Day Trips from Taipei – 20 Easy Excursions From Taipei

If you’re looking to escape Taipei for the day, there are numerous day trips from Taipei, many of which can be done independently using the Metro or Taiwan Railway / High Speed Rail.

From the popular Taipei day trips like Jiufen and the Pingxi Line to the hot springs of Wulai and Jiaoxi, Taiwan’s natural wonders are just a bus or train ride away. Or how about the Taiwanese tea fields in Maokong or Pinglin?

A little further afield, head to Sun Moon Lake or take a 1 hour high speed train to Taichung – alternatively, for budget breaks, just use the Metro to visit the likes of Tamsui or Beitou.

With destination highlights and how to reach all of them by public transport, here is our guide to the best day-trips from Taipei.

This article was originally published on 23 October 2024.

Using Taipei public transport for day-trips

Taipei has one of the best transport infrastructures in the world – even the Taipei Airport MRT to Taipei city is so easy and very cheap at NT$160 one way. Check out our Taipei airport MRT guide here >

The train, bus and subway / Metro network in Taipei is efficient and inexpensive.

The vast majority of these Taipei day-trips are able to be done independently by public transport (except for Sun Moon Lake and Yilan).

Check out the best Taipei day trips with Klook, Viator and Get Your Guide

Taiwanderers Tip

Grab a Taiwan EasyCard as a convenient way to use buses and public transport in Taipei and across Taiwan. They can be easily topped up at stations and convenience stores.

Read more about how to use a Taiwan EasyCard, including how to top up >

Best day trips from Taipei

1. Jiufen

Exploring the mountain town of Jiufen in Taiwan (east of Taipei) feels a little like being in a fantasy movie.

With its historic narrow streets, packed full of beautiful tea-houses and street food stalls, set amidst a backdrop of stunning coastal views, Jiufen almost feels unreal.

We also love all the cute Jiufen cafes and tea-houses – here is our guide to our favourite Jiufen cafes >

In fact, legend has it that Jiufen was the inspiration behind the setting for the classic animated Studio Ghibli movie, Spirited Away (although many dispute this so who knows?!).

From traditional temples to ancient alley-ways lit up by red lanterns at night (Jiufen Old Street), there are lots of things to do in Jiufen.

Jiufen Highlights

• Tea houses – The 100-year old A-Mei Tea House (阿妹茶楼) in Jiufen is likely Taiwan’s most famous teahouse and the center of the tourist universe here.
• Jiufen Old Street – The focal point of Jiufen, the narrow, windy streets filled with traditional Taiwanese restaurants and lanterns are a must visit.
• Head to Jiufen Jie Jiao Traditional Diner for delicious dumplings plus beers and brews with views (seriously, the lookout to the ocean here is incredible). Other street food is available!

How to get from Taipei to Jiufen

To get to Jiufen from Taipei, take the northbound train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station. The journey takes 30 minutes for express trains, or 50 minutes for local trains. The cost of the trip from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station is 49 TWD.

Turn left out of the station and take bus number 827 or 788 which both head towards Jiufen Old Street. The bus journey from Ruifang to Jiufen should take around 20 minutes and costs around 15 TWD each way.

Or try this group day tour from Taipei for less than £20 / $26 USD / NT$800 – Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen day tour with Taiwanese pastry making >

You might like our Taiwanderers guide to Jiufen (and how to avoid the crowds) >

2. Pingxi Line including Shifen

The Pingxi rail line is a journey into the past and a perfect day trip from Taipei or Jiufen.

A 13km stretch of railway that goes through some of Taiwan’s most beautiful landscapes, the Pingxi Rail Line celebrated its 100th anniversary recently (in 2021).

It is a nice way to escape the hustle and bustle of Taipei forest and do day hikes to waterfalls, lush forests or just release a lantern in Shifen or Pingxi Old Town.

