Do you want to hop right into the action after arriving in Taiwan? Or, you are only on the island for a layover and want to squeeze in as much as possible before hopping on your connecting flight? Whatever the case may be you’ll be pleased to know that there are some amazing things to do near Taoyuan International Airport. The only problem, is narrowing down the list, which is why we’re weighing in with some can’t miss adventures (a little something for everyone) that are conveniently located near the international travel hub.
5 Must See Visitor Attractions Near Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
1. Yangmingshan National Park (45 minutes)
If you’ve got a few hours to explore and you want to experience the nature of Taiwan in all of its glory then this destination is for you. In relation to the other natural wonders of the island, a 45 minute drive is about as “near” to the airport as it gets, but the juice is worth the squeeze as you get to a National Park that is known for being the epicenter of Hollywood film shoots, springtime cherry blossoms, world class hiking on the Qingtiangang trail, Juansi Waterfall, Mount Ding, Lengshuikeng hot springs (aka Milk Lake), and so much more. View more about this National Park here.
2. Lungshan Temple (35 minutes)
You can’t come to Taiwan without visiting a temple, and with about 12,000 registered temples in Taiwan you can’t walk out of any establishment (airports included) without bumping into one, but not just any temple will do. You want to experience an exquisite blend of architecture, culture, grandeur, history, and spirituality with an awesome souvenir shop to boot, which is why it’s worth a little extra effort after leaving baggage claim. In the end, the 25 mile commute won’t feel like a hassle at all as you arrive at an historical landmark that has been here since 1738. Dedicated to Guanine, the Taiwanese Bodhisattva of mercy, the ornately decorated Lungshan delivers a life changing experience for some, which is why it is on the list of the 5 Best Temples to Visit in Taiwan. Better yet, if you have the time and can squeeze in one more, equally famous Baoan Temple is located just 10-15 minutes from Lungshan, and 30-minutes from the airport in case you’re worried about getting back in time for your up and coming flight (as applicable).
3. Zhongli Tourist Night Market (20 minutes)
Next to a temple, you can’t visit Taiwan (even for a brief layover) without hitting one of its famous night markets. Located just 13 short miles from the airport is the aptly named Zhongli Tourist Night Market at Xinming Road in the Zhongli District of Taiyuan City. Within is a countless collective of stalls boasting an eclectic collection of food, souvenirs, collectibles, clothing and accessories, and Taiwan kitsch to satiate the most fickle of market shopping tastes. The market, like most night markets, sets up at 5 PM to be sure to take note as the time applies to your airport arrival. Alternatively, you can check out the Tao Yuan Night Market which is located about 15 minutes from the airport. It’s smaller than Zhongli, but if you’ve had enough of crowds after a long flight and wait for luggage at baggage claim, this may be your cup of tea. Before you go, be sure to read our guide on how to bargain in Taiwan.
4. National Palace Museum (35 minutes)
If you want to dive deep into Taiwanese and Chinese history soon after hitting the tarmac then you will want to head over to the National Palace Museum in Taipei City. This incredible facility hosts a permanent collection of around 700,000 ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artisan works, some of which date back to over 8,000 years ago, making it a “must see” attraction near the airport, indeed. View more on the National Palace Museum which is on our list the 5 Most Interesting Museums in Taiwan.
5. Chu-wei Beach (15 minutes)
You’ve just landed on a tropical island, so a beach to round off this list makes perfect sense. Chu-Wei Beach on the coast of Taiyuan City is perfectly located for those who want to dip their toes in the sand and surf soon after their Taoyuan International Airport arrival. Are there better beaches near Taipei, yes there are (click here), but you can’t beat the convenience of Chu-wei. It’s a wide open sandy beach with gentle waves for much of the year and when the sun it out and the weather is balmy it provides the quintessential saltwater oasis you’ve been looking for.
While you can’t miss with the list of above, if you want a more customized (to your tastes and preferences) tour of “things to do” near Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, connect to a local guide via Loci Amica and together you can build a more personal experience.
