Taiwan Travel Guide 2026 | A Comprehensive Guide to Must-Visit Natural Wonders and Hidden Hot Springs

Are you looking to escape for a weekend getaway, immerse yourself in nature's healing embrace, but want to avoid long-haul flights? For travelers from Hong Kong to Taiwan, exploring the island or enjoying a short flight is undoubtedly the most cost-effective travel option! Just over an hour's flight from Hong Kong will take you to this beautiful island, renowned for its warmth and rich natural landscapes. This time, the Kinnso team has carefully compiled a list of breathtaking spots in Taiwan that are a "must-visit" in 2026. We have selected eight stunning locations, ranging from the northern to southern parts of the island, including some off-the-beaten-path wonders and hot spring destinations. Whether you prefer to immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere of museums or yearn to venture deep into the mountains to breathe in the pure essence of nature, this guide will provide you with plenty of travel inspiration. Join us as we explore these awe-inspiring beautiful corners together!

Stepping into the renowned Taipei National Palace Museum feels like boarding a magical time machine, instantly transporting you through the splendid dynasties of Chinese history! The museum boasts an incredibly rich collection, housing over 700,000 national treasures. From the exquisitely crafted jadeite cabbage and lifelike stone meats to the masterfully designed bronzeware and historical paintings, each exhibit radiates a profound sense of historical heritage and artistic depth. Notable treasures such as the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" and the intricately carved jade seals are dream pieces for many art enthusiasts. The layout of the exhibition halls is designed for a smooth and comfortable flow, allowing visitors to easily immerse themselves in the vast river of history.

Practical Information: The National Palace Museum is located at Section 2, Zhishan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City. You can easily reach it by taking the Taipei Metro to Shilin Station and transferring to a bus, which takes about fifteen minutes. The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays). The general admission ticket for adults costs approximately NT$350 (around HK$85), making it an excellent option for a half-day visit to savor the exhibits.

Travel Tips: Kinnso highly recommends renting an audio guide upon entry. This will greatly enhance your understanding of the intriguing and complex stories behind each artifact. If you wish to avoid the crowds of tour groups, visiting during weekday mornings would be the best option. After your visit, you can also take the opportunity to head to the nearby Yangmingshan to enjoy the natural scenery and savor the delicious offerings at the scenic restaurants.

If you're visiting during the cool winter months or early spring, the Wulai Hot Springs in New Taipei is an unmissable sanctuary for relaxation! Known as the "King of Hot Springs," Wulai boasts crystal-clear, colorless, and odorless mineral waters that are classified as high-quality weak alkaline sodium bicarbonate springs. After a soak, your skin will feel incredibly smooth, as if it has been treated with a layer of natural moisturizer. Additionally, the Wulai area is rich in Atayal indigenous culture, with streets lined with traditional charm. You can choose to enjoy the lively public hot springs or book a private hot spring room, where you can soak while gazing at the lush mountain scenery outside, leaving all your daily fatigue behind.

Useful Information: To reach Wulai Old Street, take the MRT from downtown Taipei to Xindian Station, then transfer to a local bus for about forty minutes. The price for a quality private hot spring room ranges from NT$1,000 to NT$2,000 (approximately HK$250 to HK$500). If you plan to visit on a weekend or holiday, it is highly recommended to make an online reservation in advance to avoid disappointment.

Travel Tips: After enjoying a relaxing soak in the warm hot springs, don’t rush to leave! Stroll along the historic Wulai Old Street and savor the local delicacies, including the uniquely flavored Matsu sausage and bamboo rice. Then, take a leisurely walk along the trail to admire the majestic Wulai Waterfall, breathing in the fresh mountain air. This is truly the perfect way to enjoy a half-day trip.

When visiting the hidden gems of central Taiwan, one must not miss the Nantou Worry-Free Forest, nestled in the mountains at nearly 2,000 meters above sea level. This enchanting location has been dubbed the "Taiwanese Jiuzhaigou" by countless photography enthusiasts. Originally a lush forest of cypress trees, the area transformed into a narrow swamp due to rapid geological changes following the 921 earthquake. Although the trees have gradually withered after being submerged for an extended period, the striking silhouettes of the dead trees against the tranquil water create one of the most poetic and ethereal natural landscapes in Taiwan. On clear days, sunlight filters through the tree canopy, casting a shimmering glow on the mirror-like surface of the water, making the scene so beautiful that one hesitates to blink. Conversely, when afternoon fog rolls in, the entire forest instantly transforms into a mysterious setting reminiscent of a fantastical film.

