Geology - Taiwan Travel Blog

Thermal Valley 地熱谷, A Natural Wonder in Beitou You Can’t Miss

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Thermal Valley (aka Geothermal Valley, Ghost Lake, Jade Spring Valley, or Hell Valley 地熱谷) is a bubbling and steaming turquoise pool, that is one of the sources of Beitou’s hot springs and one of only two green sulfur hot springs in the world. Here you can take a walk around the entire pool, enjoy the…

The Best Beaches in Penghu 澎湖最佳沙灘

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Penghu’s beaches could easily beat any beach on the main island of Taiwan. The water is clear, the sand is golden, and the weather is great. In this blog, we will share a list of the best beaches in Penghu, so you can more effectively spend your time on your next trip to this island…

Keelung Islet (基隆嶼) Travel Guide, A Little Island with Big Views

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Keelung Islet is the tall, rocky island off the coast of Keelung City, Taiwan that has recently been reopened to tourists. The island features a trail to the lighthouse at the highest peak that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Just a short trip from Taipei, and then a 20-minute boat ride, it is…

Turtle Island (Guishan Island) 龜山島, Taiwan’s Volcanic Island Treasure

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Guishan Island (literally Turtle Mountain Island) is a turtle-shaped island off the coast of Yilan in Eastern Taiwan. Once inhabited by fishermen, it is now a coast guard base but is open for day tours. The island tour includes beautiful sea cliffs, hiking, a lake, an abandoned village, military tunnels, and whale watching just offshore. …

What to See and Do in Hualien Besides Taroko Gorge

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Sadly, due to a recent earthquake, much of Taroko Gorge, Hualien’s most famous landmark, is no longer accessible to the public. However, there are plenty of other places to check out in Hualien. In this blog, we will share a list of other places to visit in Hualien besides Taroko Gorge. Hualien is the largest…

Maolin Travel Guide 茂林旅游懶人包, Our Favorite Place in Taiwan

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Maolin District of Kaohsiung City is an amazing outdoor paradise and my favorite place in Taiwan. In this mountainous district of Kaohsiung, you can find waterfalls, streams, hot springs, butterflies, aboriginal culture, and great views, all by the roadside! Popular activities include swimming, hot spring bathing, river tracing, camping, and hiking. Please note I have also finished…

Taipei’s Waterfall Guide, Explore the City’s Most Breathtaking Falls 台北瀑布指南

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Taipei is home to some of Taiwan’s most magnificent waterfalls, and most of them are just a short trip away. Here we have compiled a list of the most easily accessible waterfalls around Taipei. Please note this is not an exhaustive list. There are many more waterfalls in Taipei than are listed in this blog. Get…

Tainan Travel Guide, Discover Taiwan’s Oldest City & Ultimate Foodie Paradise 臺南懶人包

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and was the capital of Taiwan for over 200 years. It is also said to be the culinary capital of Taiwan, with many traditional Taiwanese snacks that originated here. Surrounded by historical sites, from the Dutch, Koxinga, and Qing Dynasty, it is a great place to enjoy Taiwan’s interesting…

Taiwan vs. Thailand, Key Differences You Need to Know

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Some people out there may confuse Taiwan with Thailand, however they are two very different countries. In fact, there are so many differences that we can’t even list them in this article. To help you differentiate between Taiwan and Thailand, we have laid out the key differences that you need to know here. I have…

The Ultimate Foreigner’s Guide for Surviving in Taiwan 外國人在台灣存活指南

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Whether you are coming to Taiwan for three days or for three years, it can be hard getting used to a new country, and new culture, and a new way of living. To help you out, we have prepared this guide to help you survive and thrive in this amazing country. 🏯 Planning your trip…

Matsu Islands 2025 Travel Guide 馬祖列島懶人包, More than Just Mazu

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Matsu is a fun getaway just 45 minutes by plane from Taipei. Here you can find traditional stone villages, bioluminescent “blue tears,” wild sika deer, military museums, the world’s largest Mazu statue, a variety of local food, and much more to explore. In this blog, we will share with you some of the major sights…

100 Amazing Things to Do and See in Taipei 台北景點懶人包

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

This travel guide to Taipei offers an extensive overview of attractions, activities, and dining options. Highlights include popular sites like Taipei 101, night markets, and historical landmarks. It also provides tips on transportation, accommodations, and seasonal recommendations, presenting a detailed itinerary for an enriching experience in Taiwan’s vibrant capital.

