{"id":93706,"date":"2019-04-18T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-04-18T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/picture-perfect-instagrammable-spots-of-taiwan\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:55:39","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:55:39","slug":"picture-perfect-instagrammable-spots-of-taiwan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/picture-perfect-instagrammable-spots-of-taiwan\/","title":{"rendered":"Picture-perfect: Instagrammable Spots of Taiwan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dubbed the \u201cthe heart of Asia\u201d, the little island of Taiwan is an often overlooked destination. \u00a0Located east of <\/span>China<\/span><\/a> in the South China Seas, the island is host to humming metropolises surrounded by an astonishing amount of hidden forests and lush mountainous landforms, not to mention the beautiful beaches, staggering sunsets, and friendly people. These are all the makings of a must-see destination for 2019. It\u2019s no wonder travel photographers flock to the island to dampen their insatiable desire to capture the Instagrammable spots of Taiwan.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a budding photographer or just have a keen eye for composition, then <\/span>Taiwan<\/span><\/a> should definitely become a prominent feature on your bucket list. Our list of locations will have you constantly trailing behind your fellow travel buddies as you cease those picture-perfect moments on the budget-friendly island. At the very least, we\u2019re pretty sure you\u2019ll want to publicly acknowledge some of your memorable moments with a selfie.<\/span><\/p>\n

Timing is everything: Best time to visit Taiwan<\/h2>\n
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Photo credit: @crown_princ3 via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Capturing beautiful moments requires a lot of time outdoors, so you want to make sure you\u2019ve picked the correct time of year so that your days aren\u2019t spent chasing the perfect weather. The best time to visit Taiwan is Autumn, or during the months of September to November with average temperatures of approximately <\/span>25\u00b0C<\/span>. The typhoon season is tapering down and the climate is considerably cooler. Goodbye rain, hello sunny dry days. <\/span><\/p>\n

March to May is Spring and with that, <\/span>cherry and plum blossom season bids us welcome. Hello, perfect instagrammable<\/span> moments! Spring sees temperatures of 20<\/span>\u00b0C<\/span> – 25<\/span>\u00b0C. C<\/span>omfortable weather for long hikes and tearing up bicycle trails in the mountains.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where do I start?: Instagrammable spots of Taiwan<\/h2>\n

1. Taipei 101<\/span><\/h3>\n

Location: Taipei<\/span><\/p>\n

Cost: <\/span>Adult NT$600 \/ ZAR 273<\/strong>; Children NT$540 \/ ZAR 245<\/strong> (children above 115cm or students)<\/span><\/p>\n

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While not the easiest building to fit into your frame, it wouldn\u2019t be a trip to <\/span>Taiwan<\/span><\/a> if you didn\u2019t make it your business to visit Taipei 101. Ranking number 8 as one of the largest buildings in the world at 509m, it would be a lost opportunity to not at least try to get a few good angles on the camera roll. Standing at the foot of the building you\u2019ll barely be able to see the top, but with some distance, you\u2019ll be able to capture the unusual lines of the buildings. Whether travelling with a DSLR or an HD smartphone, any camera will do the trick when it comes to interesting architectural shots. <\/span><\/p>\n

Head up to to the 89th floor for panoramic views of the city from every angle. The golden hour will be at around sunset when the skyline will be dressed in hues of yellows, oranges and reds and the city lights come to life. For more specific photos, a zoom lens would be beneficial.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Location: Taipei<\/span><\/p>\n

Cost: Free<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo credit: @gittekrogager via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You\u2019ll feel as if the world is at your fingertips. Well, we hope so since it will take quite a bit out of you to get to this location. Only a metro stop away from Taipei 101 and a 15 – 20 min (steep-ish) \u201chike\u201d will get you that Taipei skyline shot you\u2019ve been dreaming of. Not one, but two viewing platforms are there for your visual pleasure. The first platform is about 10 mins along the trail where most people gather to get their \u201cI came and I conquered\u201d shot. Just beyond the first platform are some boulders where more dedicated tourists will aim to get the perfect shots of themselves with the boulders on the backdrop of the magnificent skyline.<\/span><\/p>\n

The second platform and final stop are where avid photographers will flex their photography skills in peace and quiet (much deserved after schlepping their appropriate equipment) for that wide angle shot that separates the amateurs from the professionals. A tripod and a wide angle lens will capture the perfect cityscape, but a GoPro could capture the perfect time lapse if you make it for sunset.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip<\/i><\/b>: Take a bottle of water. It\u2019s not that much of a climb but you\u2019ll need to hydrate as often as possible. <\/span><\/i>Insect repellent might be a good idea too.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Taipei Night Markets<\/span><\/h3>\n

Location: Taipei<\/span><\/p>\n

Cost: Free<\/span><\/p>\n

Recommended markets: Raohe Night Market, Shilin Night Market, Huaxi Night Market,<\/span> Tong Hua Night <\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo credit: @houseofkolors via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Markets are often the heart and soul of Asian food culture. The electric energy of local families anxiously preparing delicious treats and the myriad of colourful delights make for a great evening of cultural display. Between trying new foods and people-watching, finding an instagrammable moment shouldn\u2019t be a tall task.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shilin Night Market<\/i><\/b> is the oldest and most popular night market in Taiwan, dating back as far as 1909. While you should definitely make an evening of it, perhaps you would like to try something a little more authentic. <\/span>Tong Hua Night Market<\/i><\/b> happens to be one of the lesser known tourist markets. In fact, you will find there are more locals dining here than any of the other markets, but where there are more locals, you know you\u2019re getting a more authentic experience. <\/span><\/p>\n

Be camera ready for these photo opportunities:<\/span><\/p>\n