The top choice for laid-back travelers: Five major experiential spiritual sites across Taiwan

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Many often say that travel is actually a journey of inner introspection and a form of spiritual practice, where you can observe countless ways of life and hear fascinating and intriguing stories. Travel is also the most direct way to see the world—among a thousand people, there are a thousand meanings of travel, but at its core is exploring the inner world.

1. Beitou – Dharma Drum Mountain Nongchan Temple
Beitou Dharma Drum Mountain Nongchan Temple, with its elegant and solemn exposed concrete architecture complemented by the shimmering waters of the Moon Water Pond, is a place filled with artistic ambiance and tranquility. It attracts many visitors who come to take photos and capture the idyllic, otherworldly atmosphere.

2. New Taipei – Taoyuan Valley "Sacred Site of the Human Brain"
Located in Gongliao District, New Taipei, Taoyuan Valley not only boasts an unobstructed view of the ridge line grasslands but also features a high-energy vortex known as the "Sacred Site of the Human Brain" stone monument, which is said to benefit both physical health and elevate the spirit. The area around the Sacred Site of the Human Brain is referred to by some as a vortex shaped like a human figure, with its center located at the head—making it a feng shui treasure where visitors can gain wisdom and promote wellness.

3. Yunlin – Caoling Geological Scenic Area
The Caoling Scenic Area in Gukeng hides numerous spectacular sites, featuring ten famous attractions across Taiwan, including the Penglai Waterfall, Cliff Spring and Autumn, Steep Cliff Majesty (Little Guilin), Shuilian Cave, Frog Stone, Marvelous Cave, Soul Severing Valley, Concentric Waterfalls, String of Pearls Pools, and Qingxi Amusement Park. Each landscape is a masterpiece of nature’s craftsmanship, leaving visitors in awe.

In addition to the Caoling Geological Area, you can also visit Shipi Community, the highest and most remote area in Yunlin. Its past industry mainly revolved around logging camphor trees to extract camphor, resulting in rich forest resources and scenic landscapes. A must-visit in Shipi is the "Five Yuan Two Jiao" Green Corridor, where you can admire unique pavilions made of thatched grass, bamboo forests reminiscent of Kyoto’s Arashiyama, and sea of clouds landscapes amid interlacing mountain ranges.