Pingxi Line Highlights

• Shifen Waterfall – Taiwan’s most famous falls, they cascade down a 20 meter drop, surrounded by forests and accessed by trails and free to visit viewing platforms.
• Houtong Cat Village – the ‘purrfect’ Pingxi Line place to visit with hundreds of cats, plus feline themed cafes and gift shops (link somewhere)
• Release a lantern in Pingxi or Shifen with your own personalized wishes. Book your Shifen Sky Lantern release in advance here >

How to get from Taipei to the Pingxi Line

Your trip along the Pingxi rail line will likely start (and end) in a town called Ruifang, which is easy to reach from both Taipei and nearby Jiufen.

To get to Ruifang from Taipei you can take a northbound train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station. The journey takes 30 minutes for express trains or 50 minutes for local trains.

For more things to do along the Pingxi Line and a step by step to trains & pass costs, check out Pingxi Line guide here >

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3. Wulai

Famous for its hot-springs and beautiful countryside setting, Wulai District and Wulai Old Town are wonderful places to visit from Taipei city. From hillside temples to wonderful Wulai Falls, there is lots of natural beauty and things to do in Wulai.

Explore the trails, grab the Wulai Scenic Train and cable car before enjoying some local Atayal aboriginal style food on Wulai Old Street – there are also a couple of museums along the way.

Wulai is perhaps best known for its thermal hot springs and there are several free outdoor hot springs or some more luxurious hotel spas to choose from.

Wulai Highlights

• Wulai Old Street – a small row of shops and traditional Taiwanese restaurants selling everything from local Atayal crafts to standard tourist souvenirs.
• Wulai Scenic Train – former logging train-line that takes passengers up the hill through forests to the Wulai waterfall (it saves you a 1.5km hike).
• Soak up, relax and enjoy one of many Wulai hot-springs and spa resorts.

How to get from Taipei to Wulai

It is easy to get to Wulai by public transport – bus 849 to Wulai goes from Xindian MRT Station (Beixin) Road to Wulai Terminal Station, which is then around a 5 minute walk to Wulai Old Street Old Town.

The journey from Taipei Xindian Station to Wulai Terminal Station on bus 849 is around 40 minutes – Wulai is the last stop so just alight at the end.

You might like our things to do in Wulai guide >

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4. Keelung

Keelung is a picturesque port city in Northern Taiwan, famous for its Miaokou Night Market, hillside temples and waterside cityscape.

From the colorful Zhengbin Fishing port to its natural wonders like Heping Island Geopark and there are lots of things to do in Keelung – it is also less than 1 hour away from Taipei by train or bus.

Keelung Highlights

• Keelung Night Market – the biggest night market in Northern Taiwan, famous for its fresh seafood. It also recently featured on the Netflix Somebody Feed Phil Taipei episode.
• Keelung Tower – a new and free-to-visit observation deck offering incredible panoramic views of the port.
• Zhengbin Fishing Harbour – one of the most Instagrammable Taipei places to visit.

How to get to Keelung from Taipei

You can take either a train or bus from Taipei to Keelung – both take under an hour.

The first train from Taipei is around 6am and the last train from Keelung to Taipei departs around 11.30pm so there is plenty of time to include the famous Keelung Night Market.

We also found that the buses from certain parts of downtown Taipei (such as Nanjing and Zhongshan) were almost a quicker way of getting to Keelung than the train from Taipei Main Station.

You might like our things to do in Keelung guide >

Check out our themed 7-Eleven stores in Taiwan guide >
Plus all our individual themed store guides:
• Hello Kitty
• Mofusand
• Snoopy / Peanuts
• Pokémon
• Ultraman
• STARLUX
• Sumikko Gurashi

You might also like our guide to why 7-Elevens in Taiwan are the best in the world!

5. Tamsui

Tamsui near Taipei is a historic port and riverside city located at the end of the Xinyi – Tamsui Metro line. Its scenic setting, numerous food stalls and restaurants plus easy access from Taipei make it a popular day-trip for local families and couples.

