Taiwan’s Spectacular Outdoors 7 Awe-Inspiring Adventures Beyond Taipei
Taiwan's Spectacular Outdoors 7 Awe-Inspiring Adventures Beyond Taipei - Yilan's Coastal Wonders - Dolphin Spotting and Mountain Hiking
From the thrill of dolphin spotting to the challenge of mountain hiking, the region promises an unforgettable experience.
Yilan's coastline is home to a diverse array of marine life, including the rare Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, which can be spotted during specialized dolphin-watching tours, providing a unique opportunity to observe these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.
The Fossil Forest Trail, a lesser-known natural marvel in Yilan, allows visitors to explore a preserved forest from the Miocene era, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's ancient geological history.
The National Center for Traditional Arts in Yilan showcases the island's rich cultural heritage, featuring exhibitions, performances, and workshops that highlight the intricate craftsmanship and traditions of Taiwanese artisans, offering a unique cultural experience for visitors.
What else is in this post?
- Taiwan's Spectacular Outdoors 7 Awe-Inspiring Adventures Beyond Taipei - Yilan's Coastal Wonders - Dolphin Spotting and Mountain Hiking
- Taiwan's Spectacular Outdoors 7 Awe-Inspiring Adventures Beyond Taipei - Embracing Taiwan's Natural Hot Springs
- Taiwan's Spectacular Outdoors 7 Awe-Inspiring Adventures Beyond Taipei - Exploring Sun Moon Lake's Sacred Beauty
- Taiwan's Spectacular Outdoors 7 Awe-Inspiring Adventures Beyond Taipei - Cycling Through Taiwan's Breathtaking National Parks
- Taiwan's Spectacular Outdoors 7 Awe-Inspiring Adventures Beyond Taipei - Discovering the Gorges and Canyons of Taroko
Taiwan's Spectacular Outdoors 7 Awe-Inspiring Adventures Beyond Taipei - Embracing Taiwan's Natural Hot Springs
Taiwan's natural hot springs are a true gem for visitors, offering a diverse range of experiences.
From the grand, Roman-inspired baths of Beitou District to the secluded, mineral-rich springs hidden in the mountains of Taitung and Lisong, Taiwan's hot springs provide a soothing and therapeutic escape amidst breathtaking natural settings.
Beyond the well-known destinations, numerous other hot springs, both organized and wild, can be found across the island, each with its own unique character and charm.
The Beitou District in Taipei is home to the only thermal valley in an urban setting in East Asia, featuring Roman-inspired grand baths that combine modern luxury with the region's natural hot spring heritage.
Yangmingshan National Park, located just north of Taipei, is home to six distinct hot springs that are sourced directly from the volcanic mountains, providing a unique geothermal experience.
The Zhaori hot springs in Taitung County are one of the few saltwater hot springs in Taiwan, offering a distinct and rejuvenating bathing experience.
Many of Taiwan's outdoor hot springs are located in secluded, off-the-beaten-path areas, accessible only by hiking trails, allowing visitors to soak in the therapeutic waters while surrounded by the breathtaking natural landscape.
Taiwan's Spectacular Outdoors 7 Awe-Inspiring Adventures Beyond Taipei - Exploring Sun Moon Lake's Sacred Beauty
Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities at the lake, including scenic boat rides, gondola rides, and exploring the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.
The lake is a popular destination for nature lovers, with the annual Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Sun Moon Lake sits at an impressive elevation of 748 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest alpine lakes in Taiwan.
The lake's unique shape, with one side resembling the sun and the other the moon, is believed to have inspired its name, which translates to "Lake of the Sun and the Moon" in English.
The Formosan Sika Deer, an endangered subspecies endemic to Taiwan, can be spotted roaming the forested areas surrounding Sun Moon Lake, a testament to the region's rich biodiversity.
The lake's waters are fed by numerous underground springs, resulting in a consistently high water level throughout the year, even during dry seasons.
Sun Moon Lake is home to the Thao people, one of Taiwan's indigenous tribes, who have inhabited the region for centuries and maintain a strong cultural presence on Lalu Island.
