Taiwan is a compact island embraced by seas, boasting a central high mountain that offers a delightful blend of coastal and mountain landscapes. This unique geographical diversity ensures that visitors can experience both stunning seaside views and exhilarating mountain vistas in close proximity. Whether you're drawn to the tranquility of the beaches or the grandeur of the peaks, Taiwan has something remarkable to offer every nature enthusiast.

Embark on a fascinating journey to uncover Taiwan's stunning natural beauty. If any of these places catch your interest and you're not sure where to start, take a look at our Classic Around Taiwan 8 Day Private Tour itinerary. If you wish to select your own distinctive destinations, simply complete the form and allow a MyTaiwanTour agent to assist you every step of the way!

West

Sun Moon Lake

Situated in Nantou County in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake stands as one of the country's foremost and acclaimed tourist destinations. With its glistening blue waters encircled by mountains and bamboo forests, this scenic lake exemplifies Taiwan's beauty and serves as a perfect retreat from urban life.

 

Yushan National Park

Head to Nantou and Yushan National Park (玉山國家公園), home to several large sections of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range (中央山脈). Boasting more than 30 peaks over 3,000m tall, the park’s best-known attraction is Mt. Jade (Yushan; 玉山) standing at an imperious 3,952m, making it the tallest peak in all Taiwan. Rich in biodiversity and also known for its eco-tourism practices, a trip to Yushan should be on everyone in Taiwan’s bucket list.

 

 

South

Taijiang National Park

Founded in 2009, Taiwan's youngest national park covers coastal lands and waters. It shelters rare species like the Black-faced Spoonbill and supports industries like open-pan salt making and fish farming. During your exploration, spot egrets and Black-crowned Night Herons in mangroves, and discover mudbanks bustling with fiddler crabs and mudskippers.

 

Alishan

In Chiayi County, the Alishan mountains stand as one of Taiwan's premier hiking spots. Encompassing the broader Alishan mountains region, the Alishan National Scenic Area comprises the Northwest Corridor, Provincial Highway 18, and the Tsou Culture Area. Apart from hiking, you can indulge in tea tasting, witness cherry blossoms, explore Alishan's indigenous communities, and experience the renowned Alishan Forest Railway.

 

East

Qixingtan

Qixingtan (七星潭), north of Hualien City, offers a scenic bay with blue-green waters. It's great for photos, especially with local fishermen. The bay's north end is the starting point of a 21km seaside bike path to Nanbin Park. Attractions include Stone Sculpture Park, Star Watching Plaza, Sunrise Building, and a playground. Signboards along the bikeway explain coastal ecology. Enjoy the stunning view of Qingshui Cliff too.

 

Taroko National Park

Situated along the east coast, Taroko National Park boasts the breathtaking Taroko Gorge. Arguably the most exquisite destination in all of Taiwan, Taroko Gorge showcases awe-inspiring marble cliffs that you can appreciate during hikes along local paths, like the well-maintained and easily accessible Lushui Trail (綠水步道) or the Shakadang Trail (砂卡噹步道) tracing the crystal-clear waters of Shakadang Stream. The park is also a habitat for the indigenous Truku (太魯閣族) people, whose village you'll pass by on the Shakadang Trail, though access to it is restricted.

 

North

Yehliu

Yeliu Geopark, situated along Keelung's western coast, protrudes into the East China Sea, resembling North American badlands or a sci-fi landscape. Prominent features include the distinctive "mushroom rocks," notably the popular Queen's Head Rock (女王頭), shaped by sea and wind erosion. Fossil enthusiasts also appreciate the park's well-preserved specimens etched into the landscape.

 

Maokong Tea

Encircled by hills, the Taipei basin presents numerous hills that provide fantastic hiking prospects. Maokong (貓空) in the hills above Muzha could easily be regarded as another among these. Yet, the distinctiveness of this mountainous terrain lies in its damp climate and fertile soil, ideally catering to the cultivation of tea varieties.