Hidden Gems in Taiwan: 16 Truly Off-the-Beaten-Path Places

If you’ve already hiked Taroko Gorge, visited Sun Moon Lake, watched the sunrise at Alishan, and snapped a selfie with Taipei 101, you’ve pretty much ticked off the most popular tourist spots in Taiwan. But are you looking to explore some of the lesser-known hidden gems Taiwan has to offer? If so, you’re in luck!

During my decade+ time on the island, I’ve discovered some pretty neat secret spots. Most of which many tourists (and even some locals) haven’t heard of before. So, if you’re keen to get off the beaten track and explore some of these underrated locations, here’s my list of the best hidden gems in Taiwan!

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Taiwan Hidden Gems: 16+ Unique Places to Visit in Taiwan

Many places on this Taiwan hidden gems list are completely off the beaten track. While some of them can be accessed by public transport (get an Easy Card and read my guide on handy Taiwan travel apps) or guided tour, you may need to rent a car for the rest. Make sure you have a valid international driver’s license. 

Northern Taiwan

Lin An Tai Historical House & Museum

Let’s kickstart this list of hidden gems in Taiwan right in the capital. It’s hard to think that there are any hidden gems left in Taipei; it is, after all, the most popular city to visit in Taiwan. But in Zhongshan District, you’ll find one of the oldest and best-preserved houses in town: Lin An Tai Historical House & Museum. 

Lin An Tai Historical House dates back to the 19th century. It was built by the Lin Family, who immigrated from Fujian Province in China. The mansion has a beautiful traditional Chinese courtyard, lovely gardens, and a large pond.

If you’re keen to learn a little more about Taipei’s history during the Qing Dynasty, this museum will be a great starting point. 

Admission: free | Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm | Location: Google Maps

Laomei Green Reef

If you are in Taiwan during spring (March to May), don’t miss visiting Laomei Green Reef.

Located about two hours from Taipei, Laomei Green Reef is a stunning 700-meter-long rocky reef with ditches and trenches formed thousands of years ago by lava flowing from a nearby volcanic eruption. However, what makes Laomei such a special place is that every spring, the entire reef is covered in bright green algae, creating a truly magical setting.

The best time to visit is during April and May when the algae are at their peak. Just check the tide schedule before heading out, as the reef is underwater for part of the day.

Location: Google Maps

Qingshan Waterfall

Taiwan literally has hundreds of beautiful waterfalls. While Shifen and The Eternal Spring Shine waterfall are obligatory stops on any Taiwan bucket list, many lesser-known falls are worth exploring.

Qingshan Waterfall in Yangmingshan National Park in Shimen District is among the most beautiful. The waterfall is roughly 30m high and has a steep rocky surface that empties into a dreamy pool perfect for a dip. Getting to this waterfall involves a 30-minute trek through a dense jungle along the Laomei River. Some sections of the trail require scrambling over boulders or squeezing under fallen down trees, so I recommend wearing proper non-slip footwear.

Admission: free | Location: Google Maps

Wanli UFO Village

If you’re into sci-fi movies, then you should definitely check out Wanli UFO Village.

Wanli UFO Village is a bunch of semi-abandoned Futuro houses shaped like flying saucers. The houses were originally designed as vacation homes and formed part of an architectural movement in the 1960s led by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen. Unfortunately, the project wasn’t much of a success, and many of the houses have been abandoned for years.

While this is definitely one of the eeriest places I’ve visited in Taiwan, it still makes for a unique and interesting attraction along Taiwan’s northern coast. Just a heads-up, I’ve heard a few rumors that the village will be demolished soon, so it might not be around for much longer.

Location: Google Maps

Twin Candlestick Islets

Yehliu Geopark and Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock might be the north coast’s shining stars, but if you’re looking for a lesser-known gem, you’ve got to check out the peculiar Twin Candlestick Islets, just a short drive away. 

Located just off the coast of Jinshan, these two stone towers, resembling candlestick holders, rise 60m above the sea and are considered one of the Eight Wonders of Jinshan. The islets were formed by tectonic plate movement and coastal erosion over the years.

To reach the best viewpoint, you’ll need to squeeze through a narrow crevice in a cliff, scramble over numerous rocks along the coast, and tackle a short but sweaty hike up Shitoushan. However, the effort will be rewarded with a stunning view over the entire cape! 

Admission: free | Location: Google Maps

Wulai

Most people visiting Taiwan flock to the famous hot spring villages of Beitou and Jiaoxi. However, the quaint village of Wulai is the perfect alternative if you want to get off the beaten track. 

Wulai is a tiny aboriginal village hidden in the hills of New Taipei with a lot going for it. It’s home to beautiful mountain scenery, a rich Atayal history, a pretty 80-m tall waterfall, a cable car, and even a cute open-air mini train. Of course, the main reason to visit Wulai is to soak in its steamy hot springs. There are dozens of hot spring resorts scattered around the village, but one of its finest options is the Pause Landis Resort. 

