Taiwan, an island in East Asia, is renowned for its majestic natural scenery, unique culture, and incredibly diverse cuisine. Below are the top 7 most fascinating Taiwan travel destinations in 2026 that visitors should not miss.
Author: Phan Thế Anh
1. Taiwan Travel: Don’t Miss Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is one of the most famous tourist landmarks in Taiwan of all time. This tower was the tallest building in the world from its inauguration in 2004 until 2010, when the Burj Khalifa in Dubai claimed that title.
Taipei 101 stands 508 meters (1,667 feet) tall, towering above surrounding buildings in Taipei and creating a striking landmark on the city skyline. The tower features an observation deck on the 89th floor (382 meters high). Visitors can also ascend to the 91st floor for an outdoor observation deck. The lower floors house a shopping mall with renowned international brands, plus dining areas where visitors can shop and dine simultaneously. At the base of Taipei 101 sits the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant — one of Taiwan’s most celebrated eateries — renowned for its signature xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), making it a perfect stop for travelers wanting to sample authentic Taiwanese cuisine.
Notably, Taipei 101 is famous not only for its height but also for its unique design. The building resembles a series of stacked square boxes, each slightly smaller than the one below, creating its distinctive silhouette. This design is not only visually striking but also enhances its resistance to earthquakes and wind.
Taipei 101 is not just a symbol of Taipei city but of all Taiwan, attracting millions of visitors each year.
2. Yangmingshan: Beautiful in All Four Seasons
When visiting Taiwan, Yangmingshan is unmissable — one of the most famous attractions in Taiwan, located within Taipei city. Yangmingshan refers to Yangmingshan National Park, one of Taiwan’s seven national parks.
Yangmingshan blanketed in hydrangeas
Yangmingshan’s standout feature is its diverse natural beauty. You’ll find many beautiful flowers such as cherry blossoms, azaleas, hydrangeas, and many other species depending on the season of your visit to Taiwan. In particular, in spring, Yangmingshan becomes extremely famous for its cherry blossom festival, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world.
3. Jiufen Old Village Draws Every Taiwan Visitor
Jiufen (also written as Jioufen) is a famous tourist destination in Taiwan, about a one-hour drive from Taipei (you can also take the train or bus). This is a destination you simply cannot skip when visiting Taiwan, owing to its old-world charm and mysterious atmosphere.
Known as an enchanting hilltop old village, Jiufen was once a thriving gold mining center in the 19th century. As the gold mining industry declined, Jiufen transformed into a captivating tourist destination featuring ancient houses, narrow lanes winding along the hillside, and the breathtaking beauty of its mountainous surroundings.
Jiufen is also famous for having inspired the beloved animated film “Spirited Away.” You’ll easily recognize familiar scenes from the film as you stroll through the village.
Read more: Traditional and Popular Breakfast Foods in Taiwan
4. Taiwan Travel: Nantou Famous for Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is the largest lake in Taiwan, located in Nantou County at the center of the island. Sun Moon Lake is renowned for its poetic, serene beauty and unique natural scenery.
Sun Moon Lake gets its name from its unique shape: the eastern portion resembles a crescent moon, while the western portion is round like the sun. Hence the name “Sun Moon Lake.”
Sun Moon Lake sits in an area surrounded by mountains and lush forests, creating a beautiful, natural, and romantic setting. The lake is also near many interesting historical and cultural sites, including temples and indigenous cultural facilities, making it ideal for travelers wishing to learn about Chinese culture and the people of Taiwan.
Sun Moon Lake is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as cycling around the lake, boating on the water, or walking along nearby trails.
Read more: Beautiful Cherry Blossom Spots in Taiwan
5. Taroko National Park
Taroko National Park is one of Taiwan‘s most famous tourist attractions, located on the eastern side of the island. The park takes its name from Taroko Gorge, where magnificent green-hued marble cliffs and crystal-clear winding rivers create breathtaking scenery.
Taroko is renowned for its towering peaks, deep gorges, and powerful rivers. These features produce a stunning array of natural landscapes including waterfalls, mountain lakes, and magnificent stone caves.
One of the most famous spots inside Taroko National Park is the Swallow Grotto Tunnel. Carved directly through a massive rock wall, this tunnel stretches over 1 kilometer in length. From here, visitors can take in the magnificent scenery of Taroko Gorge.
Visitors should also not miss Cimu Bridge, a beautiful white marble bridge spanning the Liwu River. The bridge offers spectacular views of the gorge and is considered one of the best photography spots in the park.
Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply want to relax and breathe fresh mountain air, Taroko National Park is an ideal destination when visiting Taiwan.
6. Ximending: The Liveliest Shopping District for Taiwan Visitors
Ximending, located in Wanhua District, is one of the most vibrant areas in Taipei, Taiwan. Known as the “Harajuku of Taiwan,” it attracts large numbers of young Taiwanese and visitors from around the world.
Ximending is known as a shopping and entertainment hub with numerous fashion stores, restaurants, movie theaters, video game arcades, and lively bars. It is also a place to enjoy many cultural activities, street art, and live music performances.
Ximending is also a food paradise, with countless street food stalls, specialty shops, and restaurants serving a diverse range of dishes from stir-fried noodles, rice rolls, and sticky rice to bubble tea, sweet soups, and other desserts.
7. Night Markets with Endless Street Food
Night markets are an important part of Taiwanese culture and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Night markets are not just for shopping, but also for enjoying rich and exciting street food.
Here are some of Taiwan’s most famous night markets:
- Shilin Night Market, Taipei: Perhaps the largest and most famous night market in Taiwan. At Shilin, you’ll find a wide range of stalls selling clothes, accessories, souvenirs, with a large section dedicated entirely to street food.
- Raohe Night Market, Taipei: Another famous night market in Taipei, Raohe focuses heavily on street food such as scallion pancakes, sausages, and more.
- Fengjia Night Market, Taichung: The largest night market in Taichung and one of the largest in Taiwan, Fengjia offers a perfect blend of street food, fashionable clothing, and other goods.
- Liuhe Night Market, Kaohsiung: Especially famous for its fresh seafood, Liuhe is a top destination for those wanting to enjoy the freshest seafood in Kaohsiung.
Each night market has its own character, but all are places where you can enjoy delicious street food, search for unique souvenirs, and experience the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of nightlife in Taiwan.
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