Geography - Taiwan Travel Blog

Travel Guide to Kaohsiung, Southern Taiwan’s Most Vibrant City 高雄旅遊懶人包

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Kaohsiung is our favorite city in Taiwan. It has beaches close to the city center, mountains, art spaces, museums, temples, and more. People often don’t realize that Kaohsiung has a lot to offer to tourists. Many of the places down south aren’t represented as well in English as other sites in Taipei, which is why we…

The Complete 2026 Beitou Hot Springs Guide, Soak Like Royalty 北投溫泉英文指南

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026March 20, 2026

Beitou is Taiwan’s premier hot Spring area (北投溫泉). Originally built by the Japanese on natural hot spring water flowing down from Yangmingshan, this area is now springing with hot spring baths, hotels, museums, hikes, restaurants, and more. It is one of the best day trips near Taipei. In this guide, we will tell you how…

The Best Beaches Near Taipei, North Taiwan’s Top 10 台北前10名的沙灘

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Taipei has several excellent beach options nearby, offering places to swim, surf, and kayak. Popular beaches include Fulong, Wai’ao, and Baishawan. These beaches are not far from the city center and many have convenient public transportation. Popular activities on these beaches include swimming, Wakeboarding, Surfing, Speedboat Surfing, Diving, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Canoeing, sailing, Water Biking, SUP / Paddle Boarding, and more. Here is our…

Monkey Mountain (Shoushan) 壽山, Taiwan’s Best Monkey-Spotting Location

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Monkey Mountain (officially Shoushan, aka Chaishan 柴山 and other names) in Gushan District of Kaohsiung City, is one of the most easily accessible trails in Kaohsiung with perhaps also the best views of the city. You are sure to see wild monkeys here. It should be on the top of your list of places to visit in…

Jiufen Old Street, Taiwan’s Amazing Mountainside Village 九份老街

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Jiufen, located in the Ruifang District of New Taipei City, is a charming hillside town known for its vibrant old street, which many consider the best in Taiwan. Visitors can wander through narrow alleys filled with classic Taiwanese snacks, steep stairways, and historic buildings. From nearly every spot in town, you’ll find sweeping panoramas of…

Our Guide to Taiwan’s East Coast 台灣東海岸指南, Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Coastline

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026

Taiwan’s East Coast has the most beautiful scenery in Taiwan. From the deepest marble gorge in the world to outer islands, mountains, rivers, and huge sea cliffs, there are unmissable natural wonders for you to explore. In addition, there are endless outdoor activities and water sports that you can take part in here. ⛰️ Planning…

Alishan Forest Railway Travel Guide (阿里山森林鐵路), Taiwan’s Most Scenic Rail Line

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Alishan Forest Railway is one of the most iconic and best-preserved historical mountain railways in the world. Starting at the center of Chiayi City, it passes through tropical forests, and subtropical hills, and rises into the temperate forests in the mountains, originally ending up at Alishan. It is definitely something you should experience while you…

Xiaoliuqiu Island (小琉球), The Best Place to Snorkel in Taiwan

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Xiaoliuqiu (aka Little Liuqiu, Lamay Island, or Lambai Island) is a small island paradise off the southwestern coast of Taiwan. The island is known for its clear water, amazing coral reefs, white sand beaches, and quiet, laid-back atmosphere. Only a short half-hour boat ride from the Taiwan mainland, the island is easily accessible. In addition,…

Travel Guide to Yilan 宜蘭懶人包, Beaches, Mountains, Hot Springs, and more

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Yilan is a gem on Taiwan’s northeast coast. It has rugged mountains, waterfalls, a flat coastal plain, a volcanic island, hot springs, and some of the best beaches in Taiwan. In addition, you can find night markets, seafood markets, museums, and much more to explore here. It is definitely worth a stop on your next…

Taipei City Hiking Guide, The Best Hikes in Taipei 台灣爬山指南

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Taipei is full of amazing and beautiful hikes, many of which are easily accessible from the city center via public transportation. The mountains and hills around the Taipei Basin provide amazing views, interesting geological features, and a great way to connect with nature. In this blog, we will list the best hikes we know of…

National Taiwan Science Education Center 國立臺灣科學教育館, Taipei’s Best Science Museum

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026March 21, 2026

The National Taiwan Science Education Center in Shilin District of Taipei is the best place to learn science hands-on in Taipei. The center offers permanent exhibits on life sciences, natural sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and earth sciences, alongside special exhibitions. There is also a glass bridge on the top floor, a bike trapeze ride, an…

Taipingshan Travel Guide 太平山, Discover Yilan’s Amazing Mountain Scenery

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Taipingshan (aka Taipingshan National Forest Recreational Area 太平山國家森林游樂區) is a magical mountain paradise in Datong Township of Yilan County in Taiwan. It has an old Japanese-era logging railroad track which has mostly been abandoned, but part of it has been restored with a working train. In addition, there are hot springs, Taiwan’s largest alpine lake,…

