#Nature Escapes
Is Taroko Gorge Open to Visitors? 2026 Travel Status & Safety Update
Is Taroko Gorge open? Get the latest 2026 travel updates on trail openings, road safety, and accessible areas. Plan your visit with our comprehensive guide to Hualien's iconic national park.
Alishan Two-Day Tour Guide｜The Best Way to Fully Experience Taiwan’s Mountain Paradise
How to have the most relaxed 2-day trip to Alishan? Don't worry, we've got it all sorted out for you! On the first day, enjoy the Forest Railway and tea fragrance tour, staying overnight inside the Alishan Recreation Area. The next morning, wake up easily to watch the sunrise and visit classic attractions like the Giant Tree Cluster and Sisters Ponds. This itinerary covers food, accommodation, and activities, so you don’t need to worry about route planning—just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and culture of Alishan!
Discover Taiwan’s Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Routes: 3 to 5 Day Trips Curated by RTR Editors
Looking for the best cherry blossom spots in Taiwan? From urban parks to mountain farms, Taiwan’s sakura season offers colorful variety and a long bloom period. This RTR guide features curated 3-to-5-day travel itineraries: explore cherry trees in Taipei’s neighborhoods, hidden gems in central Taiwan, and iconic blooms in Wuling Farm, Sun Moon Lake, and Alishan. Even if you miss peak dates, cherry blossoms often appear in unexpected places—so leave time to wander and enjoy spontaneous floral surprises.
Sun Moon Lake Unfolded: Uncover the Hidden Magic in the Heart of Taiwan
Unfold the story of Sun Moon Lake — a place where misty mountains, shimmering waters, and timeless culture intertwine in the heart of Taiwan. Beyond its postcard-perfect scenery lies a world of hidden adventures: serene cycling trails, indigenous traditions, and even paragliding high above the emerald basin of Puli. Whether you’re chasing sunrise reflections, savoring local delicacies, or discovering quiet temples tucked away in the hills, Sun Moon Lake offers more than just beauty — it reveals a rhythm of life that flows as gracefully as the lake itself. Let this guide lead you into the hidden magic waiting beneath its tranquil surface.
How to Hike Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) for the Best Taipei 101 Views: Routes, Hiking Tips and Insider Advice
How to Hike Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) is one of the most common questions among travelers visiting Taiwan, especially those exploring Taipei for a couple of days. Located in Xinyi District near Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain Taiwan offers spectacular cityscape views, easy transportation access through the Taipei MRT Red Line, and a short yet rewarding stair-based trail suitable for travelers of all ages. This complete guide explains everything you need to know: hiking difficulty, best viewpoints, sunset tips, the Four Beasts Mountains network, photography spots, nearby attractions like Din Tai Fung and Four Four South Village, and transportation options including MRT, taxi, and tripool private car service for families or groups. Whether you want to capture iconic skyline photos, enjoy a nature escape minutes from downtown Taipei, or simply understand how steep the trail is before you go, this article provides clear, expert insights based on firsthand experience from the Round Taiwan Round editorial team. With detailed instructions, maps, and some helpful FAQs, this guide helps you plan the perfect Elephant Mountain Taiwan visit.
Alishan Forest Railway: A Classical Train Adventure in Taiwan’s Highlands
The Alishan Forest Railway is one of Taiwan’s most iconic travel experiences, offering visitors a scenic journey through lush mountain forests, misty landscapes, and charming old stations. Built during the Japanese colonial era, this historic narrow-gauge railway has become a must-visit attraction for travelers from the United States, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Whether you’re here for cherry blossoms in spring, the sea of clouds in autumn, or Alishan’s famous sunrises, riding the Alishan Forest Train is both a nostalgic and breathtaking adventure. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to plan your trip—routes, schedules, ticket booking, transportation options, and local tips—so you can make the most of your visit to this world-class mountain railway in Chiayi County.
Alishan Sunrise Guide: RTR Editors’ 8 Best Sunrise Spots and Stress-Free Transport Tips
Often listed as a once-in-a-lifetime Taiwan experience, the Alishan sunrise is unforgettable not simply because the sun rises—but because of everything that happens around it: the crisp mountain air before dawn, the shifting scent of forests and tea fields, the gradual change of light, and the quiet rhythm of the highlands waking up. After years of repeated visits to the Alishan Forest Recreation Area, Shiding, Ruili, Meishan, and the surrounding tea plantations and hiking trails, the RTR editorial team created this guide to go beyond telling you where to see the sunrise. It shows you how to experience an alishan taiwan sunrise in the way that suits you best—and makes waking up early completely worth it. In this article, we break down the true charm of the Alishan sunrise, share 8 lesser-known viewpoints that avoid the crowds, suggest the most logical post-sunrise sightseeing routes, and recommend our top 3 places to stay. In the end of the guide, we include a special section featuring RTR editors’ first-hand, in-depth sunrise spots you won’t find elsewhere.
Experience Hehuanshan: Taiwan’s Accessible High-Altitude Hiking Destination
Nestled at the crossroads of Nantou and Hualien counties along Taiwan’s majestic Central Mountain Range, Hehuanshan (合歡山)—also known as Mount Hehuan—offers one of Asia’s most breathtaking and accessible high-altitude hiking experiences, perfect for adventurers of all abilities. Rising over 3,000 meters above sea level, this alpine paradise features multiple peaks and easy-to-moderate trails such as the East Peak, Main Peak, and Kunyang Trail, each offering sweeping views of misty valleys and endless skies. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker chasing a sunrise above the clouds or a casual traveler seeking a scenic drive through lush, cool mountain air, Hehuanshan makes high-mountain beauty effortless to enjoy. From snow-covered slopes in winter to spring’s rhododendron blooms and crystal-clear starlit nights, the mountain captivates visitors year-round. Easily reached by car, shuttle, or Tripool’s chartered transport, Hehuanshan combines comfort, convenience, and natural grandeur—making it a must-visit destination for families, couples, and solo explorers traveling through the heart of Taiwan.
Alishan Tea Culture Journey: Tea Picking, Making, Tasting & Tea Trails
Discover Alishan’s rich tea culture: from the legendary Taiwan Milk Oolong to authentic tea-picking and making experiences. Explore 8 editor-picked tea houses and scenic trails for the ultimate high-mountain tea journey in Taiwan.
Hualien Rift Valley Day Tour 2026: Explore Baqi Lookout, Shitiping, Moon Cave, Danongdafu Forest Park & Liyu Lake in One Perfect Day
Plan a 2026 Hualien Rift Valley day trip covering Baqi Lookout (Baqi Gazebo), Shitiping’s wave-cut platforms, Moon Cave’s guided bat-viewing boat ride, Danongdafu Forest Park cycling, and serene Liyu Lake. Get practical transport choices—Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes 303B/303C/303D, Tripool private charter, car or scooter rental—plus timing, safety, and photography tips. Learn about the Amis and Bunun communities through food and festivals, and prepare for seasonal scenery from rice paddies to valley mists. Curated by Taiwan-based editors to help travelers from the U.S., Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore explore sustainably and smoothly.
A Dream Across the Sea: A Cloud-Top Challenge for South Korean Seniors
In Taiwan, there is a specific outdoor dream known as "Baiyue" (The 100 Peaks). In late 2023, we were contacted by Mr. E from South Korea. He wanted to organize a one-day Hehuanshan expedition for his father and a group of friends. While most travelers are accustomed to urban exploration, our team takes the greatest pride in guiding international friends into the clouds at altitudes exceeding 3,000 meters. This was more than just a car charter; it was a customized "dream-fulfilling" mission centered on courage, stamina, and the breathtaking beauty of Taiwan.