

Oh, and don’t forget to taste Taiwan’s famous pineapple cake before you leave. Find out where you can find the best pineapple cake in Taipei .  

CliffNotes: Taiwan History

First, let me share some critical moments in Taiwan’s history. Since the 17th century, Taiwan had been occupied by various imperial and colonial powers, which influenced the country’s diverse and complex cultures and heritage. This timeline should help you understand the background of the six historic sites in Taipei in a broader context.

Most importantly, pay attention to [the ruling parties].  

1368-1644  [Ming Dynasty]

The Ming Dynasty ruled today’s mainland China (it was before China was called as such). Taiwan was also under Ming’s rule. 1644 – The Qing Dynasty seized the control of China, driving the Ming Dynasty out of power.

1624 -1661  [Dutch Formosa]

The Dutch came to rule southern Taiwan (Tainan; the ancient capital of Taiwan) under the Dutch United East India Company. The Spanish ruled the nothern tip of Taiwan (1626-1642) until the Dutch eventually took over the entire Taiwan island.  1661 – Ming warlord General Koxinga ( 鄭成功 ; Zheng Chenggong) retrieved to Taiwan. He defeated the Dutch and kicked them out of Taiwan.

1683 – 1895   [Qing Dynasty]

The Qing Dynasty eventually took over Penghu and Taiwan. In 1700s, m any Chinese, especially from the Fujian Province of China, immigrated into Taiwan. 1858 – The Treaty of Tientsin with Britain and France forced the Qing to open Tamsui Port to international trade. France occupied northern Taiwan for a brief period between 1884-1885.

1887   [China]

Taiwan was officially declared a province of China. 

1895-1945  [Japan]

China lost a war against Japan over control of Korea. Under the Treaty of Shimonoseki, Taiwan and the Penghu Islands were handed over to Japan.

1945-Now   [Republic of China]

Imperial Japan lost WWII. The Republic of China Nationalist Government from mainland China took over Taiwan. 1945 – T he Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) went into the Civil War with the Chinese Communist Party in mainland China. 1947 – The 228 Massacre occurred in Taiwan. The ROC government violently suppressed the anti-government movement in Taiwan. 1949 – KMT lost the Civil War. The ROC Government and National Revolutionary Army retreated to Taiwan. President Chiang Kai-shek declared martial law. 1971 –  The United Nations General Assembly voted to admit the People’s Republic of China (mainland China), which forced out the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Have you ever wondered why you see “Chinese Taipei” instead of Taiwan, R.O.C. in the Olympics? Your answer here >> 

Longshan Temple ( 龍山寺 )

Longshan Temple (also spells Lungshan Temple) is the oldest and largest Buddhist & Taoist temple in Taipei , and one of the most visited temples by locals and tourists in the city.

During the Qing Dynasty, many people from mainland China immigrated to Taiwan. At that time, only three out of ten survived the nautical trip through the Taiwan Strait. The survivors wanted a sacred place to worship and thank God for their well-being in their new home. In 1738, Longshan Temple was built and played a crucial role as a religious place and heritage of local culture for the Chinese immigrants.

There are three doors to the temple: left (Tiger door), center and right (Dragon door). In Taiwanese culture, the dragon symbolizes everything good – power, money, spirit, etc. – whereas the tiger symbolizes evil and bad luck. Therefore, the Taiwanese believe that the best way is to enter through the Dragon door to receive blessing and exit from the Tiger door to ward off evil. The entrance in the center is saved for the gods and only occasionally open for VIPs (i.e., politicians, State visits, etc.)

While the Buddhist deity Guan Yin is the main God located in the center hall, Longshan Temple worships many different Taoist deities.

Being an island country with the largely Chinese immigrant population, the most important and powerful God among the Taoist deities here is the Goddess of Ocean “Mazu ( 媽祖 ) ,” which locates in the middle of the rear hall in the temple.

Recently, Foxconn chairman and a billionaire Terry Gou ( 郭台銘 ) announced his decision to run for the Taiwan presidency. He claimed that the Goddess of Ocean came to his dream and commanded him to release people from suffering. As ridiculous as it sounds for a person like me who is not from this culture, this episode goes to show how important the Goddess of Ocean culturally is.

