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My Favourite Photos of Taiwan to Inspire Your Next Adventure

Posted on the 09 December 2024 by Just Go Exploring @JustGoExploring

Taiwan is one of Asia’s most underrated gems. I absolutely love the place – can’t get enough of it.

Firstly, the capital, Taipei, is a fantastic city.

From the iconic Taipei 101 towering over the skyline to the lively night markets where you can feast on everything from xiaolongbao to bubble tea, it’s a place that feels endlessly exciting.

Surrounding the city are lush mountains with an excellent network of hiking trails, making it easy to escape into nature.

My favourite city in Taiwan, though, is Tainan – the ancient capital.

The centre is full of historical temples and narrow backstreets – impossibly atmospheric. I spent six weeks living here and fell head over heels in love with it.

Outside the cities, Taiwan’s natural beauty is breathtaking.

Taroko Gorge, with its towering marble cliffs, rushing rivers, and temples perched precariously on mountainsides, is one of the most awe-inspiring places I’ve ever visited.

The east coast is another highlight. I’ll never forget driving a motorbike along the winding coastal road, past the dramatic Qingshui cliffs and bright turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The rolling, mist-covered hills of Alishan are perfect for hiking. Watching the sunrise over the sea of clouds here is another unforgettable experience.

Taiwan is also a fantastic hot spring destination. Just like Japan’s onsen, there are natural thermal springs at places like Beitou and Wulai, where you can soak in the mineral-rich waters.

It’s an ideal way to unwind after a long hike or days of exploring.

Taiwan is a fascinating destination. There’s always something new and special to discover.

Here are some of my favourite photos from that magical island.

Need help planning your next trip? Hire me as your Personal Travel Planner!

