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Taiwan

Night markets, Taroko Gorge, and Taipei tech hub. As part of East Asia in Asia, Taiwan suits travelers drawn to big cities and historic. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Taiwan

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Best time to visit: Oct – Apr

Taipei

Taipei is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Taiwan, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Taroko

Taroko is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Taiwan, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Sun Moon Lake

Plan at least a full day in Sun Moon Lake to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Taiwan, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

What it is known for
facts
  • Taipei 101 tower and night market street food
  • Taroko Gorge marble canyon trails
  • Sun Moon Lake cycling and cable car
  • Jiufen hillside tea houses and lantern alleys
  • Beef noodle soup, bubble tea, and xiao long bao
key City
name
Taipei
label
Capital
why
Night markets, hot springs in Beitou, and high-speed rail to the south make Taipei the hub of every Taiwan itinerary.
Places to visit
  • area
    Taipei
    attractions
    • name
      Taipei 101
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Many are free outdoors; timed entry sites need 1-2 weeks notice in summer.
    • name
      Longshan Temple
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      National Palace Museum
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
  • area
    Taroko
    attractions
    • name
      Taroko Gorge
      duration
      3-6 hours
      book Ahead
      Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.
    • name
      Shakadang Trail
      duration
      3-6 hours
      book Ahead
      Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.
    • name
      Swallow Grotto
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Eternal Spring Shrine
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
  • area
    Sun Moon Lake
    attractions
    • name
      Wenwu Temple
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Ita Thao Pier
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Ci'en Pagoda
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Kaohsiung
    attractions
    • name
      Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
    • name
      Pier-2 Art Center
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Lotus Pond
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Love River
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Taiwan Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Taipei
    • Taroko
    • Sun Moon Lake
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Taipei
    • Full day discovering Taroko
    • Full day discovering Sun Moon Lake
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Taipei
      description
      Land in Taipei, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Taiwan trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Taroko
      description
      Dedicate the day to Taroko: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Sun Moon Lake and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Sun Moon Lake visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Taiwan
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Taipei
    • Taroko
    • Sun Moon Lake
    • Kaohsiung
    highlights
    • Cover Taipei and Taroko
    • Explore Sun Moon Lake
    • Explore Kaohsiung
    best For
    Urban explorers and culture fans
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Taipei
      description
      Land in Taipei, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Taiwan trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Taroko
      description
      Dedicate the day to Taroko: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Sun Moon Lake
      description
      Dedicate the day to Sun Moon Lake: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Kaohsiung and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Kaohsiung visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Taiwan Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Taroko
    • Sun Moon Lake
    • Kaohsiung
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Taroko
    • Coastal day in Sun Moon Lake
    • Coastal day in Kaohsiung
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Taroko
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Taroko.
    • day
      2
      title
      Sun Moon Lake coast
      description
      Spend the day on Sun Moon Lake's shoreline: Wenwu Temple, Ita Thao Pier, Ci'en Pagoda, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Kaohsiung and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Kaohsiung, visiting Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Pier-2 Art Center, Lotus Pond before you depart Taiwan.
  • title
    Taiwan Countryside
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Taipei
    • Taroko
    • Sun Moon Lake
    • Kaohsiung
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Taipei
    • Rural stop: Taroko
    • Rural stop: Sun Moon Lake
    • Rural stop: Kaohsiung
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Taipei
      description
      Reach Taipei, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Taroko countryside
      description
      Explore Taroko at an easy pace: Taroko Gorge, Shakadang Trail, Swallow Grotto with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Sun Moon Lake countryside
      description
      Explore Sun Moon Lake at an easy pace: Wenwu Temple, Ita Thao Pier, Ci'en Pagoda with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Kaohsiung and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Kaohsiung, stopping at Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Pier-2 Art Center, Lotus Pond before heading home.
  • title
    Taiwan Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Taipei
    • Taroko
    • Sun Moon Lake
    • Kaohsiung
    highlights
    • Must-see: Taipei 101
    • Must-see: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
    • Must-see: Taroko Gorge
    • Must-see: Shakadang Trail
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Taipei
      description
      Start in Taipei with Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Taroko monuments
      description
      Focus on Taroko's tourist favorites: Taroko Gorge, Shakadang Trail, Swallow Grotto with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Sun Moon Lake monuments
      description
      Focus on Sun Moon Lake's tourist favorites: Wenwu Temple, Ita Thao Pier, Ci'en Pagoda with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      4
      title
      Kaohsiung landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Kaohsiung, including Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Pier-2 Art Center, Lotus Pond, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
October through April is the best window for Taiwan, avoiding typhoon season and summer heat while keeping Taipei temples, Taroko Gorge, and Sun Moon Lake accessible. Cherry blossoms peak in January-February; autumn foliage colors Alishan in November.
typical Weather
Taipei Oct-Apr: highs 20-26°C (68-79°F), lows 14-18°C (57-64°F), 60-100 mm rain. Taroko similar. Kenting south warmer at 24-28°C (75-82°F). Mountains cooler.
details
  • Jan-Feb cherry blossoms at Yangmingshan and Alishan.
  • Jun-Sep typhoon season; east coast and mountains highest risk.
  • Lunar New Year (Jan-Feb) spikes domestic travel.
  • Hot springs enjoyable year-round; best in cool months.
most Affordable
period
Jun – Aug
summary
Typhoon season offers Taiwan's lowest Taipei hotel rates when cherry blossom and foliage peaks pass and domestic travelers shift to mountain escapes.
details
  • Taipei hotels discount 25-35% in typhoon season.
  • Taroko Gorge tours offer rainy-season promotions.
  • Sun Moon Lake hotels cut summer weekday rates.
  • EVA and China Airlines fares often lower in Jun-Aug.
most Expensive
period
Jan – Feb
summary
Lunar New Year and cherry blossom early season drive Taiwan's highest hotel rates when Taipei, Jiufen, and Alishan fill with domestic holiday demand.
details
  • Lunar New Year (Jan-Feb) hotels nationwide sell out at peak rates.
  • Alishan sunrise hotel rooms premium in cherry blossom Jan-Feb.
  • Jiufen and Taroko day-trip demand spikes in holiday weeks.
  • High-speed rail tickets scarce during Lunar New Year travel.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport serves Taipei; Songshan handles regional flights.
airports
  • name
    Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
    code
    TPE
    location
    Taoyuan, serving Taipei
    distance From Center
    40 km (25 mi) west of central Taipei
    transfer Note
    Airport MRT reaches Taipei Main in about 35 minutes
  • name
    Taipei Songshan Airport
    code
    TSA
    location
    Taipei
    distance From Center
    In the city near downtown
    transfer Note
    MRT Brown Line serves business travelers
Getting around
overview
Taiwanese use THSR and TRA trains, metro in Taipei and Kaohsiung; Uber operates in cities.
trains
  • name
    Taiwan High Speed Rail
    description
    High-speed rail along the west coast.
    ticketing
    Buy at thsr.com.tw or station machines.
  • name
    Taiwan Railways
    description
    Conventional rail around the island.
    ticketing
    Buy at tr.gov.tw or station counters.
  • name
    TRA
    description
    Taiwan Railway Administration conventional lines.
    ticketing
    Book at rail.gov.tw or station windows.
ferries
    subways
    • name
      Taipei Metro
      description
      Taipei MRT serving the capital.
      ticketing
      Use EasyCard at station gates.
    public Transit
    • name
      Taiwan High Speed Rail
      kind
      public
      description
      High-speed rail along the west coast.
      ticketing
      Buy at thsr.com.tw or station machines.
    ride Share
    • name
      Uber
      kind
      rideshare
      description
      Ride-hailing in Taipei and major cities.
      ticketing
      Book via Uber app.
    Currency
    code
    TWD
    name
    New Taiwan dollar
    symbol
    $
    note
    Carry some new taiwan dollar in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