The temple also worships the Education God ( 文昌帝君 ), Love God ( 月下老人 ), Birth God ( 註生娘娘 ), God of Wealth ( 財神爺 ), etc. If you would like to ask for anything, you will go in front of the God who controls your wish, state your name, date of birth and your home address to make a wish. You might also see people throwing two red divination blocks on the floor. They are asking if God would grant their request. The answers on divination blocks are yes, no or maybe. To confirm yes, you need to get three consecutive yes, showing the front in one block and the back in the other.

An example of the offering to the Education God that consists of Sticky Rice Dumplings and cakes.

Also, people present different offerings, depending on the God they make a wish to. For the Education God, the Taiwanese often offer three of these things together: Green onion ( 蔥 “ Cōng ” in Chinese sounds similar to 聰明  “C ōngmíng,” which means Smart), Sticky Rice Dumpling ( 包粽 “ Bāo zòng” in Taiwanese = 中 “ Zhōng” means Enter the college), and cake ( 蛋糕 “ Dàngāo” in Chinese = 高 “gāo” means High). Get it? 

Location : Open Google Map Nearest Taipei MRT Station : Bannan (Blue) Line, Longshan Temple, Exit 1 Hours : 6 am – 10 pm Admission : Free

Bopiliao Historic Block displays architecture from three different periods. From the left, modern building, the Qing Dynasty architecture (middle) and the Japanese colonial redbrick building (right).

Bopiliao Old Street ( 剝皮寮老街 )

Bopiliao Old Street, also known as The Bopiliao Historic Block , is located in Bangka (also called Monga), a quintessentially Taiwan retro place. The area uniquely features various architectural styles that reflect diverse cultures and different periods of history that the building was constructed.

The community was first created in the early Qing Dynasty, and soon became one of the most prosperous commercial areas in Taipei. Bopiliao means skinning deer block. Back in the days, deerskin was the symbol of fortune and success, and the area’s business served the market demand for the rich.

During the Japanese occupation, the Japanese expanded the area by constructing more buildings and adding new roads to connect the area with different parts of the city.   Today, you can still see the prominent Japanese colonial architecture defined by archways, verandas and red bricks.

Over time, the historic architecture in this area has deteriorated. In the early 2000s, the Taipei City Government initiated a restoration project to protect the heritage in this historic neighborhood and established the Heritage and Culture Education Center as well.

Location : Open Google Map Nearest Taipei MRT Station : Bannan (Blue) Line, Longshan Temple, Exit 3 Hours : 9 am-6 pm (outdoor area open until 9 pm) Closed on Mondays. Heritage and Culture Education Admission : Free

Ximending Red House ( 西門紅樓 )

Ximen Red House is a heritage site built in 1908 by the Japanese. It was the first government-built public entertainment and shopping center in Taiwan .

Ximending means the West Gate (Ximen) surrounding area. When the Japanese came to Taiwan, they saw the needs to expand the city center to accommodate growing populations. They announced the urban development plan, but the local Taiwanese did not welcome the idea to demolish the city walls and gates. However, no one cared enough about Ximen because the neighborhood used to be a ghetto/graveyard where people dumped corpses. Therefore, it became the first urban area to be developed by the Japanese. Ximen also got demolished whereas the Japanese had to compromise to keep the other four city gates.

The Red House became the first urban shopping center, where the Japanese came to shop and entertain. Since then, Ximending continued to be a hot place and the busiest tourist attraction even until now.

When you visit the Red House, pay attention to its architecture. It is one of the most well-preserved historic buildings in Taiwan. Apart from using red bricks, which is the typical Japanese-era style, the main hall shapes Octagon, representing people from all around the world, and connects to the cruciform building. Inside, you will find a teahouse, theater, craft & gift shop and exhibitions.

Also, Ximending nowadays is the central gathering place for Taipei’s LGBTQ community . They flock to hang out at the bars behind the Red House. The annual gay pride parade, which is the biggest in Asia, takes place in Ximending. Taiwan passed referendum No. 748, which legalizes same-sex marriage. With this historic decision, Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage. 

Location : Open Google Map Nearest Taipei MRT Station : Bannan (Blue) Line, Ximen Station, Exit 1 Hours : 11 am – 9:30 pm (Open until 10 pm on Fri. & Sat.) Closed on Mondays.

