The North
Taipei City
Taipei is Taiwan’s largest city as well as its economic, political, and cultural center. It is a modern cosmopolitan metropolis with a lively and diversified face, filled with exuberance.
A City of Smiles
From the world’s tallest building(2004-2010) to the biggest collection of Chinese art, Taipei invites you into a world of fascinating contrasts – a mix of the modern and traditional, with a generous dash of energy and friendly smiles to make this one of your most memorable trips to Asia.
The cultural kaleidoscope of Taiwan’s capital city pulses wherever you go. Incense – veiled temples dating back to dynastic times blend seamlessly with a neon street life of a decidedly more modern era. Taipei has dozens of world – class restaurants where gourmets can sample the best regional Chinese cuisine; and for the gourmand, there are plenty of night markets serving up scrumptious evening snacks in an environment of chaotic excitement and fun.
The polarities of Taipei are vividly present as well in the joining of the urban and natural. Just a few minutes from the heart of the city you can soak away the cares of the world in mineral – rich hot springs nestled in the lush mountain foothills ringing the Taipei Basin. And throughout the city there are plenty of trails, parks and other oases of tranquility to lift and invigorate your spirits.
Whether you’re just stopping over en route to another Asian destination, or planning a longer stay, Taipei is a many-faceted treasure that will call you back again and again.
Discover the heart of Asia in beautiful Taipei!
New Taipei City
The life of any region arises out of its historical past, its remembrance of culture, and its hold on the future. The New Taipei City government has established museums of tea culture, pottery and ceramics, and other sites to help preserve the memory of the common history and culture.
New Taipei City is rich in cultural resources. It’s a major cultural county that hosts a rich variety of cultural activities. Come! Join us as we trace our cultural roots. The confluence of the Tamsui (Danshui), Xindian and Keelung Rivers gave rise to New Taipei City, which expanded gradually inland from the smallish river mouth to achieve its present scope. The meeting ground of the rivers stretches away in a scene of grandeur as the seashore, its terrain carved out by the hand of time, faces off with the low mountains standing peacefully in the distance of New Taipei City.
Taoyuan City
The narrow-shaped Taoyuan City is a plateau lies in the northwestern part of Taiwan Main Island, with Taipei and Yilan counties adjacent to it.
The cultural diversity of Taoyuan City is paralleled by an equal abundance of natural attractions, earning the county the nicknames of the “flower kingdom” and “land of a thousand ponds.” The scenic sites along the Northern Cross-Island Highway and the historic Chiang Kai-Shek and Chiang Ching-Kuo Cultural Park are just a few of the many good reasons to visit Taoyuan.
Over the past two years, the Chiang Kai-Shek and Chiang Ching-Kuo Cultural Park has attracted over three million visitors a year. The park is a successful example of efforts by the Taoyuan City Government to create tourism value, promote innovative and high-quality visitor services with private sector partners, and develop locally unique attractions that present the “Taiwan Experience.”
Taoyuan also has developed other distinctive attractions, such as the county’s Hakka culture, military communities, rustic areas, trails, bikeways, and local industries, hoping to attract more visitors to discover the story of Taoyuan.
Yilan County
The city of Yilan is located in the central and most favored part of the Lanyang Plain. Streams and rivers provide a constant source of replenishment for the nutrients in the soil here, making Yilan a breadbasket county.
Yilan looks out to the sea on Taiwan’s Northeast Coast, with mountains on the three other sides forming a unique geography that has nurtured an equally distinctive cultural landscape and human warmth. The county is home to Asia’s second longest highway tunnel, the Hsuehshan Tunnel, which has reduced the driving time between Yilan and Taipei to less than 50 minutes. From natural environments and cold and hot springs to a wealth of ocean recreation resources and verdant country scenes, Yilan offers the perfect setting to slow down and enjoy nature at its best.
The Central
Taichung City
Taiwan’s third largest city; Taichung enjoys a mild year-round climate with an average temperature of 22.4 degrees centigrade. It also has a highly developed industrial and commercial base, thriving cultural scene, friendly people, and beautiful scenery, all of which contribute to its status as an international-class city.
Centrally located in the western half of Taiwan, Taichung welcomes visitors with a pleasant climate throughout the year. The city first rose as a major political, economic, transportation, and cultural hub during the Japanese occupation period, due highway, railway and shipping port development during that time.
Through dedicated preservation efforts, Taichung has saved many of the city’s historic sites and retains the original “chessboard” street plan from the Japanese era. Among the many sites of interest in the city are the 200-year-old Lecheng Temple, the ornate and much-visited Chenghuang Temple, and the three-hall style Wanhe Temple. The Chang Liao Family Shrine as well as the 200-plus-year-old Zhenlan Temple in Dajia further add to Taichung’s yesteryear charms.
