If you’re wondering which landmarks in Taiwan to visit, this guide is 110% for you!
Taiwan might be small, but it’s packed with incredible landmarks that reflect its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the country’s most famous sites or its natural wonders, Taiwan has something to offer every traveler.
In this Taiwan landmarks guide, I’ve mapped out the absolute best landmarks of Taiwan that deserve a spot on your list of must-see places. I’ve included everything from the most famous landmarks to historical and religious sites to the best natural wonders of Taiwan!
This is a long one, so grab a bubble milk tea, and let’s dive right into this guide on must-see Taiwan landmarks!
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Landmarks of Taiwan: Quick Overview
Before we dive into the very best landmarks of Taiwan, here’s a quick overview of the sites included in this guide.
- Famous Landmarks in Taiwan: Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Dragon & Tiger Pagodas, Rainbow Village, The Dome of Light, National Taichung Theater
- Historical & Religious Landmarks of Taiwan: Longshan Temple, Fo Guang Shan Monastery, Anping Fort, Temple of Heaven, Red House Theater
- Natural Landmarks in Taiwan: Taroko Gorge, Qingshui Cliffs, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, Shifen Waterfall, Turtle Island, Queen’s Head, Tianliao Moon World
Ready to discover the best landmarks in Taiwan? Let’s go!
Famous Landmarks in Taiwan
Taipei 101
If you only have time to see one landmark in Taipei, let it be Taipei 101. Arguably the most iconic building in Taiwan, Taipei 101 is an astonishing feat of design and engineering that dominates the skyline of Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan.
Towering 509m above the city, this bamboo-shaped skyscraper was once the tallest building in the world, and it’s still one of the tallest buildings in Asia.
Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck on the 89th floor for impeccable city views. The best part? It takes only 37 seconds to go from the 5th to the 89th-floor observation deck.
The observatory houses a bunch of cute props to take photos with and lots of little snack shops and cafes where you can grab a cuppa to take a break and enjoy the views. While here, you can also get a close-up look at the massive 660-metric-ton wind damper, which stabilizes the tower during turbulent weather.
Most people visiting the tower don’t know this, but it’s actually possible to walk up to the 91st floor. Here you’ll find the Sky Deck – an outdoor observation deck offering the most incredible views over the city.
- Entrance fee: TWD 600 | Grab your fast-track ticket here to skip the queues.
- Opening hours: 11 am to 9 pm daily. The last admission is at 8:30.
- Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Taipei City
National Palace Museum
If you’re interested in Chinese history and culture, the National Palace Museum is a real treasure trove of ancient Chinese art and artifacts.
Located in Taipei, it is undoubtedly the most famous and prestigious museum in Taiwan. What really makes this museum so amazing is that it houses one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of ancient Chinese art and artifacts, consisting of over 700,000 pieces. These include paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, metalwork, jade carvings, and other decorative objects. Moreover, the collections span over 8000 years of history, covering a wide range of Chinese dynasties.
The most famous item here is the Jadeite Cabbage – a small sculpture carved from a single piece of jade that depicts a cabbage head with a locust and a grasshopper perched on its leaves. Another must-see piece is the Meat-shaped Stone, which resembles a piece of braised pork belly.
Besides its treasure-filled halls, the museum itself is a beautiful and impressive building, too. It showcases both traditional Chinese architectural elements and modern touches. There are several exhibition halls to browse, so make sure you leave enough time to explore all of them. Grab an e-ticket here so that you can skip the queue.
- Entrance fee: TWD 350
- Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm, Tues – Sun. The museum is not open on Mondays.
- Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, 111
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a prominent landmark in Liberty Square, right in the heart of Taipei. The memorial hall was built in memory of Chiang Kai-shek, the first president of Taiwan and a key political figure in Taiwan’s history.
The memorial hall was completed in 1980, consisting of a large white building with a blue roof and gold accents. Beautiful gardens surround it, which provide a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city.
The main attraction of the memorial hall is the bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek, housed in its main hall. The figure is flanked by guards who perform a changing of the guard ceremony every hour.
