Visit Taipei this spring! 🌸
Photo credit: @rosycloudband
Photo credit: @oliviajuanda
Ready for a cherry blossom-filled road trip in Taiwan? There's no better place to start your cherry blossom chase than in its vibrant capital city, Taipei. From browsing bustling night markets and marvelling at Taipei 101, to hitting the road to catch sight of the delicate pink-and-white blooms against a backdrop of craggy mountains, you're in for an unforgettable spring adventure across the island.
A road trip is the best way to explore this beautiful destination! Renting a car will allow you to explore Taipei and nearby areas at your own pace, allowing you to visit a diverse range of locations this cherry blossom season. Just match your travel plans to this 4D3N itinerary that we've prepared for you, and soon, you'll be able to experience the best of Taipei's cherry blossom spots this spring!
Getting around Taipei: Public transport & car rental
Getting around Taipei and its surrounding areas is easy. You can use the city's efficient public transport system or choose to drive yourself.
Taipei public transport
Taipei has an efficient bus and metro system. The metro operates from 6AM to midnight daily. You can use an EasyCard to pay for fares, which usually cost around NT$20-65 per trip.
Some options for getting around:
- MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) - The fastest way to get around the city with many stations located near attractions. You can get your MRT travel pass here.
- YouBike - A public bike sharing system. You can pick up and drop off bikes at any station, and rent for 30 minutes at a time.
- City buses - There is an extensive bus network covering the whole city. Route maps are available on each bus stop. Enjoy unlimited bus rides with this travel pass.
- Taxi - Meters start at NT$70 for the first 1.5km, with surcharges for late night and highway trips.
Driving in Taiwan
Photo Credit: YEH CHE WEI on Unsplash
With scenic drives, cherry blossom spots and vibrant city life, Taipei in spring is best explored on a combination of four wheels and your two feet. If you want flexibility exploring the outskirts of the city and its surrounding areas, renting a car is a great option.
Most major car rental companies like Hertz, Avis and CarPlus have outlets at Taipei Songshan Airport and Taipei Main Station, and car rental rates in Taiwan start around NT$1,900 per day. An International Driver's Permit is required for foreigners to drive in Taiwan.
Some tips for driving in Taiwan:
- Traffic signs are in Chinese and English. Speed limit on expressways is 100km/h and on city roads 50-70km/h.
- Drive on the right side of the road.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
- Don't drink and drive - the legal limit is 0.03% BAC.
- Buy an EasyCard for paying expressway tolls. You can top up at convenience stores.
4D3N Taipei itinerary for the spring season
Day 1: Yangmingshan National Park & LOHAS Park
1. Yangmingshan National Park
Photo credit: @angelo.alano
Photo credit: @rosycloudband
Waste no time the moment you arrive in Taipei! Start your road trip early and head to Yangminshan National Park, about 30 minutes north of the city. This stunning park is home to over 200 species of cherry blossoms, including the Taiwan cherry. The cherry blossom trail around the park is the best way to see them in full bloom, bringing you on a 5-kilometre journey through lush forests and grassy meadows, with cherry blossoms lining the path.
After your trek, grab lunch at one of the local restaurants in the park. You can find classic Taiwanese fare here, like beef noodle soup, dumplings and spring onion pancakes.
2. LOHAS Park
Photo credit: @melisaprilia
In the evening, visit the LOHAS Park in Taipei City, about a 45-minute drive south. Well-loved by visitors and locals alike, this urban oasis overlooks the Neigou River and has over 1,000 cherry blossom trees along a man-made lake. You can rent a bike to cycle around it and the surrounding gardens.
Photo credit: @wimol_wn_
As sunset approaches, we recommend finding a spot on the grass to enjoy a picnic dinner under the pink canopy of blossoms. Come nightfall, the cherry blossoms here are illuminated and the sight is almost straight out of a movie.
💡 #KlookTip: To make your commute here easier, consider getting an EasyCard in advance so you can simply tap and go on most mass transit in the city.
Day 2: Elephant Mountain, Wulai Waterfall & Taipei 101
1. Elephant Mountain
Photo credit: @thenielamstrong
Photo credit: @chaochao_49
Start your day early to catch the breathtaking sunrise at Elephant Mountain! This iconic hiking trail offers stunning panoramic views of Taipei city. The moderate 30-minute hike up the Xiangshan Trail will reward you with a spectacular vista of the city awakening beneath you. Just remember to bring along a camera to capture the magical moment while you're up there!
Alternatively, you can also join this day tour to visit some of Taipei’s must-see natural attractions, including a hike up Elephant Mountain:
2. Wulai Waterfall
After soaking in the sunrise, head south of Taipei to Wulai, a hidden gem that is over an hour's drive from the capital, and known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and river landscapes. Taiwanese cherry blossoms peak from February to March and bloom a lot here, which are more crimson compared to other cherry blossom species.
For the ultimate cherry blossom viewing experience, we recommend beginning with Wulai Waterfall, a picturesque 80-meter high waterfall wonder nestled amidst lush forests and surrounded by scenic hiking trails offering different vantage points.
