Nearby Destinations: Yangmingshan National Park

Transportation Options for Each

Beitou: Take the Taipei MRT (Red Line) to Xinbeitou Station. From there, a short walk leads to the main hot spring area and museum.

Tamsui: Take the Taipei MRT (Red Line) directly to Tamsui Station, the line's last stop.

Guided Tours vs. Self-Guided Journeys

Guided journeys simplify visiting multiple destinations, especially for places like Jiufen, Shifen, and Yehliu, which combine well for a single day. Guides share historical background and manage travel arrangements.
Self-guided travel is more adaptable and frequently more economical. You set your own pace and connect with locals.
Jiufen/Shifen: Reaching these locations needs planning. Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station. From Ruifang, buses go to Jiufen or local trains along the Pingxi Line to Shifen. Direct buses from Taipei to Jiufen also operate.
Keelung: Take a train or bus from Taipei Main Station directly to Keelung.

Natural Escapes

Outside Yangmingshan, Northern Taiwan features other stunning natural landscapes.

Yehliu Geopark

Located on the northern coast, this park is famous for its unique geological rock formations sculpted by sea erosion. The "Queen's Head" rock is the most iconic. A visit here can combine with Jiufen due to proximity.

Coastal Views

The entire northern coast of Taiwan presents dramatic landscapes, rugged cliffs, and picturesque coastal drives.
This region presents a different natural beauty from Yangmingshan’s volcanic terrain.
Beaches, mountains, and rural areas are plentiful.

Beaches & Mountains

Fulong Beach: On the northeast coast, this sandy beach is popular for swimming and sunbathing in summer. It hosts an annual sand sculpture festival. Wulai: South of Taipei, Wulai is a scenic aboriginal village known for its hot springs and waterfalls.

Hot Spring Retreats

Wulai's old street adds to its charm.
It has refreshing hot springs.
Beautiful waterfalls complete the scene.

Seasonal Natural Beauty

Spring & Summer

Cherry blossoms bloom in Yangmingshan in spring.
Firefly viewing is possible in some rural areas outside Taipei during spring and early summer.
Summer can be hot and humid, prepare for warmth.
Typhoon season occurs in late summer/early autumn.

Autumn & Winter

In autumn, especially in Yangmingshan, silvergrass transforms grasslands into beautiful golden or silvery hues.
Cooler, drier weather is common in winter, ideal for hiking.
Winter is perfect for hot spring bathing.
Temperatures can drop, bring layers.

Suggested Timelines for Exploration

Yangmingshan + Beitou:Full day (6-8 hours)
Tamsui:Half to full day (4-6 hours)
Jiufen & Shifen:Full day (8-10 hours)
Yehliu Geopark:Half day (3-4 hours)

Keelung:Half day (3-5 hours)
Wulai:Half to full day (4-6 hours)
Sanxia & Daxi Old Streets:Full day (6-8 hours)
Pingxi Line villages:Full day (6-8 hours)

Explore and Book Day Trips!

Find and book incredible day trips and excursions to these stunning locations and more. Discover your next adventure on GetYourGuide!

Cultural Excursions

Uncover historical sites and charming rural villages outside Taipei's immediate vicinity.

Historic Streets

Sanxia Old Street & Daxi Old Street have well-preserved traditional architecture and local crafts. They offer a glimpse into Taiwan’s past.

Rural Train Lines

The Pingxi Line, near Shifen, traverses scenic rural areas and old mining villages. It presents a charming journey through a quieter part of Taiwan.

Pilgrimage Sites

Numerous temples throughout Taiwan hold spiritual significance. Visiting these sites gives insight into local religious practices.

Historical Sites Beyond Taipei

Discover the rich history in areas surrounding Taipei.

Noteworthy Locations

Sanxia Old Street: A well-preserved street with traditional architecture.
Daxi Old Street: Features historic buildings and local crafts.
Both located south of Taipei, they unveil Taiwan's past.

Rural Villages & Agricultural Areas

Explore Taiwan's charming countryside.

Countryside Charm

Pingxi Line: A historic railway through scenic rural areas.
Old mining villages along the Pingxi Line.
Experience a quieter part of Taiwan with traditional agricultural landscapes.

Cultural Insights

Local Crafts:Discover unique, handcrafted goods.

Traditional Tea Houses:Experience ancient tea ceremonies.

Night Markets:Taste diverse local delicacies.

Historical Forts:Learn about colonial pasts.

Ancient Temples:Witness religious practices.

Scenic Sunsets:Enjoy natural beauty over historic settings.

Cultural Connection

Consider a local guide to share stories and history.
Visit traditional markets for an authentic local experience.
Look for cultural performances or workshops.
Engage with artisans to understand their craft.
Explore lesser-known museums for unique insights.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your Taiwan trip beyond Taipei and Northern Taiwan to explore other regions of the island.

East Coast Immersion

Hualien/Taroko Gorge: Easily accessible by TRA train. Taroko Gorge is one of Taiwan's most spectacular natural wonders.

Gorge Exploration

Features marble cliffs, tunnels, and deep canyons.
Carved by the Liwu River.
At least 2 days are ideal for full appreciation.

Central Taiwan Retreats

Sun Moon Lake/Alishan: These locations offer serene natural beauty.

Mountain & Lake Splendor

Sun Moon Lake: A beautiful 1-2 day trip.
Alishan National Scenic Area: Famous for tea plantations and ancient cypress forests.
Stunning sunrise views over a sea of clouds.

Connecting to Other Regions

From Taipei, easy connections lead to Hualien (east), Taichung (central), or Tainan/Kaohsiung (south).

Transport Links

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR): Rapid travel to cities along the western corridor.
Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA): Connects to eastern cities, scenic routes nationwide.
Buses: A comprehensive network to reach more remote areas not served by trains.

Logical Next Destinations

These cities present different regional flavors and attractions.

Regional Hubs

Hualien for eastern adventures.
Taichung for central exploration.
Tainan/Kaohsiung for southern culture.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

A loop tour around the island presents a popular itinerary for longer regional travel.

Clockwise or Counter-Clockwise

You can travel in either direction, using THSR for fast-paced west coast cities.

Scenic East Coast

Utilize TRA or buses for the scenic east coast.

Diverse Experience

This approach lets you experience Taiwan’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

Plan Your Extended Adventure

For a seamless and authentic journey, consider ethical tour operators like G Adventures for multi-day explorations.

Nearby Destinations