In addition to historic attractions, Taichung also offers plenty to satisfy one’s thirst for the arts, culture and learning, including the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, and Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau.
There are also a number of department stores and distinctive shopping areas and boutiques. The European-style Jingming Shopping District and Fenglin Restaurant at the Art Garden impart Taichung with a fashionable elegance that recalls the Champs Elysees in Paris.
Changhua County
Changhua is known as “the granary of Taiwan.” Surrounded by mountains to the north, south, and east, the city faces the Taiwan Straits to the west.
The flat and fertile land of Changhua has earned this county a reputation as the breadbasket of Taiwan. Known originally as ‘Banxian,’ this area was one of the first to be developed in Taiwan. During the Qing period, Lugang in Changhua grew to become the main city in central Taiwan, leading to the saying: “first Tainan, second Lugang, third Taipei’s Mengjia (Wanhua) district.”
Today, Changhua invites visitors with an abundance of tourism resources. The Bagua Mountain Range is a rising star on Taiwan’s tourism map, offering a perfect spot for hiking, fitness walks, bicycling, and ecotourism. For cuisine, each region of Changhua serves up unique mouthwatering specialties: Taiwanese meatballs (Changhua and Beidou), mutton stewed with Chinese herbs (Xihu), sweetmeat (Yuanlin), oyster omelets and traditional cakes (Lugang), fried oysters (Wanggong), herbal cuisine (Tianwei), and fire stir-fried noodles (Ershui). Changhua is also a great spot to enjoy a leisurely vacation in the country, with many of the county’s farms open for recreation. The local orchards produce some of Taiwan’s best fruit, including carambola (in Yuanlin Township), litchis (Fenyuan), grapes (Dacun and Xihu), guava (Shetou), and watermelon (Dacheng).
Changhua was settled largely by immigrants from the Chinese provinces of Fujian and Guangdong. These settlers brought with them their unique customs and culture, evident today in the many colorful historic sites found throughout the county. These include: Changhua’s landmark Baguashan Great Buddha; Longshan Temple, a national historic site known as “Taiwan’s Forbidden City”; Tianhou Temple, a county historic site dedicated to Meizhou’s Mazu; and Baozang Temple, Qingshui Temple, and Hushan Temple. All open a fascinating window to Taiwan’s history.
Nantou County
Nantou County lies at the geographical heart of Taiwan and is the only county that does not border the coast.
If the central region is the heartland of Taiwan, Nantou is Taiwan’s heart: it is the only landlocked county on the island!
Nantou County occupies an area of about 4,100 square kilometers. It is home to Taiwan’s highest peak, Yushan (Mt. Jade), and 41 other 3,000-plus-meter mountains that form an unbroken and undulating expanse of green. Taiwan’s longest river, the Zhuoshui River, winds through the county, and the island’s most beautiful lake, Sun Moon Lake, completes the county’s scenic tapestry.
Nantou is heavily dependent on farming. Rustic areas and an abundance of agricultural products are therefore among the county’s major visitor draws. There are dozens of well-planned recreational farm areas that are perfect for a quiet and leisurely family trip to the countryside.
Accommodation choices range from world-class resort hotels to rural B&Bs. Whether you choose to stay at an exotic villa at Qingjing Farm or an elegant room at Puli Tao-Mi Eco-Village, you are never far from nature’s scenic embrace.
Visitors can discover the beauty of Nantou along the seven main travel routes in the county. Enjoy a spring excursion to the outskirts, a cool summer escape, the starry nights of fall, or a winter hot spring soak and fun in the snow. Whenever and wherever you arrive, Nantou is there to welcome you on a relaxing, fun, and eye-opening journey.
The South
Chiayi County
Chiayi’s attractions are mostly of cultural and historical interest. Foremost among these is Lantan, which used to be called “foreigner’s stockade”.
Bordered by mountains on one side and the sea on the other, Chiayi County is the only county in Taiwan with three major national scenic areas: Alishan National Scenic Area, Southwest Coast National Scenic Area, and Siraya National Scenic Area, each presenting a unique view of nature’s wonders, from mountains to plains to ocean views. Alishan, located in the east part of the county by Taiwan’s tallest peak, Yushan, is the homeland of the Tsou indigenous people. This area is famous for its breathtaking sunrise views and cloud formations, towering ancient trees, colorful cherry blossoms, the world-famous Alishan Forest Railway, and secluded forest trails, valleys, and waterfalls. The area’s appeal is further heightened by the mountain culture and ancestral legends of the Tsou. The fishing harbors of Dongshi and Budai on the west coast are good places to experience the county’s oyster industry, coastal ecology, and views. In recent years, Dongshi Fisherman’s Wharf has become a summer hot spot for visitors. The Aogu Wetland Forest Park, also in Dongshi, is the largest lowland forest park in Taiwan. Visitors can take a fishing raft ride along the Puzi River to the Waisanding Sand Bar and Haomeili Nature Reserve in Budai to experience the coastal fishing industry. And in the plains area of the county, one can make an educational visit to the Tropic of Cancer Monument or tour centuries-old temples. Chiayi also hosts several grand religious ceremonies that attract thousands of visitors to the county each year, from the Matsu pilgrimage to a watery procession welcoming the “Guest Kings” (visiting gods).
