Need a quick city break? You've come to the right place!

Officially a republic of China, Taiwan has a distinctive character, fusing ancient and modern Chinese traditions with Japanese and Western influences. Just 140 miles from China’s mainland, Taiwan boasts beautiful forested peaks, coastal plains and thriving metropolises, making it an ideal place to spend a quick weekend away. And although exploring the more remote areas on the east coast can be a big (and fun) adventure, Taiwan’s got plenty of options for the traveler without a lot of time.

Transportation into and around Taiwan is easy to manage, and that’’s good news for holiday-makers in a hurry. The Taoyuan Airport in Taipei is the major hub for international travel to the island, while the Kaohsiung Airport, located in the southwestern coast of Taiwan, accounts for 15 percent of arrivals into the country. In terms of local transport, the cities in Taiwan are serviced by one of the best rail networks in the world and interconnected by a high speed bullet train, making it quick and easy to get almost anywhere on the whole island.

Here are three of the most dynamic and picturesque cities in Taiwan; all ideal for a short weekend break:

Taipei

The thriving metropolis of Taipei is the economic and cultural centre of Taiwan. Nestled in a basin surrounded by mountainous outcrops, Taipei is steeped in history and has a great number of activities to keep guests entertained when they come to visit this ancient and beautiful city.

The Shilin Night Market

For those who feel that biggest means the best, the Shilin Night Market is the largest and grandest night market in Taiwan and offers an incredible shopping and dining experience for visitors to explore.

An assault on the senses, market stalls are spread over a maze of sprawling lanes and streets - neon sights buzz overhead, crowds meander looking for bargains and the aromas of local delicacies and street foods entice shoppers. The market opens around 4 p.m. and runs until midnight; if you have time to visit only one night market whilst in Taipei, or even Taiwan as a whole, make sure it’s the Shilin Night Market.

National Palace Museum

Taipei’s National Palace Museum is a must-see destination whilst in the city. With a permanent collection of more than 690,000 Chinese artifacts and artwork, it is one of the largest museums in the world. The collection encompasses over 8,000 years of Chinese history, from the Neolithic age to the late Qing Dynasty. Most of the collection are pieces amassed by China's ancient emperors, and a visit to the impressive grounds of the museum offers an incredible snapshot of Taiwanese history and culture through an artistic lens.

Beitou Hot Springs

On the outskirts of the swirling metropolis of Taiwan lies the famous Beitou Hot Springs. Developed as a resort during the Japanese era (1895 - 1945), the hot springs are warmed by volcanic gasses to create a brilliant greenish hue, heated to a perfect temperature to melt away the stresses of the day. Easily serviced by train, the area has a number of private and public baths as well as numerous accommodation options for those wishing to stay for a longer period. Spend just a day or enjoy a week away, indulging in some pampering at this idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Maokong Gondola

Catch a birds eye view of the city by taking a trip with the Maokong Gondola. Along the way you can jump off to have a glimpse at a modern Buddhist temple, spend some time shopping for traditional teas overlooking terraced green tea fields or even hike to see local temples and waterfalls.

Tainan City

The site of the main Dutch colony on the island, Tainan was the first Taiwanese capital city under Chinese supervision. Some of the country’s most significant cultural sites are in this area, and a visit to charming Tainan provides insight into a bygone era.

Confucius Temple

The Confucius Temple of Tainan was built in 1666 and has survived war and numerous natural disasters. One of the most historically significant structures across all of Taiwan, this elegant building is now a venue for cultural activities where you can catch a dance performance in the evening or get involved in a kung fu or tai chi class in the morning.

Anping Tree House

Located in the north of Anping, this house has been completely occupied by the expansive roots of a banyan tree. The roots and branches of the tree have wrapped around the building, blurring the lines between where the tree ends and where the building begins. The canopy of trees overhead affords the site a dark and foreboding mood reminiscent of a fairy tale, and is a unique attraction well worth visiting whilst in Tainan city.

Koxinga Ancestral Shrine

A family shrine built in 1663 by Zheng Jing, the Koxinga shrine is a complex and elegant structure. The central hall worships the statue of Koxinga as well as the spirit tablets of each generation of ancestors. The cultural hall features various pieces of historic culture from Tainan such as old street signs, bedding equipment and paper money from generations past.

Kaohsiung

With a mixture of traditional Taiwanese influences and contemporary culture, Kaohsiung is one of the largest shipping ports in all of Asia, but there is far more to see than just the sprawling harbour.

Fo Guang Shan Monastery

This spectacular Buddhist monastery is one of the largest in Taiwan and a must-see for anyone visiting Kaohsiung. Around 37 kilometres from the town centre, it is easily accessible by bus. The monastery is meticulously cared for and visitors can easily spend hours meandering through the expansive grounds exploring the immense outdoor area and halls.

Chinjin Island

This quaint island is just off the coast of Kaohsiung and is the perfect place to rent a bike, ride along the Cijin Coast and sip on a traditional bubble tea whilst watching the sun slip over the horizon.

Kenting National Park

For those that prefer to spend some time in the great outdoors, Kenting National Park, located about an hour out of Kaohsiung, is the perfect escape. With pristine beaches, impressive scenery and great opportunities for mountain bike riding or walking trails, it’s the ideal place to get a bit of time away from the sprawl of the cities of Taiwan. On clear days you can view whales off the coast and enjoy watching the sun set and the sky erupt into a canopy of stars.

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