A tranquil park scene with ancient banyan trees draped with vines, a red pavilion in the background, and soft sunlight filtering through the greenery. A traditional Taiwanese temple with a detailed, colorful rooftop featuring statues of dragons and deities, framed by modern apartment buildings in the background. A wide view of a Taiwanese temple at the end of a street, surrounded by urban buildings, with a clear view of its intricately decorated roof and gates. A busy intersection with people riding scooters and motorbikes, flanked by buildings with vibrant store signs and advertisements in Chinese characters. A neon-lit illustration of Taipei 101 displayed on a wall with the text A dramatic upward view of Taipei 101, a tall, iconic green glass skyscraper against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The massive golden damper inside Taipei 101, used for structural stability, surrounded by ropes and reflections of spectators below. A sweeping view of green mountains and cityscape as seen from Taipei 101, under a vivid blue sky with fluffy clouds. A sprawling aerial view of Taipei city showcasing densely packed buildings, highways, and rivers under a clear, bright sky. A creative angle of Taipei 101's exterior, featuring a curved metallic design leading the viewer's eye towards a glass facade and blue skies. A scenic sunset view of Taipei's skyline with Taipei 101 towering prominently amidst the city, surrounded by lush greenery and golden light. A breathtaking sunset over Taipei, with vibrant orange hues blending into the skyline and surrounding greenery, framed by tall grass reeds in the foreground. Taipei 101 towering above a busy intersection at night, with streetlights, traffic, and signs creating a lively urban scene. Elaborate carvings on a temple roof, showcasing a vibrant dragon and other mythical creatures in vivid colors and fine detail. A stunning nightscape featuring Taipei 101 illuminated in green, surrounded by other city buildings glowing with lights under a dark sky. A smiling man wearing a white shirt as he cooks taiyaki-shaped pastries on a hot mold, with fillings like red bean paste and chocolate visible in the batter. A picturesque cherry blossom tree supported by poles, set beside a wooden railing and lush greenery, with a serene backdrop of tall trees and distant structures. A modern architectural building featuring white angular structures and a triangular metal framework, set against a blue sky with scattered clouds. A piece of abstract art on a wall featuring a split face—one side a skull, the other a stylized human face wearing a hat—with a small glass on a wooden table below it. Visitors enjoying the view on a wooden deck surrounded by cherry blossom trees, under a clear sky with soft clouds and vibrant greenery. A long stretch of coastal cliffs with tunnels built into the rock, overlooking the vivid blue ocean waves below. A detailed view of a red suspension bridge and the ornate pagoda entrance surrounded by greenery, with mountain peaks in the background. A rocky coastline with dramatic cliffs extending into the distance, featuring turquoise waters and scattered rocks along the shore. A bright red suspension bridge leading to a pagoda nestled in the green mountains of Taroko Gorge. A rocky path carved into the cliffs of Taroko Gorge, offering a view of the lush green valley beyond. A dramatic view of Taroko Gorge's steep cliffs, with a turquoise river winding through the base. A winding mountain road with a protective steel overhang attached to the steep cliff face, surrounded by rugged rocky walls and dense greenery. Two suspension bridges spanning across Taroko Gorge, surrounded by lush greenery and misty mountains. A stunning view of a turquoise ocean meeting a sandy beach, bordered by towering green cliffs under an overcast sky. A peaceful shoreline with gray sand and vibrant blue water, framed by lush vegetation and a backdrop of misty mountains. A terraced hillside near Alishan, Taiwan, covered in lush green tea bushes with a narrow road winding at the base, framed by cloudy skies and sparse trees. A decorative incense burner with intricate dragon motifs silhouetted against a foggy evening, illuminated by a soft yellow light in the background. A misty tea plantation with rows of tea plants fading into the fog, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. A wooden pathway lit by warm lanterns and lined with trees shrouded in mist, evoking a magical, dreamlike setting. A moss-covered stone pathway leading through a serene forest of tall trees, surrounded by natural greenery. A close-up view looking up at a tall tree trunk covered in moss, with its branches extending into the canopy above. Bare tree branches silhouetted in dense fog with a glowing yellow light shining through, creating a mysterious and ethereal scene. A massive, ancient tree surrounded by a wooden walkway and towering evergreens, with sunlight filtering through the dense canopy. A peaceful forest path featuring wooden walkways, a small blooming cherry blossom tree, and tall trees, evoking a sense of calm and nature's beauty. A woman preparing oolong tea at a wooden table, carefully handling tea leaves and surrounded by traditional cups, teapots, and brewing equipment. A stone staircase ascending into a dense, leafy forest, bordered by signs with notices and maps at the base. Two pedestrians walking along a tree-lined urban street, one wearing a bright yellow Pikachu hat, with shops, traffic signs, and vehicles in the background. A crowd of visitors walking under cherry blossom trees in