Tamsui has seen much change over the centuries with many European and Japanese influences. There are several grand old buildings to explore from Fort San Domingo to the Tamsui Customs Officers’ Residence.

Tamsui Highlights

• Tamsui Old Street – a hotchpotch of shops, restaurants and gift shops, this is the main shopping and eating area of Tamsui
• Fort San Domingo – a 17th century bastion with a red brick exterior and gorgeous grounds (complete with cannons!) and wonderful waterside views
• Take the boat to Fisherman’s Wharf, Lover’s Bridge or Bali.

How to get from Taipei To Tamsui

Tamsui is easily reachable via the Taipei Metro red line (the Tamsui-Xinyi line). From Taipei Main Station to Tamsui station, it is around a 40 minute journey on the Metro.

Or try this Tamsui Historic Site and Beitou Hot Spring day tour from Taipei >

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6. Beitou

Beitou is Taipei’s hot spring capital! One of the easiest day-trips from Taipei in this entire list, you can be in Beitou in less than half an hour.

Known for its lush greenery, thermal springs and public baths, the hot spring spas in this area dates back to the Japanese era, which is why the district is so full of character and incredible architecture – even the modern Beitou library is one of the most idyllic spots in Taipei.

Beitou Highlights

• Beitou’s Thermal Valley – a free to visit natural wonder that bubbles with steam in what locals refer to as Hell Valley.
• Beitou Park is very picturesque and home to the Hot Spring Museum – the park has riverside walks and you’ll find a water fountain, woodland areas plus traditional bridges.
• Hot springs and private hot pools – make sure you bring your swimmers! Or soak your feet in one of the public foot pools like Fuxing Park or Quanyuan Park.

You might like our things to do in Beitou guide or our guide to the Beitou Thermal Valley. Also check out our read our Gaia Beitou hotel review.

To get to Beitou from Taipei

Rake the Taipei Metro (MRT) to the Beitou MRT Station on the red Tamsui-Xinyi Line.

Once at Beitou Station, change platforms and jump on the Xinbeitou Line one stop to Xinbeitou MRT Station.The entire journey lasts less than 20 minutes so it is very easy trip from Taipei

Or see more and try these Beitou and Yangmingshan one-day tours with Klook or Viator.

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7. Taichung

Taichung in Taiwan is changing! Once known for its industrial output, it has undergone a total transformation in recent years and become known for its food scene, quirky activities and arts scene.

Taiwan’s second biggest city, there are so many things to do in Taichung with new attractions opening all the time plus some of Taiwan’s best night markets.

Taichung Highlights

• The new Taiwan National Museum of Comics – free to visit.
• For a bit of fun, visit the Bugcat Capoo House and Foam Cat Cafe.
• Enjoy tasty ice cream at Miyahara

How to get to Taichung from Taipei

The high speed train (HSR) from Taipei to Taichung takes around from 1 hour.

You can buy discounted Taiwan High Speed Rail one way tickets between Taipei and Taichung (plus other stations) via this Klook HSR booking link >

Or try a Taipei to Taichung day trip with Viator >

You might like our 25+ things to do in Taichung guide >

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8. Yehliu GeoPark

Taiwan on the rocks! Often included on day trips to Shifen and Jiufen, we’re saying Yahoo to ‘Yehliu Geopark, home to a number of unique geological formations (rock stars) formed over thousands of years.

Located on a beautiful part of the North Taiwan coast, the peninsula stretches around 1,700 meters, formed by geological movement that forced the local Datun Mountains to change their shape jutting out into the ocean.

Alternatively, check out Heping Island Geopark in Keelung, which is easier to get to by public transport.

How to get to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei

Take the 1815 bus from Taipei Main Station to Yehliu then walk 10 minutes to the geopark – the journey takes around 90 minutes including the walk.

