Exploring Taiwan beyond Taipei
Apart from the usual suspects in Taipei – climbing atop at Taipei 101 or getting your street food fix, there is more than meets the eye in this city. Venture outside of Taipei on a day trip with hassle-free transportation to lesser-known spots in Taiwan!
Essentials
Before jetting off to Taiwan, here is a checklist to get your travel essentials prepped.
4G SIM Card or 4G WiFi (SG Pick Up): Stay connected and update your travels in real-time with unlimited data connection!
Taoyuan Airport Private Transfer: Why waste your time hailing cabs and risk getting lost in the middle of nowhere? Especially so for travelers with plenty of luggage, recline in the comfort of your private charter without any worries!
Budget Hotels in Taipei: Travel in style without breaking the bank on accommodations.
Save more with THSR 1-for-1
If you prefer taking complete control of your own trip, snag major savings when you get ahold of 1-for-1 Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Tickets on selected one-way rides. Now that’s what you call a true value-for-money buy!
Promotion ends on 20th January 2020. Remember to redeem your tickets and use them within 89 days, starting from the day after the payment date!
Day Tours from Taipei
1. Sun Moon Lake 日月潭
Photo credits: Jason on Flickr
Sun Moon Lake is a huge draw for locals and tourists alike – and for good reason. Its gleaming blue waterfront makes for great landscape shots and a much-needed refreshing change of view from Taipei’s urban landscape.
There are 3 main methods of transport to getting around this cobalt-blue lake; by cable wagon ride, bicycle or boat cruise. The Sun Moon Lake Adventure One Day Tour grants you the best of all worlds, a killer combo for all nature-lovers.
But if you’re prone to seasickness, then your best bet is the Sun Moon Lake Classic Day Tour from Taipei, which covers all sightseeing trails except for the cruise. You’ll get to see Sun Moon Lake’s nearby attractions like the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village and Wenwu Temple – more on that later.
Address: Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Nearest THSR Station: Taichung
2. Wenwu Temple 日月潭文武廟
Photo credits: MiNe on Flickr
Perched among the mountains, Wenwu Temple was borne out of an emergency plan – in case the Japanese hydro plant cause Sun Moon Lake to rise and flood low-lying temples.
Photo credits: MiNe on Flickr
Be prepared to shed some calories when you scale the ‘Stairway to Heaven’, a grand total of 366 steps! Windchimes are adorned at each step, functioning like a wishing well where visitors can enter the temple, purchase a wind chime off the racks, and write their wishes before hanging by the steps. Without a doubt, a dream come true is definitely worth the climb!
For the long-awaited finish – scale to the peak of Wenwu Temple for a stunning vantage view of the Sun Moon Lake like no other.
Address: No. 63, Zhongzheng Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Nearest THSR Station: Taichung
3. Forest Hill Family Farm 山上人家森林農場
Photo credits: 山上人家森林農場
If you’re hankering for a piece of solitude, Forest Hill Family Farm makes the perfect escape plan. 1000 meters above sea level, bask in the sun as you emerge above a floating sea of clouds. Definitely one for the gram’, have your cameras at the ready and snap up a storm!
#Klooktip: Temperature dips 10 degrees colder on the mountains so make sure to grab your jacket or sweater along!
Address: 311, Taiwan, Hsinchu County, Wufeng Township, 大隘村23鄰468之5號
Opening Hours: 8.30 am to 5 pm
Nearest THSR Station: Hsinchu
4. Former Residence of Zhang Xueliang 張學良故居
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons
Judging from the rich and tumultuous history of Taiwan, one of the many must-go iconic spots includes a visit to the Former Residence of Zhang Xueliang. The well-preserved museum now functions as an important mouthpiece to the past life of the Manchurian warlord.
Photo credits: marki1983 on Flickr
If travel planning isn’t your forte, leave the legwork to us and prebook a day tour instead. Save up to 10% off of your trip to the Forest Hill Farm and Zhang Xueliang’s former home!
Address: 311, Taiwan, Hsinchu County, Wufeng Township, 256-6號
Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Nearest THSR Station: Hsinchu
5. Jimi Square 幾米廣場
Photo credits: Jerry Lai on Flickr
Photo credits: Jerry Lai on Flickr
Once an abandoned quarter, Taiwanese writer, Jimmy, transformed Jimi Square into a larger-than-life adaption of his books and films. The revamped site is now where all your childhood dreams come to life. The young and young at heart can enter this alternate world for free and get lost in art installations and playground facilities.
Address: No.240, Sec. 1, Yixing Rd., Yilan City, Yilan County Taiwán, R.O.C
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Nearest THSR Station: Taichung
6. Wuling Farm 武陵農場
Photo credits: 鹽味九K on Flickr
Catch the last of the maple leaf season at Wuling Farm, located in the heartlands of Taichung. With cool weather all year round, never dipping above 20°C. Paired with stunning scenery, bring along your picnic mats and pre-packed food as you feast (your eyes and tummy) on a sun-drenched hill.
