Taiwan Island Loop
Taiwan
Taiwan's extraordinary island circuit from Taipei, through Taroko Gorge's 19-km marble canyon, the East Rift Valley's terraced rice paddies, Kenting's tropical beaches, Sun Moon Lake's indigenous Thao culture, and the high-mountain Alishan Forest Railway country. Asia's most compact great drive through an island that punches far above its size.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Taipei
Capital of night markets and skyscrapers. Taipei 101, Shilin Night Market, and the National Palace Museum's 700,000 imperial artefacts.
- Hualien
East coast gateway where marble mountains meet the Pacific. Base for Taroko and hub of Amis indigenous culture.
- Taroko Gorge
A 19-km marble canyon carved by the Liwu River, walls rising 1,000m above turquoise water. Swallow Grotto and Eternal Spring Shrine are unmissable.
- East Rift Valley
Flat valley between two mountain ranges, carpeted in terraced rice paddies. Cycling the valley floor is one of Taiwan's great easy rides.
- Kenting
Taiwan's tropical southern tip where the Pacific meets the Taiwan Strait. White-sand beaches, coral reefs, and millions of migrating hawks in autumn.
- Alishan
High-mountain forest with a narrow-gauge railway climbing through cedar groves. Famous for a sea of clouds at sunrise seen from the summit.
- Sun Moon Lake
A serene high-altitude lake ringed by forest and Thao indigenous villages. Cycle the 33-km lakeside path and visit Xuanguang Temple on the peninsula.
- Taipei
The loop closes back in the capital. Celebrate with a final round of Shilin night market snacks and a rooftop view over the city.
Where to Eat
- Dongdamen Night MarketStreet Food
A bustling market in Hualien offering a variety of local Taiwanese street foods and snacks.
- Amei Tea HouseTea House
A traditional tea house in Jiufen known for its scenic views and classic Taiwanese teas.
- Fengjia Night MarketStreet Food
One of Taiwan's largest night markets, offering a vast array of local delicacies in Taichung.
- Din Tai FungTaiwanese
World-renowned for its xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other Taiwanese dishes.
- Luodong Night MarketStreet Food
A vibrant night market in Yilan County, famous for its local snacks and seafood.
Things to Do
- Shakadang TrailHike
A scenic trail in Taroko Gorge offering views of crystal-clear rivers and marble canyons.
- Eternal Spring ShrineHistoric Site
A picturesque shrine in Taroko Gorge built to honor workers who died constructing the highway.
- Qingshui CliffsScenic Viewpoint
Dramatic cliffs along Taiwan's east coast offering breathtaking ocean views.
- Fo Guang Shan Buddha MuseumMuseum
A large Buddhist complex in Kaohsiung featuring a massive Buddha statue and cultural exhibits.
- Jiufen Old StreetHistoric Site
A charming hillside town known for its narrow streets, tea houses, and views of the sea.
Travel advisory
Taroko Gorge's narrow canyon road is prone to rockfalls and periodic closures, especially after typhoons or earthquakes. Check road conditions with the Taroko National Park administration before entering. Mountain sections on the east coast can be steep and winding.