Or try this inexpensive day-trip to Yehliu Geopark that also include the Pingxi Line, Shifen and Jiuifen with Klook (over 300k booked) >

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You might like – First time visitors guide to Taipei and Taiwan >

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9. Yangmingshan National Park

Accessible by bus from various Taipei locations including Main Station and Shilin, Yangminshan is the closest National Park to Taipei, located north of the city.

This is easily one of the top 5 day-trips from Taipei although to see some of the further points, you may want to invest in a private driver for the day or group tour.

We last visited Yangmingshan National Park in spring 2026 and our highlights have to be the Xiaoyoukeng geothermal area, Qingtiangang Grasslands, Sulfur Valley and the lotus ponds – the Flower Clock is a bit meh.

A great place to explore the great outdoors with hikes for all abilities, Yangmingshan is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Taipei city…but then beback there in time for dinner!

Yangmingshan National Park Highlights:

• Xiaoyoukeng geothermal area – hot stuff! A post volcanic geological landscape known for its sulfuric fumaroles (steam vents) – and yes, it smells like eggs!
• Sulfur Valley – closer to Beitou, this is another free to visit geothermal area where visitors can walk along a pathway to view the steam and bubbling lakes close up before soaking their feet in a free hotpools
• Qingtiangang Grassland: an easy trail for all abilities, this is a gorgeous green valley and lava plateau (and also a popular wedding photo spot) – keep an eye out for the grazing water buffalo. Sunny days are truly magical here with blue skies and green rolling hills.

How to get to Yangminshan from Taipei

The easiest way to explore Yangminshang from Taipei is to do an organised group tour with Klook as they are inexpensive and the National Park is very spread out. Public buses can fill up quite quickly on busy days especially on the weekends and public holidays like Lunar New Year.

Some tours include:

Yangmingshan, Beitou, Qingtiangang flower blossom tour (Taipei hotel pickup) >

Taipei small-group day tour: Qingtiangang, Yangmingshan, Beitou >

Taipei full-day Yangmingshan and Yehliu geology tour >

If you want to take a bus to Yangmingshan, it kind of depends where in Taipei you are staying and which parts of the national park you want.

For instance, from Taipei Main Station, you can reach the Yangminshan Flower Clock in less than an hour if you take the red Tamsui Xinyi Line to Beitou station then jump on the 129 bus, S9 shuttle bus or S8 bus.

10. Yingge

A 30 minute train from Taipei Main Station brings you to Yingge, Taipei’s Ceramics Capital.

Famous for all of its pottery workshops and ceramic manufacturers, Yingge has a traditional Old Street plus several massive new museums like The New Taipei City Art Museum which opened in April 2025.

A great place to buy unique Taiwan souvenirs like local pottery, there are even glass blowing centers in Yingge where you can ‘blow your own’.

Yingge Highlights

• Take a walk along Yingge Old Street and Historic Ceramics Street and browse the various pottery shops.
• The Yingge Ceramics Museum costs only NT$80 and looks very ‘Brutalist’ from the outside but contains so many beautiful pieces inside – there is also a huge outdoor garden with artwork and workshops.
• A visit to the New Taipei City Art Museum and its weird shaped observatory (observatory only open at the weekends).
• If you like themed 7-Elevens in Taiwan, there is a Pompompurin 7-Eleven a short bus ride from Yingge TRA Station.

How to get to Yingge from Taipei

Yingge is actually one of the easiest day trips from Taipei in this entire list. Trains to Yingge depart regularly from Taipei Main Station (up to 9 departures an hour) and usually takes around 30 minutes on the local train, costing NT$31.

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11. Maokong

Time for some high tea in Taipei – literally! A good excuse to take Taipei’s most famous cable-car, the Maokong Gondola (as if you need one), Maokong is Taipei’s teahouse town in the mountains with incredible views looking out over the city

Easy to combine with Taipei Zoo (as the Maokong Gondola departs just next door to it), the entire journey takes around 35 minutes to the top, but be sure to stop off at the Zhinan Temple Station on your way, built in the 1890s.