Yehliu Geopark, The Amazing Crown Jewel of Taiwan’s Northern Coast 野柳地質公園

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Yehliu is perhaps the most famous geological park in Taiwan, with its most famous landmark being the Queen’s Head Rock. These rock formations have been forming for thousands of years through erosion of soft sandstone due to wind and water. Hurry and see these formations soon before they are gone forever! 🏯 Planning your trip…

Taitung Travel Guide, Top Things to Do in Taiwan’s Outdoor Tourism Paradise 台東懶人包

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Taitung has some of the most beautiful scenery in Taiwan, two amazing offshore islands, a striking coastline, deep mountains, and most of all it is bursting with unique aboriginal culture, with Indigenous people making up over one-third of the population. It is an unmissable stop on your next trip to Taiwan. Here we have compiled…

Our Travel Guide to Wulai, Taipei’s Amazing Mountain Paradise (烏來旅遊指南)

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Wulai District of New Taipei includes some of Taiwan’s most amazing waterfalls, hot springs, aboriginal culture, an old street with snacks and restaurants, a gondola, a train, an amusement park, hiking trails, camp sites, wildlife, and endless mountain scenery to explore. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taipei. 🏞️ Planning…

Taiwan Cycling Guide, The Ultimate Guide to the Bicycle Kingdom 台灣騎自行車指南

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Taiwan is recognized as a bicycle kingdom and offers stunning routes for cycling enthusiasts, including coastal roads, mountain trails, and breathtaking gorges. Renting bicycles is convenient via services like Youbike, which operates at MRT stations, as well as road bike rentals at shops. Popular cycling routes include Sun Moon Lake and the Taipei Riverside Bikeway,…

Nantou Travel Guide, Taiwan’s Most Stunning Mountain Getaway 南投縣懶人包

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Nantou lies at the heart of Taiwan and is its only landlocked county. It is known for its rugged natural landscapes and mountains, and includes the highest mountain in East Asia. If you come to Taiwan, you should definitely pass through this place and stop by some of the sights we will mention below. 🛥️…

Travel Guide to Hsinchu 新竹懶人包, Taiwan’s Charming Tech Hub

Byforeignersintw January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Hsinchu, Taiwan, combines technological innovation with rich history, Hakka culture, and natural beauty. It has numerous old streets, preserved Japanese-era and Qing-era buildings, zoos, mountains, lakes, rivers, beaches, and much more to explore. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Taiwan. 🏯 Planning your trip to Hsinchu? 🪁 Here are some…

Taiwan Snow Chasing Guide – Where and When to Find Snow in Taiwan 台灣追雪指南

Byforeignersintw December 17, 2025December 24, 2025

Believe it or not, despite being a semi-tropical country Taiwan does get some snow during winter. Even a small powdering of snow in the mountains is bound to attract hoards of snow chasers in Taiwan who can usually only see snow by going on a trip overseas. In this guide, we will show you a…

Lalu Island 拉魯島, Sun Moon Lake’s Sacred Island

Byforeignersintw November 7, 2025December 24, 2025

Lalu Island on Sun Moon Lake is a sacred island to the indigenous people here, who believe that a deer showed their ancestors the way to the lake. Before a dam was built, the island was larger and shaped like a crescent moon. Even though tourists can no longer visit the island, it is one…

Sun-Link-Sea (Shanlinxi) 杉林溪, Discover Taiwan’s Amazing Forest Resort

Byforeignersintw October 31, 2025December 24, 2025

Sun-Link-Sea (aka Shanlinxi or Sun-Link-Sea Forest Ecological Resort (杉林溪森林生態渡假園區) is an amazing forest wonderland in the high mountains of Nantou County near Alishan. Here you can find one of Taiwan’s most beautiful waterfalls that flows over a giant cave. You can also wander through beautiful forests and gardens here and enjoy nature at a high…

Aowanda 奧萬大, Explore Taiwan’s High Mountain Forest Wonderland

Byforeignersintw October 31, 2025December 24, 2025

Aowanda (aka Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area) was an ancient hunting ground for the Atayal Tribe and was an area for Japanese hydroelectric power development. Now it has been converted into a nature preserve with an easy hiking trail for the public to enjoy, and is now famous for its maple trees and cherry blossoms….

Wushe Reservoir 霧社水庫

Byforeignersintw October 27, 2025November 5, 2025

Wushe Reservoir, also known as Wanda Reservoir or Bihu, is formed by the Wushe Dam along the Wushe Creek in Ren’ai Township of Nantou County. The main function of the reservoir is to provide hydroelectric power. The area is a beautiful scenic location that is well worth a visit. 🛥️ Planning your trip to Nantou?…

Wushe Incident Memorial Park 霧社事件紀念公園

Byforeignersintw October 14, 2025October 14, 2025

The Wushe Incident (aka Mushe Incident or Wushe Rebellion) was one of the largest uprisings against the Japanese during their colonial control over Taiwan, as well as one of the last major uprisings. As part of the rebellion, 134 Japanese were killed, and 354 Seediq Indigenous people were killed in retaliation, which all took place…

Ruifang Bat Cave 瑞芳蝙蝠洞, Formerly the Largest Bat Cave in East Asia

Byforeignersintw September 18, 2025December 24, 2025

Bat Cave (Bianfudong) is a large cave along the northern coast in Ruifang District of New Taipei. It was once the largest breeding spot for bats in East Asia. We did not see bats or Batman here; however, it is still a cool spot to visit along the north coast. Nearby are also great spots…