The annual Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival, held in October, attracts thousands of participants from around the world, making it one of the largest open-water swimming events in Asia.
The lake's gondola system, known as the "Sun Moon Lake Ropeway," offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular mode of transportation for visitors to explore the region.
Taiwan's Spectacular Outdoors 7 Awe-Inspiring Adventures Beyond Taipei - Cycling Through Taiwan's Breathtaking National Parks
Cycling offers an exhilarating way to explore Taiwan's diverse landscapes, from the marble-walled canyons of Taroko Gorge to the scenic plains and seaside vistas along the East Coast National Scenic Area.
The Taroko Gorge in Taroko National Park is composed of over 80% marble, making it one of the world's largest marble canyons and a geological wonder.
The Yushan (Mount Yu) in Yushan National Park is Taiwan's highest peak, standing at an impressive 3,952 meters (12,966 feet) above sea level, and is a popular destination for avid hikers.
The Kenting National Park in southern Taiwan is home to over 1,000 species of butterfly, making it a true haven for lepidopterists and nature enthusiasts.
The Alishan Forest Railway, which runs through the Alishan National Scenic Area, is one of the highest narrow-gauge mountain railways in the world, reaching an elevation of up to 2,216 meters (7,274 feet).
The Yangmingshan National Park, located just north of Taipei, is home to the Datun Volcano Group, which is considered one of the most active volcanic areas in Taiwan.
The Kinmen National Park, located on the small islands of Kinmen, features well-preserved historical fortifications and military structures from the Cold War era, offering a unique glimpse into Taiwan's turbulent past.
The Lanyu (Orchid Island) in Taitung County is home to the indigenous Tao people, who have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their traditional boat-building techniques.
The East Coast National Scenic Area, a popular cycling route, features the Eternal Spring Shrine, a unique architectural structure built into the side of a cliff, overlooking the stunning Taroko Gorge.
Taiwan's Spectacular Outdoors 7 Awe-Inspiring Adventures Beyond Taipei - Discovering the Gorges and Canyons of Taroko
Taroko National Park is home to the breathtaking Taroko Gorge, one of Taiwan's most famous outdoor attractions.
The marble-walled canyon, carved by the Liwu River, offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and stunning views.
The park is also home to other notable gorges, including the Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow Grotto, and the Tunnel of Nine Turns.
The Taroko Gorge is composed of over 80% marble, making it one of the largest marble canyons in the world.
This unique geological composition creates breathtaking white and gray hues along the walls of the gorge.
The Liwu River, which carves through the Taroko Gorge, has an average flow rate of 15 cubic meters per second, contributing to the rapid erosion of the marble and the formation of the dramatic cliffs and canyons.
The Eternal Spring Shrine, a famous landmark within Taroko National Park, was built into the side of the canyon wall in 1958 and is accessible via a series of tunnels and bridges, offering visitors a unique perspective of the gorge.
The Swallow Grotto, a section of the Taroko Gorge, is known for its high cliffs and the presence of swallows that nest in the crevices, creating a serene and picturesque setting.
The Zhuilu Old Road, a famous but challenging hiking trail in Taroko, was originally constructed by the indigenous Truku people and later used by the Japanese military during the colonial era.
The trail offers breathtaking views but is not recommended for those with a fear of heights.
The Tunnel of Nine Turns, a series of nine sharp turns carved into the marble cliffs, is a popular scenic drive within Taroko National Park, offering visitors a thrilling and visually stunning experience.
Taroko National Park is home to over 1,400 species of plants, including the rare and endemic Yushan fir, which can only be found in the high-altitude regions of the park.
The Taroko Marathon, an annual running event held in November, attracts participants from around the world who come to experience the stunning scenery and challenging terrain of the Taroko Gorge.
Visitors to Taroko National Park can reach the park by taking a 1-hour flight from Taipei for around NT$1,200 (US$40) or by taking a 2-hour train journey for less than half the cost, making it an accessible and affordable destination for outdoor enthusiasts.