Taiwan Presidential Palace ( 中華民國總統府 )

Taiwan Presidential Palace is a historical landmark built during the Japanese occupation. At first, it was used as the Office of the Governor-General of Taiwan. The ROC Nationalist Government later renamed as “Chieh Shou Hall ( 介壽館 )” to celebrate the 60th birthday of late President Chiang Kai-shek. In 2006, it was officially renamed as “Presidential Office Building” as a gesture to celebrate democracy in Taiwan.

In 1912, the Japanese held a design competition for the Office of the Governor-General of Taiwan. The winning design by Japanese architect Uheiji Nagano turned out to be unsuitable for building. Another architect, Matsunosuke Moriyama, was called in to modify Nagano’s design. During the process, the iconic center tower was decided to heightened from six stories to 11 stories.

While the original construction was completed in 1919, the architecture went through multiple repairs and reconstruction after the 1935 fire and US air raids during WWII. After China took over Taiwan, the ROC Nationalist Government also made some structural repairs, which converted the original dome tower into a flat steel roof. Over time, the steel roof corroded black. Finally, the Taiwanese government decided to replace it with copper, which turned green that you can see today. 

The square in front of the Presidential Palace is a protest hot spot. When the Taiwanese feel the need to communicate with their government, they like to shout at their president directly. If you hear about any major protest in Taipei, avoid this area.

If you are interested in checking out an exhibit inside, the Presidential Palace is partially open in the morning. No reservation is required for weekday visits. Bring a government-issued photo ID (e.g. passport) for security check. Check the full open house schedule and book your visit here .

Location : Open for Google Map Nearest Taipei MRT Station : Songshan Xindian (Green) Line, Xiaonanmen Station, Exit 1 or Bannan (Blue) Line, Ximen Station, Exit 1 Hours : Partially open 9 am – 12 pm (Closed on Sat. & Sun.) Admission : Free

228 Peace Memorial Park ( 二二八和平公園 )

The February 28 massacre , often referred to as 228 (er er ba), is a historically significant incident in Taiwan .

After Japan lost WWII in 1945 and left Taiwan, China took over Taiwan.  At first, the Taiwanese welcomed the arrival of the Republic of China (ROC) government. However, they soon became resentful of the political corruption, economic depression and handling of the locals by the ROC government. The government officers also hated the fact that Taiwan resembled Japan, the invaders they just kicked out of their country in mainland China.

At the time, Taiwan had already been modernized by the Japanese while mainland China had not been civilized yet. In 1947, KMT-led ROC was into two years of the Civil War against the Communist Party. Since the ROC ruling, Taiwanese lives suddenly had become harsh. The ROC forcefully took away resources (e.g., rice) from Taiwan to mainland China to support the war. The inflation was so bad that 40,000 yuan became 1 yuan. The tension between the local Taiwanese and the government was brewing hot.

The tipping point came on February 27, 1947, when a Taiwanese widow was selling smuggled cigarettes in front of Tianma Tea House and got caught by two bureau investigators. Because tobacco was under the control of the Tabacco Monopoly Bureau, the investigators confiscated the cigarettes and earnings from the widow. The widow begged the officers to return her money as she has children to feed. Instead, she got beat to bleed. The witnesses got upset and surrounded the officers, which triggered one of them to shoot in the air without an aim in an attempt to scare off the angry crowd.

Unfortunately, the bullet hit and kill a teenage spectator on the balcony of the Tea House. Now the matters got worse. The outraged crowd chased the officers to the police station to no avail.

The next morning on February 28, the Taiwanese marched to the Presidential Palace demanding justice. Unexpectedly, the Governor of Taiwan, Chen Yi ( 陳儀 ), orders to shoot machine guns at the masses. The survivors ran to the nearby Taiwan Radio Station, which broadcasted their story to the entire nation. Now entire Taiwan was in an uproar.

Taiwan became out of control of the ROC Nationalist Government. A group of Taiwanese elites and representatives demanded political reform. On the surface, the Governor of Taiwan promised to investigate the 28th incident. Secretly, he telegrammed the KMT leader Chiang Kai-Shek in the Nanjing government asking to send troops. Chiang was already sensing he might lose the Civil War. He desperately needed a place to retreat in the worst-case scenario and could not afford to lose Taiwan. He sent the military to Taiwan to regain control.

