BEST DAY TRIPS TO TAKE FROM TAIPEI

Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, offers a great starting point for exploring the island's diverse attractions. Jiufen is a charming mountain town known for its narrow alleyways, old-world architecture, and stunning views of the coast. Shifen is famous for its picturesque old street and the tradition of releasing sky lanterns. Both are easily accessible by train from Taipei. Just a short drive from Taipei, Yangmingshan offers beautiful hiking trails, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes. Pingxi is famous for its annual Sky Lantern Festival and picturesque scenery. Visitors can write wishes on lanterns and release them into the sky. The area also offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic railway attractions. Be sure to visit the iconic Xiaoyoukeng, a sulfur venting area, and the flower gardens at Yangming Park. Located along the northern coast of Taiwan, Yehliu Geopark features unique geological formations including the iconic "Queen's Head" rock. It's about an hour's drive from Taipei and can also be reached by bus. Beitou is known for its natural hot springs and Japanese-style bathhouses. Spend a relaxing day soaking in the thermal waters and exploring the Beitou Hot Spring Museum to learn about the area's history. Located at the northern tip of Taipei, Tamsui offers a nostalgic atmosphere with its old streets, waterfront promenade, and colonial-era architecture. Sample local street food, visit historical sites like Fort San Domingo, and enjoy a sunset over the Tamsui River. Taroko Gorge is a renowned scenic area located in Taroko National Park on the east coast of Taiwan. The gorge is characterized by its steep cliffs, marble-walled canyons, rushing rivers, and lush vegetation. It's one of Taiwan's top tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world. 

Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen

A day trip to Jiufen and Shifen from Taipei is a popular choice for travelers looking to explore Taiwan's charming old towns and experience local culture. Start your day early to make the most of your time. Head to Taipei Main Station and take a train to Ruifang Station. Trains depart frequently, and the journey takes about 45 minutes. Upon arrival at Ruifang Station, transfer to the local railway line heading to Jiufen. Jiufen is about a 15-minute ride from Ruifang. Check the Taiwan Railway Website for Train Schedules and to purchase tickets. Jiufen is famous for its narrow alleyways, traditional teahouses, and souvenir shops. Spend your morning wandering through the atmospheric streets, sampling local snacks like taro balls, sweet potato fries, and tea-flavored treats. Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline from Jiufen's hillside vantage points.  Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of Jiufen's local restaurants, where you can savor delicious Taiwanese cuisine such as seafood noodles, beef noodle soup, or braised pork rice. After exploring Jiufen, head back to Ruifang Station and take the train to Shifen. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Shifen is famous for its old street and the tradition of releasing sky lanterns. Purchase a lantern, write your wishes or prayers on it, and release it into the sky for good luck and blessings. Take a stroll along Shifen Old Street, lined with traditional shops selling handicrafts, snacks, and souvenirs. Don't miss the iconic Shifen Waterfall, one of Taiwan's most scenic waterfalls, located a short walk from the old street. Head back to Ruifang Station and catch a train back to Taipei.  A day trip to Yehliu from Taipei offers a unique opportunity to explore Taiwan's stunning coastal landscapes and geological wonders.  Head to Taipei Main Station and take a bus bound for Yehliu Geological Park. Buses depart regularly, and the journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Upon arrival at Yehliu, purchase your entrance ticket and start exploring the park. Yehliu is famous for its unique rock formations, including the iconic "Queen's Head" rock, which resembles the profile of a queen's head. Take your time to wander along the coastal promenade and marvel at the various geological formations shaped by wind and sea erosion. If you don't want to deal with the hassle of all the transferring and transportation time it will take with this day trip, you could consider one of the following Day Trips with a professional tour guide and a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

Jiufen, Shifen Waterfall & Pingxi Sky Lantern

Immerse yourself in scenic Northern Taiwan on this private half-day tour from Taipei. You'll get to see the Golden Waterfall and Jinguashi 13 Ruins, make a wish with a sky lantern over Pingxi, and explore the streets of historical Jiufen. This charming and historic street is the inspiration of Miyazaki's "Spirited Away," as well as the setting for several beloved Taiwanese films. Finally, head to Shifen Old Street, known for delicious local foods, souvenir shops, and puffing railroad trains. 

