Taiwan may look small on a map, but don’t let that fool you — it’s packed with stunning nature, vibrant cities, deep history, and warm people. Whether you’re a food lover, hiker, beachgoer, or culture explorer, there’s something here for you.
This article gives you a quick overview of Taiwan’s five main regions to help you decide where to go — based on your travel time, interests, and the experiences you want to remember.
And no matter where you go, you’ll always find the same essentials: welcoming locals, bustling night markets, convenient 7-Elevens, and a sense of safety that makes exploring feel effortless.
🏙️ Northern Taiwan
Cities Covered: Taipei, New Taipei City, Keelung
✨ Highlights
- Taipei 101, Longshan Temple, and world-class museums (i.e. National Palace Museum)
- Jiufen for mountain town charm, and Pingxi for sky lanterns
- Hot springs in Beitou, ocean views in Tamsui, and coastal vibes in Keelung
🚆 Common Transportation
- Taipei MRT: Clean, efficient, and multilingual
- TRA Trains & High-Speed Rail (HSR): Connect Taipei to other major cities
- Buses & YouBike (shared bikes): Easy to use with an EasyCard
👌 Perfect for:
First-time travelers, city explorers, foodies, and hot spring lovers
🌾 Central Taiwan
Cities Covered: Taichung, Changhua, Nantou
✨ Highlights
- Sun Moon Lake, Cingjing Farm, and scenic mountain drives
- Gaomei Wetlands for sunset views
- Creative spots like Rainbow Village and Carton King
- Historic temples and Taichung’s famous sun cakes
🚆 Common Transportation
- HSR to Taichung, then buses or rental car to reach scenic spots
- Local buses for Sun Moon Lake & surrounding attractions
- Some areas like Nantou are best accessed by car or private tour
👌 Perfect for:
Nature lovers, families, and those seeking a slower travel pace
🌴 Southern Taiwan
Cities Covered: Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung
✨ Highlights
- Tainan — Taiwan’s oldest city, rich in temples and street food
- Kaohsiung — Love River, Pier-2 Art Center, and night markets
- Kenting — beaches, sunshine, and a tropical getaway feel
🚆 Common Transportation
- HSR to Kaohsiung (Zuoying Station)
- MRT in Kaohsiung, plus light rail and YouBike
- Bus or car rental to reach Kenting and rural Pingtung
👌 Perfect for:
History fans, warm weather lovers, and coastal travelers
🏞️ Eastern Taiwan
Regions Covered: Hualien, Taitung
✨ Highlights
- Breathtaking Taroko Gorge — one of Taiwan’s top nature spots
- Relaxing hot springs, rice paddies, and the East Rift Valley
- Indigenous culture, slow train rides, and coastal beauty
🚆 Common Transportation
- TRA trains from Taipei along the scenic east coast
- Scooter rentals in Hualien or Taitung (license required)
- Car rental or private drivers for rural or less connected areas
👌 Perfect for:
Hikers, photographers, peace seekers, and nature explorers
🏝️ Islands
Islands Covered: Penghu, Green Island, Orchid Island, Xiaoliuqiu
✨ Highlights
- Penghu: Wind-swept temples, basalt cliffs, and ocean breeze
- Green Island (綠島) & Orchid Island (蘭嶼): Coral reefs, diving, and indigenous heritage
- Xiaoliuqiu (小琉球): Sea turtles, eco-tours, and chill vibes
🚆 Common Transportation
- Flights or ferries from main island cities (Kaohsiung, Taitung)
- Scooter rental is essential on most islands
- Bicycles or electric scooters are sometimes available
👌 Perfect for:
Adventure seekers, summer travelers, and island lovers
🧳 Other Cities & Hidden Gems
Beyond Taiwan’s major travel routes, there are many smaller cities and towns that offer local flavor, rich traditions, and quieter, less touristy charm. Chiayi, known as the gateway to Alishan, has its own historic old streets and delicious turkey rice. Miaoli offers Hakka culture, tranquil rice fields, and strawberry farms in winter. Yunlin is great for festivals and traditional puppet shows, while Hsinchu blends old-town temples with famous rice noodles. Yilan, just an hour from Taipei, is ideal for hot springs and slow-paced countryside living.
If you’re feeling adventurous, Kinmen and Matsu — Taiwan’s outlying islands near China — offer a totally different feel, with historic battle sites, granite architecture, and ocean views. These places may not be on every tourist’s first itinerary, but they’re full of surprises for second-time visitors or anyone wanting to explore Taiwan a little deeper.
✨ Common Travel Joys Across All Regions
Wherever you go in Taiwan, some things remain delightfully consistent:
- Night markets: Every region has their own — Shilin, Fengjia, Liuhe, Dongdamen… and more
- Friendly locals: Don’t be surprised if someone offers help without you asking
- Convenient stores & transit: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and EasyCard will make life easy
- Safe environment: Solo travelers, families, and new explorers feel at ease here
Taiwan may be small, but it holds a world of experiences. Whether you start in Taipei and head south, go slow and scenic along the east coast, or hop over to the islands — each region brings something unique.
Plan your trip based on your pace, your passion, and your curiosity. And wherever you go, the best part of Taiwan will always be its heart: the people, the culture, and the spirit of discovery.