In the early morning, Alishan.
The small train slowly enters the forest, with towering sacred trees on both sides. A sea of clouds surges beneath your feet, the sun slowly rising from the clouds, golden light spilling across the sea of clouds. Standing on the viewing platform, watching this spectacular scene, marveling at Alishan’s wonder.
This is Taiwan’s most classic scene.
Taiwan is a place that makes you nostalgic.
Province Profile#
- Location: Southeast China, Taiwan Island and surrounding islands
- Best Travel Season: March-May, September-November
- Highlights: Treasure Island scenery, night market cuisine, human warmth, seaside charm
Must-Visit Attractions#
Sun Moon Lake: Taiwan’s Pearl#
Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest natural lake, one of “Taiwan’s Eight Scenes.”
The lake surface is divided by Lalu Island—the northern part is shaped like a sun, the southern part like a crescent moon, hence the name Sun Moon Lake. Xuanguang Temple and Wenwu Temple are lakeside attractions where you can overlook the lake. Ita Thao is a Thao people’s village where you can experience indigenous culture.
Best Experience: Cycle around the lake—this is one of CNN’s “Top 10 Most Beautiful Cycling Routes in the World.” See morning mist on the lake in the early morning, see sunset at dusk.
Alishan: Sea of Clouds and Sacred Trees#
Alishan is Taiwan’s most famous scenic area, “Alishan Five Wonders”—sunrise, sea of clouds, sunset glow, forest, and railway.
Zhushan Sunrise Viewing Platform is the best place to see sunrise—take the small train up the mountain before dawn, watch the sun rise from the sea of clouds. Sacred Tree Group has dozens of thousand-year-old red cypresses, towering and shading the sky. Alishan Forest Railway is one of the world’s three great alpine railways—taking the small train through the forest is very vintage.
Best Experience: Stay overnight on Alishan, see sunrise and sea of clouds in the early morning. Take the small train to tour the forest, see the Sacred Tree Group.
Taipei: Prosperity and Earthly Vitality#
Taipei is Taiwan’s premier city, with prosperity and earthly vitality coexisting.
Taipei 101 was once the world’s tallest building—climb to the top to overlook Taipei’s panorama. National Palace Museum houses the essence of Chinese cultural relics—the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stone are the museum’s treasures. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is Taipei’s landmark—the guard changing ceremony on the hour is worth seeing.
Ximending is young people’s gathering place, with trends, food, and performances—extremely lively. Huashan 1914 Creative Park is an art district transformed from an old winery, with exhibitions, markets, and cafés—very artsy.
Best Experience: Visit the National Palace Museum during the day, wander night markets for food at night. Overlook Taipei’s night scenery from Taipei 101.
Kenting: Taiwan’s Hawaii#
Kenting is Taiwan’s southernmost seaside resort area, “Taiwan’s Hawaii.”
Eluanbi Park has Taiwan’s southernmost lighthouse, with a white lighthouse standing against blue sky and sea. Longpan Park allows you to see the Pacific Ocean’s magnificent seascape. Baisha Beach is Kenting’s most beautiful beach, with white sand and clear water.
Kenting Street is Kenting’s liveliest place, with bars, restaurants, and guesthouses lining the street. In summer, young people party here.
Best Experience: Come to Kenting in summer, sunbathe on the beach, surf, play water sports. Drink and listen to music on Kenting Street at night.
Special Experiences#
Night Market Cuisine#
Taiwan night markets are food paradises, “If you haven’t been to a night market, you haven’t been to Taiwan.”
Shilin Night Market is Taipei’s largest night market, Ningxia Night Market is locals’ favorite, Fengjia Night Market is Taichung’s largest, Liouhe Night Market is Kaohsiung’s representative.
Must-Eat Foods: Sausage wrapped in sticky rice, stinky tofu, fried chicken cutlet, bubble tea, oyster omelet, braised pork rice, beef noodles… each one makes you drool.
Jiufen Old Street#
Jiufen is an old street on the mountain, famous for “Spirited Away.”
Red lanterns, stone steps, and teahouses—very nostalgic. Drink tea in a teahouse, see the sea view below the mountain, feel Jiufen’s slow time.
Taroko Gorge#
Taroko is Taiwan’s most beautiful gorge, with marble cliffs, clear streams, and primeval forests.
Swallow Grotto and Nine Turns Tunnel are the gorge’s essence—walking on the plank path, seeing cliffs and streams, thrilling and exciting.
Hualien Whale Watching#
Hualien is Taiwan’s eastern secret, with Qingshui Cliffs, Qixingtan, and whale watching.
Take a boat out to sea, see dolphins and whales jumping in the Pacific Ocean—an unforgettable experience.
Travel Tips#
- Transportation: Taipei has an airport, with high-speed rail connecting Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. For round-island travel, recommend chartering a car or self-driving.
- Accommodation: In Taipei, stay near Ximending or the East District; in Kenting, stay on Kenting Street; in Hualien, stay in the city.
- Note: Many typhoons in Taiwan in summer—watch the weather. Night markets are crowded—watch your belongings. Respect local customs.
Taiwan’s charm is hidden in those details.
The liveliness of night markets, the nostalgia of old streets, the beauty of lakes and mountains, the warmth of human connections… this treasure island always has reasons to make you nostalgic.
Come to Taiwan and feel the charm of the Treasure Island.
Travel China Series Complete#
From Shanghai’s Magic City charm to Taiwan’s Treasure Island scenery, we’ve traveled through China’s 34 provinces in 34 days.
Every land has unique scenery; every place has moving stories.
China is vast, worth walking slowly and savoring carefully.
May you meet a better version of yourself on your journey.
Travel China series, complete.