While here, you can also explore the museum exhibits located on the ground floor of the building. The museum features a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to Chiang Kai-shek’s life and legacy, as well as the history of Taiwan.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm daily
- Address: No.21, Zhongshan S.Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City, 100011
Dragon & Tiger Pagodas
A must-do in Kaohsiung is to visit the city’s scenic Lotus Pond. While Lotus Pond is revered for dozens of traditional temples and shrines dotting its shores, the most impressive landmark here is the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas – a pair of colorful structures built in 1976.
As the name suggests, the respective structures resemble a dragon and a tiger. When you visit, remember to enter through the dragon’s mouth and exit through the tiger’s mouth. This is believed to turn bad luck into good fortune.
Once inside the pagodas, climb to the top floors and enjoy panoramic views over the entire lake and surrounding area.
- Entrance fee: free
- Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm, daily
- Address: No. 9 Liantan Rd, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, 813
Rainbow Village
Rainbow Village might be one of the smaller Taiwan landmarks on this list, but it packs a punch!
This colorful and whimsical village is less than a 10-minute drive from the Taichung High-Speed Rail Station in Nantun District.
Built during the 1940s, Rainbow Village was once a military housing complex. Later it fell into disrepair and was scheduled to be demolished by the local government. However, one resident of the village, a retired veteran named Huang Yong-Fu, decided to take matters into his own hands and began painting the walls of his home with colorful and vibrant murals. Over time, his art spread to the other buildings in the complex, and today colorful murals adorn everything from its walls to alleyways.
Rainbow Village is a huge must on any Taichung itinerary and a testament to the power of art to transform a community. The village features dozens of kaleidoscopic murals, including images of animals, people, and scenes from everyday life. Come early to skip the crowds and hordes of Instagrammers!
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm daily
- Address: No. 25, Lane 56, Chun’an Road, Nantun, Taichung, 408
The Dome of Light
The Dome of Light is a stunning and mesmerizing work of art and probably the most colorful landmark in Taiwan.
Designed and created by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata, the Dome of Light is a multi-colored glass dome spanning 30 meters in diameter. It is housed in the Formosa Boulevard MRT Station in Kaohsiung and consists of 4,500 glass panels, making it the world’s largest public artwork made of glass. The artwork is divided into four sections, each representing a different theme: water, earth, light, and fire, which in turn depicts the cycle of life.
If you’re spending a few days in Kaohsiung, it’s worth making a pitstop here to experience this incredible display of color and light.
- Entrance fee: free
- Opening hours: 6 am to 11 pm
- Address: No. 115, Zhongshan 1st Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City, 800.
National Taichung Theater
One of the latest editions to the list of unmissable landmarks in Taiwan is the National Taichung Theater.
This modern and innovative building was designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito and is known as “The Sound Cave.” The building’s exterior consists of thousands of curved metal panels, which create a unique and dynamic appearance that changes with the light and weather conditions.
The sprawling complex covers an area of 57,685 square meters and houses three main performance spaces; an opera house, a playhouse, and a black box theater.
In addition to its performance spaces, the theater also houses several other facilities. These include Instagrammable eateries and cafes, bougie souvenir shops, art galleries, exhibition spaces, and even a library. Two other must-see spots include the Sky Garden (on the 6th floor) and the Outdoor Plaza, where you can enjoy a lovely stroll through neatly manicured gardens filled with fun outdoor art.
- Opening hours: 11:30 am to 9 pm, Sun, Tues – Thurs | 11:30 am to 10 pm, Fri, Sat, & National Holidays | Closed on Mondays.
- Address: 101 Huilai Rd, Sec. 2, Xitun District, Taichung City, 407025
Historical & Religious Landmarks in Taiwan
Longshan Temple
Next up on this list of Taiwan landmarks is Longshan Temple – the most important religious site in Taipei.
Located in Wanhua District, Longshan Temple is a historic Buddhist temple built in 1738 by settlers from Fujian province in China.
The temple is famous for its intricate architectural design, blending traditional Chinese and Taiwanese elements. The temple’s main hall features a large statue of Guanyin, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, as well as smaller statues of other Buddhist deities and historical figures.
