Autumn getaways aren’t just about maple leaves—7 unique experiences near Taiwan

Global online booking platforms have selected “7 unique autumn travel itineraries” near Taiwan. (Image/Shutterstock, data/Booking.com, table/Jian Yixin)

This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival coincides with the Double Ten holiday, and many travelers are planning an autumn trip. Beyond admiring maple leaves, the autumn season offers plenty of distinctive experiences waiting to be discovered—from viewing white chrysanthemums that look like freshly fallen snow in Miaoli’s Tongluo to participating in local traditional festivals in places like Japan and Thailand. With unique itineraries and high-quality accommodations, you can immerse yourself in the romantic charm of autumn.

Don’t just admire maple leaves this autumn—try these alternatives instead. Global online booking platform Booking.com has handpicked “7 unique autumn travel itineraries” near Taiwan along with standout accommodations:

%Like a gentle snowfall adorning the earth

Miaoli County’s Tongluo Township, known as the “hometown of Hangzhou chrysanthemums,” gained fame in the 1960s thanks to active promotion by the local farmers' association. By late autumn, various varieties of Hangzhou chrysanthemums bloom across Tongluo’s land, with the white ones being particularly captivating, drawing travelers’ eyes and camera lenses like a fresh snowfall. Tired of city skyscrapers? Take advantage of the crisp autumn air to visit Tongluo with family or friends and enjoy the warm, romantic ambiance of blooming flowers. Of course, no trip to Miaoli is complete without experiencing its unique homestays. “Shan Tian Homestay,” also located in Miaoli, is a top choice for family trips. It boasts a spacious courtyard, ample space, and BBQ facilities for an outdoor cooking experience, allowing you to enjoy both nature and the festive spirit of the season.

%Immerse yourself in a traditional Japanese setting and enjoy an authentic stay

The annual “Miyazu Festival,” originating from a dedication performance in front of Suwa Shrine, is a major event for Nagasaki City and its residents. From October 7 to 9 each year, to celebrate this over 380-year-old festival, locals hold grand celebrations featuring portable shrine processions and performances dedicated to the deities, praying for good fortune in the coming year. The blend of local traditions and foreign influences attracts visitors from around the world, and the festival has even been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the Japanese government. For those attending this annual event, Booking.com highly recommends “Fujiwara Ryokan” in the city center. It offers tatami floors and Japanese futon bedding, exuding a rich Japanese atmosphere, while its public bathhouse provides an authentic ryokan experience.

Located in Miaoli, “Shan Tian Homestay” features a spacious courtyard and is a top choice for family trips. (Image provided by Booking.com)

Located in the heart of Nagasaki City, “Fujiwara Ryokan” offers tatami floors, Japanese futon bedding, and a public bathhouse, full of Japanese charm. (Image provided by Booking.com)

%Wander through a sea of white buckwheat flowers in Korea’s countryside

“Daekwang Country Haneun Farm” in Gochang County, North Jeolla Province, gained fame thanks to Korean dramas. As early autumn arrives, the farm’s buckwheat flower fields begin to bloom, with white blossoms covering the landscape like waves, making visitors feel as if they’re surrounded by a sea of white foam. The annual buckwheat flower festival, held seasonally, also draws global visitors eager to experience the sweet ambiance of the snowy-white fields. After visiting this popular spot, check in at “Sanghee Hanok Guesthouse” in Jeonju, also located in North Jeolla Province. Highly recommended by Booking.com guests, this guesthouse offers a prime location and is known for its traditional hanok experience, giving visitors an authentic taste of Korean culture.

%Explore the ancient alleys of Beijing and bask in the golden autumn hues

As autumn approaches, the ginkgo trees in Beijing’s Temple of Earth Park begin to turn vibrant golden yellow. October and November are the best months to visit and admire the ginkgo scenery. The ginkgo-lined path in the park’s northern section, made up of dozens of trees, is particularly famous. By late autumn, the golden hues dominate the landscape, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere that attracts numerous visitors seeking the essence of autumn. After taking in Beijing’s unique fall scenery, consider staying at “Waldorf Astoria Beijing,” also located in Dongcheng District. Just a short subway ride from Temple of Earth Park, the hotel offers five-star service and facilities blending traditional Chinese elements with modern elegance, earning praise from Booking.com guests for its contemporary Chinese style.

%Experience local culture in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The centuries-old “Loy Krathong Festival” is one of Thailand’s most significant events. On the night of the full moon during the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar (this year, November 3, 2017), krathongs (lotus-shaped offerings made from banana leaves) float on water, carrying people’s reverence for the water spirits and hopes for the future. The festival is most famously celebrated in Chiang Mai, where not only are krathongs released, but lanterns are also sent into the sky. As night falls, thousands of lanterns illuminate the sky in a breathtaking display, attracting countless visitors to witness and partake in this traditional ritual. After the festivities, unwind at “AUA Chiang Mai Hotel” in the city center. Centrally located with a comfortable environment, it’s just a short walk from Chiang Mai’s famous Wat Chedi Luang and Saturday Night Market.

Autumn travel planning isn’t just about maple leaves—there are many unique experiences to explore. (Image provided by Booking.com)

Singapore’s Raffles Hotel, centrally located, has been renovated from a majestic colonial building and offers royal-level five-star service and an outdoor pool. (Image provided by Booking.com)

Located in Jeonju, Sanghee Hanok Guesthouse specializes in hanok experiences, giving guests an authentic taste of Korean culture. (Image provided by Booking.com)

%Celebrate Mid-Autumn under the lantern-lit skies of Singapore

Singapore’s Chinatown, located in the Outram area, is a renowned Chinese enclave and a hub for the local Chinese community, where Mid-Autumn celebrations are taken seriously. During the festival, the streets are adorned with colorful lanterns that complement the area’s vibrant scenery. Various celebrations, such as lantern-lighting ceremonies and lion dances, are held. To experience the rich cultural atmosphere of Asian festivals, visit during the full moon and enjoy the festive ambiance with loved ones. For travelers who appreciate traditional celebrations and unique accommodations, “Raffles Hotel Singapore” is an excellent choice. Centrally located in a beautifully restored colonial-style building, it offers royal-level five-star service and an outdoor pool with a bar, earning rave reviews from guests.

%Witness golden waves of miscanthus under Hong Kong’s sunset

Tai Tung Shan, famous for its miscanthus grass, is Hong Kong’s third-highest peak, also known as “Sunset Peak” in English—its name speaks to the stunning sunsets it offers. In early autumn, around late October, the vast fields of miscanthus turn golden, swaying like golden waves under the setting sun, painting a magnificent golden landscape that draws many hikers. After descending the mountain, stay at “The Upper House” for the perfect way to relax. Located in central Hong Kong, it offers modern amenities and panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline, allowing you to experience Hong Kong’s vibrant nightlife from every angle.