Yehliu, Jiufen & Shifen 

Visit multiple iconic Northern Taiwan attractions in a day, featuring Jiufen Old Street and Yeliou Geopark. End the tour at Shifen Station and soak up the antiquated vibe! Walk on the bustling streets around Shifen Railway Station and take in the quaint vibe. Admire breathtaking mountain and ocean views of Northern Taiwan and snap pictures. Walk on the archaic streets of Jiufen and taste local eats. 

Taipei: Yehliu & Jiufen & Shifen 

You can choose to get on the train at MRT Ximen Station or Station 101. The Tour Starts with a stop at the Yehliu Geopark, then you will get to admire the Magnificent scenery of Shifen Waterfall; experience sky lantern prayer activities at Shifen Old Street. Stroll through Jiufen Mountain City in the evening and enjoy the sunset and the beautiful scenery of the mountains and sea. Finally, go to Raohe Night Market to taste authentic Michelin-starred Taiwanese snacks. 

Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall

Take the shuttle bus from Taipei to visit Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen! Stop over at Yehliu, Yin-Yang Sea, Thirteen-Story Ruins, Golden Waterfall, Jiufen, and Shifen, and see through the northeast corner of Taiwan! See Yehliu Geopark and the wonders of Queen's Head, visit the nostalgic Jiufen Old Street, and set off sky lanterns in the Shifen Old Street in Pingxi to admire the unique Golden Waterfall and capture memories with your camera lens. The itinerary includes a tour guide, and provides round-trip pick-up and drop-off services, making travel easy and convenient. 

From Taipei: Yehliu, Jiufen, and Pingxi

Travel to northern Taiwan with this group tour from Taipei. Marvel at rock formations in Yehliu Geopark, visit a mountain village in Jiufen, and launch a sky lantern in Pingxi. Take in the striking natural rock formations in Yehliu Geopark. Experience the old-fashioned charm of Jiufen, a traditional village, enjoy the chance to set a lantern afloat at the Pingxi Sky Lantern area, and admire the spectacular scenery of the beautiful Shifen Waterfall. Seize the chance to purchase a cup of tea while surrounded by beautiful scenery. 

Beitou Hot Springs and Yangmingshan

A day trip from Taipei to Beitou Hot Springs and Yangmingshan National Park offers a perfect combination of relaxation and natural beauty. Start your day early by taking the Taipei Metro to Beitou Station. Beitou is easily accessible from downtown Taipei via the red line. Begin your exploration of Beitou by visiting the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, housed in a beautifully restored Japanese-era bathhouse. Learn about the history and significance of Beitou's hot springs and the development of the area as a popular spa destination. After visiting the museum, head to one of Beitou's public hot spring baths for a relaxing soak in the mineral-rich waters. Beitou offers various options, including public baths, private hot spring resorts, and hotel facilities. If time permits and you're interested in further exploration, take a short walk to Thermal Valley, also known as Hell Valley, to see the natural hot spring vents and steaming pools. Note that access to Thermal Valley may require a bit of hiking.  Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Beitou's local restaurants, where you can sample Taiwanese specialties or traditional Japanese cuisine influenced by the area's history. After lunch, take a bus to Yangmingshan National Park, located just a short distance from Beitou. Yangmingshan is known for its volcanic landscapes, hiking trails, and hot springs. Upon arrival at Yangmingshan, head to Xiaoyoukeng, a volcanic crater with active sulfur vents. You can choose to hike along the trails or drive to the observation area to witness the steaming fumaroles and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Spend some time exploring the various scenic spots in Yangmingshan, such as Qingtiangang Grassland, Lengshuikeng Hot Spring, and Zhuzihu (Bamboo Lake), known for its calla lilies (seasonal).