Transportation is hard to come by en route to Wuling, but you don’t have to give this hotspot up just because of that! Prebook a day tour to both Wuling Farm and Jimi Square with 2-way shuttle bus transfers included!
For more autumn hideouts, check out our Autumn Guide in Taiwan and nail your #ootds with these IG-worthy spots.
Address: 號, No. 2, Wuling Road, Heping District, Taichung City, Taiwan 424
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Nearest THSR Station: Taichung
7. Neiwan Line 內灣線
Photo credits: 海爾渥 / Hairworm on Flickr
Bringing you a real retro touch is the Neiwan Line, Taiwan’s remaining branch lines rooted in the times of the Japanese colonial era. Not only are the trains decked in whacky designs and bold colors, but the scenic route is also equal parts impressive as well.
8. Hexing Train Station 合興車站
Photo credits: JianEn Yu on Flickr
Catch a glimpse of the famous Taiwanese love story at Hexing Train Station along the Neiwan Line. Adorned with love emblems and romantic artifacts, it narrates a story of how a boy chased after a missed train for his examinations and ran along the 1.2km track, hoping to promote and eventually date the top student, aka the girl of his dreams.
9. Zhudong Night Market 竹東夜市
Photo credits: Violin6918 on Flickr
Running for 6 decades straight, Zhudong Market is Taiwan’s largest Hakka market. This is where you can splurge and get your bellies stuffed with gastronomical delights. Kids can escape to a makeshift funfair at the corner of the market after stuffing themselves full!
Can’t get enough of Taiwan’s night markets? Head to these 10 Ultimate Night Markets and must-eat street food worth a food coma for.
Address: No.88, Donglin Rd., Zhudong Township, Hsinchu County
Opening Hours: 7 am to 12.30 pm
Nearest THSR Station: Hsinchu
10. Jin Guang Fu Hall
The signature highlight of the day trip is hands down at Jin Guang Fu Hall. You’ll get to mingle with the Hakka locals and learn about the ethnic group whose name meant ‘outsiders’ and how they eventually carve a home for themselves.
11. Learn to brew Hakka Thunder Tea
Aside from eye powers, roll up your sleeves and get intimate with their tea-brewing culture – Hakka Pounded Tea, also known as Thunder Tea. The slight scent of mint and basil are subtle, a fragrant compliment to the nutty aroma from the greens.
Address: No. 6, Zhongzheng Road, Beipu Township, Hsinchu County, Taiwan 314
Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Nearest THSR Station: Hsinchu
Embark on a Hakka Culture Day Trip from the comforts of your hotel stay in Taipei. With your transportation settled, a day trip is a fuss-free option to get to the rest of Taiwan!
12. Nanya Rock Formations 南雅奇石
Known as the gateway to the Northeast Coast, the Nanya Rock Formation is one iconic attraction every road-trippers and geographic enthusiasts should check out. After thousands of years of erosion and weathering, the plethora of bizarre-looking rocks makes for an unorthodox photo spot too!
Address: 224, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Ruifang District
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Nearby THSR Station: Nangang
13. Bay of Two Colors/Yin Yang Sea 陰陽海
Photo credits: 姜 明雄 on Flickr
Yin and Yang isn’t just a Chinese philosophy found in scripts and books. Head to the Bay of Two Colors to capture the real-life phenomenon of duality; a calming shade of yellow and rustic blue gently lapping against each other by the waterfront.
To catch this exotic scene, hop on a Private Car Transfer or join the Jiufen Village & The Northeast Coast Tour for easy travel.
Address: 224, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Ruifang District
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Nearby THSR Station: Nangang
14. Jiufen 九份
If you’re here in Taiwan to binge out on street snacks, Jiufen makes a great spot for your street food marathon. With throngs of patrons and closely-packed alleys, waste no time and splurge on a slew of Taiwanese delicacies such as Glutinous Rice Cake, Jiufen Taro Ball, and more!
Address: Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Nearby THSR Station: Nangang
15. Yehliu Geopark 野柳地質公園
Stealing the limelight, Yehliu Geopark receives 3 million visitors yearly for its famous rock formations featuring the Queen’s Head and Dragon’s Head. These famous ecological wonders are still victims of limestone erosion so make sure to include this in your bucket list items before it loses its shape and charm!
Address: No 167-1, Gangdong Rd., Yehliu Village, Wanli District, New Taipei City (Yehliu Visitor Center)
Opening Hours: 8am to 5pm
Nearby THSR Station: Taipei
16. Shifen Old Street 十分老街
Releasing sky lanterns has long been a rite of passage for all travelers. You can get one from any street vendors by the old rail track (which is still working!) and pen down your wishes. Stand by with your cameras and capture the iconic moment when you send it to the gods from above!
Exclusively at Klook, pre-book your Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen Day Tour at 50% off! For all budget-conscious travelers, here are 10 Free Taipei Activities and Activities Under $20 in Taipei to fill your travel itinerary.
Address: 226, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Pingxi District
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Nearby THSR Station: Taipei
Unlock up to $100 worth of travel savings!
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To kickstart your adventure to Taiwan, read our Ultimate Taiwan Guide to maximize your getaway!
