There are countless places to see in Taiwan, but the following eight sites are among the best to experience the island's natural and cultural charms.
1.National Palace Museum
The Palace Museum boasts the world's largest collection of Chinese art and artifacts,some 655,000 pieces in all,from ceramics to curios from imperial col lect ions. The newly renovated museum
building is a work of art in itself. Guided tours are provided in English and headsets can be rented for touring the museum at your own pace. Save t ime to strol l through the tradi t ional Chinese garden in front of the museum.
221 Zhishan Rd., Sec. 2, Shilin, Taipei (02)2881-2021 08:30～18:30. Fri,Sat from 18:30～21:00 Taiwanese Citizens may be admitted for free with proof of identification NT$160, Half-fare: NT$80 1. For Taiwan Tourist Bus tours to the museum call: 0800- 011765; 2. Bus: From downtown Taipei catch the 210, 213 or 267; MRT: Take the Danshui Line to Shilin Station and transfer to buses R30,
255, 304 or minibus 18 or 19.
1-1.Zhishan Garden
Located next to the National Palace Museum, Zhishan Garden was designed based on the "Eight Great Scenic Sights" depicted by renowned Chinese calligrapher Wang Xi-Zhi. This is a good place to experience the beauty of classical Chinese landscape design.
221, Sec. 2, Zhishan Rd., Shilin Dist., Taipei (02)2881-2021 07:00～19:00 Monday NT$20 See directions to the National Palace Museum
2.Taipei 101
At 508 meters, Taipei 101 is the world's tallest building.It is also home to the world's fastest elevators, whisking visi tors to the 89th f loor observation level in just 37 seconds. The building's distinctive design draws on several auspicious motifs and feng shui principles. Between the 88th to 92nd floors is the world's largest tuned mass damper, designed to reduce earthquake and wind sway.
An upscale mall occupies the lower level of the tower, with restaurants, cafes, and an excel lent bookstore. The building turns into a dazzle of color during an annual New Year's Eve fireworks show, attracting thousands of spectators.
45, Shifu Rd., Taipei (02)8101-7777 Sunday to Thursday: 11:00~21:30 Fri,Sat., and holidays: 11:00~22:00 1. For Taiwan Tour Bus tours to Taipei 101 call: 0800-011-765; 2. MRT: Take the Bannan Line to the Taipei City Hall Station and transfer to bus 32, 537,B10, or the Taipei 101 Shuttle.
3.Sun Moon Lake
Named for i ts celest ial shapes, Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan's biggest natural body of water. It is also one of the most beaut i ful , wi th the mountain scenery reflecting picturesquely on the lake surface.
The views can be enjoyed by boat or along the various lakeside trails.
599, Zhongshan Rd., Yuchi Township,Nantou County (049)285-5668 1.For Taiwan Tour Bus tours call: 0800-011-765; 2. Green Transit bus provides direct service to Sun Moon Lake from Exit 3 of the
Zhongxiao-Fuxing Station on the MRT Bannan Line 3. King Bus offers direct bus service to the lake from the West Station next to Taipei Main Station ＊Green Transit: (049) 299-0407; King Bus: (049) 298-2131
4.Taroko Gorge
Located in Taiwan's second largest national park, Taroko Gorge is a dramatic sight with its sheer and closely set marble faces. The gorge highway through the gorge snakes along a heavily tunneled route and is a wonder itself. The memorial arch spanning the road at the park entrance is a popular spot for snapshots.
Chungchun Shrine
Situated near the entrance to Taroko Gorge, this Tangstyle temple was built in memory of the 212 workers who lost their lives building the Central Cross -Island Highway. The temple is also notable for the waterfall cascading down next to it.
Tunnel of Nine Turns (Jiuqudong)
This is one of the most impressive and scenic sections of the Central Cross-Island Highway through Taroko Gorge. Above you the rocks tower straight up, while far below the river races forth to complete this thrilling sight.
291, Fushi Village, Sulin, Hualien County (03)862-1100 08:00~16:45 (visitor center) 1. For Taiwan Tourist Bus tours call: 0800-011765; 2. From Hualien Train Station take the Hualien Bus to Taroko
National Park ＊Hualien Bus Co.: (03)833-8146
5.Alishan
Situated in the Yushan (Mt. Jade) Range, Alishan is home to one of only three mountain railways of it’ s kind in the world. Apart from the scenic train trip, Alishan is known for its beautiful forests, cloud formations,sunrise views,evening skies and cherry blossoms.Alishan is also home to the Tsou aboriginals.
