Northern Taiwan Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide showcasing the best places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations/excursions in Northern Taiwan.


Introduction to Northern Taiwan

Northern Taiwan is the cultural and economic hub of the island. From thrilling outdoor adventures to world-renowned museums and historical sites, travelers will find an abundance of activities to do and see in this region. With bustling cities, scenic coastline, towering peaks, and lush forests, Northern Taiwan offers an unparalleled mix of modern and traditional experiences for all types of tourists.

List of Places to Visit in Northern Taiwan

Northern Taiwan is home to an abundant array of cultural and natural attractions, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Palace Museum: Home to an extensive collection of Chinese art spanning over 5000 years.
  • Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall: Commemorates the former President of the Republic of China and hosts regular events and ceremonies.
  • Taipei City Walls: Relics of the historical city walls of Taipei, constructed in the 1800s.
  • Longshan Temple: One of the oldest and most famous temples in Taiwan, with ornate carvings and intricate décor.
  • Jiufen Old Street: A charming, historic street originally built during the Qing Dynasty, offering visitors unique shops, tea houses, and local snacks.

Natural Attractions of Northern Taiwan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Yangmingshan National Park: A mountainous national park offering picturesque hiking trails, hot springs, and endemic flora and fauna.
  • Yehliu Geopark: A stunning coastal park featuring surreal rock formations and beachfront scenery.
  • Shifen Waterfall: One of the largest and most picturesque waterfalls in Taiwan, located in Pingxi.
  • Taroko Gorge: A breathtaking, 19-kilometer-long, narrow gorge in the east of Taipei, carved by the Liwu River over millions of years, and best explored by car or scooter.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Taiwan

Northern Taiwan is a hiker’s paradise, with a wide variety of trails suited for both beginners and experienced hiker. Some of the popular hiking and biking routes in Northern Taiwan include:

  • Xindian Feitsui Reservoir: This scenic reservoir located in the south of Taipei features a tranquil biking trail that offers an enjoyable, easy ride past the reservoir and the scenic mountain range.
  • Elephant Mountain: A popular hiking trail located just on the edge of Taipei and offers an easy hike leading up to a stunning view of the city.
  • Fulong Beach: Hiking along the beach Golden Belt Trail, from Fulong Beach to Sandiaojiao Lighthouse, would allow for a spectacular coastal view.

Best Things to Do in Northern Taiwan: Activities and Tours

For those seeking adventure and unique experiences, here are some of the best things to do and enjoy in Northern Taiwan:

  • Taipei 101 Observatory: Experience awe-inspiring views of Taipei from atop Taipei 101, a towering structure that held the title of the world’s tallest building for several years.
  • Raohe Night Market: A lively open-air market that offers local food, unique souvenirs, and vibrant entertainment (such as classic Taiwan games and music performances).
  • Jiufen Red Lantern Festival: A traditional, must-see festival held in February, consisting of hundreds of red lanterns illuminating the charming streets of Jiufen.
  • Hot spring bath in Beitou: Hot spring waters that are known to have benefits for skin and joints, relaxing, and a must-visit during winter.

Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Taiwan

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary suggested for visitors who want to make the most out of their trip to Northern Taiwan:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the National Palace Museum and have lunch at Din Tai Fung
Day 2 Explore the beaches and Yehliu Geopark on the coast of Northern Taiwan
Day 3 Hiking in Yangmingshan National Park in the morning, then roaming around the hot springs Huangji Hot Spring
Day 4 Visit the historical sites, Longshan Temple, and Taipei City Walls in Taipei
Day 5 Take a day trip to Jiufen and visit Shifen Waterfall
Day 6 Spend a day in Taroko National Park with an emphasis on bike riding or hiking
Day 7 Relax day with a Beitou Hot Spring Bath in the afternoon and evening

Food and Drink Scene of Northern Taiwan

Northern Taiwan is known for its diverse and multicultural food scene, with a wide variety of dishes that cater to all types of dietary preferences. Some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Northern Taiwan include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Beef Noodle Soup: A beef-based noodle soup that originated in Taipei and won Taiwan’s unofficial ranking of one of the ‘Top Ten National Taiwanese Foods’.
  • Pineapple Cake: A sweet pastry that is filled with pineapple and perfect for treating yourself or buying as souvenirs.
  • Scallion Pancake: A fried, savory pastry that is crispy on the outside but soft on the inside, often served as a breakfast dish over a steaming hot cup of soy milk.

Local Beverages

  • Bubble Tea: Inventively made tea beverage, often with milk and sugar with sealed plastic cups having a straw on the lid for sipping and biting through tapioca balls at the bottom.
  • Kaoliang liquor: Distilled Liquor that varies from 38 to 63 % ABV that’s brewed within the islands of Penghu and Matsu.