Yangmingshan National Park 陽明山懶人包, Your Complete Travel Guide

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Yangmingshan National Park is a mountainous area in Taipei and New Taipei, known for its volcanic activity, hiking trails, wildlife, waterfalls, hot springs, and sulfur vents. It is definitely worth a stop on your trip to Taipei. ⛰️ Planning your trip to Yangmingshan? 🥾 Here are some top travel tips for you: Best time to visit: All…

Hualien Travel Guide 花蓮懶人包, The Most Beautiful Part of Taiwan

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Hualien is the largest county in Taiwan and is considered by many to be the most beautiful. It includes a breathtaking coastline along the Pacific Ocean, including cliffs thousands of meters high, marble gorges, fertile valleys, and a large section of Taiwan’s central mountain range. Hualien is simply a must-stop location on your trip to…

Kinmen Islands Guide 金門極限指南, A Complete 2026 Travel Resource

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Kinmen (aka Jinmen or Quemoy) is a group of islands off the coast of Xiamen, China, belonging to Taiwan. For years it was the front lines and closest territory to China during the Chinese Civil War, which has not officially ended. Now that the war with China has come to a close due to the…

Taiwan’s Outer Islands (台灣外島之旅游指南), Guide to the Best Island Vacation Spots

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Taiwan’s outer islands are some of the most beautiful and scenic places in the whole country, and each of them can be considered a secret paradise. You can find the best beaches, snorkeling, and diving on these islands. You can also find rich and important historical sites here. Transportation may be difficult, but you will…

Jiji Railway 集集鐵路支線, Explore Nantou’s Historical Scenic Railway

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

The Jiji Railway Line is a former freight and logging railway built during the Japanese colonial era that has now been converted into a tourist railway. Popular stops along the line include Jiji, Shuili, and Checheng, but there are many hidden gems along the way. It is definitely worth a trip while you are in…

Why Taiwan is Better than Thailand (為什麼台灣勝過泰國)

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Some people out there may think that Taiwan and Thailand are the same country. However, one of these countries is clearly better than the other one. To help you understand why Taiwan is better than Thailand, we have laid out the key differences that you need to know here. I have made Taiwan my permanent…

Taichung Travel Guide 台中旅遊懶人包, Discover Central Taiwan’s Hidden Secrets

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Taichung is the second largest city in Taiwan and includes a vibrant city, delicious food, an amazing coastline, and dazzling mountains. In addition, Taichung’s central location in Taiwan makes it easy to visit other nearby countries. In this blog, we will show you some of the most worthwhile sites to see on your next trip…

Sun Moon Lake Travel Guide, Taiwan’s Most Beautiful Lake 日月潭旅游指南

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Sun Moon Lake is a beautiful scenic area in Taiwan and a popular tourist destination. Besides the lakeside scenery, one can also enjoy boat rides, Taiwanese street food, gift shops, temples, a gondola, an Aborigine theme park, and more. It is a must-see destination for anyone who is coming on vacation in Taiwan. Here is…

Taipei 101, The Ultimate Guide to Taiwan’s Tallest Tower (臺北101)

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 7, 2026

The Taipei 101 (aka Taipei World Financial Center) is the tallest building in Taiwan, standing at a height of 509 meters. It was the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010 and is now the 11th tallest building in the world as of 2023. It stands as an icon and symbol of Taiwan’s…

Taoyuan Travel Guide, More Than Just an Airport City 桃園旅游懶人包

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Taoyuan is a large, bustling city in northern Taiwan, known for having Taiwan’s largest airport. But Taoyuan also has hidden treasures such as one of the best historical old streets in Taiwan, interesting cultural sites, amazing seafood markets, and mountain areas to explore. 🏯 Planning your trip to Taoyuan? ✈️ Here are some top travel…

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Taipei 臺北旅遊指南

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Are you wondering what to do, see, and eat during your trip to Taipei? We have all the answers here in this ultimate travel guide. From the abundant food options, night markets, historical sights, mountains, and natural beauty of the area, there are endless activities and sights to enjoy for any amount of time. About…

Changhua Travel Guide, Fall in Love with Taiwan’s Historical Central County 彰化懒人包

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

For you expats or foreigners who have never left Taipei, Changhua is a large mostly rural county in central Taiwan. For years I myself never visited, because I didn’t know what was there and had no reason to go. It turns out there are quite a few attractions here in this secret paradise.Below I will…

Tianliao Moon World Travel Guide 田寮月世界, Taiwan’s Out-of-this-World Geopark

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Out in the foothills of former Kaohsiung County are tropical badlands, hills of easily eroding material that make the landscape look so unique that you must think that it’s on the moon. In the summer of 2014 the Foreigners in Taiwan team took a journey to this park in Tianliao which showcases these hills with…