Visited Taipei countless of times and beginning to find yourselves tired of the ubiquitous skyscrapers?

Then perhaps it is time to venture out of the city and explore what Taiwan’s serene rural areas have to offer. Furthermore, plenty of scientific research have also proved that the exposure to natural landscapes indeed reduces one’s stress levels significantly.

Here is our guide to 5 Must-Visit Scenic Countryside Destinations in Taiwan. These tranquil and natural Taiwanese beauties are the answers for both outdoor adventurers and worn-out city dwellers who are looking for a temporary escapade.

#1 JIUFEN

Jiufen is a mountainous attraction located at the Rui Fang District in New Taipei City. Previously an isolated village with only nine families, Jiufen flourished and grew rapidly following the discovery of gold during the Japanese Occupation. Today, it is one of the most popular destinations amongst both Taiwanese locals and travellers from all walks of life.

Other than being a popular filming spot, Jiufen is home to a vast variety of incredible street food and traditional homemade snacks where tourists can take home packaged bites at extremely affordable prices.

Fun fact: Legendary Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki was so inspired by Jiufen that he had illustrated it in his award-winning film Spirited Away.

Read our guide on the Must-Try Local Foods at Jiufen Old Street.

#2 QINGSHUI CLIFF

The 21-kilometre stretch of coastal cliffs located in Hualien County is a stunning landscape. Head to the lowest point, Qing He Beach, where you can walk along the pebbled coast and marvel at nature’s magnificence.

Looking up, we were blown away by how tiny we actually are! The height of the towering cliffs range from approximately 800 to 2400 metres.

Qingshui Cliff has been coined as one of the island’s Eight Wonders. The beautiful ocean transits from a light shade of blue to a darkish tone of blue and the pebbles lining up the coast are each unique. The beach is a wonderful place to meditate with the soothing sounds of crashing waves, but note that swimming is strictly prohibited.

#3 SUN MOON LAKE

Sun Moon Lake’s special terrains resemble the sun from one side and the crescent moon on the other end, hence gaining its apt name. Despite being a countryside destination, Sun Moon Lake itself attracts six million annual visits for its diverse ecological system, indigenous tribes and gorgeous scenery. The Taiwanese wonder is also Taiwan’s largest freshwater lake.

There are many entertainment and activities available at Sun Moon Lake, but it is best to do your research prior to arrival.

Visitors can view pretty cherry blossoms in full bloom in February, cycle on the world’s best cycling paths or celebrate the Harvest Festival with Thao aborigines on the first day of the seventh lunar month and on the second day of the eighth lunar month.

#4 TAROKO NATIONAL PARK

The 920 km² wide Taroko National Park is renowned for its iconic landmark – The Taroko Gorge.

Spanning across Hualien County, Nantou County and Taichung Municipality, it will take more than a day to fully explore Taroko National Park. The spectacular marble geological features were formed since 200 million years ago and are still morphing at a gradual rate.

Visitors can borrow helmets for free from the Visitor’s Centre to protect themselves from rockfalls. If you are travelling without a tour guide, do bring along a portable torch light as you might have to walk through a few tunnels in complete darkness. You can also expect suspension footbridges, plunging waterfalls and lush vegetation. Always check the weather before visiting Taroko!

#5 YUSHAN NATIONAL PARK

Yushan National Park boasts not just the highest point in Taiwan, but also the tallest peak in Northeast Asia. The tallest mountain – standing at 3,952 meters – boasts jaw-dropping scenery that would have you pinching yourself. We were literally walking in the clouds and were ecstatic on how surreal it felt! Till date, it remains one of our most memorable experiences.

More than half of Yushan National Park is elevated at above 2,000 meters, hence those suffering from altitude sickness should be warned that they might suffer from nausea and lightheadedness. Temperatures at Yushan National Park vary drastically due to its dramatic altitudes, but that makes the place a suitable habitat for many flora and fauna.

Going on a hiking expedition is always an exciting adventure to look forward to. You get to temporarily disconnect from the overwhelmingly hectic lifestyle, explore the best of nature, and of course, burn all the undesirable calories you have gained from the holidays!

Few things in life are more liberating than reconnecting with Mother Nature.

From Hong Kong’s best urban hiking trail Dragon’s Back to Taiwan’s highest point Yushan National Park, here is our Guide to the 8 Best Hikes in Asia for Every Adventurous Traveller Out There.

#1 DRAGON’S BACK, HONG KONG

Are you looking for an easy hike with spectacular views?

Located in the outskirts of metropolis Hong Kong, Dragon’s Back boasts breathtaking panoramic backdrops of tall skyscrapers, coastal shores and its surrounding mountainous region. The best part is you can conquer Dragon’s Back within an hour if you embark on the shortcut that we have taken.

Source: Destination Chiangmai

#2 DOI INTHANON, THAILAND

Situated in the Chom Tong District of Chiang Mai Province, Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s tallest mountain and is also otherwise known as Doi Ang Ka or Doi Luang. The highest peak is at 2,565 metres and the majestic hilltop is home to several hundred species of flora and fauna.

Doi Inthanon is also exceptionally popular amongst avid birdwatchers and enthusiastic hikers.

Source: Jess Hay

#3 MOUNT BATUR, BALI, INDONESIA

Mount Batur – an active Balinese volcano – last erupted in year 2000 but has fallen back into a deep slumber for the past decade and a half. Rising 1,717 metres above sea level, a hike up the scenic Indonesian mountain can be completed within two hours one-way by fit climbers.

Source: Remote Islands

#4 MOUNT BROMO, EAST JAVA, INDONESIA

It takes approximately four hours to drive from Surabaya – the capital of East Java – to active Indonesian volcano Mount Bromo, but the long journey has not deterred many from hiking up the prominent volcanic mountain. Needless to say, the scenery is incredibly beautiful.

Source: Chuck Jonkey

#5 MOUNT KINABALU, MALAYSIA

Nestled by the lush greenery of UNESCO World Heritage Site Kinabalu Park, Mount Kinabalu is a natural attraction located just under a short 2-hour drive away from the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu.

Standing at 4,095 metres, the towering mountain is simply unmissable.

#6 TAROKO NATIONAL PARK, TAIWAN

The 920 km² wide Taroko National Park is renowned for its iconic landmark – The Taroko Gorge.

Spanning across Hualien County, Nantou County and Taichung Municipality, it will take more than a day to fully explore Taroko National Park. The spectacular marble geological features were formed since 200 million years ago and are still morphing at a gradual rate.

#7 YUSHAN NATIONAL PARK, TAIWAN

Yushan National Park – the tallest point in Taiwan – is also the highest peak in Northeast Asia. With an altitude of 3,952 meters, the jaw-dropping scenery will have everyone pinching themselves. We were literally walking in the clouds and were ecstatic about how surreal it felt!

Source: Lori and John Skip Town

#8 100 WATERFALLS, LAOS

Laos’ 100 Waterfalls is a gem that one should visit with a guided tour. This is due to the fact that a couple of unexploded bombs from the Vietnam War remain at large in unchartered territories. Besides this imminent danger, the gorgeous site itself is worth a special trip.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.