Taiwan isn’t just about cities and night markets — it’s a haven for nature lovers too. With towering mountains, relaxing hot springs, lush forests, and dramatic coastlines, there’s something for everyone looking to recharge in the great outdoors.
Whether you’re visiting for five days or a month, don’t skip Taiwan’s natural side. This guide highlights some of the most breathtaking nature escapes across the island — and tips on when to go, how to get there, and what to expect.
🌍 Taiwan’s Natural Identity: How Mountains, Hot Springs & Rain Shape Local Life
Taiwan’s jaw-dropping landscapes didn’t just happen by chance — they’re the result of powerful natural forces. Sitting on the edge of two tectonic plates, Taiwan is geologically young and still rising, which is why it has tall mountains, frequent earthquakes, and an abundance of hot springs. In fact, Taiwan has over 200 peaks above 3,000 meters — more than any country its size — and ranks among the world’s top hot spring destinations.
Because of this mountainous terrain, many parts of Taiwan receive huge amounts of rainfall, especially during typhoon season and the plum rain (梅雨) months in late spring. This abundance of water shapes the island’s lush forests, fast-flowing rivers, and dramatic marble gorges like Taroko.
These landscapes are more than just beautiful — they’ve influenced how people live, what they eat, and how they relax. Many rural communities developed unique farming traditions, and Taiwan’s hot springs became places for healing, gathering, and connecting with the land.
🏞️ Mountains & Hiking Trails
🏔️ Taroko Gorge (Hualien)
Taiwan’s most famous nature spot, with dramatic marble cliffs, turquoise rivers, and hiking trails through canyons and tunnels.
- Top Trails: Shakadang Trail (easy), Zhuilu Old Trail (permit required)
- Getting There: TRA train to Hualien → bus or tour
- Best Season: Spring to autumn
🌲 Alishan (Chiayi)
Famous for its magical sunrise, ancient cypress trees, and forest railway. A must-visit for mountain lovers.
- Highlights: Sunrise at Zhushan, Alishan Forest Trail, old railway stations
- Getting There: HSR or train to Chiayi → Alishan Forest Railway or bus
- Best Season: Year-round (spring cherry blossoms are stunning)
🌋 Yangmingshan National Park (Taipei)
Just outside the city, this volcanic park offers sulfur springs, misty hills, and cherry blossoms in spring.
- Top Trails: Qingtiangang Grassland, Xiaoyoukeng Crater
- Getting There: Taipei MRT + bus
- Best Season: Spring and autumn
❄️ Hehuanshan (Nantou)
One of Taiwan’s highest and most accessible peaks — perfect for watching the sunrise above the clouds or catching snowfall in winter.
- Top Spots: Wuling, Hehuanshan East Peak
- Getting There: Car/tour from Cingjing or Hualien
- Best Season: Winter for snow, spring for flowers
🏞️ Teapot Mountain & Bitou Cape (New Taipei)
A rewarding coastal hike combining mountains and sea, with panoramic views and unique rock formations.
- Getting There: Train or bus to Ruifang → bus to trailhead
- Best Season: Autumn to spring (avoid typhoon season)
🌊 Coastal Escapes & Scenic Drives
🌊 Qingshui Cliff (Hualien)
Breathtaking views where the mountains plunge into the Pacific Ocean — one of Taiwan’s most photographed spots.
- Getting There: Suhua Highway (train/bus or road trip from Hualien)
- Best Season: Year-round
🏄 East Coast Scenic Area (Taitung to Hualien)
Dulan, Chenggong, and Donghe are surfer-friendly, artsy, and peaceful. Think driftwood beaches, palm trees, and slow-living.
- Getting Around: Rent a scooter or car in Taitung
- Best Season: Summer and autumn
🪨 Yehliu Geopark (New Taipei)
Famous for its alien-like rock formations — the most iconic being the Queen’s Head.
- Getting There: Bus from Taipei
- Best Season: Year-round, but early morning is best for photos
🏖️ Kenting National Park (Pingtung)
Taiwan’s southern tip — tropical beaches, coral reefs, scenic bike paths, and laid-back energy.
- Getting There: HSR to Zuoying → Kenting Express Bus
- Best Season: Fall to spring (summers are hot and busy)
♨️ Taiwan’s Hot Springs
🛁 Beitou (Taipei)
The easiest hot spring area to access — complete with public baths, historic inns, and a beautiful hot spring museum.
- Style: Public pools, private bathhouses, luxury hotels
- Getting There: MRT to Xinbeitou
♨️ Jiaoxi (Yilan)
Family-friendly and relaxing. Hotels often include in-room hot spring tubs.
- Style: Street-side foot baths, hotels, outdoor springs
- Getting There: TRA train from Taipei
🌋 Guanziling (Tainan)
Taiwan’s only mud hot spring — soothing, warm, and said to be great for the skin.
- Getting There: Bus or taxi from Chiayi or Tainan
🌄 Ruisui & Zhiben (East Taiwan)
Hot springs with mountain views — perfect after a day exploring Hualien or Taitung.
- Getting There: TRA train → hotel pickup or scooter rental
🧭 Tips for Nature Travelers
- Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (Mar–May): Ideal for hikes and cherry blossoms
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): Clear skies and mild weather
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Great for hot springs and snow at high altitudes
- Transport:
- TRA trains + buses work for many spots
- For remote areas (Alishan, East Coast), consider car/scooter rental
- What to Pack:
- Rain gear and warm layers (even in warmer seasons — weather changes fast!)
- Comfortable shoes and reusable water bottles
- Etiquette:
- Stay on marked trails
- Don’t litter or take rocks/plants — “leave no trace” is key in Taiwan too!
Whether you’re watching the sunrise above a sea of clouds in Hehuanshan, hiking under towering cliffs in Taroko, or soaking in a riverside spring in Ruisui, Taiwan’s nature has a way of leaving you breathless in the best way possible.
Take a break from city life and discover Taiwan’s wild side — it’s closer, greener, and more magical than you think.