2. Hsinchu – Touqian River Tofu Rock
The long-popular Tofu Rock is located by the Touqian River in northern Hsinchu. The neatly lined-up rock formations resemble square tofu blocks and are incredibly photogenic—whether in the bright daylight, during the golden hour near sunset, or under the enchanting lights of the night.
When visiting Hsinchu for a festive outing, don’t miss Tofu Rock to enjoy the scenery, feel the breeze, and soak in the relaxing riverside views. However, it’s best to go on a clear day during low tide for optimal views and safety. Also, be cautious of gaps in the ground and keep your belongings secure while taking photos—so your smile doesn’t turn into a frown in the pictures.
■ Location: Touqian River, Zhubei City, Hsinchu County
■ Transportation Info: Exit at Yangmei Interchange, then take Gongdao 5th Road, turn left onto County Highway 117, and right onto Qianjia Road (there’s a nearby parking area).
3. New Taipei – Shiding Crocodile Island
Shiding Crocodile Island is situated in the Feitsui Reservoir catchment area, on a hilltop along the midstream of Beishi River in Bishan Village. Viewed from above, the island in the water resembles a giant crocodile—hence its name. Once a hidden gem, it has now become one of New Taipei’s must-visit photo spots. But to witness this breathtaking view, you’ll need to climb a bit uphill, making it a great spot for hikers. Use the holiday to get some exercise, burn off those extra New Year’s Eve feast calories, and enjoy the scenery.
■ Location: Shiding District, New Taipei City
■ Transportation Info: Take Green 12 bus from Xindian MRT Station to Xiaogetou Station (Bishan Police Precinct), then walk about 20–30 minutes along Zhukeng Road.
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II. Central Taiwan
1. Nantou – Jiufen’er Mountain
A top destination for plum blossom viewing every January, Jiufen’er Mountain was one of the areas most severely affected by the 1999 Taiwan earthquake. Nature’s scars forever record that powerful memory. The earthquake memorial park around Jiufen’er Mountain preserves unique geological landscapes, including the epicenter, massive landslides, and two barrier lakes. Here, you can feel the immense power of the earth and the awe-inspiring wonder of nature—making it an excellent educational experience, especially for younger generations.
Amid the scars of destruction, Jiufen’er Mountain’s layered peaks and tranquil emerald-green lakes create stunning beauty, radiating strong vitality. Welcome the new year by paying tribute to nature.
■ Location: Boundary between Hexing Village, Zhongliao Township, Nantou County, and Nangang Village, Guoxing Township
■ Transportation Info:
Take Freeway 3 → Freeway 6 → Guoxing Interchange → Provincial Highway 14 → County Highway 147 → Jiufen’er Mountain
2. Taichung – Waipu Forget-Worry Valley
Known as the “earth quilt,” Forget-Worry Valley spans over 100 hectares. Its colors shift with the rice-growing seasons—sometimes lush green, sometimes golden yellow. In early spring, it transforms into a romantic expanse of pink cosmos flowers. Cosmos is a cover crop planted during rice paddy fallow periods; besides enriching the soil, it also provides stunning scenery. The beauty of abundance is fully appreciated here—whether you’re wandering through the flower fields or admiring the view from above, it’s pure bliss. This is the perfect spot for a classic spring outing. The free flower fields attract many visitors, but please take care of them so more people can enjoy this magical, stress-relieving beauty.
■ Location: Wugu Road, Waipu District, Taichung City
■ Transportation Info: Take Freeway 3 → Exit at Dajia Interchange (No. 164) → Third Ring Road → Wugu Road
3. Miaoli – Dahua Sky City
Like something out of a fairy tale, Sky City is nestled near Liyu Lake Reservoir. Follow the winding path up the hill to reach this charming European-style mountain town. Strolling through the peaceful green woods is incredibly relaxing, and photography enthusiasts will find plenty of picture-perfect backdrops. The main attraction is a moss-covered ancient castle that serves as a scenic restaurant and gift shop. In front of the castle lies a vast green lawn—perfect for kids to run around. After playing, enjoy afternoon tea at the restaurant or browse the gift shop. It’s the ideal way to spend a holiday.
■ Location: No. 33, Shifen, Xinkai Village, Dahua Township, Miaoli County
■ Admission:
General: NT$200 (can be used as store credit)
Under 120 cm: Free
■ Business Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00–19:00, Saturday and Sunday 9:00–19:00
■ Transportation Information:
National Highway 1 → Provincial Highway 13 → County Road Miaoli 52, the full distance to Sky City is 1.3 KM. However, the road is narrow, with some sections being single-lane, so please drive carefully and slowly, and watch for oncoming traffic.
For navigation, please set the destination as “Miaoli Liyutan Reservoir Administration”.
III. Southern Taiwan
1. Yunlin – Yawen · Lihai Coast
Can you imagine a Southeast Asian scene in Yunlin? Yawen · Lihai Coast is located at the century-old railway station in Shiliuban, Douliu. It’s a place where you can enjoy a leisurely vacation or go on a shopping spree. Admission is free, and groups of 20 or more can even book guided tours. The park features large thatched cottage complexes, palm trees, and bright coastal sandy beach scenery, as if you’ve directly arrived at the holiday paradise of Lihai Island. You can take photos full of Southeast Asian vibes without even leaving the country !
