Top Attractions Loved by Foreign Tourists ! Seven Hidden Gems to Explore Across Taiwan

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Taiwan boasts a rich array of cultural and scenic landscapes. In addition to famous tourist spots such as Taipei 101 and Jiufen, there are many hidden gems and towns worth exploring in depth. Below is a list of seven recommended off-the-beaten-path destinations loved by foreign travelers, some of which may not even be known to locals.

1. Nan’ao Natural Farm
Besides taking photos in vast golden rice paddies, you can also experience the joy of harvesting. Located in Nan’ao, this natural farm offers work-stay programs where visitors can participate directly in agricultural activities, from farming and cooking to cleaning, immersing themselves in the most natural and tranquil countryside life — a favorite among foreign backpackers.

2. Kenting Houwan
While the most popular spots in Kenting include White Sand Bay and South Bay, the quiet and rustic fishing village of Houwan on the west coast hides a beautiful crescent-shaped beach, almost like a forgotten corner. It was also one of the filming locations for the famous Taiwanese movie Cape No. 7. With its expansive sea and fine sands, sunlight reveals numerous corals and shells on the shore.

3. Jiaying Lake
Known as the “Angel’s Tear,” Jiaying Lake is a secluded high-altitude lake located at 3,310 meters above sea level in Haiduan Township, Taitung County. It lies along the main ridge of the southern Central Mountain Range and is the largest alpine lake in the area. The lake has an oval shape with crystal-clear sapphire-blue waters that resemble a gem fallen from the heavens. Despite having no incoming streams, it never dries up throughout the year.

4. Green Island Big White Sand
Big White Sand is the largest and most intact beach on Green Island, located at the southwestern tip of the island. Its main feature is a white sandy shoreline stretching hundreds of meters, making it one of the island’s three major diving areas. Composed of coral particles and shell fragments, the beach also features a unique underwater trail that resembles the sound of the sea.