Practical Information: The Forget-Me-Not Forest is located in Zhushan Township, Nantou County. The trailhead is situated along the road leading to the famous attraction, Shanlinxi. Visitors can choose to hike uphill from the trailhead for approximately half an hour or opt to take a shuttle service provided by local operators at their own expense. It is recommended to visit between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, as afternoon showers are common in the mountainous area, making the ground slippery, so please exercise caution while walking.

Travel Tips: To capture the clearest and most perfect reflections on the water's surface, it's best to arrive in the morning when the light is soft and mist is rare. After concluding this dreamy forest stroll, you can visit a nearby café to order a hot latte, allowing you to relax your legs while reminiscing about the beautiful scenes captured in your camera.

If you are an adventurer curious about unique geological formations, then Kaohsiung's Tianliao Moon World will surely amaze you! This area features an exceptionally rare mudstone badlands terrain found in Taiwan. Over the years, the surface has been shaped by intense rainfall and river erosion, resulting in sharp, jagged ridges that are devoid of vegetation. The desolate yet breathtaking atmosphere makes you feel as though you've suddenly stepped away from Earth and into the vast emptiness of outer space. As you stroll along the well-maintained trails in the park, you'll also encounter numerous "mud volcanoes" that bubble irregularly, creating a uniquely soothing spectacle of rolling mud.

Useful Information: The Tianliao Moon World is located on Moon Road in the Tianliao District of Kaohsiung City. It takes approximately forty minutes to drive or take a taxi from the Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station. The great news is that the entire park is open to the public for free all day, making it an excellent option for travelers planning a day trip to Kaohsiung, whether by self-drive or chartered vehicle.

Travel Tips: Visiting during the sweltering midday sun in the south can be quite uncomfortable. Kinnso recommends arriving in the evening when the temperatures are much more pleasant. You can stroll along the lakeside trail and enjoy the enchanting moonlit scenery, which offers a unique and mysterious charm. Don't miss out on the local specialty, the mud volcano chicken dish, during dinner time—it’s sure to leave you thoroughly satisfied.

When it comes to the natural beauty of Eastern Taiwan, Taroko National Park in Hualien undoubtedly stands out as Taiwan's most prominent international tourism gem, making it a must-visit destination on your lifetime travel list. This park features world-class, solid marble canyon landscapes, where the towering cliffs seem to have been cleaved by a divine axe, reaching high into the clouds. Below, the Liwu River rushes with an incredible turquoise hue. Along the way, you can explore the Changchun Shrine, perched on the cliffside, the breathtaking Swallow Grotto where swallows dart through the air, and Tianxiang, gently embraced by mountains. Each stop tells a story of nature's artistry and the rich history of indigenous cultivation.

Practical Information: You can easily explore the main attractions within Taroko National Park by taking the "Taiwan Tourist Shuttle" Taroko Line bus from Hualien Train Station. There is no entrance fee for the national park itself, but if you wish to tackle special scenic trails like the Zhuilu Old Trail, you will need to apply for a mountain entry permit online in advance and pay a management fee.

Travel Tips: The terrain inside the canyon is quite rugged, and there is a risk of falling rocks in certain areas. It is advisable to borrow and wear a free safety helmet at the entrance when accessing specific trails like Yanzikou for your safety. Additionally, various recreational areas offer the opportunity to taste the delicious cuisine of the Taroko tribe, allowing you to deeply experience the unique charm of indigenous culture.

Dubbed "the most beautiful train station in Taiwan" by countless railway enthusiasts and photography lovers, Taitung Duoliang Station possesses an unforgettable charm that lingers long after your visit. Although this station is no longer in operation and has ceased passenger services, it still boasts its iconic red viewing railings. Standing on the observation platform, you are greeted by the lush green mountains behind you, while the endless tracks stretch out before you, complemented by the shimmering azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. The entire scene is so picturesque that it resembles a default scenic wallpaper on a computer. If you're fortunate enough, you might witness a bright red train slowly emerging from a tunnel and crossing your view; the visual impact and pure emotion of that moment are truly beyond words.