Two weeks after the 228 incident, Chiang Kai-shek’s military arrived in Tamsui in northern Taiwan. They violently suppressed Taiwan from the north to the south by indiscriminately killing innocent locals. It is said that the military shoot at whomever they saw on the street if they could not speak proper Mandarin Chinese (Taiwanese at that time spoke Taiwanese or Japanese, not Mandarin Chinese). The death toll was high, estimated to be 10,000 to 20,000. However, no one knows precisely how many were killed.

In 1949, Chiang Kai-shek declared martial law in Taiwan. During the 38-year martial law period, the Taiwanese government imprisoned and killed Taiwanese elites, which is called “White Terror.” No one dared to speak about the 228 incident for almost four decades.

The Taiwan Radio Station at the time of 228 is now 228 Peace Memorial Park and Memorial Museum. If you are interested in learning more about the 228 incident, you can stop by Taipei 228 Memorial Hall ( 台北二二八紀念館 ).

I also recommend watching Formosa Betrayed (2009). This Hollywood thriller, starring James Van Der Beek, highlights the White Terror in the 1980s. As you know the background now (by reading this post), this movie would be entertaining. 

228 Peace Memorial Park Location : Open Google Map Nearest Taipei MRT Station : Tamsui Datai Hospital, Exit 1 Taipei 228 Memorial Hall Hours : 10 am – 5 pm (Closed on Mondays and national holidays) Taipei 228 Memorial Hall Admission : NT$20 Free Entrance Day : the month of February, Labor Day/ Military Day (May 1), Museum Day (May 18), World Human Rights Day (Dec. 10)

National Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) Memorial Hall ( 國立中正紀念堂 )

Many people visit Taipei Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and misunderstand that this memorial was created to celebrate the greatest leader and hero of Taiwan. Otherwise, why would a country have built such a beautiful square dedicated to the nation’s first president, right?

Who is Chiang Kai-shek?

Chiang Kai-shek holds many names. Chiang Chieh-shih ( 蔣介石 ) and Chiang Zhong Zheng ( 蔣中正 ) are the two most useful ones to know. In Taiwan, you will see many Zhongzheng Roads, named after Chiang’s name. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is also located in Taipei’s Zhongzheng District.

He was a political leader of the Chinese Nationalist Party and the Commander in Chief of the National Revolutionary Army . The Chinese Nationalist Party is often referred to as KMT from its Chinese name, KuoMingTang ( 國民黨 ). Since his government and army retreated to Taiwan in 1949 after losing the Civil War, he ruled Taiwan as President of the Republic of China and Director-General of the KMT until his death in 1975.

Chiang Kai-Shek is one of  the most controversial figures in Taiwan’s history. Although he is the first president, he never considered Taiwan as his country. When the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) lost the Civil War against the Chinese Community Party, the ROC Nationalist Government and troops retreated to Taiwan. He never thought (or wanted) to permanently stay in Taiwan. In fact, his dead body is still in a sarcophagus (located in Taoyuan, not in Taipei Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall) because he expressed his wish to be buried in China when the KMT recovered the country from the Communists, which never happened. 

He never had any affection to Taiwan or care for the local Taiwanese. Furthermore, since the 228 incident, he killed millions of innocent Taiwanese. He persecuted and imprisoned Taiwanese elites and his political opponents during the White Terror.

During his regime, he had put the statues of himself in elementary schools. The elementary students had to vow “Good Morning, President Chiang Kai-Shek” every time they passed by the statues. They were brainwashed by memorizing his speech and learning about his “heroic” actions.

On the other hand, his supporters credited him for building infrastructures, such as highways and railroads, in Taiwan and laid the foundation for economic development. He also stressed the importance of education and built elementary schools. 

Another part of his will was to build a memorial hall for himself. After Chiang’s death, Vice President Yen Chia-kan served as interim president. Soon, Chiang’s son Chiang Ching-kuo ( 蔣經國 ) succeeded to serve as the president from 1978 until his death in 1988. He followed his father’s wish to erect a memorial hall.

