The 5 Most Beautiful Places in Taiwan
It is summer in Taiwan, and it is too hot for a trip to “Ilha Formosa”. Unfortunately, I am stuck working in Taiwan, since I have already used my annual leave. But since this is the best season for traveling in Taiwan, which is about to come in a few weeks, I try to travel in spirit with this article. Thus, I will share my personal list of the most beautiful places in Taiwan.
If you are looking for more practical tips, check out my Taiwan Travel Guide, where I answer the most important questions about planning your trip. For recommendations on what to do and see, see my article on the best attractions in Taiwan.
The Most Beautiful Places in Taiwan to Visit
If I could pick just four places to visit in Taiwan, they would be:
- The beaches of Kenting
- The “Blue Diamonds” of Kinmen
- Take a Keelung Island Cruise
- Taitung on the East Coast
- See Sea Turtles in Lambai Island
This may sound like an odd mix to some, but let me explain. Also, just a quick note: I am not factoring in how hard these places were to reach. These are my absolute best memories of Taiwan travel.
Kenting, the Beautiful: My Favorite Place in Taiwan
At the top of my list is Kenting, located at the southern tip of Taiwan in Pingtung County. I know, this is a predictable answer and sounds very basic. After all, it is one of the most popular destinations in Taiwan. But trust me, there is a reason for that.
Kenting is home to Taiwan’s oldest national park, and it is the bomb. It has an incredible variety of things to see. You will find beautiful beaches, cozy bars, great food, music festivals, snorkeling and diving spots. Moreover, you have amazing mountains and the unique wetlands.
All of that comes with the relaxed vibes you find in all of the landmarks in Kenting. Everything just feels like vacation, you are far away from the busy business places, such as Taipei or Hsinchu. In my video, you can see both the beach vibes and the natural beauty. The wetlands near Nanren Lake, the Longkeng Ecological Reserve, and my hike up Turtle Mountain (Checheng Guishan Trail) are some of my favorite memories.
The Blue Diamonds of Kinmen Island
You think the beach and nature are too basic? The so-called Blue Diamonds (or Blue Tears) are a bit more unique. Moreover, this is without a doubt one of the most beautiful natural phenomena you will ever see. On the small island of Kinmen, you can experience the glowing sea: Marine microorganisms that emit light as a defense mechanism cause the water to shine.
However, spotting the Blue Diamonds is not easy. You need to be on Kinmen Island at the right time of year, typically April, May, or June. In addition, the conditions must be just right: A moonless night, high tide, and ideally a southerly wind. Even then, there is no guarantee you can catch a glimpse of this magical display.
I finally saw them after waiting patiently and joining a few Facebook groups. A private cruise made all the difference. I share all my tips on how to spot the Blue Diamonds in my video about the beaches of Kinmen.
A More Easy Island Experience – Visit Keelung Island in Northern Taiwan
Traveling to Kinmen requires a flight, and that can be quite an effort. A much easier option, and only slightly less epic, is a day trip to Keelung Island. This beautiful destination in northern Taiwan is just about an hour from Taipei. Even better, you can book a cruise online and do not have to worry about anything else.
I took the trip in the summer of 2025 and really enjoyed my time on the boat. I have to admit, the hike up to the lighthouse was a bit of a struggle. However, I still take the cruise again whenever I can. It is a great mix of convenience, the beaches, and the natural beauty Taiwan has to offer.
For more impressions and practical details, check out my video. Personally, I loved the combination of scenery, Keelung’s history, and, most of all, the convenience. You step off the bus right at the harbor, and the ship even has air conditioning. You are close to the water the entire time, which is perfect for staying cool in the summer heat.
Taitung is a Must-See Place in the Southeast of Taiwan
Taiwan as a large variety of landscapes, and Taitung is the best! You have to check out this place in southern Taiwan. IMHO, probably the most outstanding landscapes in the country. You have the Pacific Ocean to the east and mountains to the west. In between, there are so many beautiful places and a rich indigenous culture.
I went on a road trip to explore the heritage and the nature at the same time. You have to go outside of Taitung City, and it does take some effort. But it is worth it. Places like the Liji Badland Geopark, Dulan Beach, and Xiaoyeliu are just remarkable.
Visit Garden Eden Xiaoliuqiu (Laimbai Island) in Southern Taiwan
Finally, another epic memory are the giant sea turtles of Xiaoliuqiu aka Laimbai Island. Again place like no other, because only on this small island you find these amazing animals so close. You could literally touch the animals, but you should as it is ilegal and you get fined, but I think you know what I eman
Thus, a weekend trip to Xiaoliuqiu is an absolute must. It is located just off the coast of Kaohsiung in the South of Taiwan. As you can see in my video, it is not hard to find the turtles. You do not even need full diving gear.
I just bought a basic snorkel and goggles. However, due to the waves and cliffs, you should be a decent swimmer. Especially if you are a travel vlogger and hold that camera all the time ;).
The island is very easy to reach. I took a weekend trip from Taipei: After work, I hopped on the high-speed train to Kaohsiung, took a bus to the port, and from there, it was just a short half-hour boat ride. The island is easily accessible, and it is small enough that you can circle the entire island by scooter in a matter of minutes.
More Beautiful Places in Taiwan Coming Soon
Kenting, Kinmen, Keelung, Taitung, and Xiaoliuqiu are just the beginning. Even though I have been in Taiwan for a while, there is still so much more to explore. So stay tuned! Thanks so much for reading. Check out my page about traveling in Taiwan, and feel free to follow me on Facebook or Instagram.
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