Beitou and Yangmingshan from Taipei

Embrace the beauty of nature on a tour to Yangmingshan National Park and Beitou District from Taipei. Once you leave the hustle and bustle of the city, you'll enter a world of gorgeous flora, fumaroles, lava terrain, craters, and hot springs. After the park, explore the Geothermal Valley and visit the Beitou Hot Spring Museum to learn about the history of development of hot springs in Taipei. Unwind in a hot spring bathing experience of your own before heading back to town.

Beitou Yangmingshan from Taipei

Explore the beautiful Yangmingshan with this complete day tour! Visit Bamboo Lake to view the Orange Daylilies, get a closer look at Xiaoyoukeng’s post-volcanic formations, drop by Beitou, and then take a trip to Chaojing Park. Explore Yangmingshan’s seasonal spots like Bamboo Lake, Xiaoyoukeng, Lengshuikeng, Beitou Library, Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Chaojing Park, Qingtiangang Grassland and Yangmingshan U.S. Military Housing in a single-day. 25% off HSR Ticket add.

Taipei: Beitou and Yangmingshan

Get close to nature at the one-day Yangmingshan & Beitou trip.  Visit Lengshuikeng, a hot spring lake formed by volcanic activity, and don't forget to step foot in the "cold" hot spring to have a foot bath. Yangmingshan is the best geography textbook to learn about the fumaroles and sulfur crystals of volcanic activity. Experience "Huang Chuan Yu Wu" which means sulfur spring with emerald-green mist in the Geothermal Valley.

From Taipei: Beitou Hotsprings and Yangmingshan Volcano

Discover the volcanic landforms of Yangmingshan National Park, with stops at various points of historical and cultural significance, including the Beitou Hot Spring Museum. Enjoy a relaxing foot bath after a day of exploring. Marvel at the unique volcanic landscape of Yangmingshan National Park, Learn about the history of Taiwan’s Hot Springs, and then enjoy a relaxing natural hot spring foot bath. Visit the world's first Urban Quiet Park certified by Quiet Park International.

Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is a renowned scenic area located in Taroko National Park on the east coast of Taiwan. The gorge is characterized by its steep cliffs, marble-walled canyons, rushing rivers, and lush vegetation. It's one of Taiwan's top tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world. The name "Taroko" means "magnificent and splendid" in the language of the indigenous Truku people, who are native to the area. The gorge was formed by the Liwu River carving through the marble mountains over millions of years, creating stunning natural formations and landscapes. Visitors to Taroko Gorge can explore numerous hiking trails, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. One of the most famous attractions is the Eternal Spring Shrine, a picturesque temple built into the cliffside overlooking a waterfall. Other highlights include the Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns, Shakadang Trail, and Baiyang Waterfall Trail. Taroko Gorge offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, river tracing, and even white-water rafting for the adventurous. The park is also home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare and endemic species. Given its natural beauty and cultural significance, Taroko Gorge is designated as one of the Seven Wonders of Taiwan and is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the island.

Taroko Gorge from Taipei by Train

Discover some of Taiwan’s most spectacular scenery on this full-day tour to Taroko National Park. Depart in the morning from Taipei; an included shuttle service ferries you from your hotel to the train station. Upon arrival in Hualien, meet your guide and set off in an air-conditioned vehicle. Venture to the national park, see the spectacular Taroko Gorge, explore the Shakadang Trail, see the Cihmu Bridge, and more. This tour makes exploring one of Taiwan’s top national parks simple. Discover the Taroko Gorge, Cihmu Bridge, local shrines, and more. Enjoy an authentic, local lunch as part of your excursion. 

