Best Attractions in Taiwan – My 5 Favorite Places to Visit
Back in December last year, I wrote a blog about the Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Taiwan, but that article was for tourists planning their Taiwan trip. I listed some of the most famous attractions in and around key destinations. This time, I do not intend to help anyone LOL.
Instead of listing the most popular places, I am sharing the best tourist attractions in Taiwan from my own experience over the past two years. Yes, this will be a long blog post, and yes, you will never be able to see them all in one Taiwan trip. Still, it is worth having a look, because all these locations are outstanding. This are my personal recommedations, not just the most popular attractions in Taiwan.
What Are the Main Attractions in Taiwan?
Originally, I wanted to write about the Top 10 Attractions in Taiwan. But in the end, I picked my five absolute favorites, starting with two incredible natural attractions:
- The Blue Diamonds on Kinmen Island
- Diving with Sea Turtles on Xiao Liuqiu (Lambai Island)
- Celebrating Lunar New Year in a Temple
- Joining the Dragon Boat Festival
- Catching the Beach Vibes in Kenting
Before we go on: In case you are looking for more general travel information, check out my overview page on traveling in Taiwan. Or, if you are planning your travel budget, you should not miss the article: How Much Does Traveling in Taiwan Cost?
The Blue Diamonds in Kinmen – My Top Tourist Attraction in Taiwan
At the very top of my list of the best attractions in Taiwan are the so-called Blue Diamonds. A natural phenomenon that makes the ocean light up at night, turning the sea a magical shade of blue. The sparkling light comes from marine microorganisms called dinoflagellates, which emit light as a defense mechanism. It’s also known as the “Sea of Stars”.
I concluded that this is a must-see natural attractions in Taiwan. Several beaches on Kinmen Island are great spots to witness this phenomenon, but only if the conditions are right.
Catching the Blue Diamonds can be tricky. You need to be in Kinmen at the right time of year. Your best chance is during April, May, or June, on a moonless night near high tide. Ideally you have a southerly wind.The conditions matter and there is no guarantee to see this sensation. I share all my tips on how to see the Blue Diamonds (also called Blue Tears) in my video about Kinmen’s beaches.
Bonus: In the same video, I also go out to collect my own seafood. Another popular activity in Kinmen, though it did not make it quite make it onto this list If you want to learn more about Kinmen in general, have have put together a dedicated guide for you as well.
Another Amazing Natural Attractions in Taiwan: Diving with Sea Turtles on Xiao Liuqiu
Number two on my list of the best tourist attractions in Taiwan is Xiao Liuqiu, also known as Lamay Island or Lambai Island. In my opinion, one of the most unique natural attractions in Taiwan is snorkeling or scuba diving with sea turtles here. Yes, you can dive in other places like Green Island, but Xiao Liuqiu is the only place where you are almost guaranteed to see giant sea turtles.
There are estimated to be 800+ sea turtles living year-round around the island. I am not exactly sure why they are so easy to spot, but I assume it is because Xiao Liuqiu is naturally shielded from the harsh winter monsoons. This creates calm waters and excellent underwater visibility, making it one of the best diving spots in Taiwan.
The island is located just off Taiwan’s southwestern coast, and getting there takes a bit of effort. I traveled from Kaohsiung to a nearby harbor and then took a short ferry ride to the island. I stayed for a weekend, check out my video for all the details.
Two Tips When Visiting Lambai Island
- Never touch the animals – and be especially careful not to do so accidentally. As you see in the video, you can get really close to the turtles, so give them the space they need.
- Do not stay for too long, the island is small. One or two days are perfect to explore and enjoy everything without feeling rushed.
Experience Lunar New Year in a Temple Should Be a More Popular Tourist Attraction in Taiwan
Every travel guide seems to say the same thing: “Avoid Taiwan during Lunar New Year.” Yes, it is true, the whole country is on the move, hotels are booked out, and transportation is packed. So why on earth am I putting this on my list of top tourist attractions in Taiwan? Let me explain.
I spent Chinese New Year in a temple in Daxi, and it was an unforgettable experience. It gave me an insight into Taiwanese customs and traditions. I understood why literally all people travel across the country to return home and visit temples.
Sure, spending hours in a crowded temple might feel a bit unusual at first. But even today, I really value the experience. It offered a new perspective I would not have gotten any other way.
For most foreign travelers, this is not a famous attraction, but if you happen to be in Taiwan during Chinese New Year, I highly recommend visiting a temple at least once. It is a good way to experience Taiwanese culture. The entrance is free, which helps offset the cost of your probably overpriced hotel room. Side note for all backpackers: Check out my blog post “Experience Taiwan on a Budget” for more tips on saving money while exploring the island.
See the Dragon Boat Festival Celebrations – Back to More Famous Attractions in Taiwan
Time to get back to one of the more famous attractions in Taiwan: the Dragon Boat Festival. It is easy to see why this one deserves a spot on the list: It is a national holiday and one of the most important cultural celebrations in Taiwan. The festival takes place every year on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.
Of course, the dragon boat races are not organized as tourist attractions. They are a rooted tradition, but if you happen to be in Taiwan during this time, do not miss the chance to attend. I experienced the festival in Kinmen, and in my video, I talk about the history of the event and some of the key traditions, like eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and drinking realgar wine.
Now, I know it is unlikely that you will be in Kinmen during the Dragon Boat Festival, but no worries. The races in Taipei are much larger aand feel more like a tourist attraction with big crowds, festive markets, and lots of opportunities to learn about the culture.
Catching the Beach Vibes in Kenting – My Final Top Tourist Attraction For Taiwan Travelers
Last, but definitely not least, I always recommend Kenting to anyone traveling in Taiwan. It is a beach paradise with laid-back parties, cool snorkeling spots, and the beautiful Kenting National Park, which offers plenty of natural highlights beyond the sand.
Kenting is probably the most popular destination on this list. Southern Taiwan’s beaches are famous for good reason: Surfing, Diving in the coral reefs, and in summer the water activities are a lifesaver in Taiwan’s hottest region. My top pick? Snorkeling! the best way to appreciate Kenting’s underwater scenery.
I have to confess my last trip was over a year ago, mainly because working in Taiwan leaves me with limited PTO. And yes, the high-speed rail ends in Kaohsiung, so getting to Taiwan’s southern tip always takes a little extra time.
Summary of My Top Tourist Attractions in Taiwan
This list ist meant to be the most practical itinerary; it s a collection of my personal favorites. I am glad my travel vlog lets me preserve these memories and share them with you. For more stories and tips, check out the Traveling Kunz YouTube channel, follow me on Facebook, or dive into my other Taiwan blog posts.
Leave a Reply