Overview of Regions

Taiwan can be divided into four major travel regions, each with its own character:

Taipei & North

For whom: Foodies, city explorers, temple lovers
The vibrant capital with the best night markets in Asia, the futuristic Taipei 101, hot springs in Beitou, and the magical mountain village Jiufen. Most trips start here. The north coast around Yehliu impresses with surreal rock formations, while nearby Jiufen with its red lanterns and steep alleys is reminiscent of the Studio Ghibli film "Spirited Away."

Central Taiwan

For whom: Hikers, tea lovers, nature enthusiasts
The green heart of the island: The mystical Sun Moon Lake at 748 m altitude, the historic Alishan Forest Railway, sunrises over the sea of clouds, and the best Oolong tea plantations in the world. Taichung — the second-largest city — surprises with a creative art scene and the Rainbow Village.

South & Kenting

For whom: Beach lovers, culture travelers, history enthusiasts
The historic port city of Tainan (oldest city in Taiwan, over 200 temples, foodie capital), creative Kaohsiung with its transformed harbor scene, and the tropical Kenting National Park at the southern cape. It's warm here year-round.

East Coast & Taroko

For whom: Adventurers, nature lovers, hikers
The spectacular Taroko Gorge with its marble walls is one of Asia's natural wonders. The wild east coast offers dramatic cliffs, indigenous villages of the Amis and Truku, the surfer town of Dulan, and a tranquility that seems impossible in bustling Taipei.