Given the zoo and amazing views from the gondola plus all the matcha green tea ice-creams at the top, this is a great Taipei day-trip that is fun thing to do in Taipei with kids too.

Maokong Highlights

• Drink green tea or enjoy matcha ice-cream at the top – there is a even a Taipei Tea Promotion Center at the top that serves free tea.
• Eat in a Maokong restaurant overlooking the city – in our Taiwan Travel Tips Facebook group, one of the most commonly recommended Maokong restaurants with a view of the city is ‘Longmen’.
• Escape the city and hike the Camphor Tree Trail – an easy walk along a well maintained path with incredible views of the city and Taipei 101 from afar.
• Stop of at Taipei Zoo or Zhinan Temple along the way.

Read more in our guide to Maokong >

How to get to Maokong from Taipei

There are many buses from downtown Taipei into the Maokong Hills but the most fun way to arrive is by the Maokong Gondola – it is a 2.5 mile stretch of cable car.

Take the blue Bannian MRT Line to Maokong Gondola Taipei Zoo Station and the cable car is a one minute walk from the MRT station.

Alternatively try this Pinglin Tea Culture and Maokong guided day tour with Get Your Guide or Klook.

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You might like – Our guide to Taipei’s best night markets >

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12. Yilan County

Yilan is one of the closest surfing areas to Taipei (Toucheng along with Fulong Beach) and is also known for its natural wonders, thermal resorts, fertile plains with green scallion farms and the famous Kavalan Whiskey Distillery.

These combined make up one of the most memorable day-trips from Taipei – unless you overdo the tasting in the Kavalan Distillery!

Soak up in the hot-springs, visit Turtle Island or try some coastal-cycling – this is a nice way to ‘sea’ some things away from Taipei’s busy metropolis.

Yilan Highlights

• Cycle through the 2km Caoling Old Tunnel, with its light installations and lovely coastal views.
• Visit Taipingshan Forest and discover historic logging railways, ancient giant trees and the iconic Bong Bong Train
• Go surfing or try some watersports at Wai’ao Beach (famous for its big boulders).
• Arrive in style and do a private tour to Kavalan Whiskey Distillery
• Coastal highlights include Turtle Island, Wushi Harbor and Honeymoon Bay.
• Enjoy the hot springs in Jiaoxi (we will cover this in more detail later in this article).
• Spend a few hours at the National Center for Traditional Arts – an open-air museum in Wujie dedicated to preserving historic Taiwanese crafts, opera and theater.

How to get to Yilan from Taipei

Yilan County is pretty spread out so the journey time / length from Taipei depends on where you want to go.

Direct trains and buses can take you to the towns such as Jiaoxi, Yilan city and Luodong and can take anywhere between 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes to get there.

Alternatively, try this tour from Taipei – Yilan’s coast line, Suao springs, Dongao Bay plus taste Taiwan’s famous Kavalan Whiskey >

For ease you may also want to consider hiring a private driver for the day.

You might like our things to do in Yilan guide or our Kavalan Distillery guide (where you can blend your own whisky).

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13. Jiaoxi (in Yilan County)

One of Taiwan’s best known hot-spring and spa towns, Jiaoxi 礁溪鄉 in Yilan County is an easy day trip from Taipei.

From the region’s natural hot springs to fun family attractions and a walkable downtown area, Jiaoxi in Yilan has a lot to offer – from natural waterfalls to shrimping and fish-spas, Jiaoxi is a joyful place to explore and unwind.

Jiaoxi Highlights

• Public foot pools – natural geothermal water flows right through the town and you’ll find loads of free public foot pools all over. The biggest and best are the ones around Tangweigou Hot Spring Park which has several areas to soak your feet.
• Forest Bath – one of the best known attractions in Jiaoxi, Forest Bath 森林風呂 is a Japanese style onsen and hot springs located in gorgeous grounds.
• Wufengqi Waterfall – famous for its three falls, red pagoda and a beautiful natural setting, Wufengqi Waterfall is a must visit Jiaoxi natural wonder.

