Taipei is the capital and largest city of Taiwan, with a well-developed metro and public transportation system that makes it easy to move between major attractions during the rainy season. The city has numerous temples, night markets, modern malls, and cafés, allowing you to easily plan both indoor and outdoor activities when the weather is unstable.
Jiufen is a mountain town in New Taipei City, famous for its winding old streets, dim yellow lanterns, and mountain-sea views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It once prospered because of its gold mines, and today it is a popular tourist spot for tea tasting, sampling local snacks, and soaking in a nostalgic atmosphere.
Shifen is located along the Pingxi railway line and is known for its old street, sky lantern releases by the railway, and the nearby Shifen Waterfall. Visitors can write down their wishes on sky lanterns and release them beside the tracks, and also visit nearby natural attractions, making it a popular day-trip option from suburban Taipei.
Yehliu Geopark is located on the coast of Wanli District in New Taipei City and is famous for its unique sea-eroded landforms and weathered rocks, among which the most well-known is the “Queen’s Head” rock. Walking along the trails, you can closely observe a variety of rock formations while enjoying the coastal scenery.
Yangmingshan National Park is located in northern Taipei and is a volcanic national park featuring hot springs, sulfur landscapes, hiking trails, and alpine flowers. The temperatures here are cooler than in the urban area, making it a popular spot for hiking, flower viewing, and hot spring bathing.
The National Palace Museum houses a vast collection of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks and is considered one of the most important museums in the Chinese-speaking world. Exhibits range from calligraphy and paintings to porcelain and jade, making it very suitable for planning a longer cultural visit on rainy days.
Ximending is located in central Taipei and is a commercial and entertainment district where young people gather, featuring department stores, trendy shops, cinemas, and a variety of food options. The atmosphere is lively at night, making it a representative area for experiencing Taipei’s urban culture and street vibes.
Sun Moon Lake is located in Nantou County and is Taiwan’s most famous high-mountain lake scenic area. Around the lake there are cycling paths, temples, and viewpoints, and you can take a boat to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. Compared with lowland cities, the humidity is slightly lower, and the views after rain are especially charming.
Taichung is located in central Taiwan and has a relatively mild climate. It is known for its food, cultural facilities, and surrounding attractions. The city has a rich selection of night markets, museums, and shopping areas, and it serves as a good transit base for visiting Sun Moon Lake or the central Taiwan mountains.
Alishan is located in Chiayi County and is a famous high-mountain forest recreation area in Taiwan, known for its mountain railway, sunrise seas of clouds, sacred trees, and cherry blossom season. Its higher altitude brings cooler temperatures, but during the rainy season there may be fog and rainfall, so visitors should be mentally prepared for changeable weather.
Hualien is located in eastern Taiwan between the Central Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, and is the gateway city to Taroko National Park and the East Coast Scenic Area. The city has a slower pace of life and is surrounded by rich mountain and ocean landscapes.
Taroko National Park is famous for its magnificent marble gorge, steep cliffs, and winding roads, and is one of Taiwan’s most representative natural scenic areas. Many trails and viewpoints are spread throughout the gorge, and some areas may be partially closed during the rainy season due to falling rocks or heavy rain.
Tainan is one of the oldest cities in Taiwan and is known for its rich historical sites, temples, and snack culture. The city is filled with traditional markets and old streets, making it an ideal place to gain an in-depth understanding of Taiwan’s history and to taste local delicacies, though early summer is hot and stuffy.
Kaohsiung is located in southern Taiwan and is an important port city with attractions such as the Pier-2 Art Center, Love River, and Lotus Pond. The overall vibe is relaxed and sunny, but in late May the weather is hot and humid with occasional tropical showers.
Kenting is located at the southernmost tip of Taiwan and is a famous beach and resort destination with clear blue seas, sandy beaches, and various water activities. In late May there may be rainfall and rougher sea conditions, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy a tropical climate and are not too afraid of heat and showers.
