Best Day Trips Around Taipei – 3 Places You Have to Visit When Traveling in Taiwan
Most visitors start traveling in Taiwan in Taipei – and they usually arrive by plane. But there is more to see in Taiwan, thus, I want to share my suggestions for day trips from Taipei that are easily accessible by public transport. So, even if you only have a short stay, you have the option to leave Taipei and see more of this amazing country.
Of course, you can travel to Taiwan by ferry as well, for example from China via Kinmen Island, but that is a different topic. For now, let us start with our first Taipei day trip: Yilan.
Taking a Taipei Day Trip to Yilan
The city of Yilan is located right in the center of the Lanyang Plain aka Taiwan’s breadbasket. You have rich nature, mountains, hot springs, beaches and so many more cool things to explore. Of course, you also have night markets and a lot of food to discover, as well
Yilan is one of the most popular destinations in Taiwan and is easy to reach from Taipei. You can travel by bus or train; I tried both during my last visit. I took the bus in the morning and returned by train in the evening. While the train may seem a bit faster, it really depends on where you are located in Taipei. Either way, both are affordable and convenient options.
You can just do a day trip, but staying longer is also a great idea. I recommend hiking – the Wufengchi Waterfalls are an easy day hike, though longer routes are available as well. See the details in my video about the Nature of Yilan. You can also explore Yilan City, visiting spots like the Chia Chi Lan Distillery or relaxing at Waiao Beach.
If you are up for an adventure, consider a day trip to Turtle Island. Be aware, though, that you need to wake up very early to catch the boat if you are coming from Taipei. I suggest staying overnight in Yilan if you want to include Turtle Island. However, it is still doable as a day trip from Taipei if you are determined.
The Classic – A Day Trip to Wulai
Wulai is not as well very well-known among foreign tourists as Yilan — at least from my perspective. My local friends told me it is more of a classic Taiwanese tourist destination. It is famous for the Wulai Waterfall and its rich Aboriginal culture.
Most residents are indigenous people from the Atayal tribe, which you notice right away if you have a look around. Do not forget to try the Aboriginal-style BBQ. You can also take a dip in the hot springs. I remember riding the famous small train, and you can take a cable car up the mountain. But do not be surprised – there is a theme park at the top!
You can reach Wulai by bus. It is still considered part of New Taipei City, but you should plan for more than an hour to get there. Buses run frequently, and you can use your EasyCard, so it is convenient to organize your travels.
A Day Trip to the Yangmingshan National Park – The Mountains within Taipei City
My personal recommendation is to spend a day at Yangmingshan National Park. It is like taking a day trip without leaving Taipei. Taiwan’s capital has its very own mountain range, accessible from the Beitou and Shilin districts.
The park features several mountains, including Taiwan’s tallest dormant volcano, Qixing (Seven Star) Mountain, which rises to 1,120 m (3,675 ft). There are higher peaks in Taiwan, of course, but I do not think there is a more convenient spot for a hike in the mountains than Yangmingshan.
I took a bus from Taipei to the Qingtiangang Visitor Center, but there are multiple routes you can choose from. You can hike back to the city or catch another bus back down. Note that there are different mountains with different landmarks, it really depends on what you want to do.
If you are ambitious, you can spend a full day climbing mountains some trails cover up to 10 peaks in just one day. But you can also just go for a quick walk, and then take the bus to Beitou to relax in a hot spring.
More Day Trips and Traveling in Taiwan
Yilan, Wulai, and Yangmingshan are just the beginning – there are so many amazing places to discover in Taiwan. I am biased, of course. After all, this country turned me into a travel vlogger!
I have more travel tips for Taiwan Travelers, fo course. For more inspiration, check out my Exploring Formosa playlist on YouTube. Also, read all about How Much Does Traveling in Taiwan Cost? on this blog.
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[…] hotspot. You find mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, and beaches. It a great destination for a day trip from Taipei, though I recommend staying longer. You can also consider stopping in Yilan on your way to […]