We also recommend taking this opportunity to visit the Wulai village nearby, where you can immerse yourself in the culture of the Atayal indigenous tribe and sample local specialties. You can also try the Wulai Scenic Train for a more picturesque journey to the falls. Vibrant cherry blossom trees can be found throughout the district, and the contrast between them and the crystal clear waters make for a great shot.
3. Taipei 101
Photo credit: @lookmaiwsy
As night falls and you make your way back into Taipei City, head over to Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest buildings, for an unparalleled view of the city skyline illuminated by neon lights. The observation deck on the 89th floor offers a breathtaking panorama, complemented by a café and restaurant where you can indulge in a traditional Taiwanese dinner while marvelling at the city below.
Later, we recommend heading outside and finding a comfortable spot nearby to witness the mesmerising light show at Taipei 101. The LED display, synchronised to music, transforms the skyscraper into a dazzling spectacle of colour and motion. This captivating display is the best way to wrap up your exhilarating day exploring Taiwan's natural treasures.
Day 3: National Palace Museum, Wuji Tianyuan Temple & Ximending
1. National Palace Museum
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Photo credit: @krit_ppk
Begin your cultural exploration of Taipei at the National Palace Museum, a treasure trove of Chinese imperial artefacts and artworks spanning millennia. Delve into Taiwan's rich history and heritage as you wander through the museum's vast collection of over 700,000 artefacts. Highlights here include the famous Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-shaped Stone, which offer fascinating insights into ancient Chinese craftsmanship and symbolism.
2. Wuji Tianyuan Temple
Photo credit: @livia.chen414
In the evening, go on a leisurely stroll through the temple grounds of the enchanting Wuji Tianyuan Temple, renowned as one of the most popular destinations for cherry blossom viewing in Taiwan! Perched on a hillside, the temple offers sweeping panoramic views of the city skyline. In March or early April, the temple's surroundings burst into a kaleidoscope of pink and white hues as thousands of cherry blossoms bloom and frame the 200-meter tall pagoda.
Photo credit: @xlink0210
The pagoda itself is located on top of a small hill, and the cherry blossoms are behind it, so no worries if you don’t see the cherry trees when you first arrive at the temple! Just follow the pathway leading uphill to get there, and though the walk is a little steep, we think it's totally worth it for the cherry blossoms and the bird’s-eye view of New Taipei at the end.
3. Ximending
Photo credit: @lingweiix
Conclude your day with a visit to Ximending, Taipei's vibrant shopping and entertainment district. This bustling pedestrian area is a hub of activity, teeming with trendy boutiques, cafes, street vendors, cinemas, and karaoke bars. Indulge your taste buds with local delicacies like Taiwanese sausage in sticky rice or grilled squid from the numerous street food stalls. As night falls, the district comes alive with dazzling neon lights, casting a magical glow over the bustling streets.
Ximending's lively streets are an eclectic blend of modernity and tradition that defines this hip neighbourhood. From treating yourself to a refreshing bubble tea, to catching a live performance at the iconic Red House Theatre, this district truly offers an unforgettable urban experience that perfectly encapsulates Taipei's dynamic energy.
Day 4: Shifen Old Street and Jiufen
1. Shifen Old Street
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Photo credit: @iradeniseoyco
Wrap up your trip by spending your last day at these must-visit spots. Head northeast of Taipei to the mountain town of Jiufen, and along the way, stop by Shifen Old Street, a charming little town steeped in history and culture.
Marvel at the well-preserved architecture lining the quaint streets, adorned with an array of shops, eateries, and the iconic Shifen Railway Station. Take a leisurely stroll along the railway tracks, soaking in the rustic charm and lively atmosphere of this enchanting locale. While you're here, why not try out the unique experience of releasing a sky lantern? This is a symbolic gesture of making wishes and sending them soaring into the heavens, and commonly done here by tourists and locals alike.
2. Jiufen
Photo credit: @jiahui.lee
Resume your journey on a 30-minute drive to Jiufen, a beloved tourist destination nestled in the scenic Ruifang District. Explore the narrow alleyways of Jiufen Old Street, a bustling thoroughfare brimming with teahouses, souvenir shops, and delectable snack vendors. Don't miss these must-see attractions:
- Jiufen Old Street: The main street in town with most shops and restaurants, offering an array of local delicacies and artisanal crafts. Great for souvenir shopping and people watching!
- Jiufen Teahouse: One of the most popular teahouses, located on the highest point of Jiufen Old Street. Offers panoramic views of the sea and town, a laidback space to savour a cup of fragrant tea.
- Golden Waterfall: A scenic 10-minute hike from town through the forest to this waterfall, named for its shimmering appearance caused by the high copper content in the water.
- Jishan Street: A lesser-known enclave adorned with charming cafes, teahouses, and hiking trails. Head up to the viewing deck for sweeping views of town and the coastline.
Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at Jiufen, featuring local specialties such as fish ball soup, braised pork rice, or yam pastries, savouring the flavours of Taiwan's culinary heritage. As night falls, Jiufen comes alive with the warm glow of red lanterns, casting an providing a magical end to your Taipei adventure.
Get ready for cherry blossom madness in Taiwan 🇹🇼
More fun activities in Taipei ✨
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