While the building’s architecture is undeniably beautiful, Longshan Temple actually has quite a turbulent past – surviving everything from natural disasters to aircraft bombings.
Whether you’re visiting to pray to the gods, soak up the temple’s beauty, people-watch, or receive a traditional Chinese medicine treatment, Longshan Temple is a great spot to add to your list of things to do in Taipei.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: 6 am – 9:45 pm daily
- Address: No. 211, Guangzhou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, 10853
Fo Guang Shan Monastery & Buddha Memorial Center
Another unmissable landmarks of Taiwan is Fo Guang Shan Monastery – a massive Buddhist temple complex and the largest of its kind in Taiwan.
Fo Guang Shan Monastery is located in Kaohsiung’s Dashu District, and was founded in 1967 by Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Today, it’s one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in the world and is home to dozens of buildings and structures, including temples, shrines, museums, and gardens.
However, the biggest highlight at Fo Guang Shan is the Grand Buddha Statue, which stands over 100 meters tall. Another must-do while visiting here is browsing the Buddha Memorial Center. The museum opened in 2011 and houses various exhibits of Buddhist art and culture and even Buddha tooth relics.
Getting to Fo Guang Shan is easy via public transport from Kaohsiung. But if you’re not up for the hassle, this day tour is the perfect alternative.
- Entrance fee: free
- Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm, closed on Tuesdays
- Address: No. 1, Tongling Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, 84049
Anping Old Fort
Taiwan’s former capital city, Tainan, is full of ancient temples and historical landmarks. And Anping Old Fort is arguably the most notable.
Anping Fort, also known as Fort Zeelandia, was built by the Dutch East India Company in 1624. It served as an administrative and trading hub during the Dutch colonial rule in Taiwan. In 1662, Koxinga drove the Dutch out of Taiwan, and the fort was named as we know it today; Anping Fort.
Over the years, the fort deteriorated, and during the Qing Dynasty, soldiers moved some of its building materials to construct the Eternal Golden Castle. Later during the Japanese occupation, most of the s Dutch-style buildings in the inner fortress were destroyed. While the fort was rebuilt afterward, the only remnant of the Dutch period is the 70m long southern red-brick wall.
On your visit, explore the fort’s various rooms and exhibits, which include historical artifacts, weapons, and models of the fort’s layout and construction. Nearby be sure to also stop by the Anping Tree House (another popular tourist spot in the city). Another must-visit spot for foodies is Anping Old Street – try the shrimp crackers!
- Entrance fee: TWD 63 | Grab an admission ticket here in advance.
- Opening hours: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily
- Address: No. 82, Guosheng Rd, Anping District, Tainan City, 708
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven, just outside Taichung in Wufeng District, is another incredible religious Taiwan landmark. The temple was only completed in 2020, making it one of the best-kept hidden gems on this list.
This jaw-dropping Taoist temple (which resembles the Temple of Heaven in China) took a staggering 20 years to complete. And it’s not hard to see why. The temple is 54m tall and features a stunning three-tiered dome almost entirely constructed from copper! In addition, the outer and inner walls feature detailed carvings and cloisonné work – all done by hand. The inside of the temple is just as impressive. It houses 30 lifelike golden statues of religious figures, an intricately decorated golden ceiling, and ornate copper pillars.
The easiest way to get to the Temple of Heaven is to rent a car or hire a driver for the day. Nearby you can also tour the 921 Earthquake Museum or visit Guangfu Village – a hip hangout spot filled with the coolest little cafes & plenty of photo ops.
- Entrance fee: TWD 50
- Opening hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm daily
- Address: No. 900, Fenggu Road, Wufeng District, Taichung City, 413.
The Red House Theater
The iconic red brick building of the Red House Theater sticks out like a sore thumb among all the funky shops of Ximending – Taipei’s hippest shopping district.
Built in 1908 during the Japanese occupation, the Red House Theater first served as a public market but later became the city’s entertainment center.
