Full travel guide to Northern Taiwan

There’s plenty to see and experience in Northern Taiwan. Drop by the vibrant port city of Keelung, with its fantastic night market, then head for the volcanic landscapes of Yangmingshan National Park and the outlandish sandstone rock formations of Yehliu. There’s fascinating history, hot springs and some great beaches – and they’re all within easy reach of Taipei by public transport.

Crown Coast

Taiwan’s Crown Coast runs across the northernmost part of the island, within easy reach of Taipei. This includes Keelung City and other towns along the coast, as well as the exceptionally scenic Yangmingshan National Park further inland. Keelung City is known for its large and particularly well-sheltered harbour – the heart and soul of this major port city – which has given it considerable military and commercial importance since the Spanish first built a fort here in the 17th century.
Don’t miss Kanziding fish market, which is one of the oldest in Taiwan (it’s been selling freshly caught local fish since the Qing Dynasty); and for mouthwateringly good street food, head to Keelung’s Miaokou night market, which is one of the best in the country and has over 200 stalls. Here you can try crab soup, tempura fish cakes and a whole bunch of other mouth-watering dishes. During the day, visit Zhongzheng Park, on the hillsides above the city, and look out for its 25m-high statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy – this is the tallest Goddess statue in East Asia.

Just west of Keelung City, Yehliu Geopark is an area of amazing rock formations along the Yehliu peninsula. Its honey-coloured and reddish sandstone has been scoured into all sorts of weird and wonderful shapes by the elements – check out the Queen’s Head and Dragon’s Head. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to come here, when the light will be at its best for photos. Afterwards, it’s well worth continuing to the end of the peninsula, where there are several sea caves and, if you’re lucky, a chance to spot ospreys wheeling in the skies overhead. Lastly, Baishawan is a great, family-friendly beach out towards Sanzhi, which is also popular for surfing.

Great Northeast

East of Keelung City, the coast continues in a succession of bays and headlands backed by steep green hillsides. These are interspersed with some of Taiwan’s best beaches, including the long stretch of fluffy golden sand that is Fulong.
Fulong Beach is deservedly popular, whether you come here to swim, paddle, or kayak, and is also the summer home of the rather spectacular International Sand Sculpture Festival. Further down the coast, near Toucheng Township, Wai’ao is a black-sand beach that is also one of Taiwan’s best surfing spots, and has views of Turtle Island thrown in for good measure.
Jiufen is similarly a lovely little town with a fascinating history, which is definitely worthy of a day trip from Taipei. In 1890, gold was discovered near Jiufen, which soon changed from a small village of nine families to a gold-mining boomtown home to over 4,000 prospectors and their families. Those days may be well past, but Jiufen still has a vibrant old market and shopping area that is known as Old Street – a wander past its shops which is a must.

Also an essential part of any visit to Jiufen – and a part not to rush – is a stop at one of the town’s many excellent tea houses. Jiufen Teahouse is one of the best, and it is set in a beautifully renovated old building, complete with carp swimming lazily in a pool. Some of the most delicious and delicately flavoured tea imaginable is available here. The owner is a master potter, and there are also some exquisite ceramics for sale.
If you only have time to visit one temple in Jiufen, make it Fushan Temple, with its breathtaking interior and elaborately carved columns.

Feeling inspired?

For more information, head to the official Taiwan Tourism Bureau website.

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