In recent years, the Taiwanese made efforts to desacralize Chiang Kai-Shek. Taiwan used to name many facilities, highways and roads after him. As part of the initiative, Chiang Kai-shek International Airport changed its name to Taoyuan International Airport. In 2006, the Presidential Palace also changed its name from the “Chieh Shou Hall,” which means “long live President Chiang Kai Shek.” A collection of his statues from schools was also all relocated and exhibited at Chiang Kai-shek Statue Park in Taoyuan.

Despite the reassessment of history, I think it is worthwhile to visit the CKS Memorial Hall. Whether he is controversial or not, he is a significant part of Taiwan’s modern history. Besides the Memorial Hall, the Liberty Square (also changed its name from Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Square) is also a beautiful place to hang out and see the National Theater and Concert Hall.

You can also see the changing of the guards ceremony  at the top of the hour from 9 am to 5 pm. It draws some crowds, so I recommend getting there 10-15 minutes in advance.

Location : Open Google Map Nearest Taipei MRT Station : National CKS Memorial Hall, Exit 5 Hours : 9 am – 6 pm Admission : Free

• A Guide to Taipei Old Town

Interested in more historic places? See the Glamor of Old Taipei during its Golden Age. Don’t miss Dadaocheng and Dihua Street. 

Taipei Free Walking Tour: Historic Route

It is not difficult to visit all six historical landmarks individually on your own because they are all within the proximity and conveniently located near Taipei MRT. But the easier way, which I chose to do, is to join a free walking tour. Despite the rain, I enjoyed this 3-hour Taipei Historic Walking Tour by Like It Formosa . I am in no way affiliated with the tour group. But I’m sharing the sign-up link here because I believe it was a fun and educational way for me to travel must-visit places in Taipei .

What I shared in this article partly comes from the stories I learned from this tour and partly from research with the help of my local Taiwanese friends.

>> Whether you are planning for a Taipei trip now or adding on your travel bucket list for the future, be sure to check out my Taiwan Travel Tips and Taipei Travel Guides:

• Taipei in 3 Days
• 6 Historical Places to Visit in Taipei 
• Taipei Hotel Review: An Award-winning Design Hotel
• Where to Find the Best Pineapple Cake in Taipei
• Yong Kang Street: A Food Paradise of Taipei

Happy Planning!

Hello, I'm Chloe!

I'm an aspiring world traveler, who moved across the Pacific Ocean twice. After leaving my PR career, I'm currently exploring Asia from Taiwan and learning Chinese. Follow my journey as I will share my travel experiences, tips & tricks and cultural insights.

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8-Day Itinerary: The ultimate adventure tour of Taiwan

Looking for a destination that has great food, culture, history with a dash of adventure? With this 7-day adventure itinerary you will find the best places to see in Taiwan.

While not a commonly talked about destination to visit, there are plenty of places to visit in Taiwan. Traveling within the country is quite cheap and you will find some of the best food in the many night markets of Taipei, and outdoor activities from Taroko National Park to Sun Moon Lake. Taiwan is a beautiful country that has sweeping vistas whether you’re standing on a mountain in Taroko National Park or on top of Taipei 101 in Taiwan’s capital city.

Travel to Taiwan

When traveling to Taiwan you will fly into the capital city, Taipei to the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. You will most likely have a connecting flight to Taipei from the major American airlines. EVA Air is a Taiwanese airline that has a direct flight from Houston, TX.

EVA Air has the famous Hello Kitty everything airplane for the lucky (or unlucky depending on how you see it) few that get that specific plan! EVA Air is actually a very reasonable airline when traveling to Asia from the US but you will always have a connection in Taipei and then jump off from there to other destinations in Asia.

Travelling Around Taiwan

In order to get around Taiwan, taxis and ubers are safe, available and relatively cheap for getting around the cities. One thing to have prepared is the address for your hotel/AirBnb, and any sightseeing destination or restaurant in Mandarin. Many of the drivers don’t know or can’t read the English spelling of the Chinese names; so be sure to have all of the addresses or names in the Mandarin characters in order to get around the country. 

Taipei also has an amazing subway system andvmakes it easy to get around the city quickly. Taiwan also has train lines that go all the way around the island. There are high speed train options in between cities and regular train lines around the country.

