Discover Taiwan’s National Parks and Scenic Areas

When Portuguese sailors happened upon Taiwan in 1542, they called it Ilha Formosa, meaning “beautiful island”. Gargantuan, dramatic mountains covered in dense jungle foliage make up around two-thirds of Taiwan’s topography, with about ten percent of the total land area protected by the government.

Taiwan boasts nine official national parks, with their establishment beginning in the 1980s, alongside another dozen scenic areas. Together, these destinations offer endless opportunities to immerse yourself in nature, whether it’s trekking along the steep ridgelines of mountains, cycling remote coastal highways, or tracing rivers from one scenic waterfall to another.

Your Guide to Taiwan’s Natural Wonders

Here is our selection of seven national parks and scenic areas in Taiwan that are guaranteed to take your breath away.

Yushan National Park

Best for High-Altitude Escape

Occupying a substantial area of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range, Yushan, which translates to “Jade Peak”, is named after Taiwan’s highest mountain, surpassing even Japan’s Mount Fuji. This park houses over 30 peaks reaching elevations of 3000 meters (9842ft), with a variety of trails available at different altitudes. Fortunately, many of these trails do not require a guide.

Spring and early autumn are the most favorable times to hike in the park; notably, May is the month perfect for butterfly spotting. Tatajia serves as the starting point for a range of forested day hikes suitable for all skill levels. Moreover, adventurers can experience the non-technical two-day ascent of Jade Peak, with an overnight stay at Paiyun Lodge along the way (be sure to arrange the necessary permits in advance). For those seeking a multi-day back-country challenge, the 96km (59-mile) Japanese Occupation Batongguan Traversing Route, a colonial-era trail restored in the 1980s, provides an exhilarating experience.

Shei-pa National Park

Best for Multi-Day Mountain Trails

In Shei-pa National Park, visitors can choose their adventure from leisurely bird-watching nature walks near the Wuling Farm entrance to treks that showcase breathtaking scenery, such as the Guanwu Waterfall Trail. Additionally, a variety of backpacking trails typically take 3-4 days to complete, along with mountaineering routes that include the towering Xueshan (Snow Peak), the second-highest mountain in Taiwan. The mountains here are the origin of several powerful river systems, which create a rich diversity of ecosystems, offering glimpses of various animal and plant species such as salmon, black bears, Swinhoe’s Blue Pheasant, and barking deer.

As with Yushan and other Taiwanese national parks, visitors will need to apply for a permit lottery for entry, regardless of whether they plan on day hiking or embarking on a lengthy adventure.

Kenting National Park

Best for Sun, Sea, and Surf

Located at the southern tip of Taiwan, Kenting is a coastal paradise, ideal for engaging in activities ranging from diving and windsurfing to a burgeoning surfing scene.

As Taiwan’s oldest national park, Kenting features a diverse landscape where low mountains meet dramatic coral cliffs, limestone caves, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters. This scenic beauty may seem familiar; it is famously showcased in films such as Ang Lee’s Life of Pi. Divers will find ideal sites on the outer islands, while birdwatchers can observe 310 species of birds that inhabit the park. Don’t forget to visit the Eluanbi Lighthouse, Kenting’s iconic landmark that has graced the shoreline since the 1880s.

Taroko National Park

Best for a Gorgeous Gorge

Covering 1200 sq km (463 sq miles) of breathtaking nature, Taroko National Park is famous for a stunning 18km (11-mile) section known as Taroko Gorge. Here, soaring canyon walls rise dramatically from the blue-green Liwu River, creating an essential destination for visitors. A range of hiking trails and cycle routes, including the thrilling Zhuilu Old Trail, provides numerous ways to admire one of Asia’s scenic wonders. For those looking to explore more, guided river tracing, canyoning, and road cycling adventures over high-altitude passes offer world-class views.

Yangmingshan National Park

Best for Hot Springs and Volcanoes

Conveniently located near Taipei, Yangmingshan National Park is a geological gem featuring hiking trails, bubbling hot springs, challenging cycling routes, and several dormant volcanoes, including Seven Star Peak. This popular hiking destination is surrounded by lush tropical foliage and steaming rivers, particularly in Beitou, located just on the edge of the park. Here, visitors can discover bits of history, such as the Grass Mountain Chateau built in 1920 and once visited by Japanese Crown Prince Hirohito; it later became Chiang Kai-shek’s first residence in 1949 and is now a museum with a well-regarded restaurant.

East Coast National Scenic Area

Best for Eco-Tourism Attractions

Though it isn’t classified as a national park, the stunning sweep of unspoiled coastline along Taiwan’s east coast is recognized as a national scenic area and features breathtaking coastal roads and majestic mountains. Notable ecotourism attractions include Zhaori Hot Springs, where circular dip pools bubble with saltwater against the backdrop of dramatic sea stacks and cliffs. Furthermore, outdoor enthusiasts can engage in whale watching, with 31 species of whales and dolphins visiting Taiwanese waters. The East Coast also offers chances to learn about Taiwan’s indigenous peoples and provides excellent opportunities for surfing, rafting, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Alishan National Scenic Area

Best for All-Ages Accessibility

This mountain resort area has been attracting tourists to admire cherry blossoms and sunsets since the early Japanese era, making Alishan the most developed destination on this list. However, the vintage hotels and plentiful day-trippers do not detract from the beauty of the red cypress and yellow cedar forests or the breathtaking views of mountains peeking through a sea of clouds. Additionally, Alishan offers several easy and accessible hiking paths, as well as a more adventurous trek following a moss-covered logging railway route that crosses wooden bridges and passes through dark tunnels (permit required).

Preparing for Outdoor Adventures in Taiwan

• Weather can change quickly, so it’s essential to be prepared for both wet and dry conditions, particularly regarding footwear and stability.

• Permits are required for entry to many parks, even for day trips. It’s important to check with local visitor centers. National Park permits generally need to be arranged at least a week in advance and may involve a lottery process.

• Due to Taiwan’s geological nature, conditions can be unpredictable, especially following earthquakes. Always check the weather and local advisories for safety when exploring mountainous regions.

• Caution is advised as there are some animals to avoid, including venomous snakes, ticks, and wasps, which are attracted to perfumes and brightly colored clothing.

This article was first published on March 10, 2021, and was updated on July 20, 2022.