Tainan City
Ancient Capital Tainan, the ancient capital of Taiwan, is situated on the southwestern coastal plains of the island and enjoys a warm climate year-round.
Tainan is the birthplace of Taiwan and the oldest city on the island. In 1661, the Ming loyalist Cheng Cheng-kung drove the Dutch from Taiwan and established his administration in Tainan. At the time, mainland Chinese immigrants were coming to Taiwan in droves, helping the young city to grow.
After the Qing pacification of Taiwan in 1683, the Taiwan Prefectural Capital was established in Tainan. In 1885, Taiwan became a province and Tainan’s position changed to that of Tainan Prefectural Capital, from which its current name derives. Tainan remained the political, economic and cultural center of Taiwan up to the late nineteenth century. As a result, Tainan is home to many famous historic sites. It also is the city with the longest history and earliest cultural roots in Taiwan.
In addition to its historic and cultural attractions, Tainan boasts a stunning natural landscape and well-known agricultural and fishery products and cuisine. In spring, the Taiwan International Orchid Show is held in Houbi Township’s Taiwan Orchid Plantation, presenting the early spring orchids in all their beauty and charm. Every year on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the spectacular Yanshui Beehive Rockets Festival attracts throngs of visitors from across Taiwan and the world to Tainan. And for an educational family fun in the summer visitors can choose from firefly watching in Meiling, lotus watching in Baihe, and activities at Qigu Mangrove Tourist Park. With the arrival of the autumn cool, visitors can head to Dongshan to sample the fragrant locally-grown Arabica coffee. And in winter, you can sooth away those sore muscles at the Guanziling mud springs.
Kaohsiung City
Located in the southern part of Taiwan, the city of Kaohsiung is the island’s largest industrial center.
A thriving international metropolis at the southern tip of Taiwan, Kaohsiung was the host city for the 2009 World Games. Due to the regulating effects of the marine climate, Kaohsiung is generally sunny and enjoys pleasant weather year-round. Known as “Taiwan’s Maritime Capital,” the city has worked hard in recent years to develop its tourism industry, including through beautification of the urban landscape.
Kaohsiung is home to several popular visitor sites, including the Love River, Shoushan (Mt. Shou), Xiziwan Bay, Lotus Pond, Qijin, and the Old City of Zuoying. It also is an ethnic melting pot, joining Hokkien and Hakka communities, the Pingpu, Tsou, Rukai, Bunun, and Paiwan indigenous tribes, and a military community culture. Kaohsiung also offers scenic mountains, ocean views, and rivers, as well as port, cultural, and historic attractions. Visitors to the city can experience the beauty of nature and savor fine cuisine, or head to the nearby Hakka village of Meinong to experience traditional oil paper umbrella art. The Neimen Songjiang Battle Array and the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist monastery in Dashu further add to the ethnic richness of Kaohsiung. Taiwan’s biggest mall and well-known night markets complete the scene for a thoroughly satisfying trip.
Pingtung County
Pingtung County is the southernmost county in Taiwan. The shape of the county is slender. The county is backed by mountains and facing the water.
Taiwan’s southernmost county, Pingtung covers a long and narrow territory with a border defined by mountains to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Taiwan Strait to the west, and the Bashi Channel to the south. Due to its subtropical location, Pingtung enjoys spring-like weather all year round. Graceful coconut trees add to the county’s ample South Pacific charms.
Pingtung is home to Kenting National Park, Taiwan’s first National Park. Other visitor attractions here include the island Eden of Xiaoliuqiu, scenic forest-hemmed highways, Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area, Maolin National Scenic Area, and Taiwan’s best paragliding area, Saijia Air Park. Coastal areas in Pingtung are excellent choices for coastal recreation, whether donning a snorkel to explore the beauty of the corals or hunting for shells on the beach. At Eluanbi, marking the southernmost tip of Taiwan, you can enjoy the unusual sight of the Pacific to the left and the Taiwan Strait to the right. Pingtung is also a wintering stop for migratory birds, including shrikes, and in October, gray-faced buzzards, making this a good spot to enjoy the avian ecology. And if you like to gaze at the stars, the light-pollution free night skies over the Pingbei foothills offer the perfect tapestry to indulge. The local indigenous culture is also well worth experiencing.
