4 Day Trips from Taipei for a Long Weekend: Dragon Boat Festival and Beyond

The Dragon Boat Festival (traditional Chinese: 端午節) is a national holiday widely celebrated in Taiwan. People often practice traditional customs and spend time with their family. When the holiday falls next to a weekend, it becomes a long weekend that is perfect for exploring beyond the city. Where do you want to go? Have you planned your trip yet? If not, don’t worry, let’s take a look at four recommended day trips departing from Taipei — they work just as well on any long weekend.

A historical tour in Taoyuan city

Just about 40-minute ride from Taipei, Taoyuan is famous for its historical sites and mouthwatering cuisines. Jiaobanshan Residence is where Chiang Kai-shek's, leader of the Republic of China, and his wife used to stay occasionally. There are some old photos, boutiques displayed at the residence.

One of the highlights is the Jiaobanshan military tunnel, right next to the Jiaobanshan Residence. It was dug in the 1960s to protect the president and has now become a decorated tunnel for tourists to take photos and play around. After that, don’t forget to have a feast at Daxi Old Street. This historical site is famous for its iconic Baroque-style shophouses, which is a trend during the Taisho period. (when Taiwan was under Japanese rule) This street is also famous for its mouth-watering traditional snacks such as bean curd, rice cake, and tofu pudding.

Recommended itinerary: Taipei Main Station-Jiaobanshan Residence - Cihu Mausoleum (check current opening and booking rules before you go)-Daxi Old Street- Li teng-fang Historical Home -Taipei

Height challenges at Wulai Skywalk

Located in Fuxing District, Taoyuan, the Xiao Wulai Skywalk sits right above the Xiao Wulai Waterfall. Can you imagine walking in the air? At Wulai Skywalk, there is such thing as walking in the air. The glass platform reaches out about 11 meters, high above the roughly 70-meter-tall waterfall. From the skywalk, you can admire the waterfall and the valley below. Visitor numbers can be limited on busy days, so check the scenic area’s official page for tickets, booking and closing days before you go! After a thrilling adventure, visit Daxi Tea Factory for a fine cup of tea. Offering tours about the tea history in Taiwan. It is a great place to recharge your energy.

Recommended itinerary: Taipei Main Station- Xiao Wulai Skywalk -Daxi Old Street- Daxi Tea Factory - Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum-Taipei

Experience authentic rural life at Wu-ling Farm

Built in 1963 to offer employment for those servicemen who had retired, it has now become a resort farm which offers visitors an insight of Taiwanese local rural life. With a space more than 700 hectares and an altitude around 2000 meters, there are plenty activities going on at Wu-ling Farm but under a cool-off weather. One of the highlights is that Wu-Ling Farm is home to the rare species, Formosan Salmon, which is widely known as Cherry Blossom Hook Salmon. At Wu-Ling farm, you can find them at Qijiawan Creek Ecological Protection Area.

Recommended itinerary: Taipei Main Station -Wu-ling Farm Resort-Taipei

See the best of the North Coast

At the very north point of Taiwan, there is a Fuguijiao Lighthouse (originally named Fuji Cape Lighthouse) but was ruined during WWII. It was then later rebuilt and refurnished in 1962. Marking the northernmost point of Taiwan, Fuguijiao Lighthouse has the best view of the ocean. Near by the lighthouse, there is a trail where is perfect to spend an afternoon strolling around, waiting for the sunset.

Just about twenty minutes away from the lighthouse, locates the Linshan Cape Recreation Area. This is where the famous Taiwanese film “Secret” directed Jay Chou is filmed. Spend an hour or two to feel the breeze of the ocean, have a walk on the wooded trails. It is also famous for their diverse beach ecology such as the coastal scenery, which is one of the attractions at Linshan Cape Recreation.

Recommended itinerary: Taipei Main Station - Fuguijiao Lighthouse-Fuji Harbor- Linshan Cape Recreation Area -Taipei Main Station

A long weekend is a great opportunity to get out of Taipei. With a well-connected transportation network, Taiwan is fairly easy to get around within a few hours. Save these itineraries for your next long weekend, or find a local guide on MyProGuide to plan the day with you!