From mountains to markets, beaches, historic villages and cutting-edge cities, this beguiling Asian island offers something for everyone.

Rising from the western Pacific like a dragon’s spine, this scenic land of 23 million was once best-known as a manufacturing hub. It has since blossomed into one of the region’s most alluring destinations, and for good reason. Whether you’re looking to take in the views and explore the alleys of its capital, Taipei, or marvel at the marble canyons of Taroko National Park, Taiwan punches well above its weight when it comes to the variety of things to do and see. This is a place where modern urban landscapes meet raw nature, and despite its relatively small size, there is no shortage of things to keep a traveller occupied, so here’s what to do in Taiwan.

In short

If you only do one thing in Taiwan, make it Shilin Night Market, the city’s biggest. Situated in the district that shares its name, this storied exchange occupies a labyrinth of alleyways and is a feast for the senses, with neon lights, mouth-watering aromas and the buzz of nightly crowds. It’s especially famous for its food court, where over 500 hawkers cook up a dizzying array of dishes that may have you coming back night after night.

Taipei 101 and Xinyi District

With a design inspired by traditional Chinese bamboo stalks and ancient pagoda structures, Taipei 101 is without a doubt the capital’s most iconic structure. Officially opened in 2004, the skyscraper looms over the city like a sentinel and was the tallest building in the world for six years running. A visit to its 89th-floor observation deck offers dizzying views that will leave you both stunned and inspired.

Surrounding Taipei 101 is the Xinyi District — “Taipei’s Manhattan" — the city’s commercial, financial and entertainment centre. This is where locals and visitors come to shop, as the area is home to several massive indoor malls including Breeze Center, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi and Bellavita, which are conveniently connected by bridges and pedestrian walkways.

National Palace Museum

Also located in the Shilin District, this extraordinary complex hosts one of the most impressive collections of Chinese imperial artifacts and artwork in the world. The museum is home to over 700,000 items spanning some 8,000 years, most of which were relocated from the mainland during the Republic of China’s retreat to Taiwan in 1948. Behind the main building sits the placid Zhishan Garden, whose landscapes, pavilions, footpaths, ponds and bridge crossings will soothe the soul while transporting you back in time.

Hike Elephant Mountain

If you’re looking for the best views of Taipei 101 and the surrounding city, head to Elephant Mountain (known locally as Xiangshang). Rising out of a residential district, this 183-metre peak features wooden observation platforms, along with a cluster of six massive boulders near the top that make for the perfect photo op. The two-kilometre round-trip trail follows a set of stone steps up the face of the mountain, much of it through thick stands of forest. While not a long hike, it’s steep, so bring plenty of water.

Get lost in the old streets of Jiufen

Situated on the slopes of Mount Keelung — about an hour outside of central Taipei — this scenic village is known for its narrow streets, stone staircases and vivid lanterns that come alive at night. Once a gold-mining boomtown, the historic buildings are now home to food stalls and classic teashops. The otherworldly ambience of Jiufen is said to be the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s classic animated film Spirited Away, and not only is the village easy on the eyes, but it also boasts soul-stirring vistas of the nearby Pacific Ocean.

Relax in Beitou Hot Spring

Taiwan is very much a seismically active place, and Beitou Hot Spring is evidence of this. These thermal springs are located in the foothills on the northern edge of Taipei and can be accessed via a number of resorts and onsen-style baths. Beitou Public Hot Spring (also called Millennium Spring) is the cheapest and most popular, featuring outdoor, mixed-gender pools, while Longnice Hot Spring is an indoor facility that separates men and women and is also the oldest continuously running bathhouse in the area. Even though Beitou is technically in Taipei, it feels a world away from the bustle and hum of the city and makes for a perfect day trip. While you’re there, make sure to stop by the historic Beitou Hot Spring Museum for a dose of local history and culture.

