7 Breathtaking Places to See on a Road Trip From Taipei City

There’s an almost endless amount of fun things to do in Taipei from shopping to food hunts to towering local landmarks. But have you ever thought of expanding your horizons and seeing even more of Taiwan? Home to beautiful Buddhist temples, quaint old towns, and stunning landscapes, there’s nothing small about Taiwan at all! 

And guess what? It’s so easy to drive around to Taiwan’s must-sees. With a car, you may even discover some hidden gems and unexplored places on the way! So who’s up for an adventure in Taiwan? Check out our list of exciting spots to visit and add these to your Taiwan travel bucket list!

You may be asking yourself why you should rent a car in Taiwan in the first place. The queues to the train or bus can be quite energy-draining, but with driving a car, you get to move at your own pace — so long as it’s below the speed limit of course! Getting around by car means you can travel anywhere and anytime! You get to make room in your itinerary for spontaneous moments. And with the natural beauty of Taiwan, you’ll be seizing every opportunity to stop and enjoy the sights on the road.

And on the practical side, if you’re carrying lots of stuff, you’ve now got so much storage space. No more stressful moments wondering if you forgot something in the overhead storage compartment on the bus or train. It’s probably right in your trunk!

Treat Taipei as your home base when you visit Taiwan — your itinerary starts and ends here, bringing your journey around Taiwan full circle. Once you’ve booked your Taipei car rental on Klook, check out our list of things to do in Taiwan!

Head to the quaint old town of Pingxi and get a taste of old Taiwan, less than an hour’s drive away from Taipei! Running alongside an old railroad and lined with souvenir shops, food stalls, and lantern shops, Shifen Old Street is definitely a one-of-a-kind destination. Take part in the tradition and get a sky lantern you can write your wishes on, before lighting it and sending it up into the sky!

While you’re here, don’t miss the scenic walk to the famous Shifen Waterfall, a trek through the trails following the main path to see the waterfall’s cascade from all angles. Fun fact: It’s also known as the Niagara Falls of Taiwan! 

Get spirited away into the old town that almost exactly resembles the setting of Hayao Miyazaki’s fantastical animated film! The nostalgic atmosphere of every alleyway in Jiufen takes you back in time: by day, the streets – particularly Jiufen Old Street – are bustling with food stalls, tea houses, and shops full of trinkets and souvenirs. By night, this maze-like mountain town comes alive as the red lanterns lining its streets light up. 

Fancy some unique-looking scenery? Head out early in the morning and take a scenic drive from Taipei to the northern coast of Taiwan. Take a walk through Yehliu Geopark, home to distinctively-shaped rocks and honeycomb-like formations caused by constant weathering and erosion. Try to spot and snap as many pics of the rock formations here, such as the queen’s head, fairy shoe, dragon head, and even the pineapple bun. This geological wonder will make you feel like you’re on a totally different planet!

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with some quiet moments in nature at the Alishan Forest Recreation Area! With a day trip, you can tick off all of Alishan’s five wonders: its sunrise, the forest trails, the Forest Railway, the sea of clouds, and its sunset! With gorgeous pink cherry blossoms coming into full bloom in the spring and vivid red maple leaves falling in autumn, Alishan Forest Recreation Area is gorgeous year-round.

Another iconic spot in the area is the Alishan Forest Railway, built by the Japanese in the early 1900s to transport lumber. If you can spare the time, take a relaxing scenic ride on the Alishan Railway and savor the cool mountain climate. 

This beautiful lake in Nantou County has an island shaped like a crescent moon and another like the round sun, hence its name. Take a day trip and visit the area’s temples, such as the Wen Wu Temple, and get to know Taiwan’s religious heritage. Afterward, you can take a scenic boat cruise around the lake or visit the markets nearby. You no longer have to wonder why this area is listed as one of Taiwan’s thirteen national scenic areas — it’s a cultural and natural excursion all in one!

This lake town is most popular during the annual mid-autumn festival held in September when people come to enjoy their mooncakes and watch the fireworks. For fitness buffs and competitive swimmers, you can also take part in the Swimming Carnival at Sun Moon Lake, a 3km swim meet where you cross the lake!

Arguably one of the most popular national parks in Taiwan, Taroko National Park is hailed as Taiwan’s mini Grand Canyon. This park was named after its landmark Taroko gorge, which got its name from the indigenous Truku tribe, who still reside in designated areas in Hualien County.

There are about a dozen scenic sights in the area, so come in your best walking shoes! There’s the Changchun Shrine or Eternal Spring Shrine, named for its never-ending waterfall, and the Shakadang Trail (Mysterious Valley Trail), which follows a creek of crystal clear blue waters and passes through a Truku village. And, if you’re in it for the thrill, trail through snaking tunnels and see the cliffs at Swallow’s Grove or gaze into the depths of the gorge from the Tunnel of Nine Turns!

Visit the coast of Taiwan and head to the beach for some sun, sand, and fun. The southernmost county in Taiwan, Pingtung is four hours away from Taipei, but it’s well worth it for the scenic drive! Surrounded by the sea and backed by a wooded mountain, Pingtung County is also home to the first Taiwan national park, Kenting National Park.

Tourists and locals alike come here for its year-round tropical weather and calm beaches — it’s an excellent spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding!

On Liuqiu island, you can even make new furry friends and pet some deer at the Wonderland of Deer park! 

Don’t forget to stay updated on Taiwan’s latest travel requirements and restrictions. With open borders and visa-free travel, make Taiwan your next dream destination. Already mapped out your list of things to do in Taiwan? Discover and book new experiences here on Klook!