Scenes from Journey to the West: The Kingdom of Women revealed — six stunning hidden gems across Taiwan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Editorial Team

The movie Journey to the West: The Kingdom of Women, starring Feng Shaofeng, Aaron Kwok, and Zhao Liying, topped ten million in box office earnings within days of its nationwide release in Taiwan. Many viewers were surprised to learn that numerous scenes were filmed in Taiwan, including locations such as Taoyuan Valley in New Taipei, Sansu Forest in Taichung, and Sicao Tunnel in Tainan. Among them, Sansu Forest was also a filming location for the movie Seediq Bale.

1. New Taipei – Taoyuan Valley
Located in Gongliao District, New Taipei, Taoyuan Valley boasts an unobstructed panoramic view of a vast grassy ridge. It is one of the most popular hiking routes among visitors, featuring a gentle 3-kilometer slope of green meadow with a slope angle of nearly 30 degrees, resembling a naturally woven green carpet.

2. Taoyuan – Bat Cave
Nestled in the valley north of Sanmin Village in Taoyuan, Bat Cave is a naturally formed giant rock cavern. Known as Water Curtain Cave due to springs cascading from above the cave entrance, its rugged, primitive surroundings and riverside location attract large colonies of bats.

3. Taichung – Sansu Forest
Situated in the Snow Mountain Pit area of Taichung’s Taoshan Tribe, this is home to Taiwan’s largest sansu (Asplenium nidus) forest—a rare wild woodland. Looking up, you’ll see towering, dense clusters of sansu plants, while venturing deeper reveals the beauty of the valley landscape. The pristine atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the Jurassic period.

4. Tainan – Sicao Green Tunnel
Located in Taijiang National Park, the Sicao Green Tunnel is referred to as Taiwan’s version of the Amazon jungle. The park features numerous internationally significant wetlands and rich biodiversity. Visitors can explore the intertidal zone to observe fiddler crabs, mangroves, oyster racks, and fixed fishing nets. It offers a unique glimpse into how ecological conservation coexists with the lives of fishermen relying on lake-based fisheries, along with the chance to enjoy freshly grilled oysters and shrimp.