Night markets, misty mountains and a coastline carved by the Pacific.
Taiwan packs high mountains, hot springs and a lively capital into one island. Taipei combines Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum with temples and night markets such as Shilin and Raohe. Beyond the city, the old gold-mining town of Jiufen clings to a hillside, Sun Moon Lake lies among forested peaks, Alishan is known for sunrise over a sea of clouds, and Tainan holds centuries-old temples.
Food is central, from beef noodle soup and xiaolongbao to bubble tea and stinky tofu. Getting around is easy on the high-speed rail down the west coast, with scenic trains along the east. October to April is the most comfortable; summer is hot and humid, and typhoons are most likely from July to September.
Best time to visit Taiwan
March, April, October, November.
Places to visit in Taiwan
Taipei: Taiwan's capital, known for night markets, temples, the Taipei 101 tower and easy escapes to hot springs and hills.
Taroko Gorge: A dramatic marble gorge carved by the Liwu River, with cliff trails, temples and shrines on Taiwan's east coast.
Tainan: Taiwan's oldest city and former capital, full of temples, Dutch-era forts and some of the island's best snacks.
Sun Moon Lake: Taiwan's largest lake, ringed by forested hills, with lakeside cycle paths, temples and Thao indigenous culture.
Jiufen: A former gold-mining town clinging to a hillside above the sea, with lantern-lit lanes and teahouses.