Top Taiwan Destinations for Nature, Culture, and Unforgettable Memories
Written by Kaelie Piscitello
Before coming to Taiwan, I could not wait to explore the cities! I wanted to explore the delicious Bib Gourmand restaurants, participate in the bustling night markets, and enjoy urban life. Of course, I have done all of this and liked it. However, my favorite part about traveling around Taiwan is the beautiful landscapes and life outside the city.
At this point, I am proud to say I have almost completed my Taiwan bucket list. However, I look forward to revisiting a few of my favorite places one last time. I love living in busy, bustling Taipei, but my most cherished memories of Taiwan are the moments I took to breathe in quieter, scenic spots.
Wu Lai
Wulai remains my favorite day trip. The bus ride from Taipei up through the mountains felt long and rough, and I got car sick. I wish I had prepared ahead of time and brought ginger ale with me. However, the long bus ride was worth it in the end.
The Wulai waterfall looks tall and gorgeous, almost like something out of a movie. I loved every moment spent in this tiny village. I could have stayed and watched the waterfall flow for hours, but I had more to see.
My friends and I found a gondola to ride from the waterfall through the forest. The gondola had gorgeous views of the rainforest below us, and it took us up to a beautiful hot spring resort with gorgeous, lush grounds. We wandered around and took in some of the most spectacular sights I’ve ever had the privilege of seeing. I recommend going in winter to take full advantage of them.
When I traveled there, I ate the best piece of chicken I’ve had in my entire life. I got it from a food stand selling Taiwanese sausages, and I couldn’t get over its juicy and flavorful texture.
Xiao Liuqiu
Xiao Liuqiu has some of the prettiest, cleanest beaches I’ve seen in Taiwan and incredible rock formations. Local tourists love Xiao Liuqiu, and they take good care of it. Xiao Liuqiu is small enough that I could get around it on a bike or scooter, depending on my choice.
I loved snorkeling here and seeing the sea turtles! I got lucky and saw three when I went out onto the water. They looked gorgeous and swam gracefully. I also loved exploring the many caves scattered around the island. They added a cool touch I didn’t expect, but they made the island more unique.
Xiao Liuiqu also had delicious seafood, and I loved eating it there. It makes for a great beach trip, and I recommend going in the spring and summer for warm weather.
Hualien
I went to Hualien early on during my Fulbright year and immediately fell in love with it. The train ride from Taipei felt long, but it was worth it. I will return with my roommates in a few weeks, and I cannot wait!
I went to the Fali Fali Music Festival, which made the trip so special. The festival taught me about the Taiwanese indigenous tribes, and I ate some of the most delicious food I’ve tried in Taiwan all year. The festival was in the middle of a valley, and I could see rolling mountains all around me.
I also loved Hualien City because I could see the beautiful mountains and the ocean from almost everywhere! My friends and I took a bike ride around Taipingyang Park, and it became one of my most treasured memories of my time here. We went at sunset, and I felt so at peace between the mountains and sparkling blue water.
Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is one of the most gorgeous places in Taiwan. It nestles in the mountains of Nantou and has striking blue water. I ate delicious food there and had the best piece of sausage in Taiwan at a breakfast place next to my hotel. I loved riding the gondola and seeing the lake from above.
I also loved biking around it to see the beautiful temples and attractions (that is, until I fell off my bike, haha!). The shops surrounding the lake offer delicious tea and a million different things to experience.
A highlight of the trip included visiting the Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village, where I learned more about Taiwan’s indigenous tribes by exploring replicas of their traditional homes. Making traditional bracelets, watching demonstrations by Taiwanese people, and riding the occasional ride made the perfect way to spend my last day in Sun Moon Lake.
Tainan
I loved Tainan’s food. I am a huge foodie and love going around and trying all the traditional and famous food here. My favorite was the beef soup with the never-frozen beef, some of the most fresh meat I have ever tried in my entire life.
Of course, I also liked exploring Tainan’s historical places. As the original capital of Taiwan, it offers many pieces of the past to explore and study, including the Chikhan Tower and Confucius Temple.
I came here a second time with a family friend and saw more of Tainan’s countryside, including his family home. There, I learned more about Taiwanese history from him. Everyone needs to see Tainan when they come to Taiwan.