No. 3-16, Chukou Village, Fanlu Township, Chiayi County (Al ishan National Scenic Area) (05)259-3900 1. For Taiwan Tourist Bus tours call:0800-011765; 2. From Chiayi Train Station take the Alishan Forest Railway to Al ishan Stat ion; or take the Chiayi County Bus to Alishan.
6.Yushan (Jade Mountain)
Rising 3,952 meters, Yushan is Taiwan's tallest peak and one of the island's top mountaineering destinations. Sprawling over five counties, this mountainous area boasts a number of scenic attractions,making it a popular yearround destination. Visitors are especially numerous during the
flower season from May to early October.
515, Sec. 1, Zhongshan Road, Shuili Township, Nantou County (049)277-3121 08:30~12:30, 13:00~17:00 From Shuili Station take the Yuanlin Bus to Dongpu and hire a cab to Yushan National Park.
7.Love River in Kaohsiung
Known locally as the "Seine of Taiwan," Kaohsiung's Love River offers all of the romance its name suggests. There are plenty of riverside cafes and walks to enjoy the view, which is equally beautiful both day and night. You can also take a river tour on the inevitably named "Love Boat."
Concert Hall Pier on Hedong Rd.16:00~23:30 (River boats leave about every 15 minutes from the Concert Hall Pier) NT$50 1. For Taiwan Tourist Bus tours call: 0800-011765; 2.Bus: Take the 0S, 0N, 2, 11, 14, 25, 33,50, 56, 60, 76, 77, 78, 88, 91, 93, or 248 to the Bank of Taiwan, Yancheng Traffic Circle, Hebin Elementary School,or Dacheng St. stops.
8.Kending
With its azure coasts and pristine beaches, Kending is southern Taiwan's top beach destination
and a byword for summer fun. There are countless activities to enjoy at Kending, from sunbathing to jet skiing. Other attractions include the Kending National Forest Recreation Area and the shop-lined Kending Street.
596, Kending Road, Hengchun Township,Pingtung County (08)886-1321 08:00~17:00 (Park Administration) 1. For Taiwan Tourist Bus tours call: 0800-011765; 2.Chung Nan Bus, Kaohsiung Bus, Pingtung Bus or. King Bus, all can go to Kending.
1.National Palace Museum
The Palace Museum boasts the world's largest collection of Chinese art and artifacts,some 655,000 pieces in all,from ceramics to curios from imperial col lect ions. The newly renovated museum
building is a work of art in itself. Guided tours are provided in English and headsets can be rented for touring the museum at your own pace. Save t ime to strol l through the tradi t ional Chinese garden in front of the museum.
221 Zhishan Rd., Sec. 2, Shilin, Taipei (02)2881-2021 08:30～18:30. Fri,Sat from 18:30～21:00 Taiwanese Citizens may be admitted for free with proof of identification NT$160, Half-fare: NT$80 1. For Taiwan Tourist Bus tours to the museum call: 0800- 011765; 2. Bus: From downtown Taipei catch the 210, 213 or 267; MRT: Take the Danshui Line to Shilin Station and transfer to buses R30,
255, 304 or minibus 18 or 19.
1-1.Zhishan Garden
Located next to the National Palace Museum, Zhishan Garden was designed based on the "Eight Great Scenic Sights" depicted by renowned Chinese calligrapher Wang Xi-Zhi. This is a good place to experience the beauty of classical Chinese landscape design.
221, Sec. 2, Zhishan Rd., Shilin Dist., Taipei (02)2881-2021 07:00～19:00 Monday NT$20 See directions to the National Palace Museum
2.Taipei 101
At 508 meters, Taipei 101 is the world's tallest building.It is also home to the world's fastest elevators, whisking visi tors to the 89th f loor observation level in just 37 seconds. The building's distinctive design draws on several auspicious motifs and feng shui principles. Between the 88th to 92nd floors is the world's largest tuned mass damper, designed to reduce earthquake and wind sway.
An upscale mall occupies the lower level of the tower, with restaurants, cafes, and an excel lent bookstore. The building turns into a dazzle of color during an annual New Year's Eve fireworks show, attracting thousands of spectators.
45, Shifu Rd., Taipei (02)8101-7777 Sunday to Thursday: 11:00~21:30 Fri,Sat., and holidays: 11:00~22:00 1. For Taiwan Tour Bus tours to Taipei 101 call: 0800-011-765; 2. MRT: Take the Bannan Line to the Taipei City Hall Station and transfer to bus 32, 537,B10, or the Taipei 101 Shuttle.
