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Written by: Emily Chen
Landmarks in Taiwan
- Updated: September 30, 2023 | Published:
Taiwan, a small island nation located in East Asia, is a mesmerizing blend of traditional and modern, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. From the bustling metropolis of Taipei to serene mountain landscapes, Taiwan boasts a diverse range of attractions catering to every traveler’s interests.
In this article, we present the top 12 landmarks that showcase Taiwan’s rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history enthusiast, or a food lover, Taiwan has something to offer everyone.
Join us as we journey through the island’s most captivating sites, and experience the charm and allure of this remarkable destination.
Iconic Landmarks in Taiwan
1. Taipei 101, Taipei
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- What to Expect: Observatory decks, shopping mall, dining options, an exhibition on the building’s engineering and design
- Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, architecture enthusiasts
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 3 million
- Geographical Location: Xinyi District, Taipei City
Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest building, stands at 1,671 feet and is an iconic symbol of Taiwan’s modernity. Located in the bustling Xinyi District, visitors can enjoy the building’s observatory decks, shopping mall, and various dining options.
The indoor observatory on the 89th floor and the outdoor observatory on the 91st floor offer panoramic views of Taipei. Learn about the building’s engineering marvels, including its innovative tuned mass damper, through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.
2. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- What to Expect: Monument, museum, changing of the guard ceremony, park with ponds and gardens
- Ideal For: Families, solo travelers, history enthusiasts
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 7 million
- Geographical Location: Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is dedicated to the former President of the Republic of China. The memorial, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped park, features a museum that chronicles Chiang’s life and Taiwan’s modern history.
Visitors can witness the changing of the guard ceremony, which occurs every hour. The surrounding park offers a serene environment with ponds, gardens, and a variety of cultural performances.
3. Sun Moon Lake, Nantou County
- Best Time to Visit: September to November
- What to Expect: Scenic lake, boat tours, hiking trails, cycling paths, cable car, aboriginal culture
- Ideal For: Couples, families, nature lovers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 6 million
- Geographical Location: Central Taiwan, Nantou County
Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest freshwater lake, is known for its stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, hike the surrounding trails, or cycle around the lake.
The area is rich in aboriginal culture, and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village offers a glimpse into the island’s indigenous heritage. The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway provides breathtaking aerial views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
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4. Taroko National Park, Hualien County
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- What to Expect: Dramatic landscapes, hiking trails, marble cliffs, gorges, waterfalls, temples
- Ideal For: Adventure seekers, nature lovers, families
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 2 million
- Geographical Location: Eastern Taiwan, Hualien County
Taroko National Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, featuring marble cliffs, gorges, and waterfalls. The park’s main attraction is the Taroko Gorge, a 12-mile-long canyon carved by the Liwu River. Visitors can hike various trails, including the popular Swallow Grotto and Shakadang Trails.
The Eternal Spring Shrine, built to honor fallen workers during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway, is a must-see site.
5. National Palace Museum, Taipei
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- What to Expect: World-class collection of Chinese art, pottery, bronzes, jades, calligraphy, and paintings
- Ideal For: Art lovers, history enthusiasts, families
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 4 million
- Geographical Location: Shilin District, Taipei City
The National Palace Museum houses a vast collection of Chinese art, showcasing over 8,000 years of history. Its exhibits include pottery, bronzes, jades, calligraphy, and paintings, with some pieces dating back to the Neolithic period.
The museum’s most famous treasures are the Jadeite Cabbage and the Meat-shaped Stone, both masterpieces of intricate craftsmanship. A visit to the National Palace Museum is a must for art and history enthusiasts.
6. Yehliu Geopark, New Taipei City
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- What to Expect: Unique geological formations, coastal views, walking paths, educational displays
- Ideal For: Families, nature lovers, photographers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 3 million
- Geographical Location: Northern Taiwan, New Taipei City
Yehliu Geopark is a coastal area known for its unique geological formations, including the famous “Queen’s Head” rock. The park features various walking paths that allow visitors to explore its diverse and fascinating landscapes.