How to get to Jiaoxi from Taipei

The TRA train from Taipei will take you directly to Jiaoxi. You can depart from either Taipei Main Station, Songshan Station, Nangang Station or Banqiao Station.

Trains are fairly regular and depart every 20 to 30 minutes and take roughly 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes depending on the train type. Train fares are between NT$181–281 one way.

Alternatively you can take a direct intercity bus from Taipei to Jiaoxi. Several companies operate routes from multiple bus stations. Buses are also fairly regular and take between 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Jiaoxi.

Book the bus online via Klook, or you can purchase tickets at the station using an EasyCard or cash – fares are roughly between $NT120 to $NT150 one way.

You might like our things to do in Jiaoxi guide >

14. Pinglin

One of the nearest tea-making regions closest to Taipei (Maokong is closer), we finally got to visit the gorgeous green tea fields of Pinglin in early 2026 and it is such a nice day-trip from Taipei and just under one hour’s drive away.

Many small group tours are available to Pinglin and Thousand Island Lake or you can also do a combo visiting both Maokong and Pinglin in the same day.

We visited Pinglin as part of our stay at Capella Taipei, where we had a private tour of Pinglin’s Fortune Tea Garden – we were shown how to pick the freshest leaves, post production processes including drying leaves plus tasted local oolong tea.

Pinglin Highlights

• Tea plantations – Pinglin is known for its Wenshan Baozhong oolong tea, and there are several tea plantations, museums and tea houses where you can taste it at the source.
• Pinglin Old Street – Old school Taiwan, this is a traditional shopping area near to Beishi River and is home to the Pinglin Tea Museum and tranquil temples. We also really liked Just Pinglin 坪感覺, serving the best of local tea and Taiwanese foods like bao.
• Thousand-Island Lake – actually a little away from Pinglin (in neighbouring Shiding), this is a man-made reservoir known for its turquoise waters (a little like Sun Moon Lake) and nearby green tea fields.

How to get to Pinglin From Taipei

Other than Pinglin day-trips with Klook, you can reach Pinglin from Taipei in just over an hour by MRT and bus. That said, Pinglin is spread out, especially the tea fields so you may benefit from booking a private transfer.

Using public transport, the most direct route from Taipei (Main Station) to Pinglin is taking the Green MRT line to Xindian District Office, then transferring to Bus 923 or Green 12.

The total one-way journey takes about 70 minutes and costs NT$60.

15. Jinguashi

Often overlooked by Taiwan travellers in favour of neighbouring Jiufen, Jinguashi is all about its local mining history and valley views, and the two places can easily be combined as a day trip.

Located amongst the hills of an old gold mining town, this is a relaxing retreat from the Jiufen crowds – surrounded by greenery and mountain / sea views, Jinguashi is the antithesis of Taipei city sights. Jinguashi has so much to offer from the historic old street to hikes and trails.

By day, you can walk to nearby temples, old streets or the coast and by night, you can sit in silence looking up at the stars in the evening sky.

We most recently stayed in Jinguashi in Spring 2026, spending two nights at Adagio Jinguashi – a relaxing and ultimately unique retreat.

Jinguashi Highlights

• The Gold Museum – a fascinating sprawling site that costs only NT$80 admission – the exhibits and buildings onsite are quite diverse – they have a gold refinery building, an old railway you can ride along plus lots of gift shops and some lovely pitstops like the Jin shuei tea house.
• Chuen Ji Hall 金瓜石勸濟堂 and Rainbow Steps. Stairway to heaven? Away from usual Jiufen crowds, these rainbow steps are a colorful way to arrive at Chuen Ji Hall, a hillside temple in the Jinguashi district (and a short walk from the Gold Museum).
• Remains of the Thirteen Levels – an abandoned gold and copper ore-refining plant built in 1933 during the Japanese colonial rule, with a view of the ocean.
• Qitang Old Street 祈堂老街 – a quiet village thoroughfare with no souvenir shops, convenience stores or masses of visitors – just a peaceful photo spot with some epic views, a couple of tea-shops and building ruins.
• Golden Waterfall 黃金瀑布 – one of the local areas natural wonders, Golden Waterfall is free to visit and is said to get its name from the discoloration of the local water supply by the heavy levels of copper in the area.