full bloom at Alishan, with a traditional building and flags in the background. A lively night market food stall selling steamed buns, dumplings, and colorful desserts, with a vendor serving customers amidst steaming trays. A bartender in a modern cocktail bar in Tainan preparing a drink at a polished counter surrounded by jars of ingredients, with shelves of liquor bottles lit in soft lighting behind her. A quiet, winding road bordered by towering trees in a forest, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. A cable car suspended over lush green forests and the sparkling blue waters of Sun Moon Lake, with distant mountains forming a scenic backdrop. The upper balcony of Ci'en Pagoda, with traditional Chinese architecture, decorated with ornate stone carvings and a hanging bell, overlooking a mountainous landscape under a cloudy sky. A spiraling staircase viewed from above, showcasing a geometric pattern of blue walls, red railings, and intricate symmetry. A tranquil lake surrounded by forested hills and mountains under a cloudy sky, with scattered boats visible on the water's surface. A stunning landscape with pine trees framing a vibrant turquoise lake, rolling hills, and distant villages, under a dramatic cloudy sky. A large traditional Chinese-style gate at Wenwu Temple, Taiwan, with ornate orange roof tiles and green pillars, overlooking a lake and a scenic view of mountains in the distance. A typical street in Taiwan lined with shops and signs in various languages, with two owl-shaped trash bins in the foreground in front of a FamilyMart store. A vibrant street corner in Tainan, featuring a blooming pink bougainvillea tree, traditional buildings, and colorful decorations hanging across the street. A stone archway at the end of Fuzhong Street, Tainan, decorated with red lanterns, opening onto a street with a temple in the background, under a bright sunny sky. An illuminated traditional temple at night in Tainan, adorned with glowing red lanterns and intricate carvings, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. A vendor at a night market holding a steaming tray of freshly made buns, with additional stacks of bamboo steamers and a busy background of market stalls. A lively street food market with tables and people under a blooming bougainvillea tree, with shops and hanging decorations along the street. A detailed view of a traditional Taiwanese temple roof adorned with green ceramic dragons, intricate floral motifs, and a central spire, set against a blue sky. A view through an open red doorway into the main courtyard of the traditional Chinese Confucian Temple in Tainan with red walls, sloping roofs, and a few people walking or sitting under the bright sky. A traditional Chinese temple interior with vibrant red pillars, decorative carvings, and walls featuring large calligraphy panels, along with a row of antique wooden chairs. The serene courtyard of the Tainan Confuscious Temple, with traditional red buildings with ornate roofs, surrounded by green grass and trees under a partly cloudy evening sky. A colorful Taiwanese city street with a bus featuring Totoro-themed artwork on its back, surrounded by scooters and urban buildings under a clear sky. A series of glowing light rings forming a tunnel-like installation at night, with visitors walking through and taking photos under the dark blue sky. A decorative infinity loop sculpture illuminated with colorful lights at night, surrounded by a darkened park and faintly visible visitors. A large illuminated dragon sculpture at the Taiwan Lantern Festival holding a glowing sphere at a nighttime festival, with colorful light installations and a crowd of spectators nearby. Two cats sitting on a cafe counter, surrounded by jars of coffee beans, a menu, and hand sanitizer, with a barista working in the background. A narrow alleyway leading to a temple, with ornate roof designs featuring a colorful dragon sculpture, surrounded by white walls and red door frames. An ornately decorated altar in a Taiwanese temple, featuring vibrant offerings, intricate carvings, hanging red lanterns, and a sign with golden Chinese characters. A vibrant temple scene at night, with colorful lanterns hanging overhead and diners enjoying meals at outdoor tables near a richly decorated temple facade. The entrance of a traditional-style izakaya restaurant with a wooden facade, Japanese lanterns, a raccoon dog statue, and shelves of sake bottles displayed by the door. A red and gold lantern with intricate Chinese characters hanging inside a temple, surrounded by vibrant red pillars and detailed carvings. A detailed close-up of a traditional temple altar, featuring intricate wooden carvings, a large hanging bell, and colorful banners with Chinese characters. A vibrant display of colorful lanterns hanging from strings above the entrance of a traditional temple at night, with intricate red and gold door carvings in the background. A temple courtyard during the daytime, adorned with bright multicolored lanterns hanging from the branches of a large tree, with a red altar and golden incense burner at the entrance. An elaborate and vividly painted temple ceiling featuring a detailed dragon motif surrounded by geometric designs in vibrant reds, greens, and golds. A bustling street-side noodle shop with yellow signage, potted plants, and a crowd of people enjoying their meals at outdoor tables under a canopy. A grand temple façade featuring ornate details, colorful dragon sculptures on the roof, and red columns. A couple is admiring the elaborate entrance adorned with