Below are what I think are the top things to see and do in Taiwan.

Day 1: Taipei City

Since you are likely flying into Taipei City, make the most of the sights from this jumping off point on the island.

One of the first stops on your tour of the capital of Taipei should be the National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. Opened in 1980 it is part of a national park and gathering hall. Below the hall is a museum documenting Chiang’s life and career, as well as exhibits about Taiwan’s history, pan-Chinese culture and history, and the ROC’s development after moving to Taiwan. The memorial is within a park that you walk around and enjoy the gardens and many people watching.

Walk around the shops and restaurants to grab some lunch on your way to Lungshan Temple (30 minute walk from the memorial), a tourist hot spot. Lungshan Temple is a Chinese folk religious temple in Wanhua District, Taipei, Taiwan. The temple was built in Taipei in 1738 by settlers from Fujian during Qing rule in honor of Guanyin. 

The temple is a quick historic item to see. After that, take the subway to the Taipei National Palace Museum to see the permanent collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks, making it one of the largest of its type in the world. The collection encompasses 8,000 years of history of Chinese art from the Neolithic age to the modern. Most of the collection are high quality pieces collected by China’s emperors.

After your busy day, enjoy a night out at one of the many Taipei night markets. Night markets in Taiwan have become famous for their xiaochi , an important category of Chinese food which literally translates to “small eats”. Served in portions similar to Spanish tapas, these dishes are often served as carry-out items, but many sellers provide small folding tables and stools for customers who would like to sit while they eat.

These dishes are offered at low prices and make it easy to sample from many stalls! Shilin Night Market is one of the most famous and largest night markets in Taiwan, located in Taipei. The night market first opened in 1899, and it is now famous for its various eateries selling authentic Taiwanese snacks.

The Shilin Night Market is near the Palace Museum and one of the biggest in Taipei.

Day 3: Taipei 101 and travel to Hualien

Head to Taipei 101 Observatory for the best views of all of Taipei. This building was officially classified as the world’s tallest from its opening in 2004 until the 2009 completion of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE. Its elevators, capable of traveling 60.6 km/h (37.7 mph) and used to transport passengers from the 5th to the 89th floor in 37 seconds, set new records upon completion. 

Monday-Friday it opens at 11am and Saturday-Sunday it opens at 10am. The line can be very long so if you get there when it opens you hopefully don’t have to wait long.

At the bottom of the building is the famous Din Tai Fung. It specializes mainly in Taiwanese soup filled dumplings known as xiao long bao. There are a number of locations throughout the world and within Taipei.

You have to buy tickets to Taipei 101 so depending on your ticket entry time you can either have lunch here first or after! The lines for lunch can also be long at Din Tai Fung- so make sure you can do what works with your schedule that day.

Take the Puyuma Express from Taipei to Hualien ( https://tip.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip ). The express train takes about 2 hours while the non-express options take around 3-4 hours. Hualien is a little coastal city on the Eastern side of Taiwan that is seen as a weekend get-away destination for the citizens of Taiwan.

The Dongdamen Night Market in Hualien is open everyday from 6pm-12am. Check into your AirBnB or hotel and then head to the night market by walking or taxi!

Day 4: Taroko National Park

Taroko National Park is one of the nine national parks in Taiwan and a MUST see place in Taiwan. The park is home to unique geological and natural resources, including twenty seven peaks over 3,000 metres (9,843 ft).

Taiwan was created through the collision of plates 4 million years ago and the Central Mountain Range that runs north-south through much of Taiwan. Even today the shift in tectonic plates continues and this area continues to rise a few millimeters every year.

Full Day Tour

You can buy tickets to one of the many tour buses that bring tourists here daily or hire a private taxi for the day to drive you through the park and hit all the main stops.

