10 Day Trips from Taipei You Shouldn’t Miss: Taiwan’s Overlooked Gems

While Taipei is packed with exciting food, culture, and night markets, there’s a treasure trove of underrated destinations beyond the city that are perfect for day trips and adventurers looking for something new

From misty mountain towns to quirky villages and coastal wonders, here are ten charming spots you can easily explore from the capital, offering a quieter, more scenic side of Taiwan.

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Wulai

Just over an hour from Taipei, Wulai is a peaceful mountain town known for its natural hot springs and rich indigenous Atayal culture. Visit the majestic Wulai Waterfall, hop on the tiny scenic tram that cuts through the forest, or enjoy a soak in a riverside hot spring bath. 

Don’t miss the local delicacies on Wulai Old Street, especially the mountain boar sausages and sticky rice cooked in bamboo.

How to get there:

By car: ~45 minutes (via Provincial Highway 9A from central Taipei)

By public transport: Take the MRT (Green Line) to Xindian Station (~20 min), then Bus 849 to Wulai (~25 min)

Pingxi Railway Line (Shifen & Houtong)

This former coal-mining railway line is now one of Taiwan’s most charming heritage routes. Start at Houtong, affectionately dubbed “Cat Village”, where rescued felines roam freely across the bridges, alleys, and cafés. 

Then hop back on the train to Shifen, where you can release a sky lantern along the tracks, a beloved local tradition. A short walk from the station brings you to Shifen Waterfall, Taiwan’s own Niagara Falls, dramatically set in a forested gorge. 

How to get there:

By car: ~60 minutes 

By public transport: Take a train to Ruifang Station (35–60 minutes, depending on train type). At Ruifang, transfer to the Pingxi Line branch train, which goes to both Houtong and Shifen. Trains on the Pingxi Line run about once an hour.

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Jiufen

Once a prosperous gold-mining town, Jiufen has reinvented itself as a nostalgic hillside retreat. Its maze of red lantern-lit alleyways, teahouses, and vintage shops has inspired Studio Ghibli films. 

Though it can get busy, arriving early or on a weekday rewards you with misty mountain views and peaceful teahouse moments. A wander through Jiufen Old Street feels like a step back in time.

How to get there:

By car: ~50–70 minutes

By public transport: Train to Ruifang (~32–60 min), then Bus 788/965/1062 to Jiufen Old Street (~10–15 min)

Jinguashi

A short drive or bus ride from Jiufen brings you to Jinguashi, a lesser-known yet stunning destination that also shares a gold-mining legacy. The Gold Ecological Park offers a fascinating look into the town’s mining past, including a chance to try lifting a real 220kg gold brick. 

For panoramic views, hike up Teapot Mountain, named after the kettle-shaped rock at its peak, and enjoy dramatic coastal and mountain scenery. Don’t miss the surreal Golden Waterfall nearby, where mineral-rich waters stain the rocks in striking gold and orange tones.

How to get there:

By car: ~60–75 minutes 

By public transport: Train to Ruifang (~35–60 min), then local bus (788/965 etc.) through Jiufen to Jinguashi (~15 min)

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Yehliu Geopark

About an hour’s drive from Taipei, Yehliu Geopark is a surreal coastal landscape filled with naturally sculpted rock formations. The most famous of these is the “Queen’s Head”, but the area is peppered with mushroom-shaped stones, honeycomb textures and sea-eroded cliffs. 

It’s a geologist’s dream, but also very photogenic in general. Early morning visits offer cooler weather and a quieter atmosphere. After exploring the park, grab some fresh seafood in the neighbouring fishing village.

How to get there:

By car: ~45–60 minutes 

By public transport: Bus 1815 from Taipei Main Station (~75 min) or MRT to Tamsui Station + Bus 862 (~75–90 min)

Maokong

Nestled in the hills on the southern edge of Taipei, Maokong is a tea lover’s haven. The scenic Maokong Gondola ride takes you over lush forests and temples, delivering panoramic views of the Taipei skyline. 

Once at the top, explore the tea plantations and settle into a traditional teahouse for locally grown Tieguanyin oolong. There are also leisurely hiking trails through the terraced hills, plus temples and tea museums to discover. 

How to get there:

By car: ~30–45 minutes

By public transport: Take the MRT Brown Line to Taipei Zoo (~20 min), then get on the Maokong Gondola ride (~12 min)

Tamsui

Tamsui offers a delightful change of pace at the mouth of the Tamsui River. Once a trading port, it retains colonial architecture, riverside promenades and a relaxing seaside atmosphere. 

Explore Fort San Domingo, visit the old British consulate, or take a romantic stroll to Lover’s Bridge at Fisherman’s Wharf. Tamsui is also a street food haven: look out for A-gei (tofu stuffed with glass noodles), iron eggs, and crispy fish crackers.

How to get there:

By car: ~30–40 minutes

By public transport: Take the MRT Red Line (Tamsui‑Xinyi) directly to Tamsui Station (~40 min)

Pinglin

Tucked away in the mountains southeast of Taipei, Pinglin is one of Taiwan’s most picturesque tea-growing regions. 

Visit the Pinglin Tea Museum to learn about the history and craft of Taiwanese tea. Bring or rent a bike, and spend the afternoon cruising by rivers, rustic tea houses, and suspension bridges. It’s an ideal retreat for those looking to slow down and savour the landscape.

How to get there:

By car: ~60–75 minutes 

By public transport: Take the bus from Muzha or Xindian MRT stations to Pinglin (~60–90 min); routes vary seasonally

Keelung

Often overlooked in favour of Jiufen or Yehliu, Keelung is a port city with character, history, and excellent food. Miaokou Night Market is one of the best in the country, famous for its thick crab soup, Taiwanese tempura, and more.

Visit the colourful Zhengbin Fishing Port, dubbed “Taiwan’s version of Burano, Italy”, or climb up to Zhongzheng Park for sea views and a massive white Guanyin statue. With its blend of urban life and maritime culture, Keelung is uniquely charming.

How to get there:

By car: ~30 minutes 

By public transport: Taiwan Railway commuter train from Taipei Main Station to Keelung (~40 min)

Yangmingshan National Park

Located just north of Taipei, Yangmingshan is a highland paradise of volcanic landscapes, flower fields, and quiet trails. Popular spots include the sulphuric fumaroles at Xiaoyoukeng and the grass-covered Datunshan ridgeline. 

While parts of the park can get crowded on weekends, there are plenty of lesser-trodden trails if you’re willing to explore. The park also has several hot spring areas and is one of the best places near Taipei for hiking, picnicking, and escaping the heat.

How to get there:

By car: ~30–60 minutes, depending on park entrance 

By public transport: Bus 108 from Jiantan MRT to Lengshuikeng (~28 min on bus). Alternatively, take buses from Beitou or Xinbeitou MRT (~30–60 min

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Go beyond the city

Taiwan’s smaller towns and nature escapes offer a side of the country that’s often missed by tourists sticking to the big cities. These ten destinations prove you don’t need to go far from Taipei to find breathtaking scenery, local flavour, and authentic charm.