Baishawan

Baishawan, or 'White Sand Bay', is a premier coastal destination located in Shimen District. This kilometer-long crescent beach is famous for its namesake shell-derived white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is a hub for recreational activities, including swimming, kite flying, and professional windsurfing competitions. The surrounding North Coast and Guanyinshan National Scenic Area offer more than just sand. The Linshanbi Trail provides a scenic walk among ventifacts (wind-carved rocks) and lush coastal vegetation. Nearby, visitors can explore the Fugui Cape Lighthouse, the northernmost point of Taiwan, and enjoy the freshest seafood at Fuji Harbor. The area is also known for its unique 'Stone Weirs' used for traditional fishing. Public buses from Tamsui Station make Baishawan highly accessible for day-trippers from Taipei. The best time to visit is during the summer months for water activities, though spring is also pleasant for hiking. Always check the weather for sea conditions before heading out.

Nearby cities

Keelung

A bustling port city in the northeast, famous for its night market and rainy weather.

Yehliu

Yehliu is famous for its geological park featuring bizarre rock formations shaped by erosion along the northern coast.

Chiufen Sandiaojiao

A magical mountain village and the easternmost point of Taiwan, offering breathtaking Pacific views.

Beitou

Taipei's famous hot spring district, known for its sulfurous steam and historical Japanese influences.

Zhongjiao

A prominent surfing paradise on Taiwan's north coast, famous for its consistent waves and wide sandy beaches.

New Taipei City

The most populous city in Taiwan, completely enclosing the capital Taipei.

Wulai

A mountainous village famous for its natural hot springs, towering waterfalls, and indigenous Atayal culture.

Taoyuan

A major industrial city in the northwest, home to Taiwan's main international airport.

Hutoushan / Lalashan

A high-altitude mountain retreat famous for its millennia-old giant cypress trees and refreshing air.

Jiaoxi

A modern hot spring town in Yilan, famous for its rare flatland thermal springs and local 'hot spring' agricultural products.

Yilan

A picturesque city in the Lanyang Plain, famous for hot springs and untouched nature.

Luodong

Taiwan's smallest urban township, which is nevertheless the busiest business center in Yilan County.

Smangus

A remote Atayal tribal village known as 'God's Village', famous for its giant trees and communal lifestyle.

History & landmarks

Shifen

Famous for its wide waterfall and a historic railway track that runs directly through the town's market street.

Yehliu Geopark

A geological park on the north coast, famous for its unusual rock formations.

National Palace Museum

A world-renowned museum housing one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks.

Shilin Night Market

The largest and most famous night market in Taipei, a hub for local street food and shopping.

Raohe Street Night Market

One of the oldest night markets in Taipei, known for its traditional dishes and the imposing gate at its entrance.

Taipei 101

An iconic skyscraper that was once the tallest building in the world, featuring a distinctive pagoda-inspired design.

Maokong Gondola

A cable car system in Taipei that takes visitors up to the tea-growing areas of Maokong, home to many traditional teahouses.

Jiufen Old Street

A charming mountain town that was once a center for gold mining, now famous for its narrow alleys and traditional teahouses.

Nature

Laomei Green Reef

A coastal formation with volcanic trenches covered in green algae during spring.

More places

Port of Keelung

A major seaport in northern Taiwan closely connected to Taipei.

Qixing Mountain

Qixing Mountain is the highest dormant volcano in Taiwan and the centerpiece of Yangmingshan National Park.

Guandu Nature Park

An important wetland in Taipei that serves as a resting place for many migratory birds.

Fort San Domingo

Originally built by the Spanish and later used by various colonial powers, it reflects Taiwan's complex history.

Mengjia Longshan Temple

One of the oldest and most significant temples in Taipei, built in 1738 by immigrants from Fujian.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

A prominent monument in Taipei erected in memory of former President Chiang Kai-shek.

Daan Forest Park

A large green oasis in the heart of Taipei providing recreation for city dwellers.

Nangang Software Park

A major technology park in Taipei focused on biotechnology and software development.