Day Trips From Taipei

If you’re visiting Taiwan for the first time, chances are you’re starting in Taipei.

While it’s a beautiful city that’s fairly representative of the country, the thing about the capital is that it’s pretty small. You’ll likely be done with the city’s main attractions in a day or two, leaving your itinerary open for some day trips before moving to cities that are further south.

Arguably some of the best things about Taiwan are its nature and local culture and while you can see parts of it in Taipei (like Elephant Mountain or DiHua Street), you get a real feel for it in the little villages and towns nearby.

So if you’re looking to understand Taiwan a little more intimately, here are the best day trips from Taipei!

Best For First-Time Visitors

Tamsui & Beitou

Take a soak in Taipei’s finest hot springs, wander through the winding alleys of Tamsui Old Street, and catch the sunset at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Tamsui and Beitou are two neighborhoods located at the end of the red MRT line and take about 40 minutes to an hour from the center of Taipei.

This day trip provides an accessible peek into Taiwan’s colonial history and allows you to enjoy some of the island’s unique natural highlights without wandering too far from the city.

Beitou is a neighborhood known for its hot spring resorts and dense mountain foliage. The name itself is a mandarin translation of the world “patauw,” which in the indigenous Ketagalan language means “home of the witches.”

The indigenous people believed that the dense sulfuric fumes from the hot springs in the area were an evil omen and associated with dark magic. This culture changed when the Japanese colonized Taiwan and built up the hot spring culture to what it is today.

Start your day by wandering the thermal parks, exploring various museums, and soaking in public (or private) hot springs. When you’ve gotten your fill of the luxurious thermal baths, continue on the red line to Tamsui.

Tamsui is a district of New Taipei located at the end of the red MRT line. It’s right on the water and offers a refreshingly slower pace of life.

Spend your afternoon eating your way through Tamsui Old Street, exploring the colonial remnants of Fort San Domingo, and casually biking along the river. Catch the sunset at Lover’s Bridge in Fisherman’s Wharf and then make your way back to Taipei.

Jiufen & Jinguashi

Admire the classic beauty of quaint villages built into the northeastern mountains and learn more about Taiwan’s colonial history with gold.

Jiufen is probably the most famous day trip from Taipei, but to see it in all its glory, you’ll want to visit in the afternoon.

Therefore, we’ll start our day trip in Jinguashi.

Jinguashi is a small town in Ruifang District that was a hotspot for gold and copper mining during Japanese colonial rule. This cute village is about an hour away from Taipei by train and features over 600 kilometers of underground mining tunnels.

You can spend your morning exploring the Gold Ecological Park, including sectioned-off parts of the mines themselves and the Gold Museum which does a great job documenting this area’s historical significance. Jinguashi is also home to Golden Waterfall, one of the most unique waterfalls on the island with its reddish-brown golden hues derived from the surrounding region’s heavy metals.

After a quick lunch at some of the village’s local restaurants, you’ll hop on the bus and make your way over to Jiufen.

Jiufen is a small village is located in the mountains of Pingxi district to the east of Taipei. Meander through the steep alleys of Old Street, purchasing Spirited Away trinkets from local vendors and enjoying local delicacies like deep fried seafood and taro balls.

By the time you’re done shopping, the sun should just about be setting, and right on cue, bright red street lanterns will light up. Head to the top of Old Street to see the iconic view of Amei Tea House lit against the hazy backdrop of lush green mountains.

End your day with a dinner set at one of the many tea houses and then take the bus back to Taipei.

Houtong Cat Village & Shifen

Explore cat village, release traditional paper sky lanterns, and visit the widest waterfall in Taiwan.

Houtong Cat Village and Shifen are also located in Pingxi district and only take a quick 1.5 hr train ride away to reach.

Houtong Cat Village used to be a mining town (much like many of the towns in this region) but has since seen a revival as a tourist cat village. The locals feed and take care of the strays and these permanent furry residents draw in animal lovers from all over the country. Hang out with the strays and snap aesthetic photos, grab a coffee at one of the multiple cafes, and purchase some cat-themed snacks and souvenirs during your time here.

Shifen is most famous for its paper sky lanterns, Shifen waterfall, and charming Old Street. Start your afternoon off at Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan’s widest waterfall. Take a casual stroll through the nearby park while snacking on traditional street foods like Taiwanese sausage or sugar apple.

Then, make your way back to Old Street and send a paper lantern floating into the sky with your wishes for the year. End your day at a local eatery before heading back to Taipei.

Keelung

Get a different take on everyday living by exploring this colorful port city in northern Taiwan.

Keelung is one of the most underrated cities in Taiwan. It’s located on the northern coast and takes just 40-minutes by train or bus to get to.

As the country’s second busiest port, it provides a fascinating glimpse into Taiwan’s rich fishing and shipping culture.

Spend your day exploring the nearby Heping Island Park with its intriguing rock formations and natural saltwater pool. Then, head back to the city center and take a trek to Zhongzheng Park. Catch the sunset at the Big Buddha overlooking the city and conclude your day with a visit to its renowned night market (my personal favorite in Taiwan), indulging in delectable seafood treats.

Maokong

Take the Maokong Gondola for an aerial view of Taipei and then enjoy a peaceful hike through the surrounding tea plantations.

Enjoy a day trip to Maokong Village by taking the MRT to the Taipei Zoo at the end of the brown line. From there, hop on the Maokong Gondola for panoramic views of the city from a distance.

Alight at Maokong Village and spend your day hiking through the surrounding mountains, stopping at one of the multiple tea houses to enjoy local Baochung tea and Tieguanyin tea varieties and a set meal.

