FX.co ★ Seven must-see attractions in Taiwan

Taipei Metropolis

The top spot in our ranking goes to Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, the country’s economic hub. It is home to numerous enterprises specializing in electronics manufacturing. This sprawling city features many museums, entertainment centers, picturesque gardens, and ancient temples. Taipei is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and its skyline is dominated by skyscrapers, the most famous of which is Taipei 101, once considered one of the tallest buildings in the world until it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Kinmen Archipelago

Located in the Taiwan Strait, this group of 12 islands spans over 150 square kilometers. The Kinmen Archipelago, whose name translates as “Golden Gate,” lies near China’s Fujian province. Most of the population is concentrated here. Today, the main island, also named Kinmen, is renowned for its rich historical past. It features numerous architectural landmarks and traditional structures, including old villages, temples, monuments, fortresses, farmlands, and more. In the past, this archipelago was a battlefield between China and Taiwan.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Taiwanese citizens honor the memory of Sun Yat-sen, known as the founder of the Republic of China. In his honor, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall was built in 1972, not far from the Taipei 101 skyscraper. The complex houses memorial, lecture, and exhibition halls, as well as a large library with around 300,000 books. The memorial is surrounded by a lush green park with a crystal-clear lake. The total area of the building is 30,000 square meters.

Longshan Temple

One of the most popular and oldest temples in Taipei is Longshan Temple, built in 1738 by the first Chinese settlers. Over the years, the temple was damaged multiple times and even completely destroyed at one point—but it was eventually restored. Having survived numerous wars and natural disasters, Longshan Temple is located in Taipei’s historic district and is now a major Buddhist center in the country. It consists of three main halls—rear, central, and front—all richly decorated. The entrance features an elegant artificial waterfall.

Taipei Zoo

Founded in 1914, the Taipei Zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Taiwan. Its impressive territory spans 160 hectares, 90 hectares of which are open to visitors. The zoo houses animals from Africa, Australia, Asia, and Taiwan’s provinces, including Himalayan bears, antelopes, camels, lions, rhinos, and over 130 species of birds. Every year, the zoo welcomes more than 4 million tourists.

Presidential Office Building

No trip to Taipei is complete without visiting the Presidential Office Building, a symbol of Taiwan’s colonial subjugation under Japanese rule. Originally, the building served as the residence of the Japanese Governor-Generals. Completed in 1919, it once housed 11 governors. In 1950, it was converted into a museum. Today, it is open to the public for guided tours. The building’s exterior is striking, with an 11-story central tower equipped with an elevator. The interior design is equally impressive, featuring intricate details and unique architectural elements.

Wuling Farm

Rounding out Taiwan’s top 7 attractions is the breathtaking natural wonder known as Wuling Farm. This national forest recreation area is often described as a paradise on Earth. Centuries ago, it was home to the indigenous Atayal tribe. Wuling Farm enjoys a mild climate: in spring, apple, peach, and plum blossoms bloom, cherry trees are in full flower, and vibrant blossoms delight the eye. The area features a hotel and cozy cottages, all nestled among emerald forests, fragrant fruit trees, and fertile lands. It is an ideal destination for peaceful relaxation and quiet reflection.