The “Northern Region” includes: Taipei City, New Taipei City, Keelung City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County, and Hsinchu City.
Taipei City (台北市)
Taipei City is the vibrant capital of Taiwan and the heart of its political, economic, and cultural life. It is a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern innovation. From historic temples and tea houses to skyscrapers and night markets, Taipei is full of life and rich with history.
The city is famous for its efficient MRT system, diverse neighborhoods, and outstanding culinary scene. Whether you’re exploring the bustling lanes of Ximending, admiring art at Taipei Fine Arts Museum, or soaking in the natural hot springs of Beitou, Taipei offers something for every traveler. The city is also a hub for festivals, concerts, and cultural exhibitions year-round.
Taipei is also home to several of Taiwan’s most iconic landmarks such as Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and Longshan Temple. With a mix of global energy and local charm, it serves as the perfect base for exploring Taiwan.
Highlights:
Taipei 101: One of Asia’s tallest buildings with a 360° observatory
Longshan Temple: A historic spiritual hub dating back to 1738
Shilin Night Market: A food lover’s paradise with famous street eats
National Palace Museum: Over 700,000 artifacts of Chinese imperial history
Elephant Mountain: A short hike for stunning cityscape photos
New Taipei City (新北市)
Surrounding Taipei City, New Taipei is Taiwan’s largest municipality and offers a wide variety of landscapes—mountains, rivers, coastlines, and historic towns. It is often visited as part of day trips from Taipei and is famous for its scenic beauty and traditional culture.
Popular destinations include Jiufen and Shifen, two former mining towns now famous for old streets, nostalgic vibes, and sky lantern rituals. Yehliu Geopark, along the northern coast, is home to unique geological formations including the famous “Queen’s Head” rock.
New Taipei City is also home to natural hot springs, ancient temples, and exciting hiking trails. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or a quiet cup of tea in the mountains, New Taipei offers an unforgettable escape from the city.
Highlights:
Jiufen Old Street: Tea houses and nostalgic lantern-lit alleys
Yehliu Geopark: Unique coastal rock formations
Shifen Waterfall & Sky Lanterns: A romantic must-do
Bitou Cape Trail: Stunning coastal cliff hike
Sanxia Old Street: Red brick shops and Zushi Temple
Keelung City (基隆市)
Located on Taiwan’s northeast coast, Keelung is a port city known for its maritime culture, seafood, and frequent misty weather. Its small size makes it perfect for a one-day coastal adventure.
Keelung’s Miaokou Night Market is legendary, especially for seafood dishes like crab soup and tempura. You can also visit Peace Island, Zhongzheng Park, and Heping Island Park for beautiful ocean views and historical landmarks.
Despite being smaller than neighboring cities, Keelung is rich in character and history, with colonial architecture and hidden temples nestled in the hills. The city often hosts lively ghost festivals and religious events.
Highlights:
Miaokou Night Market: Famous for fresh seafood and street food
Peace Island & Heping Island: Coastal views and wave-swept rock pools
Zhongzheng Park: Iconic white Guanyin statue and city views
National Museum of Marine Science & Technology: Great for families
Keelung Ghost Festival: One of Taiwan’s biggest religious events
Taoyuan City (桃園市)
Taoyuan is often the first city many travelers experience due to Taiwan’s main international airport. But beyond the terminal lies a region rich in Hakka culture, scenic lakes, and growing urban development.
The city features attractions like Daxi Old Street, known for its wooden architecture and tofu-based dishes, and Shimen Reservoir, a scenic spot for boating and picnics. Taoyuan is also home to several modern shopping districts and the quirky Window on China amusement park.
Taoyuan blends history, nature, and modernity, making it an easy stopover or a full-day visit from Taipei. It’s also a center for tech and industry with an emerging cultural scene.
Highlights:
Daxi Old Street: Classic Hakka-style shops and local snacks
Shimen Reservoir: Lakeside picnics and boating fun
Gloria Outlets: International shopping near the airport
Cihu Memorial Sculpture Park: Mausoleum of Chiang Kai-shek
Window on China Theme Park: Miniature landmarks from around the world
Hsinchu City (新竹市)
Nicknamed Taiwan’s “Silicon Valley,” Hsinchu City is a hub of technology and innovation thanks to its world-renowned Science Park. However, the city still retains much of its old-town charm, with historic buildings, temples, and night markets.
Hsinchu is one of the oldest cities in Taiwan and features architecture from the Qing dynasty and Japanese colonial era. The Chenghuang Temple is a spiritual and social hub where locals gather for blessings and traditional eats like rice noodles and pork balls.
For travelers, Hsinchu offers a fascinating look at how technology and history coexist. It’s an ideal day trip from Taipei and home to a growing creative scene.
Highlights:
Hsinchu Science Park: Taiwan’s tech innovation engine
Chenghuang Temple Night Market: Authentic Hsinchu flavors
Hsinchu Glass Museum: Modern art and craftsmanship
18 Peaks Mountain Park: Forest trails near the city center
East Gate & City Moat: Remnants of the historic city wall
Hsinchu County (新竹縣)
Hsinchu County offers an escape into Taiwan’s Hakka culture and mountainous terrain. This region is quieter than the city, with charming old towns and indigenous villages set against forested hills and rivers.
Beipu is one of the best-preserved Hakka towns, where visitors can try thunder tea (Lei Cha), learn about traditional farming tools, and explore temples. Further into the mountains, you’ll find hot springs, Aboriginal settlements, and scenic hiking trails.
It’s a wonderful destination for travelers seeking cultural immersion and natural landscapes. Tea lovers and photographers will particularly enjoy the region’s scenic farms and misty hills.
Highlights:
Beipu Old Street: Hakka culture and Lei Cha tea experiences
Neiwan Old Street: Railway nostalgia and artsy shops
Smangus Village: A hidden indigenous village with giant trees
Jianshi Hot Springs: Remote and relaxing mountain escape
Green World Ecological Farm: Animal encounters and eco-fun