From Taipei: Taroko Gorge by Train

Take the express train to Hualien for a scenic day trip. Discover the natural beauty of Taroko Gorge National Park in the company of a guide. Discover the beauty of Taroko Gorge on a day excursion from Taipei. This site is one of the top nature wonders in Asia, famed for its stunning marble gorge. Take a train from Tapei to Hualien, visit Taroko Gorge, and then return to Taipei by train. Discover the wonders of the world’s biggest marble gorge—¬Taroko Gorge, ramble through the trails and enjoy the stunning view of the soaring marble cliffs. Enjoy a scenic train ride along the east coast of the island,  chill yourself and enjoy the sea breeze on Qixingtan Beach. 

Hualien: Taroko Gorge from Taipei

This Tour includes transportation from Taipei to Hualien, allowing you to travel easily, and walk along the Swallow Grotto where you can see the most dramatic scenery of the canyon. Stop by Changchun Shrine and take time to comfort the souls of the victims during the construction of the Taroko Gorge Road. Experience seamless communication on your trip with our tour guides who are fluent in Chinese, English, Japanese, or Korean.

Tamsui

A day trip to Tamsui offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of Taipei City. Start your day by taking the Taipei Metro to Tamsui Station. The journey takes around 40-50 minutes from Taipei Main Station, depending on your starting point. Begin your exploration at Tamsui Old Street, a charming pedestrian street lined with traditional shops, street vendors, and eateries. Sample local snacks like fish balls, iron eggs, and stinky tofu as you stroll along the bustling street. After exploring Tamsui Old Street, take a leisurely walk along Tamsui Riverside Park. Enjoy the scenic views of the Tamsui River and the nearby mountains. You can also rent bicycles or take a boat ride along the river if you prefer. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the many restaurants or eateries in Tamsui. You'll find a variety of options ranging from traditional Taiwanese cuisine to international fare. After lunch, visit Fort San Domingo, a historic fortress that offers insight into Taiwan's colonial past. Explore the well-preserved buildings and learn about the fort's significance during the Spanish, Dutch, and British occupations. Next, head to Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf, which is famous for its stunning sunsets and waterfront promenade. Take a leisurely stroll along the Lover's Bridge and enjoy the picturesque views of the harbor and Guanyin Mountain.  Stay at Fisherman's Wharf to catch the breathtaking sunset over the sea. The view from Lover's Bridge is particularly spectacular as the sky transforms into hues of orange and pink. For Dinner, you can either stay to eat at one of the seafood restaurants at the Fisherman's Wharf or take the bus back to Tamsui MRT station, and from there, you can walk back over to Old Street, where you will find much cheaper food options. Check out TripAdvisor for the best things to do in Tamsui or Danshui.

Why Take Day Trips from Taipei

Taking day trips from Taipei allows you to explore the diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and attractions Taiwan has to offer beyond the city. Taipei serves as a central hub with excellent transportation infrastructure, making it easy to access various destinations within a few hours. Taiwan is known for its diverse natural landscapes, including mountains, coastlines, hot springs, and rural areas. Day trips allow you to experience this variety without committing to a lengthy stay. Each destination outside Taipei offers unique cultural experiences, from traditional villages to historic sites and temples. Exploring these places provides insights into Taiwan's rich cultural heritage. Many day trip destinations offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports. It's a chance to enjoy nature and stay active while exploring new surroundings. Taiwan is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and each region has its specialties. Day trips offer the chance to sample local delicacies and street food that might not be readily available in Taipei. If you're seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of Taipei, day trips provide a chance to relax and unwind in quieter, more tranquil surroundings. Whether it's enjoying the views from a mountain peak, exploring a scenic coastline, or soaking in natural hot springs, day trips offer plenty of opportunities to appreciate Taiwan's breathtaking landscapes. Overall, day trips from Taipei offer a perfect blend of convenience, cultural exploration, outdoor activities, and scenic beauty, making them a must-do for visitors looking to experience the best of Taiwan.