How to get to Jinguashi

To get to Jinguashi from Taipei, you can take a direct express bus (965 or 1062), or take a train to Ruifang station and then a local bus.

If combining with Jiufen you can take a local bus (788, 856, 965 or 1062), or take a taxi.

Many parts of Jinguashi are quite spread out and hilly, so to make the most out of your trip you might want to consider hiring a private driver.

16. Bali

Overlooking Taipei’s Tamsui River, Bali is a historic port area famous for its coastal trail and cycle path, amazing waterside views plus Bali Old Street.

Popular with local families at the weekends, Bali in Taipei is blessed with beautiful beach views and seaside vistas plus is accessible by MRT and bus – or combine it with Tamsui as they are only a short ferry ride apart.

From traditional temples to tourist selfie spots, fossils to food courts, there are many things to do in Bali, Taipei. A fun place for the family near Taipei, this is a popular spot with local families at the weekend.

Bali Highlights

• Bali Old Street – a short stretch of shops, restaurants and food kiosks where enthusiastic owners tempt you over with their tasty Taiwanese tidbits.
• Bali Left Bank Park and and Wharf – beautiful beachside views looking out over the Tamsui river plus a great place to cycle along coastal paths.
• Bali Wedding Plaza – potentially Taipei’s kitch-est attraction but in a cute way – lots of love hearts and selfie spots to be found here.

How to get to Bali from Taipei

If you are visiting from Tamsui, the boat from Tamsui to Bali Left Bank Wharf takes around 5 to 10 minutes (depending on the tide) and runs regularly throughout the day. Fares cost NT$40 one way.

Alternatively, to get from downtown Taipei to Bali, take the MRT to Taipei MRT Guandu Station, then take Tamsui Red Bus 13 to Left Bank Pier stop – you’ll arrive by Bali Old Street.

You might like our guide to the 10 best things to do in Bali >

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17. Capybara Rock and Shen’ao Rail Bike, Ruifang District

Taiwan’s first rail bike with a view of the sea and mountains, the Shen’ao Rail Bike is a fun way to explore the Northern Taiwan coast between Badouzi and Shen’ao. Located in the Ruifang District

Along a 1.3km stretch of coastline track along a former coal-mining route, jump into a colorful rail-bike buggy, look out to sea and pedal slowly between two stations.

There is even an ocean-themed tunnel of lights (very trippy!) along the way to keep you entertained.

You can also visit Taiwan’s Capybara Rock (formerly ‘Elephant Trunk Rock’), which is a short walk from the Shen’ao Rail Bike station – and yes, it really does look like capybara.

How to get to Shen’ao Railbike

It takes around 1 hour by bus from downtown Taipei and is much easier if you start your trip at the Badouzi Station side of the Shen’ao Rail Bike (it has two stations – Badouzi and Shen’ao).

The easiest way to reach Badouzi Rail Bike departure station from Taipei is to board bus number 1579 from multiple stops in Taipei including Taipei City Hall Bus Station. This will take you directly to Badouzi station in just under 1 hour.

Check out our detailed guides to Capybara Rock and Shen’ao Rail Bikes.

Book your Shen’ao Rail Bike tickets with KKDay >

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18. Hualien and Taroko National Park

Hualien on Taiwan’s east coast is a cool combination of natural wonders and city attractions.

Just two hours away from Taipei by high speed train, Hualien is the gateway to Taroko National Park, beautiful beaches plus an epic food scene of its very own.

