At 395km (245 miles) long, the island of Taiwan is a paradise of superlative road trips. It’s known as Ilha Formosa (Beautiful Island), and from hot springs to pristine beaches to cosmopolitan cities, it’s obvious why.
While it’s easy to get around Taiwan—nearly all scenic spots and popular destinations are accessible via public transportation—travelers wishing to see the entire island without worrying about train and bus schedules should consider a road trip. Driving is an ideal way to get off the beaten track and see beautiful scenery, all at your own pace.
These top itineraries stop at the best places in Taiwan, each boasting its own famous food and attractions, highlighting the allure of the country as a holiday destination while also offering an authentic experience of life in Taiwan. You can complete all nine trips in two weeks—and circumnavigate the island too! Fueled by night markets, bubble tea and incredible scenery, these are the best road trips in Taiwan.
1. Taipei and vicinity
Best road trip for those short on time
Taipei–Wulai; 45.5km (28 miles)
Drive to the top of the mountains in southern Taipei for extraordinary views of the capital. Stop at Zhinan Temple, a Taoist temple dedicated to Lu Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals, and nicknamed “Temple of 1000 Steps,” thanks to its 1275 steps. Afterward, sip tiěguānyīn, an oolong tea, from one of the area’s tea shops.
Next, drive to Shenkeng, famous for its chòu dòufu (stinky tofu). Don’t let the odor stop you from indulging in fermented tofu cubes, deep-fried and topped with a mild chili sauce and a cold heap of pickled cabbage.
Continue the journey to idyllic Wulai, home to the Atayal, Taiwan’s second-largest aboriginal group. Sample Atayal food, like mountain boar, zhutong fan (rice steamed in bamboo tubes) and colorful mochi, along the cobblestoned Wulai Old Street before admiring the nearby Wulai Waterfall, which flows into the Nanshih River. Soak in the milky sulfuric hot springs, just off Wen Quan Road.
Planning tip: This short trip is easily done in half a day, but take a more leisurely tour by reversing the trip, driving straight to Wulai, then stopping in Shenkeng for dinner and finishing up in Maokong, where many of the tea shops are open until the wee hours of the morning. While you can ride the Maokong Gondola to Maokong, driving offers more flexibility—the cable car stops running in the early evening.
2. North and northeastern coast
Best road trip for classic Taiwan
Taipei—Jiaosi—Taipei; 242km (150 miles); allow two or more days
This northern Taiwan drive includes a bit of everything—funky geological formations, night markets, tea shops, lanterns, hot springs, and one of Taiwan’s best beaches.
Start with a drive northeast to the wind-whipped coast of Yehliu, where quirky rock sculptures have naturally emerged. Backtrack a short distance to the fishing village of Keelung, famed for its temples and bustling Miaokou Night Market near the harbor.
A short drive east is Jinguashi, a former gold-mining town that is worth visiting. Then head to Jiufen—it’s worth taking your time to meander through narrow, laddered Jishan St, adorned with red lanterns.
Time your visit for sunset to watch the sun sink below the mesmerizing mountainscape while sipping piping hot pots of tea. Cap off the day by launching lanterns from the nearby hamlet of Shifen or its neighboring township, Pingxi, two mountain towns you can easily walk between. Stay overnight.
On day two, drive to Toucheng, both for the black-sand beach and the Lanyang Museum, which has exhibits on the lush surroundings. Then continue to Jiaosi, the epicenter of Taiwan’s ecotourism. The scenic drive is memorable for mountains that tower over emerald-green rice fields, coastal cliffs, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. (Look carefully, and you might see a dolphin or whale!)
3. Northwest adventure
Best road trip for cultural immersion
Taipei—Taichung; 174km (108 miles)
Sansia has one of Taiwan’s most popular Taoist temples, Tzushr Temple, and some of the best examples of late Qing Dynasty and early Japanese colonial period architecture can be found on Sansia’s Minquan Old Street. Take a short drive to Yingge, the capital of pottery production in Taiwan, to admire the pottery along the cobblestoned Yingge Old Street and at the New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum.