Location: Google Maps

Turtle Island

While most tourists looking to hit some of Taiwan’s gorgeous offshore islands on a quick day trip head to Xiaoliuqiu, Turtle Island is a great alternative with minimal crowds. 

Turtle Island (or Guishandao) is a small island floating 10km off the coast of Yilan County in northeastern Taiwan. It’s home to Taiwan’s only active volcano. But don’t worry, it last erupted in 1785, so it’s totally safe to visit.  

While most people opt to join a tour sailing around the island to see the Milky Sea phenomenon and spot whales and dolphins, it’s worth joining a half-day tour that actually stops at the island. Once a strategic military zone, the island is a protected area today with a lovely lake, historical buildings, and beautiful hiking trails to explore.

Turtle Island is only open to visitors from May to November, and only a small number of people can visit it each day. If you want to hike to the island’s summit, you’ll need a special permit to do so. Make sure to book a tour at least 20 days in advance.

Dongao Beach

Another secret gem along Taiwan’s northeastern coast is Dongao Bay. Located just outside the tiny village of Dong’ao in Yilan County, this stunning 2 km-long gravel beach is arguably one of the prettiest beaches on the island. It features lush mountains and crystal-clear water, creating a unique Jurassic Park vibe. The best part? Not many people know about it, making it a true secret paradise! I was lucky to have the entire beach all to myself during my visit. 

The best thing to do at Dongao Bay is simply to kick back on the beach. However, if you feel a bit more adventurous, I noticed several operators offering kayaking, SUP, and fishing excursions en route to the beach. 

If you ever make it to Dongao Bay, another great spot to swing by is Fenniaolin. It’s a charming little fishing harbor where you can enjoy fresh seafood and ice cream or hang out at the cute pebble cove. It features crystal-clear water and interesting rock formations.

Location: Google Maps

Hidden Gems in Central Taiwan

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven in Beijing might be more famous, but did you know Taiwan has its very own version? That’s right. Baiyang Temple of Heaven, just outside Taichung in Wufeng District, is a true hidden gem that most locals don’t even know about.

Despite being relatively unknown, it is even bigger and better than the OG in Beijing. The stunning three-story spherical temple, which is 54 meters high, took 20 years to complete and features pure copper walls adorned with carvings, gold, and cloisonné.

You need to climb 108 steps to explore the inside, but the effort is totally worth it. The temple is in a religious park with several other unique temples to explore.

Admission: free | Opening hours: 9 am to 4pm | Location: Google Maps

Hsien-fo Temple

Another fascinating yet off-the-beaten-track temple in Taiwan is the Hsien-fo Temple.

Hsien-fo (also spelled Xianfo) Temple is a stunning Buddhist temple neatly nestled in the hills of Chan Chi Mountain and is a unique day trip destination from Taichung.

The complex features several temples, perfectly manicured gardens, and beautiful trails lined with yellow lanterns. However, the real shining star is the 500 arhat statues in a serene forest surrounding a giant Buddha. Each sculpture showcases unique facial expressions, and you can easily spend hours admiring them.

Getting to this temple is a bit challenging, so I highly recommend having your own transportation. You can still get there by bus, though. Just know it’s going to take much longer and you might need to switch buses a few times.

Admission: free | Opening hours: 7 am to 6 pm | Location: Google Maps

Cingjing Farm & Hehuanshan

Ask any local if they’ve heard of Cingjing Farm in Nantou, and the answer will be a resounding yes. However, most tourists overlook Cingjing and rush to Sun Moon Lake or Alishan instead. That’s a shame because Cingjing is one of the prettiest little villages in Taiwan. This charming European-style hillside village is situated about 1800m above sea level and offers gorgeous alpine scenery. 

Some of the highlights in Cingjing include watching sheep graze on its lush green grasslands, staying in a European-style guesthouse (try The Old England, Cotswolds Villa, and Impression Nordic Manor Club), hiking along beautiful tea trails, or cherry blossom viewing. But that’s not all.  

My favorite highlight here is Hehuanshan, a majestic mountain offering access to some of Taiwan’s highest peaks. It’s also home to the highest accessible road in Taiwan, sitting more than 3000m above sea level. If you make it to this remote corner, a great way to enjoy its beauty is on a sunrise tour. If you can, come in winter. That way, you’ll have a chance to see snow and the magnificent sea of clouds. 

Location: Google Maps

Sun-Link-Sea Forest and Nature Resort

Everyone’s heard of Alishan and Taipingshan, but Sun Link Sea in Nantou is a fantastic offbeat forest area with minimal foreign tourists. 

