6 Stunning Tourist Centers! Historic Sites, Castles, and a Maritime Vibe – Get Ready to Fill Up Your Memory Card

For autumn and winter trips, if you want to learn about a place’s recreational spots and local culture, tourist centers are definitely the best places to go. Beyond their straightforward designs, Taiwan also has many tourist centers that are converted from historic buildings or designed by renowned architects. Why not plan an alternative trip to these unique tourist centers?

Nanliao Fishing Port Visitor Center; Mediterranean Exotic Style

▲(Photo / New Taipei City Tourism Website)

Enjoy an exotic vibe without leaving the country. At the northernmost end of the romantic 17-kilometer coastline, next to Nanliao Fishing Port, stands a striking blue-and-white building. It’s neither a hotel nor a restaurant, but the “Nanliao Fishing Port Visitor Center.” The center has an elevator that takes you directly to the observation deck, which is 29 meters high—about 10 stories—offering a panoramic view of the entire Nanliao area.

▲(Photo / Flickr @ YU-LI LIN)

Besides heading to the top for a scenic view, along the 17-kilometer coastline, you can capture romantic photos at Shell Park, the White Bell Tower, and the Sea-Viewing Grass Slope. Additionally, the “Bell of Happiness” is perfect for couples to create memorable moments. On sunny days, you might even spot newlyweds taking wedding photos here.

Address: No. 261, Nanliao St., North District, Hsinchu City

Zhudong Visitor Service Center – Heart of Zhudong; A Locomotive That Tells a Story

▲(Photo / Hsinchu County Hospitality Provided)

These two locomotives aren’t just decorations—they’re part of the “Heart of Zhudong,” located at the end of Donglin Rd. next to the Hsinchu County Tourism Service Center. In addition to offering visitor consultations and travel information, the elegant garden setting with green trees and the blue locomotive creates a comforting and serene atmosphere. The Heart of Zhudong has also been a filming location for idol dramas, attracting fans who come specifically to find the toy train car shop featured in the shows.

Address: No. 196, Donglin Rd., Zhudong Township, Hsinchu County

Xiangshan Visitor Center; Japanese Design Team “Embracing Sun Moon Lake”

▲(Photo / Cairns Wei Provided)

The “Xiangshan Visitor Center,” planned and designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito, features wooden-textured fair-faced concrete and post-tensioning construction techniques, forming two curved buildings that symbolize the idea of “embracing Sun Moon Lake.” The west side is the Xiangshan Visitor Center, while the east side houses the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration Office. The center often hosts events and markets on weekends, attracting both domestic and international visitors to stop for photos.

▲(Photo / Bambi su Provided)

The unique design and the infinity pool complement Sun Moon Lake, where lake-green waters, lush green grass, and azure skies blend perfectly, resembling a harmonious landscape painting of nature and human creation. Besides the slope offering an elongated photo perspective, shooting from the sides provides depth of field effects, conveying different aesthetics—especially enchanting in the slightly desolate autumn and winter seasons.

Address: No. 599, Zhongshan Rd., Shuishe Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County

Beigang Visitor Center – Decagonal Water Tower; Taiwan’s Only Historic Site Visitor Center

▲(Photo / IG @yubi110, Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Taiwan’s only historic site visitor center—the “Beigang Visitor Center”—was built in 1929 during the Japanese colonial period. Standing 20.4 meters tall, it was originally the tallest structure in the Beigang area: a water tower. In 2016, it was transformed into a visitor center. In addition to providing travel consultations and itinerary planning, the center offers two specially designed cycling routes for independent travelers to explore famous attractions and hidden gems beloved by locals. Visitors can also rent bicycles or book tours and accommodations via Taiwan sightseeing buses, experiencing a slow-paced day trip in Beigang.

Address: No. 1, Minsheng Rd., Beigang Township, Yunlin County

Zhongpu Visitor Center; A Fairytale Castle in the Mountains

▲(Photo / IG @linzi.qq, Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

If the coast has a Mediterranean exotic style, then the mountains should have a castle too. Located along Provincial Highway 3 in Chiayi’s Zhongpu Township, there stands a fairytale-like mountain castle—the “Zhongpu Visitor Center.” With its pure white exterior and orange-red tower top, the entrance features indigenous dolls Dakalang and Sayun, characters from the children’s book “The Adventure of the Siraya,” brought to life. This makes it a popular spot for families with kids on weekends and a must-visit Instagram location.

▲(Photo / IG @pei062465, Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

The walls also feature adorable depictions of Taiwan black bears, wild boars, and macaques, vividly representing the local wildlife. The courtyard includes installations like a mini train and Siraya mascot figurines, allowing kids to take cute photos with them. Inside, there’s a small play area for children, perfect for parents to let the little ones rest. For those feeling energetic, you can also climb to the observation deck next to the visitor center to admire the beautiful mountain castle from another angle.

Address: No. 1-9, Tongren Village, Zhongpu Township, Chiayi County

Liukong Visitor Center; Sparkling Waters and Exhibitions

▲(Photo / Provided by Taijiang National Park)

The "Liukong Visitor Center," located in Qigu District, gets its name from its six drainage holes. Its service desk is designed to resemble the bow of a boat, while the interior features graphic displays showcasing the natural ecology of the Taijiang area. The floor sparkles like rippling water, creating an immersive aquatic atmosphere that's both fun and engaging. Beyond its static exhibits, the most unique feature is its multimedia guided tours, offering both 2D and 3D films, with each session accommodating up to 45 people. It’s also the perfect first stop for gaining an initial understanding of the Qigu area when visiting.

Address: No. 18, Haipu, Sanku Village, Qigu District, Tainan City

These six visitor centers, stretching from north to south, range from those that feel like fairy tales to others that incorporate local culture. In the next installment, ShareLife will continue to take you on a tour to capture the most beautiful visitor centers—just be warned, your camera’s memory might not be enough to store all the photos you’ll want to take!

This article is published with authorization from “Sharelife Sharing Life.”Original article here