Sights include:

• Tunnel of Nine Turns (九曲洞 Jiuqudong)
• Eternal Spring Shrine (pictured below)
• Yenzikou, Swallow Grotto Trail (燕子口)
• Jinheng Park (靳珩公園)
• Cimu Bridge, Motherly Devotion Bridge (慈母橋)
• Zhuilu Cliff (錐麓斷崖)
• Liufang Bridge (流芳橋)
• Dayuling (大禹嶺)
• Buluowan (布洛灣)
• Qingshui Cliffs (清水斷崖)
• Shakadang Trail
• Changuang Temple (禪光寺)
• Baiyang Trail (白楊步道)

Day 5: Drive the Central Cross Island Highway to Sun Moon Lake

A truly unique experience in Taiwan and a must do for all adventure seekers! This road links the East coast of Taiwan to the West and is the only road that cuts across the center of Taiwan.

Construction began in 1956 and was open to the public in 1960. 225 men lost their lives building this road. Driving this road is one of the best things you can do in Taiwan, and one of the most frightening!

The views along the road are INCREDIBLE and only get better and better as you drive up to 3,500 meters. The road is not large and has plenty of tight curves and switchbacks as you travel up and down the mountains. It is often very tight as you pass cars traveling the other direction.

Along the road you will pass the Bilu Giant Tree. Right next to the tree is a cafe where you can sip some peach tea in the cloud forest.

You will pass by the Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area (合歡山森林遊樂區). There are plenty of areas to pull off and park and hike some easy trails around the peaks of the mountains here.

It is amazing to watch the landscape change from sea level as you climb up to the highest point at 3,500 meters and then back down again.

How to get there

• You can rent a car and make the drive yourself.
• You can hire a taxi for the day.
• Or you can book a ticket on a medium size tour bus.

Day 6: Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of water in Taiwan. The area around the lake is home to the Thao tribe, one of aboriginal tribes of Taiwan. The east side of the lake resembles a sun while the west side resembles a moon, hence the name.

The lake is considered sacred and so no one swims in it. While swimming in Sun Moon Lake is usually not permitted, there is an annual 3-km race called the Swimming Carnival of Sun Moon Lake held around the Mid-Autumn Festival each year.

Full Day Bike Tour

For your adventure activity today, head to Ida Thao on the south side of Sun Moon Lake and rent a bike for the day. You can follow the lake side trail all the way around the lake and visit the many scenic stops and temples around the lake. 

Must stop: The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway- cable car offering panoramic views of Sun Moon Lake & surrounding forested peaks.

Must Stop: Wen Wu Temple- The temple consists of three halls. The first hall, located on the second floor of the front hall, is a shrine devoted to the First Ancestor Kaiji and the God of Literature. The central hall is devoted to Guan Gong, the God of War, and the warrior-God Yue Fei. The rear hall is dedicated to Confucius.

Other temples of note around the lake include Jianjing Temple, Syuentzang Temple and Syuanguang Temple.

Depending on your physical fitness and how often you stop, the bike ride around the lake can be an all day event. Of course you don’t have to go all the way around the lake and can choose to rent bikes for only a couple hours to ride around certain parts of the lake.

Head to Ida Thao to eat at one of the delicious restaurants in town

Day 7: Double Dragon Waterfall and Hiking around Sun Moon Lake/Amusement Park

Today you are hiking up to the Double Dragon Waterfalls. Make the drive (if you rented a car) or take a taxi to the waterfalls and Shuanglong Colorful Suspension Bridge https://nantou.welcometw.com/tour/N9Q6  

This is a hiking trail up to the double waterfall. The Colorful Suspension Bridge was opened for tourists in June of 2020, the service suspension bridge (right next to it) carries water from the waterfalls down to the village below.

You do have to buy tickets to cross the Colorful Suspension Bridge and there is a shuttle bus to help take you to the top before taking the trail down to the waterfall and bridge. 

You can choose some additional hiking trails around Sun Moon Lake, such as, the Shuishe Great Mountain Nature Trail, Neihu Mountain Trail or the Maolan Mountain Trail. 

Or you can choose to hang out at The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village ( https://www.nine.com.tw/en/index.aspx ) is an amusement park where people can observe Taiwanese traditional tribal lifestyle and observe an abundance of aboriginal traditions. It is distinctive for its Formosan aboriginal culture theme.

Day 8: Travel Day

After your adventure packed week in Taiwan, it’s time to head back.

Travel back to Taipei from Sun Moon Lake (about a 3 hour car ride) or take the bus or taxi from Sun Moon Lake to Taichung to catch the high speed rail back to Taipei and then Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

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