Taiwan is often celebrated for its vibrant cities and stunning natural landscapes, but beyond the bustling urban centers are the less prominent but charming small towns that offer a unique glimpse into the island’s rich culture and history. These quaint locales are perfect for travelers seeking a slower pace, authentic local experiences and age-old crafts that are no longer common elsewhere. From coastal fishing villages to mountain retreats, Taiwan’s small towns each have their own distinct character and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. In this list, we’ll explore some of the most captivating small towns in Taiwan that are definitely worth venturing out of Taipei for.
Xinpu
xinpu persimmon farm
Xinpu, situated in Hsinchu County, offers a peaceful rural retreat with its scenic farmlands and traditional Hakka culture. The town is known for its vibrant markets, historic sites and local specialties, providing an authentic experience of Taiwan’s agricultural traditions and community life.
Tip: The best time to visit Xinpu is during autumn period, between September to December. I visited in October and witnessed hundreds of baskets of persimmon being dried and hung on the racks.
Daxi
daxi old street
Daxi, in Taoyuan, is noted for its well-preserved Baroque-style architecture and rich Hakka heritage. The town’s historic streets are lined with traditional shops, old temples, and the iconic Daxi Old Street, where local delicacies and handmade crafts offer a glimpse into Taiwan’s cultural tapestry.
Tip: The best period to visit Daxi is during the Daxi Daxi Festival typically held in the middle of the year. The 3-week long celebration honors the Taoist deity Lord Guan and features elaborate processions, art tours, workshops and the opening of historical buildings that are usually closed to the public.
Yingge
yingge ceramics museum (source: taiwan tourism administration)
Yingge, located in New Taipei City, is renowned as Taiwan’s pottery capital, where traditional ceramic craftsmanship exists alongside modern art studios. Visitors can explore the Yingge Ceramics Museum, browse countless pottery shops along the Ceramics Old Street and even try their hand at making their own ceramic pieces, all set within a charming town that blends cultural heritage with a creative pulse.
Defining experience: Put on your artistic hat and try making your own ceramics piece in a shop along the Ceramics Old Street. Drying takes a few days and most shops will ship out the finished piece so you don’t need to worry about lugging it all the way back to Taipei.
Jiufen
jiufen
Jiufen, perched on the hills of New Taipei, is probably the most popular among Taiwan’s small towns. The place captivates with its narrow alleyways, teahouses and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Once a prosperous gold mining town, Jiufen’s nostalgic atmosphere and quaint streets inspired scenes in the animated film Spirited Away, making it a beloved destination for both history buffs and tourists seeking picturesque charm.
Tip: The roads leading to Jiufen can be jammed during weekends while the old street can be rather squeezy. It’s best to avoid visiting Jiufen on a weekend, if your schedule permits a weekday visit.
Shifen
Shifen, nestled in the Pingxi District, is famous for its old railway line and sky lantern tradition, where visitors write wishes on lanterns and release them into the sky amidst a backdrop of lush mountains and cascading waterfalls. The town’s rustic ambiance and vibrant festivals create a magical experience that celebrates Taiwanese folk culture.
Tip: While it’s easy to just do the main tourist activities, do note those instagram-worthy lanterns that get released by tourists do end up somewhere around the mountains and forests and take quite an effort to clean up. There are other worthwhile things to do in Shifen such as hiking or seeing the waterfalls.
Meinong
Meinong, located in Kaohsiung, is a center of Hakka culture and traditional papermaking. Surrounded by serene rural landscapes, Meinong beguiles visitors with its artisanal workshops, authentic Hakka cuisine and deep-rooted customs and folk art.
Tip: Meinong is probably the most remote among the small towns listed here as it’s located further inland. However, one can still easily visit from Kaohsiung by taking the E25 bus. The journey takes roughly 1.5 hours.
Lukang
lukang (source: taiwan tourism administration)
Lukang, in Changhua County, is one of Taiwan’s oldest towns, famed for its well-preserved temples, traditional crafts and bustling old streets. Its rich history as a trading port is reflected in the intricate wood carvings, historic buildings, and vibrant festivals that celebrate Lukang’s cultural legacy.
Hengchun
Hengchun, at the southern tip of Taiwan in Pingtung County, is famed for its ancient city walls, traditional architecture, and proximity to Kenting National Park. Known as a gateway to tropical beaches and natural wonders, Hengchun combines historical charm with outdoor adventure, attracting visitors seeking both cultural exploration and coastal tropical vibes.
Tip: If you are looking for a family-oriented small town, Hengchun is probably the most apt in this list. There are plenty of animal farms surrounding the town, including the Paradise of Capybara, Paradise of Deer and 垦草趣亲子园区 – the latter allows kids to feed various domesticated creatures.
Planning to visit Taiwan in the coming weeks and months? Check out the Taiwan booth at the upcoming NATAS Fair happening from 15 to 17 August 2025 at EXPO Hall 5, Booth 5H01.
The booth will be open from 10AM to 9:30PM during these 3 days and will hold activities and workshops at specific timings. Check out the schedule below. Admission is free and visitors can also take part in these activities!
Natas 2025 Taiwan Booth (15 to 17 Aug)