Where to Stay in Northern Taiwan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Northern Taiwan offers a wide variety of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to upscale hotels and resorts. Here some recommended places to stay in Northern Taiwan:

  • Grand View Resort Beitou: A luxurious hotel with natural mineral hot springs, located near the Beitou Hot Spring area.
  • Tang Villa: A stylish and modern guesthouse in the trendy neighborhood of Xinyi, Taipei.
  • Hostel Taipei: An affordable hostel located in the heart of Taipei’s shopping and dining district, Ximending.

What to Buy in Northern Taiwan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Northern Taiwan is known for its unique, high-quality souvenirs that make for perfect gifts or mementos of your trip. Here are some of the best things to buy in Northern Taiwan:

  • Sun Cake: A famous pastry baked with maltose and sugar, with flaky texture and the filling inside could be sweet or salty.
  • Taiwanese Tea: A variety of high-quality teas with unique flavors, including oolong, black, green, and herbal teas.
  • Chopped Bamboo Weaving Basket and other handmade crafts that demonstrate Taiwan’s long-standing artisanal traditions, and are wonderfully creative and vibrantly colored.

Local Culture and Customs of Northern Taiwan

Taiwanese culture is a mixture of indigenous traditions and modern influences from other cultures, such as Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, among others. Visitors should be mindful of the following cultural customs in Northern Taiwan:

  • Respect the elders: Respect for elders and authoritative figures is a key part of Taiwanese culture.
  • Remove shoes before entering a house or temple: Shoes are traditionally removed before entering private homes or religious sites.
  • Use both hands: Using both hands to offer or receive gifts, business cards, or food is considered respectful.

Best Time to Visit Northern Taiwan

The best time to visit Northern Taiwan is from October to December when the climate is comfortable, cooler, and less humid, which makes it ideal for tourism. During these months, visitors can experience autumn foliage and comfortably enjoy outdoor activities. It is important to note that the Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival are also prime seasonal periods, where visitors can experience traditional Taiwanese customs and festivities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Taiwan

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Northern Taiwan:

Do:

  • Try the street food and authentic local dishes.
  • Take off shoes before entering temples, homes, or eateries with explicit signage.
  • Visit night markets to get the real vibe of Taiwanese local culture.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothes when visiting religious or historical sites.
  • Smoke in public areas or indoors.
  • Litter on streets - Taiwan prides itself on its cleanliness.

Safety and Health

Northern Taiwan is relatively safe for travelers. However, as always, visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and take standard precautions. Here are some additional safety and health tips:

Safety in Northern Taiwan

  • Lock your hotel room and secure your valuables.
  • Be cautious when using public wifi.
  • Always carry a valid ID card or passport.

Health in Northern Taiwan

  • Tap water in Northern Taiwan is safe for consumption, but carry bottled water if required.
  • Be mindful of Taiwan’s dense mosquito population, particularly during the summer months, and carry insect repellent.
  • Carry any necessary medications and health insurance documents.

Getting to Northern Taiwan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Northern Taiwan

Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport is the largest international airport in Taiwan, catering to millions of travelers annually. Taipei Songshan Airport is another airport located inside the city and caters to domestic and some international flights to nearby destinations.

Bus Stations Near Northern Taiwan

There are several bus stations scattered across Northern Taiwan, offering both intra-city and intercity transportation. Taipei Bus Station and Taipei City Hall Bus Station are the largest intercity bus stations in Northern Taiwan.

Other Options

Trains and subway lines connect travelers in cities and towns across Northern Taiwan conveniently. There is a subway station or train station within walking distance at most destinations.

How to Get Around in Northern Taiwan

Getting around in Northern Taiwan is relatively easy and convenient, with diverse transportation options such as:

  • MRT: Taipei’s metro system is extensive, efficient, and affordable, making it the most accessible way to travel around the city.
  • Bus: Buses are available across every city in Northern Taiwan, with routes ranging from express to local hops to move within and between cities.
  • Taxi: Taxis are relatively affordable in Northern Taiwan and drivers are generally honest.

Where to Go Next from Northern Taiwan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Northern Taiwan is well situated for onward travels to other destinations in Taiwan, and beyond. Some recommended nearby destinations and excursions from Northern Taiwan include:

  • Keelung City: A coastal city located to the north of Taipei, with busy harbors, night markets, and a stunning sea view.
  • Taichung: A mid-sized city located in central western Taiwan, featuring impressive museums, parks, and cultural attractions.
  • Yilan: A scenic county located in the northeast of Taipei, where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and the local food and hospitality, and rushing mountain streams or crashing surf along the coastlines.

Conclusion

Northern Taiwan offers an incredible mix of contrast to tourists, combining its modern city landscape with a traditional way of living in its surrounding natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for everyone. Plan ahead for your trip, and make sure to try as much local food, and take away cultural gifts as you can!

Hiking in Sanxia, New Taipei Hiking in Sanxia, New Taipei


    Hsinchu County
    Neiwan
    New Taipei
    Shei-pa National Park
    Smangus
    Taipei
    Taoyuan
    Wuling Farm
    Zhenxibao