Today the theater is best known as a historic performing arts venue, and hosts a wide range of events, including theater performances, concerts, and art exhibitions. It features a central courtyard surrounded by two floors of artsy shops, cafes, and galleries.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: Tues – Fri: 11 am – 8 pm | Sat: 11 am – 10 pm | Sun: 11 am – 9:30 pm |
- Address: No.10, Chengdu Rd., Wanhua Dist., Taipei City 108006
Natural Landmarks of Taiwan
Taroko Gorge
Breathtaking Taroko Gorge is the east coast’s shining star and arguably the most famous natural landmark in Taiwan.
Located in Taroko National Park, the 19-km long canyon was formed by thousands of years of erosion by the Liwu River. The river has cut a narrow, winding path through the mountains, exposing layers of marble, quartz, and other minerals. The result is a breathtaking landscape of sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and deep, narrow canyons.
Taroko Gorge is home to a fantastic selection of hiking paths that wind through the park. Some of the most popular trails include the Shakadang Trail, the Baiyang Trail, the Zhuili Old Trail, and the Swallow Grotto Trail.
Other notable attractions in Taroko Gorge include the Tunnel of Nine Turns (a winding road that cuts through the mountainside) and the Eternal Spring Shrine (a picturesque temple built in memory of the workers who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway). The shrine is located at the base of a waterfall, which creates an even more beautiful setting.
- Entrance fee: free
- Opening hours: 24/7
- Address: 291, Fushi Village, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, 972
Qingshui Cliffs
Taiwan’s east coast is absolutely littered with incredible natural wonders. And one of the most noteworthy is Qingshui Cliffs – a series of dramatic, towering cliffs located between Hualien and Yilan.
Stretching roughly 21 kilometers along the coastline, Qingshui Cliffs is undoubtedly one of Taiwan’s most picturesque natural landmarks. Little wonder it’s also listed as one of the “Eight Wonders of Taiwan.”
On average, the cliffs rise roughly 800m above the Pacific Ocean, but its highest peak, Qingshui Mountain, stands 2408m tall. The cliffs are an excellent example of thousands of years of erosion. They are characterized by a rugged, jagged appearance, while azure-colored waves crash at their base. Besides the cliffs’ obvious beauty, what really makes them so unique is that they mostly consist of gneiss and marble.
Several vantage points along Suhau Highway offer breathtaking views over the coastline and towering cliffs. However, for the most panoramic vistas, get yourself to the Chongde Trail. Here you can get a closer look at the cliffs from various observation decks.
- Entrance fee: free
- Opening hours: 24/7
- Address: Suhua Highway, Xiulin Township, Hualien County, 972
Sun Moon Lake
Another spectacular natural landmark in Taiwan not to miss is Sun Moon Lake.
Located just over an hour’s drive from Taichung, Sun Moon Lake is the largest lake in Taiwan and a popular day trip from Taichung. The stunning alphine area is famous for its natural beauty, and a great place for hiking and cycling.
However, one of the best ways to really experience Sun Moon Lake is by taking a boat tour, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Other must-do activities include visiting the beautiful temples, taking the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway, hiking to Ci’en Pagoda, and sampling aboriginal cuisine at Ita Thao Village.
- Opening hours: 24/7
- Address: Sun Moon Lake, Yuchi Township, Nantou County
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is a scenic mountain resort located in the central mountains of Taiwan. The park covers over 140km2 and is known for its gorgeous landscapes, rich biodiversity, and deep-rooted cultural heritage.
One of the main attractions in Alishan is the Alishan Forest Railway, a narrow-gauge railway that winds its way through the mountains and forests. The Japanese built the railway during their occupation of Taiwan, and it is now a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Another popular must-do while in Alishan is tackling the vast network of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding forest scenery. Along the way, you can spot a diverse range of flora and fauna, including centuries-old cypress trees and giant bamboo. Alishan is also particularly famous for its sunrises and is often touted as the best sunrise spot in Taiwan!
- Entrance fee: TWD 300 | Grab your admission ticket here in advance.
- Opening hours: 24/7
- Address: No. 56, Alishan Township, Chiayi County, 605
Shifen Waterfall
While Taiwan is home to oodles of stunning waterfalls, Shifen Waterfall is the most well-known among the bunch.