lanterns. The entrance to a historic Taiwanese temple with bold red pillars, golden Chinese inscriptions, and intricate carvings. Visitors are seen exploring the interior courtyard. A Taiwanese temple decorated with intricate carvings, colorful lanterns, and dragon sculptures on the rooftop. A circular floral wreath with red and yellow accents stands beside it. A local Taiwanese food vendor behind a counter, cooking and arranging buns and dumplings. The stall features bamboo decor and a menu in Chinese characters. Two women preparing traditional Taiwanese dishes at an outdoor food stall near a temple. Fresh plates of greens and meats are laid out on a table in the golden evening light. A rustic brick wall adorned with paintings of iconic movie characters, including portraits of Johnny Depp and Robert Downey Jr. Two people stand nearby in front of parked cars. A large, bright red inflatable ball art installation wedged between two buildings in a busy outdoor market. Crowds of people are shopping and walking below it. A close-up of a colourful Taiwanese meal featuring stir-fried noodles, rice with shredded meat, sautéed greens, and a selection of side dishes on a wooden table. A typical Taiwanese city street lined with colorful storefront signs in Chinese characters advertising jewelry shops and wedding services. Cars and scooters fill the busy road. A scenic gateway in a traditional Taiwanese style, framed by a stone arch and flanked by small lion statues, leading to a red temple in the distance. A street food vendor's stall with large woks on display, a man cooking in the foreground, and a cozy dining area with patrons in the background. A lively alleyway in Taiwan with colorful paper lanterns hanging above, boutique shops, and visitors strolling. Scooters and decorative displays line the path. A casual outdoor dining area under a rustic canopy, with patrons enjoying meals at simple tables and a man walking past in the foreground. A wooden temple door painted with a detailed illustration of a historical figure in traditional attire, surrounded by Chinese calligraphy and ornate designs. A cozy bar interior with dim lighting, Alex Tiffany wearing a floral shirt seated, and a film being projected on a screen in the background. Shelves display bottles and memorabilia. A busy street intersection in Taiwan with motorbikes at a stoplight, colorful billboards, and bustling urban scenery in the background. A serene lakeside pavilion with a traditional red roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a white arched bridge, reflected in the calm water. The iconic Hayashi Department Store in Tainan, illuminated at dusk, with warm yellow lighting, arched windows, and a lively street scene with pedestrians and vehicles. A buzzing Taiwanese street lined with shops and colorful signs in both Chinese and English, with scooters and pedestrians populating the road. A serene garden with a pond, stone bridges, lush greenery, and a small pavilion surrounded by manicured bushes and trees. A plate of fluffy Japanese-style soufflé pancakes topped with a square of butter and served with a side of whipped cream and chocolate crumble. A steaming bowl of Taiwanese beef noodle soup with tender chunks of beef, bok choy, and thick noodles, served in a black bowl on a wooden table. A chef wearing a tall hat and mask prepares food on a teppanyaki grill, surrounded by diners enjoying their meals at a circular table. A grand temple gate with intricate carvings and Chinese characters, leading up a stone staircase under a clear blue sky. A beautifully detailed temple featuring colorful, intricate roof carvings of dragons and mythical creatures under a bright sky. A vendor in a pink shirt and mask preparing mushroom skewers under hanging lanterns with mushroom illustrations, in a bustling food market. A vendor grilling skewered mushrooms brushed with sauce, creating a row of golden, caramelized skewers. The illuminated gateway of Raohe Street Night Market, adorned with lanterns and decorative lights, with a lively crowd exploring food stalls below. Two masked vendors pouring batter onto a griddle to make small round desserts, surrounded by customers at a popular night market stall. My Favourite Photos of Taiwan to Inspire Your Next Adventure A scenic view of a city skyline with Taipei 101 in the background, framed by a calm river reflecting the buildings under a cloudy sky. A tranquil park with a large, sprawling banyan tree and wooden boardwalk. People are walking and sitting at picnic tables beneath the canopy of lush greenery. A minimalist display shelf with stylish coffee brewing equipment, insulated bottles, and colorful books, backlit for an elegant presentation. A close-up view of the Taipei 101 skyscraper against a moody gray sky, showcasing its green-tinted glass exterior and unique design details. Chefs in white uniforms and masks at Din Tai Fung working together to prepare dumplings in a kitchen, with bamboo steamers and flour-covered counters. Diners seated around a teppanyaki table while chefs in tall hats perform live cooking, with sizzling dishes and a lively atmosphere. A brightly lit convenience store featuring a large Hello Kitty statue in a blue overall, holding a cup, with pink and pastel decor and shelves filled with products. Neon lights and signage add a playful touch. A set of large, metallic robotic creatures resembling dinosaurs, displayed outdoors near Nangang train station, with modern architecture in the background. A fishmonger wearing gloves and a mask cuts fresh fish on a wooden counter, with various cuts of