Tourism Administration, Republic of China (Taiwan) (2024)

Northern Taiwan Central Taiwan Southern Taiwan Eastern Taiwan Offshore Islands

"Northern Taiwan" refers to the following seven counties and cities: Taipei City, New Taipei City, Keelung City, Yilan County, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County and Hsinchu City. You may enjoy a bird's-eye-view of the capital from Taipei 101, the Taiwan's tallest building, go to National Palace Museum for appreciating historic objects, or take a walk on old streets in Jiufen, Tamsui, Yingge and Sanxia to immerse in old-time charm.

"Central Taiwan" refers to the following five counties and cities: Miaoli County, Taichung City, Changhua County, Nantou County, and Yunlin County. Located at the heart of Taiwan, these places are ideal for travel as the climate is mild. Many holiday villages and theme parks suitable for young and old can also be found here. If you like culture and art, you must not miss the wood carving studios and pottery kilns in Miaoli, where DIY classes are available. National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and National Museum of Natural Science are worth some close explorations. Yunlin is known to the world as the place of origin of puppet theatre. It is also worth some fine appreciation.

Southern Taiwan is full of history and culture. Tainan City is the island's oldest city. Until the late 19th century, it had also been a political, economic and cultural hub. Thus, the city features plenty of historic sites. The Tropic of Cancer passes through Chiayi County, and thus Tropic of Cancer Solar Exploration Center has been built to highlight the city's unique geographical trait. World-famous Alishan Forest Recreation Park boasts high-elevation forest railways and off-the-beaten-track old hiking trails, making it a must-see for visitors in Taiwan.

It is warm like the summer all year round in Southern Taiwan. In Pingtung, Kenting Park is ideal for scenic scuba diving and all sorts of other water activities. Eluanbi, the southernmost tip of Taiwan, offers magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean on its left and the Taiwan Strait on its right.

Eastern Taiwan includes two counties, Hualien and Taitung. It faces the vast Pacific Ocean on the East and leans against the Central Mountain Ridge on the West. Standing in between such magnificent waters and mountains, when the Portuguese sailed by during their early explorations, they exclaimed "formosa," meaning "how beautiful" in their language. That's how Taiwan acquired its other name "Formosa," and this reveals how beautiful eastern Taiwan is. Eastern Taiwan is blessed with lots of natural resources, an old farming culture, and kind-hearted locals. Known as the "back yard" of Taiwan, it is ideal for a slow trip. Take a walk on this paradise on Earth, take some deep breaths, and breathe in sweet air. Long stay is recommended here.

Taroko National Park is not to be missed. Its awe-inspiring steep gorges and strange geological formations are worth appreciation. Xiuguluan River's crooked watercourse cuts through coastal mountain ridges, bringing about twists and turns along the way. The river is perfect for canoeing. Youngsters love coming here to enjoy exciting, challenging moments.

Other than the main island, Taiwan has plenty of small surrounding islets, administered by counties such as Penghu, Kinmen and Lienchiang. Once a forbidden military zone, Kinmen today is a popular tourist area. Its three specialties – steel knives, peanut candies, and sorghum wine, are long-time best sellers. Matsu's old wine and the sorghum wine of Tunnel 88 have a resounding taste.

In Penghu, the fireworks festival held at the turn of spring and summer is full of passion and romance. The blue sky and oceans, as well as soft white sand beaches, plus all kinds of fun water facilities, await visitors to enjoy.