Practical Information: Duoliang Station is approximately an hour's drive from Taitung City Center, located on Longxi Road in Taimali Township, Taitung County. The observation deck is open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM and admission is completely free. Additionally, there are well-planned paid parking areas nearby for the convenience of self-driving travelers.

Travel Tips: Since trains passing through Duoliang Station run approximately once every hour, it is advisable to check the Taiwan Railways schedule before setting out to avoid any disappointments. Don't rush during your wait; you can purchase a cup of locally grown hot coffee from nearby stalls, listen to the soothing sound of the waves, and enjoy a relaxing vacation atmosphere with the gentle breeze.

If you're looking to experience the joy of being surrounded by adorable deer, who says you need to fly all the way to Nara, Japan? Located in Taiwan's outlying islands, Daqiu Island is a stunning hidden gem often referred to as "Taiwan's version of Nara." This pristine, uninhabited island has no permanent human residents; instead, it is home to a lively population of Formosan sika deer that roam freely and are completely unafraid of humans. These delightful creatures can often be seen leisurely strolling through lush green meadows and along the endless blue coastline. When they spot visitors, they may even approach gently in search of a snack. Here, you won't find any overly commercialized developments—just pure natural ecology and granite pathways that tell the story of the island's past.

Practical Information: To reach Daqiu Island, you must take a dedicated ferry from Matsu's Beigan or Nangan. The journey takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. A round-trip ticket costs around NT$300 (approximately HK$75). Once on the island, you can stay for about two hours, which is sufficient time to complete a loop of the island's walking trail.

Travel Tips: If you wish to establish a friendly bond with the adorable deer, consider purchasing some fresh mulberry leaves from local vendors as a greeting gift upon your arrival at the pier. While strolling along the island's circular trail, remember to slow down your hurried pace and take a moment to listen to the natural symphony created by the calls of seabirds and the waves crashing against the rocks, allowing the stress accumulated in the city to fade away completely.

Located off the southeastern coast of Taiwan, Orchid Island has long captivated travelers who love sunshine and the sea, thanks to its unique and rich Tao indigenous culture and stunningly pristine marine ecosystem. Nestled in the southeastern part of the island is Dongqing Village, home to a recently popular social media hotspot known as "Dongqing Secret Paradise." This natural seawater swimming pool is ingeniously encircled by sharp and unusual coral rock formations. During high tide, crystal-clear seawater flows through the crevices of the rocks, allowing you to see the bottom so clearly that you can even count your toes underwater. The surrounding rocks create a natural barrier, keeping the water surface calm and safe, making it an ideal spot to relax and cool off in the water.

Practical Information: To reach Lanyu, you can take a large passenger ferry or a small propeller plane from Fugang Fishing Port in Taitung. Once you arrive on Lanyu, renting a scooter is the most convenient and popular mode of transportation on the island. The entrance to Dongqing Secret Realm is somewhat hidden, requiring you to navigate a rugged rocky path. It is highly recommended to wear shoes with non-slip features or water shoes to avoid scratches.

Travel Tips: The summer sun in Lanyu can be extremely intense. When engaging in water activities, it is essential to wear long-sleeved sun protection clothing and hats, and to avoid using chemical sunscreens that may harm the precious marine ecosystem. After enjoying this enchanting natural swimming pool, consider finding a cozy spot in the village that exudes island charm. Sip on refreshing coconut water and take a moment to appreciate the unique slow-paced lifestyle of this beautiful place.

After exploring Kinnso's carefully curated list of eight must-visit destinations in Taiwan, are you feeling inspired and ready to pack your bags and book a flight? The allure of Taiwan extends far beyond its bustling night markets and delicious street food. From the historically rich National Palace Museum to the rejuvenating hot spring resorts, and the breathtaking world-class canyons to the secluded island hideaways, every corner of this treasure island is filled with elements that surprise and delight. Whether you're seeking a tranquil solo adventure or hoping to create wonderful memories with a partner or family, Taiwan's diverse landscapes can perfectly meet all your expectations. This year, treat yourself to a relaxing long weekend and experience the stunning natural beauty that awaits you!