fish and seafood displayed in a busy market setting. A man and a woman seated at a red table outdoors, enjoying trays of colorful sashimi, surrounded by a lively night market environment. Vendors sorting large fish laid out on ice, with baskets of smaller fish nearby, and people working in the background in a vibrant seafood market. An indoor restaurant scene with tables filled with diners, a laminated menu in the foreground showing a selection of dumplings and dishes. A busy fish market under an overpass, with people walking through the rain, carrying bags, and vendors operating stalls surrounded by crates and containers. A bustling seafood market at night with vendors selling fresh fish and shoppers browsing under umbrellas and market awnings, while rain reflects off the wet ground. Rainy nighttime scene at Keelung fish market A close-up of intricately decorated temple rooftops featuring dragon and phoenix sculptures in vibrant colors, against a backdrop of trees and urban buildings. The arched entrance of a temple with a traditional tiled roof, flanked by statues and decorated with colorful carvings, leading into a courtyard. A grand public building with traditional Chinese architecture at dusk with its orange-tiled roof and striking red pillars, surrounded by an open plaza with scattered visitors. A view of the National Theater in Taipei with its orange-tiled roof and red columns, surrounded by neatly trimmed green hedges and flower gardens, and white event tents set up nearby. A different angle of the National Theater showing its intricate orange roof and decorative details, with a pathway lined by green hedges and white tents leading toward Liberty Square. The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei illuminated at dusk, with a grand white staircase leading up to the archway and its iconic octagonal roof visible against the cloudy sky. The National Concert Hall in Taipei lit up at night, with bright red columns and golden tones reflecting against the dark sky, and visitors walking around the plaza. A cozy, warmly-lit cafe with wooden decor, red curtains, and a bicycle parked outside, offering a glimpse of people dining inside through large glass windows. A quiet residential street in Taipei lined with cars, scooters, and buildings, with red lanterns hanging along a wall and mountains visible in the background. A riverside cycling and walking path in Taipei at sunset, with city buildings and a bridge reflected in the calm water, under a pink and orange sky. A graffiti artwork of a stylized eel or dragon on a weathered concrete wall, featuring blue outlines and shading. Favourite Photos Taiwan Inspire Your Next Adventure A pond with lotus plants in front of a grand traditional building with an orange roof, surrounded by palm trees and modern skyscrapers in the background. A bustling city street with a prominent building in the center featuring a unique staggered architectural design, pedestrians and vehicles in the foreground. Two men working in a traditional kitchen preparing dumplings, with stacks of steamers and trays of dumplings on a wooden workbench covered in flour. A lush green suspension bridge surrounded by dense forest, with a person walking along its wooden planks toward a pathway at the far end. An open-air rustic cafe with wooden beams and tables, decorated with plants and artisan products, as customers sit and enjoy the natural setting. A scenic village road framed by tropical trees and foliage, leading to a cluster of homes with red-tiled roofs, set against a backdrop of forested hills. A bustling street market filled with people walking and shopping, surrounded by red-brick buildings with traditional Chinese signage, scooters parked along the sides. A man wearing a dark jacket and cap sitting on a bench with his dog laying on its back, looking relaxed, as bicycles and people pass by in the background. A lively outdoor food market at night with string lights illuminating various colorful food stalls, a bride in a white wedding dress and a groom in a suit. A riverside food and drink area at Pier 5 in Taipei with people dining at wooden tables, food stalls lit up under string lights, and city buildings visible across the water in the distance. A picturesque view of a waterfall cascading over a lush green cliff, next to an old stone temple with red doors and balconies. A scenic view through an open octagonal window framing a forested valley under a bright blue sky. A woman standing on a small balcony of a stone temple built into a cliffside, surrounded by dense greenery and cascading water. A close-up view of sunlight sparkling through water droplets from a waterfall, with a distant mountain landscape in the background. A green, mossy cliffside with a waterfall spraying mist over the surrounding foliage, and a stone pathway leading to an old temple built into the rocks. A luxurious bathroom with a stone and wood design, featuring a sunken bathtub by a large window offering a view of lush green trees outside. A wooden table with a traditional Chinese tea set, including teapots and cups, overlooking a cityscape lit up at night in the background. A bubbling hot pot surrounded by various fresh ingredients such as mushrooms, lettuce, and noodles, with plates and sauces ready for cooking. A parked yellow truck featuring a graphic of a grumpy-looking cat and text, parked on a rainy street with scooters nearby. A warmly lit street-side restaurant entrance decorated with red and yellow hanging lanterns, with diners visible inside.

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