    Convert your travel budget ↗

    Visas & official entry links
    Local customs
    summary
    Taiwan is friendly, food-obsessed, and efficient, with temple incense culture and night market etiquette. Queues are orderly; trash sorting matters. Mandarin phrases help outside Taipei expat zones.
    customs
    • Remove shoes in some homes and temples where indicated.
    • Incense and prayer at temples follow clockwise or posted flow.
    • Receipt lottery culture means take receipts at shops.
    dos
    • Use EasyCard for MRT and buses.
    • Say xièxiè and nǐ hǎo in markets.
    • Tip is not expected at night markets and most restaurants.
    • Dress modestly at temples like Longshan.
    • Queue orderly for famous bubble tea and food stalls.
    donts
    • Do not discuss cross-strait politics aggressively with strangers.
    • Do not fly drones near airports and crowds without CAA rules.
    • Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice bowls.
    • Do not litter; trash sorting is expected.
    • Do not enter temple altar areas restricted to staff.
    Useful travel phrases
    language
    Chinese (Mandarin)
    phrases
    • english
      Please
      local
      請
      pronunciation
      Qǐng
    • english
      Thank you
      local
      謝謝
      pronunciation
      Xièxie
    • english
      Yes
      local
      是
      pronunciation
      Shì
    • english
      No
      local
      不
      pronunciation
      Bù
    • english
      How much?
      local
      多少錢?
      pronunciation
      Duōshao qián?
    • english
      Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
      local
      最近的餐廳或酒吧在哪裡?
      pronunciation
      Zuìjìn de cāntīng huò jiǔbā zài nǎlǐ?
    • english
      Where is the airport?
      local
      機場在哪裡?
      pronunciation
      Jīchǎng zài nǎlǐ?
    • english
      I need help
      local
      我需要幫助
      pronunciation
      Wǒ xūyào bāngzhù
    • english
      I need a hospital
      local
      我需要去醫院
      pronunciation
      Wǒ xūyào qù yīyuàn
    • english
      Call the police
      local
      請叫警察
      pronunciation
      Qǐng jiào jǐngchá
    Longer stays
    visa Summary
    U.S. citizens may enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism under current visa-exempt entry rules. Work permits, ARC residence cards, and Gold Card visas for skilled professionals require employer sponsorship or qualifying credentials. Taiwan adjusts visa-exempt duration and employment pass rules periodically, so confirm with the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

    Practical tips.

    • Use an EasyCard for MRT and convenience-store purchases in Taipei because it speeds transit and small buys.
    • Carry NT dollars in cash for night markets where many stalls are still cash-only.
    • Book Alishan sunrise trains and Taroko Gorge lodging early because weekend quotas fill quickly.
    More travel tips ↗

    Locate Taiwan.

    Location map of Taiwan

    Before you go.

    Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Taiwan ↗