3.Sun Moon Lake
Named for i ts celest ial shapes, Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan's biggest natural body of water. It is also one of the most beaut i ful , wi th the mountain scenery reflecting picturesquely on the lake surface.
The views can be enjoyed by boat or along the various lakeside trails.
599, Zhongshan Rd., Yuchi Township,Nantou County (049)285-5668 1.For Taiwan Tour Bus tours call: 0800-011-765; 2. Green Transit bus provides direct service to Sun Moon Lake from Exit 3 of the
Zhongxiao-Fuxing Station on the MRT Bannan Line 3. King Bus offers direct bus service to the lake from the West Station next to Taipei Main Station ＊Green Transit: (049) 299-0407; King Bus: (049) 298-2131
4.Taroko Gorge
Located in Taiwan's second largest national park, Taroko Gorge is a dramatic sight with its sheer and closely set marble faces. The gorge highway through the gorge snakes along a heavily tunneled route and is a wonder itself. The memorial arch spanning the road at the park entrance is a popular spot for snapshots.
Chungchun Shrine
Situated near the entrance to Taroko Gorge, this Tangstyle temple was built in memory of the 212 workers who lost their lives building the Central Cross -Island Highway. The temple is also notable for the waterfall cascading down next to it.
Tunnel of Nine Turns (Jiuqudong)
This is one of the most impressive and scenic sections of the Central Cross-Island Highway through Taroko Gorge. Above you the rocks tower straight up, while far below the river races forth to complete this thrilling sight.
291, Fushi Village, Sulin, Hualien County (03)862-1100 08:00~16:45 (visitor center) 1. For Taiwan Tourist Bus tours call: 0800-011765; 2. From Hualien Train Station take the Hualien Bus to Taroko
National Park ＊Hualien Bus Co.: (03)833-8146
5.Alishan
Situated in the Yushan (Mt. Jade) Range, Alishan is home to one of only three mountain railways of it’ s kind in the world. Apart from the scenic train trip, Alishan is known for its beautiful forests, cloud formations,sunrise views,evening skies and cherry blossoms.Alishan is also home to the Tsou aboriginals.
No. 3-16, Chukou Village, Fanlu Township, Chiayi County (Al ishan National Scenic Area) (05)259-3900 1. For Taiwan Tourist Bus tours call:0800-011765; 2. From Chiayi Train Station take the Alishan Forest Railway to Al ishan Stat ion; or take the Chiayi County Bus to Alishan.
6.Yushan (Jade Mountain)
Rising 3,952 meters, Yushan is Taiwan's tallest peak and one of the island's top mountaineering destinations. Sprawling over five counties, this mountainous area boasts a number of scenic attractions,making it a popular yearround destination. Visitors are especially numerous during the
flower season from May to early October.
515, Sec. 1, Zhongshan Road, Shuili Township, Nantou County (049)277-3121 08:30~12:30, 13:00~17:00 From Shuili Station take the Yuanlin Bus to Dongpu and hire a cab to Yushan National Park.
7.Love River in Kaohsiung
Known locally as the "Seine of Taiwan," Kaohsiung's Love River offers all of the romance its name suggests. There are plenty of riverside cafes and walks to enjoy the view, which is equally beautiful both day and night. You can also take a river tour on the inevitably named "Love Boat."
Concert Hall Pier on Hedong Rd.16:00~23:30 (River boats leave about every 15 minutes from the Concert Hall Pier) NT$50 1. For Taiwan Tourist Bus tours call: 0800-011765; 2.Bus: Take the 0S, 0N, 2, 11, 14, 25, 33,50, 56, 60, 76, 77, 78, 88, 91, 93, or 248 to the Bank of Taiwan, Yancheng Traffic Circle, Hebin Elementary School,or Dacheng St. stops.
8.Kending
With its azure coasts and pristine beaches, Kending is southern Taiwan's top beach destination
and a byword for summer fun. There are countless activities to enjoy at Kending, from sunbathing to jet skiing. Other attractions include the Kending National Forest Recreation Area and the shop-lined Kending Street.
596, Kending Road, Hengchun Township,Pingtung County (08)886-1321 08:00~17:00 (Park Administration) 1. For Taiwan Tourist Bus tours call: 0800-011765; 2.Chung Nan Bus, Kaohsiung Bus, Pingtung Bus or. King Bus, all can go to Kending.