6 of The Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Taiwan

Most people make a beeline for Taipei when they visit Taiwan, in East Asia. But there’s much more to this vibrant and culturally diverse island nation than its capital city. Hire a car, hop on a bus, ferry or high-speed train, and you could discover a whole new side of Taiwan – one that’ll have you reaching for your camera.

Here’s our pick of the most beautiful towns and villages in Taiwan:

Located on the northwestern corner of Taichung, Dajia is an old coastal town in a picture-perfect setting. It’s surrounded by mountains, sea and two rivers – the Dajia and the Da’an. The town itself is a historic treasure, with must-see sites such as the Chastity Arch, Rinan Railway Station and Wenchang Temple.

If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation, hop on the MRT Metro from Taipei to the peaceful district of Beitou. It’s a popular holiday spot with Taipei residents, who love to escape the city for a spa weekend. This is because Beitou is famous for its hot springs, where steaming rivers run through meadow-covered valleys. Also nearby is the Yangmingshan National Park, Plum Garden and the Guandu Scenic Area.

 

The town of Shifen in the rural district of Pingxi in New Taipei is pretty enough as it is, with its scenic railway line, historic Old Streets and numerous waterfalls. But what makes this sleepy town really stand out is a rather special annual festival. Visit in February and you might be lucky to catch the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, where thousands of glowing lanterns rise into the night sky. It’s an event steeped in ancient tradition, and a breathtaking spectacle to behold.

Nestled in the Hakka district in Kaohsiung, Meinong is the perfect place to see old Taiwanese Hakka culture close up. Its neighbourhoods are full of charming traditional buildings, old wells and pottery studios, where life moves at a relaxed pace. The township is surrounded by lush farmland and magnificent mountains, so is the perfect place for hiking, biking and getting back to nature.

If you love your cycling, Jiji is the place to go on two wheels. The famous Green Tunnel route runs right through this small town, alongside its old railway line. But if you hop off and explore, you’ll also discover historic architecture (make sure to take a look at the gorgeous old train station) and glorious countryside scenery.

The popular town of Kenting enjoys a fabulous location in the beautiful Kenting National Park, so there’s an abundance of lovely natural scenery here. But what locals love about the town are the pristine white sand beaches, especially on the main beach. If you’re looking for a coastal paradise, this is it.

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