Located around 2 hours drive from Taichung, Sun-Link-Sea is a 40-hectare scenic area sitting at an elevation of 1600m. The forest is home to idyllic hiking trails lined with ancient trees, a flower center with dozens of flowers and medicinal plants, and several beautiful waterfalls, including the stunning Songlong Rock Waterfall. 

If you’ve got time, there are campgrounds and wooden cottages for overnight accommodation. Alternatively, you can also get there by joining a day tour. I booked this day tour via KKday and it was a great, stress-free way to see all the highlights in the park without worrying about any of the logistics. (Psst: Use my promo code HOPONWORLD to get 10% off your booking).

Come in autumn to see the fall foliage or in April to see the peonies blossoming. 

Admission: TWD 350 | Opening hours: 7 am to 9 pm | Location: Google Maps

Xitou Monster Village

Xitou Monster Village in Nantou County is one of Central Taiwan’s quirkiest attractions. The village features various Japanese monster statues, a monster-themed hotel, and loads of souvenir shops where you can buy monster-themed sweets and cookies. Don’t miss the witch fingers!

There aren’t loads of things to do in this village, but it’s a great addition to any visit to Xitou Nature Education Park. The park is right next door to Xitou and features misty forest trails and idyllic treetop walkways. If you have a bit more time in the area, it’s also relatively easy to combine your trip with a visit to Sun Link Sea and Wangyou Forest. 

Unique Places in Southern Taiwan

Chishang Rice Fields

Chishang is an amazing little gem nestled in the East Rift Valley. You may not have heard of it, but it’s famous for producing some of the best rice in Taiwan!

A great way to experience the charms of Chishang is to explore the village and its beautiful rice fields by bike. The star attraction is Brown Boulevard—a lovely bike path with picture-perfect views of rice paddies against a backdrop of majestic mountains. It truly is magical!

If you decide to venture to this offbeat corner of Taitung County, make sure to check out some of the other unique attractions in the area. Some of the most notable include Dapo Pond, the Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree, and the Wutao Chishang Lunchbox Museum.

Location: Google Maps

Madou Daitian Temple

You’ve probably heard of the Dragon & Tiger Pagodas in Kaohsiung, but did you know there is another quirky temple in neighboring Tainan where you can walk through a dragon’s mouth?

Madou Daitian Temple is a bizarre but totally Instagrammable temple dedicated to five gods. The temple was constructed in the late 1950s and took ten years to complete. It features a traditional Quanzhou-style roof covered in colorful glazed tiles, a garden with a pond, and a giant 38-meter-tall Chinese dragon.

The temple is accessed via the dragon’s mouth, and inside, you can browse various halls filled with sculptures and paintings depicting scenes of Taoist heaven and Taoist hell. 

Admission: free | Opening hours: 8 am to 9 pm | Location: Google Maps

Zhaori Hot Springs

A truly unique experience in Taiwan is to enjoy a steamy soak in one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world! 

Zhaori Hot Springs, located on Green Island off the coast of Taitung, is a must-visit gem with a long history dating back to the late 18th century. The hot springs are known for their clean, transparent water and ideal temperature, which ranges between 60 and 70 degrees Celsius. What really makes this hot spring so unique is that it’s fed by a combination of seawater and underground water warmed by the volcanic lava of Green Island.

The springs feature several open-air pools, making it a fantastic spot to listen to waves, watch the sunrise, or stargaze. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even boil an egg in the hot spring water!

Admission: TWD 250 | Opening hours: 4:30 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 11 pm | Location: Google Maps

Other Secret Gems in Taiwan

While it’s impossible to list all the unique attractions in Taiwan in one post, here are a few that have been on my radar for quite some time, but I haven’t had time to check them out yet. Hopefully, you have more luck! 

• Jingzijiao Salt Fields is Taiwan’s oldest surviving tile-paved salt field, built during the Qing dynasty. The easiest way to get there is to join a guided tour.

• Tree of Life is a beautiful pure white fan-shaped structure that rises above a salt field in Tainan’s Jiangjun District.

• The High-heel Church in Budai is a quirky wedding venue and the world’s highest high-heeled structure. The shimmering glass slipper stands 17m high and comprises over 300 pieces of blue glass.

• Yinhe Cave is a tiny temple in a cave with a small waterfall flowing past it. It is accessible via a short hike from the upper Maokong Station.

• Tianliao Moon World is a bizarre badland that resembles the moon’s surface.  

Taiwan Hidden Gems in Conclusion

So, are you ready to discover the side of Taiwan that most tourists overlook? If so, you’ll find that Taiwan is jam-packed with hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions worth visiting!

Thanks for making it to the end of my guide to underrated places to visit in Taiwan! If you know of other hidden gems in Taiwan that deserve a spot on this list, share them in the comments below!

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