IG page gets a seasonal refresh: Top 10 maple leaf viewing spots across Taiwan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Autumn and winter are the seasons for leaf peeping. Beyond well-known destinations like Japan and Canada, Taiwan actually boasts many beautiful maple leaf spots too, with vast expanses of crimson foliage and atmosphere that can rival Japan’s. Here are our picks for the top ten maple leaf viewing spots across Taiwan, where visitors can plan a scenic trip in the cool weather.

1. Taipei – Yangmingshan Aowanda
Located in Yangmingshan, Taipei Aowanda is a popular maple leaf viewing spot in Taipei. During autumn and winter, the nearby mountain areas are covered in vibrant red foliage, creating a truly romantic scene. The park features a variety of plants including pines, cherry blossoms, cypresses, maples, and camellias, among which black pines and maples are the most abundant and iconic.
 
Address: No. 13, Lane 10, Pingjing St., Shilin District, Taipei City
Business hours: 9:00 - 18:00

2. New Taipei – Xizhi Gongbei Temple
Xizhi is home to the historic and atmospheric Gongbei Temple, a renowned maple leaf viewing spot. With its serene and tranquil environment, the temple offers views overlooking the surrounding mountains, bringing a sense of peace. The Japanese-style architecture evokes thoughts of Kyoto’s ancient cultural history, while the expansive red maples, old bridges, and temples create a feeling of traveling through time. Gongbei Temple is a century-old temple celebrated for its fame, with architecture that blends traditional Chinese and Japanese elements.
 
Address: No. 88, Section 3, Xiwang Rd., Xizhi District, New Taipei City

3. Taoyuan – Shimen Reservoir
A well-known low-altitude maple leaf viewing spot in northern Taiwan, the Shimen Reservoir offers sweeping views of crimson maples stretching from the rear pool dam on the western side of the reservoir dam. Strolling along the maple-lined avenue is a truly romantic experience.

4. Hsinchu – Smangus
Known as the “God’s Tribe,” Smangus sees its mountains turn shades of crimson every autumn and winter, adding a romantic and picturesque touch to the area.
 
Address: No. 2, Smangus, Yufeng Village, Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County, 14th Neighborhood
 
5. Taichung – Wuling Farm
Wuling Farm is a key flower-viewing destination in Taiwan. In autumn and winter, visitors can not only admire maple leaves but also golden ginkgo trees and romantic deciduous pines. The beautiful scenery is in no way inferior to Japan’s. At Wuling Farm, you can also camp at wooden plank campsites and log cabins. During the peak flower seasons, hotels and campsites are often fully booked.
 
Address: No. 3-1, Wuling Rd., Pingdingshih, Heping District, Taichung City