Taiwan - As a Tourist

Often when I call friends and family to visit us for a holiday the first question I get is What is there to see in Taiwan?

Well in short Taipei , the capital of Taiwan is a modern cosmopolitan city comparable to Singapore and Hongkong. The major differnce being its not an English Speaking Country.

I am writing this post so that if you had say at the most 7 days in Taiwan what would you do.....

Day 1

***Fisherman's Wharf: See the unforgettable famous Tamshui sunset view.


Areas of Interest in this Bali - Danshui - Guandu Area
1.New Bali Left Bank Park
2.Shihsanghang Museum of Archaeology
3. Tittot Museum - crystal glass works

Fort San Domingo
Fort San Domingo was built by the Spanish in 1629 but later seized by the Dutch. Since the Dutch were then known as the “red-haired people,” the fort is also known as the “Red-Hair Fortress.” It is listed as a Grade 1 historical site. The exceptionally-beautiful red-walled fort consists the main fortifications, the former British consulate, and a southern gate. A Qing dynasty cannon mounted in front of the fort is of great historical value. With a superb view of Danshui Old Town and Mt. Guanyin, the upper floor of the fort is fit for painting or photography.

Huwei Fort

Located roughly 500m to the west of Fort San Domingo, Huwei Fort was built in 1886 by Governor Liu Ming-chuan. The fort, listed as a Grade 2 historical site, bears Liu’s inscription “Key to the North.” The fort’s walls, corridors, and gun platforms are all still standing. The corridors contain a display of records and photographs shedding light on Danshui history. The top of the fort offers a bird’s-eye view of the Danshui River.


***Tamshui old street: Offers more than a great place for fresh seafood. It is a town with beautiful views and colourful history.

If you are a nature lover then Guandu National Park is worth a visit
Guandu Nature Park is an aquatic bird preserve bounded by the Danshui River and its tributaries. Because seawater rusheing in at high tide cannot get out at ebb, a marsh filled with mangrove and reeds is formed. The lush vegetation harbors the many organisms that waterfowl feed on.

***Shihlin Night Market: A great place for tasting local snacks and bargains.

Day 2
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall: Built in homage to the former president of the Republic of China Chiang Kai Shek.
✰ Martyr's Shrine: Watch an elaborate ceremony of changing guards at hourly intervals.
✰ National Palace Museum: Holds the world's largest collection of priceless Chinese art treasurers, which spans Chinese's nearly 5,000 year of history.
✰ San Keng Tofu Street: Both sides of the streets are lined with stores selling famous Sankeng Tofu.
✰ Hsienmenting: A popular place to try tasty local snacks and shopping for local handicrafts, clothes and toys

These options are away from Taipei

Personally I would recommend only Taroko and Yingge as must visit places.


Day 3 -
Taiwan has regular bus services offering tours to these locations.
North Coast & Yeliou (Juming Museum) Tour (1 Day)

So these trips can be planned ahead incase you intend moving away from Taipei
Needless to say there are enough things to visit and enjoy in Taipei .
The useful website for it is Taipei Metro Click on each station and it will give you plenty of options to visit tourist attractions.!


✰ Yehliu: See the natural rock formations - an amazing array of artistic shapes created by erosion and other natural forces.
✰ Yangmingshan TienLai Hotspring: Exclusive Arrangement! Yangmingshan is removed for
its wealth of unusual volcanic features and outstanding natural beauty. Taiwan's famous Deluxe class "Yangmingshan TienLai" hotspring 20,000m area consists of hot & Cold OUTDOOR hotspring & SPA Health centre. Making it the largest in Taiwan. Enjoy the beautiful scenery while you relax in the hotspring. What an enjoyment!
(swimwear & caps required)

✰ Chiufen: the actual filming site of movie "Sad City": Here the old fashioned way of life still exists.With the aura of an old mining that still apparent,
Chiufen radiates a variety of emotions. you maywant to try some famous local dish such as Taro and Sweet Potato Ball etc.

✰ Nantien Temple: Landmark of Nafanau. Also the center for traditional religion of the local citizen.

✰ Ami Aboriginal Cultural Village: A-Mei - aboriginal tribe in Hualien. People of A-Mei are renowned by their beautiful voice and fascinating life style. In this cultural center, you can see A-Mei people's unique life style.


Day 4

The following link will give you ready made options to visit.
Taroko Tours.

Other posts on Taroko
Taroko Drive


Taroko: The gorge was formed by rushing river waters, which have cut straight through the marble and granite to create a beautiful, narrow ravine with waterfalls and patches of mist clinging to the mountains, surrounded by subtropical forests.
✰ Cijin Island: 10 - 15 minutes ferry ride to the island. On the island, cycle richshaws can be rented to go around or stop and rest at the former British Consulate - a popular spot for drinking coffee while taking in the views of Kaohsiung's harbour.
✰ Love River + Hobby Mannbo: The 12 km river is one of Kaohsiung’s most popular tourist destination. It’s a beautiful and restful scence with different flowers blossom in 4 seasons. After20 minutes ferry ride, stop at Hobby Mannbo, a
convenient Place to enjoy a drink while admiring the surroundings.
✰ 85 Building: Once Taiwan’s tallest building. The elevator will whisk you to 75th deck in just 43 seconds (600feet/minute), close to world record speeds. You can view the city sight and horizondefining mountains.

Day 5
Mei Non Hakka Village: Know more about
"Hakka" culture.
✰ "Five Cent Driftwood House" : A cavernous eatery
built without blueprints. mortar, glass, driftwood- lots of driftwood - and recycled wooden train tracks have turned the site into an architecturalmarvel with country flair.
✰ Sun Moon Lake: The largest lake in Taiwan.There is an island called "Guang Hua Island" inthe middle of the lake. Northern part of the island,looks like a sun, southern part looks like a moon,that's why it's called Sun moon Lake.
✰ Wen Wu Temple: Enshrine, worship Confucius,Guan Gong & Yue Fei.
✰ Feng Jia Night Market: A great place for low-priced clothes, delicious local snack.

Day 6

Yingge is a must visit.
It is easily accessible by local trains.

Yingge Ceramics Street: Famous place for producing ceramic in Taiwan.


✰ Discovery of Taipei: Travel 1000 years... Discover the city's past and present. The aim is to give visitors an overview of the city major construction project
and interations with international community.
✰ 101 Shopping Mall: Enjoy your shopping in the world's tallest building.

Day 7

Taipei Zoo


Wufenpu is another area you must not visit especially shopping for ladies.It has the largest number of shops for ladies and children shopping.
The prices are vey reasonable.