
Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
1. Jiufen
A mountain town with tea houses and old streets, famous for inspiring the movie 'Spirited Away'. Offers a peaceful escape from the city.
- Rich Cultural History: Preserves the traditions of Taiwan's indigenous people and has a gold mining past.
- Night Markets: Features unique local food and souvenirs, especially famous for A-Gei tofu pudding.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush mountains and the Pacific Ocean, providing beautiful views.
2. Pingxi
Famous for sky lanterns, where you can write a wish and release it into the sky.
- Star Trail Photography: Provides an opportunity to capture stunning star trail photos.
- Historical Train Ride: Offers a scenic train ride through the Pingxi Gorge.
- Wish-Making Tradition: Participate in a heartwarming tradition with origins dating back to the Japanese era.
3. Wulai Hot Springs
Natural hot springs located near a waterfall, offering a relaxing retreat.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Contain minerals believed to have healing properties.
- Adventure Activities: Surrounded by hiking trails, rapids for rafting, and a Tarzan swing.
- Indigenous Culture: Offers an opportunity to learn about the local indigenous culture.
4. Yangmingshan National Park
A volcanic park with hot springs, hiking trails, and cherry blossom trees.
- Scenic Hikes: Features a variety of trails suitable for different skill levels.
- Natural Hot Springs: Offers hot springs with beautiful views, such as the Jade Pavilion.
- Cherry Blossom Viewing: Provides a stunning display of cherry blossoms during late winter to early spring.
5. Taoyuan Rainbow Village
A vibrant village painted by an air force veteran, known for its colorful murals.
- Artistic Experience: Offers a unique, immersive art experience.
- Military History: Features old military equipment and buildings.
- Instagrammable Locations: Ideal for capturing colorful and vibrant photos.
6. Sun Moon Lake
A beautiful alpine lake with a picturesque Sun Moon Pagoda.
- Relaxation and Scenic Beauty: Provides a peaceful environment for relaxation and scenic views.
- Aborginal Culture: Located in the Thao Aboriginal Village, learn about the culture of Taiwan's indigenous people.
- Boat Cruises: Enjoy boat cruises to explore the lake and visit nearby islands.
7. Hualien
A coastal city known for the stunning Taroko Gorge and national park.
- Natural Wonders: Features dramatic marble cliffs, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
- Taiwanese Aboriginal Culture: Offers a chance to learn about the local indigenous tribes and their crafts.
- Beach Relaxation: Features beautiful beaches like Dongdamen, perfect for relaxation.
8. Taitung
A coastal city with Hakka and Aboriginal influences, known for Tulou round houses.
- Architectural Marvels: Features unique circular housing structures called Tulou.
- Cultural Experiences: Provides a chance to learn about the Hakka and Aboriginal cultures.
- Beautiful Beaches: Offers stunning beaches like Green Island, known for its coral reefs.
9. Taichung
A city with a mix of modern and traditional attractions, including the Fengjia Night Market.
- Vibrant Nightlife: Features bustling night markets with local food and shopping.
- Art and Architecture: Home to the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and the Rainbow Village.
- Relaxation at Zhongxian Hot Springs: Offers hot springs with various pools, some with scenic mountain views.
10. Miaoli
A rural area known for its sunflower fields and Hakka culture.
- Scenic Sunflower Fields: Offers beautiful views of sunflowers during the harvest season.
- Hakka Culture: Allows you to explore the history and culture of Taiwan's Hakka community.
- Hiking Opportunities: Features hiking trails through lush forests and hills.
11. Chiayi
A city with a mix of historic sites and natural beauty, including Alishan National Scenic Area.
- Natural Wonders: Features dramatic mountain landscapes and the Sea of Clouds.
- Historical Sites: Offers a chance to visit historic sites like the Beipu Mines, Xitou Nature Education Area, and the Chiayi Railway Cultural Park.
- Relaxation at Alishan Hot Springs: Features hot springs with scenic mountain views.
12. Tainan
A historic city known for its old temples and Anping Old Fort.
- Cultural Sites: Offers a chance to explore ancient temples, such as the Chikan Tower and Hayashi Department Store.
- Historical Significance: Was the capital of Taiwan during the Dutch colonial era.
- Local Food: Known for its unique food culture, especially the famous Tainan-style pineapple cakes.
13. Yilan
A rural area with beautiful coastlines and mountain scenery.
- Scenic Coastal Views: Features stunning coastlines like the Jiaoxi Beach.
- Mountain Scenery: Offers beautiful mountain scenery, such as the Yilan Dongli Scenic Area.
- Hiking Opportunities: Features hiking trails through lush forests and hills.
14. Hsinchu
A city with a mix of modern technology and natural beauty.
- Technological Innovation: Home to many tech companies, such as TSMC.
- Natural Scenery: Features beautiful scenery like the Wuling Farm and Wufeng Tianyuan Temple.
- Relaxation at Wuling Hot Springs: Offers hot springs with scenic mountain views.
15. Keelung
A port city known for its seafood and natural harbor.
- Seafood Delights: Known for fresh seafood, especially the night markets.
- Natural Harbor: Features a picturesque natural harbor with interesting geological formations.
- Historical Significance: Was an important port during the Japanese colonial era.