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Nature and Weekend Escapes
Taiwan is geographically extraordinary — mountains above 3,000 meters, pristine Pacific coastline, and marble gorges all within 2–3 hours of Taipei.
- Taroko National Park: marble gorge, turquoise river, hiking trails, Eternal Spring Shrine — 2 hours from Taipei by HSR+bus
- Alishan Forest Railway: cloud-sea sunrise viewing above the clouds; ancient red cypress forests
- Yushan (Jade Mountain): 3,952m — the highest peak in Northeast Asia; requires permits and hiking experience
- Kenting National Park: southern tip; subtropical, coral reef snorkeling, beaches, wind surfing
- Jiufen: hillside gold mining village preserved from Japanese colonial era — Spirited Away aesthetic; 45 min from Taipei
- Sun Moon Lake: sacred aboriginal Thao territory; cycling the lakeside is one of Taiwan's signature experiences
- Wulai: indigenous Atayal village 30 min from Taipei — hot springs, mountain hiking, wild boar BBQ