Drive southwest to the coast and then south to Miaoli, the heart of Hakka culture in Taiwan. Stop at a tea shop to grind your own léi chá—green tea leaves, sesame seeds, and peanuts ground to a fine powder. Visit the local wood carving shops and indulge in unique hand-crafted souvenirs.
4. Sun Moon Lake
Best road trip for nature lovers
Taichung—Sun Moon Lake; 84.7km (52.6 miles)
Sip bubble tea at Chun Shui Tang, the teashop where the iconic milk tea with tapioca bubbles was invented. Explore the bustling Fengjia Night Market, before departing for the alpine Sun Moon Lake.
Located 748m (2454ft) above sea level, Sun Moon Lake is a must-see destination: a freshwater lake separated into two parts by an island, yielding a body of water that resembles a moon and a sun. Definitely stop for a boat or bike ride around the Xiangshan Bike Trail, which runs the circumference of the lake.
Hikers can enjoy 14 trails adjacent to the lake. The area is also a perfect spot to spot butterflies, as Taiwan has one of the highest concentrations of butterflies globally.
5. Drive in the clouds: Chiayi and Alishan
Best road trip for history and beauty
Sun Moon Lake—Alishan; 146km (90.7 miles)
The southern town of Chiayi is full of hometown hospitality. The southern branch of the National Palace Museum is here, featuring a vast collection of ceramics, jade, paintings, and calligraphy. Most folks venture to Chiayi to visit Alishan National Park, braving cold temps and strong winds at the summit of Zhushan.
Alishan was originally settled by the Tsou, one of Taiwan’s aboriginal tribes, and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Taiwan. The vertigo-inducing road to Alishan offers views of bamboo fields and majestic forests of red cypress, cedar, and pine trees.
6. Southwest Taiwan
Best road trip for quintessential Taiwan
Alishan—Kaohsiung; 173km (107 miles)
After the heart-stopping drive up and down Alishan, enjoy leisurely vistas along Taiwan’s southwest coast, known for its sunny skies, exquisite food, and rich arts and culture. Explore Tainan’s temples and canal-side cafes. Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s southern port city, boasts a rich maritime history, making it a vibrant place to explore.
7. Kenting and southern Taiwan coast
Best road trip for a beach vacation
Kaohsiung—Kenting; 110km (68 miles)
Taiwan’s version of a spring-break beach destination is Kenting, known for its sandy beaches and great waves for surfers. The beach town features surf shops, a night market, and the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium, which holds 15,000 marine creatures.
8. East coast drive and Taroko Gorge
Best road trip for stunning scenery and Taiwan backpacking
Kenting—Taroko Gorge; 323km (200.7 miles)
One of the most popular drives is through Taroko Gorge, a 19km (12 mile) marble gorge formed from the rushing Liwu River. The expansive Taroko National Park is best explored by driving the Central Cross-Island Highway. Make sure to stop and explore various key points of interest along the way.
9. Northeast coast
Best road trip for coastal views
Taroko Gorge—Taipei; 154km (95 miles)
Drive along the Suao-Hualien Highway, the only coastal road in Taroko National Park. The exhilarating ride features the Qingshui Cliffs, which rise dramatically above the Pacific Ocean. Continue driving north before concluding your trip back in Taipei for more adventures.
Tips for driving in Taiwan
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Renting a car is straightforward; however, you need an International Driving Permit.
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Scooters are popular, but caution is advised. Scooters and motorcycles over 50cc require a driver’s license.
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Roads are generally well maintained; nevertheless, be cautious of scooters, particularly in cities where unexpected lane changes can occur.
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Both drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts at all times.
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It’s illegal to use a cell phone while driving, so plan ahead.
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Road signs are typically in both Chinese characters and romanized Chinese, making navigation accessible.
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Street addresses follow a specific order: postal code, county, district, road, section, lane, alley, street, house number, followed by any relevant building or apartment details.