Pingtung has a number of local specialties. Linbian Township is known for its juicy and sweet black pearl wax apple, Wanluan for its tasty and chewy pig’s feet, and Donggang for melt-in-your-mouth bluefin tuna. The coffee of Dewen, onions of Checheng and Hengchun, and preserved dates of Gaoshu are other delicious must-try treats. For recreation or dining fun, Taiwan’s southern border is hard to beat!
The East
Hualien County
Hualien is the meeting point of the Central Cross-Island Highway, Suao-Hualien Highway, and highways leading south to Taitung.
Hualien County is home to several world-class scenic attractions. In 1590, Portuguese sailors passed by the eastern coast of Taiwan and were so moved by the grandeur of what they saw that they named this land “Formosa,” the beautiful island. Since that time, the majestic views of Hualien have come to represent Taiwan.
Formerly known as Qilai, Hualien’s current name derives from the phrase “huilan”(eddying water), a reference to the swirling currents of the Hualien River where it meets the sea.
Hualien is Taiwan’s biggest county, with an area of about 4,628 square kilometers and a population of 350,000. The county borders the Pacific Ocean to the east and is hemmed in by the Central Range to the west. With its towering peaks, azure skies, vast seas, scenic valleys, cultural diversity, and friendly kindhearted people, Hualien has become one of Taiwan’s first-choice travel destinations for local and international visitors alike.
With all of its natural beauty, most of Hualien is a national scenic area. Visitors to the county can enjoy the impressive gorges at Taroko National Park, the magnificence of Yushan National Park, the stunning natural landscapes of the East Coast National Scenic Area, and the rustic charms of the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area. Wherever you go in Hualien, nature is there to greet you.
Taitung County
Taitung County is located on the delta of the Beinan River, at the southern tip of the rift valley.
From coastal areas to mountain highs, Taitung greets visitors to a land of ecological richness and scenic beauty. The county is also known for its distinctive local products, from premium rice, day lilies, hibiscus, and sugar apples to sailfish, bonito(skipjack tuna), and other specialty seafood items.
Ethnic diversity has endowed Taitung with a unique culture, diverse festival occasions, and a vibrant tradition of oral history and myth to provide plenty of food for the mind.
Cyclists are also well served in Taitung. Taiwan’s oldest bikeway—the Guanshan Bicycle Trail—is located here, and other cycling routes can be enjoyed in Longtian Village(Luye Township), Chishang, Taitung City, and coastal areas, all while cyclists are surrounded by fairytale-like scenic beauty.
These natural charms have earned Taitung the nickname as the “garden of Taiwan.” True to this reputation, Taitung is a bona fide paradise for a healthy and relaxing holiday escape in nature’s embrace.
Recommended Tour
North Coast 1 Day Tour
The tour includes Yeliu, Shifen, Jinguashi, Jiufen, as well as other attractions. Depending on the weather condition, trafffics, and your will, we will organize a 10 hour trip for you. For more detailed information, please kindly vists the “Attractions” section of our web-site.
Taipei City Tour
The Taipei City tour will last about 8-10 hours. Taking this tour, you will be able to visit The National Palace Museum, Taipei Martyrs’ Shrine, 101 Tower, CKS Memorial Hall, Sun Yet-Sen Memorial Hall, Yong Kang Street, and LongShan Temple. Of course we will arrange the tour according to your plan.
Hualien 2 Day Tour
Starts from Taipei, passing Lanyang plain, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Yilan such as Lanyang Museum, Kavalan Winery, King Car Castle, Su-Ao cold spring, and Jiaoxi hot spring. The next day, we will visit Qixingtan and Taroko, then back to Taipei.
Northern Taiwan 4 Day Tour
D1 : Depart from Taipei or from the airport, and stay in Taichung for 1 night. You can enjoy the beautiful sunset of Gaomei wetland, and famous Feng Chia night market.
D2 : The schedule will cover Sun Moon Lake, Puli Winery, and stay in Qingjing for 1 night.
D3 : After visiting Qingjing farm, we drive through the magnificent central cross island highway to Hualien. On the way, there will be Wuling, Hehuan Mountain, Bilu sacred tree, and Taroko national park for you to visit.
D4 : Taking a look at the sunrise of Qixingtan as well as the nearby scenic sites in Hualien city, through Su Ao-Hualien high way, bypass Qingshui Cliff, Nan-Ao, Su-Ao, and Luodong night market, then back to Taipei.
The North
Taipei City
- Taipei City
- Presidential Office Building
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
- Taipei Martyrs’ Shrine
- National Palace Museum
- Taipei 101
- Ximending
- Longshan Temple
- Xingtian Temple
- Yangmingshan National Park
- Xinbeitou Hot Springs
- 士林夜Shilin Night Market市
- Raohe Street Tourist Night Market
Taoyuan City
The Central
The South
Chiayi County
The East
Recommended Tour
North Coast 1 Day Tour
Taipei City 1 Day Tour
Hualien 2 Day Tour
Northern Taiwan 4 Day Tour