■ Location: No. 333, Zhongxing Road, Liubei Li, Douliu City, Yunlin County
■ Business Hours: 8:30–19:00
Transportation Information: From National Highway 3, exit at Douliu Interchange → head west toward Douliu → about a 3-minute drive, when you see the Fuhao gas station on the left, turn right onto Zhinxing Road and go straight. About 300 meters after passing under the Liubei underpass, on the left, you’ll find Yawen · Lihai Coast
2. Tainan – Taijiang National Park
Taijiang National Park covers a vast area with diverse surrounding attractions. You could spend a whole day exploring and still not see it all — making it perfect for a fulfilling family spring outing. Its fame has soared thanks to the Taijiang Visitor Center, which features an all-white building complemented by exotic brick textures and stilt houses standing in the water. The dreamlike scene looks like it’s stepped out of a painting !
The lush Sicao Mangrove Tunnel is also a must-visit spot in Taijiang National Park. Take a small boat through the ecologically rich tunnel, where dense forest scenery and serene lake surfaces merge seamlessly for a highly therapeutic symmetrical view. After the boat ride, head to Anping Old Street to explore local delicacies and perfectly wrap up your day !
■ Location: No. 118, Sicao Boulevard, Annan District, Tainan City
■ Admission: Free; fees may apply for boats and other private services
■ Business Hours:
Outdoor Space: 08:30–17:30
Visitor Center: 9:00–17:00 (Closed on Mondays and New Year’s Eve)
■ Transportation Information:
Take a train to High-Speed Rail Tainan Station, then take the High-Speed Rail Tainan Station – Tainan City Government Line to Xingnan Bus Tainan Station. Transfer to Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Route 99 (Taijiang Line), and get off at Sicao Bridge West Station
By car heading south via National Highway 1 / National Highway 3 → transfer to National Highway 8 (Tainan Branch) → connect to Anji Road (17A) → turn right onto Taijiang Boulevard (17B) → turn left onto Beishamen Third Road → turn left and go straight along Section 1 of Luermen Boulevard → Sicao Boulevard → Taijiang National Park Management Office
3. Kaohsiung – Qianzhen Star
Qianzhen Star in Kaohsiung is located next to the Kaohsiung MRT station, offering convenient transportation. It’s a multifunctional bike path. Originally designed to separate pedestrians and vehicles, its streamlined white railings, geometric structures, and brick-red pathways look particularly stunning against Kaohsiung’s vibrant blue sky, making it a popular photo spot. It’s a great family-friendly spring outing destination for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. At night, head up to the viewing platform to admire the flow of traffic and the brightly lit cityscape — a delightful experience !
■ Location: Take the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line to Kaixuan Station, Exit 1.
■ Transportation Information: No. 3, Zhongshan Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City
IV. Eastern Taiwan
1. Taitung – Rapeseed Flower Fields
The essence of the Huatung Valley is one of Taiwan’s major rice-growing regions. In areas like Luye, Guanshan, and Chishang in Taitung, rapeseed flowers are planted extensively during the rice fallow period, creating vast yellow blooms. Paired with distant mountain views and Taitung’s uniquely relaxed atmosphere, it’s extremely relaxing ! One famous attraction, the Borland Boulevard, is also draped in a light yellow coat at the beginning of the year, with straight roads adorned with rapeseed flower accents — colorful and adorable. This is definitely a lovely and popular spring travel spot !
■ Location: Chishang Township, Taitung County
■ Transportation Information:
Take the Dingtong Bus Mountain Line 8161, 8163, 8165, or 8166, and get off at Chishang Station.
Turn onto County Highway 197 from Provincial Highway 9, then turn onto Township Road East 6 about 2.5 km ahead. (Vehicles not allowed inside)
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2. Hualien – Shitiping
Hualien Shitiping is located in the East Coast National Scenic Area, where the naturally-formed landscape is truly magnificent. Facing the deep blue ocean, it’s impossible not to be captivated by such beauty no matter when you visit. The white rock formations that look like steps, along with surrounding potholes, mesa, and beach morning glory, create an expansive view. There is also a campsite nearby, making it perfect for families who love outdoor fun to camp overnight and enjoy the most pristine time in nature.
■ Location: Fengbin Township, Hualien County
■ Transportation Information:
Take the North-Link Railway to Hualien Old Railway Station, then transfer to a Hualien Bus bound for Jingpu and get off at Shitiping Station.
National Freeway 1 → Xizhi System Interchange → National Freeway 5 → Xueshan Tunnel → Su’ao Interchange → Provincial Highway 9 → after Ji’an Township → Provincial Highway 11 → Shitiping Fishing Port
3. Yilan | Meihua Lake
Meihua Lake is known as "Jianyue Lake" among the “Eighteen Scenic Spots of Lan Yang,” named for its shape resembling the five petals of a plum blossom. At the entrance of the park, there are many small food and drink stalls and shops renting bicycles. You can grab a snack and stroll along the wooden boardwalk by the lake, walk all the way to the small island in the center to get close to nature, or cycle around the lake while admiring the shimmering waters of Meihua Lake and the graceful swans on it. There are also some beautiful homestays by the lake—waking up by the lake in the morning makes you feel relaxed all day long.
■ Location: De’an Village, Dongshan Township, Yilan County
■ Transportation Information:
National Freeway 5 → Luodong Interchange → Provincial Highway 7C → Guangxing Elementary School → Meihua Lake Scenic Area
Take Bus No. 281 (Capital Bus) from Luodong Back Railway Station to Meihua Lake Scenic Area
Don’t gain weight during the Spring Festival—start with a trip instead. It’s a great way to bond with family and friends, make the most of your time together, and learn more about the land beneath your feet. Quickly jot down these spring travel spots and give yourself a fulfilling start to the New Year.
[FunTime Travel Recommendations] Authorized Repost | Original Source: [2020 Chinese New Year Travel Recommendations: 12 Top Spring Festival Destinations in Taiwan!]
Executive Editor: Hovis
Proofreading Editor: Reese