This scenic waterfall is located just on the outskirts of New Taipei City in Pingxi District and is a popular day trip among locals and tourists alike. What makes Shifen Waterfall such a must-visit spot is that it is the largest waterfall on the island, measuring 40m in width. The waterfall is fed by the Keelung River, which winds through the rugged terrain of Pingxi District before cascading over the edge of a steep cliff into a beautiful green pool below.
Shifen is a great place to spend a couple of hours, with many viewing platforms offering close-up views of the waterfall and surrounding scenery. Nearby, you can also visit Shifen Old Street – a famous spot to sample traditional Taiwanese snacks and set off sky lanterns. Join this guided tour for a stress-free trip.
- Entrance fee: free
- Opening hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm daily
- Address: No.10, Qiankeng, Pingxi District, New Taipei City, 226
Turtle Island
Turtle Island, locally known as Guishan Island, is a tiny outlying island of Taiwan with a very distinctive shape.
Located just 10km off the coast of Yilan, Turtle Island is a great place to soak up nature at its best. It’s also a great spot for whale and dolphin watching!
Boat tours to the island are a popular activity from March to November, and it’s the best way to get a closer look at the island’s rugged beauty and unique geology. The island is home to several interesting geological formations, including sea caves and volcanic cliffs. However, the highlight of visiting Turtle Island is seeing the Milky Sea – a rare phenomenon created by hot spring water underneath the island that mixes with the surrounding seawater.
While most people opt to boat around the island, visiting the island itself is a huge must. On land, you can wander around the old settlement, get a closer look at the island’s unique fauna and flora, and hike to the 401 Highland for a terrific view over the entire island and the mainland in the distance.
Since Turtle Island is a protected area, you need a special permit to visit here. And the easiest way to obtain one is to join a guided tour. Only 1800 people can visit the island daily, while only 100 people can hike to 401 Highland. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Open: March to November, and closed to the public on Wednesdays
- Address: Guishan Island, Toucheng Township, Yilan County 261
The Queen’s Head
If you’re spending a few days in Taipei and have time to squeeze in a day trip to Taiwan’s north coast, you definitely should visit Yehliu Geopark.
Just on the outskirts of New Taipei City, Yehliu Geopark offers a close-up look at Taiwan’s unique sandstone formations shaped by thousands of years of wind and sea erosion. The most iconic attraction here is the Queen’s Head – a 3m tall rock that resembles a woman’s head. It’s a popular photo spot, so get ready to wait in line!
While the Queen’s Head is undoubtedly the shining star here, there are lots more to see. A well-maintained path meanders through the park, and along the way, you can spot all kinds of other quirky formations resembling everything from mushrooms to honeycombs.
Since Yehliu is a popular day trip from Taipei, it’s easily accessible via public transport. However, if you don’t want to bother with any of the logistics, consider joining this guided tour from Taipei.
- Entrance fee: TWD 120
- Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm daily
- Address: No.167-1, Kantung Rd., Yehliu Village, Wanli District, New Taipei City 20744
Tianliao Moon World
If you’re after a totally unique experience, Tianliao Moon World has to be on your list of natural landmarks in Taiwan to visit!
Tianliao Moon World is a unique geological formation located just outside Kaohsiung. It is famous for its unique landscape, which resembles the moon’s surface, with deep, narrow ridges and pinnacles carved into the soft, sandy soil. The badlands cover a large swath of land, but it’s easy to explore on a series of winding boardwalks. Set aside at least 2 hours to explore the park at your leisure.
While it is possible to access Tianliao Moon World via public transport, it involves a lot of time and effort. For a no-fuss trip, consider hiring a private driver to get you there.
- Entrance fee: free
- Visitor’s Center opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm, daily
- Address: No. 34, Yueqiu Rd, Tianliao District, Kaohsiung City, 823
Taiwan Landmarks in Conclusion
Well, there you have it – my top picks for the best landmarks in Taiwan! While there are undoubtedly more famous places to visit in Taiwan, this guide will hopefully provide a good starting point!
Have you visited any of these Taiwan landmarks? If you have any other suggestions for must-visit landmarks in Taiwan, let me know in the comments below!
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