Spelunk the gorges of Taroko National Park

This stunning reserve can certainly be described as one of Taiwan’s crown jewels, as it boasts some of the most dazzling scenery on the island. The park is most famous for its 19-kilometre marble canyon, which features sheer cliffs and waterfalls, as well as the turquoise flow of the Liwu River. Due to recent earthquakes and damage done by typhoons, Taroko is currently in the midst of a multi-year recovery program, which means that many of its hiking trails are closed to the public. However, the Visitors Centre and Tianxiang Recreation Area (a scenic spot with a temple and pagoda deep in the gorge) remain open, and it is possible to drive through the ravine, but there are strict controls on traffic, so make sure to check regulations ahead of time.

Head up to Sun Moon Lake

Named for the fact that its eastern side looks like the sun and the western side resembles a crescent moon, Taiwan’s largest freshwater body sits high in the middle of the country and especially draws cyclists who come to tackle the 32-kilometre bike path that follows the shoreline; others explore this striking alpine lake by hopping on and off regular ferries serving three ports. There’s also a cable car at Sun Moon Lake, as well as an ornate temple, a 46-metre mountaintop pagoda built by Chiang Kai-shek to honour his mother and Ita Thao village, an indigenous settlement with street food, local crafts and lakeside performances.

Breathe in the invigorating mountain air at Alishan National Scenic Area

Situated just south of Sun Moon Lake, this national scenic area is known for its deep emerald forests, dramatic sunrises and mystical “sea of clouds". Long home to the indigenous Tsou people, Alishan is considered the gateway to Taiwan’s alpine interior. The reserve also features a narrow-gauge tourist railway (originally built by the Japanese to haul logs), along with a number of tea plantations where you can stroll amongst the rows and take in the views. You can also stop in at one of the area’s teahouses and sample the locally-grown leaves yourself.

Soak up some history in Tainan

Tainan is one of Taiwan’s most historic cities and is generally considered to be the country’s cultural and culinary centre. Founded as a trading outpost by the Dutch in 1624, it served as the island’s capital for over 250 years. Today it’s most famous for its Anping District, with its Old Street (featuring merchant shops and food stalls), a fort dating back to the 1700s and Anping Tree House. This former Japanese trading warehouse has been completely enveloped by the roots and branches of banyan trees and is one of the city’s key attractions. Tainan also has the highest concentration of traditional temples in Taiwan, with standouts such as the impressive Tainan Confucius Temple and the Tainan Mazu Temple, which is dedicated to the patron deity of fishermen

Get down with the tropical vibes of Kenting National Park

Taiwan’s oldest national park occupies a peninsula at the southernmost tip of the island and is known for its white sand beaches, mountains, sea caves, coral reefs and sun-kissed splendour. It attracts plenty of surfers, snorkellers and divers eager to ride a wave or explore the multichromatic world blossoming underneath the ocean’s surface, though it’s also a great place to hike. The coastal trails and forest paths winding through the park really highlight the scenery of this part of Taiwan. Highlights include the Coral Reef Trail, which snakes through narrow limestone canyons, as well as the Coastal Grasslands Trail — a seaside walk that not only gives you views of sea caves and rock formations — but also may be the best place in Taiwan to catch the sunrise.

Savour Kaohsiung’s emerging art scene

Taiwan’s southern port city offers a nice contrast to Taipei and is well worth visiting on its own merits. Once a rough-and-tumble seaport and industrial hub, modern Kaohsiung has transformed into one of Taiwan’s premier destinations for art lovers. The Pier-2 Art Center is a repurposed warehouse district featuring murals, outdoor installations, galleries, performance spaces and cafes, while the “Dome of Light" is an awe-inspiring public stained glass work occupying the Formosa Boulevard MRT station. You can also take in Kaohsiung’s revitalised harbour from Glory Pier, a wharf and pedestrian zone with views of the mesmerising Kaohsiung Music Center and the water and cityscape surrounding it.

Getting to Taiwan

You can fly direct from Australia to Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, with China Airlines from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Flight time ranges from just under nine hours to 9.5 hours.