Educational displays throughout the park provide insight into the geological processes that shaped these natural wonders. Yehliu Geopark is an excellent destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.
7. Alishan National Scenic Area, Chiayi County
- Best Time to Visit: March to November
- What to Expect: Forest railway, tea plantations, hiking trails, sunrise and sunset viewing, cherry blossoms in spring
- Ideal For: Families, nature lovers, couples
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 1.5 million
- Geographical Location: Central Taiwan, Chiayi County
The Alishan National Scenic Area is famous for its picturesque landscapes, including mist-shrouded mountains, lush forests, and tea plantations. Visitors can ride the Alishan Forest Railway, a narrow-gauge train that winds through the scenic area, or hike the well-maintained trails.
Sunrise and sunset viewing at various locations, such as the Alishan Sunrise Platform, is a popular activity. In spring, the area is adorned with blooming cherry blossoms, adding to its enchanting atmosphere.
8. Kenting National Park, Pingtung County
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- What to Expect: White-sand beaches, water sports, hiking trails, tropical flora and fauna, coral reefs
- Ideal For: Beach lovers, adventure seekers, families
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 5 million
- Geographical Location: Southern Taiwan, Pingtung County
Kenting National Park, Taiwan’s first national park, is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. Visitors can enjoy water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing, or explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna through its hiking trails.
The park’s coral reefs are home to a rich variety of marine species, making it an ideal destination for underwater exploration.
9. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Kaohsiung
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- What to Expect: Imposing Buddha statue, museum, art galleries, meditation classes, vegetarian dining
- Ideal For: Spiritual seekers, art lovers, families
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 2 million
- Geographical Location: Southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung City
The Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is a stunning complex dedicated to Buddhist art and culture. Its centerpiece is a 120-meter-tall bronze statue of Buddha Amitabha, one of the tallest seated Buddha statues in the world.
The museum features art galleries, a library, and meditation rooms, offering a serene and educational experience for visitors. Guided tours and meditation classes are available, and the complex includes several vegetarian dining options.
10. Jiufen Old Street, New Taipei City
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- What to Expect: Narrow alleys, traditional architecture, local street food, tea houses, souvenir shops
- Ideal For: Families, foodies, culture enthusiasts, photographers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 4 million
- Geographical Location: Northern Taiwan, New Taipei City
Jiufen Old Street is a picturesque village nestled in the mountains, famous for its narrow alleys, traditional architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can wander the charming streets, sample local street food, and visit quaint tea houses.
The village’s red lanterns and stunning views of the surrounding mountains make it a popular destination for photographers. Jiufen has a rich cultural history, and its well-preserved architecture transports visitors back in time.
11. Tainan Confucius Temple, Tainan
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- What to Expect: Historical temple, peaceful courtyard, ancient trees, cultural exhibits
- Ideal For: Families, history enthusiasts, spiritual seekers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 1 million
- Geographical Location: Southern Taiwan, Tainan City
The Tainan Confucius Temple, built in 1665, is the oldest Confucian temple in Taiwan. The temple is dedicated to Confucius, the revered Chinese philosopher, and is an important center for Confucianism in Taiwan. Visitors can appreciate the temple’s traditional architecture, peaceful courtyard, and ancient trees.
The temple complex also features cultural exhibits and educational displays, offering insight into Confucianism and its impact on Taiwanese society.
12. Penghu Islands, Penghu County
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
- What to Expect: Archipelago with pristine beaches, water sports, traditional villages, local cuisine, basalt rock formations
- Ideal For: Beach lovers, families, couples, adventure seekers
- Yearly Visitor Count: Approximately 1.2 million
- Geographical Location: Taiwan Strait, Penghu County
The Penghu Islands are an archipelago of 90 islands and islets known for their pristine beaches, clear waters, and unique basalt rock formations. Visitors can enjoy water sports, such as snorkeling, windsurfing, and fishing, or relax on the sandy beaches.
The islands are home to traditional villages, where visitors can experience the local culture and sample Penghu’s unique cuisine. The basalt rock formations, such as the famous “Double-Heart of Stacked Stones,” are a must-see attraction for nature lovers and photographers.
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