Top 5 places in Central and Southern Taiwan to add to your must-visit list

The third-largest city in Taiwan, it offers tourists a wide range of activities with plenty of museums to explore, shopping areas, night markets and a lively nightlife. The city also boasts several temples, including the Xinshe Castle and Rainbow Village.

Nearby Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan's most beautiful attractions and a must-see for any visitor. Surrounded by lush forests and breathtaking mountain views, it's the largest body of water in the country and offers abundant nature, boat rides, hiking and cycling. 

There is also the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, Nantou County nearby which provides a unique opportunity to learn about Taiwan's indigenous cultures. The village has interactive activities for visitors to learn about the different tribes and customs, including watching traditional dances and performances, shopping at the village market for local handicrafts and souvenirs, and sampling the cuisine of Taiwan's indigenous people. Taichung City is a few hours from Taipei.

This mountain range, located in central Taiwan, offers plenty of things to do, from trekking through the lush forests to taking in the spectacular views from the top of Mount Ali. Stop by one of the various tea plantations or enjoy an evening ride on a magical forest railway - whatever you choose, Alishan is a great destination. Get there by train from Taipei.

The oldest city in Taiwan, it's home to several historical sites and temples, including Fort Zeelandia, the Former British Consulate at Takao, Chihkan Tower, the Anping Tree House, and Tainan Confucian Temple (also known as Quan Tai Shou Xue). The city also has a vibrant food culture, with multiple restaurants serving up local specialties such as dan zi noodles (a flavourful noodle soup dish that dates back to the late Qing dynasty), coffin bread (hollowed fried bread with a creamy savoury filling), white gourd tea and more!  

Visit this vibrant port city, explore the harbour area, enjoy the views across Love River, or check out the Pier-2 Art Center – a repurposed warehouse district turned creative hub and one of Kaoshiung’s most popular cultural spot. When night falls, you can feast your way through the Ruifeng, Liuhe or Lingya/Ziqiang Night Markets. Consider planning your visit to coincide with special festivals, for example, the Festival of Light at Fo Guang Shan in late January to early February where you can make a light offering and admire lanterns that decorate the monastery. Or, take part in Kaohsiung Spring Arts Festival from February to July and enjoy multiple concerts and art exhibits. The Mid-Autumn Festival held every September is also a must - indulge on moon cakes while marvelling at floating lanterns during breathtaking fireworks shows!

Located in Pingtung County in the southernmost tip of Taiwan, Kenting is popular among visitors looking for adventure. Surfing is one of the main activities at the park with beginner-friendly and advanced spots to hit the waves, and plenty of surf schools for those taking a board out for the first time. Tourists can also experience other attractions and activities, including scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, camping and hiking trails, along with the exceptional coastal views. Electric scooters are also available and great for exploring the area – although an international license is required. The most convenient way to get to Kenting from Taipei would be via the High-Speed Rail (HSR) plus shuttle bus which would take approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.