The Hidden Gems of Taiwan

Taiwan is one of the highest densely populated countries in the world, which makes you automatically think of stuffy cities and people everywhere. However, I don’t think of Taiwan like that at all. I have been fortunate enough to experience a lot of what the country has to offer, which is wide open spaces, natural untouched scenery and views to die for.

Taiwan is still ruled by China however they see themselves as their own country. Rightly so, as the comparisons between them are crazy. The Taiwanese people are nothing short of friendly, welcoming and fun. And I love their country!

In this post, I have put together a list of all my favourite places and those all-important hidden gems which proves Taiwan’s individual identity. Enjoy!

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Elephant Mountain

Xiangshan is also known as Elephant Mountain, is a 183-metre high mountain in the Xinyi District of Taipei. The Xiangshan trail starts at the quiet residential Alley 342, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Road. The closest metro station is Xiangshan Station. The trail is 1.5 km long and there are around 600 steps to the top. This may not seem a lot, however, throw in the 90% humidity and bug bites - it’s a challenge! The hike is an intense 30 minutes, but totally worth it. The views of the Taipei 101 and city skyline await you.

Shifen Waterfall

The Shifen Waterfall is a cascade waterfall located in the Pingxi District of New Taipei City, flowing north of the Keelung River. The waterfall is 20 metres tall and 40 metres wide, making it the broadest waterfall in Taiwan. The main attraction is the waterfalls, however, the area surrounding them is vast with lush greenery, bridges and walkways - making it a great full day out. The falls are around 2km from Shifen train station which is also where the famous Lantern Festival is held every year.

Lantern Festival

There are many events all over Taiwan during the period of the Lantern Festival. Thousands of lanterns are lit and released into the sky over the Pingxi District of Taipei. The festival runs every February, however, when I visited in June 2017, lanterns were still being set off. People leave messages of hope, prayers and wishes on the lanterns before being released into the sky and onto their Gods. There really is something special and magical about the whole tradition.

Shen’Ao Elephant Trunk Rock

Another Elephant reference but this time in a rock formation. The Elephant Trunk Rock, also known as the Shen’Ao Promontory, is slightly off the beaten track - accessible via the Shen’Ao Fishing Harbour. A totally instagrammable spot! You can take photos in front of the elephant or you can climb the rocky terrain to the top. When we were there the area was pretty busy. However, there was an orderly queue, taking it in turns to get that all-important photo. The coastline is gorgeous, super scenic - the perfect place to surf, swim and kayak.

Taipei 101

When Taipei 101 opened in 2004, it was officially the tallest building in the world. Up until the Burj Khalifa in Dubai was completed in 2010. The tower is currently the 10th tallest and broke records for having the fastest elevators in the world. To be precise it only takes 37 seconds from the 5th to 89th floor! Taipei is famous for its New Year’s Eve celebrations. Fireworks are set off from the 101 - an experience that is firmly on the bucket list! I paid 600NTD (£15) for the entrance fee and access to the indoor observation deck on the 88th and 89th floors. In 2019, two outdoor observation decks opened on the 91st and 101st floors. An experience that requires a safety harness attachment to the railings and offers 360-degree views of the city.

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