Yangmingshan National Park

Explore the hikes and hot springs in Taiwan’s northernmost national park.

Yangmingshan National Park is located approximately one hour by bus from Taipei. It’s known for cherry blossoms, hot springs, and hiking trails. For those who love nature, this national park is the perfect place to take a simple yet scenic trek through some of Taiwan’s best trails.

Most first-timers head to the Qingtiangang Grassland Area to watch the water buffalos graze or take on the challenge of hiking QiXing Mountain which has the highest peak on this range. You can also find a wild hot spring to soak in or stop by the National Palace Museum on your way back to the city for a bit of culture (though the collection is huge so it might be better if you have several hours).

Wulai

Go river tracing, hiking, or wild swimming along the stunning blue waters of Little Taroko.

Sometimes referred to as Little Taroko, Wulai is known for its stunning cerulean blue springs and rivers.

Take a 40-minute bus ride from Xindian at the end of the green MRT line to Wulai Suspension Bridge and begin your journey of river tracing, hiking, and soaking in wild hot springs. When you’re tired from all the physical activity, take the scenic train up to the waterfall and then spend your evening dining on the local cuisine of the indigenous Atayal people.

Yehliu Geopark

Examine unique rock formations that are thousands of years old along the northwestern coast of Taiwan.

Yehliu Geopark is another popular day trip from Taipei.

This distinctive cape was formed as geological forces pushed Datun Mountains out of the sea and features over 1,700 meters of unique rock formations and fossils preserved in time. If you’re a fan of rock formations or are traveling with small children, this is a great way to spend your day outdoors.

To get there, join a group tour or hop on the 1815 local bus from Taipei City Hall.

Thousand Island Lake

Get transported away from the city to this scenic lake with multiple viewpoints and walking trails.

Thousand Island Lake has grown in popularity over the past few years and rightfully so! This beautiful destination is located only an hour away from Taipei but seemingly transports you to a different country.

Spend your day hiking to multiple view points, enjoying water sports, or visiting the different tea plantations that surround the lake. However, if you plan on going by public transportation, you’ll have to walk 30-40 minutes from the bus stop to the main recreation area. It might be worth it to rent a car or join a tour instead!

SanDiaoLing Waterfall Trail

Take a refreshing hike to three different waterfalls hidden in the mountains of Pingxi district.

SanDiaoLing Waterfall Trail is one of my go-to recommendations for scenic hikes near Taipei.

Located 1.5 hours away by train, this beautiful hike features three different waterfalls nestled within the vivid green mountains of Pingxi district. Once you’re done with the trail, you can also swing by one of my favorite swimming holes for a nice refreshing dip.

Best For Food, Culture, and Unique Experiences

Yingge

Immerse yourself in pottery culture in Taiwan.

One of my most vivid memories of visiting Taiwan as a child is when we booked a group tour to Yingge and made pottery at a local studio. We were never able to fire our ceramics due to limited time, but my sister still has her vase on her desk at home!

Yingge is Taiwan’s undisputed center of pottery and ceramics. Located on the Dahan river in New Taipei City, this village is only 40 minutes away by train. Spend your day learning more about the history of ceramics in Taiwan, DIY some home goods for yourself, or purchase one of the artisanal handmade pieces to take home as a gift!

Shenkeng

Go wild swimming and hiking through the mountains and wrap your day up with stinky tofu like none other.

Located in the mountains at the end of the brown MRT line, Shenkeng is a small district of New Taipei City that was known for agriculture and mining. Nowadays, it’s home to some of the most beautiful hikes around the city and an old street that specializes in stinky tofu. From classic fried varieties to braised mala styles, this is the place to get your fix! This village is somewhat small so I recommend spending some time at Taipei Zoo beforehand.

Pinglin

Experience authentic tea culture in Pinglin.

One of Taiwan’s main exports historically has been tea: specifically the high mountain, oolong type. Experience authentic tea culture without hiking for miles through the mountains by taking a quick day trip to Pinglin, just one hour away from Taipei. This district offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Taipei and is the ideal place to learn specifically about Taiwan’s Baozhong variety.

Yilan

Explore Taiwan’s Northeast coast with surfing, hot springs, and Kavalan Whisky Distillery.

I know, I know, to include an entire county as a day trip from Taipei seems a little outrageous but given its close proximity, I had to.

Yilan county is only one hour away by car or bus and is the perfect destination to experience east coast vibes without traveling too far. Go surfing at Wai’ao Beach, soak in the hot spring resorts of Jiaoxi township, or try some single malt whisky at Kavalan Distillery!

Tainan

Get a taste for southern culture in the old city of Tainan.

This one might seem like a stretch, but because Taiwan is so small, you can easily reach the southern city of Tainan by HSR in 1.5 hours.

Sure, there are plenty of other cities along Taiwan’s west coast that you can explore in a day, but I recommend Tainan because it was the first city in Taiwan.

Tainan is a quaint city that blends the old with the new. The city center is extremely walkable and features lot of old Chinese architecture contrasted against trendy modern cafes. It’s is a great place to learn about the first Chinese migrants that came to Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty and to experience a glimpse of southern Taiwanese culture.

So whether you decide to go the classic route of visiting Jiufen and Jinguashi, or opt for a more off-the-beaten-path suggestion like Shenkeng, here are the top 15 day trips from Taipei as recommended by a local.

Taiwan is a beautiful island with a thriving democracy and its own unique culture, so I hope that this guide helps you to understand more of what it has to offer. Best of luck with your adventures and I hope that you find this charming little island I call home to be just as warm and welcoming as I did!