Scenes from Journey to the West: The Kingdom of Women Revealed – Six Stunning Hidden Gems Across Taiwan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

The movie Journey to the West: The Kingdom of Women, starring Feng Shaofeng, Aaron Kwok, and Zhao Liying, topped 10 million in box office earnings within days of its nationwide release in Taiwan. Many viewers were surprised to learn that many of the film’s scenes were shot in Taiwan, including spots like Taoyuan Valley in New Taipei, Sansu Forest in Taichung, and Sicao Tunnel in Tainan. 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 view of rolling grassy plains along the ridgeline. It’s one of the most popular hiking routes, known for its 3-kilometer stretch of gently sloping green hills. With slopes tilting at nearly 30 degrees, the grassland resembles a lush, naturally woven green carpet.

2. Taoyuan – Bat Cave
Nestled in the valley north of Sanmin Village in Taoyuan, Bat Cave is a naturally formed massive rock cave. Known as Water Curtain Cave due to the spring water cascading from above its entrance, its rugged and primitive surroundings—coupled with its location beside a stream—attract large colonies of bats.

3. Taichung – Sansu Forest
Located in the Snow Mountain Pit area of Taichung’s Taoshan Tribe, this site is home to Taiwan’s largest Sansu (asplenium nidus fern) forest—a rare and wild woodland. Looking up, you’ll see towering, densely packed Sansu trees all around. Venturing deeper, you can admire the scenery of the valley below. The pristine atmosphere makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into the Jurassic period.

4. Tainan – Sicao Green Tunnel
Sicao Green Tunnel is located in Taijiang National Park and is often referred to as Taiwan’s version of the Amazon jungle. The park features numerous internationally recognized wetlands and rich ecological resources. Visitors can explore the intertidal zone to see fiddler crabs, mangroves, oyster racks, and fixed fishing nets. It offers a unique experience of how conservation efforts coexist with the lives of local fishermen who rely on lake-based fisheries. You can also enjoy freshly grilled oysters and shrimp.