Sun rising at tea plantation.

Lottie Davies

Western Taiwan

If you’re looking for variety in your Taiwan travel experience, go west. The Mazu Pilgrimage, one of the country’s biggest and holiest celebrations, is definitely a highlight. This nine-day parade across half of Taiwan is an extravaganza of feasting, prostrating, praying and great acts of generosity.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • sunset at gaomei wetlands

    Gaomei Wetlands

    Taichung

    Beautiful wetlands teeming with life rendered surreal by the sight of wind turbines on the horizon. It is especially photogenic at sunset and makes for a…

  • Nantian Temple

    Nantian Temple

    Western Taiwan

    In the southern foothills of Baguashan is this bizarre temple and haunted house where parents used to take their children to scare them into obedience. It…

  • Alishan Forest Recreation Area

    Alishan Forest Recreation Area

    Western Taiwan

    Visiting Alishan may almost feel like a cliche, but do not lose heart. There may be equally beautiful and less-visited places in Taiwan, but Alishan, with…

  • Nanyao Temple

    Nanyao Temple

    Western Taiwan

    Located 2km south of Changhua Train Station, this remarkable temple is one of the stops on the Mazu Pilgrimage. The distinctive character of the complex…

  • Mazu Temple

    Mazu Temple

    Western Taiwan

    This holy structure was renovated in 1936, a high period in Taiwan's temple arts. The woodcarvings are particularly fine in the front hall, and the high…

  • National Museum of Natural Science

    National Museum of Natural Science

    Taichung

    A fantastic place for kids and botany fans, this massive museum has over 50 exhibit areas covering space, the environment, rainforests, gems and minerals,…

  • National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts

    National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts

    Taichung

    Taiwan's top fine-art museum features the works of both established and upcoming Taiwanese artists, as well as famous foreign creators such as Japanese …

  • Baguashan

    Baguashan

    Western Taiwan

    The Baguashan slopes were for centuries a military observation zone. The area affords views over the whole city and far out to sea. It’s a pleasant place…

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Articles

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A group of tourists point cameras toward the sun rising over a line of mountain peaks.

Wildlife & Nature

Sunrise over Jade Mountain: a trip up Taiwan’s Alishan Forest Railway

Nov 8, 2018 • 6 min read

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Western Taiwan and beyond

Beyond Western Taiwan
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