There are some Taroko Gorge tours that start and end at Hualien station, so you can take an early train from Taipei and arrive at Hualien in time to meet your tour group, and then take a train home when the tour has finished.

As of summer 2026, most of the Taroko National Park trails are still currently closed, however there are so many other things to do in Hualien including so much scenery and downtown delights.

We last revisited Taroko in spring 2026 and spent the night in the National Park staying at Silks Place Taroko – read our review here >

Hualien Highlights

• Dongdamen Night Market – one of the best nights in Taiwan and open 7 nights a week – there is so much good food from coffin bread to stinky tofu plus international bites.
• Hualien Railway Cultural Park & Eastern Railway Site – a cultural park that has been created in the old train station complete with an old locomotive and trendy new cafes.
• Taroko National Park – despite the current trail closures, there are still some tours into Taroko.

How to get from Taipei to Hualien

The best way to reach Hualien from Taipei is to take the train, which takes around 2 hours.

You can take a TRA express train from Taipei Main station or from Songshan station to Hualien station (Taroko Express or Puyuma Limited Express trains). High speed rail trains do not do this route.

The journey takes just over two hours and costs NT$440. This route is popular so we advise booking your tickets in advance. Check out our guide to Hualien Station here >

You might like our Taiwanderers guide to 30+ things to do in Hualien >

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19. Sun Moon Lake

Beautiful Sun Moon Lake is one of the most popular tourist areas to visit in Taiwan.

From lakeside tea-tasting (brews with views) to sunset strolls, cable cars to cycle routes, there are lots of things to do in and around Sun Moon Lake.

Better still, there is an expensive Sun Moon Lake ferry that gets you to all the main sites including stops, departing from Shuishe and including Ita Thao.

Sun Moon Lake Boat Ferry fares cost $NT150 one way or $NT300 return / to do the complete circuit (all three piers) in one day. Get your discounted Sun Moon Lake boat tickets here >

Sun Moon Lake Highlights

• The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway and the Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village – get your combo tickets here >
• Lakeside strolls, cute cafes overlooking the water and the Plum Lotus Garden in Shuishe.
• The waterside views of Wenwu Temple (accessible by public bus from Shuishe or Ita Thao).

Sun Moon Lake day trip tours from Taipei

Sun Moon Lake would be difficult to do as a day trip from Taipei using public transport as the transportation time is several hours long.

You would be best to drive there, or join a group tour:

• Sun Moon Lake one-day tour departure from Taipei >
• Nantou: Sun Moon Lake one-day tour (departing from Ximending, Taipei) >
• You might like our Sun Moon Lake destination guides >

20. Fulong Beach

We were hoping to do this trip ourselves this autumn for the Fulong Beach Sandcastle festival but the monsoon put paid to that – however, one of our Taiwan Travel Tips (TTT) Facebook group members Kris Chen recently went and has allowed us to use his pictures.

As Kris puts it:

“Fulong is located in Gongliao on the northeast coast of Taiwan. You can reach Fulong Station by railway. Outside the station, there are delicious and famous Fulong bento boxes, as well as bicycles for rent.

Riding a bicycle from Fulong Station, follow the signs and pass through the tunnel to reach the northeast coastline. Then, riding along the northeast coastline, you will pass Taiwan’s easternmost point, Cape San Diego, Magang Fishing Harbor, Da-xianglan, and Xiao-xianglan.

Finally, return to Fulong to return the bicycle. Additionally, if you walk straight from Fulong Station, there is the Fullon Hotel. Inside, there is an ocean-view Starbucks where you can leisurely enjoy coffee while admiring the sea view.”

How to get to Fulong Beach

Fulong Beach is just over 40km away from downtown Taipei and known for its sandy shores and crystal clear waters – the beaches are around a 15 minute walk from Fulong Station.

You can reach it on a 1 hour train from Taipei Main Station.

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