Explore the Most Romantic Spots for Admiring Autumn Leaves in Taiwan

Autumn foliage in Taiwan tends to arrive later than in Japan and Korea. It peaks around December, so if you're eager to witness the vibrant red, yellow, and purple hues all over the Taiwanese landscape, take note of the timing and these 10 exceptional spots below!

Image Source: Flickr metamorfastudio

Nantou is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring attractions like Sun Moon Lake and Qingjing Farm. The Xitou Nature Education Area in Nantou is a fantastic year-round destination. From late October to early December, the area shines with numerous maple and sweetgum trees. If you visit at the right time, the Xitou Nature Education Area will treat you to seasonal dishes along picturesque trails adorned with stunning red and golden leaves.

Image Source: Flickr taiwan_scenery_gallery

In autumn, the northeast corner of Taiwan doesn't showcase golden leaves like elsewhere; instead, it features silver grass. When the silver grass blooms, the Caoling Historic Trail transforms into a panoramic silver masterpiece. Gentle breezes and cool air fill the small valley, causing the silver and golden grass to sway gracefully. To experience the beauty of rolling waves of silver grass, plan a visit to the Caoling Historic Trail from early to mid-November.

Address: The Caoling Historic Trail is located in the eastern part of New Taipei, extending into Yilan Province.

Image Source: Alishan on the move

Alishan is a fantastic destination to visit at any time of the year. However, throughout November, the mountain is adorned with autumn leaves, especially the maple trees adding a beautiful blend of red and orange under the sunrise at Alishan. If you haven't been to Alishan, this autumn is the perfect time to go.

Address: No.59, Zhongzhen Village, Alishan Town, Chiayi County

Image Source: Flickr arlenehsu

Originally established to aid agricultural development in the central mountainous region, Wuling Farm now serves as an ecological tourism destination. Therefore, Wuling Farm has been maintained in the most natural way possible for visitors to experience. If you're seeking a tranquil place to enjoy the autumn scenery, don't miss this stunning maple leaf viewing spot, with the best time to visit being from November to December.

Address: No.3-1, Wuling Rd., Heping Dist., Taichung City 424

Image Source: Flickr arlenehsu

Also known as the Petite Switzerland of Taiwan for its stunning landscape with misty mountains, the Heaven Pool reservoir, as well as the variety of trees and flowers. The meticulously landscaped farm area with a range of bed and breakfasts serving breakfast creates a perfect autumn retreat for you.

Image Source: Flickr 99071144@N08

Xizhi Beaconsfield Hall in New Taipei is one of the most renowned spots for leaf viewing in the Taipei area. Established in 1901, this century-old Qing Dynasty era site was built to honor Buddha Sakyamuni, Confucius, and Laozi.

However, worshiping the deities in the temple is not the only thing to do when you visit this place. Beaconsfield Hall is surrounded by over a thousand maple trees, making it one of the most distinctive places in Taiwan for autumn leaf viewing. The double arched bridge leading to the temple is the perfect spot to capture stunning photographs.

Image Source: Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Shihmen Lake in Taoyuan is a popular destination for leaf viewing. Visitors come here to savor fresh fish and often find themselves surrounded by beautiful maple trees. A plus point for this location is its convenient location; you can easily drive from Taipei, allowing you to arrive without haste and admire the vibrant red maple trees covering the area. The autumn colors at Shihmen Lake can typically be enjoyed for a few weeks to a month starting from December.

Address: No.2, Jia-an Road, Fuxing Town, Taoyuan County

Image Source: Taiwan News

Manapan Mountain in Miaoli is renowned for its abundance of maple trees, a place rich in the historical resistance of indigenous people against Japanese colonialism and holding much natural beauty. From late November to mid-December is the best time to visit, but if you miss the autumn leaves, don't worry; you can still come to Manapan in mid-January to admire beautiful plum blossoms.

Address: 264 Miaoli Country, Tahu Town

Image Source: blog.homeaway.asia

When it comes to witnessing maple leaves, think Yangmingshan – one of Taiwan's largest and most beautiful national parks. Throughout the year, the flora takes turns blossoming. In autumn, if Korea has Naejangsan National Park, Taiwan has Yangmingshan National Park. It's easy to get here as it's just an hour bus ride from Taipei. After wandering and collecting leaves... leaf-gazing, you can also soak in the hot springs for mental relaxation on a chilly day to conclude the perfect trip!

Address: No. 1-20, Zhuzihu Road, Beitou District, Yangmingshan, Taipei City 11292.

How to get there:

– Take the MRT to Jiantan Station, then continue by Red-5 bus to Yangmingshan. Afterward, take bus number 108 to the Tourist Center station.

– Take the THSR or train to Taipei Station, then transfer by Bus 260 to Yangmingshan station.

Image Source: tps.forest.gov.tw

When you arrive here, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the space enveloped in shades of purple. At Taipingshan, red maple leaves are present throughout the year, but autumn is when the captivating purple maple leaves steal the show. It's advisable to rent a scooter to explore the area. Additionally, there's a hot spring at the foot of the mountain; during the cool autumn air, immersing yourself in warm water while admiring the unique purple maple leaves in the tranquil setting is nothing short of bliss.

Address: 267 Taiping Lane, Nan’ao Yilan County No. 1 of 58

How to get there: Take the train to Yilan or Luidong Station, from where you can catch a taxi to Taipingshan. On holidays, there are direct Kou-Guang buses from these two stations to Taipingshan.

With so many places like this, how do you explore them all? To save time buying tickets for public transportation, book the Unlimited 3-Day Taiwan HSR Tourist Pass with Klook!

Don't forget to rent a 4G WiFi device to promptly check-in with envy-inducing beautiful photos for your friends.

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